Vitamin D is the healthy “sunshine” vitamin, but it can have a dark side, one Canadian man discovered. A team of Toronto physicians reported on the case of a 54-year-old man who developed kidney damage after taking extremely high doses of vitamin D. It’s a cautionary tale for consumers, medical experts say. “Although vitamin D… read on >
Regular brushing and flossing can save your teeth into old age. Could it also save your brain? The bacteria involved in gum disease might play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests. DNA from the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis is more often found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, said lead… read on >
U.S. health officials say they are investigating an outbreak of E. coli gastrointestinal illness that’s already affected 72 people across five Eastern states. The origin of the foodborne illnesses remains unknown, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said late Friday. “The investigation is still ongoing and a specific food item, grocery store, or… read on >
As Americans face shortages of widely used blood pressure drugs due to contamination with potentially cancer-causing impurities, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday said patients can safely take the tainted drugs in the short term. As the agency explained, the risk of stroke and other problems from stopping the angiotensin II receptor blocker… read on >
Eating habits and physical activity have a greater impact on weight-loss surgery’s long-term success than measures like counting calories, a new study finds. Researchers also found that evaluation of patients’ mental health and eating habits before weight-loss (bariatric) surgery did not help predict who would be successful in keeping weight off years afterwards. “Bariatric surgery… read on >
With so many heartburn medications available over the counter, it might be surprising to learn that heartburn itself isn’t a health condition, but rather a symptom of something else. First, be sure to distinguish it from indigestion, which is primarily an uncomfortable fullness after eating. With heartburn, there’s a burning sensation in your chest or… read on >
Tired of dried-out chicken? Here’s how to pick and cook the perfect skinless breast. Chicken is a lean, versatile protein high in several essential B vitamins. Choose organic chicken breast if it’s in your budget. These chickens were raised on non-GMO feed. Organic chicken thighs are often more economical and make delicious meals, including hearty… read on >
For many Americans, the cost of lifesaving insulin is simply too high, leading as many as one in four to ration the drug, experts testifying before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce said this week. The meeting focused primarily on defining the problem and exploring potential solutions, such as lowering the list prices of… read on >
Bad diets are shortening lives worldwide — killing more people globally than either smoking or high blood pressure, a large, new research suggests. The study, of nearly 200 countries, linked poor diet quality to nearly 11 million deaths globally in 2017. That translated to 22 percent of deaths among all adults that year. Previous research… read on >
When it comes to healthy oils, extra virgin olive oil — EVOO for short — is the top choice for your healthy pantry. Because it’s the first press of the olives, extra virgin olive oil not only tastes better, but also has higher levels of antioxidants and other micronutrients that may help protect against diseases,… read on >
