How can mushrooms reduce cancer risks? Mushrooms are more than just a tasty addition to your meals. They are nutritional powerhouses that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  Additionally, mushrooms contain compounds like polysaccharides and beta-glucans, which can have great medicinal properties, such as fighting cancer (2).  Several types of mushrooms have been studied for […]

What is prediabetes? Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes (2).  In this condition, the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Consequently, this leads to an imbalance in blood sugar levels.  Normal […]

What is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)? Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of cancer that comes from the liver. It occurs when the liver cells (called hepatocytes) grow uncontrollably and create a tumor. HCC is a serious condition that often develops in people with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C […]

Does smoking cause high blood pressure?  In the short term, yes. Every time you smoke, it causes a temporary increase in blood pressure (1). Blood pressure increases when blood has difficulty traveling through the blood vessels. In simple terms, it’s like you’re in a tunnel with a lot of people, and you need to make […]

Back hurts after sleeping: Common causes Poor sleep habits and an unsupportive sleep environment are common culprits behind back pain after sleep (5, 6). However, underlying medical conditions like arthritis, disc herniation, and fibromyalgia can contribute to the condition.  Here’s a look at the common causes.  Poor sleeping position Sleeping on your stomach can force […]

What are healthy fats? Healthy fats are essential fatty acids that are vital to many bodily functions. Essential fatty acids fall into two categories: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.  Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs): MUFAs help lower bad cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke (6). These fats also provide essential building blocks for your body’s […]

Type 1 diabetes average life expectancy Before the introduction of insulin therapy in 1922, T1D was a fatal diagnosis. Still today, experts say that without insulin therapy, individuals with T1D have a lifespan of days to weeks, depending on the severity of complications (3).  With insulin, however, people are living longer with T1D now than […]

What causes muscle spasms in the back? Various factors, such as muscle strain, stress, injuries, or medical conditions, cause back muscle spasms. Let’s examine the symptoms and causes of back muscle spasms in detail. Symptoms of back muscle spasm Back spasms cause great discomfort. This is why it’s important to recognize their symptoms. If you’re […]

Tight neck symptoms Symptoms of neck tension may appear suddenly or slowly, depending on the cause. They include:  Symptoms such as muscle cramps, pain, and weakness in one or both arms may be added. What causes neck pain and tight neck muscles? Neck pain, also called cervical pain, can result from injuries to soft tissues, […]

Symptoms of bloated stomach The symptoms that usually appear in patients with bloated stomachs are: These symptoms may occur in isolation or together, depending on the cause of the bloated stomach.  Why is my stomach bloated? The sensation of a bloated stomach can have various causes. Generally, abdominal bloating occurs when there is an excessive […]

What is heart cancer? Is there heart cancer? Yes, heart cancer does exist, but it’s an extremely rare form of cancer. Heart cancer, or cardiac sarcoma, is a primary malignant tumor that starts within heart tissues.  But what is a heart tumor? Is it different from heart cancer? A heart tumor, also known as a […]

Different types of pain Pain can be classified in multiple ways to find and treat its cause. Therefore, doctors obtain a detailed medical history to determine the cause of your discomfort.  Pain is classified according to duration and physiopathology. Here’s how: Acute pain Acute pain is the body’s natural and expected response to injury or […]

What is arthritis? Arthritis refers to inflammation and stiffness of a joint. It is not a disease in itself. Arthritis is often divided into inflammatory and non-inflammatory types. It is a condition present in different diseases, including: Osteoarthritis  Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends […]

What is spondyloarthritis? Spondyloarthritis is a mouthful, but dissecting the word can help us understand it more easily. The ending “-itis” means inflammation. “Spondylo-” means related to the spine, and “arthritis” refers to inflammation of the joints. Putting it all together, “spondyloarthritis” means inflammation of the spine and joints.  Doctors use the term “axial SpA” […]

Sugar and carbohydrates To better understand the topic of beer and sugar, it is important to clarify what sugar is.  Sugar is the simplest form of carbohydrate. Other forms of carbohydrates are fruits, legumes, vegetables, or fiber. Carbohydrates are one of the building blocks of our diet. Along with protein and fat, they are referred […]

Where is the pelvis? What is the anatomy of the pelvis? To start off, we can answer the initial question, ”Where is the pelvis and what does its anatomy look like?” The pelvis is formed by a set of intrinsically connected bones, joints, and muscles located in the lower part of the trunk, between the […]

Benefits of side sleeping Side sleeping is widely preferred. A study on body positions and movements during sleep showed that over half of the participants favored that position (2). Researchers observed that this preference increased with age and weight, sparking interest in its possible health benefits. Let’s look into the benefits of side sleeping in […]

How does alcohol affect kidneys? The kidneys are vital in maintaining the body’s internal balance and overall health. These bean-shaped organs filter waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood to form urine.  Additionally, the kidneys help regulate blood pressure, stimulate red blood cell production, and contribute to bone health. Various factors affect their […]

What types of cereal are good for people with diabetes? Understanding the nuances of cereal selection is key to crafting a diabetes-friendly breakfast. So, what cereal can people with diabetes eat without worrying about blood sugar spikes?  The answers lie in exploring breakfast cereals that support your health and perfectly fit the principles of a […]

Bananas and diabetes: What you should know Bananas are not only the most popular fruit, but they are also healthy. They are packed with essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber, which can lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and boost energy.  Nonetheless, many are concerned about eating bananas because of their carbohydrate content.  […]

What is sugar alcohol? Sugar alcohols, called polyols, are naturally found in certain fruits and vegetables or produced commercially (1). Due to their low sugar content and calories, they are often used as sweeteners and bulking agents in various products instead of simple sugars. Sugar alcohols are neither sugar nor alcohol but share properties with […]

All-nighters and fatal risks: Who needs to be extra careful? People with existing health conditions and shift workers are at a higher risk of experiencing severe complications because of sleep deprivation.  Sleep deprivation disrupts the body’s emotional, physical, and psychological balance, increasing the risk of serious health events. Here’s a closer look at the risks […]

Where are the sinuses in the face?  Sinuses of the face are also known as paranasal sinuses (1). Paranasal sinuses are hollow cavities in the bones of the face and skull, connected to the nose.  These hollow spaces inside the bones increase bone volume without increasing their weight or mass. The surfaces of these sinuses […]

What is liver fibrosis? Causes and symptoms Liver fibrosis occurs when the liver becomes scarred and cannot function well. Before, it was thought that liver fibrosis was not reversible. However, some fibrosis can be reversed.  The main cause of liver fibrosis is repeated injury to the liver. This can occur due to toxins and infections […]

Plant-based diets and free radicals: How does it work? Before diving into how a plant-based diet helps your body fight free radicals, let’s define them and explain how they function. What are free radicals in the body, and what do they do?  Your body produces unstable molecules called free radicals as byproducts of energy creation […]

How can dehydration cause low blood pressure (hypotension)? What is blood pressure?  The American Heart Association (AHA) defines blood pressure as the pressure generated within vessels by the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries (1).  Two pressure (in mmHg) readings are noted during an assessment: the first is the pressure as the heart […]

What is a coccyx bone? The spine is a posterior bony structure extending from the skull’s base to the pelvis. Vertebrae, separated by intervertebral discs, form the spine. It is divided into five main regions: This structure stabilizes and aligns the body, aiding in walking and supporting the pelvic floor by connecting multiple muscles and […]

What is insulin resistance? Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that plays a fundamental role in converting food into energy or storing it for later. When blood glucose levels rise after eating, the pancreas responds by producing insulin. Insulin, in turn, helps cells use sugar and lowers blood glucose levels to normal levels. […]

Types of leg pain Depending on the cause, there are many different types of leg pain. Doctors usually classify leg pain into neurological, musculoskeletal, and vascular types.  Neurological pain Problems with the nerves lead to a neurological type of leg pain. This type of leg pain occurs at rest. Typical examples include restless leg syndrome […]

Understanding cancer  To discuss artificial sweeteners and their potential to cause cancer, we must first clarify the concept of cancer. Different kinds of cancers can affect the human body, but they all have one thing in common: uncontrollable growth of cells.  In our bodies, cells divide constantly to form new tissues and keep our bodies […]

Hearing voices in your head: Why do people hear voices? If you wonder, “What is it called when you hear voices?” the term auditory hallucinations encapsulates this experience. Auditory hallucinations are complex phenomena in which people hear sounds or voices others do not hear. This experience can range from hearing simple noises to complex dialogues, […]

How to reduce the risk of diabetes: Natural diabetes prevention Diabetes is a chronic and progressive disease in which your blood sugar is often high (1).  There are ways to prevent certain types of diabetes, but you can’t do much about the risks involved in other types. Is diabetes preventable? Know your risk factors Before […]

Common reasons for forehead headache It is common to experience a headache occasionally (1). Headaches have different patterns and associated features. What are the common forehead headaches causes, then? Some headaches involve the forehead predominantly, while others target the back of the head (occipital region) or sides of the head (temples) (2). Headaches are of […]

Walking and blood glucose management Diabetes is quite prevalent in the United States of America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a 2021 study estimated that 29.7 million people in the United States, which is 8.9 percent of the U.S. population, had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (1). Sugar control is a […]

Causes of high potassium in adults  There are many reasons why potassium levels might be elevated. Below, we address some common causes (5).  Pseudohyperkalemia The most common reason for high potassium levels is pseudohyperkalemia. Pseudo means fake, and this describes a scenario when your laboratory tests indicate a high potassium level, while it is, in […]

What causes sugar cravings? Why do you crave sweets? Is it simply because you have a sweet tooth, or are there underlying causes? How to stop sugar cravings instantly? Read on to find out! Low Magnesium  Magnesium plays a vital role in the human body. It helps synthesize serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Besides […]

The importance of gut health  The role of the gut in our overall health has been underestimated for a long time. The homeostasis of the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that inhabit our gut is essential for our health. However, our diet, lifestyle, and physiology can all affect the health of our gut microbiota. […]

What are nectarines Nectarines are a type of stone fruit found in the Rosaceae family of plants, which also includes peaches, plums, and apples. Of the Rosaceae family, nectarines are most closely related to peaches, only without the tiny hairs that give peaches a fuzzy outside texture (1). Nutrition facts Like most fruits, nectarines are […]

16 foods that can cause cancer In cancer prevention, understanding the types of cancer-causing foods is essential. These are the foods that are known to contain carcinogenic substances or create conditions that help cancer development.  So, what foods cause cancer? From red meats to sugary drinks, the list of cancer-causing foods encompasses a wide range […]

How does social media affect your mental health? On the digital pathway, the line between our online and offline lives becomes blurred. Social media platforms have become an essential part of our daily routines, offering ways for communication, self-expression, and entertainment. However, the psychological effects of social media have their downsides. Multiple research studies have […]

Natural remedies for inflammation and pain From the extracts of the smallest plants to the honey of bees, the products of the natural world have made the foundations of modern medicine (2,3). It is no wonder that many of us are drawn to finding natural remedies for our ailments (4,5): natural products carry many health […]

Is ginger good for anxiety? Ginger can be a natural way to ease anxiety and improve mental well-being. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger is being hailed as a mood enhancer without the side effects of medications. Interested in how ginger can daily brighten your mental health? Let’s dive into how this simple root […]

Why it matters Digestion is a complex process involving multiple organs and hormones. When you eat, food travels from your mouth through the esophagus and into your stomach, where stomach acids break it down.  It then moves into the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed. And finally, it reaches the large intestine, where water is […]

Can alcohol make you depressed? Find out the connection Why does alcohol exacerbate depression? After all, on most occasions, we drink alcoholic beverages just for temporary comfort. But it can instead lead to heightened feelings of melancholy. So, how exactly does alcohol affect us physically and psychologically? Alcohol’s effects on your brain and depression How […]

How can prolonged stress affect you? Understanding how stress reshapes your existence is the first step toward reclaiming control. It influences everything from the feelings that define your daily experiences to the physical symptoms that can endanger your overall well-being.  Emotionally When stress becomes a constant companion, it significantly influences your daily emotions. Understanding these […]

Calcium deposits in breasts: Should you be concerned? Calcium deposition in the breast is also known as breast calcification. It is not uncommon to find white spots on breasts in mammography (radiological investigation). These white spots indicate tiny calcium deposits (1). Calcium deposits can be of great concern as sometimes they signal serious underlying diseases. […]

What does muscle pain in the chest feel like? You usually feel a pain in the upper chest muscles, which may be either sharp and well-localized, indicating an acute injury, or dull aching involving the whole chest in chronic conditions. This pain may occur during your exercise session due to muscle spasms or tightness, followed […]

Can you survive skin cancer: Is skin cancer fatal?  Skin cancer survival depends upon the type and the stage of cancer. Basal cell carcinoma has the most positive outcomes among all skin cancers, while melanoma is the most serious (3, 8). Survival is determined as a five-year survival rate after diagnosis. It is an estimated […]

How to check blood pressure manually with a cuff? Step by step Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults worldwide (1). Known as “the silent killer,” this condition can slowly and continuously cause organ damage. This common disease can trigger complications such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, peripheral vessel disease, and other health […]

7 causes of pain in the lower leg when walking  Leg pain can be a signal of many different underlying issues. Understanding the potential reasons for your pain makes it easier to get the right kind of help when you need it. Here’s a look at the common causes of lower leg pain when walking. […]

Stress-induced chest pain: How does it feel like? We usually have baseline anxiety that allows us to carry out daily activities without problems, but the question remains: can stress cause chest pain? When this anxiety caused by stress becomes uncontrollable, various symptoms may appear, such as chest pain. This is a common reason for emergency […]

How to stop bad thoughts: 5 ways to handle them No one can live without negative thoughts. It’s the natural mechanism of our brain aiming to keep us safe that we can’t control (4).  Therefore, instead of asking, “How to block out negative thoughts?” let’s shift our focus to “How to stop focusing on the […]

Asparagus benefits for skin: May protect against skin aging Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes inflammation in skin cells, which can increase the rate of collagen loss and lead to early signs of skin aging. Antioxidants can prevent or reduce the severity of the initial inflammation. Studies on cell cultures showed that asparagus extract inhibited inflammatory cascades […]

10 best foods for brain recovery A healthy diet filled with whole foods will contribute to your best health. When it comes to healing from a brain injury, there are certain foods that you should add to your daily routine. Turmeric  Curcumin, a polyphenol that is the active ingredient of turmeric, has a range of […]

Skin benefits of blackberries Blackberries contain large amounts of nutrients that can make your skin healthy. Some of the benefits include: Increases moisture levels in the skin Blackberries contain 85 percent water, making them an excellent natural hydrator for skin. They maintain skin moisture levels, reducing the likelihood of breakouts (2). They are packed with […]

What causes stomach pain radiating to the back? Pain can present in many ways. Tracking its onset (sudden or gradual), location, radiation, character (sharp or dull), severity, progression, associated symptoms, and factors that worsen or alleviate it can help you and your healthcare provider manage the underlying cause. Below are some typical features of common […]

What are digestive enzymes? Digestive enzymes for protein are produced by your body. They are found throughout your digestive system, from your mouth to your small intestines (1). These catalysts break down food proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into smaller, more absorbable nutrients. When large components are broken down, it’s easier for your body to use […]

The role of probiotics for skin Probiotics are popular for their digestive health. But they can also balance your skin’s ecosystem, strengthen its defenses, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion. The best probiotic for skin health to look out for is Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Here’s how they achieve this.  Balance the skin microbiome Probiotics and […]

How to reset your gut naturally? Understanding and responding to the physical messages your gut sends is the key to maintaining its health. This knowledge empowers you to take control of your overall well-being.  The good news? There are actions you can start today to keep your gut in good shape. 1. Improve your sleeping […]

What are 3 P’s of Diabetes?  Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia—increased urination, thirst, and hunger, respectively—are the tell-tale signs of diabetes mellitus (DM).  Diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels. Insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas, typically assists the body in regulating blood sugar levels following meals. Any impairment in the formation […]