Health

Contrary to popular belief, constipation does not refer to bowel movements stopping entirely — the term simply describes changes in the frequency and consistency of bowel movements. If a person is constipated, it typically means that they have fewer than three bowel movements per week, though experiences vary. Constipation can …

Osteoarthritis, sometimes called “wear and tear” arthritis, is a common degenerative condition. Doctors can treat osteoarthritis with medication and surgery. People can also manage their symptoms with different exercises and stretches. Osteoarthritis is the most widespread form of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation estimate that in excess of 30 million people …

Are omega-3 supplements as beneficial as researchers once believed? Not when it comes to inflammation, a new study suggests. Share on PinterestOmega-3 supplements are not as beneficial for health as people once thought. Recent studies show that taking supplements to increase vitamin D and omega-3 levels may not reduce systemic …

Sleeping problems can affect both mental and physical health. Now, a large-scale analysis in China highlights how insomnia might lead to potentially life threatening cardiovascular diseases. Share on PinterestNew research points to concerning links between insomnia and cardiovascular problems. Insomnia is a relatively widespread problem. When a person has insomnia, …

Hallucinations can be a sign of a mental health illness, but they do not always mean a person is unwell. Hallucinations are, in fact, relatively common. One 2015 study from Europe found that 7.3 percent of people reported a life-long experience of hearing voices. A further study from South Africa …

A recent investigation into the microbiome of bats finds that they follow different rules to other mammals. The authors wonder whether these differences might make them more susceptible to environmental changes. Share on PinterestA new paper investigates the gut bacteria of bats. Gut bacteria are vital to human health. Our …

Specialists warn that single number average survival estimates for advanced stage breast cancer are unhelpful and usually inaccurate. Instead, they advise doctors to provide several case-specific survival estimates to help people plan with realism and hope. Share on PinterestWhat is a more helpful approach when it comes to discussing survival …

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have found that people who are taller also have a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition, and that there may be a genetic link. Share on PinterestBeing tall can make a person more prone to atrial fibrillation, new research confirms. …

Precision targeting of bacteria in a different way to antibiotics shows promise as a treatment for alcoholic liver disease, according to new research in mice. Share on PinterestTargeting a specific bacterium has helped scientists eliminate alcoholic liver disease in mice. A recent Nature study paper describes how an international team …

Many people notice that their bowel habits change predictably throughout their monthly menstrual cycle. This shift in pattern is because the bowel is affected by period-related hormone changes. During each menstrual cycle, the body goes through many hormonal shifts. These changes affect the whole body, leading to familiar premenstrual syndrome …