Research-based articles on weight management, joint health, gut health, and natural wellness to help you make informed health decisions.
A CT scan with contrast can cause a headache for some people. The headache is usually a side effect of the contrast material itself, not the scan. Most of these headaches are mild and go away on their own within a few hours. The contrast used in CT scans is typically an iodine-based dye. It … Read more
Temporary high blood pressure is a reading that spikes above normal levels and then returns to baseline, often within minutes or hours. The cause is a surge in your body’s stress response, which narrows blood vessels and makes your heart pump harder. This can happen to anyone, even people with a lifetime of normal readings, … Read more
Yes, hair products expire. Most have a shelf life of one to three years, and using them after that point can mean less effective results and, in some cases, irritation or infection. The clock starts ticking the moment you open the bottle, not when you buy it. Air, bacteria, and temperature changes slowly break down … Read more
A blood clot can sometimes be felt, but not in the way most people expect. You do not feel the clot itself, because the clot has no nerve endings. What you feel is the body’s reaction to the clot, such as swelling, pain, warmth, and a change in skin color. These symptoms are the real … Read more
Ovulation is the release of an egg from your ovary, and it usually happens about halfway through your menstrual cycle. Your body gives you clear physical signs when it is happening, and learning to spot them helps you understand your cycle better. The most reliable signs are changes in cervical mucus, a slight rise in … Read more
Alcohol’s effect on blood is often misunderstood. The short answer is yes, alcohol can temporarily thin your blood by interfering with platelet function and certain clotting factors. However, this effect is short-lived, unpredictable, and comes with risks that far outweigh any potential benefit. Relying on alcohol to thin your blood is dangerous and not a … Read more
Gold Bond products that contain menthol can cause a burning or cooling sensation because menthol activates specific receptors on your skin called TRPM8. These receptors normally detect cool temperatures, and when menthol triggers them, your brain interprets the signal as cold — even though your skin temperature hasn’t actually changed. The “burn” you feel is … Read more
High cholesterol is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease, and what you eat directly influences your blood levels. The primary dietary culprits are foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and, to a lesser extent, dietary cholesterol. Saturated fats, found in fatty meats, full-fat dairy, and tropical oils, tell your liver … Read more
A stomach virus, often called viral gastroenteritis, spreads mainly through the fecal-oral route. This means the virus leaves an infected person’s body in their stool, and tiny amounts of it end up in another person’s mouth. The virus also spreads through direct contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces, and contaminated food or water. These … Read more
Stepping into a hot tub feels relaxing, but it also changes how your body works. The heat causes your blood vessels to widen, which can lower your blood pressure in the short term. However, your heart also starts beating faster to compensate, and for some people, the heat can actually trigger a dangerous spike. The … Read more