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Possible side effects of alkaline water may include worsening of a kidney condition, impaired digestion and dry skin. Image Credit: Kentaroo Tryman/Maskot/GettyImages Alkaline water side effects may include impaired digestion, worsening of a kidney disorder and dry, itchy skin. Generally, experts consider it safe, but research on the long-term effects is extremely limited. Advertisement Maintaining hydration is important for health. However, because evidence supporting the wellness advantages and safety of alkaline water is lacking, it's better to drink plain water....

5-HTP shows promise for both the brain and body. Image Credit: Tom Merton/OJO Images/GettyImages While searching for supplements to help for depression or migraines, you might come across a supplement called 5-HTP. It’s an ​over-the-counter​ supplement that still needs more research before its effects on the body can be confirmed. If it does what some claim, it would be an impressive supplement. Advertisement Tip 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin. Research is inconclusive on how long it takes to work....

Double your vegetable portions to lose abdominal and chest fat. Image Credit: Morsa Images/The Image Bank/Getty Images Excess fat on your chest and abs not only obscures your six-pack, but it may pose a serious health risk. An ample abdomen is a symptom of excess visceral fat pushing outward against the layer of squishy subcutaneous fat just under the skin. Visceral fat surrounds the organs deep in your abdominal cavity and it increases your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease....

Pinto, kidney and black beans are excellent choices to include in a diabetes diet. Image Credit: fcafotodigital/E+/GettyImages When planning the right diet to manage diabetes, whether beans raise blood sugar is a question that likely comes to mind. Most beans are high in carbs, but they’re also a healthy food loaded with fiber and protein. Here’s what to know about beans and which beans are good for diabetes. Advertisement ​Read more:​ The Best Beans for Protein Video of the Day Beans and Diabetes Nutrition According to the USDA, 1 cup of beans cooked from dry (think: pinto beans, black beans, navy beans, kidney beans or Great Northern beans, among others) contains:...

The Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid encourages followers to fill their plates with fruits and vegetables, whole-grain carbs and lean protein. Image Credit: PeopleImages/E+/GettyImages The Mayo Clinic Diet is a long-term weight management program that aims to give you the resources to adopt healthy new habits and drop pounds safely. Learn about the foods that are permitted on the diet to find the healthiest options that fit your lifestyle. Advertisement What Is the Mayo Clinic Diet?...

The Schwinn GTX 3 is a hybrid bike that's great for getting around town and hitting the mountain trails. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com/Dick’s Sporting Goods Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com/Dick’s Sporting Goods We make deliberate choices about the language we use when it comes to gender. While more brands now produce gender-neutral workout equipment, bikes are still often marketed to men or women. The main difference between most women’s and men’s bicycles is the size: Men’s versions tend to be available in taller heights....

Jumping rope can be detrimental to your lean muscle mass. Image Credit: Drazen Zigic/iStock/GettyImages When you participate in long bouts of cardiovascular exercise activities, such as jumping rope, and your body begins to run out of fuel, your body releases the hormone cortisol. Cortisol facilitates the metabolic breakdown of both carbohydrates and protein so that they can be used as fuel. Advertisement That protein comes from your lean muscle tissue, according to exercise physiologist Dr....

Swimming is a great way to lose weight. Image Credit: moodboard/moodboard/Getty Images When you’re trying to lose weight, you might consider jogging or even walking as your exercise plan. But there are plenty of different types of aerobic workouts that have similar health benefits without the potentially harmful impact on your joints, like swimming a mile a day. Advertisement Tip One mile in a 25-meter pool is 64 laps, and one mile in a 50-meter pool would be 32 laps....

Eating alkaline fruits and vegetables may help neutralize your pH balance. Image Credit: rusak/iStock/GettyImages Your body balances acidic and alkaline substances to maintain a stable pH. But if your pH level is thrown out of whack and there’s too much acid in your internal fluids, you may be wondering how to remove acidity from the body. Advertisement First things first, what is an optimal pH balance? According to a January 2022 StatPearls article, the average pH of the human body is 7....

Spinach is a green, leafy vegetable that is rich in vitamin A -- and when you cook spinach, its vitamin-A content more than doubles. The amount of iron in spinach also increases after you cook spinach. One way to prepare spinach is to saute it. Serve sauteed spinach as a side dish. Allow yourself extra time when you make this dish, since you must thaw frozen spinach before you can saute it....

Invest in a good pair of running shoes with plenty of cushion and support to protect your legs from a recurrence of shin splints. Image Credit: gbh007/iStock/Getty Images When you’re a runner, your legs are itching to hit the road, find their stride and eat up the miles. But if you’re an injured runner, recovering from a condition such as shin splints, it’s important to take a rest from running and ease back into your running program after your shin splints have healed....

Top salads with steamed pumpkin for added fiber and vitamins. Image Credit: Lilechka75/iStock/GettyImages Rather than buying a can of pumpkin puree, you can steam your own fresh pumpkin. Use the tender, cooked veggie as pie filling or in a host of other baked goods (think: tasty seasonal cakes and cookies). You can also use steamed pumpkin in savory dishes, such as soups and stews. Advertisement Choose a pumpkin that is designated for cooking instead of a pumpkin grown for carving and decorating....

A woman with muscular abs. Image Credit: Max5799/iStock/Getty Images Slendertone uses EMS or electronic muscle stimulation to send electrical currents through the skin to contract the abdominal muscles. Although the Slendertone System for Abs may help the muscles contract, you’ll need to adjust your diet and make time for cardio exercise to improve the appearance of your abs. Wait at least six weeks after a vaginal birth and three months for a C-section before using the device....

The right stretches can ease tight muscles and improve lower back flexibility. Image Credit: f9photos/iStock/GettyImages Flexibility training is a great way to ease muscle tension and keep your body moving its best. But if your regular routine doesn’t address your lower back flexibility, it’s missing out. Advertisement That's especially true if you live with the at-time debilitating discomfort of lower back pain, says Sam Becourtney, a doctor of physical therapy and strength and conditioning specialist at Bespoke Treatments in New York City....

A large bowl of vegetable chili. Image Credit: kabVisio/iStock/Getty Images Chili, that deliciously spicy Tex-Mex stew, can be good, bad or indifferent for constipation depending on the recipe. Traditional Texas chili con carne, or chili with meat, contains no beans, few vegetables and only a little dietary fiber. However, chili made with plenty of beans and vegetables contains ample fiber, which your digestive system needs to function smoothly and regularly....

Grilled chicken is considered healthy, but the cooking process may pose some risks. Image Credit: istetiana/Moment/GettyImages Whether you’re trying to clean up your diet or lose a few pounds, poultry can be a healthy option, from baked chicken thighs to our Keto Chicken Enchiladas. While baked chicken and grilled chicken have similar nutritional values, one is better than the other. Advertisement Tip Grilled chicken is considered healthy, but the cooking process may pose some risks....

You can cook partially thawed hamburger meat. Image Credit: Brenda Anderson/Moment/GettyImages Ever get home from work and realize you forgot to thaw hamburger meat for dinner? There’s good news. Even if your hamburger meat is half frozen, you can cook it right away. Advertisement Tip If you've forgotten to thaw your meat completely, you can safely cook it from a partially thawed state. However, cooking time will be affected. Read more: How to Cook a Hamburger on a Griddle...

You should use mouthwash after brushing and flossing, but you should wait a few minutes in between. Image Credit: Grace Cary/Moment/GettyImages When you have a bout of bad breath, you might turn to a minty mouthwash for a quick fix. After all, a simple swish and swirl supplies a delightful dose of freshness. Advertisement But while mouth rinse is stellar for slashing stink in the short-term, you might be wondering if it offers other benefits for your overall oral health....

Sugar can affect your blood sugar. Image Credit: MarioGuti/iStock/GettyImages While you might be tempted to grab a sweetened beverage or sugary snack for energy, several hours later you may feel worse. Simple sugars cause spikes in blood sugar, resulting in feeling lightheaded or weak. Understanding how the glycemic index and glycemic load affect blood sugar can help you select foods that provide energy with no crash. Advertisement High and Low Blood Sugar Glucose is the primary source of energy for brain cells or neurons....

Granola can make you feel like you've had barely anything to eat — even though it can be full of fat and calories. Image Credit: Betsie Van der Meer/DigitalVision/GettyImages What you eat for breakfast sets the stage for the rest of the day — and your diet sets the stage for the rest of your life. That’s why choosing the right breakfast foods (and avoiding the ones that may shorten your life in the long run) is so important....