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Life Kit: Health

Life Kit: Health

NPR 251 Episodes Jun 22, 2026

Taking care of yourself shouldn't be complicated. This podcast offers practical advice from experts to help you live a long and healthy life, based on science. Each episode covers a different health or wellness topic, providing actionable tips. It is updated every time Life Kit posts an episode on health and wellness.

Episodes

Should I take a probiotic? And other gut questions, answered Jun 22, 2026 788 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 sup
Stop overthinking skin care. What's essential and what's hype Jun 15, 2026 847 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.Sign up for Life Kit's skin care newsletter. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for
How to have a safe, healthy summer Jun 8, 2026 1078 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.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email
5 simple ways to minimize stress Jun 4, 2026 1024 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.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it spon
The dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications May 18, 2026 1338 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.Follow us on Inst
Are there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water? May 14, 2026 1174 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 checkin
5 tips to help you poop better May 11, 2026 1404 Think you know how to go No. 2? Think again. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author of the new book You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy, shares common bathroom practices she wishes would go away — like holding your poop — and tips on how to reduce strain on the toilet.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want
Explosive power: exercises to boost mobility and prevent injury Apr 28, 2026 1088 Explosive power is the ability to generate a lot of force quickly. It combines strength and speed. We use it in our daily lives to walk up stairs, stand up from a chair, catch ourselves when we stumble, and play sports. In this episode: specific exercises to train for explosive power.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to sha
Make the most of a high-deductible health plan Apr 20, 2026 908 Did you know that if you have a high-deductible health plan, some services like immunizations and screenings are free (even if you haven't met your deductible)? Or that you might be able to invest the money in your HSA? This episode, KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér shares tips on getting the most out of your HDHP.Have a question about navigating the health care system? Contact us here and
Don't rely only on anti-histamines this allergy season Apr 16, 2026 1206 Spring has sprung, and so too seasonal allergies. This episode, what you can do to stay more comfortable if you suffer from pollen allergies. Dr. Prathyusha Savjani shares strategies you can use, both outdoors and at home, to find relief.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show
Protein is personal. Here's how to calculate your optimal intake Apr 6, 2026 718 Protein is having a moment. Coffee chains are adding it into lattes. Many snack companies are labeling their products as high-protein. But how much protein do you really need? Host Marielle Segarra talks with NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey about the different factors to consider when planning your protein intake.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an ep
How to recover after a workout Mar 16, 2026 1306 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, mi

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