Research-based articles on weight management, joint health, gut health, and natural wellness to help you make informed health decisions.
If you have ever used a Hemastix strip, you have seen it change color when dipped in urine. The strip detects blood using a chemical reaction. Hemastix strips contain a substance called tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). When this substance touches hemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells — it reacts and changes color. The darker the … Read more
Baby shampoo is not better for your hair than regular shampoo, and for most adults it is actually less effective at cleaning. The idea that baby shampoo is gentler and therefore healthier for adult hair is a myth that has been repeated for years without much evidence to back it up. Baby shampoo is formulated … Read more
Yes, it is normal to experience bloating during ovulation. For many women, this temporary abdominal swelling is a standard part of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation bloating happens when an egg is released from the ovary, and it usually goes away within a day or two. The bloating is caused by hormonal shifts that affect your … Read more
For a 70-year-old woman, normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. This is the same target for all adults according to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. The top number (systolic) should be under 120 and the bottom number (diastolic) under 80. Many people believe higher numbers are acceptable for older … Read more
Most people digest blueberries without trouble. The small seeds and skin are usually not an issue for a healthy digestive system. However, some people experience gas, bloating, or stomach upset after eating them. This is not a sign that blueberries are hard to digest for everyone. It is a sign that individual tolerance varies. Research … Read more
Oily skin can feel like a losing battle. You wash your face, and an hour later the shine is back. The right skincare products can control oil without stripping your skin or making things worse. You should use a gentle foaming cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and a salicylic acid treatment. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, even for … Read more
Many people worry that a tick can burrow completely under their skin and disappear. The short answer is no. A tick cannot be fully embedded under human skin. Only the tick’s mouthparts enter the skin to feed. The rest of its body stays on the surface. This is a common fear, but the anatomy of … Read more
Taking care of your face for healthy skin comes down to three things: protect it from the sun, keep it clean without overdoing it, and use products that support your skin barrier. Most people do not need a 12-step routine. A gentle cleanser, a simple moisturizer, and daily sunscreen are the foundation. Everything else is … Read more
The heart pushes blood through your body. It is a muscle about the size of your fist located slightly left of center in your chest. Every minute of every day your heart beats roughly 60 to 100 times pumping blood through a closed system of blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every cell … Read more
Most skin tags that are frozen off will fall off within 7 to 14 days after treatment. The exact timing depends on the size of the skin tag, the freezing method used, and how your skin heals. Smaller skin tags may fall off in as little as 5 days. Larger ones sometimes take up to … Read more