Beauty

Why “Gut Shots” Could Be the Key to a Healthy Holiday Season

Meet the secret to enjoying your Thanksgiving feast—sans food coma-induced slump….

Thanksgiving is here, and diet-wise, all bets are off. Whether you’re with family or a quarantine buddy this year, by the laws of tradition you reserve the right to indulge in as much tangy cranberry sauce and sweet potato-and-marshmallow casserole as you so desire. And while most guts have become relatively well seasoned in the art of weathering the annual marathon meal, let’s be honest: There’s plenty of room for improvement in helping our bodies bounce back from the feast (so as not to fall into a food coma-induced slump for the rest of the break).

This is where California-based organic food brand Farmhouse Culture’s range of probiotic Gut Shots can be of service, says Vincent Pedre, M.D., medical director of Pedre Integrative Health and author of Happy Gut. “A shot of a sour, probiotic-based drink can help stimulate the release of gastric enzymes, which prepare your stomach for the food that it is about to begin digesting,” he says of the liquids made from the brine of sauerkraut. “This is especially useful before a large meal when your body needs to pump out those digestive juices to help you break down the food efficiently.”

While producing similar effects to that of bitter-tasting apple cider vinegar or saccharine kombucha, Pedre notes the equal parts unique and flavorful combinations—including apple cinnamon and turmeric ginger—as well as the low sugar content. The latter being a big draw, particularly for women, as kombucha is very high in sugar, which is a food source for yeast.

The long and short of it is, the cultured vegetable juices makes food more bioavailable, says Farmhouse Culture founder Kathryn Lukas, who first became passionate about sauerkraut in the ’90s as an American expat running a restaurant in Germany, where fermented raw cabbage is incorporated into many traditional drinks and dishes. “When the Germans were hung over, they drank kraut juice,” she explains. “When they were sick, they drank kraut juice. It’s high in vitamin C and potassium, so it’s really healing and therapeutic when you’re under the weather, too.” A secret weapon for boosting digestion and reducing bloating, it’s also a solution for when you have one drink too many this holiday season. But the benefits of incorporating the surprisingly pleasant zings of kraut-based juices into your diet go even further.

Farmhouse Culture Gut Shots – 16-Pack Apple Cinnamon and Turmeric Ginger

$50

Farmhouse Culture

“They help maintain the integrity of the gut lining, balance the body’s pH, and serve as natural antibiotics and antifungals,” explains Lukas, who began studying traditional food cultures and ancient fermentation techniques at the Natural Chef Culinary Program at Bauman College back in the States before launching Farmhouse Culture in 2008. “They also help regulate immunity and control inflammation, as well as help metabolize sources of fuel and liberate certain nutrients within your diet.” But most important, a shot or two of kraut juice a day can enrich the number of beneficial bacteria, as well as the diversity of the microflora, which will improve overall health and prevent disease in the long run.

And the evening of your Thanksgiving feast is the perfect time to have at it. For one, it’s often a spread that’s not particularly rich in fiber. “It can be a meal that stops you up,” points out Lukas, who not only takes a gut shot prior to every meal, but also 15 minutes after, as “the acids and probiotics ease digestion.” And while it may be a harder sell to your loved ones than, say, a bottle of Champagne, Lukas insists gut shots could become a fun holiday tradition. Not just because throwing them back brings everyone together, but when you consider the power of the gut-brain connection, adding healthy bacteria to the mix will inherently contribute to an even more joyous occasion. Happy guts, happy family.

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Artist Spotlight

How Rare Beauty Propelled Selena Gomez to Billionaire Status

Selena Gomez is a talented entertainer known for her work as a singer, actress, and producer, and she has recently reached an impressive milestone by becoming a billionaire. Much of her financial success comes from her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which has quickly become popular since it launched in September 2020. The brand stands out for its dedication to inclusivity, mental health support, and clever marketing strategies.

1. The Idea Behind Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty was created to challenge traditional beauty standards and celebrate individuality. Selena wanted to build a brand that offered quality makeup while encouraging self-love and acceptance. The name “Rare” is inspired by her third studio album.

A key part of Rare Beauty’s mission is to be inclusive. When it launched, the brand offered an impressive variety of 48 shades of foundation and concealer, catering to many skin tones. The packaging also considers accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities to use the products.

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2. Smart Marketing and Social Media Success

Selena took full advantage of her large social media presence to promote Rare Beauty. With over 400 million followers on Instagram, she shares her personal stories and shows how to use the products, which helps build a strong connection with her fans. This engagement has created a loyal customer base.

Rare Beauty also effectively utilizes social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, gaining significant attention and making it a popular choice among beauty lovers. One of their hit products, a liquid blush, sold over 3.1 million units in just a year, highlighting the success of their online marketing.

3. Strong Financial Growth

The brand’s financial success has been impressive, generating about $350 million in revenue in 2023, a 50% increase compared to the previous year. By May 2024, Rare Beauty’s value had grown to over $2 billion, showing its strong place in the market.

This financial success has also boosted Selena’s personal wealth. In September 2024, she became a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, primarily thanks to her ownership of Rare Beauty. At 32 years old, she is one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in the U.S.

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4. Media Attention and Public Interest

The rise of Rare Beauty and Selena’s billionaire status has been widely reported in the media. A notable article from Bloomberg discussed the brand’s strategies and how they’ve resonated with consumers. The piece received extensive coverage, reaching over 250 media outlets and generating more than 1.8 billion impressions, highlighting the significant impact of her success.

5. A Commitment to Mental Health

In addition to its commercial achievements, Rare Beauty focuses on mental health. The brand has created the Rare Impact Fund, promising to donate 1% of sales to mental health initiatives, aiming to raise $100 million over the next ten years. This effort aligns with Selena’s commitment to mental health awareness, which many consumers appreciate in a brand.

Selena Gomez’s journey from entertainer to entrepreneur illustrates how she combines her values and understanding of the market with a genuine connection to her audience. Rare Beauty’s rapid growth shows a strong demand for inclusive and socially responsible beauty products. Selena’s story highlights the new wave of celebrity entrepreneurs, where authenticity and advocacy are just as important as the products they sell.

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Artist Spotlight

Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night” Reigns as the Ultimate Summer Soundtrack

Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night” is a catchy new summer soundtrack. It evokes the sunshine, excitement of nightlife, and happiness that come with a true summer song. Co-written with the talented Mark Ronson, “Dance The Night” is a full-on experience that has quickly become the standout track of the season.

Not only is Dua Lipa a massive music star with multiple number-one hits, but this summer, she also made her acting debut as Mermaid Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie. It was only natural for her to be part of the film’s soundtrack, and she truly delivered. “Dance The Night” captures the fun and energy of her previous hits while turning it up with even more sparkle and good vibes, making it impossible not to dance along.

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“Dance The Night” was on the fast track to success. It quickly climbed to the top of the music charts, marking Dua’s fourth number-one song and adding to her growing legacy with hits like “New Rules,” “One Kiss,” and “Cold Heart.” This is about creating a lasting impact.

“Dance The Night” became the soundtrack for fun moments, whether at parties or dancing alone in your room. It’s the perfect song to play when you want to dress up, grab your friends, and dance the night away, just like Barbie does in the movie.

No summer track is complete without a great music video, and “Dance The Night” doesn’t disappoint. Featuring eye-catching visuals, impressive dance moves, and even a surprise appearance from the director, Greta Gerwig, the video captures all the exciting energy of the song. It also shows Margot Robbie’s Barbie living her best life, reminding us that having fun and being confident is always in style.

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What makes “Dance The Night” the ultimate summer song? It’s upbeat and instantly lifts your mood, making you want to dance. Its lyrics invite you to enjoy the moment, and it succeeds on all fronts. Dua Lipa has a knack for creating both familiar and new songs. With its lively disco sound, beautiful strings, and catchy rhythm, “Dance The Night” pays tribute to the classic dance music of the past while still feeling modern. It’s vibrant, exhilarating, and simply irresistible.

In a summer filled with movies, exciting pop moments, and unforgettable times, “Dance The Night” shines as the perfect soundtrack. Whether you’re watching Barbie on the big screen or dancing under the stars, Dua Lipa has given us another fantastic song to which we’ll keep dancing even as summer ends.