Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, teas, chocolate and energy drinks. It acts on your brain and nervous system. Learn more about caffeine here.

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Superfoods that aren’t really ‘super’ after all

Many so-called ‘superfoods’ aren’t as healthy as you might think. Here are the facts (and fiction) behind Himalayan salt, dark chocolate and coconut oil.

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Healthy food swaps

Need help to meet your health goals such as reducing your blood pressure or cholesterol? See healthdirect’s list of healthier food alternatives.

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How to eat healthily on a budget

Simple budget-friendly tips to help meet your nutritional needs.

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Glycaemic index (GI)

The glycaemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrate foods based on their immediate effect on blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Learn more here.

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Stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers occur in the lining of your stomach. Be aware of the symptoms and get diagnosed early to treat ulcers and prevent complications.

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Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the ear that causes hearing and balance problems. There's no cure, but the symptoms can be managed.

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Antioxidants

Antioxidants can neutralise free radicals in your body. Find out about foods high in antioxidants and when you should consider taking supplements.

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Sleep tips for children

Sleep is vital for a child’s growth, learning and development. Find out how much sleep children need, and discover new ways to help them sleep well.

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Anaemia medicines

Anaemia medicine is mostly used to treat iron-deficiency anaemia. Learn how this medicine works, who takes it and associated side effects.

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Low FODMAP diets

A low FODMAP diet reduces certain types of sugar that are fermented in your gut to reduce tummy pain and discomfort. Learn more about FODMAPs here.

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Kilojoules

Kilojoules are the way to measure both the energy in food and drink and the energy the body uses. Find out more about kilojoules and how many you need.

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Gluten-free diet

Find out the importance of a gluten-free diet for people with coeliac disease and other conditions.

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Ovarian cysts

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac in the ovary and is common. Learn more about the types of cysts, symptoms and treatments.

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Dietary fats

The body needs some fats and oils as part of a balanced diet. But some fats (unsaturated fats) are healthier than others (saturated and trans fats).

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Bedwetting in older children

Bedwetting can happen when children don’t wake when they need to urinate. There are several things you can do to help your child stay dry, including using a bedwetting alarm.

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Flatulence

Flatulence is the passing of air or gas from the intestine and through the anus, often accompanied by a sound and smell. Read more about flatulence.

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Hiatus hernia

A hiatus hernia is where a part of the stomach pushes up through a hole in the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen.

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Hernias

A hernia occurs when tissues or organs bulge through a weak point in the wall of the abdomen (belly muscles). Here is information about hernia symptoms and treatment.

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Heart palpitations

When you have palpitations you are suddenly aware of your heartbeat. Read about the causes, related symptoms and what to do if you have palpitations.

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Itchy anus (pruritus ani)

Itchy anus, or pruritus ani is common and can be extremely intense and persistent. Read about causes, treatment and when to see a doctor.

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Healthy eating for children

Healthy eating helps kids stay well and helps prevent illness. Read on for tips on how to encourage healthy eating habits in children, and lay good foundations for healthy eating throughout life.

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Cluster headache

Cluster headaches are rare and occur in groups, or clusters. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of cluster headaches.

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Foods high in iodine

Foods high in iodine include fish, prawns and seafood, as well as iodised salt and packaged bread. Here's how to get enough iodine in your diet.

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Egg allergy

Egg allergy usually starts in infancy, but most children grow out of it. Learn about the symptoms and diagnosis of egg allergy, and ways to avoid egg.

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Allergic reactions to cow's milk

Allergic reactions to cow’s milk are very common. It is seen in about 1 in 50 infants. Learn more here about allergy to milk proteins.

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A balanced diet

It’s important to eat a balanced diet. Make sure you choose foods from the 5 food groups. The amounts you need vary depending on your life stage.

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Junk food and your health

Eating junk food, and having sweet drinks, can lead to short and long-term health complications such as weight gain, diabetes and heart problems.

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Urinary incontinence

If you have urinary incontinence (trouble controlling your bladder), a simple lifestyle change or treatment may be all that’s needed to cure or improve it, or to help you manage the condition. Learn more here.

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Heartburn

Heartburn is a feeling of burning pain or discomfort in the chest due to acid reflux. Find out about the triggers for heartburn and how to relieve it.

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