That's why it's critical to track your cholesterol levels through routine blood work and to keep them within the range your doctor recommends. A normal cholesterol level for average adults should be below about 200 milligrams per deciliter as measured via a blood test. If your total cholesterol hits 240 or higher, your doctor will likely advise you to lower that number.

Researchers are finding that the trillions of beneficial bacteria residing in your gut – aka your gut microbiome – are integral to your well-being. Your gut microbiome plays an important role in strengthening your immune system and helping to regulate important daily bodily functions, including hunger signals and mood fluctuations.

People need to recognize that motivation goes up and down over time – it’s a motivation wave,” says BJ Fogg, a behavior change expert at Stanford Lifestyle Medicine and author of the book “Tiny Habits. The Small Changes That Change Everything.” “Something you’re motivated to do at the beginning of the year, you may not be motivated to do at the end of January.

Finding the best diet that works for you is important. You're making a major commitment of time, effort, willpower and in some cases, money. But where do you begin? Below, experts walk you through the process of picking the diet that best meets your unique goals and needs.

Eating healthier can be a daunting task. From deciding on whether to choose a nutritional supplement to incorporating more fresh – and possibly organic – fruits, vegetables and whole grains, building a healthy eating plan may seem to cost more money at first..

On any given day, millions of people in the U.S. are trying to lose weight. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that a little over 40% of adults in the U.S. have obesity. And a new report in the Lancet shows a stunning rise in obesity since 1990 among all ages and finds that 3 in 4 adults aged 25 and older in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Having obesity or being overweight can increase the risk of many chronic diseases and health issues, including joint problems, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

Choosing the best diet or eating plan for you can feel like rocket science. Net carbs, nutrient density, acid-forming foods, inflammation-promoting hormones: What does it all mean? Weight loss or overall health? What's most important? Celebrity endorser or nutrition expert: Who do you believe?

Every year, millions of Americans try to start diets, spending their money and valuable time modifying their eating habits. Their reasons for making these changes are personal, from trying to lose weight to reducing disease risk or aging healthily.

If you’re considering a weight loss plan, the paleo and keto diets might have caught your attention. Both diets have gained popularity for their potential health benefits and weight loss results, but they have distinct rules and approaches.