Gingko supplements (240 mg per day) may help reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and enable you to perform daily tasks better. Be aware that gingko could interact with other medications, so talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

Behavioral weight loss programs can help people lose weight and are relatively safe. They may also help reduce the risk of diabetes. If you are not able to access a behavioural weight loss program, you can develop a tailored version with a team of health professionals and specialists or try a variety of mobile phone apps geared towards weight loss.

Eat less saturated fats in your diet to help prevent heart disease. Eat less meat, butter, cheese and cream to improve your health long-term.

Symptoms of GERD are heartburn and regurgitation. To treat symptoms, try changing your diet and avoid eating in the evening. Medications and surgery can help, but increase the risk of side effects or serious complications.

There is no conclusive research about how diet choices, exercise, relaxation techniques, herbal supplements or alternative therapies affect menopause symptoms. Use caution if you try herbal supplements and alternative therapies to treat menopause symptoms; some of these can have serious side effects.

If you are overweight or obese and have high risk for heart disease or stroke, talk to your doctor about behavioral counseling to help improve your diet and increase physical activity.

There are three main types of fat: unsaturated, saturated and trans fat. Unsaturated fats can help improve cholesterol levels and lower inflammation and are found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds and fish. Trans fats are common in fast foods, and can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints. Losing weight, following a healthy diet, drinking less alcohol and sugary drinks can reduce the risk of a gout attack. This resource includes details about symptoms and treatment as well as link to a Gout Diet sheet.

Researchers disagree on which fats should be included in our diet. Current dietary guidelines recommend replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats for better heart health.

Gout is a painful condition that develops in some people who have high blood levels of urate. This condition can be prevented with anti-inflammatories and by lowering urate with diet changes. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain.

Research shows that vitamin C supplements do not prevent colds but can shorten the time you have cold symptoms and how sick you feel if taken before you have cold symptoms.

Sugary drinks - such as soda, juice and energy drinks - are often high in calories and can lead to weight gain. Choose beverages that have little or no sugar added to them, such as water.

Oral allergy syndrome is a type of food allergy caused by uncooked fruits, raw vegetables and nuts. The most common symptom is itching of the mouth and throat. In most cases avoiding the foods that cause symptoms is the best treatment.

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Manage your weight, consume a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid tobacco use to help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, and vomiting are symptoms of a food allergy. Get emergency medical help if you suddenly experience these symptoms after eating.

Gout attacks are caused by high uric acid levels in your body. Decrease the amount of meat, fish and seafood in your diet and avoid alcohol to decrease your risk of a gout attack.

Smaller plates and bowls help control portion sizes of your food. People tend to eat and drink more when offered larger portions, packages or tableware. Start with smaller portions on your plate.

People who regularly eat small amounts of chocolate (less than 100 grams each day) have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

Not enough vitamin D in your diet, not enough exposure to the sun, and certain medical conditions can lead to vitamin D deficiency. This can be treated with supplements - side effects are not common.

Eat whole grains, vegetables, fruits, healthy protein (like beans) and healthy fats (like nuts and olive oil) to help prevent long term diseases and control weight. Limit refined grains, processed foods and sugary drinks.

Eating too much salt can increase your blood pressure and lead to heart disease, especially if you are over 50, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or are African American. Try to eat less than a teaspoon of salt a day.

Obesity can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression, breathing problems and early death. Obesity can also affect your social life and sexual function. Losing weight, or avoiding gaining weight, can help improve your health.

The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat and compares your weight to your height. You have a healthy weight if your BMI is between 18.5 and 25. A greater waist size is also increases health risks, even for people who are not overweight.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan stresses the consumption of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fish, poultry, and nuts; while reducing sodium and limiting red meats, sweets, and sugary drinks. DASH aims to help lower or control high blood pressure. This resource helps you get started on the DASH diet by providing three days of menu options.

Making changes to your diet can promote heart health and reduce your risk of developing heart disease. A few tips to help get you on the path to a heart-healthy diet include: controlling your portion sizes; incorporating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat protein sources into your diet; reducing unhealthy fats and salt; planning ahead by creating daily menus; and treating yourself every once in a while.

Healthy adults who eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and fish likely do not need to use supplements. Some exceptions to this general rule may include people with certain medical conditions and those who have a poor appetite or a hard time acquiring nutritious food. Consult a doctor or dietitian for help with determining if you need to be taking supplements and how to do so safely. When choosing or using supplements, check the labels for ingredients and serving sizes, don't take more than the recommended daily values, monitor your diet, and look out for recalls and alerts.

Sugar substitutes exist in a variety of forms, including natural sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, novel sweeteners, and sugar alcohols. These alternatives can come with health benefits, such as weight management and health concerns, such as tooth decay and diarrhea. The consumption of such products should be done in moderation and in line with any standards of acceptable daily intake that have been set.

Nonnutritive sweeteners are sugar substitutes used in products such as foods, drinks, and medications for sweetening purposes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved eight nonnutritive sweeteners. These sweeteners can help with weight and diabetes control and are safe when consumed in the amounts that people generally eat or drink. However, the use of products that contain nonnutritive sweeteners can also lead to nutrition issues and inadequate calorie intake.

Diets that promote heart health are rich in fruits and vegetables, low in saturated and trans fats, and limit the consumption of sugar, alcohol, and salt. Specific diets can help manage issues such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The DASH diet (aka Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is one choice for people with high blood pressure, while the Mediterranean diet is an option for those with high cholesterol.

Fight off infections by eating a healthy diet. For people with COPD, a diet that minimizes carbs and that's higher in fat may be beneficial. Focus on protein-rich foods (e.g., eggs and fish), fruits and vegetables, potassium-rich foods (e.g., avocados, tomatoes, and dark leafy greens), and healthy fats (e.g., nuts, seeds, and olives). When eating carbs, choose those classified as complex carbs (e.g., lentils, beans, and oats). Avoid salt, fruits or vegetables that make you feel bloated or gassy, fired foods, and spicy foods.

Lifestyle changes can help people living with COPD manage their illness. Quitting smoking, exercising good hand-washing hygiene to avoid infections, eating a healthy diet, remaining active, being prepared for emergency health situations, and communicating with health care providers are just a few management tips to consider.

Eating a healthy diet provides a variety of health benefits. Benefits include weight loss, a lower risk of developing cancer, better diabetes management, improved heart health, stronger bones, and enhanced mood. Replacing soft drinks with water, eating more lean proteins, cutting out processed meats, and aiming for half of each meal to consist of fruits and vegetables are a few quick ways to improve your diet.

Find a healthy eating and exercise plan that you can follow for life to help with weight loss. Avoid fad diets, be more active and cut back on added sugar foods. Find a plan that works for you and fits with your lifestyle.

Warfarin is a blood-thinning medication that treats and prevents blood clots. Eating a lot of foods with vitamin K can cause warfarin to stop working. If you take warfarin, avoid eating a lot of kale or spinach.

Diet changes can help you lower your cholesterol. Oatmeal, fish, almonds, avocados, and olive oil are all healthy foods that could help improve your numbers. Exercise and other heart-healthy habits may also help.

Malnutrition is when you get too much or too little of certain nutrients. Malnutrition can cause you to have weight loss, weight gain, fatigue, or mood changes. If you believe you are malnourished, speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

The Portfolio Diet includes eating low-fat foods with lots fruit and vegetables, no meat, and no milk products. It includes certain amounts of soluble fibre, soy protein, plant sterols, and almonds every day. This diet could help lower your LDL cholesterol.

If you have heart disease, you might have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. This risk could be lowered by taking medications. Statins may help lower your cholesterol, but could also increase your blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about you medication options.

Vitamin D deficiency occurs when you do not have enough vitamin D in your body. It can cause your bones to become brittle. Sunlight can help you get enough vitamin D. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your vitamin D level.

Probiotics are live organisms that live in your digestive system. Prebiotics are foods that your body cannot digest that promote a healthy digestive system. Both substances are generally considered safe to consume, and could improve your health.

Prebiotics and probiotics are substances that help people digest food. Prebiotics and probiotics might have benefits like relieving irritable bowel syndrome. Research showed that the results can depend on what type of prebiotic or probiotic you take.

The Atkins Diet is a popular low-carbohydrate eating plan. This diet focuses on eating the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats for weight loss and health. Check with your health care provider before starting any new diet.

Before you start a weight-loss program, talk to your health care provider. When picking a diet, think about what diets you have tried before, your preferences, and your budget. Look for a safe weight-loss program that promotes slow and steady weight-loss.

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The DASH diet encourages you to eat less salt and more foods rich in nutrients like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Over time, the DASH diet could help you lower your blood pressure.

The Atkins diet is a popular weight loss plan that focuses on a low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet. This diet seems to help people lose weight, but may have negative effects on different systems in the body. More research is needed about this diet.

The Paleolithic diet includes unprocessed, fresh foods that reflect the diet of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. This diet focuses on high protein and low carbohydrates. There is not enough research yet to say if the Paleolithic diet is a healthy option.

This web page provides some questions that you can use to discover if you are ready to lose weight. If you would like to lose weight but are not ready, you can use these questions explore what is holding you back.

Changing your diet to eat less calories seems to cause weight loss more effectively than doing exercise. Both are important parts of weight loss. Do not drastically reduce the amount of food that you are eating.

A study showed that whey protein shakes can improve physical strength in men over the age of 70. Exercise is also key in improving strength. It is important to avoid shakes with a lot of sugar. Talk to you doctor before using whey protein shakes.

Intermittent fasting is when you alternate days of eating a lot and eating a little, or when you do not eat for 12 to 15 hours a day. Intermittent fasting might help you lose weight, but could cause problems for people with certain health conditions or medications.

Research shows that it might be helpful to track the food that you eat and exercise that you do in a day to help you lose weight. Both written and electronic tools can help.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often difficult to treat. Treatments include: soluble fiber (eg. psyllium), peppermint oil capsules, probiotics, anti-cramping medications, medications for diarrhea/constipation, antibiotics, antidepressants and acupuncture. All have varying rates of success and side effects.

Vitamin D is mainly obtained by being in the sun. If you do not get enough vitamin D, your bones may be brittle and more easily broken. If you do not get enough vitamin D from sunlight, you may need to take supplements.

Research shows drinking coffee may benefit your health but drink with caution. Pregnant women and people who have trouble managing their blood sugar or blood pressure should avoid or limit caffeine in their diet.

To reduce overeating, try to be more aware of how much you eat, cut down on sweet and salty foods, and eat when you are hungry, not to cope with stress. Avoid technology during meals and focus on the food you are eating.

Protein is an important part of a healthy diet, but certain high-protein foods (such as red meat) can increase your risk of heart problems and other diseases. Choose foods such as fish, chicken, beans and nuts as sources of protein.

Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medicine and surgery. This resource includes tips for lifestyle changes, including elevating your bed, avoiding certain foods and eating smaller meals. If lifestyle changes do not work, your doctor may recommend medication. Serious cases may require surgery.

Caffeine can cause higher blood pressure levels. You may be at a higher risk if you are a man over 70, or overweight.

Malnutrition can lead to a weak immune system, poor wound healing and weak muscles. Observe the eating habits of people you care for, watch for weight loss and red flags such as easy bruising and dental issues. Tips for encouraging healthy eating habits in this resource.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is enough to satisfy your daily vitamin requirements. Unless your diet is lacking in some way, you do not need to take vitamins. Vitamins do little to prevent asthma, cancer or ear infections.

Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy. They are available supplements and certain foods. Details in this resource about when to avoid taking probiotics, and considerations to ask your doctor.

Eating too much salt can make existing high blood pressure and heart disease worse. More unbiased and high quality research is needed to know whether salt intake is really a risk for healthy adults.

Organic foods are grown and processed with methods that reduce pollution. Check the label: "natural" foods are not necessarily organic. Organic foods generally have lower pesticide residues and food additives. Try to buy produce when it is in season and wash it well before eating.

High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. Maintain a healthy diet, reduce your intake of fatty foods, quit smoking and exercise regularly to reduce your cholesterol levels. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, speak to your doctor about the possibility of genetic testing to see if you have an abnormal gene that increases your risk.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain) range from numbness to severe pain. Some evidence suggests alternative treatments may help with pain such as exercise, capsaicin skin cream or dietary supplements such as alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

Kidney disease can lead to too much phosphorus in the blood and increase the risk of bone and heart disease. A low-phosphorus diet can help. To limit phosphorus in your diet, avoid fast food, processed food and drinks with phosphorus in them. Diet suggestions and substitutes in this resource.

Cholesterol and triglyceride levels can be measured with blood tests. Too much cholesterol can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke or heart disease.

Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising can help to lower high cholesterol. Reducing the amount of saturated fats in your diet may also help.

Dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs and other products, intended to be taken in addition to your normal diet. Many claims about supplements are unproven and some may be harmful to your health. This resource includes questions to consider about supplements.

There is some evidence that increasing vitamin B12 and folate levels (found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, vegetables and whole grains), quitting smoking, exercising and keeping your brain active can help reduce your risk of dementia.

Your doctor may recommend a diverticulitis diet, with antibiotics, to treat mild cases of diverticulitis. The diet starts out with only clear liquids for the first few days, then moves on to low-fibre foods. You should feel better within two to three days.

A variety of fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Lower your blood pressure, risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer by eating more fruits and vegetables. Read this resource for details and to find out which foods have specific benefits.

Many studies have shown an association between foods with a high glycemic index and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease. Try to choose foods with medium or low glycemic index such as bran cereals, kidney beans, wheat tortillas, skim milk, peanuts and carrots. This resource provides other examples.

There is not clear evidence to show that diet changes benefit people with rheumatoid arthritis. Follow a healthy, balanced diet and avoid long term elimination diets and processed foods. Avoid foods which trigger your own symptoms.

A vegetarian diet does not guarantee you will lose weight. You can gain weight if you eat large portion sizes or foods high in calories and fat. Eating a healthy diet and balancing the amount of calories you are consuming and burning is important to weight loss and maintenance.

Increased weight can put you at risk for things like joint pain, low energy, and many health problems. Lose weight by eating healthy and increasing physical activity. Ask your doctor if your weight might be affecting your health.

Calcium helps to build bone strength. Dairy, dark green vegetables and fish are good sources of calcium. Resource includes recommended daily levels and tips for choosing calcium supplements.

Food allergies can cause serious or even life-threatening reactions. Adults and parents of kids with food allergies can learn how to read food labels to avoid eating these foods. Read this resource for other tips to avoid allergic reactions from food.

People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest dairy products. Symptoms include gas, bloating, and diarrhea after eating these products. This resource includes information on the cause of lactose intolerance and how it is diagnosed.

Exercising more, lowering salt consumption, and losing some weight are three non-drug related strategies that can help lower blood pressure.

A healthy diet can help prevent chronic diseases and manage your weight. A healthy diet includes fruits & vegetables, fiber, dairy and healthy proteins such as fish, nuts and beans. Limit fat, salt, and sugar. Example snack and meal ideas in this resource.

For men, a waist size larger than 40 inches signifies an unhealthy amount of belly fat and increases the risk of health problems. Slow weight loss through healthy eating and physical activity can help keep excess weight off.

Lower your risk of coronary heart disease by eating more foods containing linoleic acid (eg. vegetable oil, nuts, and seeds) and less saturated fat and carbohydrates. Try using vegetable oil in place of butter and animal fats.

Use olive oil rather than coconut oil to maximize health benefits, but don't overdo it. Limit to 33-55 grams of unsaturated fat (olive oil) and 22 grams or less of saturated fat (coconut oil) per day.

Gout symptoms include sudden severe pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. Treatment usually involves medications. Limiting alcohol, sugars and foods high in purines (eg. red meat and seafood) can help prevent gout attacks.

Healthy (unsaturated) fats can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of diabetes. These fats can be found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Omega-3 fats from fish can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease.

Many of the leading causes of death among men (heart disease, stroke, cancer and respiratory disease) can be prevented. A healthy diet, staying physically active, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, managing stress and getting recommended health screenings will all help improve your health.

Artificial sweeteners may help people lose weight. They may also contribute to other health problems, like high blood pressure or changes in metabolism. Limit your intake of artificial sweeteners until more is known about how they affect our bodies.

Probiotics can help shorten episodes of diarrhea. It isn't clear whether different forms of probiotics (yogurt, capsules, powder) are more effective than others. Generally, probiotics are safe to take.

Coffee (3 to 5 standard cups/day) may be associated with a lower risk of certain chronic diseases, but increased intake of caffeine may cause anxiety and insomnia in some people. More research is needed on the benefits and potential harms of tea consumption.

A healthy diet can help improve multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. Avoid saturated fats and diet drinks. Choose high fibre fruit in place of refined sugars and to reduce constipation.

Red meat and processed meat may increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. For a healthy diet, reduce your intake of red meat and avoid processed meat.

A lower calorie diet and regular exercise with realistic goals can help you successfully lose weight. For long-term weight loss focus on changing your lifestyle, rather than temporary changes.

A gout diet may help you control your attacks and slow joint damage. Eat less red meat. Drink less alcohol (especially beer) and drink plenty of water. Eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Excess weight is a risk factor, so losing weight can help.

Our weight is not just decided by our genes - our surroundings and lifestyle are important too. Watching too much TV, being inactive, eating processed foods, sweetened products and fast food all contribute to obesity.

Eating fiber helps reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease and eases digestive issues, such as constipation. Increase your fiber intake by eating whole fruits, whole grains, beans and raw vegetables.

Some studies show that people who eat whole grains (which contain bran and fibre) may be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Choose whole grains and be sure to check food labels at the grocery store because not all foods with a ‘whole grains’ label are healthy.

Research on the use of echinacea for colds is mixed. Echinacea can impact other medications you're taking and result in side effects such as an upset stomach or allergic reaction. Speak with your doctor if you're thinking of using echinacea.

Probiotics may help to keep your digestive system healthy. Prebiotics act as food for probiotics. There is some evidence that probiotics may help treat diarrhea, yeast infections and irritable bowel syndrome. More research is needed on the role that probiotics and prebiotics play in digestive health.

Smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, low level of antioxidants and sun exposure can all increase your risk of macular degeneration. Age, gender, and family history also affect your risk.

Magnesium deficiency is linked to insulin resistance, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Beans, seeds and bran are good food sources of magnesium. Choose more of these foods to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Be skeptical of so-called "superfoods". Claims that these are the "key to weight loss" are based on poor evidence and dietary advice. This resource reviews the evidence on 15 "superfoods" including beans, fennel and chili peppers.

The ADIPOQ gene controls a hormone that helps with fat breakdown. People who carry a variant of this gene are at increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Choose a lower-fat diet with higher levels of monounsaturated fats and get more physical activity to avoid weight gain.

More studies are needed on the effectiveness of supplements, special diets, acupuncture, yoga and other therapies for rheumatoid arthritis. A balanced diet and regular physical activity, reducing stress and good social support are beneficial.

Artificially sweetened drinks, diet drinks, 100% fruit juice, milk, and alcohol should be consumed in moderation.

Some sources of carbohydrates are healthier than others. Choose whole grains such as whole wheat bread, rye, and barley. Other sources of healthy carbohydrates are vegetables, fruits and beans.