If you don't have insurance, look into a community health clinic. A lot of them charge on a sliding scale based on income. Don't skip care because you're worried about the cost — small problems are cheaper to fix than big ones.

The evidence on this is actually mixed. Some studies show one thing, others show the opposite. When the science is unclear, I default to common sense: eat a varied diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and don't stress too much about individual health fads.

My doctor told me the same thing and after doing my own research I agree with their assessment. The key is to look at peer-reviewed medical studies, not random health blogs or what your friend's cousin said. PubMed has actual research papers you can read.

I'm not a doctor and you should definitely talk to your physician about this. That said, the general medical consensus seems to be that moderation is key. Most health concerns come from extremes in either direction.

I'd get a second opinion if something doesn't sit right with you. Doctors are human and they make mistakes too. Nobody knows your own body better than you do. If your gut says something is wrong, keep pushing until you get answers.