Stories by Lydia Denworth

Creatine does help build muscle, but social media claims for methylene blue dye are way overblown

Supplements of this hormone are sold to increase sex drive. But the change may be tiny

People who help sick, aging loved ones are at risk for physical illness themselves. There may be ways to improve their resilience

Motion is the new potion, and rest is no longer the best

Popular supplements with billions of “good” microbes really help only a few illnesses, research shows

Milliseconds of variability, now detected by fitness watches, can improve well-being

Workouts seem to release body chemicals that improve cancer survival and limit recurrence

Pets can improve your health—but only if you have a strong relationship with the animals

Washing waste from the brain is an essential function of sleep—and it could help ward off dementia

Unless you have celiac disease, there are few health benefits to a gluten-free diet

We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat”—especially when it comes to gut health. But what if your workout matters just as much as your diet?

When nights stay hot, more people die, many from cardiovascular problems. But there are simple methods you can use to stay cooler and healthier

A workout boosts the fitness of your gut microbiome. This creates molecules that aid your immune system, metabolism, and more

Snoring indicates oxygen reduction, but a variety of treatments can restore healthy airflow

Several medications now calm painful inflammation in the intestines. Diets free of ultraprocessed foods also help

Using crutches for months is largely a thing of the past. Early weight-bearing has real benefits

This disease is now genetically linked to widespread inflammation, asthma, migraines, and more

Some foods, no matter how simply prepared, contain many substances linked to disease

Understanding curiosity can help people—and robots—learn faster

New diagnostic techniques can pick up these brain injuries and ensure people get help

Fortunately, recognition and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in grown-ups are getting better

Days spent in a desk chair can lead to heart disease or cancer. Getting up often and exercising more vigorously can stave off the ill effects

Contrary to stereotypes of the doddering elderly, research shows that half of people older than age 70 stay mentally sharp

Volunteering in community programs can reduce youth depression and anxiety, researchers are beginning to learn