It's not about individual nutrients anymore.

For much of the 20th century, nutrition research focused largely on the health risks and benefits of single nutrients. The findings translated into public health messages telling us to reduce fat; limit cholesterol; increase fiber; get more calcium; take vitamins E, C, and D; and so on. But as scientists learn more, they're finding that the health effects of food likely derive from the synergistic interactions of nutrients and other compounds within and among the foods we eat. This has led to a shift from nutrient-based recommendations toward guidelines based on foods and eating ...

Women over age 50 are having sex — and developing STIs — at a higher rate than commonly believed.

The notion that women lose interest in sexual activity after menopause has collapsed under scientific scrutiny. In a survey of 27,000 women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), more than 60% of women in their 50s, 45% of those in their 60s, and 28% of women in their 70s reported that they were sexually active, and almost two-thirds said they were happy with their level of sexual activity. Of those who were dissatisfied, more than half said they would prefer ...

Low back pain is extremely common; about 80% of us will experience an episode at some time in our lives. The pain usually goes away in a couple of months or so, but it often recurs. Some people develop a chronic form that lasts three months or longer. There are many treatments for chronic low back pain, but none have proved highly effective. Now, a large controlled trial has found that both yoga and stretching exercises are helpful in improving function and reducing symptoms. Results were published in Archives of Internal Medicine (Oct. 24, 2011).

The study. Researchers at Group ...

Q. I have Dupuytren's contracture in both hands. I've had "needle" surgery in one hand, and the fingers straightened. But they seem to want to contract again. What can I do?

A. Dupuytren's contracture is a disorder that develops when the palmar fascia — the tissue between the skin and tendons in the palm — thickens and contracts due to an abnormal buildup of collagen, causing one or more fingers (usually the little and ring fingers) to bend inward. Over time, Dupuytren's can make it difficult or impossible to grasp objects, button buttons, use a computer, and perform many other ...

Ten years ago, I had uterine artery embolization to get rid of uterine fibroids. How long do the plastic particles they inject into the arteries stay in the body? Do they dissolve?

Q. I'm 64 and have been diagnosed with uveitis in my right eye. What causes it, and what is the best treatment for it?

A. Uveitis is inflammation of one or more of the parts of the uvea — the layer of tissue that lies between the retina and the white of the eye (the sclera). These three layers — the retina, uvea, and sclera — surround the cavity of the eyeball, which contains the gel-like vitreous humor (see the illustration).

Anatomy of the uvea

The uvea, or uveal layer, lies between the sclera and the retina; it consists ...