Mental Health

Ask a doc: 'Is it dangerous to crack my neck or back?'

Cracking your back or neck might provide quick relief and a satisfying popping noise — but is it a safe practice? Medical professionals share the risks of the habit.

Can Drinking Too Much Sparkling Water Cause Kidney Stones? Here's What Health Experts Say

Sparkling water is a refreshing drink, but can too much be bad for you?

25 Foods That Offer Even More Iron Than Beef

No red meat? No problem! You may pump iron in the gym, but the kind you get through food is even more important for your health. The mineral transports oxygen throughout your body, helps form red blood cells, and supports your metabolism. “Too little iron in your diet and you may be feeling cold, tired, and sluggish,” says Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Ideally, women should aim for 18 milligrams (mg) per day, while men only need 8 mg, says Prest. The best way to get enough is through diet—and yes, it’s true that red meat is an excellent source. Just one 3-ounce serving of lean ground beef packs 2.2 mg of it, per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). But what if you want to steer clear of steak? While research shows that red meat provides important nutrients (including iron, muscle-building amino acids, vitamin B12, and zinc), it might also increase your risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease and even certain types of cancer. Meanwhile, studies show that plant-based diets may do the opposite and lower your risk of health problems down the road. Luckily, you can find iron beyond a Quarter Pounder with cheese—but you’ll need to eat more of the mineral if you’re completely vegan or vegetarian. That’s because there are two types of iron: heme and nonheme. Meat, seafood, and poultry contain both forms, while plant-based or fortified foods contain only nonheme. This can be an issue if you’re strictly plant-based, since your body has an easier time absorbing the iron in animal products, according to the National Institutes of Health. (Quick tip: Pairing plant-based sources of iron with vitamin C-rich foods can boost absorption.) The fix: “Vegetarians and vegans should consume around 1.8 times the recommended daily value,” says Sharon Palmer, R.D.N., author of The Plant-Powered Diet. For women ages 19 to 50, that works out to about 32 mg of iron per day. The 25 delicious foods on this list, which pack more iron than a serving of beef, can help you hit your daily mark.

20 Foods Most People Think Are Healthy, But They Are Not Good For You

This woman has ALS. So did 22 of her relatives. What she wants you to know.

A new medication is offering some ALS patients more hope than ever. It's actually slowing the disease down in some people like Jessica Morris.

14 Little Things to Do Every Day For Better Mental Health

Good mental health is vitally important for a happy and productive life. We all do our best to be as healthy as possible, but sometimes, we make mistakes or fall into bad habits. If you want to improve your mental health or introduce healthier routines, here are some ideas to get you started.

Studies confirm long-term weight-loss benefits of Wegovy, Ozempic

Semaglutide -- the active ingredient in the blockbuster weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy -- can produce long-term weight and heart health benefits, a pair of new studies show.

Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Medically reviewed by Kayla Girgen, RD Cayenne peppers (Capsicum annuum) are moderately hot chili peppers that belong to the Solanaceae or nightshade plant family. Cayenne peppers have a hot and spicy flavor and are commonly used in recipes like curries, soups, and meat dishes. These peppers are high in protective nutrients and plant compounds that...

5 Best Ways to Lose Weight If You Have Hypothyroidism, According to Dietitians

It’s not in your head: hypothyroidism can make weight loss more difficult.

5 Jicama Benefits That’ll Have You Adding This Veggie to Your Grocery List ASAP

Jicama is crunchy, slightly sweet, and full of beneficial nutrients.

List of fruits with the most health benefits: These 8 are expert recommended

Any fruit is going to yield health benefits like fiber, vitamins and minerals. This list of eight fruits includes stand-out options for your diet.

Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints—usually in your hands, wrists, knees, feet, and ankles. Symptoms of RA can vary depending on the stage of the condition. In the early stages, symptoms can come and go. As the condition progresses, sym...

12 Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF, Tested By Dermatologists And Editors

A tried-and-tested list from editors and derms themselves.

The 10 states with the best health care in America—and the 10 with the worst, according to data

MoneyGeek analyzed a host of statistics, from health outcomes — such as preventable deaths and rates of certain diseases or risk factors — to health access and cost — such as how many people are uninsured and have affordable health insurance options available — to find the best and worst states for health care in the U.S.

4 Energy Drinks That Are Actually Healthy

When the midday slump is hard to power through on your own, you might want to reach for an energy drink. Here's which ones you should look for.

More Than 250 Cruise Ship Passengers Sick With Suspected Norovirus

More than 250 passengers aboard a P&O Cruises ship are sick with an illness that causes diarrhea and vomiting, with over 150 currently being isolated on board.

Guy Fieri Shows Us The Workout That Helped Him Lose 30 Pounds | Weights & Plates | Men’s Health

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri takes home with him and shows around his ranch, barn and outside kitchen. He explains why getting a workout in first thing in the morning is so important to him. He also cooks a couple of his favorite at-home meals that are great post workout. He finishes in his home sauna.

10 Foods That Fight Inflammation and Promote Weight Loss (Plus One Food to Avoid)

Losing weight and reducing inflammation go hand in hand. Find out which foods RDs recommend adding to your diet to achieve both.

You're Weighing Yourself Wrong. Here's When and How to Do It Right

Don't let inaccurate numbers discourage your wellness journey. Learn how to weigh yourself correctly.

10 Bad Habits That Are Ruining Your Sleep

It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep is the cornerstone of a healthy life. But sometimes, our habits sneak up on us like a thief in the night, robbing us of those precious hours of rest. We’ve listed a rundown of the common culprits that might just be the reason you’re counting sheep into […]

It’s time to rethink your relationship with sugar. Here’s how

“It’s hard to have a positive or neutral relationship with something that’s constantly labeled as bad or addictive."

Does sunscreen expire? Here's how it works to protect your skin against UV rays

Can sunscreen expire? Here's how sunscreen works and what to know about expiration dates.

Uremia: Kidney Toxicity and Treatment

The Result of Progressive Kidney Failure

Women Are Not Getting Enough Exercise — and It's Harming Their Mental Health

When regularly exercising, women reported feeling more happy, energetic, and confident, according to the global Move Her Mind report

Honey and salt is going viral as a pre-workout snack. A dietitian reveals if it's worth trying

This viral and simple pre-workout snack may boost energy levels. A sports dietitian breaks down the science behind this trend.

Global study reveals stark differences between females and males in disease burden causes

Globally, there are substantial differences between females and males (aged 10 and older) when it comes to health, with limited progress in bridging these health gaps over the past 30 years, according to a new study examining the disparities in the 20 leading causes of disease burden between females and males, across ages and regions, published in The Lancet Public Health.

Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

Medically reviewed by Brendan Camp, MD Many factors can contribute to hair loss, including genetics, childbirth, and certain diseases. Hair loss can result from a lack of nutrient-rich foods, restrictive eating, sudden weight loss, low-calorie intakes, and obesity—all of which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Excessive intake of certain vitami...

14 Warning Signs Your Pet May Be Sick (and What to Do)

Some symptoms are more serious than others. Experts explain the difference.

Food Agency Issues Recall on Ready-To-Eat Items For Causing "Flu-Like Symptoms"

Food Agency Issues Recall on Ready-To-Eat Items For Causing "Flu-Like Symptoms"

17 Ways Your Health May Decline in Your 60s (and How to Deal With It)

With age, unfortunately, come changes to your health, many of which are sadly negative. As you enter your 60s, it’s important to be aware of what steps you can take to manage these changes. From skin issues to heart disease, this article covers 17 ways your health could decline and how to address these problems.

‘We are in the process of sending NASA our claim’: Space junk smashed into a Florida man’s home and caused over $15K in damages — does insurance have to pay for it?

Houston, we have a claim.

20 self-care practices to add to your routine

Looking to work more self-care into your routine? Flip through the slideshow for 20 easy, low-lift ideas for making your life a little more calm, cool, and collected.

An imbalance of two healthy fats affects your early death risk, study finds

Having an imbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 has been linked with a higher risk of premature death, according to a new study.

Woman claims Alzheimer’s symptoms were reversed after five years

In “The Last Alzheimer’s Patient,” CNN chief medical correspondent follows Alzheimer’s patient Cici Zerbe who says her symptoms have been reversed after participating in Dr. Dean Ornish’s clinical trial on the effects of intensive lifestyle changes on the progression of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease. That peer-reviewed study will be published in the journal “Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy” in June 2024. Dr. Ornish’s program includes a plant-based diet, regular exercise, group support, yoga or meditation.Watch the full documentary on CNN’s “The Whole Story” premiering on May 19th at 8p et/pt and streaming on MAX on June 18th.

30 Activities to Avoid After 75: The Golden Years

We all have loved ones that have hit this magical milestone. Or maybe you've reached 75 yourself! 75 and older can be a wonderful chapter to life, but some things no longer make sense to do.

How Ozempic could save millions of lives (and not because of weight loss)

Could semaglutide drugs be the new statins?

Dementia cases are on the rise — avoid these 12 risks to keep your brain healthy

As the global population of older adults grows, cases of dementia are also on the rise. Here's how you can start protecting your brain.

19 Habits That Aren’t Good for Your Health in the Long Run

Good health is a long-term pursuit and you have to work at it every day of your life. Certain things might seem harmless at the moment, but their impact accumulates in the long run. This article looks at 19 habits that can negatively affect your health with time.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon: What to Know

Medically reviewed by Marla Anderson, MD Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that causes blood vessels in the hands and sometimes the feet to constrict, limiting blood flow to the fingers and toes. This reduced blood flow causes numbness and color changes in the fingers and toes and can be painful. Cold and stress are typical causes of a Raynaud’s ...

'More Neanderthal than human': How your health may depend on DNA from our long-lost ancestors

Neanderthals and humans mated millennia ago, and their legacy lives on in us today. Here's how.

I've been a psychologist for over 20 years: Here's how I manage stress

Allison Chase is a practicing psychologist with over 20 years of experience in her profession, but she experiences stress, too. Here's how she manages it.

10 Best Sunscreen Oils to Score a Healthy Glow This Summer

Talk about fun in the sun!

11 Practical Ways To Lose Stomach Fat And Strengthen Your Core, According To RDs

Crunches aren't the answer.

Here's What Happens When You Eat Cashews Every Day

Densely nutritious and good for your heart and brain, cashews can be much more than just a snack food. Here's what happens if you add them to your daily diet

20 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds with the Fewest Medical Problems

Choose wisely. A healthy dog breed can prevent heartache and save you a lot of money over the years. The post 20 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds with the Fewest Medical Problems appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Calcium-Rich Foods That Are Just as Good as a Glass of Milk

Eating a wide variety of foods can help you get enough of this essential mineral.

Chicago teen earns doctoral degree at age 17

At just 17 years old, Chicago’s Dorothy Jean Tillman received her doctorate degree from Arizona State University.

Is Lyme disease curable? Here's what you should know about tick bites and symptoms.

For most people, Lyme disease is cured with 2-4 weeks worth of antibiotics. However, some people may have lingering damage and symptoms.

Kratom: What is it & what are the risks?

Some hail it as a miracle for beating opioid addiction, but it’s banned in some other states and countries.

Semaglutide can yield weight loss, lower heart issues for at least four years in non-diabetic adults with overweight

Two studies are being presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Venice, Italy (12-15 May), based on the landmark Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes (SELECT) trial from the same international author group.