6 Dietary Changes That May Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Is there an arthritis diet?By Mara Betsch Anywhere from 33% to 75% of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) feel that there are some foods that make symptoms, such as stiff and painful joints, better or worse. However, the scientific evidence is spotty. ?There?s no compelling data that generalizes all patients,? says Nortin M. Hadler, MD, professor of medicine and microbiology-immunology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of Worried Sick. ?There are multiple trials, but the effects are minimal.? Even if some foods do alleviate RA symptoms, it would be hard to sort out individual diet factors, Dr. Hadler...

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Star Chefs Cook Carbs!

Michael Chiarello's Fusilli Michelangelo With Roasted ChickenMichael Chiarello is the nationally renowned chef/owner of Bottega, his highly acclaimed Napa Valley restaurant. He is also an Emmy-winning Food Network host and Top Chef Masters finalist. "This dish is one of my all-time favorites. It's tasty, simple, and full of flavor." Ingredients: sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, sugar, whole wheat fusilli, olive oil, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, basil, tomato sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, rotisserie chicken, arugula, pine nuts Calories: 431 Resistant Starch: 1.5 grams Donatella Arpaia's Edamame and Pear CrostiniDonatella...

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13 Things You Should Know About Stomach Flu

You can get it from foodViral gasteroenteritis isn't exactly the same thing as food poisoning, which refers to any illness caused by food contaminants, including dangerous toxin-producing bacteria like salmonella. But norovirus is the number-one cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. Viral gastroenteritis can be spread from person to person or by touching a contaminated surface, but you can also get viral gastroenteritis from sewage-contaminated food or water, or meals prepared or handled by an infected person. (Hence all those "wash your hands" signs in restaurant bathrooms.) These germs are toughCompared to other viruses, noroviruses...

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The Tastiest Pies Ever

Pies made perfectHappy holiday baking starts here: one goof-proof crust and five delicious (and shockingly light!) fillings. Roasted Grape and Mascarpone Cheese PieThis scrumptious version of cheese pie calls for creamy mascarpone cheese and is topped with naturally sweet roasted grapes, which contain heart-healthy phytochemicals (plant chemicals). Classic Apple PieWith less than 300 calories per slice and loaded with fresh, tender slices of apple, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet-tooth, without expanding your waistline. Sweet Potato Pie With Pumpkinseed CrunchFull of the antioxidant beta carotene and high in fiber, sweet potatoes...

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14 Health Products You Probably Don't Need part 2

Barefoot running “shoes” Barefoot running has been all the rage lately. Hard-core believers jog with nothing between their toes and the pavement, but many have opted for products like the Vibram FiveFingers, essentially a glove for the foot. Running barefoot seems to help correct a runner’s stride naturally and may result in fewer injuries. However, the jury is still out on whether barefoot-feel running shoes truly prevent injuries. Give them a try if you want, but keep in mind that they can be pricey ($75 to $125)—and difficult to get your toes into. If you’re happy with your workout shoes, there’s no need to add these to your...

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7 Reasons Why Your Stomach Hurts part 1

Stomach pain?By Amanda Gardner Nearly everyone has had a stomachache at some point. But really, any organ in your abdomen (there are many) could be to blame. Tummy trouble can be short-lived, come and go, or show up only after you eat—all clues to the cause. Doctors can also run a number of tests to narrow it down, says Vivek Kaul, MD, acting chief of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, N.Y. Read more to find out about possible culprits. GallstonesGallstones are stones that form in the gallbladder, a tiny sac that hangs out under the liver, disgorging bile as needed...

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4 New Household Uses For Vodka

That's the spirit!Vodka isn?t just for cocktails: It removes mold, brightens clothes, and doubles as a skin toner (yes, really). DIY dry cleanerThere’s nothing worse than pulling a must-wear blouse from your closet, only to discover it has a funky scent. Enter vodka: "The alcohol neutralizes the odor-causing bacteria on your clothes," says Kim Barnouin, author of Skinny Bitch: Home, Beauty & Style. Because vodka’s clear, it won’t stain your shirt or even leave a scent. Simply put a little in a spray bottle, spritz away, then let dry in a well-ventilated place. It sounds strange, but it works (we tested it!). Clear skin potionIf...

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No-Blow-Dry Haircuts

Easy wash-and-go stylesLooking for a low-maintenance new ‘do? Steal these celebs’ wash-and-go styles.  On sticky summer mornings, few things are less appealing than blow-drying your hair in a sweltering bathroom. What choice do you have? Well, you’d be surprised. “Pulling off a wash-and-wear style is simple, as long as your hair is in good health and the cut suits your natural texture,” says Marguerite Jukes, a stylist at the Bumble and bumble Downtown Salon in New York City. We looked to the stars for inspiration and discovered chic cuts that are literally no sweat to style. Renee Zellweger's easygoing cropRight for you?...

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6 (Bad!) Excuses You're Using to Skip Sex

Keep sex comingGot seven to 13 minutes? Then you’ve got enough time to get it on. Here are six excuses you’re probably making to pass on a shag—and how to stop selling yourself short on satisfaction. The excuse: I’m too tiredIt’s common to lack sexual energy when your head hits the pillow. "If the first time you think about being intimate is when you crawl into bed, it’s like starting a cold engine," explains Stella Resnick, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author of the forthcoming book Heart of Desire. Resnick advises stoking your libido in little ways throughout the day: Take a break to let yourself fantasize, or give your guy a...

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