A bruise forms when small blood vessels under your skin break and leak blood into the surrounding tissue. That pooling blood is what creates the familiar black-and-blue mark. The fastest way to make a bruise go away is to act within the first 48 hours using the RICE method — rest, ice, compression, and elevation. … Read more
Waking up with a headache, a dry mouth, or feeling like you barely slept can be a sign that your blood sugar rose while you were asleep. Nighttime blood sugar spikes are common, even in people who eat well during the day. The good news is that most of these spikes are preventable by adjusting … Read more
Garlic is not low FODMAP. It is high in fructans, which are a type of carbohydrate that many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cannot digest properly. While a single clove can trigger symptoms, you do not have to give up the flavor of garlic entirely. The key is using garlic-infused oils, garlic scapes, or … Read more
Losing 100 pounds is a major undertaking, and the timeline depends heavily on your starting point, your plan, and your consistency. A safe and sustainable rate of weight loss is generally 1 to 2 pounds per week, which puts a realistic timeline for losing 100 pounds at roughly 12 to 24 months. Faster loss is … Read more
Feeling nauseous during or right after a bowel movement is more common than most people realize. The sensation is not usually a sign of a serious problem, but it can be distressing and confusing. This reaction typically happens because the digestive system and the nervous system are deeply connected, and the act of pooping can … Read more
High LDL cholesterol is one of the most common reasons people are told to change their diet. The good news is that food choices have a direct and measurable effect on your cholesterol numbers. Foods high in soluble fiber, unsaturated fats, and plant sterols can lower LDL cholesterol. Meanwhile, foods high in saturated fat and … Read more
Adenoviruses are common viruses that cause a wide range of illnesses, from the common cold to pink eye and stomach problems. Unlike some viruses that are contagious for just a few days, adenovirus can linger. The contagious period varies significantly depending on the type of infection, but it is generally longer than most people expect. … Read more
If you are considering an IUD, the timing depends entirely on your situation. You can get an IUD during your period, right after giving birth, immediately after an abortion or miscarriage, or at virtually any other point in your cycle, provided you are not pregnant. For most women, the most convenient time is any day … Read more
Red 40 is a synthetic food dye used in thousands of products, from candies and cereals to sodas and salad dressings. It is one of the most common food colorings in the United States, and it is also one of the most controversial. The honest answer is that Red 40 is approved for use by … Read more
Your eyes work hard every single day. They focus, track, and process light from the moment you wake up until you close them at night. Most people assume vision loss is an unavoidable part of aging. That is only half true. Aging does change the eye, but many of the most common causes of vision … Read more