Peanuts are a source of plant protein, which contains heart-healthy fats, and offer essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Many commercial peanut butters contain sugars, hydrogenated oils, and preservatives to improve their texture and shelf life, but these additives can impact health. Added sugars can add up, and hydrogenated oils contribute to saturated fat intake—both should…
A rheumatoid factor (RF) test detects rheumatoid factor, a type of antibody (proteins that fight off harmful substances) in your blood. RF antibodies sometimes attack healthy cells and tissues, leading to autoimmune conditions. Rheumatoid factors are commonly used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis but can also detect other conditions, such as Sjögren syndrome, lupus, hepatitis C,…
Hair grows out of pores, small openings in the skin that secrete sweat and sebum (oil). An ingrown hair cyst occurs when dirt or oil blocks off a pore, causing a hair to become trapped. This leads to swelling and looks like a small, red bump. If it becomes infected, an ingrown hair cyst may…
Symptoms of hypersomnia Symptoms of narcolepsy Excessive daytime sleepiness Yes Yes Sleep attacks No Yes Cataplexy No Yes Napping Daytime naps aren’t refreshing or restful Daytime naps are refreshing Nighttime sleep Sleeping 10-18 hours a day Fragmented sleep of only a few hours, frequent wakeups Sleep effects Sleep drunkenness (difficulty waking up and confusion, disorientation,…
Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. After a flare-up, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can develop, resulting in persistent dark patches. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common in darker skin tones, which naturally produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Hyperpigmentation can take months or years to fade, and it can…
Gum graft surgery treats gum recession, which occurs when the gums recede, exposing the roots of the teeth. Also known as gingival resection or gingival graft, this surgery involves removing gum tissue from one part of the mouth and transferring it to the affected area. Periodontists (gum specialists) perform gum graft surgery and play an…
Produce recall alert: Tomatoes have been recalled in three U.S. states, the FDA announced Friday. On May 2, Williams Farms Repack LLC voluntarily recalled a select number of tomatoes because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, a group of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Tomatoes from Williams Farms Repack LLC, packaged in nine different…
There were four major recalls for the week of April 28, 2025, including one from a popular grocery store chain. Trader Joe’s Sesame Miso Salads with Salmon were pulled from shelves in 18 states over undeclared milk. Chocolate-covered macadamia nuts from Mauna Loa were also recalled for undeclared allergens: almonds and cashews. Three different breads…
Walking at a speedy pace could keep your heart in a normal rhythm, a new study suggests. For the research, published April 15 in the journal Heart, scientists focused on how walking frequency, duration, and speed reduced the risk of developing heart rhythm abnormalities called arrhythmias, which can lead to a stroke and other adverse…
Graft vs. host disease (GVHD) can occur after a stem cell transplant from a donor. Transplants replace unhealthy cells with healthy blood-forming cells, which can treat some cancers. GVHD happens when the transplanted cells recognize your body’s cells as foreign and attack them. GVHD may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Depending on what organs…