Immunity

Rates of autoimmune diseases are on the rise globally. What causes these diseases? Can diet help reduce inflammation, ease symptoms, and support your body’s natural healing process? This article dives into the top evidence-based diets for autoimmune conditions, the best and worst foods, and practical tips to empower your journey to better health.

Poppy seeds are culinarily versatile and surprisingly nutritious. But since they come from the same plant that produces opioids, should you take any precautions about adding them to your diet? Is it possible to eat too many? And should you avoid them if you have to take drug tests? Discover how to incorporate poppy seeds into your cooking in safe and creative ways.

Can diet help manage inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis? And how do lifestyle choices impact the prevalence of these conditions? Find out which foods to avoid and which anti-inflammatory foods can relieve and even help put IBD into remission.

When it comes to growing your own food, it’s hard to find anything easier, quicker, or more nutritious than sprouts. If you’re thinking about how to optimize your immune system, balance your blood sugar levels, improve your digestion, support your heart and liver health and function, or enhance your family’s food security, then sprouts could be just the thing you’re looking for. Here’s what you need to know about the different kinds of sprouts, how to put them to use for more nutrition in your home, and how to avoid bacterial contamination.

Spending time in nature can feel good. But does it really offer benefits for mental, physical, and spiritual health? And if so, what are some practical ways to incorporate more nature into your busy life? Discover the science of “vitamin N” and learn simple tips to benefit from the healing powers of the natural world.

This article explores eight essential minerals crucial for maintaining good health, detailing their roles in the body and the potential risks of deficiencies. It also provides practical advice on incorporating these vital nutrients into your diet through everyday foods and supplements.

One of the most important nutrients for your health isn’t found in food — instead, it’s made by certain bacteria in your gut if you feed them right. Short-chain fatty acids are crucial for digestive health and can fight inflammation throughout your body, as well as combat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and type 2 diabetes. So, how can you ensure that your gut microbiome has what it needs to produce these life-giving organic compounds?

Every year, unsafe food causes 600 million cases of foodborne illness and 420,000 deaths. Ensuring food safety at home is crucial for maintaining health. Discover the safest temperatures for storing food, what kitchenware contains forever chemicals that can mess with your hormones, and how seriously you should take expiration dates. Let’s explore how to protect your health and make informed choices for a safer kitchen.

Creatine supplies energy to cells throughout your body — especially muscle cells. Many athletes take it to build muscle and improve athletic performance. But is it also good for your brain, your heart, and your immune system? Or is it a dangerous fad? Do you need to eat meat to get enough, or should you take a supplement?

Hibiscus plants adorn many of the world’s most beautiful tropical locations and gardens. With their delicate petals and vibrant colors, the flowers are a delight to behold. But hibiscus offers benefits well beyond the visual. Food and drinks made with hibiscus have been used medicinally around the world for thousands of years. So what are the proven benefits of hibiscus, and how can you get this beautiful flower into your meals and beverages?

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that prepares your body for sleep and confers many other health benefits. But melatonin levels can decrease as we age, and our modern lifestyles and schedules can interfere with melatonin production. So is supplementation safe and effective? Can we get it from food? And are there other things we can do to keep our melatonin at optimal levels?

Your favorite fruits and vegetables get their color and much of their health-boosting power from compounds called polyphenols. One of the most abundant and best-studied of these compounds is quercetin. Known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, quercetin may help with heart, brain, and gut health. But where can you find quercetin in food? And are food sources enough, or should you be supplementing?