Fruits are naturally high in fiber, a nutrient that comes with a host of benefits for gut health, heart health, digestion and weight loss. The plant-based carbohydrate can’t be digested, which is exactly what gives it superpowers as it moves through the body. You may think of fiber as one single substance, but there are actually two types: Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Both help you feel full, but each has special benefits, says Lisa Young, Ph.D., a registered dietitian

Exercise is famously good for the heart. But there’s another habit that has a similar effect and can complement your workouts. It’s fun and more active than meditation or relaxation exercises, but you can still do it while sitting in place. Dr. Michael Miller, a cardiologist at Penn Medicine and professor at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, actually prescribes this activity for his patients. Cardiologist Tip of the Day: Get Belly Laughs to Boost Heart Health He

Staying hydrated is critical for feeling good and operating at your best. Given that the body is made up of an average of 60 percent water (though this amount varies from person to person), it requires H20 to function on numerous levels. You need more than two hands to count the number of awesome things water does within your body, but some of its main jobs include removing waste and toxins, regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and improving cellular, tissue, and

Step into any suburban garage and you’ll see the relics of January resolutions that have fallen by the wayside. Whether it’s a piece of cardio equipment, a label maker, or a spiderweb-covered juicer, these items often stick around far longer than our motivation. Each New Year can feel like the perfect time for dramatic and sweeping changes, but those big shifts don’t always stick, especially when we attempt several at once. In fact, research shows that small goals are far eas

Full-fat dairy is having its day in the sun. After years of promoting low- or no-fat options, new dietary guidelines now recommend choosing full-fat dairy, although still advising people to keep saturated fat under 10% of their daily calories. Amid the push for full-fat dairy, a recent study in the journal Neurology linked eating high-fat cheese and cream to a lower risk of dementia. The findings have drawn media attention, in part because health experts rarely highlight the

You may become hungrier when it's cold outside. This can be due to several different reasons, such as natural instincts, a need for additional calories for energy, mental health concerns, and more. 1. Biological Drive The scarcity of food throughout history created a biological survival drive to consume abundant amounts of food, with increased hunger in colder seasons. This is because, to survive in lower temperatures, humans had to consume more food. Until about the middle o

I’m a dietitian. So it may come as a surprise that around my house, dessert is served every day. In fact, eating dessert daily is deemed healthy by many dietitians. While this may have you scratching your head, as long as a small dish of dessert doesn’t fill the belly too full – too full for a healthful meal of protein, carbohydrates and fats along with vitamins and minerals – that dessert might just be what your body is craving. And that’s a mindful way to eat. Here’s how di

Tinned fish has been on the rise in recent years, and we now seem to be in what many are proclaiming ‘Sardine Girl Summer.’ With food costs going up, this canned fish offers a more affordable and convenient protein option. But convenience, cost and craze aside, are sardines healthy and a food you should be eating regularly? What Are Sardines? These small fish grow up to almost 10 inches long, and have soft, oily flesh with a mild, fishy taste. They can be salty or smoky, depe

Twinkie Diet For 10 weeks in 2010, a Kansas State University nutrition professor cut down on their daily calories and ate mostly Twinkies, powdered doughnuts, and other junk food. They lost 27 pounds. This may sound crazy, but they showed the basic rule of weight loss: Burn more calories than you eat, no matter what that might be. Bad news for junk food junkies, though. The lack of nutrition in this diet makes it a lousy idea for your overall health. Ear Stapling Put down the

Ham and Cheese Omelet The Count:  Approximately 512 calories, 37 grams of fat, 1,277 milligrams of sodium This breakfast staple packs plenty of protein, but at half of your total fat and sodium requirements for the day. That’s not including adding hash browns or home fries. If you’re really wanting an omelet, make a smaller one with one or two whole eggs, and add some whole-grain toast and a side of fruit. Chicken and Waffles The Count:  Approximately 1,012 calories, 54 grams

When you think of volunteering, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s serving Thanksgiving dinner at a shelter or joining your community for spring clean-up day at your local park. Helping others during high-need seasons is admirable. Still, there are plenty of reasons to give back all year long. And many of them benefit you just as much as the people (or furry friends) you’re serving. “Volunteering is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health,” says Julian

You’d think we’d all understand cholesterol by now, because many foods we eat every day contain it. But doctors say that’s not the case. In fact, many dangerous myths about cholesterol persist.   Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that travels through your bloodstream. It’s also known as a blood fat. Your body needs some cholesterol for your overall health, but too much of it can put you at risk for heart disease and other illnesses.  If you’re 65 or older, your doctor ha

If you’re someone who thrives after dark, you might want to pay extra attention to your heart health. Night owls — those who naturally stay up late — may be more likely to develop heart disease, a new study has found. But experts say there are steps you can take to protect your health. Middle-aged and older adults, especially women, who are more active in the evenings may have worse heart health than those without a strong morning or evening preference, according to a study p

Across the country, nurses appear to be taking up arms—or rather, syringes—in the name of opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement or President Donald Trump. Hospitals and authorities have quickly responded to prevent any harm, but the trend suggests nurses might seek to weaponize their profession to advance their political views. The largest nurses’ union has called for the abolition of ICE. Injecting ICE On Tuesday, Virginia Commonwealth University Health announced that

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization, the United Nation’s agency charged with supporting global health. Last week, he finalized that action, ending all funding, personnel support, and formal engagements.   Trump’s action is hardly precipitous. In fact, when he indicated his desire to disengage from the WHO in 2020, he noted that his decision was largely driven b

Deaths from heart attacks have gone down over the last 50 years, according to a new study. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that deaths from heart attacks have “declined by nearly 90%” over the last 50 years and that heart disease death rates have dropped by 66%, according to a press release. The study focused on people over the age of 25, between the years of 1970 to 2022. The study found that heart disease accounted for about 31% of

Scientists have discovered that poor sleep can limit the brain’s ability to clear toxins, raising the risk of dementia. A study — published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association — analyzed MRI scans from 40,000 adults in the UK Biobank, focusing on the glymphatic system. In a healthy brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced and flows through the glymphatic system, collecting waste and toxins and clearing them out of the brain. Researchers a

According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 57% of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, with multivitamins being the most commonly used. Yet, despite their popularity, there’s still plenty of debate over whether multivitamins actually work. As with most things related to nutrition and health, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. At their core, multivitamins are “designed to supplement your diet, providing essential vitamins and

High cholesterol has no visible symptoms, but it can have a profound impact on your heart health . While cholesterol-lowering medication is vital for some people, almost everyone could benefit from incorporating more of the best foods to eat for cholesterol into their meals. Making smart choices in the kitchen can go far towards reducing levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and maintaining healthy levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Cholesterol is a substance that is naturally prod

Both green and black tea are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. One difference is that black tea leaves are first rolled and then oxidized (exposed to air), whereas green tea is unoxidized. This reaction causes black tea leaves to turn dark brown while green tea leaves remain green. Black and green tea may have subtle differences in caffeine and antioxidant content but offer similar health benefits. Shared benefits of green and black tea While green and bla

Find a New Purpose When you retire, you don’t just leave a job. You enter a new stage in your life. If you do something you find meaningful, you’ll be happier and healthier. Volunteer at a hospital or library. Take part in projects at your house of worship. Tutor kids who need help in school. Care for animals in a shelter. Help assemble gift boxes for soldiers overseas. Long-term, this can help both your mind and body. The Right Surroundings Where you live can help set you up

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

Oct. 12, 2012, was the day I almost died — and also the first step on a path that led to how I manage my type 2 diabetes and how it affected my heart. I’m an emergency medical technician and a retired Army medic, but that day I didn’t recognize I was the one having the emergency.  A few months earlier, my wife, Sheila, and I had decided to get healthier by losing weight and exercising more. I was pushing 330 pounds, and though I felt fine and had annual checkups, I knew I nee

Some foods are better than others at boosting memory and cognition. While it probably isn’t surprising that a not-so-healthy diet isn’t good for brain health, there’s new research exploring which foods can help protect the brain from dementia. Think you’re too young to worry about dementia? Think again. “Brain healthy habits are best started early,” says Jessica Caldwell, PhD, director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention and Research Center at Cleveland Clinic. “Th

How To Eat With Your Mental Health in Mind While food certainly isn’t the be-all and end-all of health and wellness, what you eat has a big impact on both your physical and mental health. There’s so much talk about how different foods can impact your heart health, digestive health, energy levels and disease risk. What we don’t talk about quite as much is the role that food can play in your mental health and mood. Getting adequate nutrition helps brain function by supporting t

Eating chicken noodle soup when you're sick with a cold or flu won't cure your ailments, but it can help support your body with hydration, nutrients, and mild, potentially anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects. These effects may help your body's healing process and reduce how long you're sick. 1. Sustained Hydration You may have a reduced appetite when you're ill, making it difficult to take in the nutrients and fluids you need to recover. A serving of chicken noodl

As cold and flu season ramps up and holiday travel begins, many people reach for vitamin C supplements to help prevent getting sick on the road. It’s a common belief that a mega-dose of vitamin C will shield you from the germs circulating at airports, train stations and packed holiday gatherings. But here’s the truth that might surprise frequent fliers: Vitamin C supplements won’t actually give your immune system a major boost, research shows . As a registered dietitian, I

If you want to live a long, healthy life, take a good look at what's on your plate. While you don't need to be strict about healthy eating, the food choices you make regularly can affect your long-term health — especially when it comes to one nutrient in particular. While many people just want to live as long as possible, Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, the author of the new book out this month “ Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life, ” tells TODAY.com tha

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a study on whether radiation from cellphones could harm Americans' health. "The FDA removed web pages with old conclusions about cellphone radiation while HHS undertakes a study on electromagnetic radiation and health research to identify gaps in knowledge, including on new technologies, to ensure safety and efficacy," HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement to Fox News Digital. The study is part of a s

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed the details of his extreme, highly restrictive diet centered on meat and fermented foods. "I’m on a carnivore diet," Kennedy said during a recent interview on USA TODAY's "The Excerpt" podcast. Kennedy said he follows the diet the "whole day," every day. "That may not be right for other people, but I lost 40% of my visceral fat within a month," he said on the podcast, referring to the fat that surrounds inter

Getting older. A sedentary lifestyle. Low levels of calcium. All of these are well-known risk factors for osteoporosis , a condition that causes bones to weaken and becomes more common with age. But there’s another lesser-known one that belongs on the list: certain medications. Research shows that some of the most common medications among people 50 and over can lead to what’s known as medication-induced osteoporosis, and even an increased risk of fractures . “Most patients an

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

Potatoes can have benefits for a balanced weight-loss plan. They are naturally low in calories and provide fiber and resistant starch, which can help you feel fuller for longer. What Benefits Do Potatoes Have for Weight Loss? There are several ways in which potatoes may support your weight-loss goals. 1. Low in Calories A medium-sized Russet potato with the skin has about 168 calories , which makes it a satisfying side dish that can fit into a low-calorie diet. 2. Good Source

Lima beans ( Phaseolus lunatus L.) are legumes that provide plant-based protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. They may have benefits for weight management and heart health. 1. Supports Your Gut Health Lima beans have 13.2 grams of fiber per cup , which covers 47% of the Daily Value (DV). Fiber is especially important for gut health. Bacteria in the large intestine ferment and break down fiber from foods like lima beans. This process creates short-chain fatty aci

Nearly everyone has had sore eyes at some point. Sometimes they get better on their own, but they can also be a sign of something more serious. Your eye doctor can figure out what's going on and find the right treatment for you. Where Does It Hurt? Sometimes discomfort or pain results from a problem in your eye or the parts around it, such as: Cornea: The clear window in the front of your eye that focuses light Sclera: The whites of your eyes Conjunctiva: The ultra-thin cover

Snack on a Salad Leafy veggies like spinach and kale give you a vitamin B boost. Vitamin B is a part of your cells’ energy-making process. Guzzle Water If you’re feeling droopy, you might need to drink more water. One sign of dehydration is fatigue. Step Outside Not only will a change of scenery and some fresh air wake up your senses, the sun will help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Try to get at least 30 minutes a day of natural sunlight -- an hour if you have insomnia. Exe

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

Short-term memory loss involves forgetting recent events, conversations, or information soon after they occur, usually within 30 seconds. It may stem from causes like sleep deprivation, stress, or even be an early sign of conditions like Alzheimer's, but it doesn't automatically point to serious health issues. What's Considered Short-Term Memory Loss? Short-term memory involves recalling things from the last 30 seconds. For example, you might decide to write a letter to a fr

Over the years, extensive research has been conducted on the impact of various foods on physical health and their effects on the body. However, some researchers have been investigating how food may affect mood and mental health. There is a recently developed field of psychiatry known as “.” This specialized branch focuses on examining the relationship between eating habits, dietary factors, and mental health disorders. This is to help form methods of prevention and treatment

Why is a cold so hard to treat? “The common cold is not just one illness — it’s a whole mess of different infections that cause the same symptoms. Even if we cure or prevent one, it’s not going to stop the rest,” says Jack O’Horo, M.D., M.P.H., a Mayo Clinic infectious disease specialist. Unfortunately, nothing can cure the common cold. That includes antibiotics, which treat illnesses caused by bacteria. But some nonprescription drugs can temporarily ease your symptoms. Here’

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung condition that blocks the airways and makes it hard to breathe. More than 12 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with COPD. Millions more people may have it and just don’t know it yet. It’s common to think that the symptoms of COPD, like shortness of breath and fatigue, are normal signs of aging. Because of this, the disease may have grown serious by the time someone goes to a doctor to discuss their s

Essential oils and diffusers have become popular tools for creating a calming home environment — and for good reason. These concentrated plant extracts can help lift your mood, support relaxation, and even promote better sleep. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know which oils to try, how to use them safely, and what to watch for if you share your home with pets. Let’s break it down so you can enjoy the benefits with confidence. What are essential oils? E

Republican House candidates in purple districts who support changing the childhood vaccine schedule could pay the price in midterms, according to new data from President Donald Trump’s go-to pollster, Fabrizio Ward. “In the districts that will decide the control of the House of Representatives next year, Republican and Democratic candidates who support eliminating long standing vaccine requirements will pay a price in the elections,” says a Nov. 3 memo obtained by The Daily S

Democrats like to say, for a lack of a better term, that Republicans hate sick people. I have cystic fibrosis: a chronic, life-threatening genetic disease, and I’m sick and tired of Democrats lying and fear mongering to people who are already sick and tired. The Affordable Care Act was fundamentally flawed from the start, and was never designed to function without massive, unsustainable subsidies. It ultimately was doomed to fail. The ACA drove up costs, narrowed provider net

Anyone who’s lost a loved one to Alzheimer's disease may be worried about noticing symptoms in themselves. Alzheimer's takes a terrible toll. It’s the most common cause of dementia — abnormal brain changes that lead to memory loss, impaired thinking skills and confusion. Patients become unable to learn, remember and recognize family. The biggest risk factor is age, followed by family history, says Mary Sano, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and director of the Alzheimer's Disea

As chocolate prices continue to rise, some companies are taking drastic measures to counteract sticker shock. And it's leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of some consumers. With the cost of cocoa steadily ticking up, some brands have begun swapping in different ingredients. But does the end result taste the same as the real deal? NBC News chief consumer investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen went straight to the source to find out. In the latest segment of “TODAY’s Consum

When you combine milk and honey, you're getting two foods with important nutrients as well as other components that can affect your body in some well-known and some surprising ways. Both honey and milk can help your body know it's time to rest, but these functional foods can do more than that when it comes to having an impact on your health. 1. Promotes Sleep Honey plus milk is a well-known home remedy for sleeplessness. Both contain tryptophan , an amino acid (protein buildi

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

Sugar Too much sugar isn’t just bad for your teeth. It can harm your liver, too. The organ uses one type of sugar, called fructose, to make fat. Too much refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup causes a fatty buildup that can lead to liver disease. Some studies show that sugar can be as damaging to the liver as alcohol, even if you’re not overweight. It’s one more reason to limit foods with added sugars, such as soda, pastries, and candy. Supplements Even if the label says