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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Heart pounding after drinking alcohol: Unraveling why Drinking red wine or other alcoholic beverages can help you relax but can also slow down your brain, affecting how you feel, act, and stay in control. Drinking can also make it tough to think clearly and remember things (1). You may notice an irregular or fast heart […]

Anemia and cancer: What you should know Anemia is when your body runs low on red blood cells. This condition is also called low hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin (Hb) is the iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color and helps carry oxygen throughout the body (1, 2, 3). The World Health Organization […]

What foods give you heartburn? 14 foods to watch out You might have been consuming heartburn-triggering foods daily for months or even years, unaware that they’re worsening your heartburn. Avoiding these foods might take some effort and focus at first, but the payoff is worth it. But firstly, what exactly is heartburn, and why should […]

Acid reflux when sleeping: Causes and symptoms Experiencing acid reflux in sleep is often more severe and challenging to manage than during the day. What is GERD and acid reflux? Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, causing irritation (1). Everyone can experience reflux when eating triggering […]

Worst and best drinks for diabetes Keeping yourself hydrated is a must, whether you have diabetes or not. Insufficient water intake can lead to elevated cortisol levels, negatively affecting blood glucose regulation (1). Unfortunately, many store-bought beverages are laden with harmful ingredients. So, how can those with diabetes discern between beneficial and detrimental choices? How […]

Milk and acid reflux: A myth or real connection? In movies, when a character takes a spicy bite and reacts with mouth-fanning, they usually rush to grab milk.  Due to its calcium and protein, milk is thought to cool the spice and relieve heartburn. But is there a real connection between milk and reducing acid […]

Eczema and autoimmune disease: Is there a link? Eczema includes immunity-related problems such as inflammation and allergy-like conditions. But is there a link between eczema and the complexities of autoimmune diseases?  Eczema: The skin dilemma Eczema is a broad term for itchy and inflamed skin conditions. It is also called dermatitis, where ‘itis’ means ‘inflammation’ […]

Heart murmur sound Murmurs are often unexpectedly found during auscultation, which means listening to sounds in your body, often with a stethoscope, a key part of examining the heart (1, 2).  Irregular heart sounds can also be detected with a manual or electronic stethoscope (3). What does a normal heartbeat sound like? Your heart consists […]

What is kefir? Kefir is a tangy fermented milk drink made with small, gluten-free, cauliflower-shaped kefir grains, usually 1 to 4 cm in size (2). These grains contain a mix of bacteria and yeast known as “probiotics.” The key bacteria are lactic acid bacteria, mainly from Lactobacillus groups, known for promoting gut health (1, 3, […]

Coffee during intermittent fasting: Black or with milk? Unlike other diets that suggest what to be on your plate, intermittent fasting (IF) is more about when to eat (1, 2). Intermittent fasting has historical roots in religion, spirituality, and culture. In the modern version, IF means you go without eating for a set period (usually […]

How does soda affect your body and why you should quit drinking Is drinking soda bad for you? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the harmful effects of soft drinks on the human body – as with other sugary drinks, include weight gain/obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, heart […]

Does chewing gum break a fast? Fasting is when you go without eating or drinking anything with calories for a set period (1). Can you have gum while fasting? If you’re looking for a quick answer—gum, with some calories, may disrupt your fasting efforts. Can you have chewing gum while intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting (IF) […]

Does liver disease cause itching? Possible Links Roughly 4.5 million people in the United States (1.8%) have liver disease, according to the National Health Interview Survey in 2018 (1). Long-term liver problems can cause itching, also known as pruritus. The itchiness does not depend on how long the disease has lasted, how serious it is, […]

Excessive belching and cancer: What is the link? Belching, also called burping or eructation, is when air from your stomach or esophagus comes out into the throat in a sound (1, 2). Belching is usually good, as it means your body is getting rid of extra air to ease your stomach (1, 3).  Everyone experiences […]

Can people with diabetes donate blood? Things you should prepare to give blood Every year, five million American people need a blood transfusion (1), which means every two seconds, someone in the US requires blood help (2). Can you donate blood if you have diabetes, which affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide? The simple […]

Does eating sugar cause diabetes? Facts to know The short answer to “Does sugar cause diabetes?” is no, it does not directly cause diabetes. However, increased sugar intake is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.  Diabetes is a chronic disease triggered by many factors (1). So, whether it’s type 1, type 2, […]

Can high blood sugar cause dizziness and vertigo? Dizziness and diabetes explanation Feeling dizzy is a common reason for medical visits—about 5% of walk-in clinics and 4% of emergency department patient visits complain about this, including two different underlying problems: “Dizziness” and “Vertigo.” “Dizziness” differs from “vertigo,” a condition that feels similar but signals a […]

Heart palpitations and headache —Causes and treatments? Sometimes your heart might start racing when you have a headache. Many conditions and lifestyle factors could cause these two symptoms. A fast heartbeat and headache may not be a big deal, yet sometimes they can be your body’s alarm bells. Let’s explore the possible reasons and how […]

Dehydration and heart rate: Exploring the connection Our bodies are made up of around 55%‒65% water. Our hearts, particularly, contain a remarkable 73% water content (1, 2). However, per the lay press, over 75% of Americans face chronic dehydration, though this is not fully supported by medical literature, in which their bodies lose more water […]

Why does heart race after eating: Facts you should know Heart palpitations are rapid pulsations or abnormally rapid or irregular heart beating. They are often described as the perception of a skipped beat, rapid fluttering in the chest, pounding sensation in the chest or neck, or a flip-flopping in the chest (1).  Heart palpitations during […]

Can stress cause heart problems? The underlying connections In ancient times, the heart was considered the source of emotions, including stress. However, in the 17th century, they discovered that feelings stem from the brain. That’s when people realized that the heart was just a metaphor (1). Our ancestors had a point when they believed emotions […]

Can acid reflux cause heart palpitations? Heart palpitations are related to the heart, whereas reflux disease falls under the digestive category. Some people connect the two since the stomach is located near the heart.  Is there any scientific evidence to back this idea? What are acid reflux and heart palpitations? When your heart’s electrical rhythm […]

Losing weight in diabetes: Facts and causes About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, a disease defined by a high sugar or glucose levels in the bloodstream (1). In diabetes, weight loss doesn’t just mean pursuing a slimmer figure but a healthier body. Let’s probe into the link between diabetes and losing weight.  Weight loss […]

Does caffeine lower blood sugar? How caffeine matters  Some may think: that black coffee doesn’t contain any carbohydrates. So it shouldn’t raise blood sugar levels on its own. Only 10% of coffee drinkers in the US had a cup of decaf the past day (1). Thus, when discussing coffee, the spotlight often falls on caffeine. […]

Does diet soda have sugar?  The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting added sugars to (1): Surprisingly, the average American consumes 22 teaspoons of sugar daily (2). That’s two to three times more than what is recommended. Among sugar sources, sugary drinks are the real troublemakers, accounting for 33% of all the added sugar in […]

Delving deeper: Medical definition of fasting Fasting is when you don’t eat or drink anything for some time (1).  In medical cases, you sometimes need to do this before blood work.  Basic metabolic panel and fasting: Maximizing accuracy A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a group of blood tests that give you the lowdown on […]

What are cancer cells? Cancer is a group of hundreds of diseases that can start anywhere in our body (1). Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the US and the leading cause of death worldwide despite all the advancements. Worldwide, almost 10 million deaths in 2020 were caused by cancer (2, 3). […]

1‒5: Whole foods You may have come across what is called the ‘Mediterranean diet’. It is a well-known diet for healthy weight loss centered around eating whole foods (1). Whole foods are minimally processed, meaning they retain most nutrients and fiber. Whole foods are wholesome and a much healthier option than processed foods. Eating whole […]

Signs of breast cancer Anyone can get breast cancer, but the risk elevates with age. The earliest sign is usually a lump in your breast or underarms. Watch out also for any of these changes: Remember that these signs can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. Some may even not experience any at […]

Common Fermented Foods Fermented foods are also full of gut-friendly bacteria called probiotics. So having a healthy gut can boost your immune system and even your mood! Here are some common fermented foods that will tantalize your taste buds: First up is the popular fermented cabbage called kimchi. This spicy and sour Korean fermented veggies dish […]

What does high blood sugar feel like? High blood sugar (technically hyperglycemia) primarily affects people with diabetes. Hyperglycemia happens because your body does not have enough insulin or not using insulin effectively (1). When we don’t make enough insulin (type 1), or our bodies don’t use it well (type 2), we may get diabetes. High […]

Can you stop a heart attack: What are the facts? In developed nations, heart attacks are a leading cause of death. With an alarming prevalence spanning nearly three million people, the disease claims the lives of over one million U.S. citizens each year (1). In fact, a third of patients die before they can get […]

25 healthy dinners for weight loss: Easy to cook at home Swap out empty calories for healthy options like lean meats, whole grains, and colorful vegetables. These dinner ideas provide the perfect combination of nutrition and taste, making it easy to stay on track with your weight loss goals while enjoying every bite. 1. Taco […]

Top 15 healthy fruits for weight loss Fruit is an easy and sweet way to get essential nutrients without needing to prepare them or add sugar. The USDA has set the bar for a healthy diet, and they suggest consuming up to one to two cups of fruit each day. The exact amount varies depending […]

Why is exercise good for your heart?  Exercising regularly also means putting your heart and muscles to work regularly.  It will pay off by amping up your heart’s power, making sure blood reaches every corner of your body. More oxygen may also get to your muscles thanks to those widened capillaries (1).  The trick is […]

Is Splenda bad for diabetics? The artificial sweetener sucralose was first approved in 1998 by the FDA as a convenient sugar substitute, 600 times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose) (1, 2).  It is probably in your diet already (marketed as “sugar-free” or “diet”), even if you don’t know it (2, 3). To make Splenda (also […]

Understanding nocturnal hypoglycemia During the day, your blood glucose levels may rise and fall, and this is normal. Hypoglycemia is when it drops to an unhealthy low level—typically below 70 mg/dL, or 3.9 mmol/L (1, 2). Imagine your blood sugar descends to alarming lows while you’re in dreamland at 3 am. Sometimes it can make […]

Is coffee good for weight loss? The science behind Coffee has long been on the radar for its potential to be a healthful addition to your weight-loss diet, thanks to its ability to regulate appetite and rev up your metabolism (1). In fact, caffeine, the major compound in calorie-free coffee, can support maintaining your weight […]

The risks of rapid weight loss It can be a struggle for anyone to live with extra body weight. It’s even more complicated when it feels like nothing works to keep the weight off. Recently, HealthToday had the opportunity to talk with an expert in the field of diet, Dr. Christopher Gardner, a distinguished professor […]

How does apple cider vinegar help with weight loss? Some health experts and influencers mention the benefits of apple cider vinegar for weight loss. Let’s see what science says about them. What is apple cider vinegar? Apple cider vinegar is made through a fascinating double fermentation process. First, yeast is added to crushed apples or […]

What is gaslighting Gaslighting is a sneaky way of manipulating what happens in abusive relationships. This emotional abuse can make you doubt your thoughts, memories, or sanity. We understand how challenging it can be to spot gaslighting, but knowing the signs is essential. Gaslighters often use lies to discredit or deny the victim, twist words […]

What Is the intermittent fasting The most common methods are the 16/8 and 12/12, where you fast for 16 or 12 hours and eat during the remaining hours. Some people have lost up to 10 pounds in just a month through intermittent fasting! But remember that it’s only suited for some. Seek counsel from a […]

What can I use instead of heavy cream? Greek yogurt is a common choice. With its velvety texture and sharp savor, it is an excellent heavy cream substitute in soups, sauces, and desserts. Moreover, it is lower in fat and calories than heavy cream. You can also explore using coconut milk or cashews. They are […]

What Is The GOLO Diet? GOLO is a unique program for weight loss that includes a healthy diet with supplements. The GOLO supplements are designed to improve insulin sensitivity and then help you lose weight. But before you sign up, knowing what people say about GOLO is essential. As with any program, positive reviews and […]

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Interesting pomegranate facts The name ‘pomegranate’ comes from the Latin word for apple and seeds! Its scientific name, Punica granatum, also means’ seedy apple’ whereas granatum actually means ‘grainy’ (1). People have grown and eaten pomegranate fruit for over 4000 years. To ancient peoples, the pomegranate symbolized good luck, abundance, and fertility (2). This arcane fruit is native […]

Dandelion facts from the root up  There are hundreds of different dandelion species. The most common one is called Taraxacum officinale (1). Most studies are based on this species, but others are cultivated as decorative plants. The latter has larger leaves than wild varieties (2, 3). Here is what a wild dandelion looks like (2, 4) Leaf: […]

Slimming Down With Chicken It is a great source of lean protein to help you feel fuller and satisfied throughout the day. Plus, chicken protein can boost your metabolism and burn more calories. But not all chicken cuts are created equal. So, which part of the chicken is the best for shedding those extra pounds? […]

Blast Away Belly Fat Belly fat contains mostly visceral fat. It’s harder to lose than other fat because the body stores it here to protect our organs. Unfortunately, we can’t target fat in specific areas, but we can reduce body fat, including belly fat. One key factor is eating a balanced diet high in fiber […]

Watermelon’s facts Be amazed – watermelons are berries! They belong to a group of fruit pepos that have flat seeds and pulpy flesh. They are also botanically a vegetable—being a cousin of cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash! Since ancient times, watermelons have been an enriching history. Watermelon seeds have been recovered that are over 5000 years […]

How tomatoes came to be Tomatoes are believed to be indigenous to the South American region. During the 16th century, these fruits made their debut appearance in Europe. Interestingly, people first thought they were poisonous and avoided eating them until the 17th and 18th centuries. The first tomatoes in Europe were cherry-sized and yellow. So they […]

Discover the Mediterranean Diet So, what are the main foods in a Mediterranean diet? It emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. Colorful fruits are also included for dessert. Healthy fats can be obtained from olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts. There are no set rules about what you can and […]

Top 5 potassium-rich foods for a healthier you Unfortunately, many adults do not meet the daily recommended amount (RDI) of 4700 mg of potassium in their diet. But the solution is simple – eat potassium-rich foods! Here are the top 5 potassium-rich foods that not only taste amazing but also keep you healthy Adding these […]

Anti-Inflammatory Foods Luckily, the answer is simple: anti-inflammatory foods. Here are some of the most powerful ones: In contrast, some foods can cause inflammation and should be limited in your diet. These include processed foods, refined carbohydrates, fried foods, and sugary drinks. Adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can improve your health. Remember, nature has […]

Fiber Up: Top 5 high-fiber Foods to boost your health Eating high-fiber foods is the best way to boost your fiber intake. Here are the top 5 high fiber foods to include in your diet: Adding these high-fiber foods to your diet can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases. They also aid in weight […]

Paleo Diet: Eating Like Our Ancestors This diet focuses on whole foods packed with nutrients to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That means many fruits, veggies, nuts, lean meat, and fish. However, you should note that grains, including rice and oatmeal, are off the table. But don’t worry, juicy bananas and sweet potatoes are a great […]

What you need to know about Alkaline water Simply put, it is water with a higher pH than regular tap water. The range of the pH scale is from 0 to 14. 7 is neutral. Anything under 7 is acidic, and anything more than 7 is alkaline. Alkaline water typically has a pH level of […]