Taking Care of Your Teeth Could Improve Joint Health
A researcher from Rice University recently discovered that microbes consistently present during rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups were largely ones associated with gum disease— to everyone’s surprise. These findings led to another study, which has now confirmed a link between arthritis flare-ups and periodontal disease (gum disease). Good oral care could mean more for joint health than previously thought. (More)
Top 10 High-Risk Foods for Contamination
Consumer Reports has identified ten widely consumed “risky foods” that were recalled most frequently and/or made a significant number of people ill from 2017-2022. Leafy greens were at the top of the list followed by deli cheese and meat, ground beef, and onions. The lead analyst encouraged tracking food recalls for these ten foods, not avoiding them completely, since many of them are healthy and nutritious. (More)
Watermelon Boosts Nutrient Intake and Lowers Sugar Intake
Watermelon is a surprisingly nutrient-dense food, in spite of being about 92% water. This could explain why a recent study found that consumption of this summertime favorite is associated with increased nutrient intake. Most notably, fiber, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin A intake increased significantly as did the amount of carotenoid antioxidants consumed. On the flip side, the intake of added sugars decreased. (More)
4 Food Additives that Trigger Migraines
Migraines are estimated to affect between 15-18% of women and 6% of men. Symptoms include not only head pain but also intolerance to light, sound, or certain odors as well as nausea, fatigue, and confusion. The root cause of migraines isn’t fully understood, but they are often brought on in response to a specific “trigger”. Research has now pinpointed four food additives— MSG, sodium nitrite, yellow dye #5, and aspartame— as possible migraine triggers. These additives are found not only in food but also in some supplements. (More)
Cranberries Really Can Prevent UTIs in Women
Cranberries, one of the few fruits native to North America, have long been used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), but most of the “evidence” for their effectiveness has come from anecdotal reports. Now, a new study has confirmed that cranberry juice and supplements made from cranberries can indeed reduce the risk of recurrent symptomatic UTIs by anywhere from 25-53%. The study authors note that their research focused on UTI prevention rather than treatment. (More)
