Your Prime 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.)

Once 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 fortuitously 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 scrub your hair day by day?

The reply is dependent upon 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,” stated 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 analysis: arthritis. This umbrella time period describes greater than 100 circumstances that trigger irritation within the joints. However it doesn’t need to be an inevitable results of getting older. Listed below are some steps you may take to cut back your danger.

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

Perhaps you stayed up too late doomscrolling, otherwise you whipped your sheets right into a twister replaying an uncomfortable dialog. Both manner, you’re questioning: Will a noon nap make up for these valuable hours of misplaced shut-eye? The reply is sophisticated, 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 need 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 may very well 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 attributable to a chilly, flip to meals and drinks which might be hydrating, nourishing and comforting (whats up, hen noodle soup!). Right here’s a glance at how vitamin may also help combat your an infection, together with what meals and drinks to keep away from.

7. Why does it change into tougher to sleep as I age?

As a flagrant tosser and turner, I’ve seen that the older I get, the much less doubtless I’m to get up refreshed. It turns on the market are medical causes for that: An getting older mind, sure well being circumstances, hormones and way of life modifications may all be the trigger. The excellent news is that sleepless nights are usually not a destiny you must 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 weight-reduction plan are usually responsible. Right here’s easy methods to get issues working just a little extra easily whenever you’re out and about.

9. Do I actually need all these skincare merchandise?

For those who spend any time on the personal-care facet of social media, you’ll see video after video of influencers dousing themselves in a whole medication cupboard’s value of merchandise. However less complicated is usually higher in the case of taking good care of your face. Right here’s what dermatologists say you really want.

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

Increase your hand for those who’re consuming espresso whereas studying this. Maintain it raised for those who’re in your second (or third or fourth) cup of the day. Espresso accommodates hundreds of chemical compounds which may be linked to good well being. However it’s additionally a significant supply of caffeine, which in extra may cause points like jitteriness, anxiousness, nausea and hassle sleeping. Whereas consultants say that harmful uncomfortable side effects from coffee-drinking are uncommon, it’s nonetheless attainable to overdo it. Right here’s easy methods to know for those who’ve poured your self an excessive amount of.

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