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.
The Facts About COPD and Preventing Lung Infections
Lung infections are common and treatable, but they can be serious for people with lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Having COPD makes hospitalization and complications from a lung infection more likely. Severe lung infections can cause permanent damage and may be life-threatening. Managing your COPD and other conditions is key to preventing lung infections.
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?
How Injections for Back Pain Work & When They’re an Option
Most Americans have back pain at some time or another. It’s a common reason for missed work and trips to the doctor. If basic over-the-counter care isn’t helping your pain, could injections for back pain be the solution?
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?
Questions To Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist About Your COPD Medications
When your doctor diagnosed you with COPD, you were most likely prescribed medications to help you manage your symptoms. Many of these medications are to help with your breathing and prevent your symptoms from getting worse. Asking your doctor and/or pharmacist the right questions can keep you on the right track.
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.