Health Advice
/Health
/ArcaMax

On Nutrition: Processed or ultra-processed?
When I hear the term “ultra-processed” food, my mind goes directly to what I see in most convenience stores. Sodas, energy drinks, candy bars, pastries and cheese puffs come to mind. These items contain more than their fair share of sugar and/or salt and are sorely lacking in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals and ...Read more
Muscle Madness
Fueled by social media, more boys and men are turning to supplements like amino acids, creatine monohydrate, pre-workout drinks or powders, protein bars and whey protein product in an effort to bulk up and look like their favorite superhero.
But that increase in muscle is associated with another kind of boost: body dysmorphia, a mental health...Read more

On Nutrition: The power of food on mood
We were driving through a small (as in 158 people) town in the far northwestern corner of Colorado when I saw something that made me smile. Several yards from a small farmhouse, a white wooden container was perched on a stand about as high as a mailbox. It had three sides and was open in the front. Out of the elements and neatly placed inside ...Read more

On Nutrition: Sugar from zero to 50
I just survived a grueling 24 hours existing on nothing but clear liquids — tea, broth, jello, apple juice and the like. It didn’t kill me but let’s just say the nourishment in these foods didn’t last long. My suffering body was thankful, however, for the small amount of energy derived from the little bit of sugar in some of these foods....Read more
American Health -- The Short of It
New findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine report that Americans live shorter lives than Europeans, regardless of their wealth.
To be sure, people with more wealth tend to live longer than those with less wealth, especially in the U.S., but when comparing all demographics, the wealthiest Americans have shorter lifespans on ...Read more

On Nutrition: The science of salt
I have a weird habit of checking out food labels; it goes with the job. This one really grabbed my attention. It was on an electrolyte beverage and stated its case for the 1,000 milligrams of sodium in each 16-ounce can.
“Welcome to the Salty Rebellion,” the label reads. “The latest science reveals we’ve misunderstood salt. Electrolytes...Read more
This Is Your Brain in High School
Numerous studies have shown that education offers protective effects against late-life cognitive impairment. College-educated people are at lower risk.
But the quality of one's high school experience seems to play a role too.
"When we talk about education, the quality of your high school experience, not just whether you received a diploma or...Read more

On Nutrition: More on oxalates
A recent column on oxalates — natural components in plant foods that, when consumed in excess, can interfere with calcium absorption and contribute to kidney stones — brought these questions from readers:
“Thanks for your recent article on oxalates and calcium. I have osteoporosis and I'm trying to get enough calcium, magnesium and ...Read more
The Air Up There
Airplane air quality is generally regarded as good, comparable to or better than other indoor environments thanks to high air exchange rates and the use of high-efficiency particulate air filters. But any air traveler will tell you that flying seems to provoke a particular kind of air turbulence. Namely, increased flatulence.
It's a matter of...Read more

On Nutrition: What is the Mediterranean diet, really?
My husband and I traveled to Italy in 2019. Everything was wonderful, even the “house” wine in restaurants. We were surprised, however, that much of food we were served did not exactly match what we expected in this Mediterranean country.
In particular was the abundance of meat products, especially cold cuts, in the meals provided by our ...Read more
Homeopathy for Fatigue-Related Mood Swings: Natural Remedies for Emotional Balance
• Ignatia: Ignatia, derived from the seeds of the Ignatia amara tree, is a homeopathic remedy that may help alleviate mood swings caused by fatigue and emotional stress. It can be beneficial for individuals experiencing sudden changes in mood, such as sadness, anger, or irritability.
• Nux Vomica: Nux Vomica, prepared from the seeds...Read more
Cut Friday as an Option
People who get a common surgery on a Friday have a significantly higher risk of complications, readmission to the hospital and death as compared to people who got the same types of operation on a Monday, say researchers in a new study.
It's colloquially known as the "weekend effect," alluding to everybody's -- even surgeons' -- distraction ...Read more
Homeopathy for Anxiety and Stress: Natural Supplements to Find Inner Calm
• Aconite: Aconite, derived from the plant Aconitum napellus, is a homeopathic remedy that may help alleviate sudden and intense anxiety. It can be beneficial for individuals experiencing panic attacks or anxiety triggered by specific events or situations.
• Argentum Nitricum: Argentum Nitricum, prepared from silver nitrate, is a ...Read more
Homeopathy for Creativity: Natural Supplements to Boost Your Artistic Flow
• Anacardium: Anacardium, derived from the marking nut, is a homeopathic remedy that may help stimulate creativity and enhance concentration. It can be beneficial for individuals experiencing mental blocks or self-doubt that hinder their creative expression.
• Kali Bromatum: Kali Bromatum, prepared from potassium bromide, is a ...Read more
Homeopathy for Test Anxiety: Natural Supplements to Promote Calmness and Focus
• Argentum Nitricum: Argentum Nitricum, derived from silver nitrate, is a homeopathic remedy that may help alleviate test anxiety. It can be beneficial for individuals who experience nervousness, anticipatory anxiety, and fear of failure before exams.
• Gelsemium: Gelsemium, prepared from the yellow jasmine plant, is a homeopathic ...Read more
Homeopathy for Memory Enhancement: Natural Supplements to Boost Cognitive Function
• Bacopa Monnieri: Bacopa Monnieri, also known as Brahmi, is a herb commonly used in homeopathy to enhance memory and cognitive function. It may help improve learning abilities, concentration, and retention of information.
• Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a homeopathic remedy derived from the chemical element phosphorus. It is believed ...Read more
Homeopathy for Public Speaking Anxiety: Natural Supplements to Boost Confidence
• Gelsemium: Gelsemium, derived from the yellow jasmine plant, is a homeopathic remedy that may help reduce nervousness and stage fright associated with public speaking. It can be beneficial for individuals who experience trembling, weakness, and anticipatory anxiety before speaking in front of an audience.
• Argentum Nitricum: ...Read more
Homeopathy for Focus and Concentration: Natural Supplements for Enhanced Mental Clarity
• Kali Phosphoricum: Kali Phosphoricum, derived from potassium phosphate, is a homeopathic remedy that may aid in improving mental focus and reducing mental exhaustion. It can be beneficial for individuals experiencing brain fog, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating.
• Lycopodium: Lycopodium, prepared from the clubmoss plant, ...Read more
Homeopathy for Social Anxiety: Natural Supplements for Anxiety Reduction
• Gelsemium: Gelsemium, derived from the Carolina jasmine plant, is a homeopathic remedy that may help alleviate anticipatory anxiety and stage fright. It can be beneficial for individuals experiencing social anxiety before public speaking or social events.
• Argentum Nitricum: Argentum Nitricum, prepared from silver nitrate, is a ...Read more
Homeopathy for Agoraphobia Reduction: Natural Supplements to Ease Anxiety and Expand Comfort Zones
• Gelsemium: Gelsemium, derived from the yellow jasmine plant, is a homeopathic remedy that may help alleviate anxiety and panic associated with agoraphobia. It is often indicated for individuals who experience trembling, weakness, and fear in crowded or unfamiliar places.
• Argentum nitricum: Argentum nitricum, prepared from silver...Read more
Inside Health Advice
Popular Stories
- Fact check: Are 5 million nondisabled Medicaid recipients watching TV all day? That's unsupported
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Water fitness -- why aqua exercise works wonders
- Mayo, Nvidia launch AI supercomputer to diagnose diseases more quickly
- COVID rising in California. How bad will this summer be?
- Republicans call Medicaid rife with fraudsters. This man sees no choice but to break the rules