Natural diuretic foods and drinks stimulate your kidneys to produce more urine, unloading excessive fluid and salt. Although they vary greatly in effectiveness, these foods and drinks allow you to take in healthy nutrients rather than prescription medications (“water pills”). You may be retaining too much fluid if there is … Read More
Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Beet, or beetroot, supplements are gaining quite a following for a number of apparent health benefits, including increased energy, improved physical performance, and reductions in blood pressure. Because they’re made from beets, the colorful root vegetables rich in nutrients and powerful health-promoting plant compounds, beet supplements may be a desirable … Read More
Atherosclerosis is a clogged artery due to plaque formation. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your body. A plaque starts as an injury to the inside of an artery. At the injury site, cholesterol, fat, and other substances start to collect and form … Read More
CBD, or cannabidiol, is an active ingredient of marijuana, but it is not the same as THC. THC causes the marijuana “high,” which CBD does not do. You may find CBD advertised as a treatment for anxiety, insomnia, or as a pain reliever. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, … Read More
Coconut water is the clear water found inside young coconuts. It is not the same as coconut milk which contains both water and the “white meat” of the coconut. Although many benefits have been claimed for coconut water, according to the National Institutes of Health, there is not enough evidence … Read More
Lemons are much more than a garnish for your glass of water or fancy cocktail. As one of the fruits in the citrus family, lemons contain many of the nutrients that our bodies need daily to function properly. We know they’re delicious and good for us, but which lemon health … Read More
Close your eyes and sit up straight. Take a deep breath while you count to five, then count to five again as you exhale. Go ahead and try it right now for six breaths. It feels good, doesn’t it? Breathing to lower blood pressure can be an effective strategy. Here’s … Read More
Limes typically don’t receive the same attention year-round as their yellow sibling, the lemon. The summer season is usually when they get the most shine, thanks to their presence in key lime pie, as a mixer for cocktails, and as a finishing touch on grilled meats, fish, and guacamole. But, … Read More
Almost half of Americans have high blood pressure (HTN), and one in five adults don’t know they even have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Taking medications as prescribed is a problem for many patients, and it’s estimated that nearly 30 percent of patients who have … Read More
One of my favorite breakfast options is a bowl of oatmeal. There are lots of ways to mix it up when it comes to oatmeal, and my latest favorite, just in time for fall, is oatmeal with bite-sized pieces of apple cooked in, topped with some chopped walnuts. It is … Read More
