Eating and Nutrition + Original Articles

The consequences of drug interactions with food and beverages may include delayed, decreased, or enhanced absorption of a medication, according to the FDA. Furthermore, mixing certain foods with medications can cause serious side effects. Some medications should be taken with food, and some should not. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the consequences of drug interactions with food and beverages may include delayed, decreased, or enhanced absorption of a medication.

If you try to make sure your child eats a balanced diet but feel like you’re always fighting a losing battle, new legislation that would ban junk food at school might make your ears perk up. Do you try to make sure your child eats a balanced diet but feel like you're always fighting a losing battle? If so, then you may be interested in learning about some new legislation that would ban junk food at school. This could be an important step toward improving your child's nutrition, while and securing his health and wellbeing, too.

While most fruits have low to moderate values, there are some exceptions. After you eat, your blood sugar (glucose) levels rise. This signals the need for insulin to be released into the blood to carry that sugar to individual body cells where they will be  used for energy production and other activities. The amount and type of food you eat can have a dramatic effect on your blood sugar levels.

In yet another example of the inseparable link between mental and physical health, medical experts are noting the increase in depression among people who are obese, especially as they age. In yet another example of the inseparable link between mental and physical health, medical experts are noting the increase in depression among people who are obese, especially as they age. Depression affects 10 to 25 percent of population in the United States and often goes hand in hand with anxiety and other mental health disorders.

Scientists have found that beer may have a more bone-protecting effect than wine or liquor. Researchers have known for quite some time that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can help stabilize the bones of older men and women. But after digging a little deeper, scientists found that beer has a more protective effect than wine or liquor. In the earlier part of your life, your goal is to pump lots of calcium into your growing bones so that you build a strong skeletal structure.

How can you be sure that the foods you eat are free from your biggest allergens? Thanks to federal food allergen labeling laws, food manufacturing plants are required to step up to the plate and tell you in advance what their pre-packaged foods contain. How can you be sure that the foods you eat are free from your biggest allergens? Thanks to federal food allergen labeling laws, food manufacturing plants are required to step up to the plate and tell you in advance what their pre-packaged foods contain.

Obesity may wipe out the benefit of the anti-smoking effort. Public-health programs and rising cigarette taxes reduced smoking rates from 37 percent in 1970 to 21 percent in 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the declining number of smokers has resulted in health improvements in U.

When you're trying to lose weight, seemingly innocent weekend indulgences could be just enough to undo a week's worth of willpower. If you feel like you're always dieting but never losing weight, take a closer look at what you eat (and drink) on weekends. Grabbing meals at malls and fast-food stands, going to parties and other social events, or indulging in a little bar food while having a few drinks, are all sure ways to sabotage a diet.

Which varieties pack the biggest nutritional punch? Find out now. Take a tip from the British and start drinking tea on a regular basis. Why? Tea has numerous health benefits, costs little to make, and does a superb job of warming you up on a chilly day. Plus, you can enjoy it with a small scone for a satisfying afternoon snack.

Staying away from certain foods and adding others might help your fibromyalgia symptoms. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in a person's muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as multiple tender points and fatigue. The condition affects about two percent of the population in the U.S., with women more likely to develop the disorder than men, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Whether your a healthy eater who has fallen off the wagon or someone who has never dieted a day in your life, there's no reason resign yourself to extra pounds. With a mind to improve your eating habits and a few tips to boost your willpower, you can tweak your diet enough to make a significant difference. Whether you're a healthy eater who has fallen off the wagon or someone who has never dieted a day in your life, there's no reason resign yourself to extra pounds. With a mind to improve your eating habits and a few tips to boost your willpower, you can tweak your diet enough to make a significant difference.

Having fat on the lower portion of your body, such as on the thighs, hips and backside, may protect against diabetes and heart disease, a recent report suggests. Most people are working hard to keep off fat, but new research published in the International Journal of Obesity suggests that the more fat individuals have in their hips, thighs and hind area, known as gluteofemoral fat, the less likely they are to develop diabetes and heart disease later in life.

Swedish researchers have made a discovery that may turn conventional wisdom on its head. Conventional wisdom tells us whole grains are healthier than refined grains, because an intact kernel of wheat, barley, rye or oat still harbors the fibrous bran and vitamin-rich germ in its outer layers. When grains are milled to make refined white flours, the outer layers come off and these valuable nutrients are lost.

Researchers are saying this sweet treat may be hurting some of the same people it's supposed to help. Diet sodas have long been encouraged as a "free food" on many weight loss plans and are a staple for many people with diabetes. Now researchers are saying this sweet treat may be hurting some of the same people it's supposed to help. Since 1976, more than 200,000 female nurses have volunteered to participate in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) at Brigham and Women's University in Massachusetts.

Read on for 10 ways to help ensure your cravings don't get the best of you. When you crave carbs, you probably don't yearn for a crisp, juicy apple or a plate of steamed green beans, both of which are actually chock full of carbohydrates. No, carb cravings are usually reserved for the calorie-dense, doughy stuff-bread, bagels, cookies, and doughnuts-that are loaded with sugar and often with fat, too.

Vitamin C works hand-in-hand with other nutrients to keep your body functioning at its very best. You may have heard that vitamin C cures colds, protects your skin from aging and even prevents heart disease. Unfortunately, years of scientific research have not been able to confirm any of these benefits. What vitamin C does do, however, is work hand-in-hand with other nutrients to enhance your health by strengthening your bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood vessels.

How your kitchen is organized can affect your weight, according to recent research. According to research in the Annual Reviews of Nutrition, everything from the size of your plates to the wattage of your light bulbs has a direct effect on what and how much you eat. Whether you're struggling to lose weight or just want to eat healthier, the first step is to make your kitchen work for you, according to Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.

Certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can make eating and nutrient absorption difficult. People with this disease need to pay particular attention to their diets to avoid becoming malnourished. While many people may associate inadequate nutrition with third-world countries, it can and does occur in developed countries such as ours. Certain conditions can make eating, along with the absorption of nutrients, difficult. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of those conditions, and people with this disease need to pay particular attention to their diets to avoid becoming malnourished.

While eating junk food might be quick, easy and pleasurable in the moment, it can be dangerous for your future. There are some junk foods, however, that are better for you than others. Knowing what junk foods are good for you may make all the difference in your life. The prevalence of obesity in the US has more than doubled over the last 30 years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Today 72 million Americans (more than one-third of US adults) are obese, and two-thirds of Americans are reported to be overweight.

You probably knew that too much salt can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. But were you aware that a sodium-laden diet can also up your chances of developing kidney stones and osteoporosis? Table salt is our primary source of the mineral sodium, which our bodies use to help regulate blood volume and cellular fluids, transport nutrients, facilitate nerve impulses and muscle contractions, and maintain a normal acid-base balance. To keep all of these functions running smoothly, adults need no more than 1,500 mg, sodium, or less than a teaspoon of salt, daily.

You probably know that fiber is important to your health. But did you know that this is true for your children, too? Everyone needs to eat an adequate amount of fiber to keep their bodies and digestion functioning at their very best. But the recommended amount for best results can vary, depending on age and gender, too. Dietary fiber is a substance contained in plants, grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts, and is necessary for a number of important functions that contribute to good health. For instance, eating enough fiber is essential for reducing your child's risk of certain cancers, heading off heart diseases, preventing blood sugar swings and even helping maintain a healthy weight.

If you're caught up in a cycle of binge-eating and vomiting, you could be seriously damaging your health. If you're caught up in a cycle of binge-eating and vomiting (or other methods of quickly eliminating food from your body, such as overuse of laxatives), you could be seriously damaging your health. Vomiting and overuse of laxatives can result in dehydration with symptoms that include dizziness and weakness.

If you're feeling weak, shaky, and irritable you may be lacking this essential vitamin. Vitamin B12 is a key nutrient that people need for the production of red blood cells and DNA and for the maintenance of nerve health. Found in meat, fish, poultry and dairy, B12 is widely available, and as our bodies stockpile several years' worth, it's difficult to be deficient in it.

Learning about the glycemic index can help with your meal planning. You may have heard the term "glycemic index" (GI) tossed around by your healthcare provider, but not know exactly what it is. The GI measures how foods that contain carbohydrates raise your blood sugar, according to the American Diabetes Association. Foods with a high GI raise the blood sugar more than foods with a low or medium GI.

The health benefits of orange juice may exceed what we thought we knew. The health benefits derived from eating oranges are well documented. Rich in vitamin C, which offers antioxidant protection and helps boost the immune system, oranges are also a good source of fiber and other important nutrients like folate, thiamine, potassium, vitamin A and calcium, crucial for maintaining strong bones.

Read on for tips on what to eat in order to ward off macular degeneration and other serious eye diseases. Will a carrot a day keep the ophthalmologist away? It just might, especially if you include tomatoes, sweet peppers, dark leafy greens, blueberries, papaya, and other antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet as well. A variety of problems can affect your eye health and eyesight as you age.

Smart and delicious options that will fill you up and keep your blood sugar down. If you've got diabetes, the ideal midday meal should contain protein to fill you up, and carbs (but not too many) to give you energy. Delicious as they taste, carbs should be restricted to 45 to 60 grams at lunch, recommends Adee Rasabi, RD, CDN, CDE, senior dietitian in the Ambulatory Care Network Nutrition Wellness Center at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.

Fiber is essential to your overall health. The problem: How can you tell if you're getting enough? Find out here. You know you should eat more fiber. Your doctor has told you so, the articles you read say so, and the health experts you see on TV definitely want you to. But do you actually need more fiber in your diet, and are there ways to tell? Fortunately, your body is quite good at letting you know if it needs more fiber.

While most vegetables have low GI values, there are some exceptions. The glycemic index (GI), a numeric rating system that measures one food's ability to raise blood sugar against another's, is a handy tool if you are concerned about sugar in your diet and how it affects your health. All foods on the list are measured against pure sugar, or glucose, which has a GI value of 100.

Winter brings with it delicious and hearty meals. The downside, however, is that much of this fare is high in carbs and fat. Read on to find out how you can lighten some winter favorites. Everyone has their cherished cold-weather foods that warm the soul and feed the body. Unfortunately, many popular wintertime meals are heavy, laden with calories and fat that offer a "stick-to-your-ribs" quality. If you don't want a little something extra sticking to your ribs once spring arrives, try lightening up your favorite eats with a few easy swaps.

If you're going to do some late-night nibbling, your best bet is to eat light. Here, we've got some suggestions. Like any type of snacking, late night nibbling may or may not be good for you, depending on what you choose to eat. Your best bet under any circumstances is to eat light: Stick to a100-calorie snack pack or, better yet, choose a midnight munchie that combines just enough protein and carbs to satisfy your hunger and soothe you back to sleep.

If you have diabetes, these terrific treats will satisfy your sweet tooth. If you love to reward yourself at the end of the meal with something sweet, you don't have to deny yourself the pleasure. By carefully calculating your carbohydrate intake, you can eat dessert, says Adee Rasabi, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Before you put down that mug for good, there's something you should know: This caffeinated beverage may actually be a boon to your health. The next time you enjoy a cup of coffee, enjoy the fact that it may be protecting your health. If you're sensitive to caffeine, there's no doubt that drinking coffee, especially multiple cups of coffee, may have some adverse effects, such as nervousness, restlessness, stomach upset and insomnia.

If you have diabetes, it's important to plan between-meals with care. Who doesn't like to snack? It's fun, it's social and it's a great diversion from boredom. Besides, sometimes snacks just taste better than regular meals. Despite how wonderful snacking can be, when you've got diabetes, it's crucial that you eat for nutritional benefit and the ability to help keep your blood sugar in control.

Find out what's good and bad about salmon, so that you can make an educated decision. When you shop for seafood, you'll probably find a variety of salmon types to choose from—some caught in the wild and some raised on fish farms.  With fish, "farm-raised" means utilizing the now decades-old but ever-improving science and technology of aquaculture.

Sure, how we eat affects us physically. What you may not know, however, is how your eating habits can affect your mood. Most people understand that there is a strong relationship between eating habits and physical health. Many, however, often overlook the connection between mood and eating habits. Our eating habits are affected by our moods and our moods are in turn influenced by our eating habits in a continuous cycle.

While iron is plentiful in many foods, some people don't get enough. This can lead to fatigue, paleness, and problems concentrating. Everybody needs iron, a mineral that performs many functions. Iron disperses oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies, produces red blood cells, and aids in digestion, among other things. While iron is plentiful in many foods, some people still don't get enough.

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Science has confirmed what folk medicine has pretty much already proven: Honey heals. Honey, one of nature's most natural and intense sweeteners, has been used for centuries as a home remedy for various ailments. In more recent years, science has confirmed what folk medicine has pretty much already proven: Honey heals. The color of honey, which ranges from pale amber to deep, dark brown, depends on the source of nectar.

This essential nutrient is famous for creating healthy bones, but recently has been in the spotlight for other benefits. Known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body naturally manufacturers the vitamin after exposure to the sun, vitamin D is crucial in helping the body absorb calcium-critical in maintaining strong bones-and in keeping normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

Sure, eating too much of the wrong fats can lead to weight gain and a host of serious diseases. But that's not reason enough to eliminate it from our diets. We all know what's bad about dietary fat; we hear it all the time. Sure, eating too much fat will cause weight gain and can eventually make you sick, especially if you regularly eat too much of it over the course of a lifetime.  But that's not the end of the story.

While it may relieve stress, give you a few hours away from the kids, and help you stay in touch with good friends, an evening out with the girls could also turn your diet on its head. One night out on the town-what harm could it do?  While it may help relieve stress, give you a few hours away from your kids, or just help you stay in touch with good friends, a night out with the girls could do more harm than good when you're trying to stick to a healthy diet or lose a few pounds.

Menu labeling laws are popping up across the country in chain restaurants in effort to improve public health and curb obesity. But is it working? Healthcare spending on obesity has nearly doubled in the last 10 years as more and more Americans are becoming overweight. In an effort to curb this spending and improve public health, health care experts and government officials have teamed up to pass legislation that requires chain restaurants (with more than 20 restaurants under the same name) to post calorie counts on their menus.

Researchers have stumbled onto some real physiological benefits to the popular dieting distraction of chewing gum. Losing weight is hard work. It's all about eating less, exercising more and, at least initially, latching on to any tip or trick that will help make the process easier. Any method or distraction that helps you buy time (or kill time, depending on how you look at it) between meals can be especially helpful early on, while you are trying to train yourself to eat less and to eat less often.

If you overeat or routinely have negative feelings about food or your body, neither of these relationships can be healthy or happy. The good news: you can take steps to change that. Did you ever notice that you have two different relationships with food?  One is physical, and it is based on the type of diet you follow and the different types of foods you choose to eat to satisfy hunger. The other relationship you have with food is psychological, or emotional, based on how you think about food and how your thoughts affect your weight, health, and body image.

Think that your children will only eat what isn't good for them? With a little extra planning, your kids can get the nutrients they need--and the yummy taste they crave. Top 8 Healthy Snacks and Treats Please review the following suggestions, which are adapted from the American Dietetic Association's website, for simple recipes you can make together. Better yet, when it comes to helping to fill your child's daily quota of protein, calcium, fiber and other essential nutrients, these recipes are sure to make the grade.

Surely being overweight can't be nearly as bad for you as a smoking habit. Well, think again. New research from Great Brittan and the United States is showing that being severely obese-80 pounds or more above a normal weight-can reduce your lifespan by up to 12 years, similar to the effect of a lifetime of smoking. And even moderate obesity can cut life expectancy by about three years, according to the British study, which analyzed data from nearly one million people from around the world.

Research shows that eating carbohydrates can provide in instant mood lift because they trigger the release of serotonin, the “feel-good hormone”. If you reach for the potato chips, pastries, cookies, candy or ice cream when you are feeling down, you're not alone. People tend to crave certain foods when they are feeling blue. Research shows that many people eat (or overeat) carbohydrates in an attempt to try and make themselves feel better--and there is a reason for it.

You don’t have to suffer after every party this holiday season with a hangover. Knowing some facts about hangovers can help you celebrate this season as a hangover-free one. Are you wondering if you can make it through this New Year's morning without suffering from the dreaded party hangover? Whether you have a couple of glasses of wine or go for a hard boozing night of holiday revelry, a hangover can get you. According to experts, signs and symptoms of a hangover typically begin several hours after your last drink.

Learn more about the dangers of a diet filled with burgers, steaks, and lunch meat. Over the years, red meat has been linked to many serious medical conditions, including heart disease, cancers and even age-related macular degeneration, a condition that leads to blindness. Research shows again and again that the more red meat you eat, the higher your risk of developing a chronic disease and the greater your risk of dying an early death.

It's possible to make sensible selections at a Mexican restaurant. Here's a rundown of the best bets and the poorest picks. Often fresh, never boring, but infamously high in fat, Mexican food has a built-in fun factor that might make all those extra calories seem worth it. But one look at the nutrition profile of most south-of-the border fare, and you know you're also in for a fiesta of fat and salt.

Experts are now beginning to link excess sugar intake to higher incidences of heart disease. Before you down that next can of soda, consider this: A 12-ounce serving (one can) of soda contains a whopping eight teaspoons of sugar (about 130 calories), putting you over the limit for your recommended daily sugar consumption, according to new guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA).

There's more reason than ever to get your daily five servings. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to good health. Now, women have more reason than ever to make sure they get their daily five servings. Folate-rich diets have been linked to a decreased risk of colorectal cancers. Citrus fruits, peas, beans and leafy green vegetables are all high in folate; a water-soluble B Vitamin that plays a key role in copying DNA.

How much do we really know about these "fake fats"? Chips, cheese, muffins, and mayonnaise. If these are a few of your favorite things, then you're probably one of millions of Americans trying to keep a little indulgence in your diet by using food products made with fat substitutes. Fat substitutes, or fat replacers, as they are known in the food industry, are used to make reduced-fat baked goods, dairy products, bread spreads, salad dressings, snacks, gravies, chocolate chips and even lunch meats.

A recent study shows a link between a Mediterranean diet and a decrease in depression. Research has proven many times over that what you eat can have a major impact on your mood. Now research is showing that eating a Mediterranean diet--a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and fish--can reduce the risk of depression. ...

A recent study found that some of what we consider our healthiest foods actually top the list of the 10 riskiest foods in the U.S. Most people don't think of fruits and vegetables as being hazardous to their health. We tell our kids to eat their leafy greens and juicy fruits so they can grow up to be healthy and strong. But did you know that the "healthiest" foods are on the list of the 10 riskiest foods to eat in the U.

Looking for new ways to factor some greenery into your diet? If so, read on. Low in calories, packed with vitamins and minerals, and essential for good health--vegetables are a powerhouse food! Nutrition experts say you can never have too many veggies in your diet but most of us aren't eating enough to reap their benefits. In addition to simple side dishes, there are many familiar and easy ways to enjoy all kinds of vegetables, including soups, salads, pastas, stir-fries and even desserts.

Start the day off right with a nutritious eye-opener. Your mom was right. Breakfast is the day's most important meal, especially for those with diabetes. "Metabolically and nutritionally, breakfast can help with blood sugar control," says Ericka Arrecis, diabetes educator and registered dietitian at the Naomi Berrie Center for Diabetes at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

It dresses up your salads, puts the pucker in your pickles and now, researchers say, vinegar may help you fight body fat. It dresses up your salads, puts the pucker in your pickles and now, researchers say, vinegar may help you fight body fat. Japanese scientists found that laboratory mice who followed a high-fat diet but were also given vinegar grew up to develop less body fat, than mice who were fed a high-fat diet that didn't include vinegar.

Find out what links your diet and your risk for developing this form of cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States and the number of cases worldwide is growing. In 27 of 51 international cancer registries, colon cancer cases increased between 1983 and 2002. This rise is more pronounced in areas that are advancing economically, such as countries in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia and South America.

Keep these items around, and you’ll never need to order take-out again. After a long day at work, the drive-through may look mighty welcoming. But don't give in to the call of fast food just yet. With a little planning and know-how, you can have on hand all the pantry staples you need to put a healthy meal on the table. Keep these items around, and you'll never need to order take-out again: Sweet potatoes.

Here, simple ways to get the most needed nutrients—without having to rely on the bottle. Look around any drugstore or health-food emporium, and you're likely to find a world of dietary supplements. Not just restricted to the world of power lifters and the vitamin obsessed, supplements have gained a foothold in the senior community. Since the elderly often have reduced appetites and difficulty eating, adding supplements can be a good idea.

A cereal that lowers cholesterol? A tea that prevents heart disease? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You've seen it all: Health claims made on food packaging that include everything from how to lower cholesterol to how to ward off heart disease. But how accurate are these claims? According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food labeling...

Don’t ignore safflower, olive and fish oils if you have diabetes. The much touted Mediterranean diet has practically elevated olive oil to the status of super food. But there are other oils out there that have health benefits, too. Safflower oil, for instance, appears to reduce blood sugar levels by 11 to 19 points, says Kelly A.

Read on to find out where you're skimping—and how you can get more disease-busting power into your meals. Many women aren't getting enough of five essential nutrients that could make a big difference to their health. While all are readily available through a healthy diet, many of us don't eat as well as we could.  Read on for why we're skimping and what to do about it.

Cooking when you have food allergies is difficult, but our tips help make it easier. If you or someone in your family suffers from food allergies, you probably go to great lengths to cook up allergy-free meals and treats. This can pose quite a challenge, though, since many popular recipes contain ingredients that could trigger allergy symptoms.

For flatter abs, bring these foods and drinks into your daily diet. While certain foods can make bellies appear bloated and flabby, there are several selections that can give virtually any stomach a leaner, more toned look. To get started, stock your fridge with this ab-flattening fare. 1. Turkey. A lean cut of turkey offers the protein your body craves without the additional calories that come with many processed foods.

Here, get tried-and-true advice that really works. Don't eat your favorite foods. Never snack between meals. Always avoid the scale. When it comes to shedding pounds, you've probably heard it all. But unfortunately, these tiny tidbits could end up doing you more harm than good. Want tried-and-true advice that really works?  Here, we reveal the five most effective diet tips of all time.

With a handful of tried and true tips, you can best manage your child's condition. You hear all of the time about how important it is for your child to get enough calcium from milk and other dairy products, as it's essential for healthy and strong bones. But if your child has a lactose intolerance—the inability to digest lactose or milk sugars—getting enough calcium can pose quite a challenge.

Apples have long been touted for their numerous health benefits--and they just may help you reduce your asthma symptoms as well. Can an apple a day keep the doctor away? If you suffer from asthma, you may find that eating apples on a regular basis can indeed offer protective benefits against asthma symptoms. In fact, the apples and asthma connection is so strong that pregnant women who eat apples even find that their unborn children will ultimately reap some of the positive effects on their lungs.

Follow these tips to make smart snacking a part of your daily routine. The snack choices you make really can lead to weight-loss success or sabotage.  Potato chips, doughnuts, and candy bars, for example, can add hundreds of empty calories to your daily intake. Fortunately, there are healthier options. Follow these tips to make smart snacking a part of your routine.

Learn how more fruits and veggies in your diet can significantly improve your game. Antioxidants have been credited with helping to slow down the aging process and even prevent cancer. Now, studies are suggesting they may even increase your ability to work out for longer. Antioxidants are phytochemicals (produced by plants), vitamins, and other nutrients usually found in fruits and vegetables.

Here are some quick and easy breakfast ideas to help stave off the mid-morning—and keep your energy levels going strong. "What's for breakfast? The manner in which you address this age-old question will either make or break your morning. Here are some quick and easy breakfast ideas to help stave off the mid-morning-and keep your energy levels going strong. For example, a muffin with your coffee may give you a quick charge .

That daily java habit may help you avoid Alzheimer’s disease as you get older. Here's another item to add to the growing list of caffeine's health benefits: That daily java habit may help you avoid Alzheimer's disease as you get older. Not only that, a recent study of caffeine consumption reveals that drinking the brew actually may reverse any age-related memory loss you already experience.

What you eat—or don’t eat—can have a huge impact on how long you live. If you believe that longevity can be attributed to good genes, regular exercise, and perhaps a dose of plain old luck, you're only partly right. It turns out that what you eat-or don't eat-can have a huge impact on how long you live. The best way to dress your dinner table? With foods from the Mediterranean diet.

Here, 10 ways to sneak veggies into your diet—including the ones you wouldn't eat on a bet. How many times have you heard the advice to eat your veggies?  Is it really that important?  Absolutely!  Veggies are high in beneficial vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients.  They're naturally low in calories, sodium and fat.

Four muscle-building foods that help you refine your physique and boost your energy during your workouts. Trying hard to avoid being that infamous 98-pound weakling? Pumping iron will only get you so far. First, you need to increase your total intake of calories. The biggest returns come from filling up on muscle-building foods--those packed with proteins or amino acids, carbohydrates and other nutrients that are particularly beneficial to muscle development.

With so many choices, from whole grain to whole wheat, it’s hard to know what all the labels mean. Here, we help make sense of the confusion. Grains are any foods made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley or another cereal grain product.  Examples of grain products include pasta, oatmeal, breakfast cereals, tortillas, grits, and rice.  All grains are good sources of complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and they are naturally low in fat.

For better health and weight control, serving size really does matter. For better health and weight control, serving size really does matter. Even if you eat healthy foods all day long, you may still gain weight if you don't pay attention to how much you're consuming.  Too many people fall into the trap of portion distortion: accepting extra large portions as normal.

Here, simple ways to ensure you're getting enough of the good stuff into your diet. Proteins are important parts of muscles, blood, skin, and most body structures.  They act as antibodies, enzymes, and hormones.  They carry nutrients and other molecules and provide calories.  Protein foods require more calories to be metabolized then carbohydrates or fats, therefore, they burn more calories to be processed and used by the body.

Read on for creative ways to get more of the good stuff. Are you confused about fruit? Because many in the media have lumped fruits into the same nutrition category as candy, this has left some people unsure about fruits.  Eating fruit provides many health benefits including: Reduced risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

These dangerous ingredients could be lurking in the most unexpected places. Are you confused about trans fats?  If so, you're not alone. Trans fats, also known as trans fatty acids, have received a lot of press, but many people still don't understand exactly what they are or where they're hiding. You might be more familiar with another name for trans fats, which is "partially hydrogenated" oils or fats.

The dangers of energy drinks keep piling up. Maybe it’s time to find ways to get a healthier energy boost — especially one that has staying power. Red Bull may give you wings, but apparently, it also increases your risk of several health problems including heart attack and stroke, according to an Australian study. The proliferation of booster beverages such as Red Bull, Rock Star and Monster on the market has health professionals and organizations calling for more warning labels about the dangers of energy drinks.

What your dinner plate looks like plays a big role in what your skin looks like. Generally, if you eat a healthy, balanced diet, it will show on your face. Scientists have argued for years over the link between diet and skin problems, though there are some things that everyone agrees can negatively impact your skin's appearance and aggravate existing problems.

Drinking milk isn't the only way to strengthen your bones. Check out these calcium-rich foods. Nearly 10 million Americans are living with dangerously fragile bones that are susceptible to breaks and fractures, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. But as it turns out, osteoporosis is preventable. The first step is incorporating the recommended daily amounts of calcium and vitamin D into your diet.

Is a meat-free existence the answer to a slimmer shape? Vegetarians eat plant-based diets that eliminate meat, poultry, fish, or other animal-derived foods.  There are several types of vegetarians, including: Lactovegetarians - include milk and milk products, but exclude meat, poultry, fish, seafood and eggs.

How can you make the best choices for you and your family? Here, we help make it easier. Fish has a reputation as one of the most healthful foods you can eat. But given that there are so many types of fish in the world's waters, how can you wade through all of your choices and make the best ones for you and your family? What makes one fish more healthful than another? First, know that simply by choosing fish over beef or other animal products, you're giving your health a boost.

Antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods can help combat the negative effects of pollution and a poor diet. We all know what happens when we slice an apple and leave it out--it turns brown due to oxidation, or the interaction of the molecules in the apple with oxygen, which breaks the apple down. But savvy cooks know that a little lemon juice on the apple slices halts the oxidation process and stops the slices from discoloring, at least for awhile.

Is it possible to do damage to your body by overdoing it on H20? Drink more water. That seems to be standard nutrition advice for consuming a well-balanced diet.  Why is water so important?  More than half of the weight of the body is water.  The body loses about 2-3 quarts of water every day.  If you're exercising or doing physical work in the heat, the loss can be much more.

Not all beef is created equal. Read on for a list of the leanest cuts. Lean beef is a nutrient-dense food.  In other words, it is a nutritionally rich food that provides a substantial amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients with relatively few calories.  It also has many nutritional benefits.  It is a rich source of high quality protein and an excellent source of vitamin B12 and selenium and a good source of vitamin B6 and iron.

The next time you head to the grocery store, follow these tips to save money and make healthier choices. The average American family spends $4,300 per year on food, according to the National Grocer's Association (NGA). This may seem like a lot, but don't worry: There are ways to cut down on spending and make healthier choices when grocery shopping. First, you need to be prepared.

You may think you’re doing all you can to keep your metabolism going strong, but chances are, you’re missing a few key steps. You may think you're doing all you can to keep your metabolism going strong, but chances are, you're missing a few key steps.  Here, Nicki Anderson, a National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer and president of Reality Fitness Inc.

Green tea has been hailed as a health hero recently, credited with speeding metabolism, warding off colds, and even protecting against heart disease. So, is this popular beverage the key to living longer? Green tea has been hailed as a health hero recently, credited with speeding metabolism and promoting weight loss, warding off colds and flu, and even protecting against tooth decay. But its greatest value, according to doctors and researchers, is its powerful punch against serious diseases, most notably cardiovascular disease.

Numerous studies have confirmed that people who eat nuts several times a week enjoy better heart health and protection from some serious diseases. Nuts, those reliable old standbys for vegetarians and bar patrons, are much en vogue these days. And for good reason. Numerous studies have confirmed that people who eat nuts several times a week enjoy better heart health thanks to nuts' bountiful monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Read on for 10 ways to cut down on salt. The result? A healthier heart. Our taste for salt is an acquired taste and the more you eat, the more you desire.  Conversely, the less you eat, the less you desire.  A high salt diet has been linked with an increased risk for high blood pressure.  There have been many published studies, looking at various populations that have shown that a high salt diet is associated with high blood pressure.

These days, many health gurus are touting raw food diets, claiming that food cooked at a high temperature loses its key nutrients. While experts don't suggest going 100 percent raw, they do acknowledge the amazing health benefits of uncooked and unprocessed fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Five reasons to include raw foods in your diet include: 1. Raw foods are nutrient-rich.

Here, five staples your kitchen shouldn’t be without. When it comes to your health, the old saying "You are what you eat" really applies. You can't expect to inhale a junk-filled diet of empty calories and live a long, vibrant life. To stave off disease and reach a ripe old age, you have to incorporate good-for-you foods into your diet on a regular basis.

Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than a frozen treat. Here, some healthy options to help you keep cool. Summer heat inspires cool, summer treats.  But if you're not careful, your summer treats could contribute to unwanted weight gain.  One vente mocha frappuccino from Starbuck's provides a whopping 500 calories.  Just one of these every day would promote one pound of weight gain every week.

In our fast-paced world, life seems to move at super speed. Unfortunately our waistlines are paying the price. Read on for ways to slow it down. In our fast-paced world, life seems to move at super speed.  And since the dawn of fast food, many spend less time purchasing, preparing, eating and enjoying food.  How is all this fast-paced eating affecting us? Unfortunately, eating quickly may lead to being overweight.

Should you cut out all sugar and processed foods and focus on eating lean protein and veggies? Or is it better to allow yourself some treats and simply reduce portion sizes? With an ever-increasing number of books and articles touting the "right" way to shed pounds, it's hard to know which is the best way for your body. Should you cut out all sugar and processed foods and focus on lean protein and veggies? Or do you allow...

The next time you’re in the produce aisle or the local farmers’ market, don’t pass the following fruits by. There's a world beyond the same old apples and oranges you've been buying forever. For starters, certain fruits have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and even ward off certain cancers. So, the next time you're in the produce aisle or the local farmers' market, don't pass the following fruits by.

Here, 10 ways to sneak this disease-busting ingredient into your diet. Fiber is found in all plant foods.  Foods high in fiber can help reduce your risk of heart disease, lower blood cholesterol levels, help keep your digestive tract healthy, prevent and treat constipation, and help you control your weight by helping you feel full on fewer calories.

Quick and convenient, vending machines offer an array of food choices that may make or break your healthy diet.  Being prepared with your own healthy options can help you save money and steer clear of vending machine pitfalls, but if vending machines are your only option, here are some tips: Best Choices: 1.

If you're choosing your meals carefully and exercising on a regular basis but still not seeing the scale move, there's something you may not have considered: Some foods and beverages carry a lot of hidden calories-so you could be consuming hundreds of extra calories a day without even knowing it.

Soybeans are legumes, such as peas, beans and lentils.  They are one of the world's most important crops.  Soybeans are consumed many different ways including edamame (young green soybeans), soy milk, soy nuts, soy yogurt, soy cheese, tempeh, miso, tofu and in a variety of meat substitutes such as veggie burgers.

Olives are fruits that grow on trees.  They contain a pit, and their flesh is filled with oil.  Fresh olives, taken right off of the tree, taste bitter and are therefore cured for eating or pressed to extract the olive oil.  Green and black olives come from the same tree and are actually the same olive at different stages of ripeness.

Study finds the traffic light system is the best at helping consumers select the healthiest foods. Credit to the Food Standards Agency There's no question that healthier food choices are priority for many Americans, and they want to know how to make more nutritious choices. Next month consumers will get their first chance to take advantage of the new front-of-package Smart Choices food labeling program.

If you know how to recognize your hunger signals, you’ll be able to tell when your body is physically in need or food—or when it’s craving a quick emotional fix. Hunger is the feeling that prompts thoughts of food and initiates eating.  It is influenced by many factors, including the presence or absence of nutrients in the bloodstream, the size and composition of the preceding meal, customary eating habits, climate, exercise, hormone levels, and illness.

Eating vegetarian is a great way to improve your health, slash your budget and help the planet. But it's important to shop for food carefully since a meat-free diet may lack certain key nutrients such as Vitamin B12, iron and protein. Want to get the most out of your meals? The Vegetarian Resource Group has the scoop on what you need to look for when cruising the supermarket aisles or your local farm stand: B12.

Vacations seem to conjure up thoughts of feasting on rich foods such as ice cream, caramel corn, taffy, fresh cut French fries, and pizza. But can you enjoy vacation foods and indulge without gaining weight? You certainly can. Indulgences are important for any good vacation and should actually be part of your regular healthy eating habits.

Eggs are back. According to the Egg Nutrition Center, more than 30 years of research has shown that healthy adults can eat eggs without significantly affecting their risk of heart disease or stroke. The most commonly eaten eggs are chicken eggs, but quail, duck, and turkey eggs are also eaten worldwide.

What you eat is one of the most important aspects of managing your diabetes and a new diet trend might be what the doctor ordered.  The Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil, grains, cereal, fruits, nuts, legumes, vegetables, and fish, but low in meat, dairy products and alcohol. Olive oil is used as the cooking medium of choice in this diet as well. So how does this diet compare to what The American Diabetes Association recommends? Below are the basic guidelines to follow and what you'll notice is that the Mediterranean is strikingly similar.

How would you like to fix meals at home in less time than it takes to go out for fast food? With this easy guide, you can. How would you like to fix meals at home in less time than it takes to go out for fast food?  By planning ahead you can prepare quick and easy meals at home. Being prepared is the key.  If your kitchen is well-stocked you will always have the ingredients for a healthy meal.

Here, a multitude of ways to reduce your sugar intake. The average American consumes an estimated 1/4-1/2 pounds of sugar each day. That's the equivalent of 30 - 60 teaspoons of sugar each day.  The Food Guide Pyramid and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people should limit added sugars to less than 10% of total calories.

Whether you're a young woman or a golden girl, nutrition is essential for your ever-changing body. Whether you're a young woman, pregnant woman or golden girl, nutrition is essential for women's ever-changing bodies. Read on for five important nutrients, essential for women's nutrition. 1) Vitamin D - "the sunshine vitamin," is an essential nutrient that promotes calcium absorption for healthy bones, heart and metabolic processes.

Before you take another sip, you may want to think twice. A study in the journal Pediatrics found that 84% of teens consume sugar sweetened beverages every day.  These contribute about 356 calories extra to their daily diets. Consuming just 500 extra calories a day, one would gain about one pound a week.

Follow these tips to enjoy your outdoor meal without sabotaging your diet. What do you think of when you think of picnics? Fried chicken, mayonnaise-y salads and sandwiches, sweetened lemonade...right? But it doesn't have to be that way. A picnic is simply a meal you eat outdoors. You choose what to bring, and you choose whether to make it healthy or not.

With careful planning and a well-stocked kitchen, you can prepare healthy meals in no time at all. Keeping a well-stocked pantry, refrigerator and freezer helps make healthy meal planning quick and easy.  Imagine preparing healthy meals in as little time or less than it would take to run through a drive-through.  With careful planning, you can.

How do you determine the body weight that's right for you? And how do you maintain it? Determining a healthy weight that's right for you is an important key to feeling your best and living a healthy life.  Achieving and/or maintaining that weight involves a lifestyle that combines healthy eating and regular exercise.  Over the years, there have been many different ways to determine ideal body weight for adults.

Find out why drinking water is essential to your health. Ever wonder why it seems like nothing can quench your thirst quite like water? Well,  more than half our weight comes from water.  The body actually loses about 2-3 quarts of water every day.  And if you're exercising or doing physical work in the heat, the loss can be much more.

These foods can help curb hunger and cut your calorie intake. Foods that are filling are said to have a high satiety value.  Satiety is the feeling of fullness at the end of a meal.  It's the feeling that tells you that you aren't hungry anymore.  Feeling full also helps control how much you eat at each meal and throughout the day.

Follow these tips to eat smart around all that good food. Buffets offer a seemingly endless array of food choices and by paying one price you can eat all you want or all you're able.  While this may sound great, it can also be a recipe for disaster!  In order to get more for your money (and who doesn't want that?), you eat more than you normally would, which may mean more calories, more fat, more salt and more sugar.

Planning meals does not have to be a complicated or onerous task. The key to meal planning being armed with information about what you should eat, and incorporating Crohn's-friendly recipes into your repertoire. When planning meals, think balanced. Select foods from the four major food groups: meat, fish or other protein source; diary; cereals and grains; and fruits and vegetables.

There's a world beyond the same old apple and grape juice you've been buying for your family forever. Why not break out of your beverage rut and experiment with some of the more exotic flavors out there? Besides being tasty, many unusual juices are said to offer protection from disease.

There's no better time than now to take control of your family’s health. Every parent wants to do their best to raise healthy, happy children.  More and more, we're discovering that the key is fitness--that winning combination of healthy eating and exercise that keeps our body, mind and spirit working at full capacity.

Feeling fatigued? If you have Crohn’s disease, you’re not alone. If you have Crohn's disease, chances are you suffer from fatigue from time to time. Although it's common,  fatigue is disruptive and can negatively affect your quality of life. There are many causes of fatigue; however, there are steps you can take to manage it.

There's a lot to learn--and love--about this fantastic food. They may not be nature's most beautiful creation, but they're nutritional powerhouses and a great addition to a healthful diet. We're talking about mushrooms, which come in many varieties, are extremely versatile, and are popular in many different cuisines.

Some foods have no nutritional value, and the only thing they add to your diet is extra calories. Learn more about these caloric culprits, so you can avoid them at all costs. Empty calorie foods are just what their name describes: foods that provide calories but no nutrients. Soda is an example of an empty calorie beverage.  A typical soda provides about 150 calories per can and that's it.  The calories come from sugar and there are no other nutrients provided.

Iced tea, coffee, Red Bull. When is it too much? According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), caffeine is a substance that exists naturally in certain plants.  It is found in the leaves, seeds and fruits of more than 60 plants, including cocoa beans, coffee, tea leaves, and kola nuts.  It can also be produced synthetically and used as an additive in foods and beverages and is currently showing up almost everywhere in products ranging from gum to water to candy bars.

Get tips on what to eat and when to eat—in order to rev up your metabolism. What is metabolism?  Scientifically, metabolism is the sum of all the chemical reactions that go on in the living cells that make up your body.  Energy metabolism includes all the reactions by which the body obtains and spends the energy from food.

Is salt detrimental to your diet? Here, the truth behind salt and why you need some in your daily intake. Salt is made up of sodium and chloride.  Both are essential nutrients needed by the body.  Sodium  maintains the body's fluid balance, helps with nerve impulse transmissions and muscle contractions.  The adequate intake for sodium is 1500 milligrams for adults 19-50 years old and 1300 milligrams for adults 51-70 years old.

Learn about key foods to eat once you hit the big 4-0. Remember those pizza-and-margarita binges you went on in your single-girl-about-town days? Or all the peanut butter and jelly sandwich crusts you inhaled when your kids were picky toddlers? You might have been able to eat that way regularly and still fit into your pants the next morning.

Check out our suggested meals and snacks to get the most out of every bite. Did you know that you can actually give yourself a health boost by pairing up particular foods? Some foods, while okay on their own, become nutritional powerhouses when eaten in combination with other foods. And some foods can actually cancel out others' negative effects.

Have a hankering for chocolate? Or chips? Find out the secrets behind your cravings? You're engrossed in your a movie and suddenly have a serious craving for chocolate chip cookies. They're all you can think about and can almost taste it in your mouth. But why do cravings such as these happen to begin with? When talking about cravings, it's first important to differentiate between biological food cravings and emotional food cravings.

Now is the time to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of good health. Your thirties can be a chaotic time. Often this decade is filled with the dueling demands of work and family, with the result that it's tough to make time for good nutrition. Grabbing chicken nuggets from the drive-thru after daycare pickup often seems like the easiest dinner option.

The next time hunger strikes at the mall, heed the following advice. There's nothing like a few hours of shopping to make you work up an appetite. But while malls aren't usually known for their nutritious cuisine, they have more healthful options than they used to. In addition to fast food, mall food courts are expanding their offerings to include calorie-friendly meals and snacks to tide you over between stores.

See how your local grocery store measures up When you're picking out fresh ingredients to prepare a home-cooked meal for your family, you think you have control over the quality of the food. But due to some supermarkets' poor health and safety standards, you may be getting more than you bargained for.

Find out the latest in food safety regulations and how they’re working to protect you and your family. The recent barrage of food recalls has many consumers wary.  From salmonella-tainted pistachios that affected hundreds of products, to spinach contaminated with e-coli, many of us are wondering what's next. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that Americans did not suffer more food poisoning in 2008, despite the many high-profile food recalls.

Whether you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you can still enjoy a delicious meal at any restaurant. Right after receiving a diagnosis of hypertension or high cholesterol, you might feel as if all the new restrictions and requirements will mean that you’ll never be able to dine out again. And though it’s safe to say that most fast food is now forbidden fruit for you, with an attitude adjustment and a greater nutritional awareness, you can score a heart-healthy meal even at the greasiest greasy spoon.

Find out what foods can relieve or aggravate your asthma symptoms. Do you crave chicken soup when you are sick? If so, you are not alone. This is a common remedy to soothe the discomforts of the flu and the common cold. But did you know it can also help ease your asthma symptoms by thinning your mucus and helping you to breathe better? Experts have long understood that diet plays an important role in your overall health.

Learn the best ways to fuel yourself during this important decade. A woman in her twenties often has the best of all worlds—getting to dip a toe into the "adult" world of jobs, relationships, and responsibilities while still kicking up her heels like a teen from time to time. But while twentysomethings can bounce back from an evening spent with too much pepperoni pizza more easily than older women, it's never too early to start building health habits that will last a lifetime.

Genetically altered food is causing many people to worry about the impact on the food supply and unknown health consequences The term "frankenfoods" couldn't be more appropriate. It's the nickname given to genetically modified foods. And many Americans are scared and worried that bioengineered food is causing more problems than it's solving. To create genetically altered (GA) or genetically modified (GM) foods, scientists change the genetic structure of plants and animals to increase production and resistance to natural elements, such as bad weather or pests.

You might want to think twice before steering towards the drive-thru of your favorite take-out restaurant. It's no secret that most take-out food is dangerous for your waistline, but it can also be downright disgusting. From rats to food stored in unsanitary locations, some restaurants have served up more than just convenient, tasty food. Beware, what you're about to read might make your stomach turn.

How this tasty fruit helps to fight inflammation and repair cartilage damage It’s difficult and messy to eat. Its juice can stain your clothes or countertops. But these are minor nuisances to put up with so you can reap the benefits of the pomegranate fruit. A native fruit of the Middle East, it’s becoming increasingly popular in North America since gaining superfood status.

Trying to lose weight, save money, or help the environment? Putting a stop to the pop can help with all of these goals and more. Whether you call it soda, pop, Coke, or a soft drink, one thing is standard: it's not good for you. Even so, Americans, on average, drink more than 43 gallons of the stuff each year. That's over 5,500 empty calories a year. No wonder that drinking soda is connected with weight gain.

Learn why keeping plenty of frozen produce on hand is such a good idea. Is fresh produce always better? In the summertime, when peaches, plums, tomatoes and berries of all kinds are at their peak, there’s nothing like hitting the local farmers market and bringing home salad fixings picked just that day or the day before.

Learn quick tips to beat the odds. You’ve probably discovered that shedding extra flab becomes harder to do once you roll past 40. In fact, just keeping your weight steady is now a challenge. Gone are the days when you could inhale four slices of pizza and a large soda and still slide into your skinny jeans the next morning.

Is dieting a thing of the past? Are you always on a diet? More to the point, does your constant food restriction lead to long-term weight loss? There’s a good chance it doesn’t. According to dietitian Frances M. Berg, diets are actually counterproductive. People who watch every morsel they eat and count every calorie become obsessed with food, which can lead to binge eating or other eating disorders.

Learn more about the science behind the surgery. Obesity is a major epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), two thirds of adults in the United States are obese. If you’re among these two thirds, your risk factor for type 2 diabetes is great—and in fact, you may have diabetes and be unaware.

Environment, eating habits, and genetics all play a key role. There are risk factors associated with every disease, and Crohn’s is no exception. You can’t change the genetic hand that nature deals you, or your family history. Recognizing you are at greater risk for developing Crohn’s (or any disease) is invaluable.

Early studies of the effectiveness of fish oil in maintaining remission in Crohn’s patients have been quite promising. Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties because of the omega-3 fatty acids it contains—and Crohn’s is an inflammatory disease. Crohn’s is characterized by alternating periods of flare-ups and remission. The first goal of intervention is to control symptoms and bring the disease into remission. Once in remission, the goal of treatment is to keep the patient in remission for as long as possible.

Have you hit the wall lately? If you can’t find energy to do routine tasks, have problems concentrating or keeping your temper in check, you could be suffering from fatigue. And you’re not alone. In a 2008 Stress in America Survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), 53 percent of people reported feeling fatigue. Several factors can be to blame, including some medical conditions, a lifestyle issue such as chronic stress, being overwhelmed with work, or bad nighttime habits such as eating late or sleeping in a lumpy bed.

Vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients must be included Crohn’s disease affects the intestines, which absorb food that produces energy for your body. When inflamed, it cannot adequately perform this essential function. Furthermore, when patients aren’t feeling well, they may not eat enough to support their body’s increased nutritional needs.

Learn more about the important role that glucose plays in brain function. Scientists are only beginning to uncover the brain’s role in normal insulin and glucose control as it relates to diabetes. Likewise, the cognitive deficits associated with the disease are just recently being understood. So what has been discovered so far? Research has revealed that diabetes is associated with impaired cognitive function and an increased risk for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

You love your pet. So why would you feet it food that may be unfit for human consumption? Your pet as been loyally by your side for years. You take the time to walk, feed, and bathe your dog. You pamper your cat with gourmet food and fun toys. You put real time and energy into caring for and loving your pet. So, how would you feel if you were feeding your cat or dog hair and bone from decomposing animal carcasses? Would you be glad to hear your cat is ingesting human pain killers? Food safety is as important to the health of your pet as it is for you and your family.

You exercise, eat right, get plenty of sleep and avoid excess stress. Complete your health puzzle by learning your family’s health history. Why is it important to know what maladies your relatives have suffered from? Certain diseases, such as sickle-cell anemia, are inherited, passed down from generation to generation in the form of DNA abnormalities. Others, such as cancer or heart disease, may strike seemingly at random.

From the corner Italian restaurant, to the Chinese takeout joint, to Applebee’s, there are many restaurant choices serving every type of cuisine. As heartburn sufferers, we need to be selective in what we eat. When eating out be aware of what you are ordering, ask the waiting staff what ingredients are included in the dish.  By knowing what aggravates your heartburn, select and order your meals based on what you enjoy that will not trigger any discomfort.

Choosing organic products for your little one isn’t about being chic or getting a green award. It’s simply another way to keep her safe and healthy. Choosing organic products for your little one isn’t about being chic or getting a green award. It’s simply another way to keep her safe and healthy. Babies and toddlers take in more pesticides than adults do; opting for organic products can significantly reduce their exposure.

Learn how diet and lifestyle changes help eliminate this common problem. Power saws and car horns, at 110 decibels each, are jarring noises that cause you to cover your ears. They’re annoying and obnoxious. Yet neither of them is louder than what an Englishman did in 2001—burped at 118 decibels, the loudest belch ever recorded.

A big part of managing your condition is avoiding certain trigger foods. When a meal must adhere to specific dietary guidelines, a single phrase should sum up the guideline’s essence. Those who suffer from GERD should, above all, remember this: go easy on the fat. The GERD Information Resource Center suggests making a number of lifestyle changes for those with the disease.

Some simple dietary changes can help ward off heartburn symptoms. Cooking in the comfort of your own kitchen should be a painless process: you make and eat what you want. Those who suffer from heartburn need not be sidelined by symptoms—so long as they know which foods are safe. Abiding by a few standard rules limits the chance you will experience heartburn when reaching for a recipe.

Too much of a good thing can spell disaster for athletes, dieters, and health nuts alike. Read on to find out how. You’ve read it on health blogs, diet websites, and fitness magazines: Drink eight glasses a day—every day. For the majority of us, we struggle just to make this mark, let alone exceed it. But could you actually ingest too much water? The answer is simply: Yes.

Can changing how you eat help ease arthritis symptoms? The jury is out. If you suffer from arthritis, you are in good company. The National Institutes of Health estimates that about one out of every five Americans today have some form of this condition, which causes inflammation of the joints and can make it painful to complete your activities, depending on the severity and type of your symptoms.

Learn simple strategies to prepare meals at home that won’t aggravate your condition. The most satisfying aspect of cooking is when all the time you've put into shopping for ingredients, preparing the ingredients, sneaking the samplers, ruining the kitchen, watching the oven, and working up an appetite finally comes together-because you get to eat it.

Which cooking oils are actually healthy for you and which ones you should steer clear of? Let's face it: We need oil—cooking oil, that is. It makes food flavorful and moist, and without it, we couldn’t sauté or fry or whip up a cake from a store-bought mix. But it’s our insatiable desire for fried foods and baked goods that has given oil a bad name, one associated with type-2 diabetes, clogged arteries, and hearts strained by love handles gone wild with excess fat.

In 2008 at least six infants in China died and 300,000 other babies became ill after drinking milk that contained melamine. Traces of the chemical were found in infant formula, milk powder and soy products exported from China. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) came under fire after initially hiding the fact that melamine was found in infant formula sold in this country. Eventually, the extent of the problem became apparent: Melamine was present in 90 per cent of the infant formula on the market, including brands from Enfamil, Mead Johnson and Nestlé.

They may be small, but they have big benefits. Seeds--they're for the birds, right? Sure, but they're also great for you. Whether you're a vegetarian, a vegan or a meat-eater, seeds have a place in your diet. You can eat them in larger quantities as a main course, grind them into butters, or use them in smaller quantities as garnishes for other foods.

Learn more about the undeniable relationship between the two. The Link  In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) held a conference addressing the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes-due to the rising numbers of both in the United States. And as recently as the summer of 2008, Congress heard testimony from the American Diabetes Association on the same topic.

Learn more about the undeniable relationship between the two. The Link  In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) held a conference addressing the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes-due to the rising numbers of both in the United States. And as recently as the summer of 2008, Congress heard testimony from the American Diabetes Association on the same topic.

Can your diet turn your brain into a lean, mean intelligence machine? Read on to find out. The human body is exceedingly receptive to your diet. From your eyesight to your energy, from your weight to your motor skills, what you eat affects all facets of your body. A healthy diet can give you energy, help develop lean muscle, and enhance your sex life.

Children learn what they live. Here are tips on how to teach your children well. We all want our kids to grow up eating nutritiously, getting plenty of exercise, and having a good outlook on life. How can you make that happen? Live healthfully yourself! You are a powerful influence on your children. If they see you "walking the talk" instead of just telling them what they should do, there's a great chance they'll grow up copying your good behaviors.

With some careful planning and moderation, the pleasure of something sweet can be yours. If you're like most people, you crave something sweet after a meal. But if you're a diabetic, grabbing a cookie or a slice of cake certainly isn't a good idea. Fortunately, with some careful planning and consideration, you can enjoy a delicious dessert with the best of them.

Learn simple strategies for controlling your condition while away from home. If you spend enough time going from home to office to home, soon you'll find yourself dying for a long weekend, or even a month-long vacation. Anything to change the routine. But as we all know, travelling can come with a host of headaches. There's bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highway.

Stay beautiful while being good to your body. If you've been carefully reading nutrition labels and making an effort to put healthier, more natural foods into your body, it stands to reason that you also may be rethinking the things you apply to the outside of your body-namely, your makeup, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen and other cosmetics.

Stay beautiful while being good to the earth. If you've been carefully reading nutrition labels and making an effort to put healthier, more natural foods into your body, it stands to reason that you also may be rethinking the things you apply to the outside of your body-namely, your makeup, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen and other cosmetics.

When your total cholesterol level climbs above 240, it’s time to take action to decrease your risk for a stroke or a heart attack. Quitting smoking, engaging in aerobic exercise at least three times a week, and eating a diet high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables will all contribute to the maintenance of a healthy balance of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL); if the former is 60 or above, it actually prevents heart disease, while a level below 100 for the latter is desirable for people who have a higher likelihood for developing heart disease.

Learn how the famous deal with their condition. What do Halle Berry, Dick Clark, David Crosby, Jay Cutler, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Garcia, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nick Jonas, B.B King, Larry King, Elizabeth Taylor, and Neil Young have in common? They're all famous actors, actresses, musicians, or politicians-and they all had or have diabetes.

Follow these tips on how to start a food diary so that you can increase your weight loss potential. Many studies show that journaling can help you lose weight. From writing down what you eat to expressing your feelings.  According to a 2008 Kaiser Permanente study, keeping a food journal can help dieters double the number of pounds they lose. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine agrees, stating that according to their research, those who wrote down their meals six times per week lost twice as much weight as those who didn't.

Follow these guidelines to solve the multivitamin mystery. You probably know that taking a multivitamin can be good for your health, but do you know which one is right for you? According to Dr. Ann G. Kulze, author of Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss and Lifelong Vitality, "there is perhaps no area of wellness that evokes more confusion and questions amongst consumers than what supplements they should or should not take.

Follow these tips to prevent alcohol from aggravating your condition. Heartburn and alcohol have a unique relationship. A study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences found that those who drank 12 ounces of red wine with lunch or dinner had higher-than-normal levels of acid in the esophagus. Other studies have shown that of those people who suffer from heartburn, roughly 6 in 10 said alcohol led directly to heartburn symptoms on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

These good eats get the thumbs-up for heartburn sufferers. When heartburn sufferers talk about food, they usually talk about what they can't eat, not about what they can eat. That's because the worst trigger foods-fats, spices, citrus-can lead to painful symptoms. When determining foods that won't aggravate your symptoms, the first thing to do is to assess their ingredients.

It's best to steer clear of the following fare. If you have diabetes, you may be thinking: why do I have to avoid certain foods while other can eat whatever they want? Remember, though, that the two food groups diabetics should avoid are the same that food pyramids tell everyone else to use sparingly.

I took the NavigenicsTM test around holiday time, during the hustle and bustle of the season. Providing the sample was so easy-it was just a small saliva sample. Then off it went to the lab, where my DNA would be analyzed. Soon I'd have a window into the future of my health.

Not all fats are created equal. Choose those that are best for your heart. Fat has gotten a pretty bad rap, and in all fairness, much of it is well deserved.  Consuming too much saturated fat can up your LDL (or bad cholesterol) level, while trans fat, once considered to be a healthy alternative to animal fat, not only raises your LDL level, it also lowers your HDL, or good, cholesterol level.

Can eliminating or adding certain foods relieve arthritis symptoms? Many health professionals and respected medical institutes dispute that there's any such thing as an "arthritis diet." Some arthritis sufferers, however, claim that eliminating certain foods from their diet sent their condition into remission. What should you believe? To be healthy in general you need a balanced diet.

The next time you have a craving for a deli meats, think twice. There could be health dangers lurking behind that deli counter. Here is the information you need to know before you make or buy your next sandwich. Meat Menace Your seemingly harmless deli meat may have a secret that could harm your health according to a growing number of health officials and researchers. Processed meats can be bad for your heart according to the American Heart Association due to their high levels of sodium and fat.

Your home is the perfect place to build a foundation of healthy food choices, ongoing physical activity, and regular blood glucose testing. Sir Edward Coke is credited with the famous phrase "et domus sua cuique tutissimum refugium" or "A man's home is his castle." Hundreds of years later, we can apply that same principle to diabetes care. Your home is your diabetes castle, a place where you can feel safe and secure in the knowledge, support, and supplies you have to successfully manage your condition.

A few simple changes can make a big difference. It may not be dinner-table conversation, but sometimes what we eat at the dinner table can affect us in negative ways. If you've ever left a meal feeling bloated, or suffered from heartburn or pain, your digestive system may not be operating at top capacity.

Now may be the perfect opportunity to jump on the organic bandwagon. If you haven't yet jumped on the organic bandwagon, now may be the right time. More supermarkets than ever are carrying organic products, many under their own labels, and the selection of organic foods and other items has expanded greatly. But the array of products and labels can be confusing.

It's the number one killer of women, but with the right lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk. Even if heart disease runs in your family, getting it is not inevitable. There are many steps you can take to minimize your risk and live a long, healthy life, from making smart food choices to bumping up your exercise. So ditch the excuses, and check out this list: Burn as many calories as you take in.

Certain foods really can enhance your memory and overall cognitive function. Are they part of your diet? In general, any food that's good for you is good for your brain. That's because nutritious foods that lower your risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes naturally encourage blood flow to the brain. Your brain, like the rest of your body, needs quality nutrients to work at its highest level.

Sometimes medication isn’t the only answer. Some of us are obsessed with medicine. We get a stomach ache and rush to the doctor, screaming for a prescription; our throat hurts so we down an over-the-counter (OTC) syrup, all the while carrying on with our everyday lives as if the meds will miraculously cure us.

Incorporating certain foods into your daily regimen could do wonders for your bones. Osteoporosis, or bone fragility, is of particular concern as we age. It affects millions of Americans, most of them women in midlife and older, causing fractures and loss of height. But this disease is not an inevitable part of aging-what you eat can make a huge difference in keeping your bones strong and able to support you throughout your life.

It's best to abide by the Boy Scouts motto: Be prepared When it comes to diabetes, it's best to abide by the Boy Scouts motto: Be prepared. An emergency for a person with diabetes can be as simple as a hypoglycemic episode or as complicated as a natural disaster in which the person has no access to his or her supplies.

A diagnosis of diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean sugar is out of the question. If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, you may be thinking to yourself, "I can never eat sugar again." But that's usually not the case. The pleasure of something sweet can be yours by using moderation and creativity.

Dining out doesn't have to be difficult. Just follow these simple tips. Sharing meals is at the heart of most social activities with family and friends. If you have Crohn's disease, you know firsthand that dining out can be difficult. However, there's no reason your social life should take a back seat. The key to dining out successfully is to plan carefully and be mindful of what you eat.

Not feeling yourself? Your eating habits could be the reason. We all have them at times-days when life really tests us. Your car gets a flat on the way to work, you flub an important report, you can't help your child with his math homework, and to top it all off, you burn dinner. Your mood? Lower than this week's stock market, and understandably so.

Incorporate these habits into your daily routine, and your body will reap the benefits. Living well doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition-and it shouldn't be. The little things you do every day, like topping your bread with olive oil instead of butter or taking five minutes to stretch, are what add up to a healthy lifestyle in the long run.

By taking certain precautions, you can enjoy your time away from home in a safe and healthy manner. Whether you're leaving on a jet plane or just taking a road trip for the weekend, it's important to remember that wherever you go, your diabetes goes with you. The good news is that, if you're diligent about managing your disease, you can go almost anywhere and do almost anything.

Learn more about different types of treatment options. If you suffer from heartburn, one of the first things to determine is how you wish to treat it. When it comes to treatment, there are three over the counter medications available: antacids, H2-receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors. While each is effective in controlling heartburn, each treats the condition differently.

Beware: the following foods may exacerbate your condition. One way to minimize heartburn is to alter your diet. Unsurprisingly, this means healthier eating. Sugars, chocolates, and citrus products are bad for heartburn, and as a rule, fatty foods, by stimulating the over-production of stomach acid, are more likely to lead to heartburn.

With the right knowledge and preparation, you can properly care for your condition while on the job. If you think you're the only person with diabetes in your workplace, odds are you're mistaken. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) shows that diabetes now affects nearly 24 million people, or 8 percent of the population, in the United States.

With some simple modifications, you can greatly improve your quality of life. It makes sense that we think of heartburn as a pain that results from food. After all, the first step to treating the pain is to identify and reduce your consumption of "trigger foods." These are foods that bring on heartburn symptoms; they include chocolate, citrus, dairy, and anything high in fat.

There’s no need to abandon carbs completely. It’s all a matter of selecting the right ones. In the wake of popular protein-heavy diets such as South Beach and Atkins, some people still consider carbohydrates to be the enemy. But it's important to remember that there actually are two types of carbs: complex carbs and simple carbs, otherwise known as good carbs and bad carbs.

Sweet tooth or addiction? Find out for yourself. There's nothing wrong with the occasional post-dinner sweet. In fact, some studies suggest that, in moderation, chocolate can be beneficial. One study conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) found that the natural nitric oxide in coca can help lower blood pressure and aide in overall heart function.

If you're leaving carbs out of your diet, you may be losing more than just a quick pound. Few would argue the fact that no-carb diets work in the short run. What no-carb dieters may not realize are the effects on other parts of their body. A study conducted at Tufts University in Massachusetts found that diets that eliminate carbohydrates can have a negative effect on memory.

Be savvy on how supplements can (or cannot) help your heart. A slew of research has emerged about the efficacy of nutritional supplements in combating various illnesses, and the overall verdict is not good. In December 2008, a study of almost 15,000 male physicians across the U.S. concluded that vitamins E and C showed no preventative effects on prostate or other cancers.

Long known to help your digestive system, fiber is good for your heart health, too. Find out why, and how you can incorporate more of it in your diet. As the saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." And for those who have high cholesterol or high blood pressure,  this may very well be true. Apples are good sources of fiber, and experts believe that the more fiber you eat, the less likely you are to develop heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack.

It's essential for your health, but are you meeting your daily needs? Something we all remember from childhood is our mom, our doctor, and even our teachers telling us to eat more fiber. But how many of us really knew what they were talking about? Dietary fiber refers to carbohydrates that cannot be digested, which means that when consumed, they fill you up and provide you with energy.

“Fast food” and “healthy”: Is it possible for these two things to go together? If you've seen the movie Super Size Me, chances are, you may not have had a Big Mac since. In his 2004 documentary, Morgan Spurlock, inspired by troubling statistics on American obesity, relied on the shock value of a thirty-day McDonald's diet to show audiences what they already knew about fast food: that it's not healthy.

Spice up your diet with these foods that you might not have known are good for your heart. By now, you probably know that salmon and blueberries are good for your heart. In fact, you're probably sick of hearing that salmon and blueberries are good for you. Fortunately, you can keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels low and still enjoy a more varied diet.

Consumed in moderation, salt is essential to our health. But be careful—too much can wreak havoc on your body. Salt plays numerous roles.  Among other things, it helps balance electrolyte levels and transmits nerve impulses. Unfortunately, a majority of Americans take in too much salt, ingesting an average of 3,500 milligrams each day-1,200 milligrams above the maximum recommended daily intake.

When your total cholesterol level climbs above 240, it’s time to take action to decrease your risk for a stroke or a heart attack. Quitting smoking, engaging in aerobic exercise at least three times a week, and eating a diet high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables will all contribute to the maintenance of a healthy balance of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL); if the former is 60 or above, it actually prevents heart disease, while a level below 100 for the latter is desirable for people who have a higher likelihood for developing heart disease.

Feeling sluggish? These good eats will give you the perfect pick-me-up. Being tired is no fun at all. You can't concentrate at work, you exercise less, and getting out of bed takes a lot of effort. It's a miserable way to trudge through life. But did you know that having more energy may be as simple as choosing the right foods? Overall, the key is to focus on low-glycemic foods (because they release energy slowly) that are high in complex carbohydrates and low in excess fats.

New research may be changing the way we view fat's relation to diabetes. Think fatty foods are bad for diabetics? A new study suggests that the opposite may be true: that extra fat in the buttocks and thighs may actually help prevent type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that injecting subcutaneous fat (fat just below the skin) into the abdomens of mice helped improve sensitivity to insulin.

Spice up your diet with these foods that you might not have known are good for your heart. By now, you probably know that salmon and blueberries are good for your heart. In fact, you're probably sick of hearing that salmon and blueberries are good for you. Fortunately, you can keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels low and still enjoy a more varied diet.

Think these foods are safe? Think again. Whether you've been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, monitoring your blood glucose levels is extremely important. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), what you eat is a key factor in keeping glucose levels in check and managing diabetes.

With these helpful tips, you can enjoy restaurant food while still being good to your body. What should you eat when you go out to a restaurant? Or when you're a guest at someone's house? How about when you stop for fast food with the kids? If you have diabetes, these are questions that might plague you. Diet is a key component to successfully managing diabetes, and eating out can make it difficult to control ingredients and portion sizes.

Sometimes the way to real savings is no more than making a quick swap. In 2008 it may have seemed like most of your monthly budget was spent on astronomical fuel costs. However, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average American spends approximately 10 percent of his or her yearly income on food.

Poor diet and lack of exercise aren't the only factors that can damage your heart. Your stress levels also play a huge role. In the movies, traumatic news is enough to trigger a heart attack. On TV shows, a dramatic mother tells her rebellious teen son that he's going to give her a heart attack. As it turns out, these situations may not be too far from the truth. Research shows a direct link between stress and an unhealthy heart.

Before you pop open a can, consider these more nutritious choices instead. As John Pemberton brewed up a batch of the first formulation of Coca-Cola in 1885, he probably never dreamed just how popular his drink would become. According to current company estimates, every day, distributors worldwide sell more than 1.4 billion servings of Coke, which Pemberton originally marketed as a health tonic capable of curing everything from headaches to morphine addiction.

Who would have thought that a few simple foods could change the course of history? If we are in fact what we eat, it would logically follow that food would hold significant sway over the course of our history. Without access to Egypt's vast stores of grain, the Julio-Claudian emperors and their successors might have failed in currying the Roman public's favor.

Clean teeth and healthy gums might be your first line of defense against other diseases. Learn more. As a kid, brushing your teeth may have seemed like a hassle, but as an adult, you should be aware of how important healthy teeth and gums really are. Oral health goes hand in hand with your overall health. Think of your mouth as a window to your body's health.

This decadent dessert does more than just please your taste buds—it could benefit your health as well. It may be hard to believe that something as delicious as chocolate could actually be good for you? But it's true. According to a growing body of research, America's favorite sweet treat comes with a host of surprising health benefits-from regulating your blood pressure to reducing your risk of dementia.

When cutting back to lose weight, is it smarter to reduce fat or carbohydrates? Find out. Low-carbohydrate, high-carbohydrate, low-fat, high-fat, low-fiber, high-fibe—and the list goes on and on. Who can keep track of all these diet plans? It seems as though new diet plans, weight-loss promises, or "miracle drugs" are introduced each day.

How can you make sure the food you order doesn’t come with a side of gross-out? Follow these eight tips. Dining horror stories abound. Rats falling out of the ceiling, a deep-fried mouse found in a bucket of chicken, chewing gum discovered in a taco, employees not washing their hands after using the restroom. It seems everyone has a tale of something revolting that has happened at a restaurant.

Keep your waistline in check this holiday season by choosing the cocktails that are least offensive to your diet.   Whether you're toasting at midnight on New Year's Eve, topping off a filling holiday meal, or simply raising a glass to good health, there's a good chance you'll imbibe a cocktail or two this holiday season. If you're washing down sinful treats with equally delicious beverages, you may have to worry about more than just tomorrow's hangover.

Disgust is a powerful emotion shared by all people across all cultures, yet its triggers are very different. Where did the sense of disgust come from, and why do we have it? We people eat some very disgusting things. Fish heads in Scotland, ox penises in China, pig intestines the American south, spiders in Cambodia, field rats in North Korea, cow kidneys in England, hog brains in the Ohio River Valley, cow tongue in Mexico, and even duck fetuses in the Philippines.

Balut, or duck fetus, is an everyday food in the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam and other southeast Asian countries. Return to article Disgust: Can't Live Without It Image source: Wikimedia Commons Return to article Disgust: Can't Live Without It

You might not have known it when you were young, but according to health experts, Mom was right all along. Remember all those times your mom told you to go to bed early and eat your veggies? You might not have wanted to admit it back then, but as it turns out, she was right--about almost everything. Here, the 10 best pieces of advice that moms give: 1. Wash your hands Think about everything you touched today--toilets, door handles, telephones.

Research suggests that certain foods can help reduce your cancer risk. While there's no single food that can protect you against cancer completely, a growing body of research suggests that certain edibles can help to reduce your risk. Some of these foods and spices may thwart the onset of the disease, while others can help to limit the spread of cancer cell growth.

When it comes to a healthy body, the number on the scale may not be telling the whole story. What's your pefect body weight? 125 pounds? 150 pounds? Anything under 200? The truth is, a healthy body is defined by much more than what size jeans you wear, how you look in a bathing suit, or even what the scale says. For example, did you know that...

Get the inside scoop on how certain countries manage to stay so slim. When it comes to obesity, it might seem as if America is tipping the scales-and for good reason. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States is the ninth fattest country in the world (second only to Kuwait and some South Pacific isles).

Irritable bowel syndrome affects up to 20 percent of the U.S. adult population, and the disorder has no known cause. Here, a look at IBS, from symptoms to treatment. Imagine not being able to make dinner plans with your friends or not eating your favorite foods for fear that it will send you running for the bathroom. For people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), these scenarios may sound all too familiar.

Tired of flabby abs or love handles? If diet and exercise haven't worked for you, abdominoplasty may be the solution. Who doesn't want a trim, flat stomach? Millions strive for tighter tummies, usually starting by improving their diet and exercise routines. However, these changes often aren't enough to achieve desired results. While body fat can be reduced through a healthy diet and workout plan, the loose muscles and skin that frequently result from extreme weight loss, pregnancy, and even aging and heredity aren't as easily eliminated.

As you age, your body doesn't stay the same. Neither should your diet. When you think about aging well, wrinkle creams, exercise programs and even plastic surgery probably come to mind. But if you really want to make sure you're able to enjoy those later years, experts say you've also got to know something about fine-tuning your diet.

The packaging of some of your favorite foods may be hiding crucial information from you. What do you look for when you check a food label? Some people may check for fat content, while other may want to see if the product contains whole grains or meat byproducts. Companies have been required to list the nutritional information on the packaging of food products since 1994; however, what's written on the package may be presented in an intentionally misleading way.

Get the scoop on these supposed weight-loss wonders. According to research conducted by the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 66 percent of Americans are overweight, and we're on track to see that figure reach 75 percent by 2015. In the midst of this troubling epidemic, diet pills have rushed to the marketplace-some promising fairly reasonable results, others claiming they can create bathing-suit bodies in weeks or even days.

Afraid weight lifting will make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger? It won't. Here, we debunk other weight-lifting myths. Trying to lose weight? Put down the cookbook, and pick up some dumbbells. Some common misconceptions deter women from lifting weights, but the truth is weight lifting can help eliminate body fat. One study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, demonstrated that women who strength trained twice a week for two years decreased their body fat by 3.

Eating breakfast? Absolutely. Sunbathing? Not so much. Read on as we uncover the best and worst health advice. When it comes to health, good advice abounds. But there are also lots of misconceptions, silly old wives' tales, and even dangerous ideas about everything from UV exposure to treating a common cold. Which suggestions should you follow, and which ones should you kick to the curb? Follow our guide to discover the best and worst health tips of all time.

From head to toe, we explore symptoms and solutions for some of the most awkward health conditions. At one time or another, an embarrassing malady is bound to fall on everyone. Although some are more debilitating than others, all are at least conquerable, if not curable, with a combination of diligence, patience, and a doctor's supervision. Here, we...

How healthy are you? The answer may depend partly on where you live. There are certain things you can do to take control of your health: eat right, exercise, quit smoking (or better yet, don't start). Getting health insurance helps, too. But according to experts, living a healthy lifestyle can be harder in some parts of the country than others.

Not all mushrooms and martinis are created equal. Discover the secrets behind these ultra-pricey indulgences. One thousand dollars for an ice-cream sundae? Sixteen grand for a cocktail? Believe it or not, there really are foods and drinks that sell for this much--and there really are people who are willing to pay for them. Here, 10 of the world's most expensive indulgences.

When you want to indulge, find out which junk foods are the worst and which are not so bad. You ran an extra half-mile today and want to reward yourself with one of your favorite junk foods. You're craving pizza or ice cream or candy. You know none of these foods are good for you, but do you know which ones would do the most damage to your diet? Keep reading for the best and worst junk foods of all time.

Every year, more than 100,000 people undergo this popular weight-loss procedure. Is it right for you? Over the past decade, a slew of celebrities including singer Carnie Wilson, talk-show personality Star Jones, and NBC weatherman Al Roker have elected to undergo gastric bypass surgery to help manage their weight. The procedure, which involves stapling...

Reduce your risks by understanding your condition and the problems that can arise. Although diabetes is a serious disease, it can generally be managed through a combination of diet, exercise, self-care techniques, and sometimes medication. In fact, with proper care, many patients lead long and fulfilling lives. When diabetics stray from their treatment guidelines, however, a variety of problems can result.

It's never too early—or too late—to protect yourself from this debilitating disease. Here, a look at osteoporosis by the numbers. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures. Although any bone can be affected, the most common fractures occur in the wrist, hips, and spine.

Chemicals, contaminants, trace amounts of pharmaceuticals. Find out if you should rethink what you drink. It's often said that water is the essence of life, and is it any wonder? Seventy percent of the earth's surface is covered in water, and the human body is composed of approximately the same percentage of H2O. Along these lines, millions of Americans rely on tap water every day to quench their thirst, regulate their body temperature, and stay hydrated.

If you're having trouble shedding extra pounds, the stresses of daily life could be the culprit. If you've ever polished off a pint of ice cream when you were under pressure or consumed a whole bag of chips when you were worried, it will come as no surprise that stress can lead to weight gain. And according to new research, stress puts people at increased risk for obesity because it not only prompts them to eat more, but also because it releases certain hormones that encourage the body to store fat.

Snacks to skip and healthier options when eating at the game. If you've been to a baseball game lately, you know that an afternoon at the ballpark doesn't mean you have to derail your diet. In recent years, major-league ballparks across the country have begun selling lighter fare, including fruit skewers, sushi and vegan dogs, at their concession stands.

As imports continue to rise, so, too, do safety concerns. Here, what every American should know. Imagine if your toothpaste made you deathly ill or if your dog died because his pet food made him sick. Recent headlines have been littered with stories about unapproved antibiotics in seafood, pet-sickening wheat gluten, and tainted toothpaste imported from China, causing many Americans to raise an eyebrow about the quality and safety of imported food.

You've got a financial plan for your golden years. What about a fitness plan? Odds are, if you're 50 or older, you know you should be exercising. But in all likelihood, you're probably spending more time on the couch or in the car than on the treadmill or hiking trail. Only just over one-fourth of the 50-plus crowd are engaged in some type of physical activity in their leisure time, including 29.

It may seem counterintuitive, but eating more of some foods can actually help you lose weight. Find out how. Eat more food, feel full all day long, and lose weight. It sounds too good to be true, like one of those fad diets that promises to help you shed 10 pounds while you watch TV. But this one is real. It's not that you can eat more Snickers, more pizza, or more sour-cream-and-onion potato chips.

New research and real results show the surprising benefits of this practice. Americans expect results, and they expect them fast. Perhaps that's why fad diets and home gyms that promise miracle weight loss are so popular. With all the hype surrounding food diaries, they might seem as though they're just another fad. So the question remains, does recording your food intake actually help you lose weight? Americans spend almost $35 billion on weight-loss products, but studies show that logging your food intake may be one of the most effective methods.

Follow these tips to help protect your children from this degenerative bone disease. Osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become less dense and more prone to fractures, is often thought of as an older person's disease. But experts are beginning to refer to this degenerative condition as a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences.

Nearly six million people live with diabetes, but are unaware that they have the condition. Could you be one of them? While the exact cause of diabetes remains unknown, both genetics and environmental factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise, appear to play major roles. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, which is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

Learn about the symptoms and methods of diagnosing this gastrointestinal disorder. Every year, an estimated 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with Crohn's disease. However, many people are uninformed about the disease and, as a result, may go undiagnosed. Here, find out about the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatments of Crohn's disease, so you can have a better understanding of the condition.

More and more Americans are living to 100. Here, the secrets to their longevity. Imagine blowing out 100 candles on your birthday cake. If the idea appeals to you, you're not alone—two out of every three Americans say that they want to live for a century, according to a survey sponsored by the Alliance for Aging Research. What's more, a growing number of studies suggest that many of them just might get their wish.

All too often, people lose weight only to gain it back again. Follow these tips to stop the maddening cycle. For many people, losing weight is a source of great pride and accomplishment. After all, dieting can be a grueling endeavor, and the pounds you've shed represent a lot of hard work. Once you've lost the weight, you have both a slimmer body and improved health to show for your efforts.

These nine foods simply aren't fair to your diet. A day at the fair conjures up ideas of friends, family, fun...and very possibly, fried foods. Although the fair has much to offer in the way of rides and activities, the truth is, many people come mostly for the food. Some stands may offer healthy choices, but they're often overshadowed by the seemingly endless supply of funnel cakes and corn dogs.

Want to fall off the weight-control wagon? Just a few of these fattening foods are all it takes. You watch your weight. You cut back on snacks. You even hit the gym twice a week. But no matter how hard you try, the pounds come creeping back. The culprit? It could be one of these inflationary foods. Each is so fattening that just the occasional indulgence could result in major weight gain--even if you do everything else right.

Here, eight foods that are definitely not a part of a balanced breakfast. You'd probably think twice about having an ice cream sundae for breakfast, but it's doubtful you'd question having a bacon and egg sandwich with hash browns to start your day. For many, breakfast is a forgotten meal. While there's plenty of evidence to show that eating breakfast everyday is good for your health and your weight, the bad news is, if you start your day off with the wrong meal, you may be destined for a midday crash.

Contrary to popular belief, your intelligence quotient (IQ) isn't set in stone. Follow these tips to boost your brainpower. Intelligence quotient may be one of the greatest predictors of human potential. And for years, scientists believed IQ was fixed (so the score you earned in grade school determined whether you'd be an Einstein or have the mental capacity of a spoon). But new research suggests that by flexing your gray matter, it is possible to up your score.

Think you're having a bad day? If you've made it out of bed and through breakfast without injury, you're doing pretty well. If you don't wrestle alligators for a living or spend your free time doing daredevil stunts, you probably think you live a relatively low-risk existence. Perhaps an average morning consists of hitting the snooze button, taking a warm shower, eating a quick breakfast, and then driving to work.

Add some spice to your life--and to your diet. These flavorful ingredients could help you shed pounds. Looking for an easy way to burn calories? Well, there's good news: You needn't resign yourself to eating bland foods. Studies have shown that the same spices that add zest to your meals can also boost your metabolism. In fact, many of these metabolism-revving spices can be found right in your own cupboards.

Tired of apples and almonds? Check out some of the healthy new munchies hitting store shelves. Hours have passed since your lunch meeting, and it'll be several more until you can sit down for dinner. It's 4 p.m. and, no surprise, you're hungry for your "fourth meal" of the day--your daily snack. If you're hoping to curb your hunger without losing control of your waistline, you're in luck.

In a hurry? Don't forget about nutrition. Here, the seven worst convenience snacks and their good-for-you alternatives. When you're time-crunched and starving, pre-packaged foods may seem like a tempting solution. But according to experts, these speedy snacks often come with a high price. Some are loaded with so much sodium that they could send your blood pressure sky high, while others are packed with preservatives, artificial flavorings, and empty calories.

If you want to slim down and stay healthy, don't indulge in these seasonal treats. It's summertime, and the living is easy-but eating healthfully can be hard. Some of the season's most popular foods, like potato salad and fried chicken, contain massive amounts of calories and fat, while others, such as hot dogs, boast ingredients that may be downright dangerous.

You may be drinking yourself fat. Check out these seven hefty beverages. The number of people who are obese is itself becoming a rotund figure, and America ranks as the ninth fattest country in the world. Foods high in calories, fat, sugar, and carbohydrates contribute to weight gain, but beverages are often forgotten in America's perpetual weight gain.

Forget fad diets. Instead, follow these tips to boost your metabolism and watch the pounds melt away. You want to lose weight—and fast. But most speedy slim-down plans are not only ineffective, but they can be downright dangerous. How can you shed pounds quickly without compromising your health? According to experts, the key is following a moderate diet and exercise plan and revving up your metabolism to burn more calories.

What really goes into your burger and fries? The answers may astonish you. A hamburger, fries, and a large strawberry shake. It's the recipe for an all-American meal—one on which we spend a whopping $124 billion dollars a year, according to the National Restaurant Association. In addition to contributing to the country's obesity epidemic, our penchant for fast food may be negatively affecting our health in other serious ways.

When consumed in moderation, this age-old brew can impart a host of health benefits. One of the oldest and most consumed alcoholic beverages, beer has served many roles since it was first brewed nearly 7,000 years ago. It's been featured in religious ceremonies, praised in literature, and prized for its medicinal properties. What the ancients suspected about the health benefits of beer, modern-day science continues to prove.

The reasons for ending the bottled water addiction are just as transparent as the liquid itself. Americans' addiction to bottled water has exploded. In 1976, only 350,000 bottles of water were sold. Today, more than 9.4 billion bottles are sold each year, equaling more than $12 billion in sales. However, more people are beginning to question the need for and benefits of bottled water.

When it comes to these seemingly healthy foods and beverages, don't believe the hype. Sports drinks, power bars, and natural sweeteners must be good for you, right? Well, just because something sounds healthy doesn't mean it actually is. In fact, according to experts, many of the products currently marketed as nutritious are more hype than healthful.

When you're searching the frozen food aisle at your grocery store for fast and easy meals, avoid these diet disasters at all costs. For those watching their waistlines and their wallets, frozen versions of popular restaurant foods are tempting solutions. But think twice before replacing your favorite take-out with its frigid counterpart--the swaps aren't always so diet friendly. Here, a look at the frozen foods that don't do your body good.

You probably already know that food can give you energy, but can it help you fall asleep, too? Here, six that can help you catch your z's. Your eating habits can have a direct effect on your day—emotionally, mentally, and physically. A healthy, balanced breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, giving you energy for the rest of the day. Skipping meals can result in tiredness and irritability.

Keep your teeth in top condition by steering clear of these dental offenders. Nothing conveys confidence like a bright smile, but if your teeth aren't as white and healthy as you would like, you probably aren't grinning as widely as you could be. While you'll find a variety of teeth-whitening products at your local drug store and can ask your dentist about professional services, the best way to keep your teeth pearly is by not staining or eroding the enamel in the first place.

Find yourself dozing off at 3 p.m.? These foods may be the cause. Ask your friends to name a food that makes them tired, and there's a good chance they'll say turkey—citing the lethargic feeling associated with the Thanksgiving meal. But is there any truth to the allegations? While certain foods do make us tired, the ones you suspect may not be the most common culprits.

Was mom right when she said eating carrots would improve your eyesight? Read on to find out. Urban legends have long been a part of American culture. We've all heard about George Washington chopping down the cherry tree, the hitch hiker who vanished, and the gang members who strike when a car flashes its lights at them. Tall-tales and exaggerations are common—and legends about food are no exception.

Take heed—these common foods could ruin your dinner by making you sick. If you've ever been struck with diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or abdominal cramps after dining out (or in), chances are that you were just one of the millions of "dirty food" victims that this country sees every year.  Foodborne illness, or food poisoning, is the result of consuming food or beverages contaminated with parasites, viruses, or bacteria.

When you turn to these fruits and veggies for a healthy snack, you might be getting more than you bargained for. You'll see it at any major supermarket and its prevalence has been increasing drastically the past ten years: "Certified Organic." The organic movement has been on the upswing, partially due to the health concerns associated with pesticides. Pesticides have long been used by local and commercial farmers to prevent crop losses due to insects and other pests.

Buyer beware: These six weight-loss products promise big results but don't live up to their hefty claims. In the world of weight loss, there are plenty of reputable products and plans. But there are also lots of schemes, scams, and swindles-programs that promise amazing results overnight or pills that claim they can melt away fat with no side effects. How can you cut through the hype and keep from being a victim? Read on as we expose the six most outrageous diet rip-offs of all time.

These ordinary foods might have extraordinary effects on your love life. Most likely because they're rich in the right vitamins and minerals, these foods have been known to help spice things up in the bedroom. Incorporate them into your daily diet or a romantic dinner, and watch the sparks fly. Oysters. Considered to be a powerful aphrodisiac since ancient times, these mollusks contain high amounts of zinc, which is essential for testosterone production and the maintenance of healthy sperm.

Sure, breakfast is a great way to start your day, but stay away from the cereals loaded with sugar and artificial flavors. Here, the cereals that are good and bad for your health. Half of all Americans start their day with a bowl of cereal for breakfast, according to the National Cereal Council. And while it is typically a healthy breakfast choice (better than sugary doughnuts, giant muffins, even carb-loaded bagels), your favorite cereal might not be as healthy as you think.

Learn how to minimize wrinkles, diminish age spots, and reveal a more youthful you. The battle against aging is one of the longest wars we humans have ever waged. From ancient explorers who searched tirelessly for the elixir of life to innovative cosmetics that stock the drugstore shelves today, we've been on an eternal quest to stave off the ravages of old age-or at least its outward signs.

Want younger-looking skin? Try incorporating these six foods into your daily diet. Yes, aging is inevitable, but looking older than you are isn't. Smooth skin can take years off your appearance, and there are several things you can do to keep yours looking young and healthy. Start by avoiding activities like tanning and smoking, which can cause skin to age more quickly.

Snacking at the movies may not be as innocent as it seems. A movie theater provides a place to cool off when the temperatures spike in summer and a shelter from the cold during winter, but perhaps most importantly, it allows us an escape from the daily grind, if only for a few hours. Since childhood, many of...

These daily behaviors may be seriously damaging your diet. Relying on fast food. Eating when we're upset. Bingeing until we're full. When it comes to bad eating habits, Americans sure have a lot of them. Fortunately, these no-good behaviors could be doing a number on our waistline and our health. Read on for a list of the five worst eating habits of all time-how many are you guilty of? Eating in front of the T.

Do you want fries with that? How about a side of E. coli? Find out which fast-food restaurants have the longest lists of health violations. When you grab a burger and fries from the local drive-through, you know you're probably not getting the healthiest meal. But if you think trans fats are your biggest concern, you might want to inspect those fries a little more closely. At some fast-food restaurants, the hygiene habits are appalling.

Stuck in a diet rut? By asking yourself five simple questions, you may just be able to break the cycle. You've tried every diet in the known universe. You've switched from people food to low- or no-calorie everything. You're eating so many salads that you're convinced you could sprout bunny ears. And yet, you're no closer to your goal weight than when you started.

Think eating healthy means eating pricey? Guess again. At fast-food restaurants, dollar menus are plentiful. Choose wisely, and you can probably eat lunch for less than $3. But what happens when you want something healthier than a burger and fries? Can you eat well and eat cheaply? As it turns out, you can.

Are French fries dangerous? Can popcorn make you sick? Find out which foods may cause cancer. Don't smoke. Always wear sunscreen. Maintain a healthy weight. These types of preventative measures can protect you from approximately half of all cancers. But what about your favorite foods, like popcorn, French fries, and bacon? According to a growing body of research, what you're eating could put you at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Knowing the basics about foodborne illness can help keep you and your family free from harm. People aren't the only ones who love cookouts. Because of their unfettered access to outdoor feasts, insects and microbes of all varieties often enjoy them, too. And while you may see no harm in sharing a bit of your bounty with the earth's smallest creatures, you should know that their participation can come at a price-sometimes a rather high one-to your health.

Follow these tips to start cutting food costs without compromising nutrition. With dollar menus aplenty, feeding yourself cheaply is rather easy, but finding food that is both nutritious and inexpensive is a lot harder. According to a study published last year in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers at the University of Washington found that at major supermarkets in the Seattle area between 2004 and 2006 the price of fruits and vegetables rose about 20 percent, while the cost of certain junk foods actually decreased.

Don't dine out at a restaurant that hurts your bank account and your waistline. Eat in with these recipes that are light on your diet and on your wallet. Sure, we'd all love to be able to take our families out to a gourmet dinner night after night. The truth is, in these tough financial times, cutting corners is paramount. But fear not. Just because you're cutting cost does not mean you have to sacrifice taste or your diet.

We all feel a little bummed from time to time, but could your diet be the cause? Find out here. In our modern American society, anxiety, stress, and depression can play a large role with respect to work, relationships, and money. In fact, 33.9 percent of adults report having poor mental health, according to the Kaiser Family Health Foundation. Many people eat when they're depressed, but few realize that what they eat may be at the cause of their woes.

A diet rich in whole grains can help lower the risk of some serious health conditions. Numerous studies continue to reveal the many health benefits of eating whole grains. While the benefits are most pronounced for those consuming at least three servings daily, according to the Whole Grains Council, some studies show reduced risks of certain conditions from as little as one serving daily.

Will you live to a ripe old age? Read on to calculate your odds. We've split the atom, spliced the gene, even sent a spacecraft to Mars. But finding a reliable way to predict a person's life span? That's proven a bit more difficult. In recent years, however, scientists have begun to crack the code-identifying 22 genetic, demographic, and lifestyle factors that can estimate life span with a surprising amount of accuracy.

Tired of fad diets and bad weight-loss advice? These little-known secrets can help you shed big pounds. Your sister fasts on grapefruit, your coworker guzzles caffeine, and your best friend eats nothing but soup for an entire week. When it comes to losing weight, silly strategies abound. And according to experts, these techniques are not only ineffective; they can be downright dangerous.

Do you find it difficult (and sometimes impossible) to skip dessert? If so, you're not alone. Obesity is on the rise in America, and the following ten desserts may have something to do with this national epidemic. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, more than 66 percent of U.S. adults are currently overweight, and 32 percent are obese. In fact, in 2007, Colorado was the only state that had a prevalence of obesity under 20 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

No one goes to a baseball game to eat healthfully, but some stadium foods are more diet-deadly than others. There was a time when the national pastime was synonymous with peanuts and cracker jacks. Now, the ballpark menu has expanded-to include one fattening item after another. Stadiums often serve foods made famous by their hometowns (such as cheesesteaks in Philly, crabcakes in Baltimore, or pierogies in Pittsburgh), but many of them should come with an exercise plan on the side.

Sure, your diet and exercise schedules can contribute to your weight. But who knew that your job could, too? Ever-improving technology has replaced manual labor at many American jobs, making sedentary lifestyles commonplace. A whopping 60 percent of the population is overweight or obese, and occupations that require little or no movement certainly haven't helped.

Concerned about high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Avoid these foods at all costs. You probably already knew junk food is bad for your waistline, but did you ever stop to think about what it's doing to your heart? In particular, watch out for foods high in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol—all of which can raise the risk of heart disease and heart attack, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Who says you have to eat rabbit food to lose weight? Check out these tasty low-cal treats. For many people, the hardest part of dieting is dealing with feelings of deprivation. And is it any wonder? In an effort to cut calories, most weight-loss plans restrict or eliminate your favorite foods—leaving you stuck with snacks that taste more like cardboard than the savory treats you once enjoyed.

With these simple subtractions, you won't even notice the calories are gone. Rather than making drastic adjustments to your diet, you may be more successful at losing weight—and keeping it off—by making smaller changes. If you cut 100 calories a day, for example, you could lose a pound a month. It sounds simple enough, but where do those 100 calories come from? Follow these 10 easy suggestions to get started.

Who knew two tablespoons could be so costly to your diet? Few meals are worse than a dry turkey sandwich or a bland hamburger. Condiments can be a great way to spice, flavor, or moisten otherwise flavorless fare. They can also destroy an otherwise healthy meal. Choosing healthy condiment options can be the difference between nutritious and diet disaster.

You may be taking unnecessary supplements at a financial and nutritional expense. Read on to find out why. For strong bones and teeth, you need calcium. To boost your immune system, experts recommend iron. Potassium is good for healthy kidneys. These and other nutrients are necessary to help your body function at its best. But if you were to try to take them as supplements everyday, you'd need a bigger medicine cabinet.

Your bellyaching over your bellyache may be caused by some of your favorite foods. Find out which foods are common offenders. Stomachaches, indigestion, gas, bellyache, agita, heartburn, upset stomach: Whatever you call it, digestive problems can be inconvenient and sometimes downright painful. Indigestion can be caused by a variety of reasons, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a physical condition in which stomach acid flows backward up into the esophagus.

The holiday season offers a cornucopia of choices when it comes to food. Do you make smart selections or pick nutrition nightmares? Let's face it, completely maintaining a guilt free diet is like climbing Everest--next to impossible. Smart holiday dining relies on two factors: eating in moderation and making good choices. Anyone can cut back on second, third, and forth helpings, but can you make the diet-wise decision between pumpkin pie or apple? Here's some assistance to help you choose.

Learn how to pinpoint and fix the seven sneakiest diet blunders. Dieting is a bit like walking a tightrope: easy to start but hard to stay on. And according to experts, the most common diet missteps are caused by things that might surprise you--your schedule, your friends, your shopping habits, even your clothes. While these sneaky saboteurs could derail your efforts, the good news is that you can stop them from undermining your long-term weight-loss goals.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 2,500 Americans each day. Here, a look at heart health by the numbers. Heart disease, known as a silent killer, claims the lives of millions of Americans each year. An umbrella term for multiple conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, heart disease includes coronary artery disease, pulmonary heart disease, and hypertension.

Follow these tips to keep minor slip-ups from becoming major setbacks. You started your diet with the best of intentions, but then the inevitable occurred. You went to a party and polished off a plate of hors d'oeuvres. You took a trip to new city and splurged on the local fare. You woke up in the middle of the night and ate a whole pint of ice cream.

These speedy strategies can trim and tone your body in 12 weeks or less. Maybe you're getting married in a few months. Maybe your high-school reunion is right around the corner. Or perhaps you just want to look and feel better than ever. No matter what your motivation, you need to shape up and the clock is ticking. Although there's no diet or exercise program that can change your body overnight, these six tips can get you slimmer and sleeker in only 12 weeks' time.

Some studies suggest our favorite foods might be as habit-forming as controlled substances. Whether you're constantly craving chocolate or have an uncontrollable urge for French fries, you probably think your food impulses are simply the result of hunger, boredom, or a lack of willpower. And some experts would agree—ultimately, you're in control of what you're eating.

Follow these tips to prevent complications and keep your disease under control. Although diabetes can lead to a host of health problems, you can prevent most complications by keeping your blood glucose levels under control, eating healthy, and being physically active, reports the Centers for Disease Control. What's more, diabetics should work with their health-care providers to keep their blood pressure in check.

If you really are what you eat, your health could be paying a serious price. What did you have for lunch today? If you ate a turkey sandwich and low-fat potato chips, you may have consumed a few unexpected ingredients, too. Perhaps some potassium bromate in your bread or sodium nitrite in your turkey. And those chips, were they made with olestra? The foods currently lining U.

Add these little-known superfoods to your diet, and give your health an instant boost. By now, you probably know which foods you should avoid sugary colas, greasy snacks, fatty fast foods. But what about the many nutritious foods nature has to offer? While many people are familiar with the well-publicized superfoods, such as berries, salmon, and spinach, there's an abundance of lesser-known treats that can also do wonders for your health.

Can a candy bar improve your skin? Can you lose weight and still eat Oreos? Here, we separate reality from hype. Lately, food seems to do a lot more than just provide nourishment. Many products claim to help you concentrate, stay awake longer, or lose weight--but can you believe the hype? Here, a look at some of the new foods being marketed and their claims. Weight-Loss Snacks The products: Special K Bliss bar, Hershey's Sticks, Nabisco and Hostess 100-calorie packs The claim: In addition to the popular 100-calorie packs, other products are promoting a limited amount of calories in their sweets.

Along with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, certain medications can help get cholesterol levels in a normal range. It seems as though medications for lowering cholesterol are constantly being developed, tested, and enhanced. As a result, it can be difficult to keep them all straight, especially as new research comes out to show that drugs once thought effective don't actually work the way doctors had hoped.

Proper eating can have an enormous impact on your health. Here, a look at nutrition by the numbers. You are what you eat, but are you giving your body what it needs? An unbalanced diet can result in malnutrition on one end of the scale to obesity on the other. What's more, too much or too little of any nutrient can put you at risk for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.

Are you really satisfying your hunger or just feeding your feelings? Learn how to identify and control emotional eating. When you're feeling sad, angry, or stressed, do you turn to certain foods to soothe your feelings? When you're eating, do you feel a sense of comfort that turns to discomfort after you're done? Do you eat when you're not really hungry, consume certain foods in secret, or binge when you're having a bad day? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are, you're an emotional eater.

Are you consuming lots of calories after dark? Learn how to beat late-night binges. You finally get home from a stressful day at work. You're looking forward to eating dinner and watching your favorite TV show. After dinner, you sit down in a comfortable spot on your recliner or couch. Without even thinking, you grab some snacks and polish them all off before you head to bed.

Looking for a speedy way to slim down? These quick tips can jump-start your diet in 60 seconds or less. It may seem like the road to weight loss is more like a never-ending journey--fraught with temptation, filled with detours, and paved with sacrifice. And while it's true that there's no eating plan that can make you shed excess pounds overnight, discouraged dieters should take note: You can get on the fast track to a slimmer you by incorporating these quick, painless tips into your daily routine.

A diagnosis of diabetes can seem overwhelming. Follow these tips to accept and cope with your condition. Nearly 15 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), most of them have experienced feelings of denial somewhere along the way. In fact, denial is so common among diabetics that some doctors believe it's a natural part of eventually accepting the diagnosis.

Losing those last few pounds can be a challenge, even for the most dedicated dieters. Here, five ways to reach your goal weight. When you've got a lot of weight to lose, you may see noticeable, even dramatic, results within a matter of months. But when you want to shed five or 10 vanity pounds, that's when dieting can get tricky. Have you been stuck at the same weight for weeks? Follow these tips to outsmart the scale, conquer that plateau, and shed those stubborn pounds for good.

Maple syrup? Green tea? Grapefruit? Can these things really help you lose weight fast? Here, the diet advice to avoid. Maybe you want to lose weight for your class reunion. Or perhaps you're getting married in a few months and want to look your best for the big day. Or maybe you just want to wear those skinny jeans again. Whatever your reason, it can be tempting to believe the get-fit-quick diets that promise you'll lose 20 pounds in two weeks.

High cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for serious health conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Here, a look at cholesterol by the numbers. Cholesterol is found in every cell of the body. This fat-like substance is an important component of cell membranes and a building block in the formation of certain hormones. Too much cholesterol in the blood, though, can cause fatty deposits to develop in blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow through the arteries.

Pizza and doughnuts and burgers, oh my! These all-American treats top the nutritional hall of shame. Fried chicken, cheeseburgers, milkshakes, candy bars--these tasty treats are as American as, well, apple pie. Unfortunately, so, too, is obesity. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, more than 66 percent of U.S. adults are currently overweight, and 32 percent are obese.

These simple switches can get you on the road to long-term weight loss. You start every diet with high hopes--and maybe you even lose a few pounds--but in a few short weeks, the weight comes creeping back. Sound familiar? If so, you're not alone. An estimated 95 percent of dieters gain back any weight they initially lose.

A healthy diet is essential to managing diabetes. Here, a complete guide to diabetic-friendly nutrition, including shopping tips, quick recipes, and more. If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor has most likely stressed the importance of eating right to help keep your disease in check. Most experts agree that although there's no one correct diet for diabetes, people with the disease should follow the nutritional guidelines outlined in the USDA Food Pyramid.

Follow these tips to enhance your recall and make your mind more nimble. Have you ever lost your reading glasses and then found them on top of your head? Have you ever gotten your kids off to school, only to find their lunches still in the refrigerator? If so, you're not alone. According to experts, many of us have minor problems with recall as we age.

Have you ever wondered why certain people manage to stay so slim? Here, we expose their six best-kept secrets. Are you sick of drinking diet soda with your salad while your skinnier girlfriend gulps down supersize colas and cheeseburgers? You could blame your waistline on bad luck or bad genes, but the difference in your body shapes is more likely the result of your eating patterns.

Most Americans aren't getting enough Z's. Learn how to get the sleep you need. Today, the average American gets about seven hours of sleep on weeknights and seven and a half hours of sleep on the weekends, according to the National Sleep Foundation. However, most experts recommend that adults get a minimum of eight hours' sleep a night.

These delicious superfoods can help to lower your levels. If you have high cholesterol, that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to a bland diet. In fact, a tasty salmon entree, a handful of sweet berries, or even a glass of red wine can all help to lower your levels and improve your heart health. The next time you go grocery shopping, look for these cholesterol-lowering treats recommended by the American Heart Association.

Rich and creamy seasonal foods can quickly pile on the pounds. Check out these delicious, low-fat alternatives. When temperatures drop, it's tempting to stay indoors, bundled up in cozy blankets, surrounded by satisfying comfort foods. But along with these foods come extra pounds, which can be tough to lose once the weather warms up. Fortunately, there are alternatives to winter's most fattening fare.

It's often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Find out why it's so important to get off to a good start. When you're hitting the snooze button for the third time, breakfast is probably one of the last things on your mind. After all, you still have to shower and then race to work in time to make that presentation. But according to experts, letting a hectic schedule force you to skip breakfast could compromise your health.

There are many simple ways that parents can help kids get their weight under control. Parents can help control their children's weight by fixing their lunches as often as possible and keeping tabs on their eating habits at school, nutritionists say. In fact, kids who have lunches prepared by their parents are 25 percent less likely to be overweight than children whose lunches aren't prepared at home.

Plan ahead to properly transition your baby from breast milk to formula. Deciding when to stop breastfeeding your baby is a very personal decision, and it varies by mother. Some babies make the transition more easily than others. After your baby has switched to formula, another question will surface: When is it OK to introduce cow's milk? Because the choices surrounding breast-feeding and supplementing with formula are very personal ones, pediatricians and doctors usually preface their answers by stating that everyone is different.

Learn how to tell the difference between a healthy weight-loss plan and the latest craze. Have you heard about the latest diet trend? You drink nothing but cranberry juice for seven days and drop 10 pounds. The next week, you go back to your regular eating habits, and the weight miraculously stays off. It sounds too good to be true, right? That's because it is.

The first weeks after your baby is born can be exhausting. Find out how to take care of your baby and yourself. It seems like there's so much to do when your newborn baby first comes home. You've got to learn how to care for the baby, handle sleep disruptions, and adjust to life with a bigger family. You want to make sure your baby is healthy and happy, but don't forget to look out for your own health and happiness.

Some foods that seem healthy can be just as fattening as their obviously indulgent counterparts. Here are six that may be sneaking up on your waistline. Perhaps you've tried to cut calories by replacing regular soft drinks with diet sodas or by switching from subs to salads, but you haven't noticed any weight loss. You might be surprised by how quickly sneaky extras, such as lattes loaded with whip cream and bleu cheese salad dressing, can add up.

Weight gain is about more than just what you eat and drink. These surprising influences could be making you fat. You might know that certain foods and drinks are loaded with hidden calories, but other unexpected factors such as your friends or your zip code could cause you to gain weight. Here are a few surprising things that might contribute to an expanding waistline.

The demand for organic food continues to grow every year. But is it worth the extra green? The organic food movement got its start in the 1960s, when increasing environmental awareness and concern about pesticides sparked a new demand for "green" products. Over the past 20 years, the market has grown exponentially, as more and more consumers are seeking safer, more eco-friendly food alternatives.

Follow these guidelines to prevent heartburn after dark. If you've ever had heartburn, you know how uncomfortable it can beand how difficult it is to treat once symptoms have kicked in. Not surprisingly, experts confirm that preventing heartburn is often a lot easier than trying to deal with it, especially at night.

Long hours, a heavy workload, and the office candy jar can all take a toll on your waistline. Follow these tips to stay slim on the job. You worked hard to land that dream job, and now you're looking forward to watching your bank account grow. But instead, it's your dress size that's been growing. Quick doughnuts on the way to work, snacks between meetings, and late-afternoon trips to the vending machine are all taking a toll on your waistline.

Are you really aware of what you're eating? Learn about the psychology behind mindless munching and start taking control of your food choices. You've just finished a pasta dinner, and you're stuffed. So you put on your sweatpants and plop down in front of the TV to relax for the night. But before you know it, you've finished half a bag of potato chips. Welcome to the world of mindless eating.

Following these simple tips can help you lower your cholesterol levels and your health risks. Everyone needs a basic amount of cholesterola waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body to function. But if your cholesterol is at an unhealthy level, it could mean you have an increased risk of developing heart disease. What can you do to keep your cholesterol at or reduce it to healthy levels? Try these nine tips: Eat a hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast.

'Tis the season for family, fun, and excess. Learn how to enjoy yourself without overindulging. It's that time of year again—and for most Americans, the holidays are the hardest time to maintain healthy eating habits. The good news? There are healthy options, according to Mary Fay, assistant director of patient services at Olean General Hospital in Olean, New York, and a 28-year registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association.

It's one of the hardest things people can tackle, especially as they get older. Here, a look at dieting by the numbers. At any given time, one out of every three Americans is on a diet. Unfortunately, most of them fail, and those who do shed pounds usually gain them back within five years. According to the National Weight Control Registry, people who manage to lose weight and keep it off share some common strategies such as dieting with a buddy and sticking to a strict schedule of meals.

Headaches are among the most common pain symptoms in the world. Learn about the different types of headaches and what causes them. At one time or another, nearly everyone has had a headache. In fact, 70 percent of people have had at least one in the past year. What's more, roughly 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches, a condition that costs U.S. companies billions of dollars in lost productivity annually.

From entrées and desserts to sodas and sides, Americans are supersizing. Learn how to choose healthier portions. If you think that plate of spaghetti is much bigger than it was when you were a child, you're probably right: Portion size has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. The result? A dramatic rise in the number of overweight and obese Americans. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted several studies and found alarming changes in the number of calories people consume now compared with what they ate 20 years ago.

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 18 million U.S. children and adults. Find out more about this growing epidemic, from risk factors to treatment options. Diabetes is a lifelong metabolic disorder that affects more than 20 million U.S. children and adults—about 90 percent of whom suffer from type 2 diabetes. The bodies of those affected by the disease either can't produce enough insulin or have cells that ignore the insulin.

Diabetes is a lifelong disease, but these tips can make it easier to manage the condition. According to the American Diabetes Association, more the 20 million Americans are living with diabetes. Try these tips to help manage the condition and prevent the serious complications associated with the disease. Follow a balanced diet. A low-fat eating plan with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help keep blood sugar at healthy levels.

A growing body of research suggests that antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of the disease. There are still many questions surrounding Alzheimer's disease—a degenerative brain disorder and form of dementia that currently has no cure. Although the evidence is not conclusive, several studies, including one conducted by the Alzheimer's Association, suggest that foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of the disease.

Stuck at home with a cold? Find comfort with these soothing foods. You can't seem to fight off that nasty cold or flu, and you're stuck at home for several days. The good news? There are certain foods that can help soothe your symptoms. Although you may not feel like cooking or eating anything right now, these simple treats are easy to prepare and may even get you back to health more quickly.

Savor these treats without sacrificing flavor--or your health. At first blush, a heart-healthy diet might sound pretty bland: reduced salt, low cholesterol, limited calories, decreased fat. But luckily, there are a variety of foods that are both delicious and healthy, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

With these healthy eating tips, you can make it to New Year's without the extra pounds or the guilt. A healthy diet can be difficult to maintain at any time of year, but once the holiday season rolls around, the task becomes ten times harder. It all begins at Thanksgiving dinner with freshly carved turkey, mashed potatoes with sour cream, corn-bread stuffing, and of course, the all-American apple pie.

Skin cancer rates are likely to increase in the coming years. Find out how behavioral and dietary changes can reduce your risk. One out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime, and many health experts believe that percentage will increase in coming decades. With global warming on the rise, people are increasingly being exposed to stronger ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which forms free radicals, damages healthy cells, and increases the risk for skin cancer.

More and more Americans are opting for bariatric surgery to shed major pounds and improve their quality of life. Find out if you or a loved one could be a candidate. As most health experts can attest, the best way to lose weight is to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. But that doesn't always work—just ask the 129.6 million Americans, or 64 percent of the population, who are currently overweight or obese.

Want to enjoy the festivities without piling on the pounds? Check out our top eight tips. It starts with Halloween and plastic pumpkins full of sugary treats, then continues through Thanksgiving weekend, with plentiful mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, pies, and leftover turkey sandwiches. And December is a minefield of high-calorie traps: office parties, cookie exchanges, and that food-filled week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Get the skinny on tricks that really work. At any given time, one out of every three Americans is on a diet. Unfortunately, most of them fail, and those who do shed pounds usually gain them back within five years. The good news: It doesn't have to be that way. According to the National Weight Control Registry, people who manage to lose weight and keep it off share these common strategies.

Are your feelings of discomfort just shyness, or a sign of a more serious health condition? Here's how to tell the difference. Imagine this: A woman hates to stand in line at the grocery store--not because she's impatient, but because she's afraid that everyone is watching her. As she approaches the clerk, she becomes anxious and self-conscious. Her heart begins to race, her face turns red, and she begins to sweat.

Follow these simple strategies to get your cholesterol levels where you want them to be. You're working hard to eat right so you can lower your cholesterol levels. You're reading nutrition labels, buying fewer pre-packaged foods, and testing yourself often. But you're still struggling to keep your cholesterol down. What are you doing wrong? The answer may surprise you.

Experts warn that our national eating habits come at a price. Here, a guide to healthy eating on the go. In today's fast-paced world, most Americans rely on fast food every now and again. But for many U.S. citizens, these foods are more than just an occasional indulgence--at least 25 percent eat from popular chain restaurants every day, according to Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation.

With these 6 easy tips, you can transform your refrigerator and your health. When you run to your fridge for a midnight snack, what do you grab? Leftover takeout? Ice cream? Pizza? If so, your fridge may be in need of an extreme makeover. As most of us know, we are what we eat, and the best way to change the way we eat, look, and feel is by changing what we keep in our kitchens.

Nutrition labels can be deceiving. Learn how to cut though the hype and make healthier choices. If the nutrition label reads, zero grams trans fat, it must be healthy, right? Wrong! As it turns out, federal regulations allow labels to read zero grams trans fat as long as a product contains less than .5 grams of the artery-clogging fat per serving.

Sick of starving to lose weight? Follow these tips to shed pounds. No diet required. For most people, diets aren't enjoyable, and they never seem to yield lasting results either. Although dieters may lose weight initially, most relapse and soon regain the pounds they shed, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Help your kids enjoy the year's spookiest night without sacrificing nutrition. For children, October 31 is one of the most eagerly anticipated nights of the year. And is it any wonder? Not only is Halloween an excuse to dress up in scary costumes; it's also an opportunity to snatch up massive amounts of sugary treats. According to the National Confectioner's Association, 93 percent of U.

Learn how to build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. At some point—usually around age 30—everyone's bones begin to get thinner. But only some people will develop osteoporosis, a progressive disease that causes bones to become brittle and more likely to break. Your risk for osteoporosis depends on a number of factors, including the thickness of your bones when you were young, as well as the health, diet, and fitness levels you've maintained since.

Keeping up with all your health screenings may seem daunting, but this list can get you started on a year of healthy living. In a perfect world, we'd all know exactly when we need to get our important health screenings. In reality, however, these checkups and exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other obligations. Fortunately, you can get on the right track by making a simple phone call to your doctor.

These friendly bacteria can do wonders for your digestive system. Learn how your body can start reaping the benefits. The literal translation of the word probiotics is "for life." But just what are probiotics, how are they helpful in maintaining digestive health, and how can they be included in daily diets? Probiotics Defined The normal human digestive tract contains over 1,000 types of bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and help promote a healthy digestive system.