Avocados These pear-shaped fruits (yep, they’re fruits!) are packed with potassium. Your body needs potassium to manage its sodium levels, which in turn controls the amount of water you hang onto. The better that system works, the less bloat you’ll have. Bananas Bananas deliver a potassium punch. One study showed that women who ate a banana before each meal bloated less than those who didn’t. Experts think that’s because they deliver certain gut bacteria that help calm gas pr

While outdoor air pollution certainly poses a concern, it might be easy to forget that the quality of the air you breathe at home may be just as important. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that indoor pollutant levels be 100 times higher than outdoor air pollutants. Higher levels could lead to health effects, including allergic reactions, asthma, heart disease, and possibly cancer. Unexplained respiratory symptoms could offer a clue that it may be time to

A slight tickle in your throat, body aches, and a sudden fever could be some of the first signs that you’re coming down with the flu. The influenza virus (or flu for short) affects between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population each year. It’s crucial that you recognize the symptoms early so you can start taking care of yourself. It’s especially critical for young children, older adults, pregnant people, or people with conditions that affect their respiratory or immune sys

Feeling off but not spiking a fever? That doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have the flu, COVID or other common illnesses that circulate this time of year. Many of the early warning signs of common infections appear differently in older adults — and some of the symptoms can be surprising. Much of it has to do with the weakening of the immune system with age, a process known as immunosenescence. This decline blunts the typical response to fighting off infection and the sy

Changes in daylight hours and cooler temperatures contribute to various body changes in autumn. If you notice mood changes, energy dips, or generally feeling "off" in the transition from summer to fall, you're not alone. 1. Your Mood Changes Many people experience mood changes as the weather cools and the days become shorter. Less physical activity could be to blame, but other factors may also be at play: Low vitamin D levels: Vitamin D comes primarily from sun exposure. Vit

Spring brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and greener lawns. But for more than 81 million Americans with seasonal allergies, it can also mean itchy throats, watery eyes, and nonstop sneezing. And allergy season is getting longer. Due to shifts in the climate, experts say it now starts 20 days earlier and lasts 10 days longer than it did 30 years ago—with pollen levels rising more than 20%. If you or a loved one are affected, knowing what’s behind those symptoms—and how

Infection rates from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” are on the rise in the U.S.—meaning that it is important to be aware of the risks, causes and how to slow the spread. The surge comes as part of what the World Health Organization (WHO) has dubbed “one of the top global public health and development threats”: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. Antimicrobials include antibio

Artery Damage Your arteries should be sturdy, springy, and smooth to move blood easily from your heart and lungs to your organs and other tissues. High blood pressure, or HBP, pushes too hard on your artery walls. This damages the inside and causes fat, or “plaque,” to collect. That plaque makes your arteries more stiff and narrow, so they can’t do their job as well. Aneurysm It’s when pressure pushes out a section of an artery wall and weakens it. If it breaks, it can bleed

Sick Day Solutions When you're sick with the flu, stomach bug, or even a common cold, what you eat can make all the difference between spending another day in bed and waking up refreshed. The key is eating meals that are comforting physically and emotionally — plus getting a little nourishment. That’s why we asked 10 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) which foods they turn to when they’re under the weather. Shockingly, chicken noodle soup isn’t on the list! Smoothies

What Over-the-Counter Drugs Affect the Liver? Many people rely on OTC medications for relief from pain, cold symptoms, and other ailments, but some of these drugs can harm your liver. Painkillers like acetaminophen , and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or over long periods. Even supplements like kava and green tea extract can be risky. The liver processes these substances, and excessive use can lead to liver toxicity, inf

Lime wedges look fabulous perched on the rims of your favorite beverage, but they’re so much more than a simple garnish. Limes are also packed with health-enhancing phytonutrients. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, shares six stellar reasons to include limes and lime juice in your diet. Why are limes good for you? The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients in limes offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. They can also help fight cellular

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We all know that brushing our teeth is important. However, it's easy to make mistakes during one's dental hygiene routine. In fact,...