Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
If you haven’t heard of lupin, the up-and-coming legume soon to reach superfood status, it’s time you were in the loop. Hardly a new player in the food arena, lupin beans, commonly called lupini beans, have nourished ancient Egyptians, Incans, and Romans and they continue to be popular in modern … Read More
Everyone can benefit from getting a flu shot, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccinating everyone six months of age and older. For people age 65 and older, Medicare covers annual flu shots, including the high-dose version. Many health insurance plans also cover flu shots with … Read More
As someone who’s had five surgeries in the past six years (a result of my hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), I know a thing or two about scars—namely, that they can be an eyesore. For years, I’ve struggled to find a scar treatment that works to minimize their appearance. From vitamin … Read More
There’s not much worse than suffering from a chronic migraine. The pounding head, nausea, and pain is debilitating. My last migraine persisted for a month. It was so bad I dreamed of ticking off King Henry the VIII so he could have my head chopped off and relieve me of … Read More
A peanut allergy is more than just a nuisance; an allergic reaction to peanuts can be extremely dangerous. Families with children who have peanut allergies know the burden of protecting their kid from peanut exposure at school, at friends’ homes, and in public spaces. And with peanut allergies becoming more … Read More
Lice! The very word sends chills down the spines of any parent. My mother, a registered nurse who worked in elementary schools, suffered from pediculophobia, which is a fear of ice. The words “head lice” caused her scalp to itch, and we children were never allowed to try on hats … Read More
Gabapentin was originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 to be used with other anti-seizure medications to control partial seizures in adults. It is classified as an anticonvulsant drug, although it appears to have analgesic properties as well. Gabapentin originally was sold under the brand name … Read More
If you have a dairy allergy, chances are you’ve heard this question many times: So, you have a lactose intolerance, right? Those with dairy issues commonly encounter confusion over lactose intolerance and milk allergy. Over the years, I’ve received questions from relatives who can’t understand why tiny amounts of milk … Read More
Reducing triglycerides naturally is a hot health topic today. Due to the side effects of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, many people are curious about how to reduce triglycerides naturally and safely. Fortunately, new research shows a compound in hot peppers has the potential to protect against the number one cause of death in … Read More
