Waking up with a headache—or having one arrive like clockwork each afternoon—can make you feel like your body is working against you. Daily headaches are common, but they are not normal in the sense that you should simply accept them. Most daily headaches fall into two categories: tension-type headaches and medication-overuse headaches. Both have clear … Read more
An anxiety attack feels overwhelming. Your heart races, your chest tightens, and you might feel like you are losing control. The first thing to know is that an anxiety attack is not dangerous, even though it feels that way. You can take steps to calm your body and mind, starting with slowing your breathing and … Read more
No, babies do not breathe in the womb the way we do after birth. They do not use their lungs to inhale air. Instead, they receive oxygen through the umbilical cord and placenta. Their lungs develop and practice specific movements, but they do not take a true breath of air until their first cry after … Read more
Acid reflux chest pain can feel like a crushing weight behind your breastbone, and it often arrives without warning. The fastest way to relieve it is to neutralize the acid in your esophagus with an over-the-counter antacid, then stand upright and avoid lying down. Drinking a glass of plain water can also help wash acid … Read more
An itchy scalp is one of the most common reasons people visit a dermatologist. It can range from a mild annoyance to a constant distraction that disrupts sleep and focus. The cause is rarely a single thing; it is usually a combination of how you wash, what you use, and what is happening with your … Read more
A medium apple with its skin has about 4.4 grams of fiber. Peel the same apple and that number drops to roughly 2.1 grams. The skin holds the majority of the fruit’s fiber, along with many of its antioxidants. If you are eating an apple for digestive health or to feel full, the skin matters … Read more
Popcorn is one of the most popular snacks in the United States, and for many people, it is a daily habit. Eating popcorn every day is generally a healthy choice, provided you are eating it plain or lightly seasoned. Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain that is high in fiber and low in calories, making … Read more
High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions in the United States, and it rarely causes symptoms until it has already done damage. The good news is that blood pressure responds quickly to lifestyle changes. Most people can lower their numbers within weeks by focusing on sodium, body weight, physical activity, and … Read more
Chia seeds can cause diarrhea in some people, but they are not inherently a diarrhea-causing food. The most common reason is a sudden increase in dietary fiber, which your digestive system may not be used to. For most people, diarrhea from chia seeds is temporary and preventable with a few simple adjustments. Why Chia Seeds … Read more
Blood sugar is a number that matters for everyone, not just people with diabetes. Your body constantly works to keep glucose in a healthy zone. When that system fails, the numbers climb or drop to dangerous levels. A “bad” glucose level means a reading that falls outside the normal healthy range. For most adults, a … Read more