Hormones

Goitrogens are compounds found in certain foods that can interfere with iodine absorption and affect thyroid function. Some health influencers argue that foods containing goitrogens are harmful and should be avoided. However, many of the foods that are highest in goitrogens also offer important health benefits. So should you avoid goitrogens, or enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet? And are there ways to reduce goitrogen levels in foods?

BPA is a chemical that’s used in plastics, food and drink containers, cans, pizza boxes, shopping receipts, baby bottles, and much more. Scientists and public health advocates have been sounding the alarm on BPA for years, pointing out that it may be linked to reproductive health problems, diabetes, asthma, obesity, and harming fetal neurodevelopment. But its health effects may be further reaching than expected, and BPA substitutes may not be any better. Discover the latest research on BPA and similar chemicals — and what you can do about limiting your exposure.

Hormonal balance affects your longevity, weight, and mood. And new research is telling us that the cornerstone of balanced hormones is your gut microbiome, which — it turns out — depends on fiber. So can eating more fiber really help you to lose weight, live longer, and feel better?

Hundreds of millions of people suffer from discomfort and disruption during their menstrual cycle because of excess prostaglandins and inflammation. But uncomfortable period symptoms don’t have to be a given. A number of nutrient-rich whole foods are proven to shorten period length, reduce pain, and decrease flow. Learn more about which foods can help reduce inflammation and contribute to feeling better during menstruation.

The microbes in your gut impact every aspect of your long-term health, including immunity, energy, metabolism, respiratory function, and so much more. Here’s what the science says about how you can help them thrive and how gut health supplements can help.

Lycopene is a nutrient that has only recently received the attention it deserves. One of the most potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants, lycopene appears to protect against a staggering array of chronic conditions, including cancer, heart disease, male infertility, and cognitive decline. But there are precious few dietary sources of this wonderful nutrient, and there are questions about its bioavailability. How much lycopene do you need, and what are the best sources?

There are many factors to consider when making a sunscreen purchase. Spray or squeeze? Low SPF or high SPF? Regular sunscreen or mineral sunscreen? Discover the differences in sunscreens and why you may want to consider natural sunscreens for your health as well as the health of the environment.

Most plants manufacture compounds to protect themselves from predators. Some of these chemicals act by limiting the plant eater’s ability to fully absorb the rest of the plant’s nutrients. Called “antinutrients,” they’re the subject of heated controversy. Should we avoid foods that contain antinutrients, or do those foods offer more and greater health benefits than potential downsides?

In a world of expensive medical diagnostic tests, there’s a free and convenient way to gain insight into your digestive (and possibly overall) health — paying attention to the frequency, size, consistency, and color of your poop. If your poop wouldn’t currently win any “best in show” awards, certain diet and lifestyle changes could make a world of difference — and give you healthier and more pleasurable bowel movements.

For decades, some health influencers have waged what’s practically amounted to a PR campaign against soy products. Because soy contains phytoestrogens, which are structurally very similar to the estrogen produced by the human body, these influencers argue that soy is a dangerous food that can cause cancer and other diseases by upsetting our natural hormonal balance. Recent research, however, increasingly shows that phytoestrogens may actually be good for you. So what’s the truth about phytoestrogens? What foods, in addition to soy, contain them? And should you include or avoid them in a balanced, healthy diet?

If you don’t think about your kidneys a lot, that probably means they’re not giving you any trouble. But kidney disease is on the rise worldwide, and unfortunately, the symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed to a dangerous stage. The good news is, dietary and lifestyle strategies can help to keep your kidneys in tip-top condition, and to support them even if you already have some kidney dysfunction.

Many people are most familiar with lab tests as something their doctor orders. But did you know that you can order your own tests? Here’s when, why, and what to consider when it comes to lab tests and taking back the power to manage and improve your health.