Healthy aging and longevity Archive

A new study found that caffeine may reduce sensitivity to pain, perhaps more effectively than standard pain relievers. But because the findings are based on mouse experiments we can’t say whether or not the results might apply to humans.

New phrases showing up on packaging don't always tell you if the food is better for your health.

 Image: © Jupiterimages/Thinkstock

You're not alone if you don't know the meaning of certain terms on food labels lately. A new language has developed to describe healthy ways to produce meat, vegetables, fruit, and other products in the grocery store. "It's not just the terms that are confusing, but also various associated health claims," says Vasanti Malik, a nutrition researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Organic vs. natural

Some food is labeled "organic" or "natural." What's the difference? The FDA doesn't have a definition for "natural," although it doesn't object to the term if a food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances.

This ancient practice can be used alone or with conventional therapy to help ease your pain.

 Image: © zilli/Thinkstock

Men looking for an easy and effective means to manage pain should consider acupuncture.

"There are many different types of pain — neuropathic, muscular, degenerative joint — all of which can make management complex," says Hugo Lopez, a licensed acupuncturist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. "Sometimes you need to treat not just the physical components, but also the psychological ones, and that is where acupuncture can help, as it addresses both problems."

It's easy enough to look up how much vitamin C or calcium you should get each day. It is also easy to read the back of a vitamin bottle to see just how much of a given vitamin or mineral the product provides. But how can you tell if what you eat — which should be your primary source of important nutrients — is giving you what you need?

One way is to focus on the big picture: eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, dairy products, seafood, lean meats, and poultry. Focus on nutrient-dense foods like these, which are packed with vitamins and minerals relative to the number of calories they deliver, and you should be fine.