One factor I really like about modifying the Ask Nicely column is the camaraderie of it. Each week we reply a well being query: Why am I so congested on a regular basis? (I’ve puzzled that, too!) Why does my sleep worsen as I age? (I’m proper there with you.) Is my espresso behavior in want of an intervention? (Pour me one other whereas we determine it out.)

Once I survey our inbox, I’m amazed at what is available in — questions that cowl the fun, agonies, confusions and vulnerabilities of being an individual. And fortunately for us all, we get to hunt out the solutions.

Listed here are 10 of the most well-liked well being questions of 2023.

1. Is it dangerous to clean your hair every single day?

The reply is dependent upon your hair texture, how oily it’s, whether or not it’s color-treated and extra.

“Whereas it might appear that getting the scalp squeaky clear and with none oils is perfect,” mentioned Dr. Murad Alam, a dermatologist at Northwestern College, “remember the fact that the scalp is a residing a part of your physique, and never a dinner plate in your dishwasher.”

2. Is arthritis avoidable?

Ache, stiffness and swelling of the joints are frequent complaints for older adults — and they are often the primary signal of a dreaded prognosis: arthritis. This umbrella time period describes greater than 100 situations that trigger irritation within the joints. Nevertheless it doesn’t must be an inevitable results of getting old. Listed here are some steps you’ll be able to take to cut back your danger.

4. Can a nap make up for a nasty night time of sleep?

Perhaps you stayed up too late doomscrolling, otherwise you whipped your sheets right into a twister replaying an uncomfortable dialog. Both manner, you’re questioning: Will a noon nap make up for these treasured hours of misplaced shut-eye? The reply is difficult, we discovered. Right here’s what naps can — and might’t — do on your well being.

5. Why am I so congested on a regular basis?

So that you get up each morning all stuffed up and also you need to know what’s occurring. Is it that chilly you (and everybody else) appear to have? The anatomy of your nostril? Allergic reactions? Persistent congestion is difficult to deal with, consultants say, as a result of any variety of issues might be inflicting it. However there are some methods to seek out aid.

6. What ought to I eat or drink when I’ve a chilly?

If that stuffiness is certainly attributable to a chilly, flip to meals and drinks which can be hydrating, nourishing and comforting (whats up, hen noodle soup!). Right here’s a glance at how vitamin may also help combat your an infection, together with what meals and drinks to keep away from.

7. Why does it develop into tougher to sleep as I age?

As a flagrant tosser and turner, I’ve seen that the older I get, the much less doubtless I’m to get up refreshed. It turns on the market are medical causes for that: An getting old mind, sure well being situations, hormones and life-style adjustments might all be the trigger. The excellent news is that sleepless nights aren’t a destiny it’s important to stay with.

8. Why do I get constipated once I journey?

Any exercise that interrupts your common consuming or sleeping schedule dangers backing you up. Dehydration, immobility, altering time zones and an altered weight loss program are usually in charge. Right here’s learn how to get issues working a bit extra easily while you’re out and about.

9. Do I really want all these skincare merchandise?

In case you spend any time on the personal-care aspect of social media, you’ll see video after video of influencers dousing themselves in a whole drugs cupboard’s price of merchandise. However easier is commonly higher in terms of taking good care of your face. Right here’s what dermatologists say you really need.

10. How a lot espresso is an excessive amount of espresso?

Increase your hand should you’re ingesting espresso whereas studying this. Maintain it raised should you’re in your second (or third or fourth) cup of the day. Espresso comprises 1000’s of chemical compounds which may be linked to good well being. Nevertheless it’s additionally a serious supply of caffeine, which in extra could cause points like jitteriness, anxiousness, nausea and bother sleeping. Whereas consultants say that harmful unintended effects from coffee-drinking are uncommon, it’s nonetheless potential to overdo it. Right here’s learn how to know should you’ve poured your self an excessive amount of.

Have extra questions for our well being journalists? Ask Nicely.