Soil moisture meters are designed to prevent overwatering and contribute to the health of your plants. Here’s a breakdown of five meters that plant professionals trust, and how they recommend using them. “Even at first glance, the top layer of soil could look dry, but beneath the surface, it could have plenty of moisture,” explains Kelly Funk, the president of Park Seed. “Meters will tell you instantly whether plants need water or have enough....

The good news is that there is a lot you can do today to take action for your health. Research suggests that genetics account for only about one-third1 of autoimmune disease factors. Environmental triggers, diet and lifestyle may also be responsible. Why? Researchers seem to think it has to do with our dendritic cells. These alarms of the immune system can send out a “red alert” to stimulate immunity, or a “calm down” message that tones down excessive immunity that can damage the body....

For example, black-colored poop (also called melena) can indicate an issue in your upper digestive system. While the color change could be caused by certain dark-colored foods, it may also signal a more serious issue, like bleeding in the stomach, small intestine, or right side of the colon. If the blood appears to be bright red or maroon (called hematochezia1), it is more likely caused by an issue in the colon....

People are frequently diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, or a psychiatric disorder, such as anxiety or depression, typically because physicians are unable to find another cause for their symptoms. Solution: Eat small frequent meals, don’t skip meals, cut back on simple sugars and carbs, and eat a balanced diet with quality protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats (olive oil, coconut oil, avocados)....

In an attempt to avoid dehydration, though, some people will overdo their water intake. Here’s why overhydration can be dangerous, how to tell if it’s happening to you, and just how much water you really should be drinking. “In overhydration an excess of water dilutes the electrolyte concentrations in the blood, causing imbalance throughout the body’s many systems,” physician Catherine Waldrop, M.D., tells mbg. Electrolytes, like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, are charged ions essential for many cellular processes....

We asked nutrition experts about the health profile of coconut oil—and they agree that its perks outweigh its risks. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of coconut oil. Recent research5 also shows that coconut oil and its MCTs may help combat a handful of chronic diseases, including cancer6, diabetes7, and Alzheimer’s disease8. It also has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties9 and may help alleviate oxidative stress. Like most foods, coconut oil is best consumed in moderation as part of a nutrient-dense diet....

Rosemary has been used medicinally for centuries and today, we’re unpacking the healing potential of this holiday favorite. (Even Shakespeare knew rosemary had some major mental benefits: In Hamlet, Ophelia says, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance: pray you, love, remember.”) In one 2017 study on 40 school-age children, the students in a room infused with rosemary oil scored 5 to 7 points better on a memory test. Separate research on adults2 supports these findings that rosemary essential oil can boost cognitive performance....