Daily Health News Blog

Arthritis is a condition that affects nearly 70 million people. Treatment can vary extensively, based on severity, on what type of arthritis you have, and on where it strikes. While individual attention from your doctor is necessary to best manage your unique symptoms, certain Superfoods have entered the marketplace that can offer tremendous relief for many arthritis sufferers. Certain Types of Arthritis…Demand Certain Foods For Help! The most common form of arthritis is  osteoarthritis , or the deterioration of cartilage surrounding the bones. This causes bones to rub against one another, resulting in pain and difficulty moving.  Rheumatoid arthritis  is an autoimmune disease where the joint lining becomes inflamed due to dysfunction of the immune system. It can be serious and tends to effect women more than men. Though these forms of arthritis are different, both are joint conditions, which can be quite complex. They involve various systems of the body and are...

Fiber serves two main purposes that affect your health. Soluble fiber -- in foods like oat bran, nuts, beans, and some fruits and vegetables -- helps prevent your body from reabsorbing bile acids in your gastrointestinal tract, which can help lower your cholesterol without medication. Insoluble fiber -- found in wheat bran, whole wheat bread, and many vegetables -- absorbs water in your colon and can help keep you regular. Because fiber absorbs water, it can also help you feel fuller after taking in fewer calories. Most of us get less than the 25 grams of daily fiber recommended by the American Heart Association. Consuming this recommended amount can help you lose weight while improving your heart health. You can bulk up on fiber pretty easily by increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, and making a point of trying higher-fiber breads, cereals, and rice. In some cases, you can meet your fiber goals with the use of a fiber supplement, but talk to your health care provid...

Are you dealing with another episode of the 3 p.m. doldrums? Can you feel your energy draining and your eyelids starting to droop as the afternoon wears on? When fatigue drags you down, don't look to a candy bar, cup of coffee, or energy drink for a solution. The sugar and caffeine might give you an immediate pick-me-up, but after that quick high wears off, you'll crash and feel even more drained and groggy than before. Want to boost energy in a real and lasting way? Here are a few fatigue fighters that will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on your day. 1. Eat your breakfast.  There’s a reason it’s called the most important meal of the day. A good, nutritious breakfast gives you the energy you need to stay awake and alert. People who eat breakfast every morning report less fatigue and stress than people who skip breakfast. High-fiber foods, like hot oatmeal, will stick with you longer than a sweet roll or pastry. As the day wears on, they...

Nearly every aspect of cow’s milk inspires debate—from its fat, protein and sugar (lactose) content to the hormone residues it may contain, the pasteurization process it undergoes, and even its very suitability for human consumption. We’ve discussed all that, but some of our readers have raised concerns about something else: homogenization. You may wonder, what could be wrong with homogenized milk? Well, it seems there are plenty of people who are promoting “non-homogenized” milk as a healthier option. You may see it on the shelves in health-food stores and some supermarkets. Let’s get one thing out of the way first: non-homogenized isn’t necessarily raw milk (“raw” simply means not pasteurized). Though all raw milk is non-homogenized, not all non-homogenized milk is raw. And while raw milk poses definite health risks, non-homogenized milk does not unless it’s not pasteurized. Ye olde milk? When cow’s milk is not homogenized, its fat separates out, producing a layer of crea...

Do people who are religious or who have a nonreligious set of spiritual beliefs that guide them in their daily life have an advantage over those who don't when it comes to mental and physical well-being? A growing body of research suggests that religion and spirituality may help some people better cope with illness, depression and stress.  Although religion and spirituality may not cure illness, they can have a positive effect on your health. Several medical studies show a connection between religious beliefs or practices and a decreased risk of self-destructive behaviors such as smoking, substance abuse and suicide. Other studies suggest that people who have regular religious practices tend to live longer and may be better able to enjoy life despite health issues like chronic pain. Several recent studies (which focus on spirituality in a religious context) suggest that spirituality has the potential to: Prevent depression.  In a study of more than 92,500 postmen...

Causes of constant Heartburn and indigestion can be an indication of overeating, bad food choices or something more serious. Fortunately, simple improvements in the foods you eat can provide relief. A wide variety of foods can trigger heartburn or indigestion by relaxing the band of muscles at the end of your esophagus so it cannot keep out stomach acid. By avoiding spicy foods with black pepper or chili powder, garlic and raw onions, citrus foods like tomatoes, oranges, and grapefruit, fried or fatty foods, alcohol or anything with caffeine such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, heartburn and indigestion can be greatly lessened or avoided. For overall healthy digestion and to minimize acid reflux, make sure you get plenty of fiber from a variety of vegetables, non-citrus fruits, and whole grains. Drink enough fluids to help your body absorb important nutrients and lubricate food waste, and use low-fat methods when cooking. Try drinking herbal chamomile tea after dinner or before ...

Doctors at Duke University say walking is the magic pill for better health. Walking is among one of the most effective ways to get the exercise you need to stay healthy. Study shows time and again that walking is the most natural movement to us and the most beneficial of all. Daily walks are essential to our health and wellness, to our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Many people walk as much for mental and spiritual well-being as for fitness. Walking lowers high cholesterol levels, lowers high blood pressure, burns off excess calories, boosts your mood, lowers stress levels and much, much more. “Studies have shown that spending as little as an hour a week in a natural area can have a positive influence on creativity” says James A. Swan, PhD, author of Nature as Teacher and Healer. New ideas, thoughts and emotions often surface during a walk.  A brisk 30-minute walk every day can make significant changes to you overall health. If you are overweight, walk off tho...