Research-based articles on weight management, joint health, gut health, and natural wellness to help you make informed health decisions.
Factor 5 is a protein your body makes in the liver. It helps blood clot when you get a cut or injury. Think of it as a helper in a chain reaction that stops bleeding. About 5% of White people in the US have a specific change in the gene that makes Factor 5, called … Read more
A subconjunctival hemorrhage — the medical name for a popped blood vessel in the eye — looks alarming but is almost always harmless. It happens when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the clear surface of your eye. The blood has nowhere to go, so it spreads out and turns the white of your … Read more
Your blood pressure reading has two numbers. The top number is systolic pressure. It measures the force when your heart beats. The bottom number is diastolic pressure. It measures the force when your heart rests between beats. A normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. The American Heart Association and the American College of … Read more
Lupus shows up in blood work through a combination of abnormal results that point to an overactive immune system attacking the body. No single test diagnoses lupus, but doctors look for specific antibodies like ANA (antinuclear antibody), anti-dsDNA, and anti-Smith, along with low complement levels and signs of inflammation or organ damage. When these patterns … Read more
There is a real but specific link between certain mouthwashes and higher blood pressure, and it comes down to one ingredient: antibacterial agents that kill both harmful and helpful mouth bacteria. Research published in the journal Nitric Oxide found that people who used an over-the-counter mouthwash twice daily saw a measurable increase in systolic blood … Read more
If you suspect you have allergies, the most reliable way to find out what you are allergic to is through specific medical tests like skin prick tests and specific IgE blood tests. These tests measure your body’s immune response to common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods. An allergist will … Read more
Blood pressure naturally changes throughout your life, but the numbers that doctors consider “normal” are actually more consistent across age groups than many people think. For most adults, a normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg regardless of whether you are 35 or 65. The top number (systolic) measures pressure when your heart beats, … Read more
If you are losing hair and want to know what type of doctor to see for female hair loss, start with a dermatologist. They are the specialists who diagnose and treat hair and scalp conditions. A dermatologist can order blood work, perform a scalp biopsy, and tell you if your hair loss is genetic, hormonal, … Read more
A “Glu” on your blood test results stands for glucose, which is the simple sugar your body uses for energy. The test measures the amount of glucose circulating in your blood at that specific moment. For a fasting blood glucose test, a normal range is generally between 70 and 100 mg/dL, though your lab may … Read more
You lie still on a narrow table that slides into a large, doughnut-shaped machine. A CT scan is painless and quick, usually lasting 10 to 30 minutes. You will hear whirring and clicking sounds as the scanner rotates around you. The whole experience is straightforward, and most people go home right after. What Happens During … Read more