How can mushrooms reduce cancer risks? Mushrooms are more than just a tasty addition to your meals. They are nutritional powerhouses that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  Additionally, mushrooms contain compounds like polysaccharides and beta-glucans, which can have great medicinal properties, such as fighting cancer (2).  Several types of mushrooms have been studied for ..read more

What is prediabetes? Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes (2).  In this condition, the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Consequently, this leads to an imbalance in blood sugar levels.  Normal ..read more

What is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)? Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of cancer that comes from the liver. It occurs when the liver cells (called hepatocytes) grow uncontrollably and create a tumor. HCC is a serious condition that often develops in people with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C ..read more

Does smoking cause high blood pressure?  In the short term, yes. Every time you smoke, it causes a temporary increase in blood pressure (1). Blood pressure increases when blood has difficulty traveling through the blood vessels. In simple terms, it’s like you’re in a tunnel with a lot of people, and you need to make ..read more

Back hurts after sleeping: Common causes Poor sleep habits and an unsupportive sleep environment are common culprits behind back pain after sleep (5, 6). However, underlying medical conditions like arthritis, disc herniation, and fibromyalgia can contribute to the condition.  Here’s a look at the common causes.  Poor sleeping position Sleeping on your stomach can force ..read more

What are healthy fats? Healthy fats are essential fatty acids that are vital to many bodily functions. Essential fatty acids fall into two categories: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.  Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs): MUFAs help lower bad cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke (6). These fats also provide essential building blocks for your body’s ..read more

Type 1 diabetes average life expectancy Before the introduction of insulin therapy in 1922, T1D was a fatal diagnosis. Still today, experts say that without insulin therapy, individuals with T1D have a lifespan of days to weeks, depending on the severity of complications (3).  With insulin, however, people are living longer with T1D now than ..read more

What causes muscle spasms in the back? Various factors, such as muscle strain, stress, injuries, or medical conditions, cause back muscle spasms. Let’s examine the symptoms and causes of back muscle spasms in detail. Symptoms of back muscle spasm Back spasms cause great discomfort. This is why it’s important to recognize their symptoms. If you’re ..read more

What causes muscle spasms in the back? Various factors, such as muscle strain, stress, injuries, or medical conditions, cause back muscle spasms. Let’s examine the symptoms and causes of back muscle spasms in detail. Symptoms of back muscle spasm Back spasms cause great discomfort. This is why it’s important to recognize their symptoms. If you’re ..read more

Tight neck symptoms Symptoms of neck tension may appear suddenly or slowly, depending on the cause. They include:  Symptoms such as muscle cramps, pain, and weakness in one or both arms may be added. What causes neck pain and tight neck muscles? Neck pain, also called cervical pain, can result from injuries to soft tissues ..read more