“Put Vicks VapoRub on this place every night” — what does it really do? You may have seen claims that putting Vicks VapoRub on the feet, under the nose, or another unusual body part can cure everything from coughs to congestion, toenail fungus, headaches, or poor circulation. Most of those claims aren’t supported by good …
“Anyone taking magnesium should be warned if they fall into these two groups” This viral headline is partly true but oversimplified. Magnesium is an essential mineral, and magnesium from ordinary foods is generally safe. The bigger concern is magnesium supplements, antacids, and laxatives, particularly in certain people. The two groups that deserve particular caution 1. …
This is a cure for arthritis, lupus, dizziness, thyroid problems and chronic fatigue” — be very cautious That is an extraordinary claim. A single food, herb, vitamin, or supplement should not be presented as a treatment for all of these conditions. In particular: Lupus: There is currently no cure. Treatment is aimed at controlling inflammation, …
👂 “What Your Ear Hair Says About Your Health” — what’s actually true?Ear hair usually doesn’t tell you that something is wrong with your health. Noticeable hair on or around the outer ear becomes more common with age, particularly in men, and genetics and changing hormone levels appear to play important roles. What different changes …
Place a Tablespoon on Any Plant at Home” — What Should You Expect? This is another viral gardening headline where the ingredient matters enormously. There is no tablespoon-sized household ingredient that is universally beneficial for every plant. If the post is referring to Epsom salt, the claim that a tablespoon will make any plant greener, …
5 Surprising Causes of Weak Legs in Seniors — and What Can Help Weak legs are not simply an unavoidable part of aging. Sometimes the cause is straightforward, such as loss of muscle from inactivity; other times, weakness can be a sign of a medication problem, nutritional deficiency, nerve disorder, or another medical condition. 1. …
“One vitamin that opens blood vessels and improves circulation” — is there one? The vitamin most often associated with blood-vessel dilation is niacin (vitamin B3). High doses of nicotinic acid can cause flushing, because it widens small blood vessels in the skin. But that does not mean taking niacin is a safe or effective way …
Who Is Most at Risk of Nighttime Leg Cramps? Night leg cramps are common and often have no identifiable cause, but certain people are more likely to experience them. The risk increases notably with age. 👵 1. Older adults As we age, muscle mass and conditioning can decline, making muscles more susceptible to cramping. 🤰 …
Sarcopenia: Causes of Muscle Loss and What Actually Helps Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle strength and, often, muscle mass and physical performance. It becomes more common with aging, but it isn’t an inevitable part of getting older—and muscle can often be rebuilt or preserved. Why do we lose muscle? Common contributors include: Aging …
“12 Worst Side Effects of Amlodipine You Should NEVER Ignore” — What’s actually true? The headline is sensationalized. Most people tolerate amlodipine well, and the most common side effect is ankle/leg swelling. Serious reactions are uncommon. 12 symptoms worth knowing about Swollen ankles, feet or legs — common and often dose-related. Dizziness or light-headedness — …
