Wellness
MEN’S HEALTH: Are Your Pipes Getting Too Clean?
April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month. IBS adversely affects the physical health of over 30 million Americans, so it helps to know the current theories and natural therapies available.
Bowel problems are not a common topic for polite conversation, but Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a widespread disorder that affects millions of women’s and men’s health.
IBS symptoms vary from constipation to bouts of diarrhea, or an alternating combination of the two. There’s usually intestinal cramping, gas, indigestion and heartburn.
New research suggests there may be bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines, since 84% of IBS sufferers had bacteria, normally limited to the colon, that had migrated into the small bowel. Those treated with antibiotics reported a 75% reduction in symptoms. But bacteria alone doesn’t give the full picture.
Typical IBS sufferers have high levels of stress and anxiety. Although it affects women more than men, both sexes tend to push themselves toward perfectionism, refusing to rest in spite of their illness.
Some experts believe there’s an allergic component, since certain foods stimulate flair-ups. IBS is 2½ times more likely to be seen with those who suffer with allergic rhinitis, and nearly 4X more common in people with allergic eczema.
Although new drugs have been approved for treating IBS, at least one medication is associated with a three-fold increase in the rate of ovarian cysts.
Are there natural health options? Address each aspect of IBS to counter the diverse symptoms and possible etiology:
- Avoid common allergens like wheat gluten and dairy products, and stimulating substances like caffeine (coffee and chocolate). Gluten can cause serious intestinal inflammation in sensitive individuals.
- Avoid refined flour and sugar, alcohol, soda, deep-fried foods, hydrogenated fats and acidic, tomato-based foods that can cause diarrhea in many. Discover what specific foods you may be hypersensitive to (so-called ‘food allergies’) and restrict their intake.
- For constipation, 2000 mg of vitamin C and 200-600 mg of magnesium daily can help. Soluble fiber, taken with 8-10 glasses of water can also assist in elimination problems.
- For diarrhea, avoid irritating foods and take L-glutamine (1/4 tsp., 2-3X per day), and small quantities of aloe vera juice, since both heal the mucosal lining of the GI tract. L-glutamine induces water reabsorption from the bowel, reducing frequency of bowel movements.
- Peppermint oil can reduce pain and bloating is often helpful for IBS. (Don’t use this if you’re on cyclosporine drugs.)
- Probiotics (for good gut flora) are essential for re-establishing normal functioning of the GI tract and suppressing harmful bacteria.
Awareness of IBS is more than a men’s health issue. If someone you know is suffering, pass on this valuable information.
Travel
Hydration on the Road: The Secret to a Happy Family Trip

Summer road trips have a magic all their own—spontaneous stops, scenic routes, and the kind of memories you talk about for years. But there’s one thing that can derail the fun fast: dehydration.
Whether you’re driving through dry desert heat, humid coastlines, or winding your way into the mountains, hydration needs change with the environment. Air conditioning, salty snacks, and fewer bathroom breaks can sneakily dehydrate the whole car—especially kids and older adults, who are more vulnerable to heat and altitude shifts.
Why It Matters: Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, irritability, and even heat exhaustion. Not exactly the vacation vibe you’re going for.
3 Smart Ways to Keep Everyone Hydrated on the Road
1. Start the Day Right
Before you even hit the road, drink 8–16 oz of water or a hydration-boosting drink. Products like HYDRATED are loaded with hydrating ingredients and electrolytes to replenish fluids and set the stage for optimal wellness. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or busy parent, HYDRATED delivers crisp, revitalizing hydration with every sip. Enjoy a burst of flavor that quenches your thirst, leaves you feeling renewed, and energizes your day.
Bonus: Less liquid = fewer bathroom stops.
2. Make It Easy (and Fun) for Kids
Water bottles like the CamelBak Eddy+ Kids are spill-proof, colorful, and just the right size for little hands. Create a hydration game—like “sip every time you see a red car”—to keep it top of mind.
3. Pack a Backup Plan
Sometimes you forget. Or traffic hits. That’s when Liquid I.V. comes in handy. These single-serve packets mix into water and hydrate faster than water alone—perfect for emergencies or hot afternoons.
Quick Tips by Age
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Toddlers (2–6): Offer sips every 30–45 minutes. Make it fun with straws or “vacation cups.”
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Kids (7–12): Let them help refill their own bottles. Stickers as rewards work wonders.
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Teens: Remind them hydration = better mood, better skin, and more energy.
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Adults: Don’t just manage hydration—model it. Set reminders, monitor urine color, and stay ahead of fatigue.
Travel Smarter with Routine
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Morning: Everyone drinks before departure, bottles filled and placed in cup holders.
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Pit Stops: Pee, refill, stretch, sip. In that order.
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Evening: Rehydrate with dinner and prep for tomorrow’s drive.
Climate & Altitude Considerations
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Hot Weather: Increase water by 25%, freeze bottles overnight, and carry a misting spray for quick cool-downs.
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High Elevations: Start hydrating the day before. Drink more, skip the caffeine, and pack extra electrolytes like HYDRATED.
A hydrated family is a happy one. A little planning, the right products, and a few clever tricks can make hydration feel effortless—and your road trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Safe travels—and sip often!
Wellness
Vitex (Chasteberry): A Natural Hormone Balancer for Women

If you’re looking for a natural way to ease PMS, regulate your cycle, or support fertility, Vitex—also known as Chasteberry—may offer a gentle, effective solution. Used for centuries in traditional medicine, this herbal remedy supports hormonal balance and overall reproductive health in women.
What Is Vitex (Chasteberry)?
Vitex agnus-castus is a small fruit-bearing plant native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. Its berries have been used for over 2,000 years. In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans associated Vitex with purity and balance, calling it “Chasteberry.” During the Middle Ages, it was used in monasteries to help support celibacy, which is why it’s also known as “monk’s pepper.”
Despite the folklore, Vitex doesn’t contain hormones. Instead, it influences the hypothalamus and pituitary glands—key regulators of hormone production. The result is a natural boost in progesterone levels, helping to balance cycles often disrupted by estrogen dominance or irregular ovulation.
Benefits of Vitex for Women
1. Helps Reduce PMS Symptoms
If you deal with mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, or irritability before your period, Vitex may help. It works by lowering prolactin levels, which are often elevated during PMS, helping to ease both emotional and physical symptoms.
2. Supports Cycle Regularity
For women with irregular periods or inconsistent ovulation—especially after stopping birth control or in cases of PCOS—Vitex can help bring consistency. It supports the hormonal signals that govern regular menstrual cycles.
3. Boosts Fertility Naturally
Vitex is often used by women trying to conceive, particularly if they have a luteal phase defect or low progesterone. By supporting ovulation and increasing progesterone levels, Vitex helps create a more favorable environment for conception.
4. Eases Perimenopausal Symptoms
As hormone levels begin to fluctuate during perimenopause, Vitex offers support without the need for synthetic hormone replacement. It may help reduce hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
How to Take Vitex
Vitex is available in several forms, including:
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Capsules
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Liquid tinctures
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Herbal teas
For best results, take Vitex in the morning when hormone levels are most responsive. Consistency is key—daily use for 8–12 weeks is typically needed to see noticeable changes.
As with any supplement, talk to your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.
Recommended Vitex Supplements
These trusted options are known for quality and effectiveness:
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Gaia Herbs Vitex Berry: A potent, organic capsule formulated for daily hormone balance.
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Nature’s Way Vitex Fruit: A budget-friendly capsule with a standardized extract.
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Hiland Naturals Chasteberry Tincture: A liquid version for those who prefer flexible dosing.
Vitex is a time-tested herb that continues to support women’s wellness today—helping with everything from monthly cycles to fertility and perimenopausal transitions. With consistent use and the right guidance, it can be a valuable part of your holistic health routine.
Travel
Beat the Heat: Your Essential Guide to Summer Travel Hydration

Summer adventures are all about making memories—from hiking rugged trails and wandering vibrant cities to basking on sun-soaked beaches. But while you’re checking off destinations, don’t forget the one travel essential that truly fuels the journey: hydration.
Why Hydration Deserves a Spot at the Top of Your Packing List
Traveling in the summer heat puts your body under extra stress. Whether it’s from blazing sun, higher elevations, long flights, or hours of outdoor activity, these conditions can quietly and quickly lead to dehydration. The effects? Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or worse—heat exhaustion.
The good news is that staying hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can keep your energy up and your body balanced, no matter where your passport takes you.
How to Build a Smart Hydration Strategy for Summer Travel
Start with these simple, proactive steps before you even zip your suitcase:
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Look up the weather and climate of your destination
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Set hydration reminders if you tend to forget to drink regularly
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Learn the early signs of dehydration—dry mouth, fatigue, darker urine
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Pack hydration aids in both your carry-on and checked luggage
Now let’s take a look at three standout hydration essentials to help you beat the heat in style.
1. HYDRATED Bioactive Precision Peptides™ Drink
If you want hydration with benefits, HYDRATED by MAKE Wellness is a smart pick. It isn’t just flavored water—This refreshing drink is loaded with hydrating ingredients and electrolytes to replenish fluids and set the stage for optimal wellness. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or busy parent, HYDRATED delivers crisp, revitalizing hydration with every sip. Enjoy a burst of flavor that quenches your thirst, leaves you feeling renewed, and energizes your day.
Why travelers love HYDRATED:
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Replenishes essential electrolytes lost through sweat
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Comes in travel-ready packaging with refreshing flavor options
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Offers a subscription model with discounts (10% off initially, 20% off by month four)
Whether you’re trekking through deserts or strolling busy summer streets, HYDRATED helps you stay resilient when plain water just isn’t enough.
2. HydroFlask Insulated Water Bottle
A trusty water bottle is a travel MVP, and HydroFlask lives up to the hype. With sizes from 18oz to 64oz, these bottles keep your drink ice-cold for up to 24 hours—no matter how hot it gets outside.
Why it’s a summer essential:
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Double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold and hands dry
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Built tough for outdoor use and airport toss-arounds
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Easy-to-fill design (great for ice cubes or HYDRATED mixes)
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Works with multiple cap styles for different activities
Pair your HydroFlask with HYDRATED in the morning, and you’re set for a full day of adventures with refreshingly cool hydration at your side.
3. Nuun Hydration Electrolyte Tablets
Short on space? Nuun electrolyte tablets are a clever solution. Just pop one into your water bottle and you’ve got a lightly flavored, electrolyte-rich drink on the go. A study even found they help improve fluid balance in active men and women.
Why travelers reach for Nuun:
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Lightweight, travel-friendly packaging
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Low in sugar, but high in key electrolytes like sodium and magnesium
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Variety of flavors to fight “water boredom”
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Fast-dissolving and ready in minutes
They’re a great backup to HYDRATED or a stand-alone option for minimalist packers and budget-conscious explorers.
Tailoring Your Hydration to the Destination
Beach Vacations
Sun and salt draw moisture from your body faster than you think. Start your day with 16oz of HYDRATED, then sip 8oz per hour while you’re out under the sun. Keep your HydroFlask in a shaded spot to help it stay cool longer.
Mountain Trips
Higher altitudes increase water needs by 25–50%, and the dry air means you’ll feel thirsty less often even as you lose more fluids. Aim for 16–20oz of HYDRATED in the morning, and refill whenever you can.
City Explorations
Urban adventures often mean miles of walking. Map out water refill stations (many cities have apps for that), and don’t forget to carry your insulated bottle for all-day hydration.
Set Yourself Up for Success the Night Before
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Drink 16oz of water or HYDRATED before bed
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Chill your water bottle in the hotel fridge overnight
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Lay out any electrolyte supplements you’ll need for the next day
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Check the forecast to plan your intake accordingly
Hydration = Energy, Enjoyment, and Ease
Your travel memories should be defined by great experiences—not the fog of dehydration. By packing a hydration strategy (and a few smart tools like HYDRATED), you’re investing in energy, recovery, and comfort on the road.
Don’t wait until you’re parched to sip. Start early, stay consistent, and let hydration help you unlock every moment of your summer escape.
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