Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Joyce Hollman

Aspartame: The artificial sweetener linked to anxiety

Did you know that aspartame is responsible for generating 75 percent of consumer reports on adverse reactions to artificial sweeteners? It’s been linked to heart attack, stroke and kidney damage for starters. The latest? Multi-generational anxiety…

Jenny Smiechowski

10 houseplants NASA says will make you feel better

How would you like to add some greenery to your bedroom that can help you sleep better, suffer fewer colds or allergies, and experience less anxiety–thanks to the proven power of plants to purify your air? Well, check out this list to see which ones can benefit you the most… NASA approved!

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Men’s heart health: In your 60s and beyond

Although a heart attack may seem to come “out of the blue,” the substrate that enabled it to happen has been building for decades. But the more risk factors you can keep under control, the less likely you’ll have a heart attack in the future. And it truly is never too late to start…

Carolyn Gretton

Why severe heart attacks occur most often on Mondays

Is there anyone who really likes Mondays? When that alarm goes off early Monday morning, it signals the end of a care-free attitude and hello to whatever business is at hand. It also signals a dangerous time for your heart…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The answer to gum disease found in fish oil

By the age of 65, the risk of periodontal disease, a gum infection that erodes soft tissue and bone, leading to tooth loss, is more than 70 percent. But a simple nutrient appears to get to the “root” cause, supporting stem cells in the gums that may hold onto your teeth…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Formaldehyde: This secret summer threat is heating up

When you think about the dangers that come with blazing summer heat, you probably think about dehydration and sunburn. In a big city, you might worry about the pollution making up that thick summer haze. But the heat is also increasing a serious threat in your home right now…

Carolyn Gretton

IBD: The gut problem that increases stroke risk

The symptoms of IBD are bad enough: bloating, cramping, stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. Worse, IBD can set off other problems, including raising the risk of blood clots. In turn, that means IBD carries a higher stroke risk to be on guard for…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The veggie that lowers blood sugar up to 35 percent

If you work at balancing your blood sugar, you know that rice and potatoes can be a real problem. But they’re hard to give up, right? What if you could just replace half a serving of potatoes with a certain veggie and lower blood sugar spikes by 35 percent?

Carolyn Gretton

Carotenes: A double-whammy against atherosclerosis

Carotenes, antioxidant compounds found in varying degrees in fruits and vegetables, are believed to have the potential to check atherosclerosis. But many studies have been inconclusive on this point. The most recent, however, hits on not one, but two ways the nutrient supports our arteries.

Joyce Hollman

12 surprising ways air conditioning affects us

Whether you have one in your home or not, when it’s hot, most of us certainly wish for one. But air conditioning can be a mixed blessing. In climates that are consistently hot, it can be a lifesaver. But it does have its tradeoffs. Living in a consistently air-conditioned environment can do both good and not-so-good things to your body.

Joyce Hollman

Moderate drinking’s brain-changing effects on the heart

There’s been a lot of conflicting research on the impacts of alcohol on health. But study after study has linked moderate drinking with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. It has to do with a very small part of the brain that has a big job: processing emotions…

Margaret Cantwell

Why GERD, acid reflux and indigestion increase in summer

To maintain good health, your body must constantly manage the delicate balance that keeps pH levels where they should be. The trouble is that some of our vital functions throw that balance off. And summertime is when they can get really out of whack…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Reduce the travel risks of deep vein thrombosis

As the summer season hits full swing, many people are planning their long-awaited vacations. If you are escaping to a far-away place, however, it’s important to keep in mind the risks involved with long-distance travel, including deep vein thrombosis…

Joyce Hollman

The best workout for better blood sugar control

Diabetics know the right exercise is important for controlling blood sugar. But a newly discovered factor to add to any routine has the highest chance of helping some with type 2 diabetes completely stop their glucose-lowering medications…

Carolyn Gretton

3 reasons to wash your rice: Lead, cadmium and arsenic

I like my rice with a creamy consistency, so I’ve never washed it before cooking. That’s about to change. In the U.S., arsenic levels in rice are sky high (even in instant rice), but it’s not the the only harmful heavy metal you get a serving of when rice is on your plate…

Jenny Smiechowski

6 common sunscreen chemicals aren’t safe even by FDA standards

Sunscreen is so important for protecting yourself from skin cancer and skin aging. There’s no denying that. Heck, I wear sunscreen on my face and neck every day (even in the winter when the likelihood of me getting any sun is pretty slim) for those very reasons. But sunscreen is far from perfect…

Carolyn Gretton

Living with Lupus: The vitamin deficiency you can’t afford to ignore

Metabolic syndrome combines insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity for a high risk of heart trouble and stroke. If you have lupus, you may be shocked to find yourself in the crosshairs of this dangerous condition.

Joyce Hollman

The ‘hereditary’ toxicity of chemotherapy

The effectiveness of chemotherapy could be debated all day. But if you weigh surviving cancer against the toxicity of the therapy, you can see why so many go through with it. And why so many look for alternative therapies. But there’s a new consideration for cancer patients who want to be parents…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

8 vitamins for supple summer skin

Between fluctuating hormone levels, falling collagen levels, oxidative stress and the summer sun, your skin could probably use some help repairing itself these days. That’s where these eight skin-saving vitamins come in…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Two big reasons you need more vitamin C this summer

Summer is here and that means fun in the sun. Taking vitamins might not be at the top of your list when it comes to summer must-haves, but there are two big reasons vitamin C should be, and one of them is sunburn protection…

Dr. Keith Scott-Mumby

The vitamin everyone needs (especially diabetics) for kidney protection

Protecting your kidneys is critical to health. But did you know one of the most dangerous and prevalent side effects of type 2 diabetes is kidney damage? So in addition to properly managing diabetes, it’s vitally important to be sure you’re not deficient in this one very important vitamin…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why summer heat is hard on your heart and how to keep cool

If you have heart problems, it’s important to understand how heat can compound your risks. When your body tries to cool down, the process stresses the heart in several ways, But you can still enjoy summer, keep your cool and stay safe with these tips…

Joyce Hollman

5 serious conditions that can make you really thirsty

Excessive thirst can be a sign of dehydration or overheating. But it can also signal a much more serious health problem. If you’re finding yourself more thirsty than usual, it may have absolutely nothing to do with the summer heat, and everything to do with an underlying condition, like one of these…

Carolyn Gretton

Matcha tea: Nature’s antidepressant in a cup

It’s not uncommon to feel down on occasion. But persistent feelings of sadness that impact daily life could indicate depression. Even with treatment, up to a third feel left out in the cold. With those odds, it’s helpful to know a warm cup of the right tea could help.

Jenny Smiechowski

5 reasons mosquitoes love you and how to turn them off

Are you a mosquito magnet? Do you wonder why everyone else can enjoy a great summer cookout while you get swarmed by disease-carrying, welt-inducing, blood-sucking insects? Well, it turns out, there are several potential reasons why you could top the mosquitoes’ most desirable list…

Joyce Hollman

Taurine: The anti-aging amino acid

Imagine turning up the switch on a natural substance your body produces to avoid the ailments of aging. Wishful thinking? Not with this amino acid’s potential to suppress weight gain, increase bone mass, muscle strength and endurance, reduce depression, insulin resistance, DNA damage and more…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Watermelon for better blood pressure and blood sugar

Research published in the journal Current Atherosclerosis Reports took into account decades of data on the health effects of watermelon. What did they find? Eating watermelon could be one of the best things you do for your blood pressure and blood sugar…

Joyce Hollman

Why alcohol and summer heat is a recipe for heat stroke

While warmer weather makes us want those refreshing-looking cocktails, especially the ones with those adorable little umbrellas, there are some definite hazards to drinking alcohol during the hot summer months. The combination of heat and alcohol in your system has some very dangerous effects on your body.

Jenny Smiechowski

The ingredient sunscreen and cheese have in common

Titanium dioxide as an ingredient in sunscreen. But it’s a food additive as well. A food grade version is found in everything from chewing gum to cheese to chocolate to condiments. In fact, it is in so many everyday foods, you should know how it’s fueling poor health and chronic disease…

Joyce Hollman

Why defeating Alzheimer’s starts in your bedroom

Since specific foods offer brain protection, you could say defeating Alzheimer’s starts in the kitchen. But there’s another room where you’re likely doing something that increases your sensitivity to oxidative stress and invites damaging plaques and tangles to take up in your brain…

Carolyn Gretton

How are ‘SuperAgers’ avoiding Alzheimer’s?

While scientists have been able to identify key markers of Alzheimer’s disease, they’re still trying to work out why some people develop the disease and others do not. Some, called ‘SuperAgers,’ even appear to be resistant. And researchers are trying to unravel their secret…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

How to keep computer vision syndrome from ruining your eyesight

It’s almost impossible to avoid a computer or digital screen, including your phone. But these modern conveniences are causing new threats to your eyesight. Here’s what you should know about computer vision syndrome, and how to avoid it when you can’t avoid a screen.

Carolyn Gretton

Overcome stress eating and improve metabolism with ‘psychobiotics’

There is a complex interplay between stress eating, obesity and the kinds of metabolic issues that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Managing all these factors usually takes multiple steps. But a team of researchers may have found an interesting shortcut involving a particular kind of “good” bacteria…

Joyce Hollman

3 ways group singing boosts our health

Choral groups may not be singing together much right now, but hopefully that will change soon. Because the emotional and physical health benefits science shows happens when we blend our voices are just too good to pass up…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The fruit that guards against sunburn, UV damage and skin cancer

We all need a little sunshine in our lives. It’s an important source of vitamin D. Get too much sun, though, and UV damage can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. But there’s a tasty way to give yourself an extra layer of sun protection and guard against sunburn…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What each serving of fruit and veggies does to heart disease, stroke and cancer

It’s no surprise to any of us that despite the best efforts of moms everywhere, 90 percent of us are still not eating enough fruits and vegetables. But what if we did? For starters, 7.8 million early deaths a year could be prevented. Scientists can even measure the benefits in each serving, and reveal the magic number for saving lives…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why napping is good medicine for your brain

Do you get a little bit sleepy as the afternoon wears on? Are you feeling that after lunch slump that makes you want to just curl up, close your eyes and drift off, if only for a little while? Here’s your excuse to give in: napping may be good medicine for your brain.

Carolyn Gretton

German scientists’ ‘cancer plan’: Age 50+ take vitamin D

For years, scientists have been studying how vitamin D influences a number of diseases, particularly inflammatory diseases, diabetes and cancer. That’s why a group of scientists formulated a plan…

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

The difference between surviving a heart attack or not

We’ve seen lots of research about the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. But how active, or inactive you are, has been found to have a great impact on whether a heart attack kills you on the spot or serves as a mere warning that you need to make some major lifestyle changes.

Joyce Hollman

Longevity gas: The smelly secret to living longer

People focus on avoiding gas. But inside the body, one gas in particular acts as a chemical messenger, one that could offer smelly protection against life-threatening illnesses and boost longevity. But the wrong foods can cheat you of it.

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Sleep apnea: An underdiagnosed threat for women

Are you waking up feeling tired and sluggish after a full night’s sleep? Do you find yourself suffering from daytime sleepiness? For women, obstructive sleep apnea is often underdiagnosed and the consequences can be dangerous…

Dr. Mariza Snyder

Top 10 supplements to balance hormones naturally

Your hormones rely on key nutrients to work at their best, and it is virtually impossible to get everything you need through food alone, unless you want to eat 10lbs of broccoli sprouts every day! Let’s take a look at the best and most well-researched supplements for various types of hormonal support!

Carolyn Gretton

Green tea boosts cancer-destroying ‘guardian of the genome’

Green tea is well-known for its positive benefits on metabollism, brain funtion, blood sugar and longevity. Now, researchers say its key compound may increase a natural anti-cancer protein know as the “guardian of the genome.”

Joyce Hollman

Walnuts slash heart disease and diabetes

During early Roman times, the walnut was considered a food for the gods. But recently scientists have been using artificial intelligence to dig deeper and identify the specific components of walnuts that can add years to your life by slashing disease risk.

Carolyn Gretton

Medical marijuana and high blood pressure: Here’s what we know

Medical marijuana, or cannabis, has been used medicinally to provide relief for chronic pain, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients. But what about heart health? More studies are needed but there’s positive news about its effect on blood pressure.

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Taurine: A natural ‘antibiotic’ and more

Antibiotics are lifesavers. But because we’ve relied on them too heavily, we’ve contributed to a big downside: antibiotic resistance. But scientists are finding promise in a nutrient found in many common foods that may trigger good bacteria in the body to go after disease-causing pathogens.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

How bacteria can provide a barrier against pneumonia

The difference between a mild case of the flu and possible hospitalization is the development of pneumonia. Just in time, researchers have identified one more way to reduce risk for a lung infection…

Carolyn Gretton

Why your mouth is the gateway to health or disease in your body

We know it’s important to keep our teeth and gums clean, but we often don’t consider how much good oral hygiene is connected with our whole-body health. More and more research is showing just how much our oral health can influence our overall health — and vice versa…

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Coffee’s secret power: Taking down heart failure risk

Across the U.S., fifty percent of us drink coffee daily. It’s a love affair that likely has a lot to do with energy-boosting caffeine. Too much, and coffee can make you feel jittery and nervous. But if you want to reduce the risk of heart failure, decaf may not have the power to do it.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What a daily glass of alcohol does to your heart rhythm

For the past decade, there’s been a lot of buzz about how a daily glass of wine promotes good health. But for every study that supports that, there’s another that shows harm. New research sheds light on what happens to your heart when you drink a daily glass of alcohol.

Joyce Hollman

Using aspirin to lower the risk of colorectal cancer

You’ve probably heard about daily aspirin therapy as a preventative for heart attack and stroke. But have you heard of its effect on colorectal cancer? Turns out there’s compelling evidence for it, with one caveat…

Dr. Mariza Snyder

What is estrogen dominance and how does it affect your body?

You’re in your 30’s and 40’s and suddenly you don’t even recognize yourself anymore. That’s because there’s a real change happening in your body. But meeting these hormone shifts head-on is the best way to get you back to your rockstar self as fast as possible.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

CBD found to destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Germs that could once be knocked out within a few days of antibiotic therapy have grown resistant to what medicine has to offer. But a new and powerful option has been found in a source that’s been making the headlines for a while now, and it may lead the next generation of antibiotics.

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

A link between surgery, Alzheimer’s and a vitamin that may help

Going under anesthesia and enduring surgery comes with complications. But cognitive decline may not be one you’d expect. For some of us, that risk may be heightened…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

What doctors aren’t trained to tell you about heart health

There’s an Ayurvedic proverb: When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need. It sums up the problems most doctors have with treating the symptoms of disease with unnecessary medicines and invasive procedures instead of addressing the root cause…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Is more oleic acid in the diet the answer to MS?

MS is an autoimmune disease that attacks from within and wears down the protective coating around nerve fibers in the central nervous system, slowly stealing independence from its victims. But research has found they share a common deficiency in the form of an omega fatty acid that could combat the disease.

Joyce Hollman

The ‘infection’ allergy that may cause IBS and gluten intolerance

For too long, patients with irritable bowel syndrome and gluten sensitivity have been told it’s “all in their mind.” The reasons for their pain, cramping and other life-interrupting symptoms have been poorly understood. Now, scientists are uncovering a surprising cause that not only validates the suffering but could lead to better treatments.

Joyce Hollman

8 good reasons to get up out of your chair NOW

While many of us are stuck inside and working from home to avoid COVID-19, we’re being exposed to another serious threat: sitting too much. In fact, there are some overlapping threats between the virus and sitting too much that you should address sooner than later. Here are eight very real, research-based reasons to get up more often.

Joyce Hollman

Researchers sniff out a smelly cure for Alzheimer’s

Researchers have found that the “rotten egg” gas the body produces has an upside: It’s capable of preventing the formation of tau protein tangles, the main cause of the cognitive, motor and memory losses of Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

4 serious but lesser-known dangers of high blood pressure

When you think of high blood pressure, what comes to mind? For most people, answers might include heart disease, stroke, heart attack, or maybe even an aneurysm. They would be right. But they’d also be missing something. That’s because not all of the dangers of out of control blood pressure are so well known.

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