Category: Healthy Living
What Is the Difference Between Prebiotic and Probiotic Foods?
The gut microbiome, the unique population of microbes that live within the intestines, is a popular topic in digestive research. While we used to think of microorganisms in the gut as harmful germs, many are actually helpful to us. Evidence also shows that adding probiotics and prebiotics to the diet can help the microbiome thrive. But what are prebiotic and probiotic foods, and what is the difference between them? Having a clear understanding of what these terms mean and why it’s beneficial to keep the microbiome strong can improve your diet.
What Are Triglycerides? What You Need to Know
You probably know that high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attack—but having high levels of triglycerides can also put you at risk, especially if you already have cardiovascular disease. What are triglycerides, and what can you do to keep them at a healthy level?
Top Reasons Sugar Alcohols May Not Be a Good Sugar Substitute
If you’re trying to cut back on the amount of sugar you eat, you may turn to foods with sugar substitutes rather than sugar. But are these sugar alcohols really a healthy alternative?
What Does It Mean If You Have Fruity Breath?
You have a faint taste of fruit in your mouth, but you haven’t eaten fruit all day. What could be causing your fruity breath?
Heart-Healthy Shopping
Shopping for heart-healthy foods is easier than you think with these 10 tips.
Congestive Heart Failure: What You Need to Know
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, abdominal discomfort, increasing abdominal size, or difficulty sleeping due to breathing issues, congestive heart failure might be to blame. Learn more and listen to a podcast about this type of heart disease, including red flags and treatment options.
How You Can Improve Community Health
At the University of Maryland Medical System, our top priority is serving people in their communities because we believe that “healthy communities are empowered communities.” Community health isn’t limited to medical centers… Individuals can get involved with promoting health and wellness in their own neighborhoods.
Contact Dermatitis: Is Your Laundry Detergent Causing a Skin Rash?
You recently started using a new brand of laundry detergent, and now you have an itchy rash. Could the laundry detergent be to blame? Yes. Your rash could be the result of contact dermatitis, a reaction to components in the detergent.
Strengthen Your Immune System with 7 Simple Strategies
From diet and exercise to washing your hands, learn what the experts say about keeping your immune system in shape to protect you from becoming ill.
Healthy Foods for Cold Weather
A healthy diet helps maintain your health and boosts your energy in winter months.