Diet plays a very important role when it comes to your health. There are many people who have to adhere to strict diets because of certain conditions they have. While the basic understanding that we need all kinds of foods to fulfill our body’s needs, sometimes these foods can also cause harm to your body. For example, lactose intolerant people cannot eat or consume any kind of dairy product as their bodies do not have the necessary compounds, known as lactose, to break down dairy foods. Similarly, there are many foods that may be ok for others to consume, but not for people who have digestive issues like IBS. But this new clinical trial may be able to help us know what food we can eat based on our blood test! The blood test, called inFoods IBS, looks for a special type of antibody in the blood. Antibodies are like tiny soldiers that our bodies make to fight off things that could make us sick.

IBS is a very common problem, affecting a large number of people. Many people know that what they eat can make their IBS symptoms worse, but it's often hard to figure out exactly which foods are the culprits. This is because everyone is different, and what triggers one person might not trigger another. Doctors hear from patients all the time, asking for help in determining which foods are causing their problems. So, finding a reliable way to pinpoint those foods is important. This test is attempting to provide that reliability.

How Does This Blood Test Work?

Basically, the test is looking for an antibody called IgG. When the gut reacts badly to a food, it makes more of this IgG antibody. The test checks for reactions to 18 common foods, like wheat, milk, and certain fruits. If the test finds high levels of the IgG antibody for a certain food, it means that food is likely causing problems. Therefore, the patient should try to remove that food from their diet.

Many people with IBS struggle to find relief from their stomach pain and discomfort. This new study looked at whether a special blood test could help. The idea was to see if the test could tell people which foods were making their IBS worse. The results were encouraging. When people changed their diets based on what the blood test showed, about 60% of them felt less stomach pain. This is better than the 42% who felt better when they just tried a general diet change. This shows that the blood test might be a useful tool for people with IBS to get real relief.

How Does This Personalized Nutrition Approach Work?

Many doctors suggest that people with IBS try elimination diets, where they cut out certain foods to see if their symptoms improve. However, these diets can be very hard to follow, because they often require people to cut out a lot of different foods. Doctors are always looking for ways to give patients care that's tailored to their specific needs. In the case of IBS, that means figuring out exactly which foods each person should avoid.

This blood test is a step in that direction. Experts are calling it a move towards "precision nutrition." This means that instead of giving everyone the same diet advice, doctors could use the blood test to create a personalized plan for each patient. While more research is needed, this test brings hope that doctors will soon be able to give much more precise dietary recommendations to those people that suffer from IBS. While this test is yet to be approved by FDA, it could be a world of comfort and ease for people who suffer with IBS.

As the winter season sets in, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the 2025–26 fall and winter respiratory virus season to bring roughly the same number of hospitalizations linked to Covid-19, flu, and RSV as last year. Still, there are ways to lower your risk of becoming seriously ill from these infections, and vaccination remains one of the most effective measures.

According to preliminary CDC data from October 2024 through May 2025, around 1 million people were hospitalized with the flu last season, and there were as many as 130,000 flu-related deaths. Between October 2024 and September 2025, CDC estimates also show nearly 540,000 Covid-19 hospitalizations and up to 63,000 deaths due to the virus.

As the season of respiratory illness is here, let’s take a look at some common vaccine questions.

Who Can Get Covid Shots?

The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older, including pregnant individuals, discuss getting the updated Covid-19 vaccine with their health care provider this season. This marks a shift from earlier years, when the guidance broadly encouraged most people to get vaccinated.

“This fall, the CDC hasn’t issued a universal recommendation for the Covid-19 vaccine,” explained Dr. Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “Instead, it’s being offered under a shared-decision model, where people are encouraged to talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits before deciding.”

When Is The Best Time To Get The Covid Vaccine?

Dr. Sarah Dupont, a family medicine physician at Emory Healthcare and assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine, suggests getting the Covid-19 vaccine in October or early November for the best protection through winter.

How Effective Is The Covid Vaccine?

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that last year’s updated Covid-19 vaccines were about 39% effective in preventing hospitalizations and 64% effective in preventing deaths among US veterans.

Who Can Get A Flu Shot This Year?

The CDC advises that most people aged 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. Generally, one dose is sufficient each season. However, children receiving the flu vaccine for the first time should get two doses, spaced about four weeks apart, to build stronger immunity.

How Effective Is The Flu Shot?

The effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine won’t be known until after the season ends. For reference, during the 2024–25 respiratory virus season, the CDC estimated that flu vaccines were 42% to 56% effective in adults.

Who Can Get An RSV Immunization?

RSV vaccines are recommended for adults aged 75 and older, and for those aged 50 to 74 who face a higher risk of severe illness, according to the CDC. A single dose can offer protection for at least two years in older adults.

To safeguard infants, protection can come either from maternal vaccination during pregnancy or from an antibody shot administered to the baby after birth.

When Is The RSV Vaccine Available?

Eligible adults can get the RSV vaccine at any point, though the CDC notes that late summer to early fall is ideal. For mothers, the vaccine is typically available from September through January, while infants can receive their antibody shot from October through March.

Beyond vaccination, there are other ways to stay healthy this season. Health experts urge people to stay home when they feel unwell to prevent spreading illness. Those who want to be extra cautious can avoid crowded indoor spaces during winter, and wearing a mask remains a personal option for reducing both your own risk and that of others.

Gut health is important for everyone; however, many men tend to ignore it. In a study done by Bupa Health Clinic, researchers found that six in ten men, which is about 58% men admitted to ignoring their issues, simply hoping it goes away. However, not everyone gets the result they want.

Ignoring the issue only leads to making it worse. To educate people more about this Dr Vivian Asamoah, a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist based in Texas, shared a video detailing points men must know about their gut health.

10 Gut Health Fact Every Man Should Know

Dr Asamoah titled the video, ‘After Years in Gastroenterology, Here’s What Every Man Must Know About His Gut Health Before It’s Too Late.’ She listed these 10 points warning men of how things can go wrong if they are not careful.

Listen to Your Partner

The doctor explains that it is important to take the advice of your loved ones. If she or he tells you to "see a GI" a gastrointestinal doctor, please listen. Partners often notice subtle changes in your health, energy, or bathroom habits that you might be ignoring. They care about you, and their suggestion to see a specialist is a helpful nudge, not a nagging complaint.

A Colonoscopy is Not a Prostate Exam

Colonoscopies are for everyone, men and women. Do not assume that your primary care doctor or urologist checked your colon when they examined your prostate. The two organs are different, and checking the colon requires a separate, specific procedure. Getting a colonoscopy is essential for catching colon cancer early.

Your Family History Isn't a Shield

Saying "My dad never had colon cancer" won't protect you. While genetics matter, cancer rates are changing, and doctors are seeing colon cancer in younger people than ever before. Guidelines suggest starting screenings earlier for many people. You need to get screened based on your doctor’s advice, not just your dad's health history.

Snoring Can Be a Serious Problem

Loud, consistent snoring is not normal or just funny. It could be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition where you repeatedly stop and start breathing while you sleep. Sleep apnea can make acid reflux (heartburn) worse because it creates pressure changes in your chest. Get your snoring checked out—it affects your heart, brain, and gut.

Tobacco Harms More Than Your Lungs

You know that smoking and chewing tobacco damage your lungs, but tobacco is also a major risk factor for colon cancer. The harmful chemicals are absorbed into your bloodstream and affect your entire body, including your digestive tract. Quitting all forms of tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your gut health.

The Colonoscopy Procedure is Safe and Life-Saving

Yes, a colonoscopy examines the colon area, but it is a necessary and life-saving procedure, not something to dread or feel ashamed of. Doctors use it to find and remove small growths (polyps) before they turn into cancer. You are typically asleep during the procedure, and it is quick and painless. The brief embarrassment is worth the benefit of preventing deadly cancer.

That "Pot Belly" is Dangerous

That rounded belly is often caused by visceral fat, which is fat stored deep inside your abdomen, wrapped around your organs. This is not a badge of honor, it's dangerous because this type of fat actively releases hormones and compounds that lead to serious problems like heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. Losing that deep abdominal fat is crucial for a healthy gut and body.

Focus on Consistency, Not Competition

A healthy person typically poops 1 to 3 times per day. There is no prize for going more often than your wife or anyone else. What matters is that your bathroom routine is consistent and comfortable for you. If you have sudden, unexplained changes in how often you go, or if your stool looks different, talk to your doctor.

Beer is Still Alcohol

Don't let the "I'm just having a beer" excuse fool you. Beer is alcohol, and drinking any type of alcohol puts stress on your liver, the organ responsible for filtering toxins. Your liver keeps score of how much you drink over time. Heavy or regular alcohol use seriously increases your risk for liver disease and can also contribute to acid reflux and other gut issues.

Improve Meat Quality, Not Just Gluten Intake

Not everyone needs to stop eating gluten, but almost everyone could benefit from making smarter choices about red meat. Red meat, especially processed kinds, has been linked to increased colon cancer risk. Try to eat less red meat or, if you do eat it, choose cleaner, grass-fed sources. Focus on adding more fiber-rich vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to your diet.

More often than not teen girls barely understand their health. As their bodies grow and change, the experience can be confusing.. However, not many people know how to guide them and help them safely learn about these changes.

As their reproductive system develops, it is crucial that parents help them understand the importance of their health and well-being. However, how do you do that? Yet, even parents, because this topic was not openly discussed in the past, often struggle to address it.

To tackle this, Dr. Holly Miller, a Gynecology Surgeon, shared a video on her profile, listing 5 important things adolescents should know.

5 Health Facts Teen Girls Should Know

Titling the video ‘5 Things Every Mom Should Make Sure Her Teenage Daughter Knows’ adding the caption, ‘She deserves to know the whole truth’ under it.

Severe Symptoms Are a Warning Sign

Your daughter's period should not control her life. If she is missing school, constantly soaking through pads, or stuck in bed doubled over with pain, that’s her body signaling a problem. Teach her to listen to these signals. It's normal to have some discomfort, but extreme pain or heavy bleeding is not something she has to silently endure. These symptoms need to be discussed with a doctor, as they can sometimes point to underlying issues.

Discharge is Healthy and Powerful

Vaginal discharge is completely normal and healthy. It’s how the body naturally cleans itself. Tell her that the changes in discharge are normal, too. For instance, around ovulation (when the egg is released), she may notice more discharge that is clear and stretchy. This kind of mucus is a sign of fertility. Explain that her body is an amazing machine designed to protect itself and, one day, potentially support a baby—this is a powerful, incredible function, not something to feel embarrassed or "gross" about.

Cramps Are Real Muscle Contractions

When she feels cramps, tell her that the pain is real. It's not just "tummy ache"—it's her uterus, which is a large muscle, squeezing and contracting to push the blood out. The heavier the bleeding, the more work her uterus has to do, and the more intense the cramps might be. It is the same kind of muscle contraction that happens during labor, just much smaller! Yes, it can hurt, and yes, it is absolutely okay to take appropriate pain relief medication (like ibuprofen) to help manage the discomfort.

Tracking Her Cycle Is a Tool for Power

Encourage your daughter to track her cycle—and not just the days she bleeds. Tracking is a tool for learning her body’s patterns. Explain that her hormones shift throughout the month, which can affect her mood, energy levels, sleep, and even memory. When she tracks, she can start to connect these changes to the different phases of her cycle, like ovulation. This knowledge gives her power and control because she can anticipate how she’ll feel and plan her life accordingly.

Favor Many Small Talks Over One Big Talk

You don't need one "perfect conversation" about puberty. Puberty is a long process that happens in stages over many years, not in a single day. Instead, aim for hundreds of small, open conversations over time. Keep the door to communication wide open. When she asks a question, answer it simply and honestly right then and there. These "one-minute talks" create a safe space for her to share her fears, ask embarrassing questions, and feel supported as her body changes.

Why Parents Must Encourage Their Daughters?

Dr. Holly emphasized that parents should help their kids know their daughters emotionally as well. As a parent, you must remind her that she is incredibly strong, even if she feels emotional, confused, or physically weak sometimes. Help her find her strength by sharing yours, be honest about your own struggles, and how you overcome them.