Nutrition basics
Learning Center
Caffeine: How much is too much?
Is your caffeine habit causing problems? Find out how much is too much and if you need to curb your consumption.
Carbohydrates: How carbs fit into a healthy diet
See why carbohydrates are important for your health and learn which ones to choose.
Aging: What to expect
Understand the natural changes that come with aging.
Are energy drinks bull?
Thanks to a large amount of sugar and caffeine, energy drinks might give you a temporary energy boost. But too much sugar from energy drinks can add extra pounds. And too much caffeine can cause adverse side effects, such as nervousness, stomach upset, irritability, increased heart rate and insomnia. There are better ways to boost your energy. For example, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
Time to cut back on caffeine?
That morning cup of coffee or early afternoon soda is probably OK. But more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, or more than about four cups of coffee, can cause insomnia, restlessness, headaches and other problems. Start paying attention to how much caffeine you're getting from foods and beverages. Check labels. If you decide to cut back, do it gradually. For example, drink a smaller cup of coffee each day. This will help your body get used to the lower levels of caffeine and lessen potential withdrawal effects.
Alzheimer's genes: Are you at risk?
What role do genes play in developing Alzheimer's? Are you at risk?
Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes
Get the facts on products that make food and drinks sweeter.
Smokeless tobacco products
Learn the risks of using products such as chewing tobacco, snuff and snus.
Fiber: Soluble or insoluble?
You need both types of fiber in your diet. Soluble, which dissolves in water, can help lower cholesterol and glucose levels. Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots and barley. Insoluble fiber, which doesn't dissolve in water, promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and can help with constipation or irregular stools. Good sources of insoluble fiber include whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts and many vegetables.
What's your high blood pressure risk?
High blood pressure has many risk factors. Some you can't control, such as age, race and family history. But don't throw up your hands quite yet. Some risk factors are within your control, such as excess weight, inactivity, alcohol misuse and stress. Make healthy lifestyle changes a priority: 1. Lose excess weight. 2. Include physical activity in your daily routine. 3. If you drink, do so in moderation. That means no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. 4. Learn healthy ways to handle stress, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. 5. Avoid excess salt in your diet.
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