Posts

Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. Image Credit: Tom Le Goff/Photodisc/Getty Images Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, causes inflammation, irritation and sores in the lining of the rectum and colon. During periods of symptom flare-ups, which often involve rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue and loss of fluids or nutrients, eating a normal diet becomes difficult. The risk of malnourishment increases with this disease because it impacts the digestive system, but you can manage the disruptive symptoms with dietary changes and by following physician recommendations....

An assortment of cheeses on a cutting board. Image Credit: Olha_Afanasieva/iStock/Getty Images Your digestive tract contains “good” microorganisms – probiotics – and bad. Probiotics help to maintain healthy digestion and a strong immune system by keeping harmful bacteria in check. Intentionally or accidentally, you have probably consumed foods containing probiotics such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lb. casei, Lb. paracasei or Lb. rhamnosus. These bacteria are the live cultures found in yogurt....

Beets can be a healthy vegetable despite a high glycemic index value. Image Credit: istetiana/Moment/GettyImages The glycemic index is a commonly used tool for determining the effect of carbohydrate-containing foods on blood glucose levels. Dieters and people with diabetes use the glycemic index because blood sugar levels can impact fat storage and the progression of diabetes. Advertisement Although beets have a moderately high glycemic index value, there are other considerations you need to take into account before excluding these nutritious vegetables from your daily diet....

Blood sugar over 400 mg/dL could mean you're at risk of the potentially fatal diabetic ketoacidosis. Image Credit: Charday Penn/iStock/GettyImages If you have diabetes, it’s very important to keep your blood sugar, or glucose, levels within a healthy range. Advertisement Here's why: If your glucose levels dip too low, you can experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include shakiness, a rapid heartbeat and lightheadedness. Video of the Day And if your blood sugar levels swing too high (called hyperglycemia), you could experience not just long-term health complications, but short-term problems like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition that could possibly be fatal....

Eat plenty of vegetables during phase one of the South Beach Diet. Image Credit: mythja/iStock/Getty Images The South Beach Diet, a low-carb, high-protein diet plan, claims that participants can lose 8 to 13 pounds during the first two weeks, known as “phase one.” During this time period, the diet focuses on vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy, nuts and limited carbs coming only from fibrous vegetables and legumes. Although it can successfully kick-start a new diet, says U....

A bowl of baked ziti. Image Credit: Sasa Komlen/iStock/Getty Images Baked ziti is a great meal to make ahead of time and reheat for your family on busy school nights or when unexpected company shows up for dinner. Save even more time by baking ziti in a freezer-safe casserole dish and then using that dish to both store and reheat the ziti. Baked ziti is high in calories and sodium, so eat it with a salad and low-fat dressing or balance it by eating a light lunch....

A woman is holding a dumbbell in her hands. Image Credit: Tatomm/iStock/Getty Images Many people, particularly women, are worried that if they start weight training they will bulk up and end up bigger than they are now. There is no real definition of toned in the fitness world, but it is commonly accepted that getting toned involves adding muscle to have some muscle definition and losing fat. Muscle is more compact than fat so following a workout routine to gain muscle along with a healthy diet to lose fat will result in a lean, muscular look without the bulk....

Clamato juice may add flavor to your favorite savory adult beverage, but it comes with tons of sugar and salt. Image Credit: Ryzhkov/iStock/GettyImages Tomato juice may be one of the most prominent ingredients in Clamato juice, but that’s about where the healthiness in this savory drink ends. Often used as a mixer for popular adult beverages, including the Michelado, which is a beer-based cocktail, this briny juice contains added sugar and a ton of sodium....

Using a calorie-tracking app may help you lose weight, which is the best way to slim down your face and stomach. Image Credit: Deepak Sethi/E+/GettyImages While seven weeks is certainly enough time to set weight-loss goals and change some lifestyle habits (for the better), it’s important to keep in mind that weight-loss is not a quick process, nor can you spot-reduce specific parts of your body. And this is true for everyone....

Vinegar has antioxidant properties that may help protect your cells from damage. Image Credit: Michelle Lee Photography/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Antioxidant Heart Health Blood Sugar Weight Loss Ear Health Antimicrobial Disinfectant Safety Considerations Vinegar is more than just an ingredient in your salad dressing — white vinegar is also good for your health in a number of ways. Advertisement Vinegar — which is a combination of water and acetic acid — has been used for centuries as a medicine, preservative and health supplement, according to the Harvard T....

Make sure to set realistic exercise goals. Image Credit: Sanja Radin/iStock/GettyImages If January 1 is the only day you vow to improve your health, you’re not alone. This once-a-year promise to stick to your exercise goals is what motivates millions of people to get moving. Advertisement Unfortunately, the enthusiasm and stamina that seem to kick off the new year often run dry just a few short months later. That's why setting realistic expectations for your exercise goals is one of the best ways to ensure that you will follow through and maintain the changes you've made....

Non-starchy vegetables, seafood and eggs are low in both calories and carbohydrates. Image Credit: OatmealStories/RooM/GettyImages Foods that are low in carbs aren’t necessarily low in calories, too (hello, avocado). But understanding which foods best fit into both categories can help you stick to your low-carb diet and lose a bit of weight. Advertisement Because of their significant carbohydrate content, large servings of grains and starchy vegetables are off the table for low-carb diets....

Fat content is only one thing to consider when purchasing yogurt Image Credit: Cavan Images/Cavan/GettyImages The makeup of yogurt was once simple: milk and live cultures. But now, consumers are often confused about which type of yogurt to buy, as the ingredients in many popular types of yogurts aren’t as straightforward anymore. Advertisement In an effort to make lower-fat products, some yogurt manufacturers use reduced-fat milk. To make up for the taste, other ingredients are added....

Cutting out carbs from you diet doesn't have to be hard. Image Credit: Westend61/Westend61/GettyImages Cutting out carbs from your diet may seem daunting at first. If you’re on a 20 grams of carbs a day meal plan, you have to get creative with your food choices. Cooking at home or using a meal prep service are the best options. Advertisement Very Low-Carbohydrate Diets There’s a difference between a low-carbohydrate diet and a very low-carbohydrate diet....

It is widely known that, on average, men are stronger than women. Image Credit: svetikd/E+/GettyImages It is widely known that, on average, men are stronger than women. A big part of the difference is based on the amount of muscle each gender has in their bodies. Advertisement That is, men are stronger simply because they are typically larger; most of the reason for greater strength is larger muscles. Pound for pound, there is a much smaller difference in strength between genders than most would assume....

Strawberries are low in calories and high in nutrients like fiber. Image Credit: yanzappa/iStock/Getty Images Whether sliced onto cold cereal or eaten straight out of the pint, a serving of strawberries is a low-calorie source of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin C and manganese. Filling your breakfast bowl or afternoon snack with fresh strawberries can also add a good dose of fiber to your daily diet, aiding in weight management and satiety....

Your therapist may prescribe exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor. Image Credit: Halfpoint/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Pelvic Floor Therapy Pelvic Floor Dysfunction What to Expect The pelvic floor is a powerhouse group of muscles and connective tissues that support many of your everyday activities. But pelvic dysfunction or pain can disturb these functions. Fortunately, pelvic floor therapy may offer some relief. Advertisement Your pelvic floor muscles and tissue are attached to the bones at the bottom of your pelvis, per the University of Washington School of Medicine....

Should I Be Tired While I'm Losing Weight? Image Credit: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images Starting a weight loss program, or introducing exercise into your daily routine takes energy and may leave you feeling more tired. Your diet, the amount of water you consume and the amount of sleep you get per day also factor into how energetic or sluggish you feel. By analyzing your current habits you can determine where you may be zapping your energy....

Glycerin is sometimes used to keep fudge from drying out. Image Credit: vaaseenaa/iStock/GettyImages You might see the word “vegetable glycerin” a lot on labels for food, medicine and even cosmetics. Sometimes it’s called “glycerol.” Advertisement So, what is this product that's being used in just about everything? And is it safe? For the most part, yes — although there are a few ways glycerin may be harmful. Video of the Day What Is Vegetable Glycerin?...

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. The best boots for plantar fasciitis offer plenty of support, have a rounded toe and are neither too flexible nor too rigid. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative How We Chose Best Overall Boots Best Heeled Ankle Boots Best Non-Heeled Ankle Boots Best Men’s Work Boots Best Women’s Work Boots Best Hiking Boots Best Winter Boots Best Tall Boots Best Rain Boots What to Keep in Mind We make deliberate choices about the language we use when it comes to sex and gender, but most brands market their products to men or women....