When thinking about the word inflammation, most of us think about 'acute inflammation', which is the response of our body to heal and defend itself, something that we notice and which lasts only for a short duration. For example, a swollen ankle, a sore throat, or redness around a wound. However, there is another type of inflammation that can last for months or even years and can go unnoticed without obvious symptoms. This is known as chronic low-grade inflammation. There are

If you've ever gotten muscle cramps before, one piece of advice you may have heard is "Make sure you eat some bananas!" Why? Because bananas have a lot of potassium. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that helps muscles and nerves function. What is hyperkalemia? While potassium is important, too much potassium can cause problems in your body. The most serious problems it can cause include paralysis and cardiac arrest (stopping your heart). "Hyperkalemia" the medical term f

Introduction Nutrigenomics is the scientific study of how an individual’s genes influence their response to nutrients, and how nutrients in turn can affect gene expression (2). This emerging field explores the biological relationship between diet and the genome, aiming to explain why people may respond differently to the same foods (2). Traditional dietary guidelines are often designed as universal recommendations (5). However, genetic variation means that individuals metabol

Why utilize meal planning for weight loss? Weight loss can be challenging and, to be honest, boring at times. A recommended method for weight loss is to keep daily calorie intake (calories consumed) less than calorie output (calories burned). The saying “You can’t outrun your plate” applies here. Maintaining a calorie deficit contributes to weight loss. There are many options available on the internet to assist with weight loss efforts. Websites abound with recommendations re

In 1995 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), a partnership between several government agencies and healthcare sites in 10 different states to report these illnesses to the local health departments as they occur. Specifically, eight specific bacterial pathogens which cause significant burden of disease were selected for required reporting to state health departments. For the last 30 years

Have you ever wondered whether fruits and veggies have the potential to cause harm to your body similar to certain fast foods? The answer is yes, and this may come as a surprise to many people. Just like some animals, plants produce their own chemical substances to protect themselves from being eaten up by predators. Similar to their physical defense systems like hard shell coverings, spikes and thorns, certain fruits and vegetables contain naturally occurring toxins. When co

Introduction Fats are a necessary nutrient; however, they must be consumed in a controlled quantity. There are four main types of fats found in our food: polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, saturated, and trans fats. The American Heart Association's (AHA) initial low-fat recommendations targeted individuals with significant cardiovascular risk factors or family histories of heart disease. These guidelines emphasise replacing animal fats with healthier, non-tropical plant-based

HbA1c measures the percentage of sugar coated on hemoglobin, acting as a "metabolic memory" of your blood sugar over the last 2–3 months. Unlike daily finger-pricks, it provides a long-term view of your health. Understanding this number is vital for diagnosing diabetes and preventing complications like heart or kidney disease. It is the gold standard for tracking treatment success and maintaining long-term wellness.

“I’m just tired.” A 21-year-old college student keeps cancelling plans. She sleeps for eight hours but wakes up exhausted. Her hair seems thinner than before, her nails break easily, and climbing a single flight of stairs leaves her breathless. Friends tell her she is overthinking. Family members say she is lazy or stressed. She starts believing them. She is not lazy. She is iron deficient. Approximately one in three women of reproductive age (15-49 years) worldwide is affect

You’ve probably seen headlines lik e “No sugar,” “No artificial dyes,” or “Only organic” while scrolling through social media. These messages are often presented as simple solutions for better health, but they can sometimes create confusion or unnecessary stress around food choices. Nutrition is complex, and the body needs a variety of nutrients to function well. For many people, especially those who are growing, learning, or physically active; regular access to carbohydrate

Photo by NipananLifestyle.com : https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-matcha-drink-on-a-wooden-tray-1581484/ Matcha as a Cultural Tradition Turned Global Trend Matcha has evolved from a ceremonial beverage to a global wellness trend, celebrated for its unique flavor, antioxidant profile, and calming yet alerting effects. Its origins trace back to powdered tea practices developed during China’s Tang and Song Dynasties, later brought to Japan in the 12 th century CE, where Zen

By: Jessica Chhoy Introduction: Why do people drink energy drinks?: Many people tend to consume energy drinks so they can get a boost in energy. We know that energy drinks are bad for us, but we reach for them due to the circumstances in our lives. Whether it be trying to stay up to study for an exam or fighting fatigue, we consume energy drinks for the energy. The real question, is it worth drinking energy drinks despite the effects it has on human health? What is inside an

Fats often get a bad reputation, but not all fats are created equal. In reality, certain types of fats are essential for keeping your heart, brain, and body functioning at their best. Among the most important are the omega fatty acids—a group of unsaturated fats that play a critical role in overall health. Understanding what they are, how they work, and where to find them can help you make smarter dietary choices and better support your overall wellness. Fatty acids, the bu

Introduction In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, many of us are constantly seeking a quick way to recharge – something that can both relax the mind and boost energy for the day ahead. This is where teas like chamomile and green tea come in. But why do people reach for tea when they want calm? While both chamomile and green tea can promote relaxation, the type of calm they provide is quite different. That’s where the key compounds – apigenin in chamomile and L-theanine

Image Credit:Freepik What is Perimenopause? Perimenopause also referred to as menopausal transition is a phase in a woman's life marked by changes in the functioning of the ovaries. During this transition, your ovaries produce less hormones. As a result, your menstrual cycle becomes irregular and unpredictable. Perimenopause is a normal progression towards end of reproductive years for a woman. What hormonal changes occur during perimenopause? During your menstrual cycle, a

Mushroom foraging has become increasingly popular thanks to outdoor trends, cooking videos, and social media accounts celebrating “wild foods.” It’s easy to understand the appeal—mushrooms are fascinating, abundant, and often beautiful. But the truth is far less whimsical: many wild mushrooms are toxic, and some can cause life-threatening illness with just a single bite. Before picking anything from the forest floor, here’s what everyone should know. Foraging Isn’t as Simple

Graphic generated in canva Growing up in India, my grandma always used to say chew your food, sit down and eat, don’t drink cold water with your meals. When I was sick or under the weather, she would make a thin stew of split mung beans and rice (khichadi) that’s nourishing and easy on the digestion. 6 years ago, I stumbled upon Ayurveda, the ancient medicine system of India/ the sister science of yoga, and I realized how much of my upbringing was naturally influenced by its

Introduction Health doesn’t always have to mean changing everything about your life. Sometimes, it’s about winning back a few minutes—like those spent waiting for your coffee to brew. What if you used these moments for yourself? Recent research shows that micro-moments—short, intentional actions like stretching, mindful breathing, or simply being grateful—can transform mood, lower stress, and boost heart health, all in less than five minutes.​ Micro-Moments and Everyday Healt

Obesity has been reported to be one of the most common threat to our health in the last decades. This complicated chronic condition develops after long-term positive calorie balance causing excessive expansion of adipose tissues and ectopic fat accumulation, increasing the risk of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cancer in both adults and children. Several research institutes and pharmaceutical companies are focussing their efforts i

Let's start by being truthful - most people only start caring about their gut when: a) their stomach feels like a balloon b) every meal becomes a gamble c) they're googling symptoms at 1am wondering if they need surgery. If that sounds familiar, relax Half the time, it isn't something serious. It is just your gut way of communicating with you. I say this eith experience, I've been there The turning point for me was realising that I need to feed my gut bacteria what they need