Saline—or, to put it simply, salt water—is a handy mix with all sorts of medical uses. You can use it internally for IV hydration or externally to clean wounds or piercings. It’s also handy for clearing up a stuffy nose when used as a nasal rinse. But not all saline solutions are the same. Normal … Read more
High-protein, low-carb diets can have short-term benefits, but slashing carbs too drastically might leave you short on key nutrients like fiber. A smarter move? Focus on a balanced diet packed with nutrient-rich whole foods. Benefits 1. Supports Weight Loss or Body Composition Changes A high-protein, low-carb diet may help with weight loss, mainly because protein keeps … Read more
When you think of foods that are good for your heart, veggies, lean meats, and healthy fats probably come to mind first. But a recent study suggests that eating chia seeds regularly might help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. What the Study Says Published by Elsevier in the journal Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators, … Read more
Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage product, is well known for being beneficial to gut health. Other fermented foods could be equally if not more effective, however, due to greater levels of probiotics, more diverse bacteria, or more nutrients and compounds. 1. KefirKefir, the sour fermented milk beverage, may be even healthier for your digestive system than sauerkraut. It’s prepared by adding kefir grains (a combination of bacteria and yeast) to milk, which results in a beverage that is loaded with as many as 50 various strains of bacteria and yeast. What is particularly special about kefir is its high contents of distinctive bacteria such as Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens and Lactobacillus kefiri, and yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces marxianus. This makes kefir capable of enhancing good gut bacteria, enhancing microbial balance, and supporting digestion. In addition to probiotics, kefir … Read more
1. Consider an Eye Mask If you wake up with puffy eyes, a cooling eye mask can be a quick fix. The cold temperature helps reduce blood flow to the area, which calms swelling and inflammation. You can buy a reusable gel mask and keep it in the freezer overnight—then just pop it on in … Read more
Salt water isn’t exclusive to the ocean—applying it to your skin could actually be beneficial! Washing your face with salt water can clean pores by brushing away dead cells (exfoliating), heal some skin ailments, and even slim down lines.¹ That being said, don’t go splashing salt water all over your face just yet. Salt water … Read more
To eat healthier, begin with small tweaks. Focus on including nutrient-packed foods in every meal or snack, and cut back on processed options. Eating well doesn’t need to be overwhelming. You can fuel your body and still savor the foods you enjoy. Food is about pleasure—not something to stress over, measure, or obsessively track. Keep reading … Read more
What Are Oats and Oatmeal? Oats are a whole-grain food, scientifically known as Avena sativa. The least processed form is oat groats, which take a while to cook. That’s why most people go for rolled, crushed, or steel-cut oats instead. Instant (or quick) oats are the most processed type. They cook the fastest, but the texture … Read more
A burn blister is a small bubble of clear fluid that forms under the skin as your body’s way of protecting a burned area. This fluid, called blister fluid, is similar to plasma (the clear part of your blood) and contains proteins and other components thought to help with wound healing. Burn blisters aren’t the … Read more
The best way to get something out of your ear—whether it’s deep inside or near the edge—depends on what’s stuck in there. While some home remedies might help remove an object or clear a blockage, you don’t want to accidentally make things worse. Sometimes, you’ll need to see a doctor to fix the issue. Kids, … Read more