For a long time, doctors dismissed forgetfulness, brain fog and mental confusion as normal parts of aging. But scientists now know that memory loss as you get older is by no means inevitable. In fact, routine memory, skills and knowledge may even improve with age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most people are familiar with at least some of the things that can impair memory, including alcohol and drug abuse, heavy cigarette smoking, head injuries, stroke, sleep deprivation, severe stress, vitamin B12 deficiency and illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression.
But what many people don’t realize is that a number of commonly prescribed drugs also can interfere with memory. Here, we’ll delve into seven types of drugs that may cause memory loss and explore alternative treatment options.
The scary side effect of memory loss is a possibility for many commonly prescribed medications.
According to AARP, the following 8 drugs and drug classes may cause memory loss:
1. Benzodiazepines
Antianxiety agents may cause memory loss due to the sedative effect that they have on certain parts of the brain. Most notably, the drug’s effects are involved in the transfer of events from short-term to long-term memory.
Midazolam, in particular, is believed to have severe amnesic properties.
2. Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
Statins and other high cholesterol busters may impair memory by lowering cholesterol levels in the brain as well as in the blood. Lipids in the blood are essential in the formation of connections between nerve cells, which underlie memory and learning.
In 2012, the FDA modified the labels for statins to reflect their increased risk for memory problems.
3. Antiepileptic Agents
Anticonvulsants limit seizures by depressing the flow of signals within the central nervous system (CNS), which may in turn lead to the potential for memory loss.
4. Narcotic Painkillers
Opioid analgesics function by stemming the flow of pain signals within the CNS and blunting one’s emotional reaction to pain, which has been shown to increase the risk of memory loss.
5. Dopamine Agonists
These Parkinson’s medications activate the signaling pathways for the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is key for brain functions like motivation, pleasure, fine motor control, learning, and memory.
Because of this, dopamine agonists may lead to major side effects such as memory loss, confusion, delusions, and compulsive behaviors.
6. Antihypertensive Drugs
Beta-blockers are believed to cause memory issues by interfering with norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are both key chemical messengers in the brain.
7. Incontinence Medications
These anticholinergics may cause memory loss because they block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved with many functions in the body.
The risk of memory loss and cognitive decline is exacerbated when patients take incontinence medications for an extended period of time, or when they’re used with other anticholinergic drugs.
8. Antihistamines
Similar to incontinence drugs, these allergy medications inhibit the action of acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that mediates many bodily functions.
In the brain, acetylcholine inhibits activities in the memory and learning centers, thereby potentially leading to memory loss.
Forget detox teas and cleanses. These tasty veggies help your liver do its job well!
Cruciferous veggies, leafy greens, beets and artichokes support liver health.
A plant-rich eating pattern matters more than detoxes or cleanses.
Pair veggies with healthy fats to boost nutrient absorption.
If you’re looking to support your liver, start with your plate. According to registered dietitians, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, beets and artichokes are among the best vegetables to eat more of for liver health. They’re packed with plant compounds and antioxidants that help protect liver cells and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Your liver works around the clock to filter toxins, metabolize nutrients and support overall health—and what you eat can help it do its job well. The good news? You don’t need detox teas or cleanses to support your liver. Big-picture habits like eating a balanced, plant-forward diet, moving your body regularly and limiting alcohol matter most.
“The liver is remarkably resilient when given the right support, and vegetables play a starring role in keeping it healthy,” says Kelly Burgess, M.B.A., RD, LDN. Here’s why these four stand out.
1. Artichokes
“Artichokes are rich in compounds such as cynarin and chlorogenic acid, which support bile production and help the liver process fats more efficiently,” says Amanda Crowe, M.S., RD, INHC. “Studies have associated artichoke intake with improvements in liver enzyme markers and protection against oxidative stress in liver tissue,” she adds.
A 2022 research review in Clinical Nutrition Research evaluated seven studies and found that artichoke leaf extract supplements improved levels of the liver enzymes ALT and AST—markers commonly used to assess liver health. While supplements typically provide more concentrated doses of these compounds, you’ll still get a boost of these liver-supporting compounds (and other nutrients) by eating whole artichokes.
New to preparing these tender veggies? “I love to roast them and combine them with pesto sauce and brightly colored tomatoes. I serve them with seafood like a flaky white fish and a roasted sweet potato on the side. Delicious!” shares Jamie Baham, M.S., RDN, LD.
2. Beets
Nothing beats beets—the old adage may have some merit when it comes to liver health. “Beets contain betalains and betaine, antioxidant compounds that help reduce oxidative stress and support fat metabolism in the liver,” says Crowe.
Beet juice, in particular, has been studied in relation to liver health because it’s a concentrated source of these antioxidants. Although much of the research has been conducted in animals, findings suggest beetroot juice may help protect the liver from oxidative stress. A small 2023 human study published in Frontiers in Nutrition also found improvements in markers related to fatty liver disease.
You can blend beetroot juice into smoothies or mix it with lemon, carrot or apple juice to balance its earthy flavor. Whole beets are also delicious roasted and added to salads. “Lately, I’ve been obsessed with orange, beet and goat cheese salads. I’ll toss diced roasted beets with thinly sliced oranges, olive oil, salt, pepper, slivered almonds, arugula and goat cheese,” says Talia Follador, RDN, LDN. For convenience, look for precooked, peeled beets at the store.
3. Cruciferous Veggies
We know—cruciferous vegetables aren’t just one veggie. But this entire family deserves a spot on the list. “Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower have compounds such as sulforaphane that support liver detox enzymes, which help the liver eliminate waste more efficiently,” says Follador.
These compounds have been studied for their potential to prevent fatty liver and protect liver tissue. Some research also suggests they may help improve insulin sensitivity—that is, how effectively your body responds to insulin to move sugar from your bloodstream into your cells. When insulin sensitivity is lower, blood sugar levels can rise, which over time may increase the risk of conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
More recent research supports these benefits, notes Crowe. For example, a 2023 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition linked higher intake of cruciferous vegetables with a lower risk of liver cancer and death from chronic liver disease.
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower aren’t the only options. Cabbage, collard greens, kale and turnips are also cruciferous vegetables worth adding to your plate. “Cruciferous vegetables can be roasted, sautéed or added to soups and grain bowls,” says Crowe. They also work well in stir-fries and pasta dishes.
4. Leafy Greens
“Dark leafy greens are like daily nourishment for your liver,” says Burgess. Some leafy greens, such as kale and collard greens, are also cruciferous. But even noncruciferous options like lettuce and spinach offer benefits.
The same 2023 study mentioned above found that higher intake of leafy greens was associated with a lower risk of liver cancer. A large 2021 study also linked greater consumption of leafy greens with a lower risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
“Leafy greens are rich in powerful plant compounds, including lutein and quercetin, that help calm inflammation and protect liver cells from damage,” says Burgess.
“I often throw spinach into pasta dishes and soups, even when a recipe doesn’t call for it, since it usually blends in well,” says Follador. Leafy greens also make a great base for salads and grain bowls, and can be blended into smoothies or pesto.
How to Eat These Vegetables for Maximum Benefit
Wondering whether to eat these veggies raw or cooked? On their own or with other foods? Here’s what to know.
Because many vegetables contain fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K, pairing them with dietary fat can help your body absorb these nutrients. “Pair vegetables with healthy fats like olive oil, nuts or seeds to better absorb fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants,” recommends Follador. For example, enjoy your dark leafy greens with an olive oil–based dressing.
For cruciferous vegetables, gentle cooking methods may help preserve beneficial compounds. “Lightly cooking cruciferous vegetables improves digestibility while still preserving beneficial compounds,” says Crowe. Research suggests stir-frying, steaming and microwaving may retain more sulforaphane than boiling.
Most importantly, focus on variety. “Eating a mix of vegetables in the same meal exposes the liver to a broader range of protective plant compounds that work better together than on their own,” says Burgess. Follador adds, “Liver health improves with overall dietary patterns, not single ‘superfoods’.”
Our Expert Take
According to dietitians and current research, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, beets and artichokes can all support liver health. They provide antioxidants and plant compounds that may help protect liver cells and reduce the risk of conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancer. “Over time, a colorful, plant-rich eating pattern gives the liver the tools it needs to do what it does best: protect, repair and keep your body running smoothly,” says Burgess.
That said, no single food can prevent or treat liver disease. “These vegetables help but cannot replace overall healthy habits,” says Follador. Along with eating a variety of vegetables, she recommends getting adequate protein, staying hydrated, prioritizing sleep and limiting alcohol.
The blockbuster drugs—known as GLP-1s—are increasingly marketed as lifestyle fixes to help take off some weight. But they are actually designed as lifelong treatments for chronic diseases, namely obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
That distinction matters.
While nearly 18% of U.S. adults have taken a GLP-1 drug for weight loss or to treat a chronic condition, about half of people will stop taking it within a year. Often, they don’t understand what is likely to come next.
Studies show that after stopping the drugs, people typically regain lost weight within about 1.5 years. And any improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol are reversed.
People who take GLP-1s regain weight four times faster than those who lose weight through lifestyle interventions.
The depressing results raise the question: Are the drugs worth starting if you can’t stay on them long-term? Doctors largely say yes but caution the need for proper counseling and lifestyle changes.
The medications, which include Ozempic, Mounjaro and Zepbound, mimic naturally occurring gut hormones such as GLP-1, suppressing appetite and making people feel full faster.
The BMJ review examined 37 studies that included people taking weight-loss medications; six were studies where people took GLP-1s rather than older weight-loss medications. On average, people taking a GLP-1 lost 32 pounds on the medications but gained back 21 pounds in the first year after stopping them, the study found.
“It’s virtually parallel with weight gain,” says Sam West, a physiologist and postdoctoral researcher at University of Oxford in England who was lead author of the BMJ review.
In general, when you lose weight, your metabolism slows and you burn fewer calories. But there is another less-known impact.
Your appetite goes up, says Kevin Hall, a former senior investigator at the National Institutes of Health and specialist in nutrition who has done research documenting this phenomenon. “These drugs, they interfere with that feedback control system while you’re on them, but once you’re off the drugs and lost so much weight, your appetite is much higher than it was to begin with so you’ll be overeating calories,” he says.
Doctors say it isn’t surprising that weight gain is faster for those who stop taking medications as opposed to those who lost it through diet and exercise. When someone stops dieting, they don’t go from restricting calories to eating without limits, notes Dr. Katherine H. Saunders, a clinical assistant professor of medicine. It is usually a gradual process.
When you stop taking a GLP-1, “the hunger and food noise symptoms come back with a vengeance,” she says.
Another less-studied phenomenon is when people stop taking a GLP-1 and then decide they want to go back on the medication. It isn’t always as successful the second or third time around, says Saunders.
The concept of metabolic adaptation explains the body’s desire to regain weight after stopping a GLP-1 medication, says Dr. Gitanjali Srivastava, medical director of obesity medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.
This is our body’s survival mechanism, evolved over many centuries, to slow our metabolism down and conserve energy during times of famine or stress.
The greatest success stories come from combining lifestyle changes with obesity medications, says Srivastava. “We really need to provide these therapies in combination, all in one, for the maximum benefit of the patient,” she says.
Weight cycling—gaining and losing weight repeatedly—may negatively affect the proportion of fat to muscle, doctors say. When you lose weight, one-quarter to a third is muscle. When you gain weight back, it tends to be more fat than muscle.
In addition to your appetite roaring back, there is also the psychological impact of gaining weight back, which can lead to people feeling defeated and less likely to exercise.
Obesity care is no different than treating someone for high cholesterol or diabetes. When you stop taking a statin, the cholesterol will go back up. When you stop taking insulin, diabetes returns.
So, is there any point to taking a GLP-1 short-term? Doctors think the answer is yes. Patients need a long-term strategy that could involve transitioning to a less-expensive, older-generation weight-loss medication or starting a more intensive lifestyle intervention.
“I would never say to them there’s no point in starting, but I will tell them right up front we have to start thinking of the day after stopping now.
Here are 20 tiny habits you could add into your life. They don’t seem like much, but if you practice them regularly, they can change your energy level, your fitness, your relationships, your work, your community, and your environment… in big ways.
A higher intake of preservatives widely used in processed foods and beverages was associated with a modestly increased risk of cancer, according to results from the French NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort.
Among more than 105,000 participants, higher intake of several preservatives, including potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, acetic acid, and sodium erythorbate, was associated with an increased risk of overall, breast, and prostate cancers, reported Mathilde Touvier, MSc, MPH, PhD, of Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and Université Paris Cité, and colleagues.
“These findings may have important public health implications given the ubiquitous use of these additives in a wide range of foods and beverages,” they wrote in The BMJ.
“If confirmed, these new data call for the re-evaluation of regulations governing the food industry’s use of these additives, to improve consumer protection,” they noted. “In the meantime, the findings support recommendations for consumers to favor freshly made, minimally processed foods.”
Key takeaways
Key Findings: Higher intake of preservatives like potassium sorbate, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, acetic acid, and sodium erythorbate is associated with an increased risk of overall, breast, and prostate cancers.
Health Recommendations: Favor freshly made, minimally processed foods and monitor additive consumption while regulatory agencies may re-evaluate limits and labeling requirements.
Study Details: Based on 105,260 participants in the NutriNet-Santé cohort (2009–2023), with dietary intake tracked via repeated 24-hour records and cancer incidence monitored over ~7.6 years.
President Donald J. Trump announced nine new agreements with major pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices for Americans in line with the lowest prices paid by other developed nations (known as the most-favored-nation, or MFN, price).
Patients will be able to see massive price reductions on numerous products when purchasing directly through TrumpRx as a result of today’s actions. Select examples include:
Amgen will reduce the price of its cholesterol-lowering drug Repatha from $573 to $239 for patients purchasing directly through TrumpRx.
Bristol Myers Squibb will reduce the price of its HIV medication, Reyataz, from $1,449 to $217 for patients purchasing directly through TrumpRx.
Boehringer Ingelheim will reduce the price of its type two diabetes medication, Jentadeuto, from $525 to $55 for patients purchasing directly through TrumpRx.
Genentech will reduce the price of its flu medication, Xofluza, from $168 to $50 for patients purchasing directly through TrumpRx.
Gilead Sciences will reduce the price of its Hepatitis C medication, Epclusa, from $24,920 to $2,425 for patients purchasing directly through TrumpRx.
GSK will reduce the prices of its inhaler portfolio. Prices for the popular asthma inhaler Advair Diskus 500/50 will fall from $265 to $89 for patients purchasing directly through TrumpRx.
Merck will reduce the price of its diabetes medication, Januvia, from $330 to $100 for patients purchasing directly through TrumpRx.
Novartis will reduce the price of its Multiple Sclerosis medication, Mayzent, from $9,987 to $1,137 for patients purchasing directly through TrumpRx.
Sanofi will reduce the price of its prescription blood thinner, Plavix, from $756 to $16 for patients purchasing directly through TrumpRx and Sanofi will list its insulin products at TrumpRx at $35 per month’s supply.
Lower drug prices also will help patients who have no insurance coverage and little leverage to negotiate better deals on what they pay.
It’s a wakeup vcall, no pun intended. Who knew the beverage we reach for first thing in the morning is toxic if prepared a certain way.
Decaf coffee
If you’re a fan of decaf, Sean Callan, a neuroscientist and CEO of Ellipse Analytics, recommends you skip this jolt-free beverage unless you’re sure the decaffeination process is solvent-free.
“Solvents, the chemicals used to remove caffeine from coffee, are generally toxic to humans,” he said. “Many are linked to increased risk of cancer or neurological harm, especially in large or repeated doses. Beyond that, solvents like methylene chloride (a solvent commonly used in the decaffeination process) are known to cross the placenta, meaning pregnant women risk exposing their unborn child to the solvent.”
If you still want to enjoy decaf coffee, Callan recommends you visit the site checkyourdecaf.org, where you can find out what chemicals are in any decaf brands you drink.
Seriously folks, check this site out and be amazed.
Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that can cause discomfort or bleeding, especially when trying to go no. 2. They occur mostly from straining too much when you’re on the toilet, with harder bowel movements, obesity and pregnancy increasing the risk of hemorrhoids.
While these conditions are risk factors, there’s a common habit that you may not even realize is increasing your risk of hemorrhoids, too. Gastroenterologist Joseph Salhab, D.O. recently took to Instagram to share the bathroom routine you need to stop.
“Prolonged sitting when you’re trying to use the restroom puts you at risk for developing hemorrhoids, which can be painful and bleed,” he shares. This includes sitting for long periods of time trying to go, or if you’re mindlessly scrolling on your phone while on the toilet. Recent science supports the correlation between time spent on the toilet and degree of hemorrhoids.
Plus, the gastroenterologist notes that using your phone on the toilet is a major risk for spreading bacteria onto your device. Leave your phone away from the seat or out of the bathroom entirely for better poop habits and to limit the spread of nasty bacteria.
If you have to wait a while to poop, and if pushing hard is necessary for you, there are ways to help you poop easier, per Salhab’s advice.
“First, increase your fiber with fruits that can help stimulate bowel movements,” the doctor explains. “This includes things like kiwi fruit, dragon fruit, apples, pears, prunes and the vitamin C [in fruits] helps as well.” A fruit salad or a High-Fiber Dragon Fruit & Pineapple Smoothie Bowl are great choices to keep things moving.
Drinking enough water throughout the day is also crucial in keeping you hydrated and making your bathroom experiences easier. The gastroenterologist also recommends using a stool like a Squatty Potty, and he suggests supplementing a drink with fiber, magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate if you’re really having trouble. And when you feel like you have to go, go—don’t try to ignore it.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re having long-term issues or are feeling severe pain when using the bathroom. Hemorrhoids can be treated with a high-fiber diet, but you may need medical attention if you are struggling to find relief.
It’s vital to examine the kinds of communication that go under the radar as disrespectful. Awareness is the first step in taking accountability for your words. While the types of phrases below can seem innocent on their own, over time they can leave a partner feeling diminished and unloved — and the whole relationship in troubled waters:
1. Phrases that humiliate your partner, name-calling, or speaking disparagingly — directly or to others in public
Examples:
“Really, second helpings?”
“Oh, he always does that.”
“Don’t pay attention to him.”
2. Sarcasm and mocking tones intended as insults
Examples:
“Great job on yelling at the kids.”
“Is that what you’re wearing?”
“Yeah, like that’s worth bragging about.”
3. Manipulative language that twists reality
Examples:
“It didn’t happen that way.”
“I never said that. You understood it wrong.”
“You’re crazy if you really think that.”
4. Moralistic statements that insult, correct, criticize, demean, diagnose or label
Examples:
“You spoil him way too much, because your mother spoiled you.”
“You’re so selfish.”
“That’s a narcissistic thing to say.”
5. Blame shifting
Examples:
“I hate yelling, but you frustrate me so much.”
“You’re making me feel guilty.”
“Maybe if you tried harder, I wouldn’t have to step in.”
6. Blocking compassion by advice, interrogation, one-upping or correcting
Examples:
“How come you didn’t talk to me about this sooner?”
“Why don’t you just ignore her?”
“I’ve done this a dozen times. It’s not that complicated.”
How to be a more mindful communicator
While this won’t solve all your problems, one tool I like to give couples after their first session is the almighty pause.
Whether it’s stepping away, going outside to breathe and relax, or developing a silly code word together when things get tense. The idea is to do whatever it takes to shut the reactive system down which typically requires elongating the space between your angry reactive feelings and the urge to spew these feelings out with your words.
The pause could mean a minute, five minutes, or five days. This slowing down mechanism benefits us greatly in relationships because it makes us less prone to the judgmental words.
Essentially, the work before you open your mouth is the most important and influential part of having conversations that heal versus destroy your relationship. Pausing and preparing is about connecting within for energy before you reach for energy from your partner. We are all in training here!
Source: Rachel Glik, a licensed professional counselor, and author of “A Soulful Marriage: Healing Your Relationship With Responsibility, Growth, Priority, and Purpose.”
An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from a chronic or recurrent ringing, roaring, whistling, hissing, clanging or shrieking sound in their ears, according to How Stuff Works. This condition, called tinnitus, often occurs because the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that conduct sound are damaged, producing constant stimulation of aural nerves. A wide range of causes can contribute to this condition, including exposure to loud noise, aging, medications, hearing loss, allergies and stress. Several food or food additives can trigger or exacerbate ringing in the ear.
Here are some of the foods that cause ringing in the ears.
Salt
Many people with tinnitus report worse symptoms after eating salty food, according to the American Tinnitus Association. Salt restricts blood vessels, increasing blood pressure within the major arteries while reducing blood flow into the eyes, ears and brain. Snack, fast and processed foods tend to contain large amounts of salt.
Salicylates
Salicylates are naturally occurring chemicals that protect plants against bacteria, pests and disease. People with salicylate sensitivity can have adverse reactions to the accumulation of salicylates in their body. People with tinnitus can experience a worsening of their symptoms when exposed to salicylates, according to the Journal of Neurosciences.
Foods that contain salicylates include fruits such as:
dried fruit
blackberries
blueberries
boysenberry
oranges
pineapples
raisins
raspberries
strawberries
tangerines
Vegetables
Vegetables with salicylates include peppers, tomatoes, and canned green olives.
Other foods with salicylates include
almonds
peanuts with skins on
coconut oil
olive oil
processed lunch meats
corn syrup
honey
jams
peppermint
Beverages and Ear ringing
For various reasons, several beverages can trigger or worsen tinnitus symptoms. Red wine, grain-based spirits such as rum and beer, cider, sherry and brandy all contain high to very high levels of salicylates. Beverages that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate and energy drinks also exacerbate tinnitus, according to American Tinnitus Association. Caffeine may exacerbate in some people by increasing blood pressure and stimulating nerve cell activity.
Food Additives and Flavor Enhancers
The artificial sweetener, aspartame, reportedly can worsen tinnitus symptoms in people who are sensitive to this additive, according to American Tinnitus Association. Monosodium glutamate may cause adverse reactions, including migraines and exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, in people who are sensitive to it.
Sugar
A significant portion of people with tinnitus have a sugar metabolism problem called hyperinsulinemia, according to the National Institutes of Health. Hyperinsulinemia occurs when the body develops an insensitivity to insulin and therefore fails to break sugar down and deliver it to cells. This resulting excess of glucose in the blood stream causes the pancreas to release more insulin. People with tinnitus who maintain a diabetic diet may experience an improvement in their tinnitus symptoms.
Fats
Although fats do not necessarily cause an immediate exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms, foods with saturated and trans fats contribute to poor circulation and reduce blood flow. A diet high in these unhealthy fats increases bad cholesterol and decreases good cholesterol, affecting long-term heart health and potentially heightening the severity of ringing in the ears.
While it is a chronic condition, dietary changes (like eating less salt and dialing down your caffeine and alcohol intake), medications, hearing aids, and other therapies can help you manage your symptoms.
