Flaxseed may protect against the damaging effects of radiation, whether from a terrorist’s dirty bomb or a routine cancer treatment, a new study in mice suggests. Mice that ate flaxseed either before or up to six weeks after receiving a large radiation dose to the chest were more likely to survive and had fewer lung problems than mice not given flaxseed. Four months after receiving radiation, up to 88 percent of mice that ate flaxseed... 

Dieting to lose weight may not help older overweight adults live any longer, suggests a new study. But dropping a few pounds on purpose also does not seem to cause any harm to the elderly — which had been a concern raised by previous studies, researchers wrote in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “There is a general sense in geriatrics…that weight-loss is a bad thing,” said study author Stephen Kritchevsky, from Wake Forest... 

Lately, I’ve received a number of questions regarding remedies for common health problems. Among them, readers have asked me how they can treat gout, cystic acne and toenail fungus. Here are the questions below: 1. I have developed gout in my big toe. Is there a remedy for the pain and a way to keep it from coming back? It is so bad that I can’t wear the boots that I need for my job. – Dewayne 2. I am 17 and having a lot of trouble with cystic acne... 

Colonic irrigation, a treatment widely offered in health spas as a natural way to lose weight and detox the body, has no health benefits and can cause dangerous side effects, U.S. scientists said Monday. The procedure, which involves flushing the colon with water through a tube inserted in the rectum, can lead to nausea, cramping, bloating and in some extreme cases, renal failure and even death, according to a study by Georgetown University. Lead author Dr.... 

The amount of sugar we’re allowed to eat every day according to new U.S. government guidelines is too high and could pose health risks, a new study suggests. The study showed that getting one-fourth of your daily calories from high fructose corn syrup — the equivalent of drinking about three glasses of juice per day — increased participants’ risk of heart disease. Participants in the study who drank three glasses a day of a beverage sweetened... 

Adults who took vitamin and mineral supplements for almost a decade performed better on one type of memory test than those who didn’t take the supplements, according to a new study from France. The researchers say the findings suggest that getting enough nutrients could aid thinking and memory skills as people get older. But further studies are needed to confirm the results, they add. The effect was “nothing wild that you’d say, ‘Everybody... 

A fresh look at the medical evidence shows women who eat more fiber are less likely to get breast cancer. Chinese researchers found those who ate the most of the healthy plant components were 11 percent less likely to develop breast cancer than women who ate the least. Their findings don’t prove fiber itself lowers cancer risk, however, because women who consume a lot of it might be healthier overall than those who don’t. The results “can... 

Far from being superficial, a concern with one’s external appearance is deeply ingrained within our nature as humans. After all, a potential mate’s attractiveness ranks as one of the top traits of interest to the opposite sex. In addition, research suggests that more attractive individuals might actually earn more in the long term.  Fortunately for you, even if you weren’t as lucky in the genetic lottery as Brad Pitt, there are... 

Summer is here, and weekends are quickly and relentlessly turning into food fests. Packed with picnics, barbecues and children’s birthday parties you can imagine how much tempting food is around at all times. I have to admit, I get sucked in when I see a plate of fresh veggies with any kind of dip. And, one thing I’ve noticed is that no matter what type of party you attend you can pretty much bank on the fact that there will be dip! Spinach-artichoke,... 

Pediatricians often miss important opportunities to talk about nutrition, exercise, and emotional issues with overweight teens, suggests new research from California. Focusing on these issues in overweight adolescents may give doctors a chance to stop unhealthy behavior that could be setting kids up for obesity before it’s too late, said study author Dr. Carolyn Bradner Jasik. “Once kids are obese, these behaviors are entrenched, and it’s...