A new study suggests that quitting smoking – even in middle age or beyond – can slow cognitive decline. While cognitive decline naturally occurs with aging, research suggests that smoking exacerbates it and may increase the risk of dementia. Previous research found that quitting smoking early in life may reduce these effects. Mikaela Bloomberg, an epidemiologist at the University College London and the lead author on the paper published this week, says those who break the hab

There is strong evidence that there is “no safe amount” of processed meat to eat, nutrition experts say in response to a new study on the connection between diet and the risk of major diseases, including cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The researchers also found elevated risks from the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and trans fatty acids. Researchers analyzed data from more than 60 previous studies on the relationship between processed meats, sugar-sweete

If you needed another reason to get your daily steps in, science just handed you one. A new study shows that walking daily can reduce the risk of cognitive decline — especially among those with a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s disease. Almost 3,000 participants between the ages of 70 and 79 reported their daily walking habits over the course of 10 years, according to research that will be presented Tuesday at the annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

There’s no magic drink for lowering blood sugar, but some beverages, like teas and juices, may help keep your levels steady. These drinks can naturally support balanced levels and other long-term health benefits. 1. Water Dehydration can lead to higher blood sugar levels, thanks to increased levels of the hormones vasopressin and cortisol, which impact blood sugar regulation. Increasing water intake can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and potentially lower blood sugar leve

Everyday habits, like not wearing sunglasses or sleeping in your contact lenses, can lead to long-term eye damage. Here are eight common practices that can harm your eyes and vision. 1. Rubbing Your Eyes Rubbing your eyes might provide immediate relief for itchiness or irritation, but this habit can cause lasting damage. “Eye rubbing can actually be quite damaging to the eye,” Phillip Yuhas, OD, PhD , an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, t

Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, helping you burn calories throughout the day. It also gives you the energy you need to get things done and helps you focus at work or at school. Those are just a few reasons why it’s the most important meal of the day. Many studies have linked eating breakfast to good health, including better memory and concentration, lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, and lower chances of getting diabetes, heart disease, and being overweight. It’s h

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

When you lose weight, those pounds can come from either fat or muscle. And you don’t want to lose muscle, especially as you get older. Not only does muscle help you stay strong and independent, but it’s a leading indicator of overall health and longevity. In fact, research shows lean muscle mass is better at predicting overall health than body mass index (BMI), a score that uses both your height and weight to provide a rough estimate of whether you’re underweight, normal weig

Insulin resistance and diabetes are closely related. But not everyone who is insulin resistant has diabetes, and not all people with diabetes are insulin resistant. However, insulin resistance increases your chances of developing both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, in particular. This article explains the similarities and differences between insulin resistance and diabetes. What are the differences between insulin resistance and diabetes? Though interconnected, they are qui

For many years, body mass index (BMI) has been used as a measure of overweight and obesity. Because several cancers are linked to excess weight, physicians use BMI to help them assess a person’s cancer risk. Now, however, a study proposes that BMI may be too crude a measure for assessing cancer risk. It suggests that where excess fat is carried on the body may be equally important in increasing or decreasing a person’s risk of developing several types of cancers. The study,

Blood sugar is used for energy. Excess sugar in your blood gets stored in cells for later use. Too much sugar in your blood can be harmful. Type 2 diabetes is a disease where you have higher levels of blood sugar than typical limits. Unmanaged diabetes can lead to problems with your heart, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. The more you know about how eating affects blood sugar, the better you can protect yourself against diabetes. If you already have diabetes, it’s important

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

As the days get cooler and the leaves start to change, there’s no better time to lace up your sneakers and head outside. Walking is one of the simplest — and most effective — ways to boost your health, improve your mood, and enjoy the season. If you’ve been thinking about starting a walking routine or even working toward a 5K (3.1 miles), you don’t need to go from the couch to long-distance walking overnight. With the right plan, you can build up incrementally and discover th

The effects of certain foods on the brain make it hard for some people to avoid them. Food addiction operates similarly to other addictions. People may find it difficult to manage their cravings for certain foods — no matter how hard they try. Despite not wanting to, they may repeatedly find themselves eating large amounts of food — knowing that doing so may cause harm. This article examines food addiction and provides tips to overcome it. What is food addiction? Food addicti

A Nap a Day? Napping isn’t just for babies. Studies show that an afternoon nap is great for adults, too. There’s no need to feel lazy for indulging in daytime sleep. A short nap in the mid-afternoon can boost memory, improve job performance, lift your mood, make you more alert, and ease stress. Cozy up to these nap benefits. It Can Improve Your Memory Studies have shown that sleep plays an important role in storing memories. A nap can help you remember things learned earlier

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

When it comes to aging and healthy living, we’re often given the same advice: Eat better, exercise every day and sleep more. But solely focusing on your physical health isn’t enough to achieve longevity, a new study has found. Researchers looked at older adults’ optimal well-being, which they define as having social support; positive perceptions of aging, physical and mental health, happiness, and life satisfaction; and the ability to carry out daily activities without severe

After two decades treating heart disease, clogged arteries, and metabolic dysfunction, I began to notice a pattern. Many of my patients thought they were doing everything right — like exercising regularly and managing stress — yet they still ended up in my office with serious cardiovascular issues. The common thread? Everyday food choices. Some of the most harmful foods in the American diet don’t come with warning labels. Instead, they’re marketed as “heart smart,” “plant-bas

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

When comparing white potatoes vs. sweet potatoes, it's easy to spot differences like flavor and color. As a result, choosing a tuber for a specific dish tends to be a straightforward task. But if nutrition is the priority and you'd like to choose the healthiest option, the top choice might be less obvious. It doesn't help that these starchy vegetables often get a poor reputation, making the distinction particularly confusing. So, which is healthier: sweet potatoes or white po

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

Drinking as little as one can of diet soda a day may increase the risk of nonalcohol fatty liver disease by 60%, while drinking a sugary beverage could raise the risk by 50%, a new unpublished study found. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver of people who drink little to no alcohol. The damage can be similar to what’s seen in a heavy drinker and lead to cirrhosis — advanced scarring of the liver — as well as liver can

Did you know that someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States? It’s true—and the risk gets higher with age. The average heart attack age for men is 65, and 72 is the average age for women. Of course, you’ve probably heard advice before for how to prevent a heart attack. And it probably goes something like this: Be active, give up hamburgers and fries, and stop smoking if you smoke. “Those are the three mainstays,” says Nick Ruthmann, M.D., a cardiologist

You’ve probably seen the red lights in gyms or wellness centers and wondered, “Does this really work?” Red light therapy is more than a trendy wellness fad — it’s a gentle, non-invasive way to give your body a little extra support. From easing sore joints to giving your skin a healthy glow, it’s worth learning how this therapy might fit into your daily routine. As we age, keeping our bodies vibrant and healthy becomes increasingly important. Red light therapy (RLT) is an inno