Spice up your holidays

Many spices inhibit damaging inflammation that can cause or worsen a variety of chronic diseases. Four beloved holiday spices—cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and turmeric—boast a variety of health benefits, but need to be used liberally to maximize the effects. People can challenge their palates to use more spices all year long by trying new recipes, testing spices in restaurant or ready-made meals, and bringing spice-laden dishes their ancestors once enjoyed to their own tables.

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Is your sleep position helping or hurting you?

A variety of health conditions can be influenced by sleep position. Side sleeping helps people breathe easier, hampers heartburn, and is safer during pregnancy, but it may aggravate joint pain. Back sleeping keeps the spine straighter, but can intensify breathing problems, worsen heartburn, and cause other problems during pregnancy. People should talk to their doctor if they have a health condition that could be affected by the way they sleep, but otherwise can sleep in the position that is most comfortable for them.

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Can our brain talk to our immune system?

A 2025 study of 250 people found that the brain can tell the immune system to prepare for impending infection even before a microbe enters the body. Scientists asked volunteers to don virtual reality headsets that showed various virtual people approaching them. Some of those approaching appeared to be healthy and others appeared to be sick. Brain scans and blood tests showed that participants’ brains activated their immune systems when a virtual sick person simply came near them.

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The complicated risks of simple cold remedies

Over-the-counter cold remedies can be helpful, but they must be carefully considered before use. They contain drugs that can cause serious side effects, interact with other medications, and worsen certain health conditions. For example, decongestants can help ease a stuffy nose but also can increase blood pressure and heart rate. And cough suppressants can help someone stop coughing, but taking too much can cause dizziness, confusion, or even changes in mood or thinking.

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