Episodes

  • Want to get pregnant? There’s more to it than you think

    Want to get pregnant? There’s more to it than you think
    Jul 9 2026
    Whether you’re ready to become pregnant today or thinking about the future, there’s a lot to learn about your fertility. In this episode, a reproductive endocrinologist and a reproductive psychiatrist walk through the basic factors that contribute to your ability to get pregnant — and explain the best ways to get your timing right.

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    26 mins
  • Scarfing down your food? How to be intentional about meals

    Scarfing down your food? How to be intentional about meals
    Jul 6 2026
    Eating more deliberately can help you make better choices about nourishing your body, says Lilian Cheung, a mindful eating lecturer at Harvard. She shares how to enjoy meals while paying attention. This episode originally published Sept. 11, 2023.

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    17 mins
  • Should I take a probiotic? And other gut questions, answered

    Should I take a probiotic? And other gut questions, answered
    Jun 22 2026
    Research shows that our gut microbiome -- the trillions of microbes that populate our intestines -- isn't just involved in digestion. It's intimately linked to our immune systems, mental health, cognition and more. If you want to improve the health of your gut microbiome, there are specific best practices that can help. This episode, NPR health correspondent Will Stone shares tips on probiotic supplements, microbiome tests, and the most important factor -- your diet.

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    Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG are two examples of probiotic strains that have considerable evidence from randomized controlled trials. Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 for travelers' diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for antibiotic-associated diarrhea for children and adults, and also for upper respiratory tract infections.

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    13 mins
  • Stop overthinking skin care. What's essential and what's hype

    Stop overthinking skin care. What's essential and what's hype
    Jun 15 2026
    The list of skin care products being sold as “essential” can feel endless. What do all those serums, creams, acids and toners actually do — and do you need them? In this episode of Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra talks to health journalist Kelle Walsh, who just wrote a newsletter series for us on this topic.

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    14 mins
  • How to have a safe, healthy summer

    How to have a safe, healthy summer
    Jun 8 2026
    Tips to help you thrive this season. We've got tips on how to effectively apply mosquito repellent (you need more than you think!), prevent tick bites, the safest place to position your grill, and keep everyone safe while swimming. Plus, advice on making a crave-worthy salad.

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    18 mins
  • 5 simple ways to minimize stress

    5 simple ways to minimize stress
    Jun 4 2026
    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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    17 mins
  • The dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications

    The dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications
    May 18 2026
    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, pharmacists and a doctor cover your drug options, including side effects, dosage and what to reach for the next time you have a headache or fever. This episode was originally published on March 31, 2025.

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    22 mins
  • Are there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?

    Are there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?
    May 14 2026
    According to the CDC, virtually all Americans have PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in our bodies. These manmade substances have been linked to cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid disease and more. This episode, take steps to reduce the buildup of these chemicals in your body with tips from reporter and host of the podcast Safe to Drink Mara Hoplamazian -- like getting special water filters and checking other items in your home that may contain PFAS, like nonstick pans.

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    A previous version of this episode description incorrectly said that virtually all drinking water contained PFAS. The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated that at least 45% of the nation's tap water contains one or more of 30-plus types of PFAS chemicals.

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    20 mins