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If you have EPV, eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods daily to support your immune system. Image Credit: Anna Kucher/E+/GettyImages You may have heard that you can fight the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) naturally with a special diet (for example, one that contains coconut oil or extra vitamins). Some reports also suggest certain foods might “feed” EBV. So what’s fact and what’s fiction about this virus and your diet? Advertisement According to Whitney Linsenmeyer, PhD, RD, assistant professor of nutrition at Saint Louis University in Missouri, there is no specific diet designed to treat an Epstein-Barr infection....

If you're experiencing a fast heart rate, it could have several causes. Image Credit: x-reflexnaja/iStock/GettyImages When you’re active, excited or under stress, a quickened pulse is normal. But if your heart is racing while you’re resting, it’s a good idea to look into the cause. In most cases, it’s something simple and easily treatable. Occasionally, though, the cause can be more worrisome. Advertisement What’s an Elevated Heart Rate? A resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute is considered normal for adults....

Complete proteins are also excellent sources of amino acids. Image Credit: Lisovskaya/iStock/GettyImages Trying to pin down amino acid functions is a challenge, as these nutrients along with protein form the foundation for all human life. They are involved in numerous metabolic and functional processes. You’ll find amino acids in a wide range of meats, vegetables and even fruits. Advertisement Amino Acid Functions and Types Amino acids are considered one of your body’s energy sources, states the U....

Fruits and vegetables for sale at a market. Image Credit: william87/iStock/Getty Images While many gallstones are harmless, some cause gallbladder inflammation, triggering pain and infections. While a healthy diet won’t dissolve gallstones, it can help lower your risk of developing the stones and reduce symptoms once they form. Healthy eating can also help by promoting weight control. Avoid restrictive diets and rapid weight loss, however, which are a major contributor to gallbladder disease....

Melatonin, a hormone supplement, can reduce feelings of anxiety. Anxiety disorders affect about 20 percent of the adult population. These disorders have an adverse effect on daytime performance and nighttime sleep. They also put people at risk for substance abuse. Prescription medications provide a treatment option for anxiety problems, but nutritional supplements may offer a better alternative. Over-the-counter melatonin, for example, reduces anxiety in a variety of settings. People should, however, consult a doctor before taking melatonin as the hormone may cause side effects....

Spending a lot of time on a bicycle seat can cause perineal pain. The perineum is the area extending from the anus to the vaginal orifice in women and from the anus to the back of the scrotum in men. Rich in nerve endings, the strip of skin between the anus and testicles is an area in which men may feel discomfort for a variety of reasons, particularly during physical activity such as walking....

Your doctor may prescribe weight gain pills for you. Whether you want to gain weight to fill out your jeans or to make a certain cut for a sports team, you may have considered taking a weight gain supplement. Weight gain pills can help you pack on pounds quickly, but there may be health risks involved. Before taking a weight gain pill, talk to your doctor. Advertisement Methyltestosterone Methyltestosterone increases testosterone production, according to Drugs....

Prime rib has lots of protein but also lots of saturated fat and cholesterol. Image Credit: bhofack2/iStock/GettyImages Prime rib, also known as standing rib roast, comes from the rib section of the cow. Prime rib is typically slow-roasted and served for special occasions, as it’s one of the more expensive cuts of beef. It’s also quite high in fat, so it’s best eaten in moderation. Advertisement Here's an overview of the nutrition information for prime rib (for a 3-ounce serving): Video of the Day ​Calories:​ 298 ​Fat:​ 24 grams ​Saturated Fat:​ 9....

Healthy diets are essential for both physical and mental health. Image Credit: Elena_Danileiko/iStock/GettyImages You’ve probably been told about the importance of healthy eating since you were young. From expressions like “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” to commercials on TV about the benefits of fiber, you’re constantly reminded about the importance of healthy food choices. Our food choices define our nutrient intake, which in turn influences our health as well as our risk for certain illnesses....

Nutrients in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables have health benefits, especially for your brain. Image Credit: EzumeImages/iStock/GettyImages More and more people are in search of the best diet for brain health that will keep you sharp well into your golden years. The combination of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle will have a positive effect on your cognition, and knowing which foods to eat is a first step in the right direction....

Look for protein bars made with whole food ingredients. Image Credit: Arx0nt/iStock/GettyImages Keeping a protein bar on hand can help you avoid temptations when hunger strikes. However, you must choose wisely. Some protein bars are high in sugar and calories, which can hinder your weight loss goals. The best options for weight loss are low-sugar protein bars made with whole food ingredients. Advertisement Protein Bars for Weight Loss First things first: Protein bars are a nutritional “supplement....

The best way to make full-body dumbbell exercises harder? Increase the weight. Image Credit: Tashi-Delek/E+/GettyImages Whether your weekly workout routine is split by body part or not, incorporating some full-body dumbbell exercises is a surefire way to add a challenge to your training sessions. These six trainer-approved exercises will help build strength and muscle and boost your calorie burn — all in one workout. Advertisement "These exercises are great for those who have a time constraint when it comes to their workout time or just want a tough workout," Carolina Araujo, NY-based certified personal trainer and founder of Fit with Carolina, tells LIVESTRONG....

Four jars of hot sauce. Image Credit: junpinzon/iStock/Getty Images New Mexico State University is home to the Chile Pepper Institute (which holds the rare and laudable distinction of being the only interesting institute in the world.) Advertisement Carol Turner is a nutrition specialist at New Mexico State. When asked to list the health benefits of hot peppers, she spoke for six minutes without stopping, and it sounded like she was giving the short version....

Synthetic dyes are linked to cancer in animals and behavior problems in children Image Credit: György Barna/iStock/Getty Images The U. S. Food and Drug Administration regulates food additives. It has approved nine synthetic dyes for use in food under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Michael F. Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said in an interview with CBS News that the dyes add nothing to the nutritive value of food and may not be safe....

Whether it's work or personal life-related, your emotional eating is not the healthiest habit. Here's how to conquer it. Image Credit: Twenty20/@KaiMitt You’ve had a stressful day at work, a fight with your partner, or you’re just plain exhausted. What do you want to do? For a lot of people, the answer is “eat.” Advertisement In a 2013 survey by the American Psychological Association, 27 percent of adults reported that they eat to manage stress....

Stay active and accountable during one of the busiest times of the year with a fun, quick video workout to do every day this month. Get all the details on the challenge here. If steady-state cardio feels like a slog, it's time to sub out your too-familiar routine with interval training. This type of cardio delivers a trio of benefits: It's highly effective, super fast and a whole lot more fun than an hour on the elliptical....

Gout commonly affects the big toe. Image Credit: ThamKC/iStock/Getty Images Lowering uric acid levels plays a role in managing gout symptoms. Your body produces uric acid as a byproduct of breaking down substances in food called purines. In addition to consuming a low-purine diet, getting enough of certain nutrients may help lower uric acid levels. Scientists are only in the beginning stages of testing this hypothesis, however. Advertisement Right now, there is no definitive evidence that certain vitamins lower uric acid....

Coconut milk vs. milk shows some nutritional differences, but both offer healthy advantages depending on your individual circumstances. Image Credit: YinYang/iStock/GettyImages Everyone is familiar with cow’s milk and likely grew up drinking it. However, if you’re allergic to milk, have lactose intolerance, eat a vegan or paleo diet or just don’t like the taste of milk, you may want to consider the benefits of coconut milk. Coconut milk compared to milk shows some nutritional differences, but both offer healthy advantages depending on your individual circumstances....

A stair machine is a great workout for your legs and butt. Image Credit: damircudic/E+/GettyImages If you’re new to working out, the very first StairMaster results you get might be sore legs and a sore backside. But take heart: As long as you scale your workouts to suit your fitness level, stair stepping machines can help you attain a strong, sleek-looking lower body. Advertisement Tip Any stair stepper workout is going to give your legs, butt and calves a great workout — but it'll also help you burn calories, reduce excess body fat and maybe even build the sleek lower body you've been looking for....

Fruits high in citric acid include lemons, limes and oranges. Image Credit: Thanakorn Phanthura / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages Lemons and limes are vibrant citrus fruits used in many dishes, beverages and desserts. Advertisement They're also some of the main, naturally-occurring sources of citric acid, a sour-tasting component of citrus fruits. Video of the Day There's a good chance you equate "citric acid" with citrus fruits like lemons and limes. And your association would be right, as these fruits are known to have the highest quantity of this naturally occurring substance....