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There are certain questions in life — about relationships, work or health — that can feel too intimate to ask even a friend.

Sometimes, though, you’re just wondering: Does hot water with lemon really have health benefits?

Well, maybe, according to experts — but it’s not a miracle drink, as some social media influencers might have you believe.

That answer came from nutrition experts featured in Ask Well, a New York Times column that aims to fill in the gaps surrounding health topics like allergies, microplastics, toxic chemicals in home goods and depression.

Julia Calderone, the column’s editor, fields questions submitted by readers or posed by colleagues. She then taps journalists from the Well section or health and science freelance writers to report the answers, with the help of experts and research. The column, which publishes every Tuesday morning, aims to provide a judgment-free zone for people to pose even their most personal health concerns. (The questions are published anonymously.)

In an interview, Ms. Calderone spoke about how she picks questions, what topics she won’t assign and what she hopes people take away from the column. This interview has been edited and condensed.

Do you look for questions that are topical? Or is it whatever strikes your interest?

It’s a combination. Sometimes, it’s seasonal — like if we’re in allergy season, I’ll look for questions around allergies. Then it’s based on what we’ve published in the past and what we’re running that month.