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Using food to stay hydrated

Foods are an important source of dietary fluids. For example, eating the recommended two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables each day might provide about two cups of fluid. Dairy products, smoothies, and soups also contribute to fluid intake. The amount of fluid to consume each day from food and drink depends on a person’s body size and health needs. The National Academy of Medicine recommends about 11 cups (88 ounces) per day for women and 15 cups (120 ounces) per day for men.

The cicadas are here: How’s your appetite?

Trillions of cicadas are expected to emerge in the US by the end of June, especially in the Midwest. In many parts of the world insects are considered a low-cost source of calories and protein, but some people still won’t want to eat them — and some people shouldn’t.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, teaches people to challenge negative thought patterns and change their responses to unsettling situations. It is an effective therapy for many mental health conditions as well as issues like pain or insomnia, and for managing difficult life experiences.

Can you become a “super-ager”?

Super-agers are individuals known to maintain peak mental prowess well into their 90s and avoid dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While genetics play a big part in super-agers’ cognitive health, adopting healthy lifestyle habits also contributes, and other people might be able to improve their brain health in the same way. These habits include exercising regularly, following a plant-based diet, being social, adopting mentally challenging activities, and getting adequate sleep.

Rethinking your morning coffee

Coffee and other caffeine sources can interact with many common drugs, changing the way they’re absorbed, distributed through the body, processed, and excreted. Coffee (even decaf) makes stomach contents more acidic, accounting for some drug interactions, but caffeine is mostly the cause. Medications vulnerable to coffee or caffeine’s effects include those for cold or allergy, depression, high blood pressure, asthma, osteoporosis, anemia, Alzheimer’s disease, thyroid problems, and insomnia. Drinking coffee and taking medications at separate times is advised.