Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Selenium may have caught your attention, as it’s one among many supplements that has been studied for its potential to treat a variety of conditions ranging from asthma and dandruff to infertility. While it’s true that our bodies need this essential to function properly, it takes very little to do … Read More
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in the world. When you drink alcohol, it is absorbed in your digestive system and moves into your blood. In your blood, alcohol travels to your liver, where 90 percent of alcohol is broken down and eliminated. The rest comes out in your … Read More
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the flaxseed plant has been used since ancient times for its health benefits. In ancient Greece it was used as a laxative, while early Americans used the oil as a salve for cuts and burns. Today, flaxseed supplements are used … Read More
For all of us who have leftovers after any number of meals, this is a sensible question to ask: Is Tupperware BPA-free? First, though, it helps to understand what BPA is. BPA stands for Bisphenol A, a chemical produced in large quantities, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health … Read More
Osteoporosis is often a silent disease, as there are virtually no symptoms until a bone fracture occurs. Because of this, many women do not worry about their osteoporosis risk until they are diagnosed. But you shouldn’t wait until your bones are weak and brittle to give attention to your health. … Read More
Rosehips are the beautiful red berries that form on rose plants after successful pollination of the flower in summer. These fruits, from the plant Rosa canina, commonly known as wild briar rose or dog rose, has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries to treat ailments such as diarrhea … Read More
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so all across America, you may have noticed pink as the prevailing color—in grocery stores, restaurants, Internet blogs, Facebook photos, and even NFL games. It's all part of an annual effort to raise awareness about the disease. “Race for the Cure” events alone raise … Read More
Osteoporosis poses a disease threat that is greater than that of both hypertension (high blood pressure) and breast cancer, according to the World Health Organization. Yet this insidious and debilitating bone disease rarely gets the attention it deserves. Nonetheless, deterioration of the bones and increased risk of fractures is a … Read More
Insomnia is now at epidemic levels. Up to half of Americans are wondering how to beat insomnia and suffer from at least one of the four cardinal insomnia symptoms: Difficulty falling asleep Inability to stay asleep Waking up in the early morning Experiencing nonrestorative sleep Almost a quarter of the … Read More
Research shows that certain foods and diets have an amazing ability to reduce triglycerides naturally. A study of more than 1.5 million healthy adults provided evidence that a Mediterranean diet or triglyceride diet can result in a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular mortality, a lower incidence of cancer … Read More
