Latest Stories

Conditions like dementia are influenced by certain aspects of heart health, like high blood pressure and stroke. But the connection is even more inextricably linked: If your heart health is poor, your brain is aging prematurely…

Probiotics may be the perfect pill to melt fat, fight disease and keep a body young. They heal gastrointestinal problems like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. But their benefits extend far…

Calcium is an essential nutrient and many people, particularly women,supplement it to ward off osteoporosis. But calcium appears to contribute to the formation of arterial plaque and other factors that lead to heart disease. So here’s what you need to know…

While it’s been known for years that salt and blood pressure risk go hand-in-hand, the risk was associated with the increased fluid sodium pulls into the bloodstream and its effects on the kidneys. But it turns out salt’s effect on the immune system may be responsible for the real culprit.

When most people think about esophageal disorders, the first thing that comes to mind is acid reflux — where stomach acid backs up, resulting in heartburn. However, that barely touches the surface of the painful and disruptive problems that can affect your esophagus. But there’s one natural fix for most of them…

I think it’s safe to say there are three compelling reasons you’re interested in natural health… number one, you want to live longer. Number two, you want to live disease-free. And number three, you want to age well…

Some of us take daily medication along with vitamins and supplements. But some meds do you more good when absorbed quickly. Turns out that the direction you lean could make that more efficient or make it take five times longer to get your benefit…

If you’re struggling to lose weight for whatever reason, you’ve probably wondered whether or not paying for a professional weight loss program is worth it. What would you say to losing double the weight?

Most of us, if we had to choose, might opt to give up our physical abilities over our mental faculties. I know I would. But research demonstrates once again that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In this case, it’s the breath of life for your brain…

If you don’t think you’re being over-exposed to blue light, you’re kidding yourself. Think about how often you talk, text, check Facebook, send an email or order groceries on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Now, the news about blue light has gotten more worrisome…

Extensive research has been published on the amazing health potential of green tea. But its bitter flavor isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So are you out of luck if you prefer black to green tea? Not in the least, especially if you want to avoid stroke and heart disease and live longer…

We all know that smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer. But there are quite a few myths out there about what else causes the disease, and how you can prevent it. Here are ten of those myths, debunked…

We’ve learned a lot about chronic fatigue syndrome, including that it can be triggered by certain viruses like Epstein-Barr. Before 2020, less than one percent were diagnosed. But that number is expected to skyrocket thanks to the connection that’s recently been discovered…

If you’re living with an autoimmune disease, you’re probably focused on keeping it under control. But you should know heart disease could be just around the corner. Autoimmune problems that posed the highest heart risk included these four…

When you see your doctor about your heart, the main dietary advice you’ll get is to cut down on salt. While that’s been standard advice for more than a century, no one really knew how much salt is too much. Or in this case how little you have to give up for a lot of relief…

Muscle loss begins to really affect us around the age of 40 and ramps up with each year. But who knew scientists would find a connection between the same anti-aging ingredient we reach for to keep our skin firm and the process of age-related muscle loss?

Pneumonia is a dangerous condition for older adults. They’re nearly five times more likely to be hospitalized with it and half won’t come out alive. New research has revealed a surprising insight as to why: It has as much to do with the gut as it does with the lungs…

If you’re still not eating more plant-based foods, what’s holding you back? If you doub just how protective fruits and greens are at keeping heart problems at bay, we’ve got some hard and fast numbers that will have you saying ‘yes’ in a heartbeat…

Psilocybin, an active compound in magic mushrooms, has shown promise in treating anxiety and depression thanks to its power to enhance well-being and create change in areas of the brain. Now it may lend a hand to those who need it to give up addiction…

As we grow older, the odds of getting dementia increase. But is that a given? When you take a look at the relationship between age and 8 specific risk factors, you might just find you can keep your brain up to 20 years younger than your contemporaries…

Do you remember when eating eggs for breakfast was considered one of the worst things you could do for your health? I do! But research has found an important nutrient abundant in eggs has the potential to disrupt the inflammation and cell death commonly tied to neurological problems.

A team of neurologists and immunologists have discovered the immune system is capable of fast-acting and lasting protection against ischemic stroke thanks to a subset of first-responder cells that swoop in to protect the brain. Here’s how they can work to our benefit…

When we’re injured, pain and inflammation occur. At home, and at the doctor’s offices, anti-inflammatories have been the answer. But we’re learning that interfering with that inflammatory response can backfire and turn short-term pain into a long-term problem.

Calorie restriction equals weight loss. But there’s a lot more it does for the body, like promoting a longer disease-free life. And Yale researchers have found a way to get those big benefits without having to actually alter caloric intake.

In a world where social media is king, seniors catch a lot of flak. But Boomers aren’t just more experienced than Millenials and Gen Xers. They’re rebels leading the way to better ways to stay healthy, vibrant and live longer…

Sarcopenia, which kicks in after age 40, accelerates muscle loss with each passing year. Worse, this gradual deterioration increases risk for diabetes, heart attack and dementia, not to mention male health problems. There’s a habit you can pick up today to guard against these dangers…

It’s no secret that what you eat has a direct effect on your health. Figuring that out doesn’t have to be complex: Just eating more of six kinds of foods and less of four others can decrease your risk of major cardiometabolic diseases…

HDL is the good cholesterol we all want more of. Easier said than done, right? Actually, it just got easier. And that’s a doubly good thing because not only is HDL good for the heart, research has found it’s also liver-protective. So time to get on board with improving your HDL with the single nutrient that can help you meet all these needs…

Heart procedures like angioplasties and bypass operations save lives. But you know the old adage “too much of a good thing?” Well, tens of thousands of people get these procedures preventatively. But research shows instead of preventing a heart attack, they could worsen your risk…

If you’ve ever had a stubborn case of tinnitus, you know just how unbearable it can be. Constant ringing, buzzing, clicking or hissing in the ears is enough to bring anyone to a breaking point. Have you tried this?

If you drink soda, you have a higher risk of dying. It doesn’t matter whether your beverage of choice uses natural sugars or an artificial sweetener… just drinking it could lead to an early death. The only difference is what you may die from, according to The Journal of the American Medical Association.

In my last post we touched on a rather hushed subject… female sexual dysfunction. Hopefully, more women are realizing there’s no reason to say goodbye to a healthy and fulfilling sex life as they age. And no reason not to talk to others about it and seek help, including these natural helpers…

Chili peppers not only have a powerful effect on your taste buds, but they also have a powerful effect on your cardiovascular system. In fact, research shows chili peppers can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. But the hot heart-healthy benefits don’t stop there…

It feels like there’s not enough compassion in the world nowadays… People, whether family or strangers, are more likely to jump to judgment than kindness. But there is one big benefit of cultivating compassion… one that would inspire even the most selfish among us to give it a try…

In the world of fruits and vegetables, the color purple signifies something special. Any time you’ve got a purple or dark blue fruit or vegetable on the menu, you’re consuming a healthy dose of a special antioxidant-rich plant pigment known as anthocyanin.

You may have heard that coffee reduces blood sugar problems. In fact, numerous scientific studies have linked higher coffee intake to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Now, thanks to a cutting-edge technique, the one type of coffee that can truly give you that diabetes protection has been identified…

Lots of factors affect the health of your hair, skin and nails… Thyroid issues, hormonal imbalances, medication, aging. But no matter what’s behind your issues, the result is the same: slipping self-confidence. A lot of people turn to beauty supplements. But one could affect the lab work at your next checkup…

For decades doctors have preached to us about reducing the amount of salt in our diets to achieve better blood pressure numbers to keep our hearts healthier… Well, according to a new study, there’s another reason to watch your salt intake. And, this time it’s about your brain, instead of your heart…

Chemo leaves you exhausted, nauseous, confused and unable to focus (chemo brain), and even worse — at risk for other health problems, including heart disease. That’s why, when diagnosed with cancer, there’s one healthy habit your doctor will advise you to continue, and research shows the sooner the better…

Countless studies show aerobic exercise has a near-miraculous effect on brain aging. In fact, a 2016 study found it not only prevents age-related brain shrinkage and cognitive decline… it also reverses it. But, could yoga alone provide the same brain benefits that a run or a heart-pumping bootcamp class could?

Rroughly 700,000 people die per year from diseases that don’t respond to antibiotics worldwide. What can we do about it? Find alternatives for the antibiotics we’ve used over and over again for decades. And researchers from Northeastern University have just done exactly that…

About two-thirds of the U.S. population is overweight or obese. If you find yourself among that two-thirds, there’s something else you should know. If you get a flu shot, it will probably be less than effective. Here’s why and extra precautions you should take…

If you have a senior in life that needs special care, the options may seem overwhelming. Which type of care is best and most appropriate to my senior spouse or parent’s needs? How do I even begin to choose? If you’re facing this decision, or feel you will be soon, here are six possible options…

Antibiotic resistance has been labeled an epidemic and according to the CDC, “More than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year.” Well, it’s possible that if more of us turned to this natural antibiotic powerhouse, that we could avoid a personal assault from these superbugs…

For some reason, subjects like erectile dysfunction in men get a lot of attention, but when it comes to sexual problems that women face, everyone is a little hushed. No reason to be. So, let’s talk frankly about this important subject, starting with the many things that can contribute to it…

When we hear the word “herpes,” most people think of cold sores or STDs. But Chickenpox, Mononucleosis and Roseola are all caused by a herpesvirus. The list goes on. And now there’s mounting evidence that long after herpesvirus symptoms pass, they increase the risk for major neurological diseases…

As we age, our eyes are vulnerable to disease — macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. If you have a genetic tendency toward age-related eye diseases, then you’re really at risk. But beyond obvious risk factors for eye diseases, there’s an invisible factor endangering your vision…

Daily sugar consumption has been shown to reduce the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a process known as neurogenesis. It also increases the presence of cytokines, proteins that cause inflammation. Even though we’re wired to want sweets, it’s possible to rewire your brain to turn them away…

The Mediterranean diet is known as one of the healthiest to follow if you want to avoid a plethora of diseases including Alzheimer’s and diabetes. The focus is on olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains and fish. Would you be excited to know there’s now a meatier version?

It might seem strange to think that psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes skin inflammation, redness and scaling, could also lead to coronary heart disease. After all, it’s external. There’s no such thing as “psoriasis of the heart,” right? A dangerous myth about psoriasis is that it’s only skin deep…

Pick almost any chronic disease around, and I can find you scientific evidence that air pollution increases the risk of it… Diabetes. Alzheimer’s. Heart disease. Breast cancer. It plays a part in them all. It turns out you don’t even have to live somewhere highly polluted to damage your health. A short visit will do…

You have tons of friends on Facebook. You get lots of emails every day. You’re active in online forums and support groups. But somehow, you’re still lonely. What gives? No matter what’s holding you back from tackling your loneliness head on, don’t worry. I know a simple way you can feel far less lonely…

On the Japanese island of Okinawa, it’s quite common for people to live to be 100 or more. Okinawa is a Blue Zone — a place known for longevity where science has identified the reasons. And Okinawans know that, besides diet, friendship is the thing that will make for a long, healthy life…

By 2050, two billion people worldwide will be over the age of 60. That’s a lot of people who will be at risk for potentially deadly health conditions — including heart disease and stroke. How can you grab the highest levels of protection once you pass the 60 mark? 1.1 million people prove it’s this way…

Inevitably, with age, comes a loss of fullness and support in the face. Certain areas may appear to sag while others may look hollow. Dermal fillers can help “replace” that loss to help cheekbones look high and sculpted as well as make other face and even body shape changes that can be quite profound. 

When a school of medicine as prestigious as the one at Johns Hopkins University puts dollars into researching something, you know it’s got real possibilities. Take music — now being used as a way to treat neurological conditions and other diseases, as an alternative to medications, and there’s evidence it works…

Synthetic insulin is one of the most impactful and amazing discoveries of the 20th century. Since it was discovered in 1921, it’s saved countless lives. But there’s no denying that insulin comes with some downsides…

Have you ever found yourself stuck in the oil aisle unable to decide what bottle to purchase? Should you go with classic — but controversial — canola? Hip hempseed? Antioxidant-rich avocado? I’d stick with an old standby — olive oil, for all these reasons and more…

When you’re trying to lower your high blood pressure, every little bit helps. Especially if you’re among half of those diagnosed who can’t get it under control, even with medicaiton. A surprising natural method tested at Brown University helped lower blood pressure by an average of 15 points,

Harvard researcher showed it lowers Parkinson’s risk. Other research says it’s protective against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. And still more says it could help prevent liver cancer. So when the latest report showed it could help beat obesity, diabetes and heart disease, no one had to twist my arm to drink up…