Author: Melissa Finley

Technology is important. It has become a central part of nearly anything we do. From communicating with friends and loved ones, to advancing your education, there are so many uses for the marvels of the modern world. And, for the most part, they make things much easier, faster, and more accessible. But what is their role in healthcare? Will AI become a helpful tool in the healthcare industry? Or can it ever truly replace the human interaction necessary in many aspects of the field? AI’s Role in Healthcare As a nonprofit focused on educating all about the side effects of…

With 8% of adults and nearly 10% of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (known as ADHD), Americans are seeking to address the issue any way possible. With symptoms such as an inability to focus, restlessness, mood swings, and compulsive behaviors, it may sound strange to hear that nutrition can play a role in managing ADHD. What Foods Affect ADHD? If you’ve ever given a child a lot of sugar, then you may know the answer to some of the first foods to avoid if you suffer from ADHD. Sugar isn’t the only culprit. Other foods to avoid, as they often…

For some reason, it seems spring allergies get all of the credit. The commercials, the medications, the pop culture… They all seem to love talking about spring allergies. But, what about us fall allergy sufferers? Fall allergies to ragweed and mold spores are just as tortuous, if not worse, for some, than those well known spring allergies, for some. So why are the ailments of autumn less discussed? Let’s change that. Fall Allergy Symptoms As one who suffers each fall herself, I know just how annoying and sometimes debilitating fall allergies can be. Once the leaves change color and start…

By now, most MedShadow readers already know that food has medicinal properties. We often focus on what foods you can eat to improve your condition. But, did you know that some medicinal foods work outside the body? You don’t have to consume these edible cures, but instead can apply them to your skin or hair. Before you reach for that over-the-counter or even prescription medication, which may result in unwanted side effects, consider a few home remedies that can cure your ailment with less risk. 1. Garlic for a Bee Sting Matthew M. Stevens, a retired criminal judge, said that…

When you suffer from chronic pain, what to eat may be the furthest thing from your mind. Your day is filled with discomfort, so preparing a meal doesn’t sound like much fun. However, the foods that you put into your body can go a long way in treating nearly any condition, even chronic pain. With 20% of the world’s population enduring chronic pain each day, it is important to understand that food is medicine. What we choose to eat each day can improve or worsen our symptoms. Food isn’t just your body’s source of fuel, but also serves as the…

Becoming a new parent can be a scary and confusing time. There are so many choices to make, and nearly everyone you know from your pastor to your parents will have tips and advice to follow. Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, it is up to you to decide what is best for your baby. If you’ve chosen to breastfeed, congratulations. Such feeding can greatly improve the health of your child, with benefits ranging from a reduction in future allergies, to added immunities passed from mother to child.  If you’ve chosen not to breastfeed, that’s is OK, too. It is your body,…

Do you know how to eat for a healthy thyroid? Those with a thyroid condition know it can be tough to find a nutritional balance. Nutrition for hypothyroidism isn’t easy, but with a few handy tips you can improve your condition greatly. You may have already been diagnosed. Or, perhaps, you’ve just noticed some of the symptoms. From constipation and high cholesterol, to fatigue, weight gain, depression, and feeling cold, there are a variety of symptoms that may key you into it.  Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the crucial hormones that…

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition, impacting six to 12 percent of women in the United States. That’s the bad news. But the good news is there are many foods to improve PCOS and its symptoms. “It really is a dysregulation of insulin and testosterone, two very important hormones,” says Alison Acerra, MS, RDN, a medical advisor for MedShadow Foundation. These irregularities can cause a number of side effects that can range from slight annoyances to life-impacting change that can all be difficult to manage. “One of the most challenging symptoms for women to deal with is infertility,”…

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, aimed at bringing awareness and solutions to all those that struggle with mental health challenges of all types. Looking to enhance your mental health and overall well-being? Discover the benefits of incorporating daily walks into your routine. Find out more about why walking is an effective method to boost your mental health and well-being. How Walking for Anxiety and Depression Helped Me I went into it with a simple goal. Walking was something I could do, even at my heaviest. I might not be very fast, but I could do it. Walking wasn’t…

Food can certainly be medicine. With a variety of nutrients that support our natural body processes, the foods you consume can support all types of healthy living. Many people acknowledge food connections, such as eating high-protein foods to gain muscle mass. But did you know that your foods improve mental health, too? Here are some ways we can use nutrition, along with food and lifestyle choices to support a strong mental health. Blood Sugar and Mental Health MedShadow’s own registered dietician nutritionist, Alison Acerra, MS, RDN, says that we can “focus on the importance of blood sugar control” to improve…