Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, is a frustrating condition that can disrupt and negatively impact the quality of daily life. The normal, everyday movement of simply standing up triggers rapid heart rate, dizziness, or a drop in blood pressure that usually resolve upon laying down. Although the cause isn’t … Read More
Colon cleansing is in fashion—and it’s a big business. You’ve likely heard people talking about having a colon cleanse as if they were going to a spa for a massage. But be very careful! There are no scientific studies that support any benefits from this practice—except for the bank accounts … Read More
Potassium deficiency is the result of hypokalemia—the medical term for blood serum potassium levels that are below normal. Normal blood potassium levels are typically between 3.6 and 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A potassium level that is very low (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical … Read More
The thick gel found in the leaf of the aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years to heal a variety of topical conditions. In fact, aloe gel was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines in the 18th and 19th centuries. The gel is composed of 95 to … Read More
Intestinal infections tend to hit at the worst times. Five years ago, my husband, two children and I were cruising from one Croatian Island to the next when it happened—gut-wrenching cramps doubled me over while sweat dripped down every crevice. I had gone from feeling slightly nauseous to wanting to … Read More
You’re feeling spent, listless, and/or exhausted after work almost every night—and the next morning. You can’t seem to break out of a pattern of dragging through the day and collapsing into bed at night. You're looking to get some zip back in your step—and to learn how to improve energy … Read More
For thousands of years, humans have used the aloe vera plant in various ways—as a wound and burn dressing, as an embalming fluid, and as a beauty aid to help keep the skin soft. And in the U.S., the plant, which is thought to have originated in Egypt and the … Read More
Romaine lettuce contaminated by E. coli caused dozens of illnesses and five deaths between November 2017 and June 2018. Just before Thanksgiving 2018, we received news of another E. coli outbreak traced to romaine lettuce. No deaths resulted, but 43 people fell ill with a strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. … Read More
Diarrhea is a digestive disorder that happens to just about everyone at some time. Loose, watery stools, cramps, bloating, and frequent bathroom trips are all common symptoms. So what causes diarrhea? There are all kinds of potential triggers; these are among the most common: Food intolerances. Lactose intolerance and other … 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
