Though most recommended nutrients for pregnant women are included in prenatal vitamins, others should be gained through diet, such as the nutrient choline . A recent study reveals that a higher intake of choline during the last part of a woman's pregnancy reduces their baby's stress levels, and this reduction, along with other changes noted, may play a part in reducing later disease risk. Eat plenty of vegetables and protein foods during your pregnancy. Marie Caudill , an associate professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell University, and Cornell graduate student Xinyin Jian...

Changing characteristics of people in the last century in the western world have had some unlikely effects. Rising levels of gastric cancer, for example, caused one researcher to examine whether obesity could be the cause. A group from North Ireland's Queen's University Belfast published an overall analysis of obesity and digestive tract cancers, looking at cancers both in the stomach and throat. Ask your doctor about how to get started on long term, effective weight loss. Researchers concluded that absolutely obesity indicated higher chances of both forms of cancer, but surpris...

For patients with heart disease, a heart rehabilitation program may do more than better their physical health. Such programs also appear to work by promoting healthy lifestyle decisions.

Looking to improve your heart health whether you are healthy or already suffer from cardiovascular disease? It may be as simple as regular fish consumption, particularly oily varieties such as salmon.

If you're old enough, you'll appreciate the tagline for Bryl-creem - "a little dab'll do ya " The concept is easy - just takes a little to look great. And this idea works with weight, too  - particularly for postmenopausal women. Take off a dab or two and you'll see and feel a difference.

Being diagnosed with diabetes is not a death sentence. While there is no cure for the condition, there are treatments that can prevent and delay the complications of diabetes, even in elderly people.

Have an extra slice of salmon each week, or add some almonds to your weekly snacks - it may help keep your mind clearer for longer as you get on in years. A recent study has found a link between eating foods with omega-3 fatty acids and lower levels of a protein that's related to Alzheimer's disease. Foods like fish, nuts and chicken are sources of omega-3s . Regularly eat foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like chicken and nuts. lead author Nikolaos Scarmeas , MD, of Columbia University Medical Center in New York, and colleagues set out to find connections between specific nutrie...

Controlling your diabetes takes 24-hour focus and a helpful network of friends and family. The support of your loved ones can make a huge difference when it comes to your diabetes treatment. People with type 2 diabetes may have worse blood sugar control if they think their family is unsupportive . Give support to your diabetic family members. When it comes to managing any disease, including diabetes, you cannot do it alone. Not only is it important to have the guidance of a team of health care experts, but also the support of your family. In a recent study, Vanderbilt Univer...

Planning a family? Thinking you might finally start eating healthier because a little one is watching your dietary habits? Parenthood may not change those habits as much as you'd like. A long-term study looking at the impact of having children on the eating habits of their parents found that starting a family does not necessarily lead mom and dad to eat healthier diets. Deciding to eat better is a win-win decision. Helena Laroche , MD, of the University of Iowa and the Iowa City VA Medical Center, and colleagues wanted to know whether the popular idea that parents may decide to ...

Adding folic acid to tortillas and other products can reduce the risk for birth defects, says a new petition recently filed with a federal agency.  A petition filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) argues that fortifying corn masa flour products with the B vitamin folic acid can help reduce serious birth defects of the brain and spine. The groups behind the petition believe that mandating folic acid fortification of the products will especially help prevent birth defects in one high-risk group: Hispanic babies. Since 1998, when the FDA started regulating folic a...