Low-carb diets are often thought of as fad diets that might yield a rapid initial weight loss, but aren’t sustainable or necessarily healthy. But when there’s academic research behind the approach, it’s worth taking a second look. A study from Tulane University made headlines for showing that a low-carbohydrate diet (think Atkins and South Beach,…  read on >

If you’re looking for a cough remedy this cold season, you might be out of luck. Nothing has been proven to work that well, according to a new report from the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP). After reviewing clinical trials testing everything from cough syrups to zinc, an ACCP panel came to some less-than-positive…  read on >

Have rheumatoid arthritis? Treat yourself to some blueberries and a cup of green tea. They’re among the foods that could ease the pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints and even slow progression of the disease, researchers say. Dried plums, pomegranates, whole grains, the spices ginger and turmeric, and olive oil may also help. These…  read on >

Is your shopping cart filled with heavily processed foods? Some might seem to be time-savers, yet cost more than fresh foods and offer few nutrients. Others might actually harm your health. The first foods to avoid are processed meats from hot dogs to deli cold cuts, including salami and bologna. Even those labeled “low calorie”…  read on >

If you have diabetes, it’s important to make every food decision count. The American Diabetes Association identifies these “superfoods” that offer plenty of potential health benefits: Beans Dark-green leafy vegetables Citrus fruit Sweet potatoes Berries Tomatoes Fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids Nuts Low-fat milk and yogurt Source: HealthDay

The number of food ads targeting American children has declined, but most of the ads they do see are for unhealthy foods, a new study finds. Under a voluntary initiative launched in 2007, major food and beverage companies agreed to reduce unhealthy product advertising to children younger than 12. The study found, though, that children…  read on >

All-you-can-eat buffets are known diet disasters, but they’re far from the only minefields you’re likely to face. Plan ahead to avoid these 5 high-calorie situations. First up is the office birthday party. If there’s a gooey cake every month, suggest a fruit bouquet or bring your own portion-controlled treat to have instead. Another option is…  read on >

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who takes one of a class of anti-reflux meds such as Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid, take heed: These drugs have been linked to higher odds of kidney trouble. The study couldn’t prove cause-and-effect — it’s possible that folks who need these heartburn medicines are simply more prone…  read on >

A healthy diet may translate into a healthier old age, researchers report. The scientists followed close to 1,000 men and women in England, who were born in March 1946, throughout their adulthood. Those who ate more fruits, vegetables and whole-grain cereals — and fewer highly processed foods — throughout adulthood did better on three tests…  read on >

Struggling to lose weight? Maybe posting that selfie on social media can help, researchers say. Their study included 33 people in two weight-loss groups — surgical and nonsurgical — who regularly blogged or posted online about their weight-loss experiences and were followed for four years. Sharing their successes and setbacks on social media helped the…  read on >