Health Conditions - Health Digest

Catherine Caruso

Does Constipation Cause Back Pain?

Constipation with back pain is often a result of dehydration or a low-fiber diet, but it could also be a symptom of a more serious condition.

Maxine Taylor

Flu Explained: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Even a mild case of the flu can leave you feeling miserable for days, and for some, the infection can be extremely dangerous or even deadly.

tumeric, ginger, and peppercorn displayed

Robin Rothstein

Can Turmeric Lower Blood Pressure?

The ancient spice turmeric is often touted as a natural way to address high blood pressure, but it may have unintended consequences.

Jenna Demmer

How Much Blood Do You Actually Lose During Your Period?

Have you ever wondered how much blood you lose during a typical menstrual cycle? You probably lose less blood during your period than you would think.

young woman looking pained after receiving the flu shot

Agnes Erickson

The Real Reason You Might Feel Nauseous After The Flu Shot

Getting a flu shot may increase your protective armor against the flu. However, you should be aware that the shot comes with possible side effects.

Kimberly Smith

Can Fish Oil Lower Blood Pressure?

Fish oil has many health benefits that stem largely from the omega-3 fatty acids in it. Research also shows that it can help reduce blood pressure.

Kimberly Smith

If This Happens To Your Fingers, It Could Be A Sign Of Diabetes

Waxy, tight, or thickening skin on your fingers is one more symptom that could suggest diabetes.

Catherine Caruso

The Real Reason Rainstorms Can Trigger Asthma

Storms can trigger and worsen asthma attacks, because wind and rain can break down pollen clumps into particles that can get into your nose and lungs.

Woman in a scarf and knit hat holding her hands in front of her face

Erin Marie

The Real Reason Your Nose Feels So Cold

Aside from frigid weather, our noses can feel cold because of our level of mental overwhelm, as well as hypothyroidism or blood circulation issues.

Catherine Caruso

Can Allergies Cause A Fever?

Allergies share many symptoms with the common cold or flu, such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and congestion. But is fever a symptom of seasonal allergies?

Catherine Caruso

Can Chicken Soup Help A Cold?

Chicken soup has long been touted for its ability to help fight the common cold, but is this really true, or is it just another myth?

Jenna Demmer

Should You Take Antiviral Medication For The Flu?

With symptoms such as fever, body aches, and headaches, the flu isn't fun for anyone, but it is more dangerous for some people than others.

Jenna Demmer

Does Aspirin Lower Blood Pressure?

Not all NSAIDs increase a person's risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Aspirin has none of these side effects.

Jenna Demmer

What Happens To Your Body When You Take Blood Pressure Medication

If you have high blood pressure — also known as hypertension — you are in good company, as nearly half of American adults have the condition.

Bottle of melatonin next to a sleep mask

Andra Picincu

Does Melatonin Cause Constipation?

One gastroenterologist noted that "I have never known melatonin to be a source of constipation."

Kimberly Smith

Does Stress Cause High Blood Pressure?

Stress can do a number on your body over time. If you are living with high blood pressure, here is what you need to know about its link to stress.

young woman sitting on her couch suffering with cramps

Agnes Erickson

Can A Heating Pad Help With Constipation?

Constipation is defined as having fewer than 3 bowel movements a week. What can a heating pad provide in terms of constipation relief?

A doctor in white lab coat holding up a chalkboard with the letters MS written on it

Meredith Cooper

Celebrities Who Have Been Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis

Here's a look at some outspoken celebrities who've been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Catherine Caruso

The Real Reason You Might Get A Fever After The Flu Shot

Like with any vaccine, the flu shot comes with a set of potential side effects. Here is the real reason why you might experience a fever after getting it.

Kimberly Smith

Avoid This Kind Of Bread If You Have Diabetes

White bread has a high glycemic index, which can be dangerous for diabetics because it rapidly delivers glucose to the bloodstream.

turmeric root and turmeric powder side-by-side

Lauren DeMello

Can Turmeric Help With Inflammation?

Turmeric aka curcumin shows great promise for anti-inflammatory responses in the body, but absorption may be limited, so method of consumption is important.

Kimberly Smith

How Does Your Body Make Blood?

Blood is the primary carrier of oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. It is made of plasma, which is 80% water and 20% solid material.

Maria Faller

You Should Start Cooking With This Oil If You Have High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, it's important to be mindful of your diet. Cooking with one specific oil can help you manage the condition.

Woman with celiac disease holding a wheat plant in her hands

Andra Picincu

Is There A Cure For Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide, putting them at risk for other illnesses, such as anemia.

Woman sneezing into tissue in front of a tree

Michelle Washmuth

Seasonal Allergies Explained: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Many Americans have seasonal allergies and struggle to find relief. Here's everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Youssef Rddad

How To Tell The Difference Between Allergies And A Cold

Since many people will likely be affected by the cold and allergies, it's important to take stock of the symptoms to properly treat them.

Kimberly Smith

Can Intermittent Fasting Help With Diabetes?

Intermittent fasting triggers a "metabolic switch" that helps the body and brain in several ways, but can it help those with diabetes?