The Body

Cup of tea with lemon and flowers in it on a wood table

There's a whole lot of false or unverified information about detox juices, cleanses, and supplements.

Experts weigh in on the 'eight glasses a day' guideline and reveal how much water your body actually needs to support overall health.

Learn the science behind the sensation of butterflies in the stomach and what it reveals about your body.

Here's how your head, heart, and hormones team up to help you get some shut-eye.

These common hygiene mistakes might have a greater impact on your health than you think.

The surprising science that explains everything you need to know about food comas.

Breaking down a common belief and what you should know before trying it.

A person’s legs and feet with colorful socks

Our bodies’ connection to sound and movement is more significant than we realize.

There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about menstruation. But it’s important to parse out what’s true and what’s a lie.

The satisfying sensation of using Q-Tips has a scientific explanation.

This may not give you the best reading of your body composition.

Body comp scales claim to measure how much fat and muscle you have, but they may not give an accurate picture of health. Here’s why.

Oranges and other fruits can leave you itchy, but there's a simple explanation.

If eating fresh fruit makes your mouth tingle, you might have this little-known (but very treatable) condition.

Digital blood pressure monitors allow people to check their systolic and diastolic numbers at home.

You can’t actually feel your blood pressure, but it’s one of the body’s most important indicators of cardiovascular health. Here’s the lowdown on how blood pressure works—and what it means for your overall wellness.

It sounds like a myth, but hot drinks really can make you cooler.

Here‘s the dreaded wisdom tooth doing its thing.

Once essential for early humans, wisdom teeth are now more of a nuisance than a necessity.

All that steam isn't exactly a good thing.

Why do farts always seem to smell worse in the shower? You can blame science (and how enclosed the space usually is in the first place) for this bizarre phenomenon.

Time to get the facts straight on this fact of life.

Should you be worried about animal attacks when you’re menstruating?

There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing a wash routine that‘s best for you.

Find out how factors like age, hair type, and lifestyle influence your ideal shampoo routine.

Who cut the cheese? Hard to say in a cabin this packed.

There’s a scientific explanation for why folks fart more on airplanes, but it doesn’t make it any less aggravating.

You can avoid brain freeze with a couple of easy precautions.

Here's what’s happening in your body when you eat ice cream or drink a chilled beverage too fast.

An illustration of the vagus nerve’s location in the human body.

The vagus nerve does it all—tells your lungs to breathe, controls your heart rate, and even forms the foundation for a whole new medical field.

A 19th-century illustration of a human heart.

Technically, your heart isn’t made of gold. And don't wear it in on your sleeve—you’ll make a mess. Here are 11 scientific facts about your ticker.

Several factors make people more susceptible to the flu in winter.

Like clockwork, flu viruses seem to strike more people in winter than in any other season—and there are several reasons for that.

George Washington died after his physician treated his sore throat with bloodletting, but don't let that stop you from learning more about the human circulatory system.

8 Misconceptions About Detoxing

Are You Drinking Enough Water? Here’s How Much You Really Need Each Day

Why Do We Feel Butterflies in Our Stomach?

Why Do People Rub Their Eyes When They're Tired?

6 Basic Hygiene Habits You've Probably Been Doing Wrong Your Whole Life

The Real Reason You Feel So Tired After Eating

Does Taking a Cold Shower Actually Have Benefits?

Why We All Tap Our Feet to Music—Even if We Don’t Realize We’re Doing It

9 Myths and Misconceptions About Menstruation, Debunked

Why We Can’t Resist Sticking Q-Tips in Our Ears, Even Though It’s Dangerous

Why Body Composition Scales Aren’t the Best Way to Measure Fitness

Do Oranges Make Your Lips Itch? Here's the Reason Why

How Does Blood Pressure Work?

Does Drinking a Hot Drink Really Cool You Down?

Why Do People Have Wisdom Teeth?

There's a Reason Why It Smells Extra Gross If You Fart in the Shower

9 Misconceptions About Menstruation

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

Yes, People Fart More on Planes—Here’s Why

What Causes Brain Freeze?

9 Fascinating Facts About the Vagus Nerve

11 Fit Facts About the Heart

Why Is the Flu Seasonal?

7 Vital Facts About Blood