Healthy Eating Archive

A 2026 national survey suggested that half of all American adults under 50—and 35% of older adults—get health information from social media influencers or podcasters, the minority of whom are health care professionals. People should be skeptical of any advice from these sources.

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots can answer medical questions, but they don’t replace the medical judgment of doctors. For patients, AI is currently most useful for understanding medical conditions, explaining doctor’s notes and lab reports, and helping to prepare for doctor visits.

After most types of surgery, early and increased walking appears to support a smoother recovery. A 2026 study found that increased daily steps above pre-surgery levels were linked with shorter hospital stays, lower complication rates, and fewer readmissions.

People’s energy levels typically decrease later in life as a result of aging, illness, or other factors. Fortunately, a healthier lifestyle can boost energy. That involves eating a diet low in added sugars and processed foods, getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night, managing stress, getting lots of aerobic exercise, and strengthening the muscles. Using physical energy frugally is another useful strategy. For example, it helps to perform activities at a slow, steady pace instead of a fast pace; to break activities into small tasks instead of one large job; and to rest between tasks.

AI-generated nutrition misinformation, also known as AI slop, is all too easy to find online. While some AI posts can offer helpful dietary guidance, watch for sensational claims, unverified credentials, and cherry-picked research. If health advice sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Most Americans fall short on their intake of potassium, a vital but overlooked nutrient. People can boost the level of potassium in their body by eating more plant foods, especially beans, potatoes, leafy greens, and fruit, and by cutting back on ultra-processed foods.

The holiday season is full of parties, gatherings, food, and drink — making it an ideal time to adopt healthier eating habits. Doing so can help you manage stress and avoid overeating, and will set you up for success in the new year.

The holiday season is probably the hardest time of year to resist rich, indulgent foods, but too many salty, fatty, sugary choices can harm your health. Instead, try adding natural flavor to holiday foods with herbs and spices, many of which contain substances that have a beneficial effect on health.

Juicing can be a helpful way to meet your daily fruit and vegetable goals. While eating whole produce is ideal, a well-made juice offers key nutrients. Aim for mostly vegetables, limit fruit, and choose store-bought juices with no added sugar.

Staying at home during a power outage can be risky for your health. To be safe, take steps to maintain power for essential medical equipment, store medications properly, and prepare for other hazards.