It's coffee bucket o'clock

But strolling the snack aisle feels like taking a pop quiz. Which bar has the most protein? The fewest additives?? No artificial sweeteners???

Blame the “health halo”: When a single ingredient or marketing claim makes foods appear healthy, even if they’re not. 

Because Googling is my passion (and, also, my job), here’s how to snack smarter, without spiraling… 

• The five most common food myths… including one that’s been influencing my AM smoothie.

• This gluten-free flour found in brands like Bob’s Red Mill and Whole Foods contains high levels of lead, according to Consumer Reports. 

• Is cane sugar Coke really better than the regular formula?

• There’s a good chance the teen in your life is putting protein powder on everything. Pediatricians aren’t pleased.

• And, in good news, one humble pantry staple is actually a cholesterol-fighting MVP. Try this Alison Roman recipe.

— Anna “Just Going for the Cookie” Davies, writer

PS: We’re Skimm Well + Good now. New name, same smart health and wellness info to help you live a healthier, more balanced life. See you next week.

Butter nails, butter perfume, butter lip balm… butter as a replacement for your energy bar?

“What?” I SAID: Your airpods could be doing permanent, irreversible damage to your hearing! Here are three very easy ways to treat your ears better.

Certain wellness influencers are pushing “Ozempatches” as an alternative to the pricey prescription medication. But, do they work?

You could doomscroll… or try one of these seven exercises to help you fall asleep. #3 for the win, yet again.

Colorectal cancer rates are surging for people under 50. Know the warning signs, and what you can do now to minimize your risk.

The surprising (but easy) rules a microplastics researcher follows to limit her exposure… without driving herself crazy.

Attention, those in their Fourth Wing era:  “Medieval wellness” is trending. 

We have bad news and good news. Bad news first: A new study says that, for many of us, our brains aged faster during the pandemic — regardless of whether or not you actually got COVID. 

Um, what? On average, our brains aged an extra 5.5 months, according to scans from pre-and post-pandemic. And another, earlier study found that the brains of teenagers aged years more.

Say more. Researchers think the stress and isolation of that time are mainly to blame.  

Is there good news? This research blows open what we know about brain health and COVID. It’s not just about genetics or disease — mental health and social factors play a much bigger role than we realized. That will hopefully open the door for more holistic, accessible approaches to protecting your brain.

Even better: Scientists are making major strides in the field. A common vaccine could reduce dementia risk in older adults, and your microbiome may be a crystal ball for your brain.

Worried about your brain health? We have thoughts.

For Your Sanity:

• Don’t ignore brain fog. If you’ve been feeling forgetful and sluggish, message your GP. Brain fog is linked to low iron, thyroid issues, and hormonal changes like perimenopause. Those things are all treatable.

• Audit your daily habits. Sleep, food, and movement are the Big Three of brain health. Even small changes make a difference.

• Unplug. The average person checks their phone 205 times a day. Here’s how to put it down and give your frontal lobe a chance to breathe.. 

• Learn something new, swap in olive oil, and try these 15 other brain health tips cosigned by neurologists.

PS: Take this quiz to see what you’re doing right — and where you can improve — when it comes to brain health.

The internet is constantly coming up with new and unhinged ways to stay hydrated. Here are the flavors of the month, ranked according to our rigorously-tested system…

Lawful good: Okra water.Love the taste of grass clippings? Dietitians say go for it, if sipping this slimy superstar gets you to drink more.

Lawful evil: Mom Water. Yet another canned spritz, but marketed to “Cool Moms.” There’s one named Karen, and we’re not positive this isn’t rage bait.

Chaotic good: Pickle lemonade. Move over, Arnold Palmer. A splash of brine is a great idea, actually.

Chaotic evil: Coffee buckets. 34 ounces of jitter juice in a plastic pail. What could go wrong?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Hayley Miller

MD, a board-certified obesity medicine specialist

“Ask your doctor to focus on your current symptoms. Confrontation can be challenging, so using a framework like the ‘Open The Front Door’ approach (Observe, Think, Feel, Desire) can help you express your feelings.

You might say: ‘When my symptoms are linked to weight without a full evaluation, I worry that other causes are being overlooked. I feel dismissed, and I’d really like us to consider all possibilities.’

This approach allows you to voice your concerns without creating conflict — and you absolutely deserve to be heard.”

PS: Let’s all learn to push back on weight bias, shall we? 

Red-light therapy has gone from spa splurge to at-home staple, and now you can find LED-powered tools for everything from skin tone to gum health.

The idea: Red and near-infrared light may help stimulate collagen, reduce inflammation, and support healing. Here are the best red-light devices to light up your routine…

Omnilux

Omnilux Contour Face is the best for brightening.

Solawave

Solawave Wand is the best skincare wand.

Autobrush

Autobrush Sonic Pro Total Package is the best toothbrush, with red light helping to reduce harmful bacteria and fight gum inflammation.

Click here for the full list of the best doctor-approved red light therapy devices.