As for health, we’re freaked out about the flu, scrambling to tame tension headaches, and have digestive woes front-of-mind. Luckily, rather than doing an errant internet search, we talked with doctors and dietitians to get their expert take on your hot-button topics.
1. How Long Does the Flu Last?
The flu can make you feel as if you were hit by a truck. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu symptoms — high fever, body aches, headache — typically last three to seven days. “A young person with a strong immune system might be able to fight it off in a few days. For people who are immunocompromised or older adults, symptoms like fatigue tend to linger,” says Elizabeth Targan, MD, a primary care physician with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. These post-viral symptoms can persist for more than two weeks, says the CDC. To prevent spreading the flu to others, keep in mind that you’re contagious the day before symptoms start until about a week after falling ill. Learn More About How Long the Flu Lasts
2. What Is the Keto Diet?
The keto diet is unique among the low-carbohydrate diets available, as its focus isn’t on high protein. Keto is very low carb — 5 to 10 percent of your calories come from carbs — and very high fat — 70 to 80 percent of your calories come from fats, explains Carolyn Williams, PhD, RD, a culinary nutrition expert based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As such, there is a strict list of foods to eat and avoid on keto. Dieters avoid grains, most legumes, most fruit, and starchy vegetables. They eat nonstarchy vegetables in limited amounts, a moderate amount of high-protein foods (like meat or fish), and a lot of fat, like olive oil and avocado, along with some nuts and seeds. “People get results on keto, which is why it continues to be a popular diet. At the same time, it can be difficult to follow,” says Dr. Williams. Learn More About What to Eat and Avoid on Keto
3. How Do You Get Rid of a Headache?
The two most common types of headaches are tension headaches and migraines, says Nadim Ilbawi, MD, a board-certified family medicine doctor with NorthShore University HealthSystem in Lincolnwood, Illinois. “The first-line treatment is taking an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen,” he says. Also, if you can, stop and do something that will help you relax, he says. Focus on breathing slowly to relieve muscle tension and use a warm compress or hot towel on your shoulders or neck if you’ve been typing at a computer all day. For migraines, you may find laying down in a dark and quiet room is soothing. Learn More About Headaches and How to Get Rid of Them
4. How Do You Cure a Hangover?
This one’s tough, says Dr. Targan. There are many home remedies to try, but what your body needs right now is sleep — and possibly ibuprofen to relieve a headache, she says. Also important is preventing dehydration that day. Keep a water bottle close and sip throughout the day. If your stomach is queasy, sticking to bland foods, such as saltines and toast, may help settle things, says Targan. Learn More About Hangover Remedies
5. What Is Quinoa?
We most often associate this superfood with grains, but it’s actually a seed in the amaranth family, says Williams. Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is naturally gluten-free, making it a good choice for people who are avoiding gluten, such as those with celiac disease. Even if you aren’t on a gluten-free diet, this food is a healthy choice. Because it’s a seed, “quinoa has some higher nutritional characteristics compared with most whole grains,” says Williams. For instance, 1 cup of cooked quinoa contains 8 grams (g) of protein and 5 g of fiber, compared with 5 g of protein and 3 g of fiber in a cup of cooked brown rice, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Learn More About Quinoa
6. How Do You Make Hemorrhoids Go Away?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or around the skin of the anus, per Harvard Health. “They’re typically caused by constipation and straining. If you control the underlying causes, hemorrhoids can subside and go away on their own,” says Targan. That means having regular bowel movements, which require drinking adequate fluids and eating fiber-rich foods, like vegetables or whole grains, she says. Exercise can also get things moving to decrease constipation. “It’s also important to avoid straining. If you’re passing hard stools, give yourself longer to go to the bathroom and try using stool softeners,” she says. Over-the-counter medication, like Preparation H, can relieve itch and constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling. Learn More About Treatment for Hemorrhoids
7. What’s the Best Way to Stop Diarrhea?
For a stomach “bug” that caused run-of-the-mill diarrhea, a great place to start is by taking an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal, like Imodium, says Dr. Ilbawi. These slow down motility, giving your gut more time to absorb water, so stool can properly form. There are some things you should avoid when you have diarrhea, like caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, and gas-causing fruits and vegetables, like prunes, beans, and broccoli. One word of caution, says Ilbawi: “if diarrhea is bloody or you’re experiencing severe abdominal pain, see your doctor,” he says. Learn More About Dos and Don’ts for Diarrhea Relief
8. What Is Noom?
Noom is a diet app available through the App Store and Google Play that’s been referred to as Weight Watchers (now WW) for millennials, says Williams. “What is interesting to me about the app is that there’s very little focus on a strict nutrition plan and what you eat. Instead, it’s about learning to recognize your behaviors and mindset in regards to food,” she says. Virtual coaches connected with the app offer support on how to incorporate new skills and behaviors into your daily routine to drive long-term change. The app is subscription-based, and programs start at $59 per month or $199 per year, according to the Noom app website. Learn More About Noom
9. What Bit Me?
The good news is that most bug bites and stings, including those from bedbugs, fleas, mosquitoes, and spiders, are harmless. Some insects can transmit disease, such as mosquitoess (West Nile virus, Zika) or ticks (Lyme Disease), and others, like bees, can cause an allergic reaction. “It’s difficult to identify exactly what bit you. In general bug bites typically appear as a raised, red area,” says Targan, though not all bites will cause symptoms. Call your doctor if you’re concerned about the bite or develop signs of an infection, like the area is red, swollen, or warm to the touch and you have a fever. Lyme disease from a tick bite may show up as a “bull’s eye” rash in 70 to 80 percent of people who are infected with the bacteria; you may also develop flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue, body aches) without a rash 3 to 30 days following a tick bite, according to the CDC. Learn More About Which Bug May Have Bit You
10. Why Does My Ear Hurt?
Your first thought might be an ear infection like you had as a kid. This is a middle ear infection, but is less common in adults, says Ilbawi. Ear pain can sometimes be an outer ear infection, like swimmer’s ear, which is commonly treated with eardrops. “People may feel discomfort when they pull down on their ear lobe,” he says. Ear aches can also be caused by allergies or a recent cold, or can be mistaken for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain if you clench or grind your teeth at night. Most often, ear pain passes on its own, especially if it’s related to nasal congestion, he says. Talk to your doctor if it persists or worsens. Learn More About Ear Pain
