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Even if you grow your own medicinal herbs in your five-acre backyard, get most of your medical care from a naturopath and buy your groceries from food co-ops, farmer’s markets and CSAs, you’ve probably had a dose of prescription antibiotics in the past decade or so. Here’s why it matters…

In the American Journal of Medicine, there’s talk of establishing a new sub-specialty in medicine. That’s all you need — another doctor, right? At first, it may seem like a great idea with more Americans suffering inter-related conditions, like obesity, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. But it highlights a troubling trend…

It’s no secret that the FDA is no friend to the natural supplement industry. The Agency is still going to great lengths to squeeze natural supplements right off the market, passing and manipulating laws that favor the sale of questionable drugs. But what happens when these drugs taint your supplements?

Exceptional longevity means living past 85, something my grandmas and great-grandmas achieved. Clearly, there might be something genetic happening here. But even if your family line isn’t filled with examples like these, research shows the secret to longevity may be in your mind more than your genes, diet or workout…

How many harmless outpatient procedures or tests do you think you’ll undergo this year? If your answer is even just one, you should be aware that you have more to be concerned with than what the procedure reveals about your health… and it has to do with contaminated instruments used in healthcare settings.

Scientists know that light plays a critical role in heart health. Past studies have even shown that heart attacks increase dramatically during dark winter months — like those around the corner. But the latest research shows how you can use light for some big heart protection in just 30 minutes a day…

Tramadol is far less addictive than some “big gun” drugs. In fact, when it was first released, it wasn’t even classified as an opioid (but that’s changed). Tramadol also has fewer side effects than other painkillers. Or so we thought… As more people turn to this “safe” pain reliever, risks are bubbling to the surface…

If you have diabetes, you have a higher risk of cancer. That’s just the way it is. It doesn’t matter if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman. (although, if you’re a diabetic woman, your risk is even higher). Because here are the cold, hard facts…

If I don’t eat lunch by 2:00 pm, I feel lightheaded. But I still haven’t written off the idea of fasting. How can I when I keep reading studies that show it’s an effective way to fight chronic inflammation… the stuff that puts you at risk for cancer, autoimmune diseases and pretty much every other health condition.

Thyroid hormone balancing is confusing for mainstream doctors including endocrinologists (but they may not admit it). That’s because they use only lab tests. The problem with that is there are many medications that affect your thyroid hormone and confound the interpretation of standard thyroid tests…

Sleep apnea is a common problem for both men and women. And that diagnosis comes with some other very serious worries… If you have it, you’re at much higher risk of recurrent heart attack, stroke, and even atrial fibrillation. Now you can add three kinds of cancer to that…

The nutritional content and disease-fighting power of mushrooms is unparalleled. In fact, they might just be the perfect food. They act as natural antibiotics and contain beta-glucans that boost your immune system. But if you cook your fungi the wrong way, you’re destroying all of that before it reaches your plate!

Most of us didn’t know what celiac disease was 20, 30 or 40 years ago. But nowadays, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard of this autoimmune disease triggered by gluten. Why is celiac disease’s spotlight bigger than ever before? Let me tell you, along with the “other” problem it causes…

The keto diet kicks the body into ketosis, causing it to burn fat. It’s thought to induce weight loss because keto food fills you up. It also helps burn more of the calories you do eat. These are big weight loss benefits, but keto has also been shown to have some pretty powerful effects on several health conditions…

If you’re about my age, the beginning of puberty for you was probably a long, long time ago. And, you may be wondering why it even matters now. Well, it matters now, because we’re at the age where our bone strength really matters — a lot.

I love animals — dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, and even reptiles. (I wouldn’t want to cuddle with a snake, but I think they’re fun to watch from a safe distance.) If you’re an animal lover like me, I’m guessing you have a few furry, feathered or scaled family members in your household. And if you do, I have good news…

Living with chronic pain can turn your world upside down. I’ve been there. That’s why I’m excited about some hopeful news for anyone living with depression, pain, or both. Science has uncovered something that may offer a way out of pain and depression, without the risk of becoming addicted to the cure.

Your autonomic nervous system controls many of the bodily functions that you don’t even have to think about. But, as you age, that balance begins to tip to your sympathetic nervous system. This imbalance makes you more susceptible to the unhealthier side of aging. But there’s a novel way to get balanced…

Drug and chemotherapy treatments for early-stage cancer have become more successful in recent years. Up to 30 percent of women show no signs of cancer following chemo. But how do they know their cancer has truly gone into remission so they can live without that terrible worry hanging over their head?

You want to get in shape. So, you go to a boot camp exercise class in a nearby strip mall gym, and it kicks your butt. Sure, challenging exercise has its place. But people who struggle with moderate or intense exercise, shouldn’t get discouraged. Low-key exercise can pay off big time too…

I know fried food isn’t healthy. But I let myself indulge in it more often than I probably should. Unfortunately, all fried food is equally unhealthy in one important sense — the oil. You may not know most oils are unstable and produce a chemical linked to cancer. It can also make tumors double in size…

When most of us think of arthritis, we probably think of the classic stiff, achy joints of the most common type of the disease, osteoarthritis. But, there’s another type of arthritis that’s a whole different animal, an autoimmune disease that attacks your joints, leaving them painful, swollen and even disfigured.

If I opened and closed the front door of my house 60 times a minute, it would probably fly off its hinges in a month! But that’s exactly what your heart valves do. There are no medications for treating valve problems. The only way to fix a severely malfunctioning valve is to replace it. But there are a few things you can do to keep your heart valves in tip-top shape…

Kickboxing is a form of martial arts that combines karate with boxing. But don’t be fooled into thinking that you’re too old to engage in such a strenuous activity. For older adults, the benefits in terms of weight loss, stress relief, better balance and improved concentration are hard to beat!

Whole wheat. Sprouted wheat. Gluten-free. And that’s just the beginning. Are you confused about bread these days? I know I was. Until I did a little research. When you understand what some of the words you see on bread labels REALLY mean, it becomes easier to decide which one is right for you.

If you have an autoimmune disease, you know about fatigue. How it prevents you from working, going out with friends, keeping up with your housework and living a normal life — probably more so than any other autoimmune disease symptom. The question is… what (if anything) can you do about it?

You’ve heard us talk here about the health benefits of a periodic detox to cleanse and rejuvenate the health of the body. But, have you ever considered a “digital detox”?

Stem cell therapy has moved from the laboratory to your doctor’s office. You may be pleasantly surprised at how stem cells — from your own body — can transform, improve and remedy problems in just about any part of your body. Here’s more on stem cell therapies and the real-world applications available to you…

If you’ve been suffering from unexplained headaches, bowel troubles or allergy-like symptoms, it may be time to look at your diet and eliminate some of the ingredients in processed foods. Here’s a closer look at each type of additive and the health problems associated with it.

With age, most of us may be on the lookout for warning signs of Alzheimer’s… things like forgetfulness, difficulty following simple instructions, personality changes and problems communicating. But there’s one sign you might not know about… Depression. And its link to Alzheimer’s shows on the brain.

Long before you go to your doctor and receive a dreaded diagnosis, like cancer, diabetes or Alzheimer’s, your body has already been operating in a serious state of distress caused by unchecked inflammation.

I was so excited when the weather changed from cold to warm. It was a long winter and suddenly the sun was out. But as it gets even hotter, and rainy and damp … well, there’s a problem.

Let’s not romanticize the cavemen: They lived incredibly difficult, short, arduous lives, and they basically ate anything they could get their grubby hands on — including, as some anthropologists have pointed out, grains of various kinds.

A lot of research has surfaced that says drinking alcohol can make you healthier… especially that glass of red wine with dinner. But then again, so much other research links alcohol consumption to serious diseases like cancer, diabetes and dementia. What should you do?

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia don’t just develop overnight. By the time you start to notice the first signs of serious cognitive decline, your brain has already been on a downward spiral for years.

You probably already know that most Americans eat excessive amounts of sugar and saturated fat and not enough vegetables. A diet like this tends to overload your liver and lead to fatty liver or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and, eventually, liver cancer.

In today’s overweight world, losing pounds and staying slim often seems like a national obsession. Fortunately, research now demonstrates that a spice found in nearly every kitchen contains a natural chemical that can help promote healthy fat metabolism … and lead to fewer fat cells.

Research has confirmed resveratrol can help prevent skin cancer, heart disease and heart failure, protect the nerves and brain, lower blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity and extend lifespan. Now, that list is growing…

Nothing ages you faster than an inflamed heart, bad arteries and a shrinking brain. Not much sends you to the grave sooner either. And to think it happens every day because of something completely avoidable…

Thinking of the human body as being electric sparks the imagination. In Frankenstein, the monster was reanimated using electricity, and in The Matrix, humans were used as batteries. Those examples are fiction, but what happens in your own body is very real.

One of the troubling characteristics of cancer is that it can develop for years inside your body before it makes itself evident.

I used to laugh at the word “toxins” when I practiced only conventional medicine. I was sure integrative healthcare practitioners knew nothing about toxins, being so “unscientific” as they appeared to me then.

The mainstream cancer cures are just not working against the deadliest of cancers, like lung cancer. With more than 1.6 million dying from this killer each year, isn’t it time the medical establishment collectively accepts what a handful of researchers already know?

These days, counting calories gets a bad rap. But did you know that calorie restriction has a crazy long list of other health benefits? It slows the aging process, fights cancer, improves your gut health, prevents diabetes, and more.

Once heart health deteriorates, Western medicine has a vast tool kit to draw from: beta blockers and other drugs, stents, surgery, etc. But they all come with a long list of side effects and potential dangers. What works best is a proactive approach…

More than 80 percent of people take over-the-counter painkillers… and they may or may not realize that these so-called “safe” pain relief options can lead to a host of health issues — and warp your brain.

What are you doing for vacation this year? Instead of worrying over where to go or what to do, think about this: Commit to making these few simple changes and send your risk of cancer on a permanent vacation — in as little as two weeks…

For many people sleep is elusive. That’s not good, considering it’s not only important to help you function, but lack of sleep is tied to disease and poor health. Your body needs those precious nightly hours — and these 12 natural sleep aids can help…

Thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms in one of your veins and obstructs the flow of blood. And the most common type — deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — can occur often in your legs.

Before I went on the paleo diet, my digestive system never did its job without complaint. Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pains and bloating were near-constant companions. Until I forswore the problem foods in my diet, the aftermath of many of my meals were torment.

Shoulder strength and tone are very important. Many people lose their range of motion in the shoulders over time, which limits their activities in daily living.

Have you ever wondered why non-smokers get lung cancer. Well, there’s some research that shows it could have a lot to do with diet, carbs and insulin…

Alzheimer’s disease has no cure at this point, so the best plan is to take steps to prevent this devastating disease. And the best form of prevention is to exercise, eat foods that nourish the brain, monitor your diet—especially your sugar intake—and watch your glucose level.

Hip replacements are at an all-time high, even among those in their 40s. Opening up your hips with easy exercises are your best bet for improving and keeping your hip health.

PMS is more than just a “period,” and can strike at many different ages. But there’s a natural way you can conquer these symptoms and get back to living your life.

The rise of the paleo diet has made meat more popular. That doesn’t change the fact that scientists continue to find evidence that meat is harming your health. But these tips can help you beat meat’s bad rap and eat all you like…

Have you ever wondered how research scientists in a lab can be so spot on at developing a supposed lifesaving medicine — but totally miss the boat because its side effects are as harmful as the condition it was created to cure? Welcome to Big Pharma…

Spring isn’t the only allergy season anymore … Allergies are now an all-year affliction. We have toxic molds, pests, food allergies, pet allergies … even our genes can trigger reactions to allergens.

It does wonders for your blood sugar… and it’s not too hard on the taste buds either. But because insulin has such far-reaching effects as your body’s master hormone, there’s no telling what other health benefits you may be in for.

Many Americans are feeling the burn — of acid reflux disease, that is. And if you’ve ever had acid reflux, you know the feeling all too well… but if you need a solution, don’t follow the conventional wisdom of conventional physicians…