General Family Health: Side Effects, Nutrition & Wellness Tips

Medication side effects, nutritional benefits, and common wellness questions. Information on identifying stomach ulcers, vitamin deficiencies, and food safety.

Closeup of a Asians weighed

Why Is Being Underweight Bad?

The national conversation about weight typically trends toward those who are overweight or obese. Approximately 1.7 percent of adults in the United States are underweight, however, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

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Party on the beach

Symptoms of a Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults

Adults require anywhere from 600 to 800 international units of vitamin D per day, but itโ€™s a micronutrient found naturally in few food sources. Fortified foods provide most of the vitamin D in the American diet, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, and some people can get enough through exposure to sunlight.

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Raisins pouring over oatmeal

Side Effects of Eating Too Much Fiber

If you eat a standard American diet, the chances that you eat too much fiber are slim. However, if you do overdo it on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and beans -- some typical foods high in fiber -- you might find yourself suffering the consequences.

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Woman eating cake in  cafe

A List of Foods That Contain Caffeine

Whether you're a strict caffeine abstainer or just want to limit your late-day intake to ensure a good night's sleep, it's helpful to know what foods contain this stimulating ingredient. While some sources are obvious, others might surprise you. Amounts vary broadly, even among similar foods.

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Country egg omelette

Problems Absorbing Vitamin B12

If youโ€™re feeling tired, weak, mentally fuzzy, or feel tingling in your hands and feet, you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Adults need 2.4 micrograms of this vitamin a day to keep nerve and blood cells healthy, says the Office of Dietary Supplements.

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cup of herbal tea with linden flowers

What to Eat When I Have a Sore Throat & Cough?

It starts with that tingling feeling in the back of your throat. Then the cough settles in. Sore throat and cough are most often caused by viral infections, such as a cold or the flu. Less frequently, these symptoms can be caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat or sinusitis.

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