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

A healthier alternative to table sugar that looks, tastes and cooks like the real thing has been cooked up by scientists—with the help of slime mold. Using engineered bacteria, engineers at Tufts University produced tagatose, which is about 92 percent  as sweet as sucrose  but contains roughly 60 percent fewer calories.  It occurs naturally only in trace amounts—less than 0.2 percent of the sugars found in foods like dairy products and  certain fruits such as apples, oranges

Hot drink lovers might want to think again before grabbing a cup of coffee or tea on-the-go, as disposable plastic cups have been found to release thousands of microplastics into drinks, a new study has warned. Microplastics can be formed from the breakdown of larger plastic items or be released directly from products during their use. “These particles end up in our environment, our food, and eventually, our bodies,” said paper author and environmental scientist Xiangyu

What Is Acetaminophen? In the U.S., acetaminophen is the common name for N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP). In other countries, it may be called paracetamol. It's a non-opioid analgesic, which means that it reduces pain signals in your nervous system. It's also an antipyretic agent, which means it reduces fever. Uses of acetaminophen Doctors recommend it for mild-to-moderate pain relief in conditions such as: Backaches Colds Headaches Period pain Minor arthritis pain Muscle ac

Common preservatives used to keep food safe and extend shelf life may be linked to a higher risk of several cancers and type 2 diabetes, according to two new studies from France. “These are very important findings for preservatives that are not only widely used in the French and European markets, but also in the United States,” said senior author Mathilde Touvier, principal investigator of the NutriNet-Santé study used to conduct the research. The NutriNet-Santé study, which

Diet Plays a Role Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer for both men and women. Smart food choices may help you lower your chances of getting it. Some studies say that people who eat right, exercise, stay a healthy weight, and keep alcohol to a minimum may cut their odds of the disease by more than a third. Eat: Dairy Most studies agree that calcium-rich dairy products can make you less likely to have colon growths (called adenomas) and colorectal cancer.

They’re not pretty to talk about, but tummy troubles are important to address. They’re also more common than you might think—60 to 70 million people struggle with digestive diseases. While a single food can’t solve all of your gut issues, your food choices may be able to help. If nothing else, what you eat (or drink) could provide a little relief. Case and point: Ginger. Whether in tea, shots, food, or even gummy chews, ginger has been known to help soothe an upset stomach, a

Resolutions to improve health typically include measures such as more exercise, a healthier diet and stopping smoking. But what about your gut microbiome ? Taking steps to protect and improve it can benefit digestive health and more, says Purna Kashyap, M.B.B.S. , a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic who specializes in the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal disorders . "The microbiome is essentially a community of bacteria, fungi, viruses and all of their genes," Dr. Kashya

The supplement industry is booming. A recent analysis found that by 2034 , the dietary supplements market could reach upwards of $ 170 billion. Supplements that promote gut health are among the most popular options my patients use, with most individuals taking probiotics, prebiotics or a combination of the two. Though many lifestyle choices impact gut health, diet remains a primary driver of a well-functioning microbiome. The Gut vs. The Microbiome Gut health is a primary dri

Though the exact role of diet in prostate health isn’t clear, several theories exist. Some experts believe that the high fat, high-sugar Western diet may contribute to increased rates of prostate cancer. Some studies have associated diets high in dairy products and high total calcium intake through food and supplements with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this. You’ll still need to see a healthcare professional for re

Antibiotics are widely known to disrupt gut health by killing “good” as well as “bad” bacteria in the digestive tract.  Now scientists are also exploring if other common drugs can interfere with the trillions of microbes that constitute the gut microbiome — leading to changes that linger long after you stop taking the medication.  “This has been a hidden problem,” says Martin J. Blaser, MD, director of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers University i

Raspberries are packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and prebiotics that support a healthy gut. Adding this fruit to your diet can help ease constipation, balance your microbiome, and support weight management. 1. They're Rich in Fiber Raspberries are one of the highest-fiber fruits available , providing 8 grams of fiber per one cup serving. Research shows that consuming plenty of fiber is key for supporting a healthy digestive tract in multiple ways. This nutrient helps: Sl

I’ve been noticing a trend during my weekly grocery runs — beverage cases brimming with probiotic drinks, all promising to support gut health. Some of these drinks I’ve enjoyed myself, such as kefir. But recently, some of these beverages have the same look and feel as soft drinks. Once I noticed, I began seeing these drinks everywhere. You might have seen brand names such as Poppi, Olipop or Culture Pop at a neighborhood cookout or your friends might have opted for kombucha o

You may have heard the saying that raw oysters are safer to eat in months with an “R” in them—from September to April, when it’s cooler in the Northern Hemisphere. But this old rule isn't true. Eating raw oysters is risky year-round, and the danger has little to do with temperature or storage. Although modern farming and supply chains have improved food safety, the risk of eating raw oysters goes beyond how they’re harvested or stored. Oysters are filter feeders, meaning the

Is it a stomachache or something more worrisome? While discomfort in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract — the path that runs through your entire digestive system — can often be temporary and relatively harmless, in some cases it can signal a more serious medical problem.  Bloating, diarrhea, constipation , abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, gas and other common GI symptoms can result from a number of health issues, ranging from stress to GI diseases like ulcerative co

Waking up feeling backed up and bloated is no fun, but simple nighttime habits can set you up for smoother mornings and regular bowel movements. From smart food choices to better sleep routines, small changes can make a big difference for your digestion. 1. Stick to a Sleep Schedule Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily can help you achieve regular bowel movements. A consistent sleep and wake schedule regulates your body’s natural rhythm. Some research also sugge

Antacids are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that help relieve heartburn or indigestion by reducing stomach acid. While they provide quick relief, antacids can also cause side effects, especially when overused. These side effects can vary depending on the type of antacid you take. 1. Constipation Antacids that contain calcium, such as Tums ( calcium carbonate ), are associated with constipation, as well as bloating and gas. Aluminum-containing antacids can also cause const

A new analysis of diet studies suggests that swapping red meat for plant proteins can help support healthier cholesterol levels, and in turn, better heart health. For their analysis, researchers from Spain reviewed dozens of clinical trials comparing red meat with other foods. They found that swapping red meat for plant proteins improved cholesterol levels, while replacing it with a mix of animal and plant proteins led to a small rise in triglycerides. High cholesterol—especi

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...

One recent weekend, I didn’t drink much while out in the sun. That Monday morning, after seven hours of sleep, I still felt exhausted. I...