Skimm Well·

WTF is "human kibble"?

I follow a friend of a friend on social media.

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I know nothing about this woman, except for exactly how much protein she eats in a day. The answer: a lot. Every time I watch one of her meal-prep videos (shake, eggs, chicken, repeat), I have questions...

Do I need to buy her favorite protein powder and/or get serious about adding more protein to my diet? How much protein do I actually need? (Spoiler: I asked an expert, keep reading for that.) And, have we finally reached Peak Protein™? You be the judge:

puppies

Finally, in “Don’t Believe Everything You Read on the Internet,” it turns out the fitness influencer known as the “Liver King” was lying about his raw-animal diet. *Pretends to be shocked.*

— Anna “Protein Pretzels Are a Sad Desk Snack” Davies, writer

What's Making the Rounds

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Can you prevent hair loss? In some cases, yes. For starters, ditch the Sofia Richie Grainge-inspired, slicked-back bun trend.


🚨 Actual Breakthrough Alert: Scientists may have found a much faster way of diagnosing brain tumors.


What's wrong with hitting snooze in the morning? Apparently, a lot.


Alex Cooper gets extremely candid about her changing baby plans. *Deep knowing sigh*


Breast cancer treatments are more effective than ever — so why are so many patients saying "no"?


Selma Blair had MS symptoms as early as seven years old… but it took 30 years for her to get an MRI. These were the warning signs she wishes her doctors had taken seriously.

So, we're all inflamed now?

turmeric and lemon water

Women under 50 are being diagnosed with cancer at nearly twice the rate of their male peers, according to the American Cancer Society. One possible culprit that doctors — and life coaches, and your FYP, and the group chat — are throwing around? Inflammation.

The 101: Inflammation is how your immune system responds to injury, infection, or perceived threats. 

Chronic inflammation –– which can show up as fatigue, joint pain, mood disorders, digestive issues, or sometimes with no obvious symptoms at all (fun!) –– is linked to everything from autoimmune disorders to heart diseases, and yes, cancer.

How to know if you have it: There’s no single “inflammation test,” but your doctor can run a few blood panels. Ask about C-reactive protein (CRP) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) — two common markers. These results, paired with your symptoms and medical history, could paint a clearer picture.

What you can do to prevent it: There’s so much advice out there. Some of it is solid (limit alcohol, fewer ultra-processed foods, regular movement), some falls into the “low risk, could help” category (hello, cold plunges and lymphatic drainage massages), and some is murky.

One example: turmeric supplements. Some studies suggest turmeric (specifically its active compound, curcumin) can reduce inflammation and help people with arthritis. But it’s no miracle fix — and there are risks. Supplements aren’t regulated like medications by the FDA, so quality and potency can vary wildly. In rare but serious cases, contaminated or high-dose turmeric supplements have even been linked to liver injury or failure

For Your Sanity:

🍏 Update your grocery list. Here’s your refresher on how to take care of your gut, and keep inflammation in check. (No “link in bio” included.)

🏃‍♀️In an exercise rut? This is an easy way to get moving again.

👩‍⚕️Come prepared. If you think you’re dealing with chronic inflammation, and you’re worried your doctor won’t take you seriously, here’s your script.

Q: OK, help me out here, how much protein do I actually need? If I’m eating a balanced diet can I assume I’m good?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Brigitte Zeitlin

Brigitte Zeitlin

MPH, RD, CDN, Dietician and founder, BZ Nutrition

"The main thing to know about protein is that it is not a one-size fits all. So, anyone on the internet claiming that you 'need' a specific number should be a red flag for you to not listen to them. 

Your protein needs depend on you. (Your current health status, lifestyle, activity level, and stage of life –– if you’re trying to conceive, are postpartum, or are peri or post-menopause.)

A good place to start is to take your current body weight in kilograms and then multiply it by 0.8 for the common amount of daily protein grams you should aim for. But, the number depends a lot on your goals and needs.

The queens of protein sources will always be whole foods — like legumes, eggs, fish, poultry, nut butters, tofu — and not processed foods like protein cereals, sodas, or cookies. A good dietitian will cut through all that BS and help you create a clear, easy, and hyperpersonalized plan to meet your goals."

PS: Here’s a quick quiz to help you separate the hype from the facts.

At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices That Won’t Destroy Your Skin

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These at-home laser hair removal devices are recommended by dermatologists and will give you looks so smooth, people will be asking for your spa recs. (Up to you if you reply: “my bathroom.”)

RoseSkinCo

RoseSkinCo

RoseSkinCo. Lumi is the best for face.

Braun SilkExpert

Braun

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 is the best for sensitive skin.

Ulike

Ulike

Ulike Air 3 is the best for coarse hair.

Here’s the complete list of the best at-home laser hair removal devices, medically reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist.

You have to eat to live. You might as well make this.

deconstructed fish tacos

This taco bowl, by Heidi of FoodieCrush hits that just-right June balance: a little chaotic, a little relaxed. White fish (ideally cod or halibut) gets a bold, smoky spice rub that brings the heat, while a crunchy slaw cools things down. Load it up with avocado, green onion, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of adobo sauce that ties it all together.

Perfect for a quick bite between errands or a laid-back dinner on the deck. 

Bonus points: Throw the fish on the grill and watch the carnivores eye your plate at the next BBQ.

fiber protein what about balanced diet

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