Olivia Maartens

Spent years reading up on the gut-brain connection. Writes about digestion, mood, and the limits of what we actually know.

Articles by Olivia Maartens

Latest Posts

Nutrition

Hearty TVP Vegan Bolognese Sauce

Discover Meaty Vegan Bolognese This hearty vegan Bolognese sauce stands out by incorporating texturized vegetable protein (TVP) instead of more common options like lentils or mushrooms. This choice delivers a remarkably authentic texture along with a substantial increase in plant-based protein content. The recipe also features finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, strained tomatoes, and a […]

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Nutrition

Restore Skin Barrier Internally to Combat Childhood Eczema

Understanding Atopic Dermatitis in Children Atopic dermatitis, widely recognized as eczema, represents a prevalent skin disorder marked by the appearance of red, intensely itchy rashes and patches of dry, inflamed skin. This condition impacts more than 200 million individuals across the globe, with a significant portion—over 72 million—being young children who endure its challenging symptoms […]

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Nutrition

15-Second Health Ads Outperform Longer Ones in Curbing Junk Food Cravings

Researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) have conducted a compelling investigation revealing that advertisements promoting healthy eating habits possess the remarkable ability to diminish cravings and reduce the desire to indulge in unhealthy foods. Intriguingly, their findings indicate that concise 15-second messages can sometimes surpass the effectiveness of conventional 30-second commercials in achieving these outcomes. […]

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Mindfulness

Why Empathetic Listening Transforms Healthcare

Patients visiting a physician naturally anticipate attentive listening from their healthcare provider. However, within the high-speed environment of modern medical practice, authentic listening—the type that leaves individuals feeling truly acknowledged, comprehended, and valued—often becomes overlooked or sacrificed amid the rush. The Transformative Power of Attentive Listening in Medicine A recent scholarly article, co-written by Dr. […]

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Nutrition

Week 1 Gluten-Free Meal Plan Guide

Gluten Free Meal Plan for Week 1 To streamline your weekly meal preparation and make dinnertime effortless, I’ve developed this comprehensive gluten-free meal plan. The goal is to spark your culinary creativity while eliminating the hassle of daily menu decisions, allowing you to focus on other priorities throughout the week. This thoughtfully curated plan features […]

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Self Care

Holiday Tips for Fresh Breath All Season

Holiday Fresh Breath Strategies As the holiday season draws near, many individuals consume more sugary treats and may relax their usual oral care routines. This combination often promotes plaque accumulation, which can cause unpleasant breath odors. To fully participate in festive celebrations without sacrificing your dental wellness, adopt several straightforward and practical approaches. Below, discover […]

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Science

Social Media Pulls Eating Disorder Recoverers to Risky Content

Individuals in the process of recovering from eating disorders frequently turn to social media platforms for encouragement, actively searching for materials related to recovery, creators who promote body positivity, and communities sharing comparable journeys. However, a recent study conducted by my research team reveals that these digital spaces can unexpectedly guide users toward the exact […]

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Science

Fentanyl Overdoses in Seniors Surge 9,000% Amid Hidden Crisis

Over the last eight years, fatal overdoses linked to fentanyl combined with stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine have skyrocketed among individuals aged 65 and above, marking a staggering 9,000% increase. This alarming trend now aligns closely with overdose rates observed in younger demographics, as highlighted in research unveiled at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 annual conference. This […]

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Fitness

11 Essential Walking Goals for Fitness Success

11 Walking Resolutions to Make Now If getting in shape always seems like something you’ll begin tomorrow or on January 1, it’s time to shake up your approach. These 11 walking resolutions offer simple commitments that build lasting habits, giving you a strong foundation to achieve your fitness objectives ahead of schedule. 1. Walk at […]

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