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You may believe there comes a point when taking up exercise won’t make any difference to your health. But don’t give up just yet. Research in more than 30,000 people indicates that becoming physically active later in life can be almost as good for a longer, healthier life as having exercised consistently for years…

From watching funny pet videos to relaxing with our favorite pooch, pets make us laugh, make us smile, and make us feel better. That’s why doctors and hospitals have long enlisted therapy dogs to help patients, whether they’re recovering from a physical injury or need emotional support. Here’s how your pet can help you feel better fast…

Certain foods have a reputation as superfoods, meaning they possess particularly heathy attributes that confer improved health and even longer life to those who eat them. You can include them as part of healthy diet or, in the case of this one, the worse your diet is, the bigger the benefits you’ll see…

Time-restricted eating is a type of intermittent fasting. It’s an eating plan where you restrict consuming your calories or food to a specific window of time each day. You might eat during an hour 8 hour period and fast for 16 (a chunk of that when you sleep). It’s not for everyone, but these four big health benefits might inspire you to give it a try…

At any given moment, I can listen to the right tune to help me feel calmer, happier, more focused or primed for sleep. But playing music also improves your life in multiple ways. In fact, learning to play a musical instrument is well worth the effort, especially for your brain, even if you don’t start learning until you’re an older adult…

Erectile dysfunction is a subject most men don’t want to talk about. After all, many men take it as another sign, along with laugh lines and a receding hairline, that they’re just getting older. But if you’re experiencing problems in the bedroom that you’ve been ignoring, the results of a study of over 95,000 men in Australia may be a wake-up call for you…

There’s a reason we’ve learned to trust our gut instincts. Research has revealed that it works for the body like a second brain and that its effects on total body health can reach far beyond its intestinal confines. That’s why when scientists had a gut feeling about its connection to heart disease, they couldn’t shake it until they discovered this missing link…

Nobel Prize-winning physiologist and biochemist Otto Warburg hypothesized over 90 years ago that cancer cells use sugars for energy. If you take a cancer cell’s preferred energy source, what happens then? On the keto diet, the body turns to burning fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, but cancer might starve…

Sometimes staying motivated to exercise can weigh heavy on your fitness goals, no matter what they are. We’ve been conditioned that achieving them depends on the long haul. Not so for these five benefits that science says you can experience immediately. Hint: some of these may be the motivation you need!

Is it really possible to send type 2 diabetes into remission? That’s the word scientists used when they reviewed almost 100 papers about the effects of various diets on the disease. Their final assessment? It certainly is, as long as these two key strategies are part of the plan….

If you’ve ever shopped for a mattress, you know that there’s a lot to consider, including size, price, and of course, comfort. Oftentimes, we get so preoccupied with finding the perfect mattress that will last a decade, that we totally overlook potential hazards. But how dangerous could a mattress be? Quite dangerous, actually, especially if it’s leaking fiberglass…

Walking is probably one of our favorite forms of exercise. But many hardcore fitness freaks might cast doubt on the benefits of waking a few hours a week. If they are ever unfortunate enough to experience stroke, they may change their minds. Reducing risk of death up to 80 percent is nothing to scoff at…

Is napping your favorite pastime? Of late, it’s been mine. I’m not sure if the heat is to blame or just age. But I’ve been catnapping more often. That may sound nice, but I’ve noticed I don’t wake refreshed or any better able to focus. Turns out there’s a good reason for that. It’s called slow-wave sleep…

Maybe you remember a time that you could eat anything you wanted and not gain a pound. Yet now, if you even look at a cheeseburger, you can feel your hips and thighs expanding. If so, you’ve probably placed the blame on a slow metabolism due to age. But new research says your metabolism stays strong longer than you might think…

Although millions of people around the world seek mental clarity through meditation, most of us in the U.S. ignore this powerful tool. True, most of us have little time to set aside for ourselves. But considering how much science shows the simple practice can improve concentration now and lessen the risk for degeneration, even Alzheimer’s, later, we can’t afford not to make time…

It takes more than calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone health. These popular nutrients tend to take the spotlight, though strong healthy bones depend just as much on important micro- and macronutrients. In fact, a single trace element — and don’t let that word diminish its big benefits — is instrumental in boosting your bone density…

For years, doctors have used a menopausal woman’s chronological age and years since onset of menopause to determine whether hormone therapy is too risky for her cardiovascular health. Now, researchers are suggesting physicians look at a completely different kind of age for a more accurate measure…

Metabolic syndrome is bad enough on its own since it raises your risk of problems like heart attack, stroke and diabetes, not to mention premature death. But when combined with chronic kidney disease, the cluster of conditions that make up metabolic syndrome can send those risks into the stratosphere. Here’s how to avoid them…

Research has identified 10 factors that, if they apply to you, add up to a 30 percent higher chance you’ll suffer a fracture in the next two decades. Some of them are beyond your control. But there are a few you can address now to prevent broken bones later on.

Type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance. They’re all manifestations of the same metabolic dysfunction, just to a different degree. And all individuals who develop type 2 diabetes are initially pre-diabetic. And all pre-diabetics are initially insulin resistant. The key may be stopping this hidden dysfunction…

Some things simply go hand-in-hand, like salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly, a needle and thread. And according to scientists, another pair where you can’t have one without the other is vitamin C and strong, stable immune cells. In fact, this special combination could be the key to defeating autoimmune conditions for good…

If you’re nearing 50 and find that you’re simply not as tall as you used to be, you’re not alone. That’s because height loss due to the shrinking of your spinal discs, compression fractures and poor posture often start adding up by your 5th decade. It may be a blow to your ego but an ever bigger one to your health. Good news: you can slow it.

Since its discovery, scientists have uncovered five different compounds that make up the vitamin K family. And one of the most compelling is vitamin K2. Discover three reasons this one nutrient can help you live your best life.

It’s no secret that most of us eat way too much sugar. It’s also no secret it can lead to diabetes. But that’s not all. It has a very sinister effect on our mitochondria, our cellular power plants, that can set the stage for a metabolic disaster. What can you do? Cut down on sugar and feed your mitochondria what that sugar’s been stealing from them…

If you have diabetes, you know it’s imperative to manage your intake of sugar and carbs. But while many diabetics are busy making sure they are eating right for blood sugar management, many are falling behind on an important nutrient that can leave them with mobility issues…

There’s no question that physical activity has a huge impact on our health. From keeping our hearts healthy and cholesterol in check to controlling blood sugar, staying active makes it more likely we’ll live better, healthier and longer. Best of all, exercise has been shown to have powerful cancer-fighting properties.

When all the experts are telling you to cut down on fat it can be confusing. But the body contains one fat that you certainly need more of, especially if you want to avoid cognitive decline. In fact, this fat has been deemed “indispensable” in protecting the brain from dementia. Here’s how to turn your fat to the good side and benefit…

If you’re a foodie you may already be on board with leaving the skins on many fruits and vegetables for that rustic look and taste. But there’s another reason: super nutrition! But can you eat all the skins? That’s up to you, but here’s a list of fruit and vegetable skins you should never throw out…

Essential oils have long been used to boost physical and emotional health. Some may speed wound healing, lower blood pressure and even attack the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. But the scientific community has claimed it was a “placebo effect.” Well, that’s all over now that the mechansim by which they boost health and mood has been uncovered…

They’re often referred to as age spots, sun spots or liver spots. But their cause is the same: UV ray exposure that speeds up the production of the natural pigment melanin. Avoiding age spots is a good idea — because the same culprit is behind skin cancer. But if you want to fade them, there are some dangers there to watch out for as well…

Are you anemic? Actually, a better question is this: would you know if you were? Many people over age 65 are and don’t even know. They also don’t know that there are two problems that make anemia more dangerous than it needs to be…

According to a new reports, tens of millions of Americans each year are exposed to contaminated drinking water — consuming everything from fecal bacteria to lead and arsenic. Clearly, drinking right out of the tap is a bad idea. So, if you must invest in a water filter, which one?

Whoever said, “Traveling is good medicine,” never spent time on a cramped plane. Particular risks come into play with specific conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or recent surgery. These and other factors can make long-distance travel potentially dangerous….

Everyone knows that belly fat increases your risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases. But when does belly fat become a problem? Is a little bit worth the worry? And what if you’re fit everywhere else but your belly? Are you still at risk? Here’s how to know…

Normally, urine color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber. If your urine falls outside of this color spectrum, it’s usually time to consult your doctor. A variety of medical and dietary issues can cause urine to take on a range of colors you might not expect. Here are some colors to watch out for.

It’s the most widely used herbicide in the world, and new evidence says that it’s more prevalent and dangerous than ever. Worrisome enough on its own, new research reveals glyphosate-based herbicides expose us to five hormone-disrupting heavy metals…

Hormone treatment therapies of the past have many of us too scared to consider HRT. But there is an urgent reason why you should consider your options… That menopause ‘brain fog’ may not end with the last hot flash. In fact, it could be the reason two-thirds of Alzheimer’s victims are women…

One way to stretch your dollar is to make sure the produce you buy doesn’t spoil before it’s eaten. Another way is to consider store brands, many of which are just as nutritious as their full-priced competitors. Here are 7 tips to get you started.

It’s no fun to see signs of of aging. Every time a wrinkle appears, your heart sinks a little. But trust me… what’s going on inside your body is even more alarming. Aging is hard on your vital organs, and your heart is particularly vulnerable to the harsh hands of time…

Many Italian towns have reputations as blue zones… places where inhabitants live unusually long and healthy lives. Most often their health and longevity is attributed to a healthy Mediterranean diet. But the citizens of a town on the Italian Riviera hold tight to another healthy secret…

Many claims have been made about the ability of saw palmetto to shrink the prostate, relieve symptoms of BPH and associated urinary tract problems and perhaps even fight prostate cancer. Is this hype, or does saw palmetto really help?

I’m looking at old age from a comfortable distance. But I’m realizing some adjustments to my home are necessary if I want to remain here independently for another decade or two. If you’re “of a certain age” and want to live in the home you love, here are some things to consider…

A recent study from Italian researchers found that when you don’t exercise your legs enough, not only do you lose muscle mass in your legs, you lose nerve cells. You’ve heard the saying, “use it or lose it.” Well, it’s particularly true when it comes to your brain cells…

Believing a myth is counter-productive to slowing the signs of aging, improving your health (now and well into your future), and living the best life you can. So, let’s break down some of the most popular wrong-headed ideas so they don’t hold you back….

The American Cancer Society lists almost twenty risk factors for this often-silent, fast-moving cancer. Many of the risk factors are medical and genetic in nature. Some have to do with habits like smoking and drinking. Then there’s talcum powder…

Most chronic pain sufferers have to resort to addictive and dangerous painkillers to cope. But members of the Polar Bear Club may be on to a simple and side effect-free way to relieve chronic pain, perhaps for good, that doesn’t involve addictive painkillers…

There may be little your doctor can do for you if you’re living with a chronic neurological disease. But with the help of your gut, you could improve your symptoms, possibly halt the damage and get your life back — just by activating a little-known pathway…

She was working with her therapist to address long-standing issues with overeating. So when his instructions were to keep her kitchen stocked with a full supply of sweets and “forbidden” foods, and never to let her supply run low, she thought he was nuts. Boy, was she wrong…

Curcumin, the golden spice from the turmeric root, has been demonstrated to be both a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound in numerous lab studies. Now, scientists believe it could be the reason why in India, where it’s a dietary staple, the prevalence of memory problems is so low…

Drinking alcohol can contribute to at least 13 types of cancer. But there’s something different about red wine… Not only does it not increase your cancer risk, new research shows red wine can cut your risk of the most common cancer in the Western world…

Hypertension can mean a lifelong pre-existing condition and daily medication that doesn’t just cramp your style… it invites some side effects you’d probably rather do without, like diarrhea or constipation, lightheadedness and erection problems. Unless you’re open to alternatives… and I’ve got 19 natural ones.

Cortisol throws your hormonal balance out of whack. Beyond your hormones, high cortisol levels weaken your immune system, put you at risk for diabetes and contribute to obesity. High cortisol is also tied to mood problems and, of course, anxiety. Bust it with a simple amino acid…

The U.S. is facing an addiction crisis like no other in its history. While it’s easy to sit back and say those people were simply opioid addicts, many of them started as patients in pain. That’s why more people need to know about this method shown to reduce drug dependency and pain at the same time…

It accounts for more than 40 percent of all cases of depression and 30 percent of all cases of anxiety. Those are some big numbers! And, unfortunately, it’s super easy for doctors to misdiagnosis it as ‘menopausal symptoms’ or depression or anxiety alone…

It’s hard to think of a condition that exercise won’t help. It slows the growth of cancer, boosts HDL cholesterol and lowers LDLs that clog arteries and cause stroke. But is it as beneficial for type 2 diabetics? Doubly so… Just take a look at what it does for glucose and insulin control and heart attack risk…

Looking for a simple way to protect yourself against bacterial infections… especially those scary superbugs you’ve been hearing about? Well, there may be safe and cheap way to do just that. In fact, you may be able to fend off those nasty bacterial infections with…

When your vestibular system is damaged, you may have episodes of vertigo, a general term for a sensation of dizziness. But there are six lesser-known conditions that cause vertigo and loss of balance, along with other symptoms that can often resemble signs of stroke or brain tumors…

Migraines=misery. After an exhaustive review of more than 180 studies on migraines and diet, researchers at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center were able to identify four of the most likely dietary triggers — and what to eat for relief.

When it comes to drinking coffee, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, per se. However, if you are among the hundreds of millions of coffee drinkers in the world, there’s significant proof that coffee is very healthy habit, but even more so if you’re on the mature side…

If you’ve been following microbiome medicine, this may not be a shocker… It seems like every health condition around can be connected to the community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in your body. The good news is, if this is true, then a healthy gut may be able to curb or reverse your hair loss…