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It’s always a good thing to include fruit in your diet. Most of us don’t eat enough of it, but now we’ve certainly got more reason to — especially when it comes to grapes and the special effect they have on gut bacteria.

We often forget that Mother Nature’s medicine cabinet often holds the answer to so many of the illnesses that we suffer from. The latest: two popular Italian herbs that could go from farm to table to cancer treatment…

We tend to see phytic acid as something to avoid because of its reputation as an antinutrient. But this plant-based substance isn’t all bad. In fact, it has some health benefits that could offset its potential for causing mineral deficiencies. So let’s dig into the conundrum…

Chronic inflammation is linked to a host of problems, from obesity to autoimmune conditions to depression. So researchers are exploring ways to directly target inflammation in people at risk. It turns out a long-used ancient anti-inflammatory spice could help with these modern-day problems…

The connection between gum disease and more serious health problems is no secret. But recent large-scale research has painted a more comprehensive picture, and it’s not pretty. It’s time to stop thinking of the mouth as an independent system of its own…

If you’ve cracked open a magazine or gotten online, you’ve seen lots of terms you might chalk up to New Age fads or practices, like “self-care” and “mindfulness.” News flash: beyond helping with stress, one specific practice made improvements to women’s hearts that could be seen in their arteries…

Insulin resistance is when a body’s response to the hormone insulin is impaired and glucose in the blood cannot be used for energy. The next step is usually diabetes. Beans and legumes are great for people with insulin resistance, but black beans just may take the cake…

Chronic pain is a fact of life for over 20 percent of adults. And if you’re part of that one in five, you know just how much of an impact that pain can have on your ability to work, play and simply enjoy your life. But what if you could learn to “reframe your pain” to better manage it? Pain science says it works.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Many health conditions can increase risk for stroke including high blood pressure and diabetes, but when researchers looked closer, they found two common things happening in the hour before a stroke that pushed those risks over the edge.

We all need a good night’s sleep. That’s a gut feeling for most people. But sometimes discomfort within the gut is what hurts our ability to get deep, restful sleep. To make matters worse, it tuns out the process can occur in reverse: Sleep disorders are believed to trigger the stomach, too…

Science has discovered how to go beyond chronological age (the number of years you’ve lived) to measure biological age (the rate at which your cells age) using epigenetic clocks. They track chemical changes in DNA that not only helps predict health but also lifespan. And they’re finding too many of us aging faster thanks to the same culprit…

Which is worse for your heart: an egg or a hot dog? Think about it. Since the amount of cholesterol in a food doesn’t always correlate with raising your cholesterol, which high cholesterol foods are the worst culprits for elevating bad cholesterol levels? The doctor says it’s these four…

While most men with prostate cancer recover completely, the outlook is grim for the handful diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease. But research has identified three molecules — and the foods they come from — showing that the place to start to change your fate is your gut…

There’s growing evidence that many of the worst and most chronic diseases, including coronary artery disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s may be riding the same steed: inflammation. But there’s a simple, non-medicated fix that works so well at dousing it, you can see the proof in your blood work…

Some experts have said that at least 31 percent of the cardiovascular disease burden in the world could be avoided if environmental pollutants were eliminated. So when researchers looked at the association between toxic heavy metals and the body’s major arteries, they were shocked, but not surprised…

Hardening of the arteries is a dangerous factor that can increase a person’s risk for stroke. It’s associated with chronic inflammation that damages blood vessels and hinders self-repair from mechanisms called resolvins. That’s where omega-3s come into the picture…

Fatty liver disease isn’t new. What is new is learning its impact on metabolic health is so strong it’s now called Metabolic-associated liver disease, and that with every breath you take, you’re increasing your odds of the most common indication for liver transplantation. Start here to reduce your risks…

Are you a label reader? Do you review the fat content of almost every product before adding it to your grocery cart? We’re not judging but we do want to share some new evidence that will blow all your concerns about saturated fats and heart trouble out of the water — and make life easier…

Winter is here, and you know what that means: Your chances of getting sick and ending up with pneumonia are higher than at any other time of the year. And if you still haven’t gotten the message about the harms of a couch potato lifestyle, you’re missing out on the easiest intervention that works across all age groups.

When it comes to your arteries, you want the consistency of a wet noodle, not an uncooked piece of pasta. Otherwise your risks go up for heart problems. Yet, age isn’t the only thing that can stiffen our arteries. From birth control pills to menopause, women face a unique risk that can have serious consequences…

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the No. 1 cause of death worldwide. And though we’re familiar with the three main risk factors for CVD — high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking — research has uncovered another, less-obvious factor that can double your risk for heart trouble…

If you have high blood pressure, you know it’s tough to get your readings down to normal levels, even with medication. One popular food known for health benefits could tank it by 7 points…

We’ll do just about anything we can to extend our lifespan, whether it’s following an anti-aging diet or exercise regimen — or as involved as using hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In all those efforts, there’s one goal scientists continue to chase: the ability to swallow one pill to stop aging. And they are inching ever closer…

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is similar to coronary artery disease. Both involve a buildup of plaque inside the arteries, which slows the flow of blood that nourishes all parts of the body and increases risk for blood clots. Scary thing is, it’s considered a “silent disease.” Here’s what to watch for…

Saying the word “menopause” immediately conjures up images of hot flashes, night sweats and bones becoming frail and prone to fracture. However, while menopause isn’t always a walk in the park, everything post menopause isn’t always bad news…

More evidence is stacking up that, when it comes to keeping your brain at its best, what you eat counts. According to research that spanned 12 years, there are eight foods you’ll want to make a part of your regular diet if you want to ward off cognitive impairment and dementia as you age — and one to avoid like the plague…

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms affecting one-third of American adults that increases risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. If you have excess belly fat, high cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, you may be one of them. If you’ve got 10 hours, you can turn it around before it’s too late.

As you get older, the size of a certain vital organ becomes more and more important — your brain. That’s because, typically, the older you get, the smaller your brain volume gets. And if this shrinkage gets too out of hand, you end up with a serious cognitive impairment like dementia.

By definition an autoimmune disorder is one in which your own immune system goes haywire, attacking the healthy tissue in your body, causing the disease. MS is one such disease. New research shows its symptoms may be improved and progress prossibly slowed with a change of temperature. Here’s why…

From controlling type 2 diabetes to stopping cancer in its tracks, if you want to stay in tip-top shape, nuts could be your ticket to a longer, healthier life. And it looks like the benefits of walnuts just keep stacking up, especially where heart health is concerned…

Going through cancer treatment, the last thing on anyone’s mind is exercise. It’s hard enough to find the energy to make dinner, go to work, let alone hop on a treadmill. But here’s why abandoning exercise during cancer treatment is a big mistake…

It is probably the most widely studied and treated bacterium residing in half the population. It’s associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. But doctors commonly rule it out when a patient has stomach pain. So is H. pylori really an infection?

I know a lot of people who use lavender to destress, yet I know just as many more who claim that essential oils don’t work and are all just a hoax. Well, the debate has finally been settled by science. So get ready to take a big whiff and feel the calm…

Everyone has their food weaknesses. Mine fall into the high-carb category. But I’m not worried anymore. Turns out we can all breathe a sigh of relief that we can potentially improve our aging brains by eating more carbs rather than less calories.

Genetic testing is considered the standard for predicting our likelihood of developing cancer, diabetes, coronary artery disease and other illnesses. But soon, there may be a far more precise and easy way to tell who’s at risk, and to keep people alive.

Genetically modified foods, designed to tolerate the carcinogenic pesticide Roundup, are pretty scary. But if you think the genetic engineering threat to your food stops there, you could be dead wrong. Especially if you enjoy potatoes…

Many cancer prevention and treatment plans promote low (or no) sugar diets. Cutting out sugar cuts out cancer’s energy supply, so tumors can’t grow. But here’s the problem… normal cells need glucose. So, you can’t deprive your body of sugars completely…

The more time you spend on Facebook, the more likely you are to be depressed. Does that mean you should deactivate your account and move to a mountaintop somewhere away from the trappings of modern technology? Not necessarily, just ditch these three bad habits…

As it gets colder, we spend more and more time indoors, snuggled in blankets or sitting in front of fireplaces. And the fact is, our efforts to keep warm and celebrate the winter holidays can pose some serious risks. Here are some fire-safe tips to help you enjoy your winter and holidays safely…

It’s not news that smoking is bad for you. A recent study found that long-term smokers are giving up ten years of their life. But which is worse for you, being a couch potato or smoking like a chimney? Several studies have looked into this, leading to some interesting findings…

A migraine with aura is when a change in your vision occurs right before the head pain begins, like flashes of light. blurry vision or even blind spots. Now, new research has linked this migraine symptom to an easy-to-miss heart problem that significantly increases your risk of stroke…

Eating greens is good for you. No one can deny that. But even greens — the healthiest food on the planet — aren’t perfect. At least not nowadays… Just recently we were all warned to throw out the romaine due to an E. coli outbreak. But there’s another reason to be careful…

Let’s face it… we all have those nights where bedtime’s closing in and we’re starving. But even though before bed snacking has gotten a bad rap, not all bedtime snacks are bad for you. One in particular may do the opposite of what you’ve been told — it may boost your metabolism and more!

When it comes to exercise, aerobic exercise, the kind that gets your heart rate up and blood pumping, has been considered the holy grail. After all, it does have some amazing benefits. But if you want to lower cholesterol, stroke and heart attack risk in less time, try this…

Singing releases endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good,” pain reducing chemical. Singing also releases oxytocin, a hormone which has been found to alleviate anxiety and stress. But that’s not all: Study after study reveals that singing in a group has multiple health benefits…

I often have patients come to me about visible signs of aging. After wrinkles and sagging skin, they’re most concerned about darkened spots and growths, and vascular skin blemishes. If you have these same concerns, I’d like to share with you how I help my patients…

By now you have probably read a lot about free radicals and how they are responsible for the disease and aging process. That’s because free radicals literally break down healthy cells — killing and mutating them. You fight them with antioxidants, but what if they’re outnumbered?

You wouldn’t think that having a big brain would be a bad thing… More brain cells. Possibly more intelligence. Sign me up! But just like more money means more problems, a bigger brain could set you up for a higher chance of something no one wants more of…

An optimum diet and exercise can protect your neuromuscular junction synapses from the wear and tear of aging. So, are you following an optimum diet and exercising daily? Don’t beat yourself up too much. There’s a nutrient that duplicates the effects without diet and lifestyle changes…

Night owls tend to be more creative and intelligent. They also have more mental stamina later in the day. That means they can burn the midnight oil to get stuff done, like homework, work or passion projects. But there’s one area where us early birds have a big advantage — health.

When you are in a state of flow, you feel in control. You feel more competent. You’re not worrying about how you’re doing, who’s judging you, or what you’ll have to do next. But it’s more than that. Here are some measurable benefits to being in the “flow,” and how to get there…

Suds. Warm water. Steam. And relaxation… There’s just nothing like a nice, long, hot shower. It feels good, that’s for sure. But dermatologists have other ideas about what’s good for you when it comes to soaping up and rinsing down. In fact, most of us could learn a few things…

Leaky gut is a condition where the gut lining develops holes that allow partially digested food, toxins and bacteria to seep into your bloodstream. Telltale signs include chronic diarrhea, gas, constipation, fatigue, headaches and skin issues. And only one probiotic has been found to truly plug a leaky gut…

Have you heard of exergaming? Some video games require physical exercise (for your body, not just your thumbs!) and scientists have now found a big benefit that goes far beyond their effects on your heart rate and even your waistline. It could be a fun way to stay independent as you age…

If you’re already experiencing arthritis pain in your knees, you’re probably afraid knee replacement surgery is in your future. But it doesn’t have to be. There’s something you can do today to decrease your odds of needing surgery and suffering through recovery. And it only takes five to ten minutes!

A growing body of clinical and scientific data suggests that modified forms of fasting can deliver important benefits for key areas of health, including glucose regulation, cardiovascular function, inflammatory response and more. Not bad for an ancient practice…

Seriously, just one thing. And the folks who did this one thing, without being encouraged to diet, exercise or do anything that differed from their normal, daily habits, lost weight and kept it off. So if you want to finally be able to see changes on the scale with extreme effort, try it, too…

If your blood sugar is elevated, but not enough (yet) for a diabetes diagnosis, that’s called prediabetes. You can turn that around by increasing an enzyme you’ve probably never heard of. It’s in all of your cells, but if you’re over 50, your supplies are decreasing daily. Boost it…

Estrogen excess is not so clear cut, especially when you’re not sure why or how the necessary hormone is getting out of balance. It takes monitoring levels of both estrogen and testosterone to get it balanced. Fortunately once you know why it’s increasing, there are several things that help…

Most of us have the wrong idea about aging. We assume that it’s natural to get weaker, develop diseases and slow down mentally as we get older. But this is all wrong. Normal aging does not automatically cause decline and disease. In fact, there really isn’t a “normal aging” at all…