Turns out watching your tongue should apply to more than just your words. There’s a lot that doctors—and you—can tell about your overall health just by looking at the color, size, and texture of your mouth’s unsung hero.

You already know that your tongue is essential for tasting and digesting food and for articulating speech. But because your tongue is such an integral part of several important bodily functions, paying attention to its appearance and changes can help alert you to larger health issues early. This is one reason your doctor has you stick out your tongue during annual physical exams. And why your dentist may inquire about your hydration or hygiene after one glance at your tongue.

In general, a healthy tongue is dark pink, moist, firm, and covered in small bumps called papillae. If your tongue’s appearance deviates at all from this norm, consider the following five concerns your tongue might be trying to warn you about.

1. Dehydration

When your body is dehydrated—meaning it doesn’t have enough fluid to function optimally—one of the earliest symptoms is a dry tongue and mouth. This is because your body decreases the amount of saliva it’s producing in an effort to conserve fluids. In addition to experiencing a dry mouth, lack of adequate saliva can also affect your ability to break down any foods you may eat. And it can lower your ability to keep teeth healthy, too.

The immediate solution to dehydration is obvious: drink more water. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (a U.S. organization) recommends that men consume 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluid per day and women should aim for 11.5 cups (2.7 liters). Keep in mind that these numbers include all daily fluid intake, from both food and liquids. Also consider that circumstances like hot weather or exercise will require you to consume more fluids to stay hydrated.

Most healthy people can stay hydrated simply by drinking fluids when they feel thirsty. Neurons located in the brain are involved in monitoring food and beverage intake and blood levels to regulate thirst by sending hormonal messages that induce drinking. And taste buds send messages back to the brain about the ingested fluids before they reach the bloodstream to signal that thirst has been quenched.

In some cases, though, simply drinking more liquids may not do the trick for solving the dry mouth issue. Dehydration, while a common cause, isn’t the only condition that can trigger dry mouth. Certain medications, medical treatments, or health conditions may also be responsible for making your tongue feels like it’s been marooned in a desert.

2. Changes in Your Oral Microbiome

There’s bacteria and all manner of microbes in your mouth—and your tongue certainly isn’t exempt. At first, that might seem gross. But you have to get used to it, because your oral microbiome is an important part of a healthy mouth.

And if you’re wondering how the balance of your oral microbiome is doing, take a look at your tongue. If your tongue appears normal, it’s a good sign, pointing towards a healthy balance of microbes making their home in your mouth.

When your tongue looks like it has a white coating, it might be time to spend some energy on your oral microbiome. That probably means taking more care with your oral hygiene. (And checking out the tips for a healthy tongue you’ll see below.)

3. Immune System Alert

So many parts of your body play a direct or supporting role in maintaining immune health. Your tongue has a tangential tie to immune health through its role in digestion. But it also can be a red (or white) flag.

If your immune system is struggling—from any variety of normal, occasional lifestyle factors—your tongue will tell you. Some of the signs are similar to those mentioned in the oral microbiome section above.

Normally, your immune system doesn’t just let too much of anything set up camp on your tongue. Yeast is a great example of this. There’s probably always some of these tiny foreign invaders in your mouth and on your tongue. But your body’s defense system is set up to prevent too much yeast from living in your mouth and on your tongue.

When your tongue is coated in white, that could be an indication your oral microbiome is out of balance. And it’s a good idea to support it with immune-helping habits.

Your doctor can also tell, just from looking at your tongue, if you have a couple of different issues going on. So, if you notice your tongue being really red, have a health-care provider take a look. (Unless you’ve just consumed some red food or drink—in that case, you’ll be OK.)

4. Nutritional Deficiencies

Your tongue helps you taste, enjoy, and even properly digest your food. But if you aren’t eating enough of certain nutrients, your tongue could tell on you.

When your tongue is deep red, it might be time to adjust your diet. So, take a look at your intake of two vitamins (B12 and folic acid) and one mineral (iron). All these essential nutrients are readily available in a healthy diet.

Vitamin B12 can be found in seafood, beef, and eggs. Folic acid (also known as vitamin B9) is in legumes, broccoli, and spinach. And if you’re looking to add iron to your diet, go with poultry, organ meats, beans, and nuts.

5. Excessive Stress

Turns out stress wreaks havoc throughout your body. And your tongue can’t escape the ravages of stress, either.

Tongue redness is one hallmark of stress. Canker sores and stress ulcers on your tongue could be a sign that you’re stressed. If your tongue is scalloped around the edges, that could mean you’re consistently biting your tongue in reaction to stress.

And your taste buds aren’t immune from the strain of life. Researchers suggest your taste buds are impacted by stress, as well.

So, practice self-care to help alleviate some of the stress in your life. Your mind, body, and mouth will all benefit.

Don’t Forget About Proper Hygiene

Aside from good nutrition, adequate hydration, and not smoking, the best thing you can do for your tongue is to practice good oral hygiene habits. Try these tips to help keep your tongue happy and healthy.

Scraping

You already know you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day (bonus points for brushing after every meal). While you’re at the sink, why not add the quick extra step of scraping your tongue? Use an inexpensive plastic or metal tongue scraper to swipe one or two times per area down the length of your tongue. Go from back to front, being sure to wipe or rinse off any debris in between each scrape. In addition to removing bad-breath-inducing bacteria, research suggests scraping your tongue twice a day might also improve your sense of taste.

Brushing

Does the thought (or actual action) of scraping your tongue make you gag? You can get some bacteria-killing action by making your toothbrush multitask. Brush your tongue vigorously in multiple directions after you’ve given your teeth a good scrub. Just don’t get too crazy—you don’t want to damage your delicate taste buds or the mucosa (that’s the pink tissue that covers your tongue).

Oil Pulling

A few small studies have found that an ancient practice of swishing oil around in your mouth for up to 20 minutes once per day can reduce odor- and certain decay-causing bacteria, when done consistently as part of a complete oral hygiene routine. Oil pulling, as it’s known in Ayurveda, is typically done using cold-pressed oils like sunflower, sesame, and coconut. Oil pulling can help keep your tongue healthy by eliminating bad bacteria, but it can also help symptoms of dry mouth and chapped lips. If you’re someone who experiences discomfort when using alcohol-based or other full-strength mouthwashes, oil pulling might be a gentler alternative for you to try. When you’re done swishing, spit the oil into a lined trash can (don’t spit oil down your sink!) and rinse your mouth with water. (There is no scientific evidence the practice whitens teeth, pulls toxins out of the body, or treats any disease.)

Listen to Your Tongue

The tongue is more than just the muscular organ that lives in your mouth. It can also be an invaluable prognosticator when it comes to other health issues. In order to heed any warnings your tongue might be sending you, though, you need to pay attention to it and take good care of it.

Stick your tongue out and examine in the mirror its color, shape, size, and texture frequently and alert you doctor if you detect any unusual changes. And don’t forget your tongue during your oral hygiene routine! Because it’s an instrumental tool for your digestive system and speech, giving it a little extra love is well worth the effort.

There’s nothing worse than turning to a comfort food only to be plagued with a bellyache. Bloating and discomfort are hallmarks of indigestion. And poor choices of foods that weigh you down can turn lunchtime excitement into an afternoon of feeling heavy and tired.

That icky, uncomfortable feeling you get after overindulging in unhealthy foods goes by many names. Indigestion is an umbrella term that encompasses the bloated, gassy, sluggish, and heavy sensations that follow a meal that’s gone too far.

It’s not just overeating that leads to indigestion, though. Certain foods can trigger stomach upset more than others—you’ll read about some soon. A well-balanced meal with appropriate portions is easily digested. But when simple carbs or saturated fats dominate your plate, you can almost count on needing to loosen your belt.

An unhealthy diet can leave your body feeling worn out and weary. But positive changes and healthy choices can put the spring back in your step. Lots of foods can stall your digestion. Good thing there are just as many options that fill you up without weighing you down.

First, let’s highlight some of the common sources of bellyache and the foods that weigh you down. You’ll start with some of the obvious bad actors. And then follow up with hidden sources of feeling “ugh” after eating. Remember, too much of any food can lead to gastrointestinal upset that sinks your day and leaves you feeling heavy.

The Heft of High-Fat Foods

This might be a no-brainer. But foods with a high fat content definitely weigh you down.

Foods with lots of saturated fat tend to be very rich and can leave you feeling uncomfortably full. Fat (saturated and trans) is often added to foods to boost taste. But all that flavor comes at a price.

Fatty foods are usually low in fiber. This is a problem because fiber is great for digestion. It adds bulk to stool and pushes it through the digestive system. High-fat diets are often accompanied by constipation. Without fiber to aid in digestion, fatty foods leave your gut feeling heavy.

Fried foods are especially hard on your body. They lack fiber and they are low in the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that help you maintain your energy. It’s hard to fight off sluggishness and sloth when using fried, often heavily fatty, foods for fuel.

Alternative: Unsaturated, Healthy Fats

It’s impossible to practice healthy eating without having fat in your diet. It’s an essential macronutrient. But not all fats are created equal. Watch out for too much saturated fat in your diet and do your best to avoid trans fats. Instead, focus on healthy unsaturated fats (mono and poly) as part of a balanced diet.

Examples of foods high in unsaturated fats include: avocado, olive oil, nuts, and fish. These foods are nutrient-rich and contain fats that support healthy brain function. Swap out some of your high-saturated-fat foods with a healthy fat instead.

Processed Grains

When lunch rolls around, the last thing you want to fill up on are processed grains. You’ll find them hiding in white bread, white rice, and pasta. These carbs are notorious for dumping sugar into the bloodstream and creating crashes shortly after.

Refined grains are missing key components like bran and germ. Bran supplies fiber, which stabilizes energy for hours after a meal. With bran missing from the equation, an energy slump is bound to follow a meal of processed grains.

Foods like white bread are also lacking in germ. This part of the grain is rich in B vitamins. Your body utilizes B vitamins to harness energy from the food you eat.

If you eat too much processed grain, so much for lunch fueling a productive afternoon. You might need a nap instead.

Alternative: Whole Grains

A simple solution to fatigue brought on by processed grains is to switch them out for their whole grain counterparts. Whole grains are a much healthier option when building a meal.

That’s because whole grains are high in fiber. So, they steadily release energy and help you avoid sugar highs and crashes. Fiber also helps the waste products from digestion travel through your gut. With reliable energy and a happy tummy, whole grains are an important part of a healthy meal and diet.

Don’t settle for the sleepiness and stomach discomfort brought on by processed, refined grains. Put whole grains on the menu instead. Look for whole-wheat bread, cereal, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta to round out your diet.

Low-Calorie Foods Can Lead to Feeling Heavy

It’s hard to believe that low-calorie foods aren’t always the best choice when you need a snack. Calories are your body’s energy currency. And you need to keep calories moving in to have the energy you need to accomplish tasks.

The problem arises when too many of these low-calorie options are used throughout the day. Insufficient calorie intake will leave your body feeling sapped of energy. It’s difficult to get work done when your fuel tank is on empty. And, often these snacks are prepackaged, processed foods with little nutritional value. So, it’s a double whammy for your body.

Restricted calorie consumption can also backfire. And it can drive you to eat more than you should at your next meal. Then the cycle of feeling bad continues because overeating brings on sluggishness and bloat. And the extra food can literally weigh you down. That’s because quieting excessive hunger with an extra-large meal may also lead to weight gain.

Changes to metabolism and hormonal balance may also occur if calorie restriction becomes a habit. These metabolic changes make it hard to maintain a healthy weight. And hormonal shifts may trigger lowered mood and decreased sense of well-being.

Alternative: Healthy Snacks in Proper Portions

Overindulgence in any food has the potential to lead to weight gain. But opting for low-calorie foods over a healthy snack can produce the same result. When choosing something to tide you over ‘til the next meal, avoid labels like: low-cal, lite, and zero calorie.

Choose naturally low-calorie snacks like berries, melon, and cucumber. These will fill you up and provide your body with much needed vitamins and minerals.

If you’re worried about calorie intake, look for hidden sources of calories. Carbonated beverages, alcohol, and juice are all loaded with calories. These drinks don’t satisfy hunger. Drink water instead, and eat wholesome, healthy foods to fill your daily calorie requirements.

Carbonated Beverages Don’t Always Lift You

If you’re feeling gassy and bloated after eating, your choice of beverage might be to blame. Carbonated beverages like soda are popular. But these fizzy drinks don’t stop bubbling after the first sip. They create gas long after you swallow. And while they don’t leave you feeling heavy, they don’t have a desirable after-effect either.

First, let’s go over what gives carbonated beverages their characteristic bubbles. Fizzy drinks contain large amounts of carbon dioxide, a gas. These gas bubbles pop in your digestive tract. So, the fun fizz in your drink translates to gas and bloat in your belly.

Another source of gas from carbonated beverages is the sweetener. Diet drinks have sugar substitutes that taste sweet like the real thing. But your body knows the difference and these substitute sweeteners can be tough to digest.

Limit food and drinks containing sugar alcohols like sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol. These sugar substitutes travel all the way to the large intestine before breakdown begins. Gas can be a result of this fermentation and digestion. So, you don’t have to totally avoid these sugar alcohols. But reach for them in moderation.

Bloating and gas are sure-fire ways to feel off your game. It’s hard to get comfortable when you feel puffy and heavy.

Alternative: Water, Water, Water!

Eliminate extra gas from your diet by drinking water. Water is your body’s beverage of choice and is free of bubbles and sweeteners that upset your stomach later.

If flavor is what you’re looking for in a bubbly drink, try infusing your water with natural ingredients. You can achieve the desired taste with sliced lemon, lime, berries, and cucumber. Get creative and add herbs, too. Basil, rosemary, and mint are popular options. Herbal tea can also be a good, non-caffeinated option.

Skip carbonated water, too. Even without the added sugar, this fizzy drink can cause intestinal discomfort. Instead, drink water in its purest form. Straight up, on the rocks, or with a squeeze of lemon—you’re making the healthy choice by sticking to H₂O.

Dairy Can Do Your Day In

Occasionally, a trip down the dairy aisle will sink your day, or—worse yet—send you running for the bathroom. That’s because lactose (a sugar found in most dairy products) can be difficult for your gut to digest.

The main offender is usually milk. Cow’s milk is high in lactose and can cause painful gas and diarrhea in people who lack the digestive enzyme lactase. If your body struggles to digest lactose, you probably already know about it. As much as 65 percent of the global population struggles to digest lactose.

Bloat and fatigue usually follow a bout with lactose. And this reaction to lactose makes it hard for your body to absorb the nutrition that milk has to offer. Remember, milk is high in bone-strengthening calcium. How can you get the good stuff from dairy and avoid stomach upset and feeling heavy?

Alternative: Yogurt, Cheese, and Other Fermented Dairy Products

Cue fermented dairy. Some of your favorite dairy products have already begun the breakdown of lactose. Yogurt and kefir are made with enzymes that tackle the lactose in milk before it gets to your gut. These alternatives are great sources of calcium and probiotics that further aid in digestion.

If you’re looking for a milk substitute, try almond milk. This and other nut milks may be easier on your digestive system. They are packed with good stuff like calcium and vitamin D. And they taste great, too.

Should your sensitivity to lactose be especially strong, consult with a healthcare provider. They will know the best ways for you to get the calcium you need without compromising your comfort.

Swap It Out

Now you know the foods that weigh you down (and beverages, too), so be proactive and switch them out of your diet. Substitute heavy foods for a fiber-filled option. Balance your plate with whole grains and a variety of food groups. Challenge yourself to drink more water. (And when you think you’ve drunk enough H₂O, pour yourself another glass.)

Look for alternatives to the foods that leave you feeling heavy and keep you from being at your best. Limit or skip the items in the left column and snack on the healthier options from the right:

About the Author

Sydney Sprouse is a freelance science writer based out of Forest Grove, Oregon. She holds a bachelor of science in human biology from Utah State University, where she worked as an undergraduate researcher and writing fellow. Sydney is a lifelong student of science and makes it her goal to translate current scientific research as effectively as possible. She writes with particular interest in human biology, health, and nutrition.

When you’re thirsty, it’s hard to think about anything but an ice-cold drink. But that tempting soda or lemonade might not be the best choice. Added sugar and empty calories lurk in sweetened drinks. You need a beverage that’s refreshing and good for your body.

Staying hydrated is key to a healthy lifestyle. That’s why it’s important to pick beverages that will keep thirst at bay without wrecking your diet. Take this beverage quiz and learn how to tell good drinks from bad and find new ways to stay happy and hydrated.

 

“WILL YOU SMELL THIS?” You’ve probably had experience with this question before. And if you haven’t been the one asking, you’ve definitely been on the receiving end.

With larger-than-life refrigerators, it can be easy to forget what’s hiding in the back of yours. And as the days on your calendar tick by, the expiration dates on your questionable food items draw near.

But expired foods are only the most obvious and easily avoidable culprits when it comes to proper food safety and preventing food poisoning. There’s many more potential pitfalls, though. Making mistakes when preparing, handling, and cooking food can leave you spending your evening on the bathroom floor.

Food Poisoning: Bad Bug Basics

Improper food safety can lead to food poisoning or foodborne illness. These issues are the result of eating contaminated foods. Contamination can occur when your food is exposed to certain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and/or chemicals, and not properly handled or treated.

You’ll hear about safe food handling below. First, let’s talk about three of the most common bacterial contaminants: Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. Take a closer look at these bacteria, how they might come in contact with your food, and how to protect yourself.

Salmonella

The Centers for Disease Control in the U.S., estimates that over one million Americans suffer from Salmonella infection each year. Tens of thousands are hospitalized. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable when they come into contact with Salmonella. Food is the source of nearly all Salmonella infections.

Food sources for Salmonella are contaminated:

• Poultry/meat
• Eggs
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese
• Unwashed raw fruits and vegetables or juice thereof
• Some nuts and spices

Salmonella is often found in intestines, and therefore, the feces of animals—especially reptiles. Since fecal matter often contaminates the living environment of the animal (e.g., a chicken coop), the entire outer surface of the animal can become contaminated. This is how eggs and chicken meat can get infected.

If you come into contact with Salmonella unknowingly, you may experience symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain or discomfort. These symptoms can last as long as a week—a painful experience for anyone.

Take precautions to protect yourself from illness by Salmonella. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling animals. Cook your meat and eggs thoroughly to ensure the bacteria is destroyed (more on temperatures later). Enjoy pasteurized products when available, as this process kills the Salmonella bacteria.

Campylobacter

These bad bacteria affect over one million people in the U.S., every year—and even more worldwide. Again, young children, older folks, and those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe illness after Campylobacter infection.

The organs of animals (e.g., intestines and liver) are the most common home for Campylobacter bacteria. When animals are slaughtered for meat, the bacteria can spread, infecting more widely consumed parts of the animal. Campylobacter can also be spread through fecal matter touching other parts of the animal, nearby produce, or water sources.

Symptoms of a Campylobacter infection include fever, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea (often bloody). These symptoms can last for only a couple of days to well over a week.

Take care to avoid Campylobacter infection by cooking meat thoroughly—especially poultry—to safe minimum temperatures. For poultry, the safe minimum temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius.

E. coli

There are many harmless strains of E. coli … and then there are the few that can make you quite sick. The harmful strains can be found in animals—mainly cows, sheep, and goats. The bacteria are easily passed from these animals to their environment. This can contaminate the animals’ outer bodies and potentially their water sources. These contaminated water sources can also spread E. coli (or other bacteria) to vegetables. That happens when water is infected by animals and used to irrigate vegetable crops.

Symptoms of E. coli infection include vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (often bloody). An E. coli infection can escalate into a more alarming condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This can affect your red blood cells and, subsequently, your kidneys. If HUS develops, medical attention is necessary.

You can take easy and proper precautions to protect yourself from E. coli infection. It can be avoided by routinely washing your hands (before food preparation; after using the bathroom or changing an infant’s diaper; and when you’ve touched cows, sheep, goats or their environment). Cooking beef and other meats properly also helps. And avoiding unpasteurized milk and cheeses will help protect you from E. coli.

Simple Safety Steps

You might have noticed a theme to the safety steps touched on above. There are four key steps as you buy, prepare, handle, store, and cook your food. They are: clean, separate, cook, and chill.

1. Clean

Above, you read about the importance of washing your hands. In addition, don’t forget the surfaces on which you handle food, and the containers you use to store it. This is especially true of animal-based products like meats and cheeses.

Keeping your hands and surfaces clean is also a time issue. Make sure that any time you touch raw meat you wash your hands immediately. The same goes for surfaces and other kitchen utensils used—clean them right after use. Bacteria can live on these surfaces for some time. Without quick and proper washing, your kitchen (and hands) can become a bacterial breeding ground.

2. Separate

Once your hands and surfaces have been washed, it’s still possible for germs and harmful bacteria to spread. Food separation is what keeps cross contamination from occurring.

Keep animal-free products separate from animal-based products. That means fruits and vegetables are handled separately (and with separate utensils) from meat, seafood, poultry, and eggs.

Food separation starts at the grocery store. When you’re shopping, bag meats and other animal products separately from other food items. Grocery baggers usually take care of this on their own, but an extra watchful eye won’t hurt.

Once you’re home and preparing the food, use separate utensils (knives, spatulas, etc.) for animal-based products. The same goes for food storage. Store meat and other animal products separate from other food. This is especially important if the meat is raw.

3. Cook

Bacteria feel especially at-home in your food between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, 4 to 60 degrees Celsius. This temperature range is when bacteria can most easily multiply. To keep your food safe, make sure you’re heating well above this range. Not sure what the appropriate temperature is? Check out the table below before you cook your next meal.

Meal or Food Product	Minimum Internal Temperature
	deg F	deg C
Beef, pork, veal, & lamb (bone-in)	145	63
Ham	145	63
Seafood	145	63
Minced fish (fishcakes)	158	70
De-boned, ground, or minced meats	160	71
Eggs	160	71
All poultry	165	74
Leftovers	165	74
Casseroles	165	74
Stuffing (inside meat)	167	75

Often when eating in large parties, it’s typical to dish up your plate from a common pot and sit down to eat. It’s important to remember that part of food safety is keeping cooked food hot until it’s stored in the refrigerator. Ensure your pots of food are held at 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) or more before sitting down to enjoy your meal.

4. Chill

Bacteria can grow in your food if it’s not properly chilled within two hours of preparing or cooking. So, it’s important to store your foods properly—and quickly. The advice to let foods cool before placing them in the fridge is a myth. Don’t wait to get foods into refrigeration.

Once you’re done eating, make sure that your food is stored separately (as appropriate; see above), and placed in the refrigerator or freezer within the two-hour window. Breaking up extra-large portions into smaller containers will also help ensure your food is chilled quickly.

What about the reverse? A common misconception is that meat and other food can be safely thawed on the counter at room temperature. This is wrong. It’s unsafe! Room temperature is an inviting range for bacteria to thrive. Thaw frozen meats and other foods well ahead of time by moving it into the refrigerator. If you’re really in a hurry, consider a bowl of cold water or the microwave for a quicker thaw.

Final Food For Thought

Now you’re ready to head into the kitchen. You’ve tossed out expired or questionable food items. You’ve learned about foodborne pathogens to avoid. And you’re armed with food safety knowledge. But before you get into gourmet mode, let’s review some simple and helpful tips to keep you healthy in the kitchen:

• Thoroughly clean and wash all fruits and vegetables. They can be contaminated before they even reach your home, either during harvesting or shipping.
• Consider buying separate cutting boards for produce and meat. Some retailers sell a package of multiple cutting boards of different colors or with images of the board’s appropriate use etched into each one.
• Invest in a food thermometer. Armed with the minimum internal temperature chart above, you’ll know when your favorite foods are ready to eat.
• When buying meat at the store, wrap it in a plastic produce bag after receiving it from the butcher. That way if your purchases wind up in the same bag, there’s already a secondary barrier in place.
• Wash as you go. Cleaning up after yourself while cooking makes the post-meal cleanse faster. It will also keep you from inadvertently cross-contaminating other surfaces or utensils.

Bon Appetit

Time to cook! Know that you have the knowledge, and now you just need the inspiration. Check some healthy recipes to spark your kitchen creativity. Happy cooking!

About the Author

Jenna Templeton is a health educator and freelance science writer living in Salt Lake City, Utah. After receiving a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Virginia Tech, Jenna spent five years as a research scientist in the nutritional industry. This work fueled her interest in personal wellness, leading her to pursue a graduate degree in Health Promotion & Education from the University of Utah. Outside of work, Jenna enjoys live music, gardening, all things food, and playing in the Wasatch mountains.