Spring is just around the corner, which means you should already be taking your usual seasonal allergy medicines, experts say. If you feel like your seasonal allergy symptoms are getting worse every year, you're not imaging it. Compared to 1970, pollen season starts 20 days earlier, concentration is 21% higher, and the pollen that's out there is even more potent, NBC News medical contributor Dr. Natalie Azar explained on a March 11, 2026, segment on TODAY. Those changes are

If you're looking for a quick, protein-filled snack, meat sticks may seem like a no-brainer. They're no longer just a gas station staple. In recent years, they’ve become a trendy high-protein, low-carb snack often with better-for-you branding, registered dietitian Samantha Cassetty tells TODAY.com. You can find sticks made from a variety of meats in fancy flavors. Meat sticks are the fastest-growing snack category in the United States, garnering $5.5 billion in sales last yea

That bold cup of morning coffee we can't live without or the mug of hot tea we rely on to aid an afternoon slump may provide us with a quick mood-boost, but exclusively relying on caffeinated beverages is not the solution for garnering sustained energy throughout the day. Drinking caffeine as a means of gaining energy is not only unrealistic, but it's also a lifestyle habit that can potentially have long- and short-term negative effects, both physically and mentally. Read on

I’ve spent my life bored by fiber, thinking it was only good for bowel regularity, or, at best, a grandparent conversation-starter. But when I scroll through recipes on social media these days, the videos showing up on my feed are a different and, dare I say, exciting side of this essential nutrient. One creator smashes magenta raspberries into a jammy layer for chia pudding. Another tosses sun-soaked orange sweet potatoes and vibrant green kale into a polychromatic salad. F

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.

Getting a good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your health. In fact, it’s just as important as eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising. Most people need 7 to 9 hours. Here are five reasons why getting more sleep can help support your body and mind. 1. May help you maintain or lose weight The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends that adults get 7 or more hours of sleep per night. A 2020 analysis found that adults who slept

Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing response, but when it becomes chronic, it can raise the risk of several long-term health conditions. 1. Water Drinking more water throughout the day is an effective way to stay hydrated and flush toxins from your system. Dehydration can increase systemic inflammation and lead to several health problems. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. If you’re bored with plain water, consider adding sliced fruit, such as

Many people turn to over-the-counter (OTC) aspirin for occasional relief from mild to moderate pain, including headaches, toothaches, and menstrual cramps. However, some people take aspirin more often than others—and not only may they not need to, but doing so may do more harm than good. According to a University of Michigan poll on healthy aging, many older adults between the ages of 50 and 80 years take aspirin more than three times per week. While some adults might be tol

What Is Mental Exhaustion? It’s kind of like physical tiredness, except it’s your mind instead of your muscles. It tends to show up when you focus on a mentally tough task for a while. You might also feel this kind of brain drain if you’re always on alert or stressed out. Your job, caring for children or aging parents, and other things can lead to mental exhaustion. You’re Angry or Impatient Mental fatigue can put you in a bad mood. You may be short-tempered or irritated, sna

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

When people think about building strength, they likely picture lifting weights or taking a high-intensity exercise class. Walking is often dismissed as “just cardio” or something you do to reach your step count or get some fresh air. But walking acts as far more than a calorie-burning activity. It’s one of your body’s most fundamental movement patterns. How you walk affects pelvic alignment, core stability, hip mobility, balance, breathing and even how your nervous system reg

One of the most bothersome things about being sick or having seasonal allergies is that it makes your nose stuffy and blocked. This makes breathing in through your nostrils frustrating – if not altogether impossible. But even when you aren’t sick, perhaps you’ve noticed that when you take a deep breath, only one of your nostrils seems to be allowing the air in. Before you panic and wonder if you’re coming down with something, what you’re experiencing is actually a normal bodi

The evidence is irrefutable — a pile of drool atop a drenched spot on your pillow. As you awake with a start, you might even wipe that bit of spittle still dangling from your mouth. Drooling can be embarrassing, especially if you’re waking up to a newly minted lover beside you. But if you’re sleeping alone or next to a seasoned partner who isn’t disturbed by bodily functions, experts say it’s not a big deal — unless it’s a frequent occurrence. “Everyone drools at one time or

A medical watchdog is calling on the Food and Drug Administration to investigate companies that allow Americans to purchase sex-rejecting drugs without a prescription, in pursuit of transgender identity. Do No Harm released a report titled “The Lack of Barriers to Minors Ordering Cross-Sex Hormones Online” Tuesday. It highlights certain websites that may enable minors to obtain estrogen and testosterone from online pharmacies and other sources that do not appear to require pr

The MAHA PAC is launching a $100 million fundraising campaign to bolster “Make America Healthy Again” candidates endorsed by President Donald Trump in the 2026 midterms. The MAHA PAC, a Robert F. Kennedy-aligned super PAC dedicated to “Making America Healthy Again,” hopes to “counter the influence of Big Pharma, Big Food, and Big Ag, which are funneling massive resources to Democratic opponents in a desperate bid to derail the transformative health reforms spearheaded by [Hea

If you listen to the many fitness gurus online, you’ve probably heard “calories in versus calories out” as the only way to lose weight. While the saying holds some merit, it doesn’t fully explain the most healthy and effective approaches that will lead to sustainable, long-term weight loss. As a result, many people have resorted to starving themselves of calories, which can be incredibly harmful to health. In this article, learn why starving yourself isn’t a good idea for wei

Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing process. During injury or infection, the body releases chemicals to help protect it and fight off any harmful organisms. This can cause redness, warmth and swelling. Some foods, like sugar, can also cause inflammation in the body. But this is not acute inflammation, like the type you’d get with an injury, which comes and goes quite quickly. It’s chronic. And chronic low-grade inflammation can increase your risk of serious hea

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

Whether you’re reading about treatment outcomes or simply trying to find a healthy diet plan, it can be hard to know if you can believe what you read on the internet or social media. No information you find online can replace a medical professional’s advice. But most healthcare professionals welcome you doing your own research and bringing it into the clinic to discuss. In fact, it’s always a good idea to ask them if your online searches have landed on trustworthy sources. Yo

For decades, we were told to fear certain foods. Fat was the enemy. Carbs were suspicious. Calories were everything. But nutrition science has evolved and so have the guidelines. Today’s food recommendations focus less on villains and more on value : how foods nourish your body, support your energy, and work alongside your lifestyle. In other words, it’s no longer about “foods that make you fat.” It’s about patterns, balance, and how you live. Let’s break down what’s changed

People who have razor-sharp minds in their 80s and 90s — known as “SuperAgers” — produce twice the number of young neurons as cognitively healthy adults and 2.5 times as many as people with Alzheimer’s disease, a new study found. “This shows the aging brain has the capacity to regenerate — that’s huge,” said study coauthor Dr. Tamar Gefen, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Mesulam Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at N

About 40 million Americans—12% of the U.S. population—have diabetes, 38 million of them having type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes are often advised to limit their consumption of sweets to help manage their blood sugar levels. But a crucial component of a healthy eating pattern is that it's enjoyable so you can stick with it for the long haul, which means that occasionally including a dessert or sweet snack can be a smart move—and this includes chocolate. But choosing which

All the Shades of Gray It’s said a woman’s hair is their crowning glory. Sooner or later, that crown will start to gray. You now face a decision. Banish gray hair with dye, or rock a silver mane? Whichever you pick, know the facts about your gray strands to keep your hair looking and feeling its best. Science of Grays Your hair follicles have pigment cells that make melanin, a chemical that gives your hair its color. As you age, these cells start to die. Without pigment, new

Frozen meals may be convenient, but they can also affect your health. An occasional frozen meal can help ease the burden of weekly meal planning, but relying on them too often may harm your health. 1. You May Consume Too Much Sodium Frozen meals tend to be higher in sodium. Sodium helps preserve food and enhance flavor. Frozen meals generally contain at least 400 milligrams (mg) of sodium per serving, which can quickly add up, especially if the meal is more than one serving.

Whole-Wheat Pasta Also called whole-grain pasta, this type of pasta keeps the bran, endosperm, and germ of the grain together. It’s filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This helps you feel full longer and keeps your blood sugar from spiking. It also has a little over 8 grams of protein per cup cooked.  Chickpea Pasta Made of chickpea flour and water, this pasta has the same health benefits as a can of chickpeas. That means fiber, folate, magnesium, and potassium. It als

If your knees creak or your hips feel stiff when you get out of bed in the morning, you might blame it on the normal wear and tear that comes with age. But the stiffness could also be something else: a problem with joint lubrication. A natural lubricant called synovial fluid helps your bones glide together without grinding, says Dr. Kenneth Mautner, a sports medicine physician at Emory Healthcare’s Orthopaedics and Spine Center in Atlanta. As we age, our bodies can produce le

Almost all of us could use more fiber. While women and men are recommended to get 25-38 grams of fiber per day, respectively, more than 90% of Americans fail to meet these targets (yikes!). That doesn’t just spell trouble for our digestive health. Fiber also helps protect against weight gain and can help reduce the risk of a long list of chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Of course, whole grains like oatmeal can help. For instance, a half-

One large egg has 6.3 grams of protein and 72 calories, making it a great addition to a breakfast sandwich, salad, or ramen bowl. When you want to mix up your protein routine, here are eight pantry staples with more protein than an egg.  1. Peanut Butter Protein: 7 to 8 g Standard serving: 2 tbsp Calories: 188 Peanut butter is a creamy or crunchy, protein-packed spread. Keep a jar on hand to add a protein boost to sliced apples or a bowl of oatmeal. Consider checking the nut

When President Donald Trump signed an executive order prioritizing production of the pesticide glyphosate, conservative influencer Alex Clark received hundreds of messages from Make America Healthy Again advocates saying they would no longer vote Republican.  “I have received hundreds of DMs saying I’m either not voting in the midterms or I’m considering not voting because this was such a massive issue,” Clark told The Daily Signal.  Removing pesticides and chemicals from the

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may seem like unlikely bedfellows, but not when you consider that they share a common enemy: ultra-processed foods.  Both have openly declared war on these highly addictive, unhealthy products, which range from 4,000 to 10,000 ingredients, making them difficult to regulate. Both believe that at the heart of the enormous health crisis (people in the U.S. get half of their calories from ultra-proc

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for short periods while you’re sleeping. People with sleep apnea don’t take in enough oxygen. This causes them to gasp and often wake up. In many cases, people are unaware that they’ve stopped breathing, and believe that their sleep cycle is normal. Sleep apnea can sound like snoring. Sleep apnea can cause a number of health complications besides leaving you more tired in the morning. If left untreated, this sleep

Cholesterol plaques can be the cause of heart disease. Plaques begin in artery walls and grow for years, slowly blocking blood flow in the arteries. Worse, a cholesterol plaque can rupture. The sudden blood clot that forms over the rupture then causes a heart attack or stroke. Blocked arteries caused by plaque buildup and blood clots are the leading cause of death in the U.S. Reducing cholesterol and other risk factors can help prevent cholesterol plaques from forming. Occasi

"Happy Weight" and "Healthy Weight" Weight is often seen as a key sign of health, but the concept of a "healthy weight" can vary depending on body type, lifestyle, and overall well-being. This is where the idea of a "happy weight" comes into play, sometimes causing confusion and frustration for those trying to find their ideal weight. Here’s the difference between these terms and how to determine what a healthy weight is for you. Society, Culture, and Body Image Societal and

Sleep is vitally important at all ages, but a myth persists: older adults simply need less sleep. But in fact, people who are 65 and older are still recommended to get the same amount of sleep as younger adults. “As we age, we still need around 7–9 hours of sleep, but the way we sleep shifts. Sleep tends to become lighter and more fragmented, meaning older adults wake up more during the night. This can be due to natural changes in our internal body clock, certain medications,

Overall nutritious eating is well-associated with sleeping better, but some individual foods can make a difference as well. Certain foods can interact with the hormones that are responsible for regulating sleeping, making them more effective. Other foods can interfere with a good night's sleep. 1. Pistachios Pistachios contain the sleep hormone melatonin. They are also high in vitamin B6 (one ounce contains about 25% of the daily value), which is necessary for the production

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

Getting enough protein is important, especially as we get older. Not only is protein critical for all our cells to function properly, but it’s also essential for building and maintaining strong bones and muscles. There are other benefits to adding more protein to your daily meals, too. A higher-protein diet can help promote weight loss, keep you feeling fuller longer and improve blood sugar stability. But it isn’t always easy to eat enough of it. For most older adults, daily

It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about visiting the dentist. Things like needles, drills, and sharp tools are enough to unnerve anyone, regardless of their age. But if you’re 65 or older, it can be especially hard to smile when thinking about your teeth. That’s because older adults are at higher risk for certain dental issues. Maybe your mouth feels dryer than it used to. Perhaps your dentist has recommended some procedures you’ve never heard of. And you might find out you h

The “forever chemicals” known as PFAS appear to be aging men faster in their 50s and early 60s, a new study found. Called forever chemicals due to the years it takes for them to break down, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are present in the blood of an estimated 98% of Americans, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Epigenetic aging — a measurement of one’s biological age instead of chronological age — was most advanced in

Something unusual and exciting has been happening in Alison Lundberg’s household lately: Her landline has been ringing. There’s “an actual thrill that runs through our household when the phone rings,” said Lundberg, a San Diego-based communications executive. Part of the reason is that her family has no idea who’s calling since they don’t have caller ID. It had been decades since Lundberg had a landline. She got one recently to protect her 4-year-old daughter, Ava, she said.

Scientists have just identified four broad types of medical condition that could help doctors identify the risk of Alzheimer’s disease a decade before symptoms develop—with the potential to help slash incidence rates in half.  Alzheimer’s disease develops over decades, and some health conditions in midlife such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and stroke have been linked to an increased risk later in life.   However, more medical conditions could predict the development of thi

If you have Type 2 diabetes (T2D), you may need to take insulin or other medications, like metformin or GLP-1s, to help manage your blood sugar (glucose). Monitoring your blood sugar levels, getting regular A1C tests and paying attention to any symptoms can help your healthcare provider know if your treatment is working. Registered dietitian and diabetes educator Nicole Bruno, RD, LD, shares how you can know if your Type 2 diabetes treatment is working. Signs your Type 2 diab

Knowing how to use nasal spray properly can be the difference between breathing easily and struggling against sniffles. “Technique is very important with nose sprays,” explains allergist Mark Aronica, MD. “Sometimes, patients tell me their spray isn’t working. But when we improve their technique, it really helps.” Dr. Aronica shares his tips for using these treatments. Steps to properly use a nasal spray Whether it’s a prescription medication or an over-the-counter decongesta

A fitness video featuring Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and musician Kid Rock has gone viral, with both saying it was meant to encourage Americans to adopt healthier habits. " This is one we definitely wanted to go viral," Kid Rock told Fox News on Sunday. "I actually shot one before this, and I wanted to put it out just for people who enjoy what I do, the fans, because, like myself, I needed this message [to] hit hard about five years ago, and I k

The new dietary guidelines released this year target ultra-processed foods while promoting protein and easing up on saturated fats. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz told Fox News Digital the guidelines should have happened a long time ago. "We've gotten America to realize what we've all, in medicine, known for quite a while — [that if] you eat healthy fats, the right amount of carbohydrates and focus on protein, you're much better off," said Oz in a recent on-camera interview.

It’s not uncommon to have a late-night dinner (or snack) right before hitting the hay. But according to a new study conducted by Northwestern University, cutting yourself off approximately three hours before bed can actually improve your cardiovascular health over time. “Among middle-aged and older adults who are at higher risk for cardiometabolic disease, extending the participants’ overnight fast by about two hours, dimming the lights, and not eating for three hours prior t

When was the last time you tried something new? The idea might sound scary, but novel experiences can do wonders for your personal growth. It can also challenge you—in a good way!—and help you learn about your thoughts, strengths, habits, and emotions. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with familiar experiences, like regularly visiting a coffee shop or cooking certain meals. Such habits can establish routines and make us feel safe. But there’s also value in switching

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

If you have symptoms such as severe increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, and tingling in your hands or feet, your doctor may run a test for diabetes. According to the CDC, some 38 million children and adults in the U.S., or over 11% of the population, have diabetes today. Yet, millions of Americans are unaware that they have diabetes because they may not have symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, your doctor will or

As we grow older, fighting off belly fat can feel like an impossible mission. In the years following menopause, fat tends to migrate from the thighs to the belly. In both sexes, more fat accumulates around our middles with each passing decade, according to a study of more than 10,000 people. That accumulation can eventually put you at higher risk for serious health problems. As more fat surrounds internal organs like the liver and heart, the likelihood of developing chronic h