Apple Pectin: A Source of Prebiotics and Soluble Fiber

That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. A study examined the impact of apple pectin powder on diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). It involved adults with IBS-D; treatment lasted 29 months. Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health The researchers suggested the children treated with the combination had more symptom improvement than those in the placebo group. However, it’s challenging to determine apple pectin’s effects alone since a combination product was used....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 636 words · Jennifer Chambers

Apple WatchOS Upgrade Features Tracking for Menstrual Cycle, AFib, and Medications

One of the most notable features of the watch is tracking menstrual cycles with wrist temperature sensors. Apple said the tool can be helpful for family planning. It relies on an age-old fertility monitoring technique that is used both for inducing and avoiding pregnancy. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images Heres what you’re gonna wanna know about the newest Apple Watch health features. Period and Fertility Tracking Apples ovulation tracker uses a method calledbasal body temperature....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 298 words · Kelly Young

Apricot Benefits: Why People Love the Peach-Like Fruit

Apricots and peaches are stone fruits from the botanical familyRosaceae. Both fruits are highly nutritious and range in color from yellow to orange, with reddish tones. Apricots are smaller, though, about a quarter of the size of a peach. alvarez / Getty Images Peaches are sweeter and have more water, making them juicier than apricots. This article discusses the nutritional breakdown and health benefits of apricots. Apricots, in their natural state, are a nutrient-dense, low-calorie food....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 538 words · Robert Burke

Aquaphor vs Vaseline: How Do They Differ?

Aquaphor and Vaseline are popular over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizers with various uses. They are often used to help heal and protectdry, itchy skinand to keep wounds moist while they heal. Both products are petroleum jelly-based and have similar uses. Getty Images |Smith Collection/Gado/ Contributor However, they have some key differences. This article will focus on the commonly used form of Aquaphor Healing Ointment. The petroleum jelly, lanolin, and mineral oil in Aquaphor act as occlusive moisturizers and skin protectants....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 413 words · Kevin Cain

Arch Pain Causes and Treatments

Arch pain is the term used to describe symptoms that occur under the arch of the foot. When a patient has arch pain they usually have inflammation of the soft-tissues within the midfoot. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain early in the morning and pain with long walks or prolonged standing. Illustration by Nusha Ashjaee, Verywell When awakening and walking in the morning, the fascia is still tight and prone to irritation when stretched....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 365 words · Francisco Henry

Are Animal Medications Safe for Humans to Take?

This might be tempting if you are sick and you have easy access to animal medication. There are a lot of problems with this. The first is that it is illegal. FatCamera / Getty Images Veterinarians cant dispense animal medication for human use. This includes drugs likeantibiotics. This should be clear on the package. Animal medication is always marked not for human consumption. This article looks at the dangers of taking drugs meant for animals....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 525 words · Elizabeth Walters

Are Aphrodisiacs Worth Trying?

Aphrodisiacs are substances that may increaselibidoand sex drive and may include food, drinks, or drugs. They may also improve your performance or increase your pleasure during sex. While some substances can impact your body, research often fails to prove their effect on desire. Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images Others can have harmful or even lethal results. Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images Aphrodisiac Foods Aphrodisiac foods vary by geographic location and culture....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 318 words · John Hogan

Are Bananas Bad for Arthritis?

This anti-inflammatory fruit may help relieve symptoms Bananas can be part of an anti-inflammatory diet forarthritis. Bananas are high in magnesium and potassiumtwo minerals that can help bone densityand magnesium may also alleviate arthritis symptoms. Bananas contain many nutrients and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Tim Platt/Getty Images Tim Platt/Getty Images Nutritional Benefits of Bananas Banana is a fruit with many health benefits. Getting the nutrients from the actual food may be more beneficial than the supplement....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 468 words · Crystal Morales

Are Calcium Citrate Supplements Right for Me?

Calcium supplements are typically sold as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate. Calcium citrate is usually more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Verywell / Getty Images Verywell / Getty Images What Are Calcium Citrate Supplements? Calcium supplementsare typically available OTC as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate. Calcium citrate is typically more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate. Calcium citrate contains 21% elemental calcium....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 604 words · Martin Carpenter

Are Cortisone Injections Bad for You?

Weighing the benefits and risks Cortisone injectionscan be bad for you if overused. When this treatment is used appropriately, however, the risk of these side effects is low. How Cortisone Works Cortisone is a key in ofcorticosteroid(steroid) drug used to treatinflammation. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin It treats inflammation by suppressing theimmune systemas a whole, reducing redness, pain, swelling, and warmth. In part, this is because of how they can impact the immune response....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 186 words · William West

Are COVID-19 Booster Shots Variant-Specific?

All three vaccinesModerna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnsonwere authorized for boosters as of November 2021. The agency has also authorized additional mRNA booster doses for certain higher-risk individuals. That authorization was later expanded to include children ages five and up. Braňo/Unsplash Third Dose vs. The technology is very agile, says Felgner. The updated version still needs to be thoroughly tested and vetted, and clinical trials are underway. Will Boosters Work Against Variants?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 231 words · Brian Rodriguez

Are Detox Foot Pads Just a Scam?

These claims have never been proven, and the product is widely viewed as a scam. Detoxing the body isn’t necessary because the liver naturally gets rid of toxins through normal bodily functions. Carolin Voelker / Getty Images What Are Detox Foot Pads? Carolin Voelker / Getty Images The product is left in place while you sleep. It’s claimed that ions in the pads draw toxinslike heavy metalsout of your body....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 455 words · Leslie Figueroa

Are Donor Tissues and Grafts Safe?

Donor tissue is used for many different orthopedic procedures. These donor tissues are called allograft tissues. After obtaining and sterilizing the allograft tissues, they are sent to hospitals for implantation. Javier Larrea / Getty Images Both healthcare providers and patients are concerned that these allograft tissues are safe. One older study estimated the risk of disease transmission to be 1 in 120,000. Who Needs Donor Tissue? Many orthopedic surgical procedures require that a damaged part of the body is surgically reconstructed using healthy tissues....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 322 words · Katherine Black