Research-based articles on weight management, joint health, gut health, and natural wellness to help you make informed health decisions.
A complete blood count, or CBC, is one of the most common blood tests ordered by doctors. It measures several parts of your blood, including your red blood cells. If your results come back flagged as “high,” it means your red blood cell count is above the normal range for your age and sex. A … Read more
White blood cells are your immune system’s frontline defense. They find and destroy infections, viruses, and other threats before they make you sick. When your count drops too low, your body loses that protection. Raising your white blood cell count depends entirely on why it is low in the first place — treating an underlying … Read more
Yes, rapid or significant weight loss can cause temporary hair loss. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, typically begins two to three months after the weight loss occurs. The good news is that this type of hair shedding is usually temporary, and hair growth typically returns to normal once your body adjusts and your nutritional … Read more
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a contrast agent called gadolinium to make certain tissues and blood vessels show up more clearly on the scan. This heavy metal is given intravenously and helps radiologists spot tumors, inflammation, and blood flow problems that might otherwise be invisible. The most common forms are called gadolinium-based contrast agents, or … Read more
A squat is one of the most effective exercises you can do, but only if you perform it with proper form. To do a squat correctly, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, push your hips back, and bend your knees to lower your body until your thighs are at least parallel to the floor, then … Read more
A hard, painful lump under the skin is not a typical pimple. It is most likely a form of inflammatory acne called a nodule or cyst, which forms deep within the skin layers rather than at the surface. The hardness comes from a wall of inflamed tissue sealing off an infection deep in the pore, … Read more
Brushing your hair distributes natural oils from your scalp down the hair shaft, which can add shine and smoothness. It also helps detangle strands and removes loose hairs and surface debris. However, brushing too aggressively or using the wrong brush can damage the hair cuticle, cause breakage, and irritate the scalp. What Does Brushing Your … Read more
Yes, you can have bacteria in your urine without having an infection. This condition is called asymptomatic bacteriuria. It means bacteria are present in a urine sample, but you have no symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as pain or burning when you urinate. For most healthy people, this finding requires no treatment at … Read more
Acne marks are the frustrating reminder of a breakout that has finally healed. The good news is that most of these marks are not permanent scars, and there are effective, evidence-based ways to fade them. The most effective approach depends on the type of mark you have, whether it is a flat red or brown … Read more
The 1-hour glucose test is a routine screening test done during pregnancy to check how your body processes sugar. It measures your blood sugar level one hour after you drink a sweet glucose drink. The test helps identify women who may have gestational diabetes, a form of high blood sugar that appears during pregnancy and … Read more