• Consumer Health: What are the health benefits of acai berries?

a plate of fresh acai berries on a rough wooden table

Acai berries: Superfood or hype?
The acai (ah-sigh-EE) berry is a grapelike fruit harvested from acai palm trees, which are native to the rainforests of South America. Like other berries, acai berries contain antioxidants and fiber. Some proponents call them a superfood, claiming they help various health concerns, including arthritis, weight loss, high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction. Does research support these health claims? Learn more from Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist.

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Video: 'Tai chi'
Tai chi sometimes is described as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle movements, connecting the mind and body. Tai chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. Find out more about tai chi and whether it might be right for you.

Diet and overactive bladder
Overactive bladder causes a sudden urge to urinate. The urge may be difficult to stop, and overactive bladder may lead to the involuntary loss of urine. Management of overactive bladder often begins with behavioral strategies, such as fluid schedules, timed voiding and bladder-holding techniques using your pelvic floor. Diet also may ease symptoms of overactive bladder, particularly urgency and frequency. Learn more from Jennifer K. Nelson, a Mayo Clinic specialty editor for food and nutrition.

Long-term care: Early planning pays off
Long-term care is a term used to describe home and community-based services for adults who need help taking care of themselves. If you're considering long-term care options for yourself or a loved one, start the research and discussions early. If you wait, an injury or illness may lead to a hasty decision that might not be best in the long run. Here's what you need to know.

Blood poisoning
The term "blood poisoning" usually refers to the presence of bacteria or an infection in the blood — not a poisonous substance. Either condition termed blood poisoning potentially can progress to sepsis and septic shock, which are serious illnesses that require prompt medical attention. Learn more from Dr. James Steckelberg, an emeritus Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist.

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