Health - Health Digest

Ruth Clark

Is It Bad To Smoke While Taking Birth Control?

The warnings that come with birth control pills can feel ominous, and it can be hard to know your level of risk. If you smoke, does your risk increase?

Michelle Washmuth

The Real Reason Your Foot Falls Asleep

Sometimes paresthesia is just the result of not moving enough, or that your workstation isn't ergonomic, but it can also indicate neurological problems.

Ciara Turner-Ewert

The Connection Between Lack Of Sunlight And Belly Fat

Wintertime celebrations may help us pack on pounds, but they're not the only source of weight gain. Learn how a lack of sunlight affects belly fat.

Robin Rothstein

What Ashwagandha Really Does For Your Body

Stress, anxiety and insomnia are a few of the health issues that can be managed with ashwagandha. The herb may also help treat arthritis and cancer.

Erin Marie

The Real Reason We Have Nails On Our Fingers And Toes

Have you ever wished you could trade in your fingernails for the strength and pizzazz of superhero-like claws or talons? Learn the history of our nails.

Erin Marie

Desk Jobs Affect Your Eyesight More Than You Think

Any desk job that has you staring at a computer screen for hours can affect your eyesight. Don't put yourself at risk for Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

Emily Rhode

Is It Possible To Reverse A Cavity?

Good news: If you catch the beginnings of a cavity early on, there's a way to reverse the process.

Fridge full of Starbucks energy drinks and other drinks

Jenna Demmer

Are Starbucks Energy Drinks Bad For You?

Starbucks energy drinks, along with those created by their competitors, contain caffeine and sugar in amounts that can create significant health consequences.

Pharmacist in white coat and face mask handing medication to customer

Nicole LaMarco

You Shouldn't Take This If You Take Melatonin

Caffeine, contraceptives, anticoagulants, and diabetes medications are just a few of the drugs whose effectiveness can be changed by using melatonin.

Katherine Alexis Athanasiou

Read This Before Getting A Cortisone Shot

While cortisone injections may seem like a quick fix, they are not without risk. Infections and elevated blood sugar are among the more-serious side effects.

Catherine Caruso

Can You Get Addicted To Exercise?

Something as healthy as exercise can become an addiction, when workouts become more important than relationships, or you push through despite pain.

Zrinka Peters

Is There A Difference Between Your Right And Left Lung?

The right lung is a little larger than the left lung, and a bit shorter. The left lung is narrower and smaller because it shares space with the heart.

Catherine Caruso

Can You Be Vegan With A Nut Allergy?

Seeds, soy products, and coconut are a few sources of protein that people can eat on a nut-free vegan diet.

Tablet with chemical formula of metformin with stethoscope laying on it

Emily Rhode

Surprising Side Effects Of Metformin

Metformin can help manage type 2 diabetes, but potential serious side effects include blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, and lactic acidosis.

Kimberly Smith

Is Avocado Oil Good For You?

Avocados contain potassium, folate, and vitamins B6 and C, and are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

A man yawning at his computer during the day

A. Sooter

What Happens To Your Brain When You're Sleep Deprived

Most people know that sleep issues, health problems, and depression go hand in hand. But the effects run much deeper than that.

Woman holding glass of water and supplement

Catherine Caruso

Do Iron Supplements Cause Constipation?

Many people who are iron deficient take supplements to get enough of this mineral our body needs. But do iron supplements cause constipation?

Ciara Turner-Ewert

Why Traveling And Jet Lag Are Not As Bad For You As You Think

Travel benefits you in many ways, from reducing stress to boosting your mood to improving mental resilience. Now studies show traveling can also balance sleep.

Kimberly Smith

What Cinnamon Oil Really Does For Your Body

Cinnamon oil can help fight infections, avoid cavities, manage blood sugar, and reduce depression and anxiety.

Anne Taylor

Can Magnesium Help Relieve Menopause Symptoms?

There are a variety of menopause symptoms that can be bothersome and interfere with daily life. Can magnesium help?

hands holding e-cigarette and tobacco cigarettes

Erin Marie

Researchers Bust The Myth That Vaping Helps You Quit Smoking

Vaping has become increasingly popular, especially as a means to quit cigarette smoking.

Maria Faller

Why People Use Pedialyte To Cure A Hangover

Pedialyte has been peddled as a nasty hangover remedy, with even celebs like Miley boasting it's benefits, but is there any evidence to support this?

Ciara Turner-Ewert

How To Determine If You're Actually Getting Quality Sleep At Night

Our sleep patterns naturally change as we age. You might think you're getting quality sleep by time spent in bed, but other factors can hint that you're not.

Anne Taylor

What It Really Means When You Wake Up Thirsty

There are many reasons you may be feeling thirsty as soon as you wake up. Here's what you should know and what you can do to help.

Catherine Caruso

What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Vaping

Vaping was once viewed as a less harmful alternative to smoking. But studies have shown that vapes or e-cigarettes can actually cause serious health problems.

Amanda Vining

Why It Could Be Harder To Lose Weight On Birth Control

There are many different kinds of birth control, some of which have side effects. Here's why it may be harder to lose weight while on birth control.

midsection of a woman who shows pain from overeating while holding eclairs

Agnes Erickson

You're Eating Too Much Fat If This Happens To You

With diets like Atkins and Keto staying in the limelight, and the abundance of fast-food options, Americans' daily fat intake may be cause for worry.