A night of drinking doesn’t just come with a headache or dry mouth. It can also mean urgent trips to the restroom. The phenomenon — dubbed “booze butt” by Men’s Health — is real. Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract, alter gut bacteria and interfere with how the intestines absorb water, doctors said. “Alcohol itself can cause loose … Read more
Chew on this. We’ve all heard the myth that swallowed gum stays in your body for seven years. While that’s not true, it’s still generally not great to swallow it, since our digestive system can’t break it down. But there is an exception: mastic gum can be digested — and in fact, you’re supposed to … Read more
Get a sip of this — it might just turn back the clock. New research from Japan suggests that a trendy beverage, long praised for supporting gut health, may also help prevent or even reverse certain signs of aging. The timing couldn’t be better: Within the next decade, older Americans are on track to outnumber … Read more
Could guts save your butt? A new study reports that bacteria found in the intestines of Japanese tree frogs show remarkable promise in treating colorectal cancer. A research team from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) discovered that the bacterium Ewingella americana could prove more effective than conventional treatments. While the relationship … Read more
If you’re not careful, combating dry winter air could put a whole new problem on your plate this winter. When temperatures drop and cold and flu season kicks in, many turn to humidifiers to soothe symptoms like sore throats, chapped lips and sinus dryness. Humidifiers also offer relief to those suffering from chronic conditions like … Read more
Researchers say they’ve identified 168 chemicals that may affect gut bacteria, substances that people can encounter in a range of everyday environments. Experts from the University of Cambridge published a study Tuesday in the journal Nature Microbiology that found many everyday substances can hinder the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and it goes beyond pesticides. The scientists … Read more
Snake oil with a dangerous bite? Miracle Mineral Solution, also known as MMS, is a chemical mixture touted as a cure-all for everything from cancer and autism to COVID-19. The “miracle” is delivered in two small bottles: one contains a 28% sodium chlorite solution, the other an “activator” of vinegar, citric acid or hydrochloric acid. … Read more
This discovery might leave a bad taste in your mouth. A new study found that a popular low-calorie sweetener commonly used in sugar-free gum, candies and diet-friendly baked goods may increase your risk of developing a serious liver disease. The chronic illness already affects 1 in 3 American adults and is rising fast among children, … Read more
Peak cold and flu season may be upon us, but you’ll want to take a second look at that drugstore nasal spray to clear a stuffed up nose. A recall has been initiated for more than 41,000 bottles of Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol due to a possible bacterial contamination. Walgreen’s voluntarily recalled the product due … Read more
High calories, low mood. Pizza, fried chicken and ice cream sound soooo good on a bad day, but several studies have shown that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like donuts do not help your health or well-being and actually harm them. In fact, the latest research — out this week in The Lancet medical journal — warned … Read more
Scientists say they’ve discovered traces of the deadly pathogens that ravaged Napoleon’s soldiers during his doomed 1812 retreat from Russia — offering a clearer picture of the circumstances of the French general’s downfall. A study published in the journal Current Biology on Nov. 3 analyzed DNA from the teeth of French soldiers who were buried … Read more
Fall fanatics go nuts for it! There’s one beloved pantry staple that embodies the essence of autumn, stirring up memories of baking, cozy drinks and holiday preparations. The swirl of warmth and sweetness also possesses bacteria-fighting powers and may improve learning and memory — but too much could be toxic. This popular spice has been … Read more
It’s a loaf story, baby, just say, “yes.” Taylor Swift, 35, has been candid about her latest carbohydrate obsession — and it could be a slice of salvation for your health. “Sourdough has taken over my life in a huge way,” Swift shared on an episode of her fiancé Travis Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast. “I’m … Read more
Gut health has become incredibly trendy, with everything from fibermaxxing to probiotics earning acolytes on social media. But while boosting your gut microbiome and staying regular have major health upsides, not all TikTok and Instagram hacks are created equal — and one gastroenterologist is warning against four celebrity-beloved trends that can actually hurt you. Dr. … Read more
There are a couple pretty major anatomical differences between males and females — but who knew matters of our dental health were different, too? Last week, TikTokker Hannah (@not_hannah_06) went viral with an alarming video in which she proclaimed that most toothpastes are formulated for men’s mouths — but because women’s mouths are more acidic, … Read more
Hollywood icon Diane Keaton died after a battle with pneumonia, her family confirmed late Wednesday. Sources close to the Oscar-winning actress said her health took a dramatic turn in the months before her death at the age of 79 on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know about the common — but potentially deadly — … Read more
Maybe sugar substitutes aren’t such a Splenda-did idea. An eye-opening new study links artificially sweetened beverages to an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the most common liver disease in the US. Surprisingly, these supposed guilt-free guzzlers carried a higher risk than sugary soda. “Our study shows that [low- or non-sugar-sweetened beverages] … Read more
It’s the toast of the town. A hot hack for cutting calories from starchy foods like rice and bread — without having to shrink portion size — has some TikTokkers saying it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Dubbed by one cooking enthusiast as an “Asian mom secret,” the toasty tip involves cooking starchy food, … Read more
A new study from the CDC found that infection rates for a drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” are on the rise, increasing nearly 70% between 2019 and 2023. The increase was primarily driven by the NDM gene, which makes bacteria particularly difficult to treat. Only two antibiotics are known to effectively combat these infections, and both are … Read more
So much for a sugar high. Soda’s popularity has fizzled over the years as study after study has revealed that its sugar and calories fuel the risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and dental issues, among other health problems. Now, new research out of Germany suggests that consuming soft drinks can also increase the odds … Read more