Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease in which your immune system attacks your central nervous system, including your brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve, destroying cells, tissue, and protective nerve coverings called myelin. Although your genes play a role in whether you develop MS—and the risk is higher if other people in your family…
Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque (fatty deposits) builds up inside your arteries, causing them to become stiff and narrow. This can slow or block blood flow to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Symptoms of atherosclerosis may vary from person to person, depending on which artery is affected and how narrow…
It’s no secret that regular exercise can help you sleep better—but which types of physical activity are best when you really, really need more shut-eye? According to a new study, several standouts may be especially effective for easing insomnia: yoga, Tai Chi, and walking or jogging. Chronic insomnia affects about 12% of Americans and can…
Fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver. The liver helps you digest food, create energy, and remove unwanted substances from the body. Fatty liver disease can lead to serious complications and conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Certain supplements, like milk thistle and vitamin E, may help improve…
Tardive dyskinesia and dystonia are both neurological disorders that can affect your muscles and cause involuntary muscle contractions. Tardive dyskinesia, which is usually a side effect of some medications, may happen in about 20% of people who take those medications. Dystonia, which can occur for other reasons, affects about 250,000 people in the United States….
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a long-term condition where the veins in your legs have trouble sending blood back to your heart. Unlike arteries, which have muscular walls to help move blood, veins rely on tiny, one-way valves that help push blood upward. When these valves become damaged or weakened, blood can pool in your…
Primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, medications like Ozempic and Zepbound are also showing promise in treating a range of other conditions, from sleep apnea to chronic kidney disease. Now, a new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes, these drugs—known as GLP-1…
Bug spray is a must-pack for camping trips, hikes, and other summer activities. But social media influencers and big brands alike may have you thinking twice about purchasing products that contain DEET, a common ingredient in insect repellents. Online, many creators and companies promote “natural” and “non-toxic” alternatives to DEET insect repellents, suggesting that DEET…
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic (long-term) conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both known for causing lasting and recurring symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea,…
Fruits and vegetables are equally nutritious, but they have several key differences as plants, in cooking, and in their nutritional content. Fruits and vegetables are both edible plants that are essential to a healthy diet. However, they have some notable differences. They Come From Different Parts of the Plant The main distinction between fruits and…
