Your High Well being Questions of 2023, Answered

One factor I really like about enhancing the Ask Nicely column is the camaraderie of it. Each week we reply a well being query: Why am I so congested on a regular basis? (I’ve questioned that, too!) Why does my sleep worsen as I age? (I’m proper there with you.) Is my espresso behavior in want of an intervention? (Pour me one other whereas we determine it out.)

After I survey our inbox, I’m amazed at what is available in — questions that cowl the thrill, agonies, confusions and vulnerabilities of being an individual. And by chance for us all, we get to hunt out the solutions.

Listed below are 10 of the preferred well being questions of 2023.

1. Is it unhealthy to clean your hair day by day?

The reply relies on your hair texture, how oily it’s, whether or not it’s color-treated and extra.

“Whereas it could appear that getting the scalp squeaky clear and with none oils is perfect,” mentioned Dr. Murad Alam, a dermatologist at Northwestern College, “take into account that the scalp is a residing a part of your physique, and never a dinner plate in your dishwasher.”

2. Is arthritis avoidable?

Ache, stiffness and swelling of the joints are widespread complaints for older adults — and they are often the primary signal of a dreaded prognosis: arthritis. This umbrella time period describes greater than 100 circumstances that trigger irritation within the joints. Nevertheless it doesn’t must be an inevitable results of getting old. Listed below are some steps you’ll be able to take to cut back your threat.

4. Can a nap make up for a foul night time of sleep?

Perhaps you stayed up too late doomscrolling, otherwise you whipped your sheets right into a twister replaying an uncomfortable dialog. Both method, you’re questioning: Will a noon nap make up for these treasured hours of misplaced shut-eye? The reply is difficult, we discovered. Right here’s what naps can — and may’t — do on your well being.

5. Why am I so congested on a regular basis?

So that you get up each morning all stuffed up and also you wish to know what’s happening. Is it that chilly you (and everybody else) appear to have? The anatomy of your nostril? Allergic reactions? Continual congestion is hard to deal with, consultants say, as a result of any variety of issues might be inflicting it. However there are some methods to seek out reduction.

6. What ought to I eat or drink when I’ve a chilly?

If that stuffiness is certainly brought on by a chilly, flip to meals and drinks which are hydrating, nourishing and comforting (hi there, hen noodle soup!). Right here’s a glance at how vitamin may also help battle your an infection, together with what meals and drinks to keep away from.

7. Why does it grow to be more durable to sleep as I age?

As a flagrant tosser and turner, I’ve observed that the older I get, the much less probably I’m to get up refreshed. It turns on the market are medical causes for that: An getting old mind, sure well being circumstances, hormones and life-style modifications might all be the trigger. The excellent news is that sleepless nights aren’t a destiny it’s important to reside with.

8. Why do I get constipated after I journey?

Any exercise that interrupts your common consuming or sleeping schedule dangers backing you up. Dehydration, immobility, altering time zones and an altered food plan are sometimes guilty. Right here’s get issues working a little bit extra easily while you’re out and about.

9. Do I actually need all these skincare merchandise?

In case you spend any time on the personal-care aspect of social media, you’ll see video after video of influencers dousing themselves in a whole medication cupboard’s value of merchandise. However easier is commonly higher with regards to taking good care of your face. Right here’s what dermatologists say you really need.

10. How a lot espresso is an excessive amount of espresso?

Elevate your hand if you happen to’re ingesting espresso whereas studying this. Preserve it raised if you happen to’re in your second (or third or fourth) cup of the day. Espresso comprises 1000’s of chemical compounds that could be linked to good well being. Nevertheless it’s additionally a significant supply of caffeine, which in extra could cause points like jitteriness, anxiousness, nausea and bother sleeping. Whereas consultants say that harmful unwanted effects from coffee-drinking are uncommon, it’s nonetheless attainable to overdo it. Right here’s know if you happen to’ve poured your self an excessive amount of.

Have extra questions for our well being journalists? Ask Nicely.