We all know how important fiber-rich foods are for weight management, digestive health and regular bowel movements, among other functions. But did you know there’s a type of fiber called inulin that can improve gut, heart and metabolic health as well? While there are various types of inulin, they all have in common their ability…
Cholestasis is a condition that's characterized by the flow of bile from the liver slowing down or stopping, which can be caused by disorders of the liver, bile duct or pancreas. Up to 200,000 people in the United States are affected by this condition every year, and it can lead to serious health conditions if…
Records of eating artichokes date back to Ancient Greece and the Roan Empire. There are texts indicating that these populations consumed the naturally occurring variant of the artichoke, the cardoon — especially for help managing rheumatism and gout — thanks to all artichoke nutrition has to offer. Today, this native plant is still found in the same…
Phytonutrients are nutrients found in plants that develop to protect the plant from damaging environments. Plants are exposed to excess ultraviolet radiation, predator pests, toxins and pollution, resulting in the generation of dangerous free radicals within their cells. These free radicals can then bind and damage proteins, cell membranes and DNA of the plant. Fortunately, phytonutrients…
Turn on the television, flip through a magazine or open your internet browser and you're bound to hear about a new detox diet or juice cleanse being peddled, likely accompanied by an outrageous price tag and even more outlandish health claims. It's true that most of us are exposed to a plethora of toxins, heavy…
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid within the abdomen. While there are a number of conditions that can cause it, approximately 75 percent of patients with ascites also have cirrhosis of the liver. In addition, about 50 percent of patients with cirrhosis will develop ascites within 10 years. It is considered a frequent complication of…
Do you love your morning of cup of nutrition-rich coffee but find yourself worried about a caffeine overdose? Chicory root may be just the answer you're looking for. This popular coffee substitute does so much more than just take the place of your favorite breakfast beverage. In addition to providing a boost of extra dietary…
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, in the U.S. alone, osteoporosis and low bone mass affect approximately 54 million women and men over the age of 50. Believe it or not, that is the majority of all people aged 50 and older living in the U.S., which is why problems associated with low bone mass…
We all know sugary and fizzy drinks can wreak havoc on our health, and they are found everywhere. From TV commercials promoting diet soda to the enticing menu presented to us at our favorite restaurant, artificially sweetened drinks lie everywhere. The good news is there are healthy drinks out there, even if healthy beverage options…
Many adults suffer from gallbladder problems during middle or late adulthood, especially women — who develop gallstones much more than men do — and cholecystectomy, surgery to remove the gallbladder, is one of the most common operations performed on adults in the United States every year. Yet it's common for even those who have gallbladder…
