-
Do 'Energy Boosters' Really Work?
Do you feel tired or run-down? Go to the store, and you'll see a multitude of vitamins, herbs, and other supplements touted as energy boosters. But do they really work?
The Best Time to Do Everything
Maximize your mental sharpness, sports performance and even romance just by understanding your internal body clock.
-
Best Picks for Grab-and-Go Eating
Ideally, every meal you have would be eaten at home comprising a variety of wholesome ingredients. But, when you find yourself faced with the culinary offerings of the nearest 7-Eleven, consider these tips to help find healthier offerings
Keeping Cancer at Bay with Diet
Diet accounts for 25 percent of cancers in developed countries. But is it what we eat or what we don't eat that is to blame? The scientific research on diet and cancer is intriguing
-
The Surprising Secret to Happiness
Hint: It may have to do with your ability to focus, new research says. Learn more to feel happier now
Say Cheers to Drinking (Moderately)
Alcohol may make you happy, but can it really keep you healthy? While there are positive health effects documented with moderate alcohol intake, drinking too much clearly wipes away any potential benefits
-
Sweetening Benefits:
Fruit vs Sugar4 Best Steps to Keep Your Youth
Vitamins That Keep Your Brain Young
-
According to author Jonny Bowden, only about 5 to 20 percent of the aging process has to do with our genes. he rest has to do with how we treat our bodies, which determines whether, like a light switch, we turn the good genes on and the bad genes off. In his latest book, Bowden contends you can slow down the aging process. Here's how
Dementia Syndromes in the Elderly: 5 Types Are Most Common
Dementia is defined as a brain disorder that includes memory loss, deficits in cognition, a decline in emotional control or motivation, and changes in social behavior (such as increased irritability, apathy, or problems interacting with other people). Alzheimer's disease is by far the most common dementia. Here's a brief review of the most common dementia syndromes in the elderly
-
When it comes to spotting early Alzheimer's symptoms, researchers found that family and close friends may be better at identifying early Alzheimer's than standard screening tests conducted in a doctor's office. What this means is that if you suspect a problem, don't blow it off. Your suspicions may very well be correct. Warning signs that may point to a possible problem include
Should Alzheimer's Be a Reason to Ditch Marriage Vows?
It's a phrase you hear in almost every marriage ceremony. ''Til death do us part.' But what about 'a kind of' death? Can you 'kind of' part? That's the debate raging ever since Pat Robertson used those words in justifying divorce if one partner suffers from Alzheimer's
-
Education and Wealth: Strongest Predictors of a Long Life
Pick Blueberries for Brain Defense
There's a buzz heard throughout the Alzheimer's research world regarding the effect of antioxidants, found in foods such as blueberries, on this disease. Given that by the year 2025 an estimated 34 million people globally will be diagnosed with the neurodegenerative condition Alzheimer's disease (AD), there's a lot riding on the promise of antioxidants found in foods
Vitamins That Keep Your Brain Young
Find out which vitamins and nutrients can help keep your brain sharp as you age
4 Best Steps to Keep Your Youth
Recent studies have begun to pinpoint why we age, and provide real steps to slow the ravages of time
-
The Aging Face: Small Tweaks Can Help You Look Younger
Beware the Fly in the Ointment: Anti-Aging Potions
Longevity Revolution Will Restructure Life Around the World
Scientists Changing Definition of Old Age
Olive Oil the Fountain of Health
Cultivate a Healthy Brain Lifestyle As You Age
Regular Exercise Helps Protect Aging Brains
Preserving and Improving Memory As We Age
-
Belly Fat Increases Risk of Developing Serious Health Problems
What is it about belly fat that makes it more dangerous than fat in other places? I'm considered to be at a healthy weight. But I do have somewhat of a belly, which concerns my physician. Isn't it just a normal part of getting older?
Four out of five adults experience tension headaches -- but it doesn't have to be that way. Here are nine simple ways to keep tension headaches at bay
You're sick. You go to the doctor. You want an antibiotic to make you feel better. But when will it actually help?
Elevated Heart Rate Most Likely Caused by Medical Condition
Sinus tachycardia is the term used to describe a faster-than-normal heartbeat -- a rate of more than 100 beats per minute vs. the typical normal of 60 to 70 beats per minute. Well over 99 percent of the time, sinus tachycardia is perfectly normal
-
Persistent, Pervasive Depression Symptoms During Winter Could Be SAD
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months. Although exactly what causes SAD is unclear, researchers know that lack of light and the ensuing effect on the body's circadian rhythm seem to play a role. The condition is diagnosed by assessing a person's symptoms. A number of treatment options have been shown to be effective
Effects of Tapering Off Antidepressants Vary
The impact of tapering off antidepressants can vary significantly from one person to another. The medications differ, too, so the side effects can be different, depending on the medication you're taking
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance Can Be Controlled Through Diet
The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be controlled through diet. At first, it may be recommended that you eliminate all dairy products to see if your symptoms resolve. However, most people can tolerate small amounts of lactose, so it's usually not necessary to completely avoid dairy products from then on
-
Lifestyle Choices Can Help Reduce Risk of Recurrent Breast Cancer
As a breast cancer survivor, you can take steps to help reduce the risk of recurrence. They include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink
Whipple Procedure Most Common Surgery to Remove Pancreatic Cancer
The Whipple procedure is the most common surgery used to remove pancreatic cancer. It involves taking out part of the pancreas and several other structures around it. This surgery is complex and often requires a six- to eight-week recovery. For some people with pancreatic cancer, the Whipple procedure can be a valuable treatment option
Advances In Research Offer Hope for Future of Lupus Treatment
In the last several decades, research has focused on pinpointing genes that predispose people to lupus, investigating molecules that play a role in the disease, and identifying new therapies to treat lupus
-
DASH Diet May Decrease the Need for Medication in Those With Severe Hypertension
Hypertension All Too Common Despite Excellent Treatments
Many Effective Therapies Available to Control Ulcerative Colitis
Graves' Disease Rarely Life-Threatening But Can Lead to Heart Problems
Vitamin D Deficiency Can Lead to Serious Bone Disorders
When Sweating Is Too Much: Hyperhidrosis Can Be Treated
Sensitizing Skin to UV Light Can Reduce Symptoms of PMLE
Sun-Related Skin Condition Triggered By Chemicals in Certain Plants and Fruits
Identifying Cause of Chronic Constipation First Step Toward Treatment
-
Chinese Medicine Offers New Parkinson's Treatments
A hooked herb, root extract and a dash of bark -- it may sound like a witch's brew, but these mainstays of Chinese medicine could provide treatments for diseases that have foiled Western doctors, such as Parkinson's and irritable bowel syndrome
Medical Schools Embrace Alternative Medicine
Now that nearly 40 percent of American adults swear by some form of complementary and alternative medicine -- from nutrition and mental relaxation to acupuncture, magnet therapy, and foreign healing systems like traditional Chinese medicine and Indian ayurveda -- a growing number of medical schools, too, are supplementing medication with meditation
Tips For Natural Allergy Relief
Allergy season has been upon many sufferers since February this year, but an early start may or may not mean an early finish. If you're one of the sneezing, sniffling, eye-rubbing, worn out masses, here are some simple things that you can do to ease your symptoms
-
Try Natural Solutions For Insomnia
There's nothing worse than not being able to fall sleep. Difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early, awakening during the night, or waking feeling tired are the characteristic features of insomnia. Here's natural solutions for insomnia worth trying
Aromatherapy: Simple Tips for a Healthier You
Sick of winter? Feeling bored or even antsy about a deadline or dental appointment? Relief could be right under your nose. To conjure up that feeling of calm and usher spring into your home, try these simple aromatherapy tips
Relieve Stress and Uplift Spirits with Aromatherapy
To revive sagging spirits or reboot concentration, try using stimulating oils like bergamot, lemongrass, rosemary and peppermint. To calm and relax your mind and body, turn to soothing oils like lavender, chamomile and sandalwood. Whichever you choose, a fantasy experience awaits.
-
Many of us know fasting as a protocol the doctor prescribes before blood testing. For others, it may mean giving up a favorite food or not eating food at certain times for various religious holidays. Strictly speaking, fasting is the voluntary absence of food. Although the idea of missing one meal may put most of us in a state of misery, fasting does have many benefits for the body
The Health Benefits of Meditation
Overstressed, overworked, overweight? Forget multitasking and try meditating. A growing body of research shows that taking a short break every day just to sit quietly and breathe is one of the best and easiest ways to improve your mood, your health and even your looks. Here are five great reasons to give meditation a chance
Everybody Say Om: The Real Powers of Meditation
Many people see meditation as an exotic form of daydreaming, or a quick fix for a stressed-out mind. Experienced meditators will assure you that it is worth pursuing. But what does science have to say on the subject of meditation?
-
Boost Dental Health with Honey and Agave Syrup
A Smart Guide to Dietary Supplements
Lowering Cholesterol Naturally: Lifestyle Tips
Alternative Treatments That Get Rid of Heartburn and IBS
Love Your Liver: Natural Liver Support
Healthy Eating Guide to Cereal
Recreational Drugs Go Straight
Starting The Day Off Right With Breakfast
Fibromyalgia Symptoms Improve With Tai Chi
Sample a Semi-Vegetarian Lifestyle With a Flexitarian Diet
Foraging is Green Eating at Its Purest
Broccoli Rabe: Broccoli's Bolder Cousin
-
Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before You Fill That Prescription
Don't just swallow every pill your doctor orders without a second thought. Make an effort to educate yourself by asking about your prescriptions
Prevent Deadly Medication Mistakes
A new study shows you're more likely to make dangerous drug mistakes in summer. Here, simple steps to stay safe
Prescriptions: Don't Take A Drug Unless You Know Why
These days, when a full 61 percent of adults use at least one medication to treat a chronic health problem, many people expect a prescription at every doctor's appointment. Since every drug has side effects and may interact with other meds, though, you shouldn't just swallow any pill ordered without a second thought. First ask ...
-
Overmedication: Are Americans Taking Too Many Drugs?
Socrates once declared that medicine 'acts as both remedy and poison' and that 'this charm, this spellbinding virtue, this power of fascination, can be -- alternately or simultaneously -- beneficent or maleficent.' Modern America clearly appreciates the benefits. However, ...
Managing Pain: How to Use Prescription Drugs Without Becoming Addicted
Prescription drug abuse has long been a problem for everyday Americans as well as pill-popping celebrities. Here's how to use prescription drugs without becoming addicted
14 Things You Might Not Know About Aspirin
Here's what recent research on regular aspirin use reveals
Supplements to Avoid When Dealing With High Blood Pressure
What are the dangers of taking over-the-counter supplements? I am on blood pressure medication and have heard that there are some supplements that may interfere.
-
Statins Have Benefits Beyond Protecting Our Arteries
All in all, statins can reduce the risk of heart attacks and other major clinical manifestations of coronary artery disease (CAD) by up to 37 percent. And since heart disease is America's leading cause of death, it's no wonder that the seven statin drugs are the best-selling prescription medications in the United States
Alternatives to Statins for Lowering Cholesterol
I've tried all of the statin drugs to lower my cholesterol but each one has caused severe muscle pain. Are there any non-statin medications I could try using to lower my cholesterol?
Determine Risk of Developing Blood Clots Before Discontinuing Blood-Thinning Medication
I've had two blood clots in two years, but in the past nine months have had no problems. How long do I need to be on warfarin? I'm worried about another blood clot but don't like taking medication
-
The Fight Escalates Against Fake Drugs
Counterfeit Medicines: Health and Harm
Medical Claims for Marijauna - Just Blowing Smoke?
Heartburn Medication Side Effects
Learn How to Read Supplement Labels
Cortisone Injections Unlikely to Have Negative Affect on Bones
Existing Drugs to Treat Herpes Are Very Effective
Best Way to Take Heartburn Medication
Full Without Food: Drug Therapy May Someday Replace Obesity Surgery
-
5 Cheap Alternatives to Hiring a Personal Trainer
If you can't afford a personal trainer -- or don't want one -- there are a number of exercise and nutrition resources available on the Internet. Here's a guide for how to use today's top online fitness tools
Stop Wasting Your Workout Time
Use these tips to streamline your next session so you won't waste any of your precious workout time, and you'll be in and out of the gym before you know it
The 6 Ways to Avoid Middle-age Spread
A single extra pound may not sound like a lot, but when you consider that the average adult American gains one extra pound per year, it becomes clear why middle-age spread is so insidious and common. Fortunately, middle-age spread is not inevitable and can, in fact, be prevented. Here's how
-
As you probably know, trying to shoehorn exercise into an already packed schedule only ends in I'll-do-it-tomorrow pledges and missed workouts. Check out these strategies for how to fit in exercise and feel motivated to keep up a routine
Yoga Stretches That Improve Your Health
Research shows that yoga helps ease stress and may even fend off sniffles. Here, a 15-minute daily routine that will get results
Turbocharge Your Exercise Routine
You don't need to go to a fancy gym or hire a pricey personal trainer to get better results from your workout. My research and experience as a trainer has shown that you can burn more calories, build more muscle and have more energy just by making a few simple changes that won't cost you a penny. Follow this game plan
-
Need to slip on a swimsuit or squeeze into shorts anytime soon? Hopefully you're already on a healthful eating and exercise plan. But if you're still looking for a little extra boost, forget about the latest and not-so-greatest fads. Try one of these unconventional weight loss tips that really work
Are You Fatter Than You Think?
So how do you find out if you're fatter than you think you are and need to lose weight? A good place to start is your BMI (body mass index)
A surprising new study suggests you may live a shorter life if you sit too much. Are you at risk?
-
Strong Nutrition to Fuel Fitness
4 Things Women Should Be Doing in Their Training
Walking Clubs: The Ultimate Adult Sports Teams
Holiday Workouts: Try Interval Training
Stay Fit and Trim All Winter Long
Do Weight Loss Apps and Websites Really Work?
Choosing the Right Shoes to Prevent Injuries
-
Many Kids' Cereals Loaded with Sugar
A new report says many kids' cereals have more sugar than many sweets or desserts
The Importance of a Healthy Lunch
To start teaching children about healthy eating habits, we need to begin in early elementary school. Sit down with your child and review the school lunch menu. It might be wise to make a deal that they may buy their lunch two days a week and you'll pack a lunch on the other three days
Kids' Nutrition: Remake Snacks Into Treats You Can Live With
While you wouldn't dream of banning frozen treats, you feel justified putting the kibosh on the ones containing red No. 3 and other wacky ingredients. One way to minimize the food dyes and unpronounceables is to remake your kids' favorite snacks from scratch
-
Youth Football Players at Increased Risk for Stroke
Young football players may be at a higher risk of suffering a stroke than their peers, according to a new study
Heading Soccer Ball Linked with Brain Injuries
Soccer players who frequently head the ball face the possibility of brain injury and cognitive impairment, according to a new study
To protect your kids from serious sports injuries, prevention is key. But if an accident does occur, be prepared. Here's how to spot and treat the most common injuries in kids' sports
-
Here's what every parent needs to know about these flu strains going into the 2011 - 2012 season
Flu vaccines are being shipped and should be in your doctor's office by now. This year's vaccine contains three strains of influenza virus that are identical to last year's chosen strains
There's has been a lot of discussion lately (in both medical and lay literature) surrounding the use of prebiotics and probiotics. The first question patients and parents often ask is, what's the difference between the two?
-
Kids, Media and Childhood Obesity
Vegetarian Diet Can Be Safe, Healthy Choice for Children
The Science Behind Your Favorite Childhood Remedies
Window Falls Injure Thousands of Kids Annually
Be Ready to Deal With Motion Sickness Before You Travel
6 Summer Illnesses You Need to Know About
How the New USDA Guidelines Change Your Meals
Altitude Sickness Usually Mild
When are Allergy Medications Appropriate for Kids?
-
Foods That Help Men Stay Healthy
Men face health risks particular to male physiology, but fortunately there are a few foods and nutrients that can be used to reduce or control them. Men need to remember that knowledge and prevention are the strongest medicines. Pride is not worth the risks you may take by ignoring your health, well-being, and the following healthy eating habits for men
Men Go Through Hormonal Change As They Age
Menopause refers to the end of menstruation and fertility in women. It's caused by a dramatic drop in production of the female hormone estrogen by a woman's ovaries. There's no equivalent in men. So, no, men don't experience a male menopause. However, men do experience a hormonal change as they get older
Visit any health food store or pharmacy, and the supplement aisle seems to extend forever. But do men really need all those vitamins, minerals and herbs? Here's what you need to know if you're a guy
-
Prostate Exam Good First Stop When PSA Levels Increase
I have had a PSA of 1.2 for many years. Now a year later my PSA is 2.1. Should I be concerned and check further?
Uncertainty Remains About Drugs to Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer
My doctor told me that my prostate gland is enlarged. I don't have any symptoms and my PSA test has always been normal. I read that a drug to treat an enlarged prostate may also protect against prostate cancer. Is this something I should consider?
To Lower Prostate Cancer Risk Start With Heart Health
There are no formal guidelines, but the advice I give my patients focuses on living a heart-healthy lifestyle. I encourage them to take care of their hearts because recent research has shown that what's good for your heart is also good for your prostate, particularly when it comes to lowering your risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate Supplements of Dubious Value
Despite the number of vitamins and supplements that claim to promote prostate health, there is little proof to support their use. They don't help prostate cancer, prostatitis, or benign enlargement of the prostate gland.
-
Heart Attacks Come in All Kinds and Sizes
The term 'heart attack' does an excellent job conveying the severity of an all-too-common event. But it hides a remarkable diversity of medical emergencies that differ in cause, geography, consequences, and initial treatment. Here's a doctors guide to the different types of heart attacks
Could Swimming in Cool Water Cause a Heart Attack?
When I attempt to go into the outdoor pool at my beach club, I gasp for breath, get dizzy and light-headed, and have to get out. Several years ago, I read an article that some people who are very sensitive to cold water may sustain a heart attack from submersion into cold water. Is this a possibility?
Chest Pain: A Heart Attack or Something Else?
That dull burning in your chest doesn't seem to be going away, and even feels like it's getting worse. Is it a heart attack, or something else? It's a vexing question, one that millions of people -- and their doctors -- face each year. What's the problem?
7 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease
The American Heart Association is hoping to boost America's heart health by 20 percent. How? Here's the AHA's 'Simple 7' checklist to prevent heart disease and stroke
-
For Most, Screening for Colon Cancer Should Begin at Age 50
Cholesterol-Lowering Medications May Also Be Good for Prostate
Key Foods and Nutrients Especially Beneficial to Your Health
Depression in Men: It's Not About Feeling Sad
Strong-Smelling Urine not Necessarily Cause for Concern
The Ready-for-anything Workout
From Frat Brothers to Fat Brothers
How to Lose a Gut and Keep It Off!
Erectile Dysfunction Could Be Early Indicator of Heart Disease
-
Eating Well: 5 Foods For Breast Cancer Prevention
You can lower your risk for breast cancer by reaching for the right foods, according to five new studies by filling your diet with lean protein and plentiful produce. Here's how
Is Thermography a Good Screening Tool for Breast Cancer?
When you talk about breast cancer screening, why don't you mention thermography? I've been using it for several years instead of mammography, which uses radiation
Lifestyle Choices Can Help Reduce Risk of Recurrent Breast Cancer
As a breast cancer survivor, you can take steps to help reduce the risk of recurrence. They include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink
Many Options to Consider Before Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
I'm considering breast reconstruction after my mastectomy. What things should I consider? Will I have the same breast size and shape I had before?
-
Beyond the 'Baby Blues': Postpartum Depression Common and Treatable
Postpartum depression affects about 10 percent to 15 percent of mothers, whose 'baby blues' turn into something more persistent.
Pregnancy is a time of joy, but for many women, a time of unprecedented worry. Along with the admonitions about caffeine, lunchmeat and wine, many pregnant women are told they should get rid of their cats because of health risks. With a few basic safety precautions, the Centers for Disease Control states that pregnant women do not need to give up their cats
Hypnotherapy Smoothes Out Fears of Childbirth
Bring up the words labor or childbirth for a pregnant woman and you're sure to be met with a look of anxiety or even panic. Most American women fear childbirth due to the anticipation of extreme pain. For some women, the alternative to a fear-based birth that includes pain medications and frequent interventions is natural labor assisted by hypnosis
Beware of Using Psychotropics During Pregnancy
A new study suggests expectant mothers who continue to take antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives or hypnotics during pregnancy may be increasing their child's risk of a number of birth defects
-
You Can Fight Menopausal Spread
Three different women; three similar journeys through menopause. Is the menopausal weight issue an inevitable annoyance, or can it be avoided? Here's a look at the science on the complicated issue of weight gain during menopause
Many Possible Causes of Irregular Periods
Irregular periods have many possible causes. Your past medical health, certain medications, lifestyle, and current medical conditions can all affect your menstrual cycle
Iron Supplementation Typically Not Recommended for Postmenopausal Women
You're wise to be cautious about taking extra iron. Typically, iron supplementation is not recommended for postmenopausal women, because as women age, their need for iron goes down
With age comes wisdom. And for many women, age also brings hot flashes, vaginal dryness and moodiness. This is menopause, the time in a woman's life when her menstrual periods stop. That's something many women would look forward to if the change were swift and uneventful. Alas, that is not usually the case
-
Beware Free Trials of Anti-Aging Products Sold on the Web
Mood Makeup: Can Cosmetics Influence the Brain?
Protection Against Sunscreen Confusion
Many Treatment Options Are Available For Varicose Veins
Minimally Invasive Treatments Available For Bothersome Leg Veins
Phyllodes Tumors Are Uncommon and Unpredictable
Oral Contraceptive Shown to Reduce Risk of Ovarian Cancer
Women Face Greatest Risk For Gallstones
The Surprising Cause of Women's Oral Cancer
Lumpectomy Not Likely to Affect Breast-Feeding
Variety of Factors Influence Breast Cancer Screening Schedule
Pomegranates Not Just Tasty: May Also Ease Arthritis Symptoms
There are many good reasons to pick up a pomegranate: the bright red fruits are festive, seasonal, pack tons of antioxidants and, a new study suggests, may help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease
'Organic' has become a buzzword in everything from food to apparel. But what exactly does that mean, and are foods with the organic label really better for you?
Saturated fat, trans fat, mono- and poly-unsaturated fat -- and let's not forget those omega-3 fatty acids! It's enough to make your head spin! Here's what you really need to know
The Truth About Low-Acid Foods
Can low-acid foods calm heartburn pain? Not necessarily. Learn when and why they might ease your symptoms
Beta-Glucans: A Safe Bet for Health
Promising research on beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber, helps explain why incorporating it into your diet could be beneficial
The Dramatic Nutrition in Black Foods
Chefs have turned to the chic shade of black to infuse drama across a stark, white dinner plate. They know that the deep, glossy shade of say black quinoa or black rice can do wonders for the visual appeal of a meal. But are there any nutritional rewards that come along with this elegant color palette?
Researchers Discovering How Body Fat Harms, And How Some Foods Fight Back
Only now are researchers understanding the connections between body weight and its health consequences. What's more, evidence is also accumulating that excess body fat impacts the brain, as well. But if abundance of food is a cause, it may also be the cure
Support is Slim for Supplements
Americans are an impatient bunch. We prefer a quick fix over a slow solution to our problems. And when it comes to weight loss, it's no different. Rather than endure lifestyle changes that involve sacrifice and waiting for results, many of us would rather pop a weight-loss supplement pill or endure painful injections if it means quicker, faster, better
Stress and Overeating: Comfort Foods Ease Nerves, But Add Pounds
On impulse, you grab an extra-large candy bar during your afternoon break. Before you know it, you've polished off the whole thing -- and, at least temporarily, you may feel better. Rest assured, you're not alone. Stress, the hormones it unleashes, and the effects of high-fat, sugary 'comfort foods' push people toward overeating
Warm Up to Nutty Sunflower Seeds
An easy and satisfying snack on its own, the mildly nutty sunflower seed partners well with every food group, while kicking up the nutrition
I've studied the affects the mind can have on the body, so this shouldn't have come as a surprise, but it really hit home when my young daughter, who was watching the whole thing, asked 'Are you okay, Daddy?' Yes, Daddy (and you!) will be just fine if I follow these six anti-stress tips
Stay Healthy With These 3 Immune Boosters
You already know you need to eat well to stay healthy, but scientists are now zeroing in on specific diet strategies that can help bolster immunity. With cold and flu season right around the corner, here are three to add to your arsenal
Are Your Tummy Troubles All in Your Head?
Are your tummy troubles all in your head? Yes and no. There's a reason why, when you're upset, you feel a knot in the pit of your stomach
Getting to Know Exotic Rambutan
You might have heard that rambutan is one of the hottest 'superfruits' of the year, as some popular magazines and websites have proclaimed. And this exotic fruit certainly looks the part
Boost Your Mood with This Simple Trick
Big positive change doesn't require a lot of effort or time. Sometimes the small things can produce massive change -- like a small spark in a dry forest. A fun way to add some positivity to your day and to create a better life is through 'sparking.' Sparking is when you add brief but healthful things to think or do throughout your day. Here's how you do it
Health practitioners from across the country gathered in San Francisco for the 8th Annual Nutrition and Health Conference. We listened to their conversation in order to share their words of wisdom
The Hidden Health Risks of Food Dyes
While natural colorants made from foods like beets are available, many manufacturers opt for synthetic dyes--which may have dangerous health consequences, particularly for children
Many Once-Standard Workplace Benefits Disappearing
Employers have significantly cut many of the benefits they offer to workers over the past five years. Here's a look at the workplace perks that have significantly declined
Measuring Blood Pressure: Let A Machine Do it
Maybe it's time to give the job of measuring blood pressure to machines, not humans. That's the novel -- and successful -- approach taken by teams in Canada and the Netherlands
Concern Is Growing That The Elderly Get Too Many Medical Tests
'I just think it's a good idea,' says Peterson, who considers the frequent tests essential to maintaining the couple's mostly good health. The Fairfax County resident brushes aside concerns about the downside of their screenings, which exceed what many experts recommend. 'Most older people do what their doctors tell them. People our age tend to be fairly unquestioning'
Escalating concerns over food safety have given way to myths and confusion over how you can best protect yourself from food-borne illness in your home. Our food safety expert cuts through the hype on some of today's most widespread food safety myths
Mama Mia! Even Pizza Can Fit Into a Healthy Diet
Pizza can, fairly easily, fit into a healthy diet. The next time you're in the mood for a hot, cheesy slice, first check out these tips to help keep your health in mind
How To Beat Insomnia: Tips to Help You Sleep Better
Here's foods to use and avoid to help get a good night's sleep
Healthy Nutrition for Flexible Joints
When your joints are happy, you don't even know they're there. But if they are inflamed with arthritis, the condition can be painful and debilitating. Although the first line of defense for arthritis is medication, research is unfolding about the effects of diet on joint health. The following diet and lifestyle changes may help soothe arthritis symptoms
Harness the Power of Plants in Your Diet
Make way for the plant-based diet, the latest buzzword for an optimal diet that focuses on plants, such as grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, rather than a diet of animal products like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Health experts extol the virtues of a plant-based diet as a healthy eating style
Oranges May Be The Ultimate Superfruit
Oranges are rich in vitamin C and full of other antioxidants that help protect the body from illness. One orange alone supplies about 120 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, in addition to being a good source of fiber and the B supervitamin folate. Yet oranges have plenty of other goodies
You're Not Foolish to Question the Necessity of Aspirin
It's not foolish to question your doctor's advice. You need to understand the reasoning and the facts behind a doctor's advice, particularly when you wonder if the advice really applies to you
Tests For Biomarkers Could Change Diagnosis, Treatment of Mental Illness
Cancer has the biopsy, kidney disease has the urine test, and HIV has the cheek swab, yet diagnosis for mental illness is often nothing more than a survey or a conversation with a psychiatrist
Drink Yourself Beautiful With Lemon Water
Drinking water with fresh-squeezed lemons helps you to stay healthy, fight signs of aging and stoke your metabolism. Here's the skinny
Should You Try a Gluten-free Diet?
Adherents say eating gluten-free can ease everything from abdominal pain to heartburn, arthritis to headaches. Some people even claim that it boosts weight loss and improves energy. But should you try a gluten-free diet?
5 Colors to Pile on Your Plate
Want more energy? Improved stamina? Calmer nerves? Eat your colors and harness the power of phytochemicals -- organic compounds found in fruits and vegetables that endow them with their respective colors, each of which bestows unique nutritional benefits
Cell Phone Radiation: 5 Ways to Minimize It Now
A flurry of research both affirms and denies the connection between cancer and cell phones. Here's how to stay safe until scientists reach a consensus
How to Stay Healthy on Vacation
Even a minor health problem can spoil a vacation. And a major one can make you regret ever leaving home. Of course, there are no guarantees, but taking the following precautions can improve your odds for a medically uneventful trip
Weight-Loss Surgery Can Help -- And Harm -- The Heart
Weight-loss operations that change how the stomach and intestines digest food have been hailed as a potential lifesaver for people who are severely overweight. But these benefits, which accrue only with a lifelong commitment to healthy eating and exercise, must be balanced against possible risks
How Much Water to Drink? Advice on Water Intake and More
How Much Water to Drink? Advice on Water Intake, Filters and More
Look to Label for Food Allergens
Making wise food choices is tough for everyone but it's particularly difficult if you suffer from food sensitivities.
As an alternative to your morning cup of coffee or tea, yerba mate is making a big splash in the U.S. Grown beneath the tree canopy in the South American rainforest, yerba mate is becoming a very popular drink
Feeling good, having energy and being healthy are so critical to living your best life. So, how healthy are you?
Prevent Deadly Medication Mistakes
A new study shows you're more likely to make dangerous drug mistakes in summer. Here, simple steps to stay safe
Why a Higher SPF May Not Be Enough
If you think a high SPF rating means you're safe, think again. Here's what you really need to know
How the New USDA Guidelines Change Your Meals
The age-old food pyramid is a goner. Can the new MyPlate icon improve your eating habits? Learn more here.
Berries Are Berry Good For Your Health
Summer is berry season. The prime time for strawberries has passed, but July and August bring raspberries, blueberries, cherries and blackberries. Berries are perhaps the easiest way to fulfill the fruit part of the 'eat more fruit and vegetables' mandate
A hospital in the area is advertising robotic surgery. Is it really any better than having a surgeon do the operation?
The Path to a Healthy Vegan Diet
If you've decided to go vegan, whether for health or philosophical reasons, it's important to put a little thought into your new strategy. It's also important to ensure that you get a balanced diet that meets all of your nutritional needs. Check out our Nine Vegan Diet Rules to make the most of your diet
Lessons About Leptin, Weight, and Your Eating Environment
If you've ever struggled with your weight, you know how difficult the fight is. You cut back on calories and drop 10 pounds, only to see your weight creep back up to where it was before. You could swear that your body has some magical number in mind for your weight despite your best efforts to keep it off. Now scientists believe your suspicions might actually be accurate
Don't Slip Out the Door in the Morning Without Some Fuel
Whether it features soup in Vietnam, biscotti in Italy, or scrambled eggs in the U.S., breakfast revs up the body after a night's sleep, giving us energy and nutrients to face the day. Studies suggest that eating breakfast regularly is associated with good health -- and that the timing of the meal, as well as what's in it, matters
Accounting for Taste: Why is a Delicacy to Some a Serving of Slop to Others?
When it comes to eating, the larger problem of accounting for preferences is an area of considerable ignorance. But researchers are now beginning to understand the complicated stew of genes and environment that helps determine our favorite -- and least favorite -- foods
Turmeric: Super-Spice for Health
Scientists are especially interested in turmeric's curcuminoid compounds -- in particular curcumin. Curcumin is nontoxic and possesses a variety of therapeutic properties, including analgesic and antiseptic, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
To perk up your physiological state, be sure to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals and exercise regularly. Then brighten your thoughts with these simple strategies to kick a bad mood to the curb
Stem Cells Don't A Super Human Make
Bartolo Colon, a pitcher for the New York Yankees, is at the center of a Major League Baseball (MLB) investigation after he opted for stem cell therapy to treat an elbow and shoulder injury. MLB wants to know whether such stem cell treatment qualifies as a performance-enhancing drug
New Book Promises to Reverse Heart Disease with Diet
You can reduce your risk of a second heart attack by 70 percent by making some important changes in your diet, according to Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D. Brill, who is an expert on cardiovascular disease and diet, hopes to help the more than 13 million Americans who have survived a heart attack or been diagnosed with heart disease
Mind-Controlled Prosthetic Arm to Help Amputees
Monkeys are being trained to control what might be the world's most sophisticated and human-like robot arm. But they never touch the prosthetic limb or fiddle with a remote control; they guide it with their thoughts alone. If trials are successful, people with spinal cord injuries could soon learn to do the same
The cocoa bean formally belongs to the genus Theobroma, or food of the gods. Not many mortals would disagree. And science now rewards their taste. Researchers are finding that consumption of cocoa-rich chocolate, loaded with classy antioxidants, offers a growing array of benefits to brain and body
Statins Have Benefits Beyond Protecting Our Arteries
All in all, statins can reduce the risk of heart attacks and other major clinical manifestations of coronary artery disease (CAD) by up to 37 percent. And since heart disease is America's leading cause of death, it's no wonder that the seven statin drugs are the best-selling prescription medications in the United States
You May Not Be as Thin as You think You Are
For decades, scientists have documented that people inaccurately perceive their own weight status. But in the past, women typically viewed themselves as being heavier than their bathroom scales indicated. Today, the tables have turned
E. coli isn't the only bug with renewed bite. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals kill around 63,000 people in the United States each year. These include common bacteria, such as those that cause gonorrhoea; Staphylococcus, which a recent study found on nearly half of U.S. supermarket meat; and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), which thrives in antibiotic-treated chickens
Healthy and Whole Convenience Food: Best of Both Worlds Is Possible
Convenience usually means fast food, pop-in-the-microwave processed foods and grab and go packs. In other words, foods typically laden with calories, fat, refined carbs and sodium, and low in vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients. But it's time for a food attitude adjustment. Plenty of healthy foods can be easily stored and whipped up in the time it would take you to pick up takeout
Trying to cut your caffeine consumption? You might not want to strike it from your diet entirely. Research keeps unearthing new benefits this popular stimulant confers on your cognitive and corporeal self.
Let's Put the 'Public' in Public Defibrillators
If you were in a public place and saw someone suddenly collapse, would you use a nearby defibrillator to revive him or her? In a survey of 1,000 adults, more than half answered, 'no.' Here's why
Why You Need More Self-compassion
According to new research in the growing field of self-compassion, people who are too hard on themselves are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and pessimism. They also tend to feel more isolated and have poor coping skills
Should You Go to a Holistic Dentist?
I'm a dentist with the exact same degree as traditional dentists. But instead of just fixing people's teeth, I want to get at, well, the root of their dental problems. It's part of a movement called holistic (or integrative) dentistry
Don't want your skin to look like the inside of a catcher's mitt by summer's end? Then you'd best protect your skin from the scorching sun. Here's how
Why 30 Years of AIDS Is Only the Tip of the Iceberg
June marks 30 years since the first report of AIDS -- a syndrome that has killed an estimated 25 million people worldwide. Yet this year's anniversary is somewhat arbitrary: The virus responsible for AIDS has probably been circulating within human populations for 100 years. Why did it take so long to detect it?
Food Allergies and Food Intolerance
It's no fun to live in fear of food. If you can't tolerate certain foods, you probably dread the gastrointestinal distress they can cause. If you have a food allergy, the stakes are higher: a meal could end in a trip to the emergency room. Or, like many people, you could be uncertain whether your symptoms are due to an allergy or an intolerance
Fill Your Daily Whole Grains 'Gap'
Whole grains are everywhere -- in breakfast cereals, breads, side dishes like grain and pasta, soups, snacks, and baked goods. With such availability and the good news about their health benefits, you'd think we'd all be meeting our recommendation for three servings of whole grains a day. Sadly, we're a long way off
B Vitamins Play Vital Role in Brain Functioning
New studies link B vitamins to preserving memory, mood, and cognitive mastery at all ages. There are, in all, nine of them, and while all of the B vitamins play a role in metabolism, some also protect the nervous system
Agave Nectar Is In Demand, But Is It Better Than Sugar?
Agave nectar (or syrup), made from a succulent that grows in Mexico, is in hot demand. Your local natural food store probably features agave in bottles, as well as in foods. Agave marketers claim that it's the perfect natural sweetener for diabetics. But is there any truth to the advertising hype?
Foods high in sugar, fat and refined carbs can stimulate your brain in ways that become addictive. People can literally get hooked on sugar. But if you crave sweets 24-7, you're likely putting on weight, getting too much unhealthy fat and missing out on the nutrients your body really needs. So try these strategies to break your sugar addiction and tame your inner sweets beast
Gloomy Forecast on Heart Disease
Baby boomers have been blamed for a litany of social woes, from the breakdown of the American family to global warming. The American Heart Association (AHA) adds another: sparking a huge increase in cardiovascular disease and health care costs over the coming decades. But this one boomers could walk away from -- literally
Biting Your Nails is Bad for Your Teeth
Gnawing on your nails can chip off the edges of your teeth. Your dentist can repair the damage with bonding material. But in my experience, the repairs won't last unless you nip your bad habit in the bud.
Breaking Free From Nicotine Dependence
More than 46 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, and a few million use snuff or chewing tobacco. Although 70 percent of smokers say they'd like to stop, nicotine is so addictive that only 3 percent successfully quit each year
Maqui Berries Make Splash in Exotic 'Superfruit' Circuit
The Internet is already abuzz over 'magic' maqui berries, which promise to help you lose weight, flush toxins, clear skin, boost energy and even fight cancer. But is the maqui berry boom nothing but a bust?
Are Electric Toothbrushes Worth the Cost?
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones -- and are they worth the cost?
Is Your Work Posture Harming Your Health?
The wrong work posture can contribute to fatigue, chronic neck, back and shoulder pain, headaches, muscle stiffness, even carpal tunnel syndrome. Luckily, you can avoid all of these problems with proper placement of your desk, chair and computer. Just follow these essential do's and don'ts of office setup