Diet and nutrition Archive

500 to 700 milligrams of calcium through diet and 800 to 1,000 of vitamin D as a supplement should be adequate to preserve bone density.

The very best intentions for healthy eating can fail if a new diet is too ambitious or restrictive. Taking small, easy steps toward healthier eating-and taking them one at a time-can help you make lasting changes.

People with elevated LDL cholesterol values may be able to reduce their LDL levels by eating more foods that are rich in fiber and lower in saturated fats. High-fiber foods include whole grains, beans, nuts, vegetables, and fruits. Saturated fats are found mainly in meat, cheese, and other high-fat dairy products such as butter, half and half, and ice cream.

People consume too much added sugar — extra amounts that food manufacturers add to products to increase flavor and extend shelf life — which can have a serious impact on heart health.

Vitamin D supplements have been growing in popularity, but they're not always needed or taken in the correct doses.

Protein powder supplements can harbor health risks. They're recommended only for certain conditions, such as impaired appetite or wounds that are resistant to healing.

There are a number of steps to take when starting an anti-inflammation diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. The steps boil down to some dos and don’ts. For example, don’t eat processed foods such as microwaveable dinners, hot dogs, white bread, dehydrated soups, baked goods, sugary cereals, processed meats, biscuits, and sauces. But do eat a diet of whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils), fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, a little bit of low-fat dairy, olive oil, spices, and herbs.

Intermittent fasting-a diet that focuses on when rather than what a person eats-may be a good way to lose weight and improve cardiovascular health. One version, time-restricted feeding, involves eating only during a certain time window (usually eight hours) over a single day; another approach limits a person to just 400 to 600 calories daily for several days over the course of a week. The diet may reduce risk factors linked to heart disease, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy blood lipid levels, and inflammation.

Gallstones can trigger painful attacks and concern about surgery. See how calorie control and low fat eating might ease symptoms and delay the need for surgery.

Dairy-related diarrhea, constipation, and ongoing gut discomfort may point to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, or another condition.