Who doesnât want a healthy immune system? (Raise your hand. No one?) But did you know the role your diet plays in keeping it in top shape to protect you from toxins and infections? Sadly, too many of us donât eat enough of the fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods we need to keep ourselves healthy year-round. Healthy foods provide many substances including vitamins and minerals to keep us strong and healthy. You canât just eat an orange or grapefruit or pop a vitamin pill and expect one quick burst of vitamin C to prevent a cold and to boost your immune system. âA truly healthy immune system depends on a balanced healthy diet over time,â says registered dietitian Maxine Smith. âItâs like training for a battle and preparing your body ahead of time so it can through a good punch when attacked by viruses, bacteria and toxins. Other lifestyle practices such as regular exercise and good sleep will better prepare you for the battle.â With some exceptions, itâs best to get your vitamins and minerals from your food rather than in pill form. Smith shares some tips for some of the top vitamins and minerals your immune system needs to perform:
1. Vitamin C Vitamin C may help prevent infections or shorten their stay. Citrus fruits are a standout, but did you know there are other good sources? Itâs true! Smith recommends the following: Spinach. Kale. Bell peppers. Brussels sprouts. Strawberries. Papaya. Fun fact: vitamin C is in so many foods that most people may not need to take supplements unless a doctor advises it. Consult with your doctor before taking any vitamin C supplements
2. Vitamin E Like vitamin C, vitamin E can be a powerful antioxidant that helps your body fight off infection. This important vitamin â part of nearly 200 biochemical reactions in your body â is critical in how your immune system functions. To get your vitamin E, think high-fat plant foods such as: Almonds. Peanuts/peanut butter. Sunflower seeds. Oils such as sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil. Hazelnuts.
3. Vitamin A#
Vitamin A is an infection-fighter and comes in two forms: preformed such as in animal foods such as fish, meat and dairy or from plant carotenoids. Tuna is a great source of preformed vitamin A. When it comes to carotenoids, go colorful: Carrots. Sweet potatoes. Pumpkin. Butternut squash. Cantaloupe. Dark green leafy vegetables.
4. Vitamin D Known as the sunshine vitamin, itâs one of the most important and powerful nutrients for supporting the immune system. Food sources are limited but include: Salmon. Mackerel. Tuna. Sardines. Vitamin D fortified like milk, orange juice and cereals. In general, itâs best to get most of your vitamins from food, but vitamin D may be the exception to that rule. Talk with your doctor to find out if you need a supplement.
5. Folate/folic acid Folate is the natural form and folic acid is the synthetic form, often added to foods because of its health benefits. To get more folate, add more beans and lentils to your plate on a regular basis, as well as leafy green vegetables. Avocado is another tasty source. You can also get folic acid in fortified foods (check the label first). Enriched pasta. Enriched bread. Enriched rice.
6. Iron Iron, which helps your body carry oxygen to cells, plays a part in many of the immune system processes. It comes in different forms. Your body can more easily absorb heme iron (aka iron from animal products), which is abundant in: Red meat (limit to smaller amounts and less often). Chicken. Turkey. Canned sardines. Oysters. Clams. Mussels. Canned light tuna. If youâre a vegetarian, have no fear. You can still find iron in: Beans. Broccoli. Kale. Iron-fortified cereals.
7. Selenium Selenium seems to have a powerful effect on the immune system being important for preventing infections. Animal foods are the best sources, with the exception of Brazil nuts, that offer a whopping greater than 100% daily value in one nut. However, too much can be a problem, so keep to no more than one to two of these in a day. Look for selenium in: Seafood (tuna, halibut, sardines). Meat and liver. Poultry. Cottage cheese.
8. Zinc Zinc is needed for the production of new immune system cells. Itâs found primarily in animal foods but can be also found in some vegetarian food like. Oysters. Crab. Lean meats and poultry. Baked beans. Yogurt. Chickpeas. Choose frozen when you canât get fresh Depending on where you live and what time of year it is, you canât always get your hands on high-quality fresh produce. Keep in mind that buying frozen is a good option and can be quite convenient in our time-crunched world. Frozen food can still boost your immune system. âManufacturers freeze frozen fruits and veggies at âpeakâ ripeness, which means theyâll pack a similar nutritional value as their fresh counterparts,â she says. âJust choose plain frozen foods rather than those with added sugars or sodium.ââ Facebook Twitter
Here’s a medical news story that combines a common habit (drinking coffee) with a common skin condition (rosacea) â and it even has a happy ending.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is probably something you’ve seen plenty of times and didn’t know what it was â or perhaps you have it yourself. It’s that pink or red discoloration on the cheeks some people have, especially fair-haired women. Sometimes there are small bumps that may look a bit like acne. If you look closely (after asking nicely for permission, of course), you’ll see tiny blood vessels just under the surface of the skin. In more severe cases it may involve the chin, forehead, nose, ears, and other skin surfaces. It may affect the eyes, eyelids, and cause thickening of the skin over the nose.
We don’t know what causes rosacea. However, there are theories that it may be, at least in part, a genetic condition, as it can run in families. Because the immune system seems to be involved in the inflammation of rosacea, and because other autoimmune conditions (such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis) may accompany rosacea, abnormal immune function may play a role. Medications (such as topical anti-inflammatory drugs) and antibiotics can reduce redness and inflammation but there is no cure. Many people seem to be able to reduce signs of rosacea by modifying their diet to avoid foods that trigger it.
Rosacea affects more than 14 million people in the US, including some celebrities, such as Bill Clinton and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. And while it’s not dangerous, it can have a significant cosmetic impact. Caffeine, sun exposure, spicy foods, and hormonal factors are thought to be able to trigger rosacea’s development or make it worse once present. Yet, a new study challenges the connection between caffeine and rosacea.
More coffee, less rosacea?
A recent study analyzed health data from surveys provided to nearly 83,000 women over more than a decade and found that:
Those drinking four or more cups of coffee per day were significantly less likely to report a diagnosis of rosacea than those who drank little or no coffee.
Those drinking less than four cups of coffee each day were also less likely to have rosacea, though the protective effect was smaller.
Consumption of decaffeinated coffee was not linked to a lower incidence of rosacea.
Caffeine intake from other foods or beverages (such as chocolate or tea) had no impact on the likelihood of developing rosacea.
Why is this important?
These results of this study are more than just interesting observations. If other research can confirm the findings, it could lead to a better understanding of why rosacea develops in some people and not in others. Because inflammation driven by the immune system is thought to play an important role in rosacea, insights into the development of this disease could extend to advances in other autoimmune disorders. Finally, many people with rosacea (or a family history of the disease) who like coffee may avoid it because of the widespread notion that coffee will make it worse. The findings of this study suggest that’s not true.
There are always caveats
As with all research of this type, there are limitations to consider. For example, this study
only included women, most of whom were white â we’ll need additional studies of men and other ethnic groups to know if the findings extend widely.
relied on health surveys and study participants’ memories regarding past diagnoses and diet; such survey data may not always be accurate.
found a link between higher coffee consumption with lower risk of rosacea, but it cannot determine whether coffee consumption actually caused a reduction in rosacea.
The bottom line
Coffee is one of the mostly widely consumed beverages on the planet, and it’s also among the most widely studied. While it can cause problems for some people (such as heartburn, tremor, or palpitations), it’s a source of pleasure and enjoyment for millions. In addition, coffee has been linked with a number of health benefits, ranging from reductions in type 2 diabetes and liver cancer to greater longevity. From this latest research, it appears that you can add the possible prevention of rosacea to the list.
About the Author
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is the former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and is a current member of the corresponding faculty in medicine at Harvard Medical School. âŚÂ See Full Bio
You know exercise builds muscles, strengthens bones, keeps your heart healthy and your mind sharp. But it also does something that you might not think much about: It helps keep your immune system â your internal defenses against infection â in tip-top shape.
If you take time for some physical exertion each day, it helps get your body ready to attack bacteria, viruses and toxins that can sneak in and make you sick.
But how much exercise is effective? Do too little or too much, and it wonât have the best effect on your immune system.
Clinical immunologist  Leonard Calabrese, DO, answers common questions about how exercise can impact your immunity and how to use your workouts to shut out a world of would-be invaders.
Q: How does breaking a sweat boost immunity?
A:Â If you exercise moderately on a regular basis, it tunes up the immune system in many ways. It enhances your broad-based defenses against viral infections, such as those causing upper respiratory infections.
Working out regularly also reduces the risk of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, respiratory illnesses and metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
Q: How much exercise do you need?
A:Â Fortunately, you donât have to push yourself to the limit to rev up your immune system. In fact, your immune system needs less of a workout than you get with your average cardio routine.
Focus on getting 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week, and your immune system will thank you.
Q: What types of exercise are most helpful?
A:Â Moderate exercises, including biking or walking briskly in your neighborhood, are good ways to get your blood flowing. Swimming is also a good option for non-weight-bearing exercise for your joints.
Also try mind-body exercises such as Tai-Chi, Qi Gong and yoga, which are all options that help keep your joints flexible. These exercises also reduce chronic stress, which in itself is a powerful immune booster. These exercises can also help alleviate osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia symptoms.
Q: Can too much exercise set your immune system back?
A:Â Yes, though, the level to which it can slow your system down is still up for debate.
Research shows that exercising for more than 1.5 hours without refueling your body or giving it enough time to recover suppresses your immune responses for up to a few days. During that time, your cortisol levels rise, your white blood cell count drops and youâre more likely to develop a respiratory infection.
This problem usually affects elite athletes, such as marathon runners, most.
On the flip side, staying sedentary also increases your risk of infection, inflammation and chronic disease.
Q: Can exercise make an illness worse?
A:Â Yes, it can. This is a complex issue, but I like to tell my patients to do a âneck check.â If your symptoms are mostly of a mild cold without fever or lower respiratory symptoms, such as a productive cough, wheezing or shortness of breath, mild exercise can actually reduce congestion and may make you feel better.
If your symptoms are primarily in your lungs or you have a significant fever its better to rest until things settle down. Regardless, good hydration is important.
We all want to protect our kids whether it be from falls, bumps and bruises â or avoidable infections and diseases. To help your child avoid illness, itâs important to encourage good habits and take steps to boost their immune system from an early age.
âMost of what makes a childâs immune system strong is common sense,â says pediatrician Adriane Lioudis, MD. If you keep these five tips in mind, youâll stack the deck in your childâs favor for a healthier life.
1. For newborns, consider breastfeeding
While itâs a very personal decision (that isnât always possible), if you are able to exclusively breastfeed your child for at least six months, it may have benefits. Some research shows that breastfeeding your child might possibly reduce allergies, Dr. Lioudis says.
2. Promote regular hand washing
Eighty percent of infections are spread by touch. Teach your little one to take the time to wash their hands after sneezing, coughing and going to the bathroom. Washing hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds can remove bacteria and viruses and can reduce the chance of lung infections by up to 45%.
âGet the flu shot for your child yearly, as well,â Dr. Lioudis says. This is particularly important for children with asthma and other chronic health conditions.
Also, if your family will be traveling internationally, itâs important to seek advice from your childâs healthcare provider about any needed vaccinations.
4. Make sleep a priority
To maximize immunity, children must get enough sleep.
Babies between 0 and 3 months need 14 to 17 hours of sleep. Those between 4 and 12 months need 12 to 16 hours of sleep.
Children between the ages of 1 and 2 need between 11 and 14 hours.
Kids between the ages of 3 and 5 should get from10 to 13 hours.
Children ages 6 to 12 should get between 9 and 12 hours.
Teens between the ages of 13 to 18 need 8 to 10 hours.
Not getting enough sleep limits the bodyâs ability to produce proteins called cytokines that help fight infection and reduce inflammation.
5. Encourage a healthy diet
A healthy diet is also important for your childâs immune system.
Dr. Lioudis recommends encouraging your child to âeat the rainbowâ when it comes to fruits and vegetables. A good selection of whole grains should be part of their diet as well. Keep processed foods to a minimum. Proper food choices can help ensure that your child gets enough vitamins â such as vitamin A and E. These vitamins are needed to maintain good health and a strong immune system.
You canât avoid all illness, but some kids need extra protection
âEven if you follow these tips, your child might still get between seven and 11 colds each year,â says Dr. Lioudis. She adds that you can expect each one to last up to two weeks.
Also, keep in mind that some things billed as common âremediesâ arenât effective in boosting immunity. For example, thereâs no definitive proof that large amounts of vitamin C or echinacea help prevent colds or shorten them, she says.
However, if your child has a compromised immune system, work closely with your pediatrician to find ways to improve his or her immunity. Each child needs a personalized approach because their individual immune system varies, Dr. Lioudis says.
âThereâs generally a different protocol with immunocompromised children. There are some vaccines we have to add in on top of what most children have, but itâs something that we must determine on a case-by-case basis.
Can eating the rainbow help to reduce inflammation?
11/6/2025 by Tamara Soerense
n
Inflammation is a natural process initiated by the immune system in response to illness, trauma, toxins, physical stress and chronic disease. While acute inflammation is protective and allows our bodies to heal, it can become harmful if it persists, leading to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation, in turn, can lead to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
Several foods can contribute to inflammation. These include highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, or foods high in added sugars. Conversely, other foods can help calm the immune system, decreasing inflammation.
Letâs explore which foods help lower inflammation and how they can be incorporated into an anti-inflammatory diet.
Fruits and Vegetables:Â Colorful fruits and vegetables naturally contain various phytonutrients and bioactive compounds that help keep inflammation in check. These foods form the foundation of the anti-inflammatory diet and can be enjoyed in abundance. For an extra boost of protection, try drizzling antioxidant-rich olive oil on your veggies..
Protein:Â Choose primarily from plant-based sources such as legumes, soy, nuts, and seeds, with smaller amounts from lean cuts of animal protein and fatty fish. The fats in these proteins, mainly monounsaturated and omega-3, play a significant role in combating inflammation. The American Heart Association recommends 6 to 8 ounces of fatty fish and 5 ounces of legumes, nuts, and seeds per week.
Whole grains:Â Whole grains contain all parts of the grain, whereas refined grains remove the germ and bran, eliminating important inflammation-reducing compounds. Of these, fiber is a bit of a superstar, shown to help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 50% of your grains from whole grain sources, such as rolled oats and brown rice.
Herbs and Spices: Herbs and spices add flavor to your food and help reduce oxidative stress, which can trigger inflammation. Add ginger, turmeric, clove, cinnamon, oregano, and garlic to your next meal.
What change can you make today to shift your body into a less inflamed state?
Consider adding one colorful fruit or vegetable to your diet each day. Suggestions include tomatoes, oranges, yellow bell peppers, arugula, blueberries, pumpkin and broccoli.
Tamara Soerensen completed her bachelorâs degree in biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara and her masterâs in nutrition at Bastyr University. She is currently a dietetic intern at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Special interests include digestive health and the utilization of diet for disease prevention.
Yes, alcohol affects hormones in women by increasing estrogen and cortisol, and decreasing progesterone, which can lead to issues like irregular menstrual cycles, worsened menopause symptoms, and an increased risk for certain health conditions. The liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol, disrupting the body’s normal hormone regulation, and its effects are seen across all stages of a woman’s life.
Specific hormonal effects
Estrogen: Alcohol can increase estrogen levels by increasing its production or decreasing its breakdown. This is a concern because elevated estrogen is linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer.
Progesterone: Moderate to heavy drinking can lead to lower progesterone levels, which is particularly relevant for premenopausal women and can disrupt the menstrual cycle and affect fertility.
Cortisol: Alcohol consumption increases cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Chronically high cortisol levels can negatively impact bone growth, digestion, reproduction, and immune function.
Other hormones: Alcohol can also affect other key hormones, such as Anti-mĂźllerian Hormone (AMH), gonadotropins (like FSH and LH), and thyroid hormones, which can impact fertility and other bodily functions.
Effects on reproductive function
Menstrual cycle: Alcohol can cause irregular periods and, in some cases, complete cessation of menses.
Menopause: For menopausal and postmenopausal women, alcohol can worsen symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and may increase the risk of conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease.
Fertility: Studies show women who drink more than 7 alcoholic drinks per week while undergoing fertility treatment are less likely to achieve pregnancy.
Important considerations
Risk increases with consumption: The more alcohol a woman consumes, the greater the impact on her hormones and overall health.
Short-term vs. long-term: The liver’s priority is processing alcohol, which disrupts hormone regulation. For women who are heavy or long-term drinkers, the long-term effects on hormone levels and associated health risks can be significant.
Seek professional advice: It is important to discuss any concerns about alcohol, hormones, and reproductive health with a healthcare provider.
Check-in with your care team, and focus on low-impact exercises and walking for good gains
If youâre living with advanced prostate cancer, you might be wondering exactly how far you should push yourself when it comes to physical activity and exercise. Should you take it easy and hold back? Or should you try to maintain your exercise routine?
And if youâve had your prostate surgery or your prostate removed (prostatectomy) you may be concerned about any sort of limitations or restrictions on specific exercises to avoid further pain or injury.
Occupational therapist Maria Pickston, OTR/L, CLT, reminds us that each personâs medical history and cancer treatment is unique. So, before beginning any exercise program during recovery, itâs essential to obtain clearance from your oncologist or healthcare team.
Pickston shares some additional insight on how exercise can help with the process of recovery and why exercise is so important overall.
Importance of exercise for prostate health
Your prostate is part of your pelvic floor, an area densely populated with a group of muscles and connective tissues that support the functions of your bowel, bladder and reproductive organs. Your pelvic floor muscles also aid your abdominals (core muscles) and back muscles in providing structural stability to your spine.
When we talk about prostate health, weâre most often talking about modifiable risk factors, which are the things you can do to reduce the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. But if youâre living with prostate cancer, focusing on your overall health is key and exercise is a big part of that.
âWhen you put the words âcancerâ and âexerciseâ together, it can feel like such a road block because it sounds counterintuitive to be exercising when youâre going through cancer treatment,â says Pickston.
âYears ago, people were told not to exert themselves and to take it easy. But in the last 20-plus years, weâve had an explosion of research supporting the benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors and how exercise can improve the symptoms and side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.â
Exercise can have a huge impact on your physical, mental and emotional health and increase your energy levels â all things that tend to be affected when you have surgery or are going through cancer treatments.
âProstate cancer treatment can lead to several side effects like loss of muscle mass and physical strength, sexual dysfunction, reduced bone density, increased fatigue, and a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes,â explains Pickston.
Exercise plays a vital role in tackling these challenges and enhancing the physical outcomes of treatment.
âCurrent research demonstrates that exercise is safe and beneficial before, during and after cancer treatment as it improves energy levels and the overall quality of life, enabling individuals to continue enjoying the activities they love,â notes Pickston. âA physically active lifestyle not only helps in lowering the risk of various cancers, but also reduces the risk of recurrence in some cancers, including prostate cancer.â
Translation: Once you check in with your care team, donât let your cancer diagnosis stop you from working out.
How often should you exercise to promote prostate health?
If youâre living with prostate cancer, are going through cancer treatment or have had a prostatectomy, you want to talk to your healthcare provider first to before you begin any exercise program as you may need to adhere to certain precautions during those first few weeks of recovery.
Thereâs no one set exercise that specifically focuses on prostate health â but if you focus on improving your overall health, increasing your heart rate, improving your blood flow and getting those endorphins going, youâll find that those things will have significant positive impact on how youâre feeling overall and your ability to recover from your condition and treatment.
âIndividuals who are physically fit or active before their cancer diagnosis are more likely to regain their previous level of functioning compared to those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle,â says Pickston.
âIn oncology rehabilitation, personalized programs are designed to cater to each individualâs unique circumstances. Special considerations are taken into account, including your medical history, current fitness level, the type and stage of your cancer, and the specific cancer treatment you are having to ensure that the rehab process is both safe and effective.â
Everyone responds to cancer and cancer treatments differently. What works for someone else might not come as easily for you â and thatâs OK.
âEach individualâs journey is different, and your focus should be on finding an approach that suits your specific needs and abilities, fostering progress and overall well-being,â encourages Pickston.
And donât feel like you have to push yourself too hard â you can, and should, rest when you need it the most. Exercise doesnât always have to be a one-hour routine, either. It can be as simple as standing up and stretching during commercial breaks, walking to the end of your driveway and back, or making sure you keep up with your daily living activities around the house like laundry, cleaning and showering.
âJust the act of walking or going up and down the stairs is something you can immediately do when you get home after prostate surgery,â says Pickston. âBe patient with yourself and avoid pushing to the point of pain or excessive discomfort or fatigue. If itâs been a while since youâve been active or your overall fitness level is low, start slowly and gradually build. The key is to be as physically active as your current condition and abilities allow.â
Aerobic exercise for prostate and sexual health
Specifically, aerobic exercise (also known as cardiovascular exercise) has wide-ranging full-body benefits that can impact your heart, brain, joints, skin and muscles. It not only extends your life expectancy, but it can also decrease your blood pressure and heart rate, and increase your blood flow, which has a direct impact on your sexual function, mood, digestion and more.
Again, if you canât hit the ground running that fast, you can do small things to work your way back up to that routine.
âThink about all the physical activity you can do like playing with your grandkids, dancing, gardening, carrying groceries or doing chores around the house. But itâs even better if you begin to incorporate intentional exercises like brisk walking, swimming and weightlifting,â says Pickston.
âItâs crucial for those undergoing treatment to understand that exercise is the best way to treat cancer-related fatigue. As your strength and fitness improves, you can engage in meaningful activities more easily.â
One specific side effect mentioned earlier is loss of bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become weak, less dense and more likely to increase your risk of fractures. Weight bearing exercises such as weight training, yoga, Pilates and climbing stairs are ideal for preventing bone density loss.
âStarting slowly with light weights and gradually increasing the load is key to avoid pushing too hard and experiencing pain or exhaustion,â advises Pickston. âWith time and consistency, you will notice improvements in your fatigue, strength and overall health, fitness and endurance.â
Caution for cycling as exercise
Cycling is an excellent aerobic exercise, but itâs one you might want to hold off from doing at least in the early weeks after having prostate surgery. The reason is because you tend to put a lot of pressure on your sit bones and your pelvic area while cycling, and this can cause discomfort, pain and swelling if youâre not fully healed.
âYou need to be sure you are cleared by your physician before initiating cycling for any amount of time first,â says Pickston. âOnce you receive clearance, there are various bike seats and bike shorts available to help cushion or accommodate the perineal area, alleviating some of that pressure.â
Kegel exercises
After having prostate surgery, itâs common to experience side effects like urinary leakage and erectile dysfunction. Kegel exercises specifically are designed to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and reduce the likelihood of those side effects from happening as well as help quicken recovery from those side effects. These exercises are also often recommended for some people before even having surgery so their pelvic floor muscles start off having a strong foundation before going into surgery.
âYour pelvic floor is often compromised after prostate cancer treatment because surgical or radiation treatment can damage the surrounding tissues, including the muscles of the pelvic floor,â explains Pickston. âWhen the pelvic floor muscles are compromised, it can lead to weakness, pain and dysfunction. Seeking help from a pelvic floor physical therapist can address these issues.â
Itâs also common to experience muscle tightness in your pelvic floor and surrounding muscles after treatment, and doing Kegels without proper guidance can worsen this tightness.
âA pelvic floor therapist will help to make sure you are performing your Kegels correctly and help guide you in managing areas of muscle tightness in your pelvic floor,â says Pickston. âLearning how to engage the pelvic floor muscles correctly during daily activities can significantly reduce leakage. Sometimes, just a few simple adjustments in movement can lead to dramatic improvement.â
Healthy weight and prostate health
Having overweight or obesity increases your risk for prostate cancer â but it can also provide additional complications during the recovery process in some cases.
âIf youâve had a prostatectomy, itâs normal to experience emotional ups and downs, but the important thing is that you focus on what small things you can do each day, to feel better every day,â says Pickston. âPhysical activity improves both your physical and emotional health. Itâs important for managing weight, maintaining or building muscle, reducing your risk of heart disease and keeping your bones strong.â
âYou want to get up, go outside and see whatâs going on in your neighborhood,â encourages Pickston. âWhen you start exercising, your sleep improves. When your sleep improves, youâre able to heal better. And the more you can do early on, the more long-term effects youâll experience along the way.â
Heavy alcohol consumption may lead to earlier and more severe brain bleeds, according to a study published by researchers at Massachusetts General Brigham earlier this month.
Using data from patients admitted to MGB between 2003 and 2019 who had brain bleeds, the researchers found that people who drank heavily â defined as three or more alcoholic drinks a day â were 11 years younger, on average, when their bleeds occurred.
Strokes can be categorized into two types: ischemic strokes, which occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked, and hemorrhagic strokes, which result from a ruptured blood vessel. The researchers focused on the latter, which typically lead to more severe damage.
âHemhorrhagic strokes, or brain bleeds, are less common, but they are a lot more dangerous,â said Edip Gurol, an associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and author of the study. â50 percent of people who have a brain bleed die within the first month.â
The study, published in Neurology, tracked 1,600 patients over the course of 16 years, of which seven percent reported heavy alcohol consumption. The median age of brain bleeds for heavy drinkers was 64, compared to 75 in those who did not report heavy alcohol consumption.
âThere was a very, very significant difference, which is telling us that one way or the other, heavy drinking is accelerating the brain bleeds,â Gurol said.
Using CT scans to determine the size and location of bleeds, the authors found that heavy drinkers experienced 70 percent larger bleeds and were twice as likely to have a bleed deep inside their brain.
âThe brain bleeds in those patients were more likely to be deep and more likely to open inside the spinal fluid-filled spaces, the ventricles of the brain,â Gurol said.
Patients who reported heavy alcohol usage had higher blood pressure and lower blood platelet counts when they were admitted to the hospital, the study found. Those patients also showed greater evidence of small vessel damage in the brain, which is linked to several other health conditions such as dementia and heart failure.
âDespite their younger age, very probably because of the excessive alcohol use, these people had more severe small vessel disease-related brain damage, which is called white matter disease,â Gurol said.
Alvin S. Das, an assistant professor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, said the finding that heavy drinkers experienced larger brain bleeds would prompt him to stress the importance of cutting back on alcohol to his patients.
âWhat it might compel me to do is in a patient that comes to my office and theyâve had a deep hemorrhage, not only counsel them on aggressive hypertension management down the road to prevent another hemorrhage, but this study also would push me to counsel alcohol cessation,â Das said.
Because the number of heavy drinkers in the study was small and the data came from a single hospital, the researchers noted that future work should use larger datasets to examine how varying levels of alcohol use affect brain aging and stroke risk.
Gurol, for his part, said the findings underscore the importance of limiting alcohol consumption broadly, even in individuals without pre-existing health conditions.
âEven for people without known risk of alcohol damage, it is probably best to not to exceed three glasses per week and not to exceed one glass in over 24 hours,â Gurol said.
Can eating the rainbow help to reduce inflammation?
11/6/2025 by Tamara Soerense
n
Inflammation is a natural process initiated by the immune system in response to illness, trauma, toxins, physical stress and chronic disease. While acute inflammation is protective and allows our bodies to heal, it can become harmful if it persists, leading to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation, in turn, can lead to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
Several foods can contribute to inflammation. These include highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, or foods high in added sugars. Conversely, other foods can help calm the immune system, decreasing inflammation.
Letâs explore which foods help lower inflammation and how they can be incorporated into an anti-inflammatory diet.
Fruits and Vegetables:Â Colorful fruits and vegetables naturally contain various phytonutrients and bioactive compounds that help keep inflammation in check. These foods form the foundation of the anti-inflammatory diet and can be enjoyed in abundance. For an extra boost of protection, try drizzling antioxidant-rich olive oil on your veggies..
Protein:Â Choose primarily from plant-based sources such as legumes, soy, nuts, and seeds, with smaller amounts from lean cuts of animal protein and fatty fish. The fats in these proteins, mainly monounsaturated and omega-3, play a significant role in combating inflammation. The American Heart Association recommends 6 to 8 ounces of fatty fish and 5 ounces of legumes, nuts, and seeds per week.
Whole grains:Â Whole grains contain all parts of the grain, whereas refined grains remove the germ and bran, eliminating important inflammation-reducing compounds. Of these, fiber is a bit of a superstar, shown to help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 50% of your grains from whole grain sources, such as rolled oats and brown rice.
Herbs and Spices: Herbs and spices add flavor to your food and help reduce oxidative stress, which can trigger inflammation. Add ginger, turmeric, clove, cinnamon, oregano, and garlic to your next meal.
What change can you make today to shift your body into a less inflamed state?
Consider adding one colorful fruit or vegetable to your diet each day. Suggestions include tomatoes, oranges, yellow bell peppers, arugula, blueberries, pumpkin and broccoli.
Tamara Soerensen completed her bachelorâs degree in biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara and her masterâs in nutrition at Bastyr University. She is currently a dietetic intern at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Special interests include digestive health and the utilization of diet for disease prevention.
Can eating the rainbow help to reduce inflammation?
11/6/2025 by Tamara Soerense
n
Inflammation is a natural process initiated by the immune system in response to illness, trauma, toxins, physical stress and chronic disease. While acute inflammation is protective and allows our bodies to heal, it can become harmful if it persists, leading to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation, in turn, can lead to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
Several foods can contribute to inflammation. These include highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, or foods high in added sugars. Conversely, other foods can help calm the immune system, decreasing inflammation.
Letâs explore which foods help lower inflammation and how they can be incorporated into an anti-inflammatory diet.
Fruits and Vegetables:Â Colorful fruits and vegetables naturally contain various phytonutrients and bioactive compounds that help keep inflammation in check. These foods form the foundation of the anti-inflammatory diet and can be enjoyed in abundance. For an extra boost of protection, try drizzling antioxidant-rich olive oil on your veggies..
Protein:Â Choose primarily from plant-based sources such as legumes, soy, nuts, and seeds, with smaller amounts from lean cuts of animal protein and fatty fish. The fats in these proteins, mainly monounsaturated and omega-3, play a significant role in combating inflammation. The American Heart Association recommends 6 to 8 ounces of fatty fish and 5 ounces of legumes, nuts, and seeds per week.
Whole grains:Â Whole grains contain all parts of the grain, whereas refined grains remove the germ and bran, eliminating important inflammation-reducing compounds. Of these, fiber is a bit of a superstar, shown to help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 50% of your grains from whole grain sources, such as rolled oats and brown rice.
Herbs and Spices: Herbs and spices add flavor to your food and help reduce oxidative stress, which can trigger inflammation. Add ginger, turmeric, clove, cinnamon, oregano, and garlic to your next meal.
What change can you make today to shift your body into a less inflamed state?
Consider adding one colorful fruit or vegetable to your diet each day. Suggestions include tomatoes, oranges, yellow bell peppers, arugula, blueberries, pumpkin and broccoli.
Tamara Soerensen completed her bachelorâs degree in biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara and her masterâs in nutrition at Bastyr University. She is currently a dietetic intern at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Special interests include digestive health and the utilization of diet for disease prevention.
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