When it comes to pregnancy and caffeinated drinks, less is best, says an expert, warning women to avoid energy drinks in particular. “Energy drinks contain varying amounts of caffeine, so check nutrition labels to understand how much caffeine and other ingredients they contain,” Dr. David Nelson said in a news release from University of Texas… read on > read on >
Your body needs vitamin D, the “sunshine” vitamin, but too much time in the sun can increase your risk for skin cancer. An expert offers tips for boosting vitamin D intake while staying safe from the sun and this summer’s record-high temperatures. “Vitamin D is important for bone health, calcium absorption, reduction of inflammation, promoting… read on > read on >
A new study offers strong evidence that eating fish or supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids supports lung health. The finding underscores the importance of including fish and other sources of omega-3s in the diet, researchers say. Many Americans aren’t meeting recommended guidelines, they noted. “We know a lot about the role of diet in cancer… read on > read on >
Aspirin, naproxen and other common pain medications known as NSAIDs worsen gastrointestinal infections caused by a bacterium known as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), new research shows. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are widely used to ease pain and inflammation. In a new study using mice, researchers set out to find why they exacerbate C. diff, the… read on > read on >
As older people start to lose some of their mental abilities, regular exercise might slow the progression to dementia, a new study indicates. With five months of physical activity, the mental ability of seniors with so-called mild cognitive impairment improved significantly, researchers in Canada report. They also found that computerized training to improve memory added… read on > read on >
Fluoride may have found its match in preventing cavities. New research shows that toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite, one of the main mineral components in teeth, can prevent cavities as effectively as fluoride, which has been used in toothpaste since 1956. The findings were published July 18 in Frontiers in Public Health. “If the article is correct… read on > read on >
Another experimental drug meant to slow the damage of Alzheimer’s appears poised to join a growing arsenal of new treatments for this memory-robbing disease. In research published online Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association and presented simultaneously at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Amsterdam, the drug donanemab slowed memory and thinking… read on > read on >
That backyard cookout can be loaded with fat and sugar, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s possible to make some simple swaps and have a meal that’s healthy and delicious, a nutrition expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas says. “If you’re not ready to replace your entire plate with healthy alternatives, you… read on > read on >
In findings that are likely to fuel the debate over the safety of aspartame, one World Health Organization (WHO) agency announced Thursday that the artificial sweetener is a possible carcinogen while another stood firm in saying that aspartame is safe in recommended doses. “Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Every year,… read on > read on >
Racial discrimination may drive health inequities from an early age, according to researchers who found that it puts kids at risk for obesity. “Exposure to racial discrimination must be acknowledged as both a social determinant of obesity and a significant contributor to obesity disparities among children and adolescents,” said lead researcher Adolfo Cuevas. He is… read on > read on >
