Research-based articles on weight management, joint health, gut health, and natural wellness to help you make informed health decisions.
Blood clots can be dangerous. They block blood flow to the heart or brain. P2Y12 inhibitors are a class of drugs that stop platelets from sticking together. They do this by blocking a specific receptor on the platelet surface called P2Y12. When this receptor is blocked, a key chemical signal called ADP cannot trigger the … Read more
Dark spots left behind after acne are not scars. They are marks called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). They happen when skin makes too much melanin after inflammation. The good news is these spots almost always fade. The bad news is it takes time. What helps with dark spots from acne treatments that work is a consistent … Read more
Yes, a blood pressure reading of 118/83 is generally considered normal to elevated. The top number (118) is well within the ideal range. The bottom number (83) is slightly above the optimal target of 80. This means your reading is not dangerous, but it is a signal worth paying attention to. Many people see numbers … Read more
You wake up, walk to the bathroom, and see red in the toilet bowl after vomiting. Panic sets in. But the truth is that throwing up blood, or hematemesis, is a symptom that always needs medical attention. It can range from a tiny tear in your throat to a serious issue like a bleeding ulcer. … Read more
You have probably heard someone say they have O-negative blood and that it is special. You might have wondered if your own O blood type is rare or just common. The short answer is no, O blood type is not rare. In fact, O-positive is the most common blood type in the world. O-negative is … Read more
Blood plasma is the liquid part of your blood, making up about 55% of its total volume. It is mostly water, but it carries proteins, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout your body. Its main job is to transport these materials to where they are needed, help maintain blood pressure, and support your immune system … Read more
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you have probably been told to eat more vegetables. That is good advice overall. But not all vegetables affect your blood sugar the same way. Some starchy vegetables can raise blood glucose as much as a slice of white bread. The vegetables that spike blood sugar most are starchy … Read more
Yes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hair loss, but it is not a direct effect of the ovarian cysts themselves. The hair thinning is driven by the hormonal imbalances that come with PCOS, particularly elevated androgen levels. This type of hair loss, called female pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia, is common in women … Read more
If you have pelvic pain and suspect endometriosis, you want answers fast. An ultrasound is often the first test a doctor orders. But does endometriosis show on an ultrasound? The short answer is yes, sometimes, but not always. A standard ultrasound cannot definitively rule out endometriosis. It is best at spotting ovarian cysts caused by … Read more
You notice a dark purple mark on your arm and have no idea where it came from. For many older adults, this happens all the time. The skin becomes thinner, blood vessels get more fragile, and even a light bump that you barely feel can leave a bruise that lasts for weeks. The good news … Read more