Posts

Yes, pumpkin may help relieve constipation — but it could contribute to the condition, too. Image Credit: Lilechka75/iStock/GettyImages Pumpkin — an undeniable fall favorite — is loaded with fiber and other nutrients, making it a healthy food to include in your diet. But it can also cause some changes in your bowel movements. Advertisement Keep reading to find out if pumpkin may be the key to relieving constipation — or the culprit — and how it may even help with diarrhea....

While vibration plates have been proven to have a few health benefits, science is still unraveling which — if any — risks they also present. Image Credit: RobertoDavid/iStock/GettyImages You may have seen vibration plate machines, like the Power Plate or the Zaaz machine, in your local gym or fitness store. While this type of machine has been proven to have a few health benefits, science is still unraveling which — if any — risks they also present....

A slice of red meat. Image Credit: DAJ/amana images/Getty Images If the food you’re eating tastes sweet, chances are good that it contains some type of sugar such as fructose. This simple sugar is present in a wide variety of foods, some healthy and some unhealthy. Fruit, honey, syrups and confections are among the most common sources of fructose. If you have a fructose intolerance, restrict your intake of the sugar to avoid symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea and heartburn....

Sit down to a hearty bowl of stew with these easy recipes. Image Credit: olgakr/iStock/GettyImages Stew’s heartiness provides a warming comfort — something we could all use these days. And it’s often more filling than soup, which means it makes for a delicious and satisfying lunch or dinner. Advertisement That said, there are healthier ways to make stew so that it'll still provide that comforting "hug" you're in need of, while also fueling your body with the nutrition it needs....

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative How Bad Is It Really? sets the record straight on all the habits and behaviors you’ve heard might be unhealthy. In This Article The Science Sharing Safely Alternatives Bottom Line You're staying with a friend and ​whoops​, you forgot to bring a bar of soap for the shower. Or, maybe you and your partner share the Dove daily. Ever stopped to think if you're swapping more than just suds?...

Showering right after eating is a recipe for an upset stomach. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative How Bad Is It Really? sets the record straight on all the habits and behaviors you’ve heard might be unhealthy. In This Article Effects Alternatives Bottom Line Dinner, shower and sleep may seem like the ideal nighttime routine, but it may not be the best for your digestive system. Advertisement Indeed, a hot shower after eating could lead to issues like cramping or indigestion....

You can see results in just 4 weeks of exercise. Image Credit: Hero Images/Hero Images/GettyImages Regular aerobic and strength training exercise offers numerous health benefits — both short-term and long-term. In fact, after one exercise session, you may notice some physical and psychological changes. Advertisement However, most of the benefits from a routine exercise program will start to appear within four weeks of consistent training. Video of the Day Tip It's not long to wait....

Cutting out sugary sodas may trigger weight loss. Image Credit: rez-art/iStock/GettyImages Loaded with sugar and calories and devoid of essential nutrients, soft drinks represent a quintessential “junk” food. Unfortunately, they’re also a staple in the average American diet, with roughly more than one-half of the U.S. population drinking at least one soft drink a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement If you're trying to lose weight, a no-soda diet is a great place to start....

Drinking lemon juice can help you lose weight. Image Credit: karandaev/iStock/GettyImages Lemon is one of the healthiest, most versatile fruits on earth: It goes well with both sweet and savory dishes, has a refreshing taste and provides high doses of vitamin C. The lemon juice diet, which revolves around this fruit, guarantees fast weight loss, increased energy and better health — but can you really trust these claims? Advertisement Tip The lemon juice diet doesn’t say anything about calories or macronutrient ratios, so it’s hard to tell how much weight you can lose....

The weight of curl bar depends on your fitness level. Image Credit: Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images Biceps, triceps and forearms are the main muscles of your arms that need strength training and conditioning. A variety of bicep curl, forearm curl and bench press exercises can provide an optimum workout for these muscle groups and thereby improve your upper body strength. Dumbbells, barbells and curl bars are often used to achieve proper hand positions during upper body exercises....

This baked potato recipe — no oven required — is the perfect summer side dish. Image Credit: HandmadePictures/iStock/GettyImages Tinfoil-baked potatoes make the perfect side dish for a summer cookout. Wrapping your potatoes in foil before throwing them on the grill will produce softer skin, according to the USDA — and help you avoid heating up the house with the oven! Advertisement Russet potatoes are great for baking but other varieties like sweet potatoes and purple potatoes work well too....

Roasting a 25-pound turkey might seem intimidating to even the most experienced cook. Image Credit: Svetlana-Cherruty/iStock/GettyImages Roasting a 25-pound turkey might seem intimidating to even the most experienced cook, but the investment in a meat thermometer will take away both guesswork and anxiety. Knowing how to prepare and season it, as well as the appropriate turkey roasting time, will result in a perfect bird every time. Advertisement Turkey Cooking Times and Temperatures For a 20- to 24-pound turkey, the USDA estimates roasting time will take 4 1/2 to 5 hours for an unstuffed bird and 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours for a stuffed bird....

Stashing a few packages of frozen broccoli means you’ll always have it on hand to whip up a quick side dish. Image Credit: annata78/iStock/GettyImages Fresh is best, they say. But fresh isn’t always in season … or in your refrigerator. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, frozen can be just as nutritious as fresh. And whether sauteed or steamed, frozen broccoli can taste just as good, too. Advertisement Roast Frozen Broccoli Because of its water content when frozen, it’s tough to cook frozen broccoli that doesn’t turn out mushy....

You can thaw meat in the microwave so long as your appliance comes with specific settings. Image Credit: MurzikNata/iStock/GettyImages If you’ve got a freezer full of meats that somehow need to transform into this week’s dinner, know that defrosting it doesn’t have to be complicated. Advertisement Before you reach into the freezer and begin the big thaw, make sure you aren't inadvertently making mistakes that may mess up your meat's freshness and put your health at risk....

When doing this shoulder move, keep your elbows slightly bent and core braced. Image Credit: DragonImages/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Instructions Benefits Mistakes Modifications Progressions Like the top shelf of your snack cabinet, your rear shoulder muscles (aka rear delts) are hard to reach. Advertisement Fortunately, the dumbbell rear delt fly — also called the dumbbell rear delt raise — makes isolating these often and easily-neglected muscles much easier. Advertisement ​What is a rear delt fly?...

Remove the knots from your legs to improve running performance. Image Credit: mheim3011/iStock/GettyImages If you spend a lot of time on your feet, you might get knots in your legs. You might not want to touch these tight bands of muscle tissue — also known as trigger points — as they can cause pain. Foam rolling, stretching and massage can help you decrease this sensitivity. Advertisement Tip If you have muscle knots in your legs, you might want to consider using the active release technique....

A constant runny nose could be your body's reaction to food, exercise or even aging. Image Credit: Mindful Media/iStock/GettyImages In This Article A Nasal and Sinus Infection Allergies A Cold A Deviated Septum Medications Occupational Rhinitis Nasal Polyps Gustatory Rhinitis Senile Rhinitis Hormonal Rhinitis Cold Air-Induced Rhinitis Exercise-Induced Rhinitis Drip, drip, drip. That's the annoying sound of your leaky faucet, also known as your constant runny nose. Advertisement It's not only inconvenient, but a consistent flow of mucus may also indicate an irritation or inflammation (known as rhinitis) of the nasal tissues....

An apple a day may not keep the gas at bay. Image Credit: skynesher/E+/GettyImages In This Article Onions and Garlic Cruciferous Veggies Starchy Veggies Legumes High-FODMAP Fruits Cucumbers Sugar Alcohols Dairy Whole Grains Gluten Fried Foods Candy Gum Sugary Drinks Tips Beans are infamous for inducing farts — for this, they even have their own playground song. But other snacks can lead to flatulence and gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, so knowing the foods that give you gas (plus anti-gas foods to eat instead) can help you ease these symptoms....

All you need is a single pot and a box of your favorite noodles to make these recipes. Image Credit: Lilechka75/iStock/GettyImages Getting dinner on the table can be quite the challenge after a full day’s work (that’s no secret), but it’s also why we’re obsessed with one-pot meals. They’re quick, easy and usually require minimal ingredients. Advertisement And one of our favorite meals to transform into a one-pot wonder is pasta....

Anxiety doesn't always have to ruin your day. Here's how to spin it to a positive. Image Credit: Hinterhaus Productions/DigitalVision/GettyImages Giving a speech, asking your boss for a raise, going on a blind date — what do these scenarios have in common? For most people, situations like these, which involve vulnerability and uncertainty, trigger lots of anxiety. Advertisement Just the thought of a stressful situation can get your heart racing. But as much as you dread those stomach-turning feelings, they serve a purpose....