By Kat Pachas BSN, RN Imagine never knowing whether your next meal or a stressful day will throw your gut into chaos. For millions of women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), this happens every day. They deal with unpredictable waves of cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea (6, 9, 17). For them, these symptoms can feel like they have a mind of their own. IBS is very common, affecting 10–20% of the global population. Women are up to th

New research suggests a bacterium found in food may help trap tiny plastic particles and carry them out of the body. Plastic pollution is everywhere, from oceans and rivers to the food and water we consume. As larger pieces of plastic break down, they can become extremely tiny particles called nanoplastics. A new study has found that a food derived bacterium called Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656 may have an interesting ability: it can attach to nanoplastics and help move t

You cannot directly "add" synovial fluid from the outside, but you can improve its quality, quantity, and lubricating function through movement, nutrition, and supporting the physiological healing of the synovium. [1] Keep the Joints Moving Why is Movement Important for Joints? Synoviocytes constantly produce synovial fluid in response to joint mechanical loading, which can arise from compression and shear forces. Synovial joints work on a pumping mechanism; every time the jo

A pile of plastic trash; picture courtesy of Unsplash Microplastics have been found in varying amounts within many tissues and organs of the human body. There are many theories detailing the possible link between microplastics exposure and the development of inflammation, hormone disturbances, and increased risk of chronic illnesses. Understanding the effects of microplastics exposure and its possible effects on the human body are critical in assisting people in making choic

Celiac disease is managed through a strict gluten-free diet. However, because gluten-free processed foods rely heavily on rice, patients face an unintended risk: rice efficiently absorbs heavy metals from flooded soil. Studies show that individuals on a gluten-free diet have significantly higher levels of arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can lead to long-term health issues. To minimize this risk, patients should diversify their diets with alternative grains like qui

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.

Are you a new mom who's worried about what she can and cannot eat? Well, you're in luck. Discover the best foods for a new mom.