Why do we overeat, even though we're aware of the importance of healthier eating? In our modern food environment, we are surrounded by an overabundance of highly processed and/or hyper-palatable foods, both of which encourage us to overeat. With highly processed foods that are stripped of fiber, we need to … Read More
Diabetic neuropathy is a relatively common complication of diabetes. Some 60 to 70 percent of all people with diabetes experience some form of neuropathy in their lifetime. While the reason this happens isn’t fully understood, researchers think that blood glucose affects how nerves transmit signals in the body and also … Read More
The first thing that might surprise you is that what causes headaches isn't related to anything going on in your brain—in fact, your brain doesn't feel pain, because it doesn't have any pain receptors (the nerve endings that are found throughout the body, and that transmit pain signals). But your … Read More
Two days before I was assigned this story, my husband demanded that I eat breakfast. He’s not usually one to tell me to do something (he learned 22 years ago that ordering me around doesn’t end well). In this case, however, he knew it was in our family’s best interest … Read More
While you may already know that dark leafy greens—like kale or spinach—are some of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world, it’s unlikely you’re aware of a compound in these veggies that acts as a natural appetite suppressant. Swedish researchers recently discovered that sac-like structures called thylakoids, which are abundant … Read More
The critical difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia is that Alzheimer’s is a specific disease and dementia is a term used to describe symptoms that can be caused by a number of different diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). So, is there a difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia? The answer is both … Read More
The human tongue can distinguish between four basic flavors—salty, sour, bitter and sweet, but we are naturally attracted to sweet flavors because we are primates—essentially, animals that have evolved while eating fruit. This helps explain that when it comes to sugar foods, most of us can’t get enough. While it’s … Read More
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects about 75 million adults in the U.S. and was the primary or contributing cause of death for 410,000 Americans in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But what are the causes and effects of hypotension, or low blood pressure? Although … Read More
With three types of diabetes—type 1, type 2, and gestational—you might think the causes of diabetes are varied. Not really. The underlying factors of obesity, genetics, poor diet, and a lack of exercise set the stage for all three. Diabetes is a serious, progressive disease with no known cure, although … Read More
A seizure is one of those scary things that most of us don't really know much about. But if you or a loved one have seizures or are epileptic, you can work with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and choose the best treatment. What Is a Seizure? In … Read More
