If you've noticed more food companies talking about natural ingredients lately, you're not alone. One of America's best-known candy brands is the latest to make changes as consumer interest in cleaner ingredient lists continues to grow. Mars, the maker of M&M's, plans to introduce a version of the candy made without artificial food dyes. During the transition, the company says some colors—including blue and brown—will temporarily be missing from certain packages because they'

Once you reach your 50s, health advice starts coming at you from every direction. One week you're told to cut back on coffee, and the next week a new study suggests your morning cup might actually have benefits for your heart. It can be hard to know what to believe. I've learned not to chase every headline. Instead, I look for the bigger picture. Researchers continue to study how moderate coffee consumption affects cardiovascular health, and many findings have been reassuring

As we get older, it's not unusual for our bathroom habits to change. Medications, diet, reduced physical activity, and certain health conditions can all affect how often we have a bowel movement. While occasionally delaying a trip to the bathroom isn't usually harmful, making a habit of it can lead to problems that become more common—and more serious—with age. Here's what can happen when you regularly ignore the urge to go. 1. Constipation Can Become a Bigger Problem One of t

Many people over 50 start paying closer attention to their digestive health. One common question is whether there’s a “best” time of day to have a bowel movement. The short answer: there isn’t one perfect time for everyone. While many adults naturally have a bowel movement in the morning, what matters most is having a pattern that feels normal and comfortable for you. Why Morning Is the Most Common Time If you often head to the bathroom shortly after waking up, you’re not alo

Passing gas isn't exactly a favorite topic of conversation, but many adults notice changes in digestion as they get older. If you've found yourself dealing with more gas than you used to, you're not alone—and in many cases, it's nothing to worry about. Gas is a normal byproduct of digestion. Most people pass gas several times a day, and the exact number matters less than whether your habits have changed noticeably from what's normal for you. Why Gas May Become More Noticeable

As a registered dietitian, I often get asked about my go-to list of foods. One food I always mention is oats. There's nothing like a steaming bowl of hot oatmeal with nuts and berries to comfort my soul on a gloomy morning. The goodness of oats goes beyond comfort, though. Research suggests that regularly eating oats may reduce total and LDL (harmful) cholesterol—and lower cholesterol levels are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. So, what is so unique about oats

Curling up on the couch for movie night? Before you pop your next bag of microwave popcorn, find out if this classic snack is healthy or not. How Did Microwave Popcorn Come To Be? This microwaveable treat burst on to the food scene in the early 1980s. According to an article published in The New York Times, by the late 1980s all the major food manufacturers were fighting to corner the market on popped corn made with the push of a button. Fast forward forty years and market re

Passing gas, also known as flatulence, is a natural part of digestion that happens when swallowed air or gases produced by gut bacteria move through your intestines and out of your body. Most people fart between 5 and 15 times a day, so if you've ever wondered why you're more flatulent than usual, the answer often comes down to diet, eating habits, or changes in your gut. 1. Swallowing Air Air you swallow while eating and drinking is a common cause of farts. This happens when

Ever find yourself sitting on the toilet trying to poop but nothing comes out? You’re definitely not alone. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints, accounting for millions of doctors visits each year. “Constipation is more common than most people realize, affecting about 35 million Americans, or roughly 1 in 10,” shares Yasi Ansari, M.S., RDN, CSSD. When you’re backed up, it can be tempting to try quick fixes. But experts agree one of the most effe

While long-term smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for COPD, your environment also plays a massive role. If you have COPD, living somewhere with low pollution levels can help you manage your symptoms. For people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) , everyday life can be difficult. COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis . About 30 million Americans have COPD, and more than half are unaware of it.

Probiotics Probiotics are live microorganisms found in fermented foods and supplements. Probiotics may help with various digestive issues, including diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They work by balancing gut bacteria, enhancing the immune system, and improving digestion. Common probiotic strains include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Probiotic-Rich Food Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet is a natural way to su

Most of us have heard that plastic and microwaves are a bad match. But despite that knowledge, we sometimes fall into the trap of heating up our lunch packed Tupperware containers for the sake of time and convenience. If you do a deep dive into the dangers of plastics in the kitchen, you would probably quit this bad habit cold turkey, but the truth is we’re all strapped for time and are just looking for a safe way to heat our leftovers in the microwave in less than two minute

Understanding Colon Cancer Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, originates in the large intestine or rectum, often starting from polyps – precancerous growths in the colon’s lining. While it can affect anyone, it’s most prevalent in individuals over 50, emphasizing the importance of early detection through screenings for better treatment outcomes. Statistics show colon cancer as the third most diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the U.S., with over 100,000 new cases annu

Why It Happens It’s normal to have some gas. Each day, most people make 1 to 3 pints of it as we digest our food. It escapes 14 to 23 times a day, one way or the other. But if the gas can’t easily get out, you may feel uncomfortable and bloated. Two Sources The gas inside you builds up two ways. Some of it starts as air that you swallow along with your food. Most of that goes away when you burp, but a little flows on into you. Your large intestine makes the rest of the gas as

The fact that we now have medications to treat everything from everyday infections to cardiovascular conditions is nothing short of miraculous. At the same time, ongoing research has revealed that some of these drugs may have unexpected effects on the body. So what is the number-one medication that impacts your gut microbiome? When we asked gastroenterologists which medication impacts the gut the most, they had the same answer: Antibiotics , which are used to treat bacterial

1. Your Genes Metabolism is how your body changes food into energy. If your body is slow at burning calories while you rest or sleep, you probably got that from your parents, through your genes. What you can do: Since you can’t change your genes, focus on your habits. One of the best ways to pep up your metabolism is to get more exercise. Look for ways to sneak more activity into your day. 2. Hormones Hormones impact appetite, metabolism, and even where your body stores fat.

Your kidneys do more work to keep you healthy than you can imagine. These bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist, are crucial in maintaining your overall well-being. Yet, many people overlook the importance of kidney health until problems occur. According to recent statistics from the CDC, over 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease, many without knowing it. Millions more are at risk due to unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits. In this article

Fruits are naturally high in fiber, a nutrient that comes with a host of benefits for gut health, heart health, digestion and weight loss. The plant-based carbohydrate can’t be digested, which is exactly what gives it superpowers as it moves through the body. You may think of fiber as one single substance, but there are actually two types: Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Both help you feel full, but each has special benefits, says Lisa Young, Ph.D., a registered dietitian

You may become hungrier when it's cold outside. This can be due to several different reasons, such as natural instincts, a need for additional calories for energy, mental health concerns, and more. 1. Biological Drive The scarcity of food throughout history created a biological survival drive to consume abundant amounts of food, with increased hunger in colder seasons. This is because, to survive in lower temperatures, humans had to consume more food. Until about the middle o

Supplements offer health benefits, but they may also interact with common cold medications in ways that increase side effects or reduce effectiveness. 1. Decongestants Decongestants are one of the most common ingredients in cold and flu products because nasal congestion is a frequent and uncomfortable symptom of these conditions. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are decongestants commonly found in cold and flu medications. They work by constricting blood vessels in the nose