From daily habits to nutrition and sleep, explore informational guides on living a healthier life — backed by research and written for real people.
St. John’s wort is a plant extract used for centuries in traditional medicine. Today, it is best known as a natural remedy for mild to moderate depression. Research shows it can be more effective than a placebo for some people, and it works differently in the brain than standard prescription antidepressants. However, it carries serious … Read more
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is a common household staple found in medicine cabinets and first aid kits. It is made through a chemical process that combines two simple molecules: water and propene. Propene is a byproduct of petroleum refining and natural gas processing, and manufacturers use a reaction called indirect hydration to … Read more
Clostridium difficile, often called C. diff, is a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. It is a major concern in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The short answer is that C. diff is primarily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and hands, not through the air like a cold or flu. … Read more
Phentermine is a prescription weight-loss medication that works by suppressing appetite. The best time to take it is in the morning, usually 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Taking it early in the day helps reduce daytime hunger while minimizing the risk of insomnia, since phentermine is a stimulant that can keep you awake if … Read more
Pink eye from poop is a real thing, but the route of infection is not what most people imagine. You do not get it from touching poop directly. You get it when fecal bacteria reach your hands and then your eyes. The medical term is fecal-oral transmission, though the germs end up in the eye … Read more
Black plaque on teeth is a sign of hardened tartar, not something you can brush away at home. The only safe way to remove black plaque is to have a dental professional scale it off with specialized instruments. Attempting to scrape it off yourself with sharp tools or abrasive materials will almost certainly damage your … Read more
Sinus inflammation is a common and frustrating problem. Most people want one simple answer: how long will this last? The truth is that the duration depends entirely on the cause. A viral sinus infection typically clears up in 7 to 10 days. Bacterial infections can last longer, sometimes 12 weeks or more if they become … Read more
Many new mothers deal with back pain, neck tension, or headaches while caring for a newborn. If you are breastfeeding, reaching for a muscle relaxer might seem like a quick fix. The short answer is that some muscle relaxers are considered compatible with breastfeeding, but most are not well-studied, and none are completely risk-free. You … Read more
Oxygen absorbers are small packets that keep food fresh by removing oxygen from sealed containers. They only work once, and they stop working once exposed to air. You can tell if an oxygen absorber is still good by checking its color and texture, but the most reliable test is a simple water test. What Do … Read more
Making peace with your past does not mean forgetting what happened or deciding it was okay. It means changing your relationship with those memories so they no longer control your present. The goal is to reach a point where you can recall painful events without being pulled back into the full emotional intensity of the … Read more