Life Kit: Health

Life Kit: Health

Taking care of yourself shouldn't be complicated. We talk to the experts for practical advice to live a long and healthy life, based on science. Updated every time Life Kit posts an episode on health and wellness. Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks an exclusive sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit

Episodes

Here's why your feet hurt — and what you can do about it

May 1, 2025 • 25 mins
If you're struggling with foot pain from bunions, Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, it might be time to reevaluate your foot care routine. In this episode, foot experts share advice on picking the right running shoes, strengthening your feet muscles and more.

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What to eat for better sleep

April 29, 2025 • 15 mins
Your diet affects your sleep. What foods can help you be your most rested self? Nutrition scientist and researcher Marie-Pierre St-Onge has research-backed tips on which foods to eat — and, spoilers, a lot of them are foods you either have in your fridge already or can work into nearly any recipe.

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5 simple ways to minimize stress

April 14, 2025 • 17 mins
Need a break? Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The 5 Resets, offers quick, easy ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life changes necessary. This episode originally aired Feb. 6, 2024.

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How to relieve constipation

April 8, 2025 • 16 mins
Haven't pooped in days? Gastroenterologists explain what to do in this SOS moment — and share tips on how to avoid chronic constipation. This episode was originally published July 10, 2023.

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Over-the-counter pain medications 101

March 31, 2025 • 22 mins
Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin — there are many over-the-counter pain medications available, but are they all the same? And how much should you really take? In this episode, a doctor and pharmacists cover your drug options, including side effects, dosage and what to reach for the next time you have a headache or fever.

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Car safety 101: Crashes, road rage, weather and more

March 24, 2025 • 20 mins
You might know the basics of car safety, like buckling your seatbelt or using your turn signal. But what do you do in car emergencies? This episode, Hector Carias, an officer with the California Highway Patrol, breaks down how to handle emergency situations.

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How to maintain an exercise routine as you age

March 20, 2025 • 16 mins
It's important to exercise as we age. Regular movement can help not just with cardiovascular health and maintaining muscle mass — it can also foster community. Juana Summers, co-host of NPR's All Things Considered, speaks with older exercisers about what motivates them to stay active.

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What's in your lotion? A guide to personal care product safety

March 17, 2025 • 24 mins
It's easy to get overwhelmed by long ingredient lists when it comes to personal care products like shampoo, makeup and lotion. Which substances could be potentially harmful? Which are safe to use? In this episode, we cover current ingredients of concern, alternatives and how to decide which products you actually need in your life.

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The benefits of a plant-based diet on your gut

February 11, 2025 • 11 mins
A recent study found that one key to gut health is eating a wide variety of plants. In this episode, we talk about the research with NPR's Maria Godoy and offer tips to help you mix up your diet.

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The science behind the FDA ban on food dye Red No. 3

February 3, 2025 • 10 mins
Last month, the Food and Drug Administration announced it is banning Red No. 3, a food dye additive in processed foods like sodas, sweets and snacks. Recently, it and other dyes were linked to negative behavioral issues in children, and decades ago, high levels of Red No. 3 were linked to cancer in rats. This episode, NPR science podcast Short Wave explains what we know about Red No. 3's harmful health effects and the other dyes th...
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How to recover after a workout

January 30, 2025 • 23 mins
It's normal to feel some pain or soreness after a workout. But how much is too much, and more importantly, how do you get relief? This episode, build out your post-workout recovery routine. A sports medicine doctor, nutritionist and professional athlete break down everything you can do from the moment your last workout finishes to right before your next one begins – to feel better in your body, minimize your injury risk and get the...
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How to improve your posture

January 21, 2025 • 18 mins
Posture doesn't mean standing up straight or gliding across a room with a book on your head. This episode, a physical therapist and a biomechanist break down the meaning of healthy posture and how you can nurture it.

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What you need to know about cardio

January 13, 2025 • 11 mins
Cardio — exercise that gets your heart rate up — can support good health in many ways. It can help prevent heart disease, increase your energy levels, decrease stress and more. In this episode, we cover what exercise and activities count as cardio, how to reap its benefits and how much to do.

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Stressed? Try one of these quick resets

January 6, 2025 • 22 mins
Whether your stress manifests in your mind, body or behavior (or maybe all three) there are ways to find relief quickly. Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz talks about some of the 75 evidence-based tips from her book Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes. This episode originally published Jan. 15, 2024. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special...
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How to move more this year

January 2, 2025 • 14 mins
Looking to be more active in the new year? Here are four expert tips on how to fit movement into your hectic schedule and stay motivated with research-backed strategies.

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How to cut down on drinking

December 26, 2024 • 18 mins
If you want to drink less or give up alcohol completely, it's natural to feel scared or anxious at first. What do you do at parties? What if people think you're boring? And how can you deal with temptation? Casey Davidson, sobriety coach and host of the Hello Someday podcast, has tips for those starting a sobriety journey. And she argues that everyone would benefit from an evaluation of when and how alcohol shows up in their lives....
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How to optimize your circadian rhythm

December 17, 2024 • 15 mins
New research shows that too much light at night and not enough daylight is taking years off our lives. NPR health correspondent Will Stone has tips to tune up your body's internal clock.

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Why you should take a 'fart walk' after a meal

December 12, 2024 • 12 mins
Post-meal walks to release gas, called 'fart walks,' have become popular on social media. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy says the science is solid on this trend. She shares the many health benefits of walking after eating: better digestion, more balanced blood sugar levels and a healthier gut microbiome.

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How to thrive, not just survive in winter

December 9, 2024 • 23 mins
Winter is back. The days are shorter, the cold air hurts when breathing in and a warm bed seems more appealing than the outdoors. For some, remaining active and social can be challenging once the clocks roll back an hour. But should we let winter keep us from living our lives? In this episode, health psychologist Kari Leibowitz discusses her new book, How To Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days. S...
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It's ok to run slow AF

November 28, 2024 • 25 mins
Martinus Evans, author of Slow AF Run Club, explains what running is and what it isn't — and why anyone who wants to run can run. And for people interested in starting a routine, he shares tips on pace, gear and form. This episode originally aired on June 22, 2023.

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