Research-based articles on weight management, joint health, gut health, and natural wellness to help you make informed health decisions.
Itching is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. When the sensation starts, it can feel like it is coming from deep inside the skin, or even from the organs themselves. The truth is that all itching originates in the skin, even when the trigger is an internal condition. The skin is … Read more
Jumping jacks are a legitimate and effective form of cardio exercise. They raise your heart rate, get you breathing harder, and burn calories—all the basic requirements for a cardiovascular workout. While they may not be the most advanced or intense option, they are a proven, accessible way to improve your aerobic fitness, especially when done … Read more
Tuberculosis testing starts with a simple question: has your immune system ever met the TB bacteria? The two main tests answer this in different ways. A skin test places a small amount of fluid under your skin and watches for a reaction. A blood test measures how your immune cells respond to TB proteins in … Read more
Yes, flesh-eating bacteria are present in the Gulf of Mexico. The bacteria that cause these rare but serious infections are a natural part of the warm saltwater environment. However, coming into contact with the water does not automatically mean you will get sick. Most healthy people who swim in the Gulf never develop an infection. … Read more
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, affecting millions of adults well past their teenage years. Getting rid of active breakouts and the scars they leave behind requires two different strategies. For active acne, the goal is to reduce oil, unclog pores, and kill the bacteria that cause inflammation. … Read more
A urea nitrogen blood test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. Urea nitrogen is a waste product your liver makes when it breaks down protein. Your kidneys filter it out of your blood and remove it through urine. When your kidneys are not working well, urea nitrogen levels rise. This test is … Read more
Ultrasound technology can detect blood flow, and whether an ovarian cyst shows blood flow is one of the most important pieces of information a radiologist uses to evaluate it. Most ovarian cysts are benign, and many show no blood flow at all. However, some benign cysts do have blood flow, and so do some cancerous … Read more
Hair loss is frustrating, and it is natural to wonder if changing your diet can help. The research is clear on one point: certain nutrients are essential for healthy hair growth, and a deficiency in any of them can contribute to thinning hair. Foods rich in protein, iron, zinc, and specific vitamins can support your … Read more
Most healthy adults can donate whole blood every 56 days, which is eight weeks. That is the standard interval set by the American Red Cross and most blood collection agencies in the United States. The exact wait time depends on the type of donation you make, because your body needs time to fully replace what … Read more
Yes, women can absolutely have sex after menopause. Menopause is not a switch that turns off your sexuality or your ability to enjoy intimacy. It is a biological transition that changes hormone levels, and those changes can affect how your body responds during sex. Many women continue to have fulfilling, active sex lives well into … Read more