Health and Fitness

I Did a 25 Day Water Fast. I Lost 20lbs and My Skin Cleared Up

This fast was completely transformational for me.

Retiring early abroad: The good and bad of living overseas during retirement

Here are key things to know about retiring abroad, including the good and bad sides.

Why Does My Lower Back Hurt When I Sit and How Can I Relieve the Pain?

Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, DPT Lower back pain (LBP) or pain in the lower back region between the lower edge of the ribs and glutes (buttocks) can be debilitating and disabling. It affects more than 619 million people globally, with its prevalence rising alongside an expanding and aging population. Lower back pain can be caused by bad ...

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.

A little-understood sleep disorder affects millions and has clear links to dementia – 4 questions answered

A little-known and poorly understood sleep disorder that occurs during the rapid eye movement, or REM, stage of sleep has been garnering attention for its role in foreshadowing neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. The disorder, known as REM sleep behavior disorder, or RBD in the medical field, affects around 1% of the general population worldwide and about 2% of adults over 65. The...

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...

Wish you were more flexible? Experts share 7 simple tips that'll help.

When we think of the word “flexible,” we may think about a yogi twisting themselves into a pretzel knot, or that one friend who can drop into a split at a moment’s notice thanks to their past gymnastics experience. Yet flexibility isn’t something reserved for a special group of people, or something you can only achieve when you’re young — it’s some...

The county where people live the longest in Kentucky, based on data

Stacker compiled a list of counties with above average life expectancy in Kentucky using data from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Health officials warn Californians of risks of fake Botox. Here's what to look for

Fake versions of Botox have popped up in California, raising alarm among officials who warn that counterfeit product can lead to slurred speech and breathing issues.

19 Surprising Health Benefits of Blackberries

We all know that eating fruit is good for us, but what exactly does that mean? Berries are one of the healthiest food categories you can add to your diet for various reasons. In this article, we look at 19 reasons why you should consider adding blackberries to your next meal.

8 Foods That Help Alleviate Allergy Symptoms

Yes, you can help fight allergies with food.

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.

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...

The Stages of Dementia, Explained

Medically reviewed by Smita Patel, DO Dementia is a general term for a decreased ability to think, remember, and reason that affects daily life. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, dementia is progressive, meaning it worsens over time. Over that time, you or your loved one will experience different stages of dem...

Study shows virus that causes COVID-19 can penetrate blood-retinal-barrier and could damage vision

The blood-retinal barrier is designed to protect our vision from infections by preventing microbial pathogens from reaching the retina where they could trigger an inflammatory response with potential vision loss. But researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine have discovered the virus that causes COVID-19 can breach this protective retinal barrier with potential long-term consequences in the eye.

Martha's 10 Best Tips for Healthy Aging

Staying active, engaged, and maintaining strong friendships are just a few of our founder's tips for living well.

15 Health Hacks We’ve Learned From Boomers to Age Gracefully

Growing old is inevitable, but how we age is essentially within our control. Boomers have seen it all, from the rise of technology to changing lifestyle trends, and they’ve gleaned valuable insights on aging gracefully. With a focus on maintaining vitality and joy in our later years, here are 15 health hacks we’ve learned from […]

Steep physical decline with age is not inevitable – here's how strength training can change the trajectory

Weightlifting and other forms of resistance training can help stave off loss of muscle mass and other age-related physical decline.

Are cold plunges and saunas safe for kids? What parents need to know about the benefits and risks

More adults have been incorporating saunas and cold plunges into their wellness routines, and increasingly, their kids are, too.

I lost two stone in three months – without stepping into a gym

About four years ago, I met my new partner at a dinner party just four months after ending an eight-year marriage. For the initial couple of years, we literally ate ourselves alive. We really embraced the happy fat syndrome, devouring everything in sight. No strict plans, just a carefree and haphazard approach to food and drink. If we felt like a s...

9 Fruits That Can Help You Hit Your Protein Goals

Medically reviewed by Allison Herries, RDN Protein is a macronutrient your body needs to build muscle, fight infections, produce hormones, and perform many more critical processes. Protein needs vary depending on factors like age, weight, and activity levels, but most active people probably need between 0.54-0.9 grams of protein per pound (1.2-2 gr...

The Sims 4: Best Health & Wellness Mods

Health & Wellness mods for The Sims 4 give Sims a treasure trove of health problems and potential cures to shake up a stale playthrough.

Orangutan observed treating wound using medicinal plant in world first

CNN’s Kim Brunhuber speaks with Dr. Isabelle Laumer, from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, about her work with orangutan research

Swimming Is Far More Than Just Fun – It's Also One Of The Best Full-Body Workouts

Swimming is fun, and days by the water create lasting memories. However, swimming is also one of the best activities to improve physical and mental health.

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.

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.

It's tick season: What types live in your area and how to keep them under control

Ticks come out this time of year but you can control them and keep ticks off you and your pets with some simple steps.

Will Beet Juice Lower High Blood Pressure?

A dietitian explains this potential benefit and more.

Research reveals how many hours you should sit, stand and exercise each day

How to Get Rid of Brain Fog

What to do when you just can't seem to focus

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.

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.

Will a Higher BMI Protect You After 65?

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Key Takeaways New research shows older adults with overweight are better protected from dying of heart disease.Experts emphasize that because the study relied on BMI, it overlooks body composition, which is a more important indicator of health.Focusing on functional strength in order to retain muscle mass as you age is...

I'm an American who's lived in Paris for years. These 8 things have really surprised me about living in the French capital.

The American writer knew a lot about France before moving there, but she was still stunned by the social security and smoking habits in Paris.

Mystery as 180 Pelicans Get Seriously Ill

Wildlife experts say sick pelicans in California are suffering from starvation-related issues, but the cause remains unclear.

What’s more important as you age — stretching, balance work or strength training?

Muscle mass and strength decline as we age. While boosting strength, balance and flexibility are all important, is one more critical than another? Experts weigh in.

Eat More, Weigh Less: 15 Foods That Are Perfect for Snacking

Snacking often gets a bad rap, but it can be a key component of a healthy diet when done right. The trick is to choose snacks that are satisfying and support your weight management goals. Here are 15 fantastic foods you can munch on without guilt, helping you eat more and weigh less. 1. Greek […]

Major Study Finds 15 Factors Linked to Early Dementia Risk

While dementia is much more common in older adults, hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with young-onset dementia (YOD) each year – and an extensive study sheds some considerable light on why. Most previous research in this area has looked at genetics passed down through generations, but here, the team was able to identify 15 different lifestyle and health factors that are associated with YOD risk. "This is the largest and most robust...

I Struggled With Belly Fat for Years. Weight Lifting Changed My Body

I had tried so many methods and spent so much money on weight loss, but nothing had worked.

Binge-eating ruined my life — then I received a life-changing diagnosis

'Food becomes a source of dopamine.'

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.

The doctor who saved Sen. Tammy Duckworth in Iraq is trapped in Gaza. Now she's trying to save him.

Adam Hamawy, from Princeton, N.J., is among a team of doctors from the Palestinian American Medical Association that was blocked from leaving Gaza on Monday.

8 teens taken to hospital after ingesting marijuana edibles during school field trip

Eight teenagers got "acutely ill" after ingesting marijuana edibles during a field trip to the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, authorities said.

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

Can You Eat Kiwi Skin?

Yes, and here’s why you should.

How long does sunscreen last? A guide to expiration dates, and if waterproof really works

One key tool for preventing sunburn and other skin damage is sunscreen. But can sunscreen ever expire?

18 Foods That Help You Fall and Stay Asleep

Adequate sleep is good for your physical and mental health. Falling asleep can be hard for some people and others may find difficulty staying asleep for long. A good diet can help you get enough rest. This article looks at 18 foods that you may incorporate into your diet for better sleep.

Americans would rather live a shorter life in good health than a longer life with health issues, new poll finds

U.S. adults said they'd rather live a shorter life in good health than a longer life with health issues, according to a new poll.

Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Whether you adore a cruise ship buffet with its myriad dining choices or fret about communal tongs and food lingering on steam tables, you ought to follow the unwritten rules of buffet dining if you choose to partake in it. Most of these rules are common sense, but not all are obvious to the uninitiated. …