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Having a first-degree relative such as a parent or sibling with dementia can increase your dementia risk by a staggering 75 percent compared with someone who doesn’t have this familial history. While this statistic is sobering, there’s more and more evidence that it’s by no means set in stone…

It’s no secret that obesity can put you at risk of a number of chronic illnesses. It can also increase your risk for osteoarthritis and make you a tough candidate to find relief from osteoarthritis knee pain. You may have heard that garlic can help. But how effective is it really?

If you were paying attention to the news this summer, you probably heard about Wegovy™, a “new” drug just approved for weight loss. It’s an injection that you self-administer once a week under the skin. And it works! Sounds great, but before you give it a try, here are all the details…

The idea of fortified foods was to reduce nutritional deficiencies. But you can’t cut corners, use cheap ingredients, remove natural nutrition and expect that throwing in a few synthetic vitamins will make up for a product that does more damage than any vitamin deficiency…

High levels of circulating insulin can damage blood vessels leading to high blood pressure and heart disease. That’s why improving insulin sensitivity is paramount. Here’s a sweet way to lower your risk of blood sugar problems by a whopping 36 percent, by doing just that…

The number one modifiable risk factor for heart disease and premature death is high blood pressure. That means if you can control it, you can greatly lower that risk. Maybe you’ve cut back on salt, started exercising and eating right. But what about your zinc levels?

This sneaky vision-stealer gives virtually no warning signs, not until peripheral vision starts to disappear. Even with treatment, many with the disease will lose vision in one eye. But even in those with a genetic predisposition, you can lower your risk… starting with caffeine.

Milk has been given a bad rap for a long time. I’m referring to good old-fashioned cow’s milk, blamed for weight gain and heart disease. But a huge study’s found a connection between drinking milk, better cholesterol and keeping your heart strong.

You’ve probably read a lot about your gut microbiome. But you may not be as aware that other parts of the body have their own microbiomes that are just as important to your health, like the connections between diet, breast microbiome, some supplements and breast cancer risk.

If there is a lack of blood flow to the brain, the brain is going to starve. That’s why there is ittle time to spare when stroke symptoms arise. Here are the differences between the two main types of stroke as well as TIA or mini-stroke…

The gentle, flowing movements of tai chi aren’t usually the types of exercise you’d associate with losing weight or inches around your middle (where that dangerous fat collects). But a recent study suggests this seemingly sedate practice actually packs a fat-loss punch…

What’s defined as high blood pressure varies depending upon who you listen to… the American Heart Association or the International Society of Hypertension. In my own practice, I typically favor the more lenient definition. But regardless of which scale you follow, getting correct readings is what really matters…

About 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise is ideal. It’s not easy for all of us to commit to that, but just a few hours of light physical activity can provide major benefits on par with more exercise. Just be sure to avoid the one thing that can negate them.

Parkinson’s is a disease that causes tremors, stiffness and rigidity, cognitive decline and more. And though there is currently no cure, there are drugs and alternative health methods that can help slow the disease progression. That’s why seeing the early signs matters so much…

Exercise. Either you love it, or you hate it. But it’s good preventive medicine. Regular exercise can prevent heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. The good news? There’s an indulgent activity that carries a lot of the same benefits.

There’s probably been no time in recent history that more people have been focused on vaccines. But, of course, vaccines are nothing new… the seasonal flu and pneumonia vaccines have been around for a while. What is new is finding that the key to how well they work is in your gut.

There are people who tend to thrive and do their best work late at night. But others are at their best earlier in the day. One drawback of being a night owl is a higher risk for depression. But one hour is all it takes to slash that risk by double digits — without giving up late night..

Are you a cleaning fanatic? Be wary of the ingredients in the products you use. You could face serious respiratory damage if you’re not careful.

Let’s say you’ve reached your weight loss goal (congratulations!) and you’re looking forward to all the health benefits that brings. You probably worked very hard, but maintaining your new weight may not be so hard, as long as you don’t do this one thing that works against sustained weight loss.

One of my favorite rites of spring is browsing aisles of beautiful asparagus, radishes, herbs and lettuces at farmer’s markets. It’s one of the most inspiring ways to cook more heart-healthy foods at home. My favorites contain lots of potassium, calcium and nitrates, which may help improve blood flow, and of course fiber!

Who wouldn’t want to roll back the clock and reverse aging to feel better and live longer? But is turning back your biological age even possible? And if so, is it something you can do yourself? Here’s how the study participants did it in just eight weeks…

For some people, age is only a number. No matter the number of years that have passed, they stay active, strong, and yes — youthful. They seem to live and breathe the popular saying “you’re only as old as you feel.” And now science has proven there’s really something to it…

Surgery is difficult at any age, but it carries specific complications for older adults, including long-term memory loss. Researchers have dug into this connection and may have narrowed it down to the way a specific type of anesthetic affects tau protein, a key player in Alzheimer’s development…

You might think having a genetic predisposition for cancer is a death sentence, or that there’s very little you can do to counteract heredity. Well, recent research has shown this to be untrue when it comes to colorectal cancer. In fact, lifestyle factors can do more for folks with the cancer gene than those without…

Sarcopenia can put a kink in your plans to enjoy retirement, whether you see yourself playing golf every day, going on cruises or hosting campouts in the backyard with your grandkids — and instead leave you frail and housebound. But your gut bacteria can help keep it from stealing your get-up-and-go.

Traditionally, women start out with much lower blood pressure than men. But when we get into our 40s, things start to change. That’s why women are being urged to diligently check it. Turns out even a mild elevation in BP for middle-aged women can double the risk for heart attack.

Walking is one of the safest and easiest ways to stay active. It’s also great for your heart health and can help you live longer, reducing your risk of death as much as 32 percent. Better news? Retire your Fitbit… it doesn’t take near as many steps as you’d think…

For men, obesity and low testosterone levels can go hand-in-hand and are often a “chicken and the egg” situation. Obesity kicks off testosterone decline and the resulting low-T leaves the body burning fewer calories and leads to more weight gain. But it’s a vicious cylce that can be broken so you can get your vim and vigor back.

Your gut or GI tract is home to a huge and diverse community of microorganism that makes up your gut microbiome. And more and more evidence is proving that much of your health — even your blood pressure levels — starts right here…

When you suffer from anxiety, that feeling of dread can take over. Unfortunately, the medications most doctors will prescribe carry a boatload of side effects. Some can even worsen your anxiety symptoms. But a plant compound found in some of our favorite foods was shown to wrangle anxiety… and cholesterol, too.

If you end up with the dreaded summer cold, there’s not a lot your doctor can do for you and their normal advice is to rest and wait it out. However, there are a few things you can do at home to alleviate your symptoms, stimulate your immune system to fight off the virus and feel better quicker.

It starts in your 30s, and by the time you reach your 70s, you may have lost as much as 50 percent of your muscle mass. That’s why sarcopenia is one of the top causes of frailty, poor mobility and falls in older people. So does that mean you’re doomed to a future of weak muscles and waning independence?

Most of us think of joint problems when we hear the word inflammation. But, inflammation is behind a number of serious health problems that could be waiting in the wings, ready to attack and rob you of your well-being. Here are the top four health risks caused by inflammation and what to do to stop it…

If you experience any of these symptoms without a reasonable explanation (like the flu or another illness), run, don’t walk to the hospital. Don’t shrug them off. It could cost you your life. Plus… if you commit this simple information to memory now, it may save someone else’s life too…

There’s a lot to understand about the Keto diet, and much you should know before you decide whether you’re jumping on board or not, including the pros and cons. And if you’re a man, you probably want to know how the keto diet may or may not impact your prostate health…

There’s not much worse than a nail fungus this time of year when everyone’s wearing their cute sandals. What is a nail fungus anyway? And why would you get one? I’ll explain and we’ll get you fixed up with these home remedies for nail fungus as effective as a prescription.

Many people supplement this hormone when they experience sleep problems. But research has now shown us that we should be taking melatonin even if we’re sleeping well. Because, if you start taking it soon enough, you may just be able to fend off Alzheimer’s disease…

Managing your body’s pH level can help fight health conditions like high blood pressure, arthritis and diabetes. It’s also been shown to reduce chronic pain and cause the death of cancer cells. Here are the most important tips for shifting to an alkaline diet.

Hot flashes, mood swings and trouble sleeping are nearly-universal symptoms of peri-menopause. Many a joke has been made about women wearing shorts in the dead of winter. But there are subtle signs your body may send, and knowing them can make relief easier…

If you’ve dealt with depression during your life, you’ve probably explored all available options to put your dark days behind you. That may have included trying antidepressant drugs. Maybe they worked for you. But if they didn’t, you’re not alone …

When you pop a pill, like metformin, and expect everything to be okay… but end up with some unwanted side effects like muscle pain, trouble breathing, confusion, irritability, fatigue, dizziness and more, it might be time to think outside of the box…

Blood flow helps transport nutrients and oxygen to organs while removing waste and toxins. Without good blood flow, health can come to a grinding halt. There are a number of specific foods, herbs and supplements that can support circulation and promote your cardiovascular health.

Plenty of studies have proven the positive effects of exercise in cancer patients, not only in their mental health but in actually slowing the growth of the cancer itself. In fact, the level of evidence is really indisputable. But what exercise is best? Here’s what to do…

Sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, heart arrhythmia, and is a known risk factor for early death from heart disease. And CPAP is just a less than ideal treatment few can stick with. Canniboids, anyone?

Henry VIII and Alexander the Great endured this disease, but it’s definitely not limited to royalty. Today, more than 8.3 million Americans are suffering the pain and bodily damage of this condition — and worse, its serious consequences that are life-threatening…

Blame it on a poor diet, workaholic mindset, sedentary lifestyle or whatever else, but the fact is Americans have a shorter life expectancy than people in nearly all other high-income countries. Luckily, there is a simple way to add at least 10 years to your life expectancy…

I learned something I had never read about those nasty amyloid plaques… that naturally-occurring metals in the earth and our food supply and considered healthy nutrients actually help amyloid plaque, the precursor to Alzheimer’s, to take over your brain. But you can stop it…

There are a number of very important reasons for putting your smartphone away during mealtime… or anytime as a matter of fact. For starters, the bright light from your smartphone can actually signal a cascade of insulin resistance, high blood sugar and increased body fat…

I’m not a big dessert eater. It turns out that if you’re going to choose just one dessert to get your sweet fix, it should be chocolate. That’s because two new studies show that eating chocolate (specifically the dark variety) comes with 4 huge health benefits. Here’s why you and I should be eating it regularly…

It seems that many people believe celery to be what’s called a ‘negative-calorie’ food, one that consumes more calories as the body processes it than the food itself contains. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but celery won’t make you lose weight just by eating it. But here are six other ways it can improve your health…

When there’s a shortage of this important vitamin, the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine are suppressed. One is linked to the brain’s pleasure centers, while the other regulates mood. The result is a chemical imbalance that could lead to paranoia, delusions and hallucinations.

The keto diet is described as energy-boosting, performance-enhancing, and even disease-fighting, among other benefits. But what about weight loss? Well, if you don’t follow it to the letter, weight gain is often the result. So, before you decide if the keto diet is for you or not, you should know…

It’s possible to control high blood pressure without medication. Simple lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising daily, eating healthy and cutting back on alcohol, caffeine and stress can have an amazing effect on your blood pressure. But so can just drinking a daily glass of…

When was the last time you thought about your belly button? It deserves a lot more attention that you realize… After all, your navel is there because it was once the connection to your lifeline. So when your navel sends pain signals, you should listen…

Sure they make a great snack but they pack an incredible health punch too. That’s why we’re not shy about telling you what strawberries do to your body. But the list of incredible benefits just keeps growing and growing. That’s because strawberries contain a little-known antioxidant…

Baking soda is a useful thing to have around. You can use it for baking, cleaning, brushing your teeth, relieving bug bites, keeping your fridge fresh and more. But what if baking soda’s potential goes far beyond these uses — and extends to saving you from autoimmune diseases…

Chances are, your blood vessels are showing the wear and tear of age, increasing your risk of stroke and heart attack. If only you had a time machine… No worries. Researchers may have uncovered a simple way to knock 15 to 20 years off those aging blood vessels.

If you’re walking regularly, you’re taking the first step to a longer, healthier life. But the last thing you want to do is suffer an injury that could put a real kink in your walking routine. We’ve got some tips that will make this super healthy habit a walk in the park…

Don’t you dread mammograms? Not only are they uncomfortable but that blast of radiation isn’t doing you any favors. What if you could “see” breast cancer cells faster than a mammogram could… and make changes to lower your cancer risks and preserve your breast health, would you?

Prescription medications enhance neurotransmitters such as serotonin or norepinephrine in your brain. While they don’t reverse the cause of depression, they are useful as a bridge to healing — but with side effects. so let’s talk about a few alternatives…