In this issue: Risks of excess stress, soda label warnings, nerve injury treatments and more

HOUSECALL Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the nation. Vol. 18, Issue 96 | November 30, 2017   THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES     Chronic stress puts your health at risk Your body's stress reaction was meant to protect you, but when it's constantly on alert, your health can pay the price. Here's how.     Low-carb diet: Can it help you lose weight?   This type of diet limits carbohydrates — such as those found in grains, starchy vegetables and fruit — and emphasizes foods high in protein and fat. Are there any potential health benefits?           EXPERT ANSWERS   Phenylalanine in diet soda: Is it harmful? You may have seen a warning about phenylalanine on soda labels. Find out why it's there and whether it affects you. Vitamins for MS: Do supplements make a difference? The question of whether larger doses of vitamins can help treat multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms is controversial. White stool: Should I be concerned? If your stool has turned white, it may indicate a serious liver problem. Discover what the cause could be.   PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ... Cough: When to see a doctor Peripheral nerve injuries C-reactive protein test Slide show: Guide to herbs and spices     TRUSTED HEALTH TOOLS   Use our Symptom Checker to explore possible causes of your symptoms based upon Mayo Clinic's patient care experience.   Use these simple calculators and self-assessments for personalized health tips.   Mayo Clinic healthy weight pyramid BMI calculator     MAYO CLINIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES   A trusted and essential resource for new parents Becoming a new parent is both exhilarating and overwhelming. Being thrust into a world of responsibility for a tiny human being can leave new parents feeling unprepared for the task. Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Year gives new parents the clear guidance they're looking for from Mayo Clinic experts they trust. Get your copy today!     HEALTHY RECIPES   Overnight orange cinnamon baked French toast 6-grain hot cereal Banana oatmeal pancakes   HEALTH TIP   Health-boosting nutrients Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and carotenoids, may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Other naturally occurring antioxidants include flavonoids, tannins, phenols and lignans. Plant-based foods are the best sources. These include fruits, vegetables and their juices, whole-grain products, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, and even cocoa.   Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover even more healthy lifestyle topics at MayoClinic.org.   Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy    |    Opportunities     Create hope and healing Create hope and healing with a gift to Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization, and every dollar of your gift goes to funding the lifesaving research, outstanding patient care and critical medical education our patients and their families will be counting on this year. Please consider making a gift today.     Connect with Mayo Clinic For more of our reliable health information and tools, visit us at MayoClinic.org. Or add us to your social network!   Like us on Facebook Follow on Twitter Discover your Network   Watch on YouTube Patient Stories View More Newsletters       © 2017 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. All rights reserved.