Simple ways to keep fingernails healthy
Dear Mayo Clinic: I have noticed recently that my nails have an unusual color and shape, and I don’t understand why. Although I do enjoy gardening, I don’t have a job where I use my hands more than normal. I want my nails to be sturdy and healthy-looking. Can you provide some insight on how to achieve this and tips for properly taking care of my nails? A: For anyone concerned... READ MORE
Understanding gout and its many myths
When many people think of gout, they often picture swelling and pain in the big toe. However, gout — an extremely painful form of inflammatory arthritis — can occur in any joint when high levels of uric acid in the blood lead to the formation of urate crystals. If your body creates too much uric acid or cannot clear uric acid properly, you may experience sudden and sometimes severe... READ MORE
Are diabetes and dementia connected?
Due to increasing rates of obesity, inactivity and an aging population, Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in our society than ever before. In high-income countries, death from diabetes dropped from 2000 to 2010, but then increased from 2010 to 2016 — leading to an overall 5% increase in premature deaths since 2000. Particularly troubling is that Type 2 diabetes is now being seen... READ MORE
All carbonated drinks may boost appetite
Are you trying to cut back on calories by making the switch from regular soda to diet soda? Do you prefer carbonated water with a bit of flavor, such as Hint or LaCroix? Or maybe you’ve purchased a carbonating device like SodaStream or Drinkmate? Research suggests that none of these choices help with weight loss. Worse, they might even lead to weight gain! The reason might surprise... READ MORE
Causes and treatments for kidney stones
Dear Mayo Clinic: My father has had dozens of kidney stones in recent years. I have had a kidney stone once. Are kidney stones genetic? I’m wondering if I will follow in his path and if there is anything I can do to prevent kidney stones. A: Heredity plays a role in the formation of kidney stones, and after you’ve developed them once, you are at an increased risk of additional... READ MORE
Get relief from cough without antibiotics
Q: I am still coughing from a cold that started 10 days ago. I tested twice for COVID-19, both negative. Do I now need an antibiotic? A: Probably not. Most often these upper respiratory infections are caused by common viruses. Coughs caused by respiratory infections often last two to three weeks. Sometimes the cough can linger for a couple of months. The persistent cough doesn’t... READ MORE
Yogurt isn’t the only source of probiotics
The top item on my grocery list is always yogurt: unsweetened, organic, made with almond milk. I’m always afraid I’ll run out since I use it all the time. I put two tablespoons in every smoothie or switch it out for mayo — and nothing beats a cool cup on a hot day as an afternoon snack. [Fermentation makes the dairy version easier to digest, even for those with lactose... READ MORE
Three studies aim for improved balance
Falls are the leading cause of accidental death in older Americans. Often, people who fall down have simply lost their balance, something that becomes more common with age. Other conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, muscle loss or stroke, can also affect balance. If you’ve fallen down at least twice in the past year, or if you’ve had a stroke, you may benefit from one of several... READ MORE
These veggie crisps live up to their name
Vegetables and fruits such as carrots and zucchini (surprise — zucchini is technically a fruit!) are mostly made up of water. For example, a zucchini or carrot is about 95% water. It can be a challenge to deal with all that water when cooking or baking — no one likes soggy zucchini bread! One of salt’s many superpowers is that it can pull water out of food. Plants are made up of ... READ MORE
Multi-cooker can be a real meal changer
Eating healthy has never been so easy — or so quick — as with a multi-cooker (such as the Instant Pot and similar devices). The appliance makes cooking a healthy meal accessible and approachable; it takes less time and energy than not-so-healthy fast-food runs or tossing a frozen pizza into the oven. Roast a chicken in 30 minutes, cook nutrient-packed whole grains like wild rice or... READ MORE
