Latest Stories

The pain of knee osteoarthritis can be excruciating, and the stiffness can really slow you down. For many people, the solution is a total knee replacement. But science is stacking up for a simple way to slow damage and reduce your pain risk by 40 percent…

Many changes come with menopause. And most of them we’re very familiar with. But one symptom has left experts wondering if it’s the result of out-of-whack hormones or if actual physical changes occur in the brain. Researchers recently explored this and what they discovered is concerning…

The microorganisms that dwell in your gut impact vitals such as blood pressure, immune system development and your risks for more than two dozen other diseases, that they know of at this point. But most of us are running around with an “impoverished microbiome.”

Remember when high-intensity interval training became popular? I wondered how anyone but a seasoned athlete could stand up to those intense bursts of exercise. If you’re looking for cardio you can keep up with, that elevates your heart rate with less risk of injury, welcome to low-intensity steady state workouts…

There are a lot of symptoms of low thyroid function. You may experience cold hands and feet, fatigue, headache, stiff or painful joints and depression, among other effects. But there’s another thyroid symptom affecting men and women we don’t talk about…

Modern living is synonymous with chemicals. And unfortunately, some of them may be inescapable. They’re called “forever chemicals” and there’s no doubt they impact our health. If you’re a woman puzzled about what’s behind your blood pressure, this may be the first place to look…

Many of us believe the only way we can enjoy dairy is to only choose low-fat options.That’s meant watery milk and giving up rich, delicious full-fat yogurt, not to mention real butter and cheese. Time to stop. You’ve been cheating your tastebuds and your heart for too long…

Living with RA can get a little easier when you use supplements to naturally reduce inflammation and swelling, relieve pain, improve your overall health and combat the side effects of those prescription drugs. Here are the great eight…

A lot’s been said about obesity as a contributor to diseases like cancer, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. And some of it’s been contradicted. But cardiac scans don’t lie about the physical changes obesity wreaks on the heart that lead straight to heart failure…

You’ve heard of the gut-brain axis. Well, research shows there’s a gut-skin axis too. That means your gut is constantly communicating with your gut, and your gut is constantly communicating with your skin. In fact, a new study shows exactly why people with skin problems are more likely to have gut problems and vice versa…

For years researchers have teased us about the potential for an Alzheimer’s vaccine. So far we’ve been left high and dry, or have we? Turns out a vaccine that’s been around for decades may activate the immune system in a way that protects against the disease…

Like most berries, cranberries are bursting with health-boosting micronutrients which give berries their red, blue, or purple color. But it’s their potential impact on the brain and vascular health that has experts giving the tiny berry a closer look…

Lyme disease is growing across the country. Testing for it is often inaccurate. And if not caught it in time, it could prove debilitating or deadly. That’s what one family discovered when their father was misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s before the truth came out…

If you’re suffering from unexplained weight gain, fatigue, thinning hair, stiff or painful joints, memory issues and increased sensitivity to cold, you may want to get your thyroid checked. Chances are, you’re suffering from low thyroid. Then take a good look at what you’re eating…

In this day and age, it’s hard to believe a vitamin deficiency could be at the root of many of the significant health problems we face. But more and more research says it is, from heart problems, to autoimmune disease and even Alzeimer’s. But is the answer in tomatoes?

So many of the body’s systems are interconnected and influence each other. For instance, the gut has been found to influence mood, immunity and dementia risk. Knowing this, researchers were still surprised by the connection they found between lifespan and our eyes…

Cognitive flexibility is a key component of executive functioning, and group singing provides an opportunity to “exercise” the portions of the brain that control this crucial function. In fact, singing may be an enjoyable and effective way to boost your brain function…

The body’s immune system tends to grow weaker as people age. But as the aging population grows, something stands out. In some people, this aging seems accelerated. Why? A not-so-surprising difference that makes it hard for your immune system to do its job…

As the world’s population ages, dementia is on the rise. Researchers, feverishly hunting for anything that can stop this cognitive destroyer in its tracks, have found new evidence further indicating that preventing dementia could be as simple as correcting one key deficiency…

There are many instances where being tall may be considered an asset. Reaching the top shelf at the supermarket is just one. But you should know, being on the taller side is considered a non-modifiable risk factor for several health conditions you should watch for…

What if I told you that you could be unknowingly serving up a dangerous substance in your home every day that could poison your body, cause behavior and learning problems in your children and skyrocket your risk for heart disease? This is how it happens…

Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that progressively steals vision. There’s no cure, but the main treatment slows progression to avoid severe vision loss. And as effective as it was, researchers have kicked it up several notches with two new sight-saving ingredients…

There’s no doubt that coffee’s health benefits are backed by plenty of research. But the caveat has been to avoid the cream and sugar to reap them. Of course, you want the benefits — but you want to enjoy your coffee too. Here’s some good news on that front…

Exercise is so good for us experts tell us to do it whenever we have the time. But depending on what your goals are — less tummy fat versus more upper body strength or better blood pressure and cholesterol — your exercise timing makes a huge difference…

More Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than for all other cancers combined. But skin cancer is still shrouded in mystery, misconceptions and doubt. Let’s take a look at the main types, how to identify them, what to expect and how to stay safe.

More than 37 million Americans now take medications for depression. And for far too long experts focused on chemical imbalances in the brain these drugs treat. But another imbalance is proving just as powerful at affecting your mood. And the medicine is much easier to swallow…

Specific limits on dietary cholesterol were lifted from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans back in 2015. But that move may have been too hasty. Turns out there’s an odd connection between dietary cholesterol and your susceptibility for viral infection…

As scientists will say, just because there seems to be a link doesn’t mean there is, especially without proof. But now, when it comes to diabetes and breast cancer, they’ve got the proof connecting cancer’s sweet tooth and a dangerous feedback loop…

Have you ever noticed something strange when you go to your doctor? No matter what your health problem, their answer is always in a pill. But physicians everywhere are being put on notice by one of their own — and she’s got a better prescription with lots of clout…

Aging is not automatically accompanied by hair loss. But there are lifestyle and other factors that could cause you to see more hair in your hairbrush than you’re used to. I was surprised to find that several of these may be behind my own hair loss.

The makers of artificial sweeteners have taken full advantage of the data to make a case for their products. But one after the other, “safe” artificial sweeteners have been unmasked as the health hazards they really are.

If you’re trying to decide if glyphosate (the chemical in Roundup) is harmful to your health, good luck. It’s hard to get a straight answer. Many organizations categorize it as a probable human carcinogen, except for the EPA. Whether an immediate concern for you or not, research says your family line could suffer…

What you choose to eat in the morning can have a very real effect on your brain power and focus for the rest of the day. But the right “brain foods” can help you put together some powerhouse breakfasts. Here are the top four brain-fueling breakfast foods that can help you stay sharp daylight to dark…

Many of my patients who have a family history of heart issues seem to resign themselves to the fact that they will experience the same fate as their relatives. There’s nothing further from the truth. Genetics is not destiny. It is merely a predisposition. And that means you have a big say in your outcome…

Most people think cancer is about the worst thing that could happen. As a health researcher, I’m no exception and spend a lot of time looking for ways to diminish that risk. But there are other health issues that may not seem as scary — but can disrupt and derail your life just as much… maybe even more…

The importance of eating dark, leafy green vegetables is something you’ve heard me talk about before. The chlorophyll that makes them green fights cancer, heals wounds and detoxifies the liver. That’s why leafy greens are a central part of healing diets — even one that could help you eat your way to a stronger brain.

During menopause, everything about your body (and life) is in flux… Your risk for breast cancer increases after 40 and keeps going up. It’s at its highest after your 70th birthday. Luckily, a new study just identified a plant compound that can help keep you breast cancer-free during those midlife changes and beyond…

A slight decline in your senses as you get older is normal. But even though diminishing senses are a normal part of aging, there is one sense you should pay close attention to if it starts to go south — your sense of smell. For one reason, it could also be an early sign of a few serious diseases…

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. But, why is it so deadly compared to other cancers? Often it’s simply not found early enough to stop its spread. And, once it’s metastasized to other parts of the body, it’s extremely difficult to treat. But science may have found a new tool to help stop it…

You must have sugar to survive. But sugar is bad for you, right? It all depends on the way sugar is presented to your body. That’s where glycemic index comes in. Let’s look at the ways sugar heals…or kills you.

What kind of exercise is best? And how much is enough? What if you just can’t stand to work up a sweat and keep at it for long? Well, there’s more evidence that you don’t have to exercise yourself into oblivion — instead, grabbing a little here and a little there can be quite beneficial…

In just the last few years, discoveries regarding telomeres and mitochondria have provided big clues into how to live longer healthier. But in my group of friends, I get asked about another kind of anti-aging quite often. The kind everyone wants to know how to drastically slow… The kind that shows on your face and skin.

Of all the spices in your cabinet, there’s one that is arguably head and shoulders above the rest in terms of disease-fighting properties. But it’s time to give you an update: Studies have explored even more benefits of this spice that’s been prized for thousands of years, both for its flavor and its healing properties…

Type 2 diabetes is rampant. But there’s some weight behind something that just might be Mother Nature’s answer to blood sugar and weight problems — two health issues that often go hand in hand. If you haven’t heard of this Egyptian secret, here’s what you need to know…

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a breathing exercise that lowers blood pressure and eases sleep apnea. Well, hold on to your hat because the power of breathing doesn’t stop there. If you’re experiencing your fair share of senior moments, breathe like this to boost your brain’s memory center…

Beards are big right now. No wonder: there are a lot of benefits to having a beard… not shaving every day, avoiding sun damage and many women find them attractive. But despite all the beard benefits, there’s a big beard pitfall. It’s something bearded men and their partners should be aware of…

No matter how you slice it, cheese is delicious. But cheese is high in fat. It’s high in calories. It’s high in sodium. It causes inflammation. Sure, there are some downsides to going hog wild on a sharp cheddar cheese wheel. But there are upsides too… especially if you have prediabetes or diabetes…

No one questions any longer that being overweight or obese is a serious health problem. Excess body fat has been linked to a dozen types of cancer. But does excess body weight affect your brain? Based on research done over the past fifteen years, the answer seems to be yes. Being overweight produces definite physical changes in your brain… and none of them are good.

We’ve all heard about those diets that claim you can eat as much as you want and not gain weight. But, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, right? Not always… See why the Mediterranean diet not only deters overeating, but protects against obesity and disease…

While a magnesium deficiency manifests symptoms and can lead to dire health consequences, it can be very hard to detect. Routine blood tests don’t often look for levels of magnesium. And, even when they do, it’s not a foolproof test. That’s because most of your magnesium is stored in your bones, not your blood.

Most of the time, when we look at dietary factors that contribute to disease, the focus is on the things we get too much of — red meat, highly processed items, trans fats. But a recent look at dietary patterns found that what you’re NOT eating could be just as detrimental to your health…

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Happy wife, happy life.” According to my husband, it’s one that’s extremely accurate. If I’m happy, his life is going well too. If I’m not, then he’s more likely to be stressed and unhappy as well. But new research shows that old adage goes both ways… and has a major impact on your health.

Diseases are like dominoes. You get one disease, and it triggers a chain reaction that causes others. Just think about it for a second… If you have an autoimmune disease, you’re more likely to get cancer. If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to get heart disease. If you have heart disease, you’re more likely to get dementia. The list goes on and on. Why are chronic diseases connected?

In 2010, the CDC estimated that 23,000 people were dying annually from infections caused by MRSA and other “unkillable” bacteria that have learned to resist our best antibiotics. Then we stopped hearing much about superbugs. Now we’re finding that fungal infections are following suit, and it’s downright scary…

To keep all of the organs in your body working, your heart muscle must work tirelessly. Unfortunately, as you age, your chance of heart failure goes up significantly. Aside from genetic factors, what you eat makes a big impact. And out of these 5 popular styles of eating, one could slash your risk by 41 percent…

What should you do when you’re so desperate you’d trade anything (your car, your left arm, your firstborn, your beloved cockapoo) for one decent night’s sleep? Well, the bad news is, there’s no silver bullet solution to insomnia. But research says more of this fish on your dinner plate comes pretty close…

Have you ever wondered how to get rid of those tiny bumps on the back of your upper arms? The ones that feel like “chicken skin,” even when you’re not cold, and can actually show up on your cheeks, thighs or buttocks, too. Those bumps amount to a common skin condition and there are several ways to tackle it…

Why is it some people can eat potatoes, bread, chocolate cake and other tasty treats from time to time and still look like Elle McPherson? Yet, some of us can’t even look at a chocolate chip cookie in the Panera bakery display without gaining five pounds. Could something be working against you?

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability. If the joints of your fingers, hips, and knees become painful, stiff and inflamed, it can be hard just to get out of bed in the morning. And without a concerted effort to fight back against the pain, a person’s quality of life can go quickly downhill. But there are ways to fight back…

When you eat in-season, the food’s fresher. It tastes better. And packs more nutrition. If seasonal eating strikes a chord with you, look for the stalky, green vegetable that sprouts every spring — asparagus. This scrumptious veggie can provide major health benefits that you’ll want to take advantage of…