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 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 […]

TRANSCRIPT About half of the world’s population relies on rice for their everyday meal (1), and the Americans consume an average of one cup of rice daily (2, 3). However, rice can potentially harm your kidneys owing to some of its toxic compounds (4). For example, rice contains 10 times more arsenic, a lethal heavy […]

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, […]

TRANSCRIPT In recent years, many experts have suggested the benefits of a plant-based diet in reducing the strain on your kidneys (1, 2). But just because something is from a plant doesn’t mean it’s good for your kidneys, particularly if you have kidney disease. In reality, some plant-based foods can actually pose risks, and cutting […]

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” […]

High creatinine level indicates kidney disease, and keeping it low can help you avoid the pain and costly treatments associated with advanced kidney issues, such as dialysis. Try these 7 simple habits to lower your creatinine level, and maintain healthy kidneys. Before we dive in, please note, all the information in this video is created […]

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 […]

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 […]

TRANSCRIPT It is important to know that skin changes usually appear when you’ve already been having problems with your kidneys for a while.  Remember, early detection and treatment can make a world of difference in kidney health. According to the latest studies, more than 800 million people worldwide may experience chronic kidney disease (1).  So, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

TRANSCRIPT Did you know a routine blood test can reveal vital clues about your kidney health? One such test, the creatinine clearance test, measures your body’s ability to eliminate waste products through the kidneys (1).  Creatinine is a waste product created by the breakdown of muscle tissue and protein in your diet (1). Healthy kidneys […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

TRANSCRIPT Frequent bathroom trips every couple of hours can be a normal frequency for some folks, especially with lots of fluid intake. But if it is something that happens all the time or bothering you or disrupting your routine, it is a good idea to look into what’s causing it. This is scientifically called frequent […]

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 […]

TRANSCRIPT Did you know a simple urine test may reveal your risk for future disease? Looking at your Urinalysis Report Form, you will find your level of protein in the urine. If this number goes beyond 500 mg per liter (1), you may have proteinuria, which can show early stages of kidney damage. This damage […]

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 […]

TRANSCRIPT Introduction   Before we explore the top six superfoods to help stop proteinuria and heal your kidneys, we would like to walk you through some key facts and insights about proteinuria. By providing this information, we aim to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about your diet.  Please note, all the […]

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 […]

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 […]

TRANSCRIPT We live in a time of medications. They help us somewhat, but they can also kill us silently. Now, as we age, our kidneys won’t work as smoothly. It’s important to keep them away from too many chemicals and medicines. But it’s challenging because aging often brings a host of health issues and more […]

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 […]

TRANSCRIPT 6 Incredible Foods to Fight Aging and Give You Youthful Skin Back  Once you get older, our bodies begin to change in subtle ways—muscle loss, weight gain, and organ shrinkage. These changes can cause mineral loss and declined bone density, known as osteopenia and osteoporosis. (1) Looking at the molecular level, we’ll see that […]

TRANSCRIPT The Caffeine Truth Here’s the truth: No matter what coffee brands tell you, coffee ALWAYS contains caffeine. Even decaf! Caffeine alone can increase blood sugar levels after meals and reduce insulin sensitivity when you eat carbs, even in healthy people. It means that your insulin works less effectively, thus when sugar stays in your […]

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 […]

What to do for upset stomach and diarrhea? Dealing with an upset stomach and diarrhea can seem daunting. But you can take steps to help ease symptoms and feel better. Let’s look at some practical ways on how to treat upset stomach and diarrhea below: Frequent fluid intake, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte […]

Basics of how to detox sugar from your body In your sugar detox, you want to avoid as many added sugars (refined sugars) as possible. Refined sugars are those that do not occur naturally in whole foods but have been extracted and processed by humans before being added to drinks and foods. For instance, added […]

How should people with diabetes eat? Several key principles can help manage the condition when it comes to eating habits for individuals with diabetes, as discussed below (2). By following these principles, people with diabetes can create a healthy eating pattern to support their well-being and diabetes management.  Is the keto diet good for people […]

What causes period cramps (Dysmenorrhea)? It is quite normal to feel discomfort, pain, or cramps right before and during the initial days of your period (1). During your period, your uterus contracts to expel the inner lining (2). Prostaglandins are the chemicals responsible for causing the uterus to contract. The crampy pain that most women […]

What is shallow breathing while sleeping? Imagine your breath as the ocean’s tide: it should flow in and out, deep and rhythmic, sustaining you without a second thought. However, for some, this tide ebbs too lightly during sleep, barely whispering against the shore. This is shallow breathing, a reduced breath depth that differs significantly from […]

Why is music powerful? Imagine sitting back, headphones on, and hitting play on your favorite playlist. As the music washes over you, something magical happens. This isn’t just relaxation; it’s a journey where each note and melody weaves into the fabric of your being, lighting up parts of your brain like a city at night. […]

What is insulin? Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate sugar levels in the bloodstream (1). When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, like bread, pasta, or rice, your body breaks them down into glucose. Glucose is a type of sugar that your cells use for energy.  Insulin plays an important role […]

How long can you have cancer without knowing? Hidden cancer symptoms The rate at which cancer develops and becomes noticeable depends solidly on the type of cancer and individual differences. So, there’s no fixed timeframe for tumor growth. Can you have cancer for years and not know it? The answer is a solid yes: cancer […]