A new year offers new beginnings and an opportunity to reset your eating habits after the holidays. Andrea Delgado , a Mayo Clinic dietitian, says it's best to eliminate what you don't need, including party food leftovers.  If your refrigerator is holding onto less-than-healthy holiday leftovers into the new year, it is OK to let them go. Dispose of leftovers or eat them gradually and in smaller  portions , Delgado advises. "You want to slowly regress back to your old healt

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

A banana’s color can tell you a lot about its nutrition. As it ripens from green to yellow to brown, its starch, sugar, antioxidants, and fiber levels shift. While no stage is “healthiest,” understanding these stages can help you pick the banana that best supports your goals. The Four Stages of Ripeness Banana ripeness can be divided into several stages, but four practical levels matter most for nutrition: Green: Unripe Green with yellow traces: Slightly ripe Fully yellow:

Magnesium plays a vital role in managing blood pressure, strengthening bones, regulating blood sugar levels, and maintaining a steady heart rhythm, among other benefits. While magnesium supplements can help maintain adequate levels, adding magnesium-rich foods to your diet is also helpful, with numerous options available. 1. Nuts and Seeds Several varieties of nuts and seeds stand out for their impressive magnesium levels: Almonds : An ounce of dry-roasted almonds contains 80

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

The “Shaking Palsy.” Those are the words Dr. James Parkinson used in an essay more than 200 years ago to group together symptoms and describe a mysterious infirmity afflicting six individuals in London. The British physician was the first to identify and document the condition now known as Parkinson’s disease, a progressive movement disorder. Its hallmark is damage to the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain that can lead to muscle stiffness, slowness, balance issues and a

With so much to do heading into the busy holiday season, is anyone getting enough sleep? Most sleep experts advise that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night for good health and emotional well-being (although that changes as you get older). And studies warn that sleeping for less than seven hours a day can increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and other issues that come with sleep deprivation. CNN has reported on those risks, too, includ

Hair loss is a common condition known as alopecia in the medical field. It has many known causes, including: genetics hormonal dysregulation hypothyroidism tension on the hair trauma infection chemotherapy Hair loss can also be caused by diet-related factors, such as nutrient deficiencies and supplement use. This article explains how diet can affect hair loss. Micronutrient deficiencies  Hair is made up of two main structures — the hair shaft, which is what you see, and the h

Even an occasional cigarette can endanger a person’s health and increase their risk of cardiovascular disease , according to a new study. Researchers report that people who smoke as few as two cigarettes per day have a 57% higher risk of heart failure and a 60% higher risk of death from any cause. They add that a person’s health risks decline significantly in the decade after quitting smoking. However, the researchers note that a former smoker can still have increased health

Treating Age Spots These small, flat, dark areas on your skin won’t hurt you, so you don’t have to treat them. But if you don’t like how they look, you can make the spots less noticeable or even make them disappear. You also can stop new ones from forming and keep the ones you have from getting darker. Skin-Lightening Creams and Lotions You can find lots of skin-lightening products at the drugstore. But before you buy, check the ingredients. Look for creams that contain trane

Precooked Whole Grains Whole grains like brown rice and quinoa amp up your fiber intake and lower your risk for heart disease, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes. But you don’t have to wait out the long cook time to enjoy their perks. You can find precooked grains in the frozen food case or in ready-to-microwave bowls or pouches -- just look out for added sodium. Serve as a tasty side or mix with veggies or precooked meat for a complete meal. Frozen Veggies Frozen produce, lik

Despite all our 21st-century medical advances, there is no cure to the common cold. This forces us to rely on home remedies to get through the day. One popular option for managing those pesky respiratory symptoms is cough drops. But do these lozenges genuinely help you recover or just drain your wallet and fill you with sugar? Here’s what the experts say. How Do Cough Drops Work? Cough drops contain specific ingredients that decrease the urge to cough and the pain in our thr

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

Honoring America's veterans means more than reflecting on their service now and then. It means supporting those still fighting battles that are largely unseen by others.  Advocates are spotlighting a nationwide effort to end veteran suicide. The effort is 24/7.  The Ad Council and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are partnering on a campaign called "Don’t Wait. Reach Out." It encourages veterans to seek help and connect with the resources they deserve. The campaign str

Oprah Winfrey is shining a light on family estrangement, which she calls "one of the fastest-growing cultural shifts of our time" — but one expert says the media mogul helped fuel that very culture. "A Cornell University study now shows that almost one-third of Americans are actively estranged from a family member," Winfrey said on a recent episode of "The Oprah Podcast," referring to adult children going "no-contact" with parents, siblings or entire family systems. Winfrey s

For those who have high blood pressure , taking a prescription medication can literally be life -saving. While medications are never a substitute for having healthy diet and lifestyle habits in place, scientific studies have shown just how powerful blood pressure-lowering medications can be.  For example, according to a 2024 scientific study published in Cureus , taking a blood pressure-lowering medication significantly reduced high blood pressure in elderly adults with hyper

Grocery prices are higher than ever, so shoppers need to be even more savvy about what they will and won’t spend money on. Some products are not only expensive but may be harmful to health, while others are just unnecessary and a waste of money. So what’s on the “best to avoid” list right now? Here are six foods you’re better off not buying at the grocery store, for the sake of your health and your wallet. Salad Kits Salad kits are expensive compared to just making a salad yo

Whether it’s date night, lunch with a friend, or a family dinner out, you’re probably eating out more often than you think. In a 2023 US Foods Survey , the average American ate food prepared out of the house, either takeout or dine-in, an average of 7.5 times per month. If you eat out too often or choose the wrong foods when eating out , your health could suffer. A March 2022 review in Nutrients found that a high rate of eating out was associated with poorer diet quality, as

If you were to look in the refrigerator of almost any American, chances are you’d find a carton of eggs. Eggs aren’t just a classic breakfast staple—they’re also used in a variety of savory lunch and dinner dishes and serve as an essential ingredient in many baked goods. Given how common eggs are in cooking, many people likely eat them every day in one form or another. But is this a bad thing, considering the mixed press and research surrounding eggs and the nutrients they co

Should You Use an Over-the-Counter Brace? Whether you’re strolling the aisles of your local drugstore or clicking around online, it’s easy to find braces meant to support your neck, back, ankle, wrist, and other joints. Should you try them? It depends. In most cases, it’s best to see your doctor first. If you use them wrong, or they don't fit the way they should, braces may do more harm than good.  Ankle Sprains You can use braces as part of the standard at-home treatment for

Carry Extra Weight Your joints, which link your bones together, are sensitive to heavy loads. Every pound on your frame puts 4 pounds of stress on your knees. It also strains your back, hips, and feet. That causes wear and tear that can lead to damage, aches, and pain. Being overweight also triggers inflammation. That can make all your joints, including in your hands, stiff, painful, and swollen. Text Too Much ‘Texting thumb’ is a real thing. Your tendons can get irritated an

Choline is one of those underrated micronutrients we don’t hear much about—in fact, most Americans aren’t eating enough of it. But every nutrient, no matter how micro, is essential—and choline is no exception. It’s necessary for a healthy brain and nervous system and helps regulate mood, memory and muscle control, plus it’s essential for forming the membranes surrounding your cells. It’s also vital for the proper brain development of babies in utero and after birth. Besides b

One is portable. One enjoyed a comeback fueled by TikTok. And they’re both packed with protein. We’re talking about hard-boiled eggs and cottage cheese. But only one can take the crown.  OK, not really. When we asked registered dietitians which one is the healthier snack, they agreed that both can fit into a healthy eating plan. The choice really comes down to your personal preferences and your unique health needs. So, it’s not necessary to stick to just one.  Here’s the nutr

The best time to eat lunch for steady energy may not be a specific time of day; rather, it's usually four to five hours after breakfast. Someone who wakes up and eats breakfast at 7 a.m. may feel ready for lunch around noon, while a later wake-up time and first meal naturally pushes lunch later. Why It's the Ideal Time Eating lunch four to five hours after breakfast aligns with your body's natural cycle of glucose metabolism. Refueling with lunch before your blood sugar dips

Foods that keep you awake at night include fatty foods, sugary foods, cruciferous vegetables, and foods and drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol. Foods like turkey, eggs, milk, and chamomile tea contain compounds that may help you get a better night's sleep. 1. Caffeine Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the world. Many people use caffeine to give them energy to help stay awake. However, taking in too much caffeine can cause a decrease in total sleep time

You can create a comforting pot of soup anytime, with ingredients that you have on hand. It’s true. Raid your pantry and clean out your crisper drawer. Look for hearty vegetables that you can use to build a soup base — an onion or leek, a couple of carrots or celery stalks, maybe a bell pepper. Then, improvise the rest. Toss in seasonal vegetables, greens and herbs, or leftover proteins and grains. The toughest part? You have to decide whether to go for a broth-based bowl or

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

Aches, pain, and fatigue are common complaints that practically everyone occasionally has. While over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief, overusing pain relievers can cause unwanted side effects, such as stomach upset. Natural remedies are an option that may help you feel better with fewer side effects. In this article, we’ll go over home remedies that have been found to reduce physical discomfort and ease fatigue. Natural home remedies for body aches and pa

Ivanka Trump, daughter of President Donald Trump, has been hitting the water for a workout. The 44-year-old mother of three has been open about her active lifestyle, which has included resistance training, racquet sports and jiu-jitsu lessons for the whole family, as Fox News Digital has reported. Recently, Trump has been spotted paddleboarding in her home state of Florida. She was photographed on the water in a black athletic mini-dress with matching visor and sunglasses on

Maintaining good health and longevity sometimes takes more than medicine, according to Dr. Marc Siegel. In his new book, "The Miracles Among Us," the Fox News senior medical analyst shares miraculous stories of healing and life-saving moments that exceed the bounds of medical intervention. "The book is amazing because it tells itself," he said. "The stories aren't mine; the stories are real. And what's interesting about them is that they are compilations that lead up to mirac

While they’re a popular dining attraction, food buffets are notorious hotbeds for food poisoning . There are no hard and fast numbers on how many people get sick from buffets each year, but a whopping 48 million people get sick from foodborne illness in the U.S. annually, making this a common health issue. Food safety experts say there are a few reasons why buffets tend to spread foodborne illness. “Think of food the way you think of milk left on the counter. It may look fi

A mutated version of the flu virus is causing issues around the world. And the U.S. could be next. The new flu variant is a version of influenza A H3N2, and it’s been dubbed “subclade K.” This mutated strain has already caused a surge of infections overseas. Flu information in the U.S. has been scarce due to the government shutdown, making it hard to know about the activity of this strain—or any form of the flu—in the country right now. There are reports of this strain of th

Whether cut up in a salad, spread on toast or transformed into a delightful guacamole dip, the latest research suggests a diet that includes a couple helpings of avocado a week can be beneficial to cardiovascular health. ​​The study, appearing in the Journal of the American Heart Association , found adults eating two or more servings a week (one cup) of the staple of Mexican cuisine have a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and 21 percent lower risk of coronary h

A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, not just emotionally, but financially, too. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, three out of four people with cancer worry about how they will pay for the cancer treatment and keep up with their day-to-day costs. Even with health insurance, the out-of-pocket costs can stack up fast depending on the treatments. That’s where cancer insurance comes in. What is cancer insurance? Cancer insurance is supplemental coverage designed

Magnesium plays a vital role in keeping your body functioning at its best. From supporting strong bones to maintaining a healthy heart, magnesium is a powerhouse nutrient often overlooked in daily diets. Including magnesium in the diet may boost bone strength, support heart health and improve mental well-being. It offers comprehensive benefits for overall wellness. Let’s dive into the health benefits of magnesium and see how getting enough may improve your overall health. Wha

Nighttime Is the Right Time When you’re trying to lose weight, eating healthful foods and working out regularly are important things to do. But there are also small changes you can try at night to help you slim down. Keep Evenings Busy Sometimes people overeat at night because they’re bored. If that's you, try to fit in some activities before bed. Walking, journaling, chatting with a friend, or reading a book can help distract you from binge eating.  Picking up a new hobby --

Trust Your Gut One of your most powerful tools is your own observation. Most of us have a sense for when a situation is dangerous. If your instinct or intuition tells you it’s serious, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. Chest Pain If you have chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a couple of minutes, or if it comes back, it’s time to call 911. You shouldn’t try to drive yourself or

Anybody can leave an online rating and review after a doctor’s appointment. They can provide honest overviews of a person’s experience with a medical professional, which can be helpful if you’re trying to decide on the right doctor for you. However, it is important to take certain factors into consideration when looking at online reviews, such as the authenticity of the feedback. Read on to learn more about what online doctor ratings mean, red flags to look out for, and more.

An eyelid twitch or contraction is a repetitive and involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. Eyelid twitches typically occur in unpredictable periods lasting between a few seconds and hours. Chronic twitching could last for a few days or weeks. Most twitches are painless, harmless, and will resolve without medical intervention. In rare cases, eyelid spasms may be an early warning sign of a chronic movement disorder, especially if other facial tics or uncontrollable movements

Cardiac arrhythmias can produce a range of symptoms—from very mild, like lightheadedness, to life-threatening, including cardiac arrest. These can be divided into a “classic” group of symptoms that are highly (though not exclusively) indicative of cardiac arrhythmia and an “other” group of symptoms that are just as likely to be caused by an arrhythmia as something else. But many times, much to patients' surprise, cardiac arrhythmias may not produce any symptoms at all. This i

High cholesterol can raise blood pressure because it contributes to plaque build-up in your arteries (atherosclerosis). High blood pressure can occur as a result of your heart having to work harder to pump blood. How High Cholesterol Influences High Blood Pressure High cholesterol influences blood pressure by causing changes in your arteries. When LDL (bad cholesterol) builds up in your bloodstream, it forms into plaque that thickens the inner vessel walls, causing your arter

Two of the most popular healthy breakfast options are eggs and oatmeal — with good reason. Both provide filling protein along with plenty of other necessary vitamins and minerals. But is one better for you than the other? "Eggs and oatmeal can both be healthy breakfast options, but they offer very different benefits," says Natalie Rizzo, registered dietitian and TODAY nutrition editor. While eggs are packed with filling protein and nutrients like choline, "oatmeal delivers f

All fruits are nutritious, but some have extra superpowers thanks to flavanols. These natural plant compounds are found in many fruits, tea and cocoa, says Patricia Bannan, a registered dietitian in Los Angeles. “They act as antioxidants, which means they help protect our cells from everyday stress. Think of them as tiny helpers in plant foods that support overall health,” Bannan tells TODAY.com. “Flavanols support blood vessel health, which can help with healthy circulation

More data is emerging supporting a sharp decline in the number of young adults identifying as transgender or non-binary. Last week, Fox News Digital reported on data shared by Eric Kaufman , a professor of politics at the University of Buckingham, showing that the share of college students identifying as anything other than male or female has been cut in half in just two years. Now, Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Diego State University, has identified additional

A West Virginia judge ruled on Wednesday that parents can use religious beliefs to opt out of school vaccine requirements for their children. Raleigh County Circuit Judge Michael Froble on Wednesday issued a permanent injunction, saying children of families who object to the state's compulsory vaccination law on religious grounds will be permitted to attend school and participate in extracurricular sports. Froble found that a state policy prohibiting parents from seeking reli

For as long as the human race has lived on this planet, meat has been a part of our diets . And although there are more vegetarians and vegans nowadays, Americans continue to consume high volumes of meat. As Ipsos reported in 2021, 89% of Americans include meat as part of their diets. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) said in 2021 that between 63% and 74% of people eat red or processed meat every day. And interestingly, just 12% of Americans eat half the nation’s b

Living with chronic pain and other debilitating symptoms of arthritis is tough. Even if you're working with an amazing healthcare provider and have a tailor-made and effective treatment plan, it sometimes can be easy to fall off track and develop bad habits or a negative attitude. These are all problems you can overcome though. Here are ten ways to do that. Stop Thinking Your Arthritis Will Go Away Many forms of arthritis are chronic diseases, meaning they can't be cured. As

Early signs of dementia include cognitive symptoms and changes in behavior, mood, and personality. The symptoms can be subtle at first and later progress so that people may not be able to take care of themselves. Symptoms may indicate early dementia if they are out of character, persistent, and getting worse. It's important to see a healthcare provider if you have concerns about dementia to get a correct diagnosis. 1. Memory Loss It's common for people to forget things, espec

It’s normal to have moments of feeling down or stressed. Sometimes the reason is obvious. (You’re running late. Foul weather ruined a planned outing.) Other times, the culprit is a mystery. Either way, what you want is to turn the day around — fast.    The good news is that there are many simple things you can do in the moment to boost your mood. Not only will you feel better, your overall health will reap the benefits, too.   Finding meaningful ways to brighten your outlook

Every year, about 29 million adults in the U.S. — or 1 out of 8 — are diagnosed with a sinus infection, also called sinusitis. An estimated one-fifth of all prescribed antibiotics are intended to treat sinusitis. Your sinuses are four pairs of air-filled interconnected cavities located between your eyes and nose. What goes on inside them — a microscopic battle between infection- and inflammation-causing antigens and the body’s defense forces — can have a serious impact on you