Daily Health Tips: Trusted Medical Information, Health Tips and Advices

Tonight at dinner, think in reverse. Instead of selecting a wine that complements your meal, plan what food you'll have with your wine. Pairing foods high in vitamin B6 with your favorite vintage may help you defeat one of the leading cancers. The thing about wine or any other form of alcohol is that women who drink more than two glasses per week tend to have lower levels of vitamin B6. That's not great, because a large study found that women who ate the most B6-rich foods were 34% less likely to develop colon cancer over the next 7 to 10 years than women who consumed the lowest amounts. Your body needs B6 to synthesize DNA, red blood cells, and the brain chemical serotonin, among other things. Lack of this vitamin may cause irritability and depression (and you thought it was because your favorite American Idol didn't win.) So what should you order with your Pinot? Chicken (skinless, of course), turkey (no skin here, either), and tomato paste are rich in B6 and also work w

Guys: The next time you go out for seafood, think twice before saying, "I'll have what she's having." Here's why: When it comes to the diabetes-dodging powers of seafood, new findings suggest that they may not be the same for men and women. Gender Bender A 15-year Chinese study found that for women, a diet that included all types of seafood helped protect them from type II diabetes , but for men, diabetes defense came only from eating shellfish. Further studies are needed to explore possible reasons for these gender-specific differences, but most researchers agree that it's the omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in seafood that keep insulin -- the body's blood sugar-controlling hormone -- working well. ( Related: Keep your blood sugar in check with this nutritional formula. )

Got diabetes? Here's something easy and delicious you can do to avoid complications: Eat a handful of strawberries. A recent lab study found that there's a whole lot of something called fisetin in the red, juicy berries that reduces the kidney and brain complications associated with type 1 diabetes. Fabulous Fisetin In the lab, scientists rounded up two groups of diabetic subjects and fed one group a fisetin-rich diet. While the plant compound had no effect on blood sugar levels -- the subjects remained diabetic -- common, scary complications of diabetes like kidney disease and nerve damage fell significantly. How does it work? The scientists believe that fisetin increases the production of an enzyme that helps remove a toxin known as AGE from the blood. There's a strong correlation between high levels of AGE in the blood and diabetic complications. Less AGE, less complications. Bingo. A Strawberry a Day? In order to consume the fisetin levels equal

   

The next time you order up a quesadilla, burrito, or tamale, don't forget to add a side of rice and beans -- your colon will thank you. Turns out that simply eating beans three times a week, and brown rice once a week, could help prevent colon cancer. You Are What You Eat For three years, researchers tracked nearly 3,000 people who had colonoscopies, comparing their diets along to their incidence of colon polyps (tiny growths in the colon that lead to colon cancer). People who ate beans three times a week were 33 percent less likely to develop polyps, and those who also ate brown rice just once a week cut their risk by 40 percent. Other foods also helped: cooked green vegetables (once a day) and dried fruit (three times a week). They reduced the risk of polyps by about 25 percent. (Related: Doing this 3 times a week will also help reduce your risk of colon polyps.) The F Word What is it about beans, rice, green veggies, and dried fruit that keeps your colon ca

There might be a simple approach for treating low back pain, but you'll need a spotter. It's backward walking. In a small study of college athletes, the participants who engaged in backward walking for several weeks experienced a significant reduction in their lower back pain. Walking This Way During the 3-week study, all participants -- both those with back pain and those without -- walked backward on a treadmill for 15 minutes a day, 3 days a week, at whatever pace they felt comfortable. And at the study's conclusion, all the people with low back pain reported a significant decrease in pain, as well as better range of motion. What's more, most of the lower back pain group also showed a reduction in shock attenuation -- a measurement that shows the body impact of the foot striking the ground.  Safety First Researchers think that backward walking may baby the back because it requires that the toe contact the ground first, rather than the heel -- whi

Looking for a pill-free way to ease back pain? A survey recently revealed the top six. And none requires surgery. They are chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture, herbal therapy, relaxation training, and stretching-based Eastern exercises (think yoga and tai chi). Ache-Alleviating Alternatives In a large national survey, 60 percent of people who had used one of these therapies in the previous year said that it brought them a "great deal" of relief from their low back pain. And, in fact, more was better. People who used a combination of one or more of these therapies tended to experience even greater back pain relief compared with people who used just one. Ask Your Doc First Whether your low back pain is mild, or much more problematic, you'll want to check with your doctor before trying any new form of exercise or pain relief therapy. Depending on your situation, certain alternative treatments could aggravate things rather than provide relief. But it

Eating a bit more like our hunter-gatherer ancestors could be a boon to your heart health. A growing number of evolutionary biologists posit that in order to live healthier lives, we should return to more of a hunter-gatherer diet -- with more grass-fed beef, root vegetables, berries, nuts, and eggs. And in a recent study, this style diet appeared to boost cardiovascular health. Heart of the Matter In the study, investigators fed nine healthy non-obese men and women their usual diets for a few days. After switching to a Paleolithic-era diet for 7 days, study participants experienced improved cardiovascular health; greater insulin sensitivity (which means their bodies needed less insulin to keep blood sugar steady); and less after-meal arterial stiffness, a measure of cardiovascular health. Which led some researchers to speculate that our grain- and dairy-based diet over the last 10,000 years may have resulted in epidemics of cardiovascular disease , since our bodies

What works -- and what doesn't -- when it comes to revving up your immune system Once you notice trees dropping their leaves, days getting shorter, nights getting darker, and the air feeling a little crisper, you can be sure of two things: Drugstore aisles will be crammed with cold and flu preventions, from echinacea to zinc. And "coffee talk" with friends, family, and coworkers will inevitably turn to how to prevent a cold or the flu – or even ways to steer clear of the latest virus. Seems like everyone has his or her own method for preventing colds and flu, from simple rules like never leaving the house with wet hair, to more deliberate methods such as: Taking a special combo of vitamins and minerals Sipping an effervescent vitamin drink Getting a daily dose of an herbal remedy Loading up on garlic You know that taking steps to protect your immune system is wise. In fact, doing so can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger. But on the flip side, ta

Okay, it's no news flash that blueberries are nutritious. But here's something you probably didn't know: They may help keep your arteries from clogging. In an animal study, researchers discovered that blueberries could have the power to cut LDL cholesterol levels almost in half. Blueberry Boost In the study, scientists noted that the blueberry health benefits persisted even when the test subjects were fed a high-fat diet. At the end of the 3-week study period, the blueberry-supplemented diet had reduced LDL (the bad stuff) cholesterol by as much as 44 percent. And total cholesterol had dipped 27 percent. Pretty impressive numbers. More study is needed to see whether the same benefits would hold true in humans, but researchers are optimistic.    How Sweet It Is Researchers think that blueberries may help keep blood fats down because of their liver-supportive nature. The liver is the organ that helps the body get rid of excessive levels of cholesterol . A

1. Ask for a Thyroid Collar When X-Rayed Thyroid disease affects as many as 59 million Americans, and many experts believe that the number of people affected is only going to rise further in the 21st century. The thyroid is the master gland of metabolism and energy, and problems with the gland affect everything from weight, to mental health, to fertility, heart disease risk, and many other important aspects of our day-to-day health. Are there ways to reduce your risk of developing a thyroid condition? Definitely! Here are 10 suggestions that can help you reduce your risk. Ask for a Thyroid Collar When X-Rayed When you get dental x-rays, or x-rays of the head, neck, or collarbone area, does the x-ray technician use a lead collar on your thyroid? Most likely, your answer is no. And that means, your thyroid is being needlessly exposed to radiation. The thyroid is particularly sensitive to radiation, and excessive radiation exposure is a known risk factor for various thyr

Looking for a pill-free way to ease back pain? A survey recently revealed the top six. And none requires surgery. They are chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture, herbal therapy, relaxation training, and stretching-based Eastern exercises (think yoga and tai chi). Ache-Alleviating Alternatives In a large national survey, 60 percent of people who had used one of these therapies in the previous year said that it brought them a "great deal" of relief from their low back pain. And, in fact, more was better. People who used a combination of one or more of these therapies tended to experience even greater back pain relief compared with people who used just one.    Ask Your Doc First Whether your low back pain is mild, or much more problematic, you'll want to check with your doctor before trying any new form of exercise or pain relief therapy. Depending on your situation, certain alternative treatments could aggravate things rather than provide relief. But

A creamy snack that won't clog your arteries? Yep, it exists. And you're probably familiar. It's yogurt. In a study of senior women, those who ate at least half a cup of yogurt per day had healthier arteries compared with those who ate less of the tangy stuff. Top Dairy Choice Living a healthy life helps reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk at any age, but it's especially important as you get older. Women age 70 and older are expected to have more heart and artery trouble because of their advanced years. But in a recent study of this group, the women who ate at least half a cup of yogurt per day had a heart-protective edge. They exhibited better arterial health compared with the women who ate less yogurt, and they also had higher levels of HDL cholesterol (that's the good stuff).    Smart Nutrition It isn't clear why yogurt might improve artery health. But we do know that yogurt contains beneficial bacteria, and some studies suggest thos

Study Suggests NSAIDs, Cox-2 Inhibitors May Raise Risk of Atrial Fibrillation Widely used anti-inflammatory pain relievers may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder associated with stroke and heart failure. In a newly published study from Denmark, use of non-selective, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Cox-2 inhibitors was associated with a significantly increased risk for atrial fibrillation. Non-selective NSAIDs include the active ingredients in drugs such as Advil, Motrin and Aleve, and Naprosyn. The prescription drug Celebrex is a Cox-2 inhibitor. The researchers also included older Cox-2 inhibitor drugs such as diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), and meloxicam (Mobic). The risk was highest for new users of the drugs. New NSAID users had a 46% increase in risk, and new Cox-2 inhibitor users had a 71% increase in risk compared to people who did not take the pain relievers. WebMD contacted Pfizer -- the m

Show your heart some love and boost your odds of a longer life by stir-frying this Chinese green: bok choy. A large-scale study found that people who eat the most vegetables have lower mortality rates -- especially from heart troubles. But the strongest protective benefits were tied to intake of cruciferous vegetables, like bok choy. Not All Vegetables Created Equal The study followed over 100,000 middle-aged men and women in Shanghai, China -- a part of the world where people consume lots of veggies, particularly cruciferous ones. And a diet survey there revealed that people whose daily diets included the most vegetables were 15% less likely to have died during the 5-year study period. And the risk of heart disease-related death was particularly low for the vegetable lovers. But the surprising insight? People who consumed the most cruciferous vegetables were the best protected The Cruciferous Quotient Bok choy is just one example from the cruciferous vegetable gro

Staying Well Hydrated May Lower Risk of Hyperglycemia Drinking about four or more 8-ounce glasses of water a day may protect against the development of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), French researchers report. In a study of 3,615 men and women with normal blood sugar levels at the start of the study, those who reported that they drank more than 34 ounces of water a day were 21% less likely to develop hyperglycemia over the next nine years than those who said they drank 16 ounces or less daily. The analysis took into account other factors that can affect the risk of high blood sugar, including sex, age, weight, and physical activity, as well as consumption of beer, sugary drinks, and wine. Still, the study doesn't prove cause and effect. People who drink more water could share some unmeasured factor that accounts for the association between drinking more water and lower risk of high blood sugar, says researcher Ronan Roussel, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at t

Making a simple switch in your cereal bowl or coffee cup could mean better appetite control. The switch in question? Pouring low-fat instead of full-fat milk. According to a new study, palmitic acid -- a type of saturated fat found in full-fat dairy products -- may cause your brain to ignore "I'm full" signals. So you end up going back for more helpings. Can't Eat Just One Palmitic acid makes up about 60 percent of the saturated fat we eat. Which is a good reason to avoid saturated fat as much as possible. Because when your body gets ahold of palmitic acid, bad things happen. Just minutes after ingesting it, your body begins to ignore satiety signals. In the study, researchers found that, almost immediately, bossy palmitic acid dialed down important chemical signals in the brain that normally help people regulate their appetite. And I'm-full hormones like insulin and leptin are reduced to a mere whisper, so cells simply ignore their "hey, tim

Next time you feel your blood start to boil, chant this mantra: "blue skies." Why? A calm mantra just might turn you into a fast healer. Here's what we mean by that. Studies show that being quick tempered can make a person's body slower to recover from wounds. Immunity takes a hit if you're a hot head, it seems. One way that psychologists offer to channel anger? Repeat a calming phrase. Stressed and Angry In the study, participants who had received very small blister wounds to their skin were also evaluated in terms of their anger management skills. And those who had trouble managing their tempers were more likely to have slower healing blisters -- over four times more likely. The hot-tempered folks also had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their saliva, leading the researchers to believe that stress is the underlying factor in the impact anger has on healing. The immune system -- command central for healing and recovery -- suffers wh

Blood sugar problems? Might want to make sure you get your daily dose of D. More research is needed to confirm a connection between blood sugar control and vitamin D levels. But in a study, people with type 2 diabetes had better success in lowering their blood sugar when they followed a diet that included extra vitamin D. Better Blood Sugar Swill In the study of middle-aged men and women, half the study participants drank vitamin-D-fortified yogurt drinks twice a day with lunch and dinner while the other half drank a placebo drink of just yogurt. After 12 weeks, the people in the vitamin D group not only had lower blood sugar but also showed fewer signs of insulin resistance. The vitamin D group even lost a bit of weight over the 12-week period! (Did you know peanut butter is good for your blood sugar, too? Check out 11 other surprisingly delicious foods that can help lower blood sugar.) Good D Deeds More research is needed to know for sure whether vitamin D

 1. Walnuts Walnuts are already in a heart-healthy league of their own because of their cholesterol-improving powers. And now a small new study suggests that eating walnuts every day may help give blood vessels a much needed tune-up in people with diabetes. 2. Beans Fiber is great for balancing your blood sugar, but which fiber source is best -- legumes or grains? Pass the peas, please. In a study, a diet high in lentils, nuts, peas, and other legumes seemed to be more helpful than a diet high in wheat fiber when it came to tamping down blood sugar.  3. Black Tea There are powerful little chemical compounds in tea -- called polysaccharides -- that may do your blood sugar a bit of good. And one of the best ways to get them? Black tea. Researchers recently discovered that the polysaccharides in black tea may be tops over those in green or oolong teas. Make mine black! 4. Peanut Butter  There's something sweet and creamy that kids love