Latest Stories

It’s no secret that vegetables are good for your health… but exactly which are the best vegetables for your heart health — and why are they so beneficial? No worries… here are some rules to follow when cruising the grocery aisles.

As we get older, exercise becomes even more important than it was in our 20s and 30s. The tough part is that our bodies won’t, or shouldn’t, do the same things they did decades ago. We have to be more selective about the type of exercise we engage in.

Say you start taking a new blood pressure medication and suddenly feel nauseous and dizziness all the time. What would you do? Probably call your doctor. But if you’re suddenly feeling down or anxious, you may not immediately connect it to your blood pressure medication. Especially, if no one warned you…

We’ve all heard high blood pressure called the “silent killer.” And, unfortunately, I’ve seen how deadly it can be in my own family. But, sometimes, it’s not just the hypertension you have to worry about… Two common factors can compound the threat to triple the risk of cardiovascular death.

It’s easy to get conflicted about the importance of vitamins, especially when the mainstream tells us there’s no reason to supplement. But then a 20-year study comes out that proves for some, like diabetics, a simple deficiency could quadruple the risk of death from disease complications…

Since I took a prolonged course of heavy-duty antibiotics several years ago, my gut has never been the same. Acid reflux, IBS — I’ve had all sorts of problems that impacted how I Iive my life. So I was excited to find a recent study revealed a diet that can improve gut health… even after it’s gone seriously awry.

With the season’s falling temperatures comes an increased risk for upper respiratory infections… If you find yourself coughing, sneezing or wheezing anytime soon and your doctor places an antibiotic prescription in your hands, make sure you’re not trading an infection for a heart problem…

It’s no exaggeration to say that Vitamin B12 is crucial to life. B12 helps make red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. It also creates and regulates DNA. B12 is essential for proper nerve function. So a deficiency can leave you wide open for serious problems. Here’s how to avoid them…

Before the widespread use of modern-day antibiotics in the 1960s, honey was used around the world as a wound dressing. It’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties made it the perfect substance for treating wounds and skin infections.

As winter comes on, there’s good news for those of us who enjoy the occasional glass of wine, or even a nightly drink before dinner. Apparently, wine contains powerful antibacterial agents that could keep you clear of a sore throat and maybe even improve the results of your next dental visit…

We all know that if we want to lose weight, slim down, and tone up, we have to do two things – watch what we eat and exercise. Yet too often, even when we stick to those two principles, it can be difficult to truly see much difference in a short amount of time.

Electronics are so ingrained in our day-to-day, it’s hard to imagine life without them. But people who remember a pre-digital world, often wonder if being so plugged-in is harmful. A new study shows that the blue light from electronics may damage brain cells. But that’s not all… it could make you age faster too…

Dairy marketing has long convinced many of us that drinking a lot of milk is the express lane to strong bones. We’ve told that “milk does a body good.” Turns out, that may not only be false, but a downright dangerous statement that’s luring thousands of men to their early deaths.

Coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fat, a fat long considered to be unhealthy. Yet coconut oil has been credited with a wide range of health benefits. What’s wrong with that picture? Here are 12 ways the research shows coconut oil can impact your health and wellness….

Since the early research on the French paradox, a lot of naysayers have come out of the woodwork to cast doubt on its validity. And they’re partly right: There was a glitch in the research concerning the correlations with red wine. But dismissing the French paradox completely would be a big mistake…

Millions of Americans are so affected by health disorders that are so stigmatizing, they’re too afraid to get help. Many feel alone in their experience, so they don’t seek the treatments they need. Here are a few of the most commonly stigmatized health issues and tips on how to get help…

There are two things they say are 100 percent certain in life… death and taxes. And according to the CDC, in the U.S. you’re most likely to die from either heart disease or cancer. I can’t help you with your taxes, but there’s a way to measure your heart disease and cancer risk at home and do something about it…

Being sick or in the hospital is hard enough, without having to figure out the bills that soon follow. Are you being overcharged? Did the doctor or hospital submit the charge to your insurance company? Is the insurance company paying what it should? Having someone in your corner makes a big difference.

Ahhh… childhood… Cartoons. Games. Candy. Sugary cereals. It was a blast, wasn’t it? Well, that was then, and this is now: All of that stuff is still weighing down your (and my) health today. In fact, our childhood diets play a bigger role in our major health issues as adults than most of us ever realized…

Using your purse as a back-up plan, a place to throw things “just in case” they’re needed during the day, is a recipe for muscle and nerve damage. You’ve probably not thought about what that sort of load is doing to your body. Here are 8+ pains that it causes and how to avoid them…

Fast medicine is impersonal and cold. Patients are now just bits of standardized data. But the biggest casualty of fast medicine is the forgotten concept that if we remove the obstacles, the body can heal itself. That’s called slow medicine. Together, both ways of healing could optimize your health…

The human body has a complex network of thousands or millions of clocks all over the body, all doing their own thing and all of which have to talk to each other and synchronize with each other. When that happens, health is good. A way to make all this work for you is called chrononutrition… and it’s easier than you’d think…

You may have already hatched a plan to protect your memory as much as you can in these critical years. Mediterranean diet? Check. Daily power walks? Check. Sudoku book on your nightstand? Check. But there’s another factor influencing your memory, one you probably don’t realize you need to protect yourself against…

There’s a lot of research claiming to prove the health benefits of coffee. Some of those health claims have a good deal of solid research behind them, while others warrant further investigation. But after more than 20 years of research into coffee, there is one thing we know for sure that can keep you drinking, worry-free…

We all know that being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of developing numerous diseases. But did you know your weight and your risk of cancer are inextricably linked? Not only that, but over 40 you’re at higher risk for certain cancers. The secret’s in your BMI. Here’s how to check your risk and lower it…

Plants make potent medicine. Our ancient ancestors knew it. And modern scientists know it (why do you think most medications have their roots in plants?). Still, many folk remedies get written off as hogwash. That’s why it’s especially exciting when research can pinpoint the mechanism behind a plant’s medicinal power…

Despite what many people think, an overactive bladder is not a natural or inevitable part of aging. It is a diagnosable condition that, while more likely with age, can occur at any age. If an overactive bladder is affecting your quality of life, check out your options — from botox to bladder training and more…

Metformin is a drug for treating diabetes. Like rapamycin that I wrote about last week, metformin has humble beginnings. It is derived from a kind of French lilac, reputedly used to treat diabetes-like conditions in medieval Europe.

Alzheimer’s disease has no cure at this point. Does that mean you should sit back and only hope it doesn’t happen to you? That’s a big fat NO. There’s enough research on how to avoid the mind robber, starting with foods you should eat, those you shouldn’t and other helpful tips to live dementia-free…

A hip fracture is especially serious as you get older. It can mean a loss of mobility and even loss of life. People over 50 who fracture a hip have a much higher risk of death within ten years of their injury. Unfortunately, one certain B supplement can be problematic, especially for women…

Researchers in Australia have discovered a new prescription that seems to be effective against blood pressure… and get this: It has no adverse side effects. This ‘wonder drug’ also also shows promise at relieving heart disease, stress, anxiety and depression.

What causes high blood pressure? Unfortunately, it’s complicated, and there isn’t just one smoking gun. There are really no telltale signs. One of the key elements to remember …

If you have ever wondered if that drug the doctor is offering you will really work… if want to know how far the drug companies will go to lie to you, deceive you, and grab all of your money that they can, keep reading.

Its “golden” color comes from one of the strongest diabetes-busting compounds we know of… and scientists have now put it to the test. Will it work better than the pharmaceuticals?

It’s funny how things change. What was once considered the lore of the lazy, the herb of fringe spirituality, and a schedule 1 controlled substance that is federally illegal, is now looked at by many as a miracle cure for all ailments. But is cannabis really all that?

Is marijuana medicine? There are an increasing number of medical illnesses that are effectively treated by marijuana. And to date, there are more than 20,000 published scientific studies or reviews referencing marijuana and its cannabinoids.

Bananas are a favorite in the Martin house because of their links to lowering blood pressure, reducing cancer risk and improving heart health. And of course, they add just the right amount of sweetness to monkey salad.

A migraine is not your run-of-the mill headache. And if you’re one of the millions of Americans who’s had one, you know there are no words to describe the excruciating pain. But now, there may be help…

Research continues to validate the medicinal properties of some of nature’s most powerful healing plants. Some have been passed down by traditional herbal healers; others have been discovered unexpectedly by researchers searching for cures to our most critical health conditions…

Large clinical trials have now verified that natural (bio-identical) estrogens and progesterone are effective for curbing menopausal symptoms. Even more importantly, they reduce diseases such as breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s dementia…

A lot of research has been coming to light lately about the benefits of light. Getting the right type of light at the right time can do everything from help you lose weight to ease your chronic migraine symptoms. But not just any light will produce these incredible results…

When I switched diets, some of my friends ridiculed the idea that such a simple diet change could clear up my arthritis. But they were proved wrong when research found how certain foods can set your joints on fire. As far as a clearer mind, well, they’ve caught up to that truth as well…

The ancient Chinese Daoists had a grasp of something extraordinary. They developed detailed and complex methods of exercise, martial arts, diet, restoring health, preparing herbal medicines and understanding human energy systems. Among these insights into the human body were systems of …

If you’re following a restrictive diet plan, you’re changing the way your body wants to eat. When you do that, your ‘hunger hormone’ kicks in and is poised and ready to sabotage all your best efforts. For weight loss success you’ve got to eat…

Diabetes is a symptomatic disease: You get it because of a more serious underlying condition … insulin dysfunction. But one basic food ingredient may defeat this illness and put you on a path to optimal health.

If you’ve been a little lax about following your doctor’s advice to lose a few pounds or keep a tighter reign on your blood sugar or blood pressure, here’s a little “pill” of information he or she may not have given you …

Disease-causing inflammation, fungal invaders, cancer cells — all of these are unseen health dangers that could be hiding in your body right now. But you can conquer all three by turning to an ancient remedy…

Dancing is good for your body. Aside from elevating body temperature, loosening joints, increasing range of motion and muscle pliability, it increases oxygenation and your blood flow. It also releases pain-relieving endorphins…

The best medicines are the ones that have many uses and applications. In Asian medicine, if an herb has only one or two applications, it is considered insignificant. Because ailments, diseases and pain do not happen in a vacuum, it is important that any treatment do more than one thing.

Trying to find a tasty treat these days without added sugars is almost impossible. And please don’t get me started on artificial sugars — I’d rather gain a few pounds than risk cancer or autoimmune disease. But with these raspberry pops you don’t have to do either…

Do you ever find yourself overcome by a food craving so strong your willpower goes out the window? But if you find yourself craving certain foods over and over again, it’s actually more than just inconvenient. It’s a sign of what’s really going on with your health…

Every time you lose your keys or forget someone’s name, you probably get a sinking feeling in your stomach. Could this be a sign your mind is on its way out? But these occasional memory slips are normal. There is, however, another warning sign you should watch out for if you’re worried about getting dementia….

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, can put a significant cramp in your lifestyle. They can also leave you concerned about the possibility of cancer. But how concerned should you be?

Skin cancer … just the thought of suffering from it is overwhelming. But we have to think about it because here’s something even more overwhelming …

A sluggish bowel is something to be on the lookout for so you can stave off worsening symptoms that could zap your energy or worse. Here’s how to keep things moving along, naturally and safely…

A solid eight hours of sleep is an elusive and highly sought-after commodity. So if you’re really struggling with sleep problems, you should consider trying one more thing before you surrender yourself to a lifetime of restless sleep…

You already know that your brain is a tissue mass containing the specialized cells called neurons. But your brain does much more than just use those cells to store information. Much more than we ever thought, no pun intended. And here’s the exciting part …

Watermelon is an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant carotenoid that’s been studied for it’s potential role in reducing risk of heart disease, various cancers and offering skin protection from harmful UV rays…

It’s one of the primary health conditions contributing to antibiotic resistance on a global scale. So, finally, researchers are turning to this well-known natural remedy as a potential source of relief and prevention…

There are a lot of ways to keep your memory and cognitive abilities operating smoothly as you age. But whether you do all of these things or not, you should know that there’s one thing you absolutely need to do to ensure your brain health for years to come…