Latest Stories

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.

What do varicose veins and COVID-19 have in common? They both put you at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, a condition where a blood clot forms deep within a vein, usually in the legs, but sometimes in the arms. And swelling may be the only sign of the clot and the COVID-19 infection.

Dyes used in food are supposed to be safe for you to eat, but we’ve already seen evidence that’s not the case. Artificial food colorants have been linked with everything from hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions and worse — and now, there’s evidence they may impact your gastrointestinal health as well…

For years, research has dug into the benefits of coffee. And, now, there’s more credibility pointing to our favorite elixir’s stimulating brain benefits. Coffee certainly lives up to its reputation to help us stay sharp, alert and focused, but should we drink more… or less for the best big brain benefits?

Over the past twenty years, the emerging field of neurotheology has explored the relationship between spiritual practices and meditation and a person’s overall physical and mental health. But the idea that meditation is good for the brain, and may even prevent Alzheimer’s, isn’t new at all…

As we age, diet plays an important role in maintaining health and independence. But it’s a little more complex than you’d think. Research has revealed some recommendations, and some precautions, that can help you live life with vim and vigor no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake…

In the past twenty years, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer has skyrocketed, as long as the disease is caught at stage 1, from around four percent to almost forty percent. This makes greater awareness of the risk factors for the disease and the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer an important part of survival.

A good night’s sleep can do wonders for your mental and cognitive health. It helps keep us focused, alert and simply happier. But more than that, getting just the right amount of sleep can bring down your risk for stroke and heart attack.

Sardines. You either love them or you hate them. But if you were at a high-risk level for type 2 diabetes — meaning you’re prediabetic — and eating just a few a day could turn all that around for you, why not give it a try? Still need convincing? Check out these impressive results…

When you were growing up, your mom never forgot to remind you to eat your vegetables. And while that’s still great advice, there might have been one recommendation she missed. Always eat your fish… your oily, fatty fish, that is! Because people with higher omega-3 blood levels live longer than those with lower levels.

All of us have those nights when physical discomfort or a racing mind can make it difficult to sleep well. But when it happens night after night, it can be a real nightmare — one that affects up to 70 percent of older adults. Pop a pill? That’s dangerous the older you get. But new research says the right kind of music is the stuff dreams are made of…

Between the chaos of the pandemic and the information overload that comes from being constantly online, stress is pretty much a constant presence in our lives. Luckily, evidence continues to mount that following a healthy diet with plenty of plant-based foods can help you manage your stress…

Psoriasis is a difficult autoimmune disease to manage. Not only can it result in thick, red, itchy skin plaques that feel uncomfortable — but it can make someone suffering from the condition uncomfortable about showing their skin. It can also cause misery below the skin including inflamed joints and tendons. A type of diet shows promise in improving symptoms…

Diabetes is well-known as a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. But prediabetes? No big deal, right? Wrong. The notion that prediabetes is “blood sugar that’s high but not high enough to be diabetes” has lulled us into a false sense of security. It can lead to heart damage without ever progressing…

You already know that there’s “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol and that the “good” type helps eliminate bad forms of cholesterol out of your system. But researchers have discovered another benefit to “good” cholesterol that could help predict your likelihood of developing a serious heart problem…

Heat stroke is a dangerous condition that can sneak up on you if you get overheated and don’t take the time to cool off. Now, we’re finding that being overheated for too long can lead to specific danger for seniors… it can actually lower your body’s ability to clean out damaged cells that could lead to diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

People with high blood pressure are usually taking some action to bring it under control, including diet, exercise and medication. But what they don’t know is that they could be sabotaging their efforts simply by taking care of other health issues, especially with medication…

Exercise plays a vital role in heart health and is often recommended by experts as one of the best ways to avoid heart problems. But what if you’ve actually had to undergo heart surgery? Can you get the cardivascular and muscular benefits you need to reduce frailty without danger? You bet, especially if you take the stairs…

Most vaccines have some side effects, and the COVID-19 vaccine is no different. That’s left a question mark for the many people who experience no side effects at all. If side effects are the immune system doing what it’s supposed to do, does a lack of side effects mean that the vaccine isn’t working?

I can’t think of much that’s more relaxing than strolling through a park and listening to a bird song. It clears the mind, rejuvenates the spirit and inspires me more than almost any other experience. And I’m sure I’m not alone in appreciating these gifts that come from spending time outdoors, including how they impact our health…

31 million more Americans suddenly now have hypertension. Does that shock you? What’s even more shocking is that it’s by no fault of their own. The American College of Cardiology has provided new lowered criteria, so now anyone is fair game for their medicine…

This could be the first step toward lucid dreaming. And, believe it or not, lucid dreaming has a bunch of potential benefits. People have used lucid dreaming to overcome nightmares, treat phobias, practice creative problem solving, refine motor skills and even recover from physical trauma.

Plaque is nasty stuff. It consists of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin. And of course when it clogs your arteries, you’re in for a world of hurt. So, the two “ingredients” from this recipe that stand out are calcium and cholesterol. Which do you think is your biggest concern?

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.