Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Sulfites are commonly blamed as the culprit behind wine-drinking headaches. While that hasn’t been confirmed, sulfites can be the cause of some other serious problems. These food additives have long been used to preserve freshness and are ingredients in many foods, beverages, cosmetics, and medications. They also occur naturally in … Read More
The National Eye Institute estimates 5 million people over age 50 suffer from dry eye syndrome. This lack of a healthy tear film in our eyes leaves the person uncomfortable and prone to eye irritation. Dry eye syndrome may be due to the eyes not producing enough tears or the … Read More
If you’re blessed with the gift of perfect or near-perfect eyesight, it can be quite jarring when you first experience a significant period of blurred vision. You’re not sure whether it’s a temporary occurrence or a sign that you might be losing your eyesight. Blurred vision refers to a lack … Read More
Ah-ah-ah-CHOO! You’re sneezing again. It’s that time of year when every other person seems to have the sniffles—nasal congestion, a runny nose, and frequent sneezing. These common symptoms most often are caused by two conditions that can be difficult to tell apart: allergies and the common cold. When it comes … Read More
Antihistamines are medications that help relieve or prevent allergy symptoms. Most are available over-the-counter (OTC) and come in the form of tablets, liquid, nasal sprays or gels, and eye drops. As the name suggests, antihistamines reduce or block histamine, a chemical produced by the body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamine … Read More
Oh pinkeye, you always choose the best times to visit. Your attractive symptoms (crusty, pink, itchy, and watery eyes) are so easy to disguise—if eye patches were in fashion, that is! Since they’re not, it’s time to learn what pinkeye is, what causes it and how to treat it, or—better … Read More
Increased pressure due to fluid buildup is glaucoma. But, is glaucoma hereditary? Having a relative with glaucoma, such as a parent or sibling, means you are at higher risk of developing the disease. There are racial or ethnic risk factors point to a genetic disposition to glaucoma: Glaucoma is six … Read More
Glaucoma is an eye disease where excess pressure irreparably damages the eye, causing blindness. Because glaucoma symptoms don’t manifest until the disease is very advanced, the disease is a sneaky vision thief. Yet fewer than 10 percent of Americans surveyed know that glaucoma has no warning signs, according to the … Read More
While many people welcome the changing seasons, those with allergies see the beginning of spring and fall as the time when they have to load up on extra tissues. Irritating, painful, and annoying, nasal allergies can be quite disruptive in everyday life. However, by recognizing source of your allergy, you … Read More
While many people welcome the changing seasons, those with allergies see the beginning of spring and fall as the time when they have to load up on extra tissues, thanks to congestion. Nasal conditions, often caused by allergies, can be irritating, painful, annoying, and disruptive. However, by recognizing the source … Read More
