From daily habits to nutrition and sleep, explore informational guides on living a healthier life — backed by research and written for real people.
Yes, venlafaxine (brand name Effexor) can cause weight gain for some people, but it is less likely to do so than many other antidepressants. Research shows that about 10 to 15 percent of people taking venlafaxine report noticeable weight changes, and for most, the change is modest. Weight gain is not guaranteed, and some people … Read more
Most hangover advice you hear is either useless or makes things worse. The truth is that time is the only real cure, but you can reduce symptoms significantly with the right approach. Rehydrating with electrolytes, taking ibuprofen for headache pain, and eating bland carbohydrates to settle your stomach are the three things that actually help. … Read more
Yes, microwaves use radiation to heat food. This fact scares a lot of people because the word “radiation” sounds dangerous. But the type of radiation in your microwave is very different from the kind linked to cancer or nuclear accidents. Microwave radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation. It is the same family as radio … Read more
If you have sudden, sharp pain on one side of your face, your first thought might be trigeminal neuralgia. But several other conditions cause very similar symptoms. Dental problems, migraines, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) are the most common conditions mistaken for trigeminal neuralgia. Knowing the difference matters because treatment for each is completely different. … Read more
Finding scabs on your scalp can be unsettling. You might notice them while washing your hair or feel them when you run a comb through. The direct answer is that scalp scabs usually come from scratching a dry or irritated scalp, but the underlying causes range from common dandruff to less common skin conditions like … Read more
Pain in your lower right side can feel alarming, and your first thought might be appendicitis. While that is a common cause, it is far from the only one. The lower right abdomen contains parts of your small and large intestines, your appendix, and in women, the right ovary and fallopian tube. Muscle strain, kidney … Read more
What Does Research on Stevia and Fasting Show? Research on stevia and fasting is still limited, but what exists is helpful. Studies have found that stevia does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels in healthy adults. This is the main reason most experts say it will not break a fast. A 2020 study in … Read more
New parents quickly learn a hard truth: a sleeping baby is precious, and waking one can feel like defusing a bomb. You need to wake them for feedings, to change a diaper, or to switch up their sleep schedule. The safest and most gentle way to do it is to use a slow, layered approach. … Read more
Agave syrup is not inherently inflammatory for most people, but the science reveals a more complicated picture than many health claims suggest. The answer depends heavily on how much you consume and what your overall metabolic health looks like. While agave does not trigger the same inflammatory pathways as high-fructose corn syrup, its very high … Read more
If you need a sperm test, you have more options than ever. You can go to a fertility clinic, a urologist’s office, a standalone lab, or use a home test kit. The right choice depends on why you are testing and how much detail you need. For a complete picture of fertility, a clinic or … Read more