Harvard Health Content API

Caffeine may help us produce more tears, but doctors don’t recommend it as a treatment for dry eye syndrome. Instead, use artificial tears, topical anti-inflammatory treatments, and sometimes procedures to plug tear ducts.

A rating system called the glycemic index can help you choose healthy sources of carbohydrates. Focus on foods with a low glycemic index (55 or less), and try to limit those with a high glycemic index (70 or higher).

Extremely vigorous exercise may help reduce the risk of new cases of psoriasis. Doctors recommend at least 3-4 hours of vigorous exercise per week (such as tennis, swimming, or running), as long as your doctor says it’s okay.

You can reduce chronic pain by fooling your brain. Distractions, including any activity in which you are focused or absorbed, may release natural painkillers that block incoming pain signals as they enter the spinal cord.

When trying to avoid a knee replacement, treatments such as supplement therapy, acupuncture, and viscosupplementation can be effective. There is not enough evidence to show that platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) and prolotherapy are effective.

When debating how long to let a headache last before seeing a doctor, start by comparing it with past headaches. If the headache is longer than usual, more severe, awakens you at night, or accompanied by dizziness, call your doctor.

Men who are socially isolated may be at a significantly higher risk than women for returning for urgent care within a month of being discharged from the hospital. Everyone needs a caregiver present for discharge instructions and for care at home.