HB Mag Health Research Team
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you have probably been told to eat more vegetables. That is good advice overall. But not all vegetables affect your blood sugar the same way. Some starchy vegetables can raise blood glucose as much as a slice of white bread. The vegetables that spike blood sugar most are starchy … Read more
The uterus is one of the most stretchable organs in the human body. Before pregnancy, it is about the size of a pear. By the end of pregnancy, it expands to hold a full-term baby, the placenta, and amniotic fluid. This happens through a process of muscle cell growth and tissue remodeling, not just simple … Read more
Yes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hair loss, but it is not a direct effect of the ovarian cysts themselves. The hair thinning is driven by the hormonal imbalances that come with PCOS, particularly elevated androgen levels. This type of hair loss, called female pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia, is common in women … Read more
If you have pelvic pain and suspect endometriosis, you want answers fast. An ultrasound is often the first test a doctor orders. But does endometriosis show on an ultrasound? The short answer is yes, sometimes, but not always. A standard ultrasound cannot definitively rule out endometriosis. It is best at spotting ovarian cysts caused by … Read more
Dental plaque is that sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth throughout the day. It is a bacterial biofilm, and if you do not remove it regularly, it hardens into tartar, which only a dentist can scrape off. The way to remove plaque is straightforward and backed by decades of dental research: consistent mechanical … Read more
Hepatitis C does not go away on its own for most people. About 15 to 25 percent of people clear the virus naturally within six months of infection. The remaining 75 to 85 percent develop a chronic infection that stays in the body for life unless treated. This is not a virus your immune system … Read more
Testicle odor is normal for most men, but when it becomes strong or embarrassing, it usually comes down to sweat, bacteria, and trapped moisture in the groin area. The good news is that in nearly all cases, simple hygiene changes fix the problem completely. Here is what causes the smell and what actually works to … Read more
You notice a dark purple mark on your arm and have no idea where it came from. For many older adults, this happens all the time. The skin becomes thinner, blood vessels get more fragile, and even a light bump that you barely feel can leave a bruise that lasts for weeks. The good news … Read more
Negative calorie adjustment is a feature in fitness trackers and calorie tracking apps that subtracts calories burned during exercise from your daily goal, but it only works correctly if you understand what it actually does. Most people think it means they can eat back all the calories they burned — and that is where the … Read more
Yes, a fentanyl patch causes constipation. It is one of the most common side effects. This happens because fentanyl is an opioid, and opioids slow down the entire digestive system. The medication binds to receptors in the gut, which stops muscles from moving waste through the intestines like they should. For many people, the constipation … Read more