Healthy Eating

Scientists and dietitians are now learning many of the health benefits of having a healthy gut. One of the biggest benefits is supporting the health of beneficial bacteria and immune cells that help fight foreign bodies like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Many popular diets that you may have tried or are currently trying can be detrimental to your health—especially the health of your gut. Registered dietitians weigh in on the damage that some of these popular plans may have. And as always, it's best to consult your doctor…

Drinking too many cups of coffee each day may make you feel more anxious, susceptible to acid reflux, and increase your heart rate. If you identify as a woman, it may also make your breasts sensitive. "Large amounts of caffeine can lead to changes in your hormone levels. This may lead to cyst formation and therefore tenderness," Dr. Jill Hechtman, MD, a board-certified OBGYN, and scientific advisor to Nightfood, says. "Caffeine can also dilate some vessels causing swelling and tenderness." In general, Hechtman advises that…

Sleep is vital for your overall wellbeing, playing a key role in important functions like muscle growth and recovery, immune function, and memory. New research even suggests that not getting enough quality sleep may increase the risk of certain conditions such as dementia and heart failure. The question is, when you're trying to get a good night's rest, what's the last thing you should eat as a snack? Aside from avoiding caffeinated beverages like coffee several hours before your head hits the pillow, are there other…

Protein powders are one of the most popular nutrition supplements available on the market, and for good reason. Not only do they make it easy to boost your intake of protein and various other nutrients, but there is plenty of research to support the health benefits of using protein powder, too. From weight management to muscle building, protein powders can be a valuable component of your diet and also make meal and snack time slightly easier. If you aren't currently using protein powder in your daily routine, I have six…

Brain fog isn't a medical term, it's a catchall phrase for a constellation of uncomfortable and distressing symptoms that include fatigue, fuzzy thinking, lack of focus, mild memory issues, and more. Identifying exactly what's causing your brain fog can be challenging because the culprit can be anything from an overgrowth of candida, thyroid dysfunction, anemia, heavy-metal toxicity, hormonal imbalances—or even stress and anxiety, says medical herbalist Daniela Turley, who recommends seeing a healthcare practitioner to help…

Data has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption—especially among women. Now, a new study looks at women's drinking and COVID-related anxiety to explain why, if you've picked up a boozing habit during lockdown, it may be time to get that pattern in check. The research, published in the Journal of Gynecology and Women's Health, cites the recent global uptick in drinking habits among women due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the stresses it induced, such as…

Bananas are the most popular fruit in America, and it's not hard to see why: they're tasty, inexpensive, and can be purchased practically anywhere food is sold, from gas stations to grocery stores. However, the benefits of making bananas part of your regular routine extend well beyond your taste buds—these delicious fruits can provide a surprising amount of support to your immune system, keeping you healthier in the long run. Read on to discover the surprising benefits bananas have on your immune system. And for more great…

As you get older, your health risks increase. And for men over the age of 50, the foods that they eat can play a huge role in lowering these risks. So if you are eating all the wrong kinds of foods, well, that's just going to make things that much tougher. So which really are the worst foods for men over 50 they should avoid at all costs? Lucky for you, we went ahead and did the work for you. Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND award-winning nutrition expert, Wall Street Journal best-selling author of The Create-Your-Plate…

There's absolutely never a bad time to learn a wine hack. There are so many different ways to enjoy wine—and we're not just talking sipping it with dinner, on the couch watching a movie, or at those virtual happy hours. One not-so-secret wine tip is that you can use it as an ingredient when cooking. Take this Classic Beef Stew recipe, for example, if you're wondering what gives dishes like this their depth of flavor, look no further than your bottle of pinot noir. Don't worry, using wine in your cooking wasn't the hack—it's…

Blending up a smoothie for mealtime feels like the epitome of health. Smoothies are usually full of good-for-you ingredients, making them a full-proof way to get a boost of those nutrients you need every day. And yet, while smoothies are relatively healthy, it's easy for those calories to rack up pretty quickly. If you're not careful, you may find yourself slurping on a smoothie with more calories—and sugar—than you would see in a bowl of ice cream. This is why we decided to determine the unhealthiest way to make a smoothie,…