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Lowering blood pressure can be challenging. After all, to get it down, most doctors recommend changing your diet, getting more exercise or taking loads of medications, sometimes stacked one on top of another. But lowering your BP a few more notches can be as simple as a cup of tea.

There’s tons of evidence that eating mostly fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help prevent and even cure many conditions, from eczema to arthritis to diabetes and heart disease. But some people remain skeptical. Here’s one woman’s true story of what can happen when you switch to a plant-based diet.

Much has been written about coffee’s health benefits, but one area that’s been murky is whether coffee helps or hurts heart health. Now, another study has confirmed that drinking coffee made a particular way, and used as the basis for some of our favorite coffee house beverages, can actually raise the risk of cardiovascular disease…

We owe a debt of gratitude to all the frontline workers who’ve taken care of the sick, and to the scientists developing vaccines so we can begin returning to some sense of normalcy. But during this crisis, it’s also been great to see research come out proving the power of nutrition.

Those blooms you bring into your home this spring could spell discomfort and even worse for your furry friends. Here’s the lowdown on some popular flowers, how they can poison your pet and what to do if you think your cat or dog has eaten them.

Pain, burning, urgency — each of these symptoms will sound familiar if you’ve ever suffered from a urinary tract infection. And the likelihood is, you have. And while the pain and symptoms of the infection themselves are bad enough, according to a new study, having a urinary tract infection could be a signal of far worse to come…

Do you know someone whose heart attack seemed to “come out of the blue? While it’s hard to understand how someone can seem fine one day and suffer a major heart event the next day, it happens. Cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth Klodas explains how, why and what’s lurking below the surface that even a stress test can miss — and how to help guard against it.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, chances are you’ve experienced side effects from your medication, so you may be aware of alternatives that relieve your symptoms. One such alternative, fish oil, has shown the ability to ease RA symptoms. You can ramp us those effects by taking it with the right juice…

Scientists have found that certain blood types seem to be more susceptible to COVID-19, but so far they haven’t really been sure why. A recent study may shed more light on the connection between blood type and contracting COVID-19…

There’s no doubt fiber’s part of a healthy diet. Yet, we mostly think about what it does for the gut, like promoting regularity or stopping the bloat. There’s one more way adding the power of fiber to your life could improve your health (and even your happiness)…

Energy drinks are loaded with caffeine and sugar. For that reason alone, they’ve always been questionable at best when it comes to your health. But now, research has pinpointed other chemicals in these drinks that damage your kidneys and set you up for heart failure.

In the United States, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds. For survivors, the road to recovery can be long and hard. But trials are underway to test a hallucinogenic drug that may minimize the damage to the brain that occurs during a stroke.

Fructose has been a common food additive for decades, and its overconsumption is known to cause issues with the liver and insulin resistance, a precursor to obesity and diabetes. What hasn’t been as clear is how fructose impacts the immune system, and that’s a gamble with high stakes right now.

For years we’ve been told to watch our cholesterol, keeping our so-called “bad” cholesterol down and our “good” cholesterol up. But what if that advice was wrong and we’ve been operating under a false sense of security? There’s much more banking on HDL than we ever realized.

Walk into any gym and you’ll notice a great divide, with women hitting the treadmills and ellipticals, while the men lay claim to the weight machines. It’s a divide that seems to only get greater with age. But if you’re a woman over 50, skipping the weights in favor of just cardio could be a big mistake.

A high-protein diet can be an extremely effective weight loss plan. It usually goes hand in hand with a low-carb diet. But before you jump into changing your ways, consider the health of your kidneys. If not, you could end up with a bigger problem than a few extra pounds.

We use more artificial light than ever at night, both indoors and outdoors, and it’s affecting our health. Night light use is connected with a higher risk of obesity, depression, sleep disorders and diabetes. And according to researchers, it may be raising our risk of a particular type of cancer…

Vaccines are now available for COVID-19, but many people are struggling to get an appointment. Research has explored the benefits of vitamins D and C and minerals like zinc and magnesium in fortifying the immune system against the virus. But one critical vitamin has been missing, until now.

If you were in the clutches of drugs or alcohol, you’d want out. It’s time to think about foods that are bringing your health down the same way, foods that are engineered to addict you. Here’s insight into the worst culprits and how to break free.

If you’ve noticed you have a harder time dealing with pain lately, you’re not alone. Like most things in the past year, research shows that for victims of chronic pain, the likelihood that you’re feeling worse than ever is off the charts. Here’s why your pain is worse and what can help…

The egg debate has gone on for years. Some studies indicate eggs contribute to heart disease, cancer and a shorter lifespan, while others have demonstrated a protective effect. There’s a lot on the line when it comes to eggs. So, it’s no wonder the debate is ongoing. Here’s what the latest research reveals…

Curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, is well-known as a powerful anti-inflammatory that’s shown promise in relieving several diseases, including cancers of the stomach, blood and lungs. As if these benefits weren’t enough, the spice may also help protect the health of another vital organ.

Sleep is critical time the brain uses to clear toxins, build memories and reinvigorate parts of the brain that help us continue to learn and function independently. If you’re missing out on valuable shut-eye, these processes are short-circuited, and you could potentially set yourself up for serious problems.

What if lifestyle interventions were looked on as legitimate, bona fide treatments, just as medications are? The growing discipline of lifestyle medicine is making this “what if” a reality, and instead of medicalizing disease, provides an easier pill to swallow.

Previous studies have shown a combination of stress and work can increase your risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In other words, being a workaholic can ruin your health. Here’s how to gauge your risk and how to turn it around.

It’s no news flash that refined grains like white flour are bad for your health. But while many studies on refined grains have focused on their impact on weight and blood sugar, it turns out they significantly boost our odds for heart attack or stroke. Good news: Whole grains do just the opposite.

Even if you’ve survived a heart attack or stroke, your risk of dying prematurely increases. In fact, in the first month after a cardiac incident, risk of death skyrockets, and this risk can remain high for years. The good news: You’re a survivor, and researchers are tirelessly working on ways you can keep it that way.

While scientists have been able to identify key markers of Alzheimer’s disease, they’re still trying to work out why some people develop the disease and others do not. Some, called ‘SuperAgers,’ even appear to be resistant. And researchers are trying to unravel their secret…

It’s almost impossible to avoid a computer or digital screen, including your phone. But these modern conveniences are causing new threats to your eyesight. Here’s what you should know about computer vision syndrome, and how to avoid it when you can’t avoid a screen.

There is a complex interplay between stress eating, obesity and the kinds of metabolic issues that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Managing all these factors usually takes multiple steps. But a team of researchers may have found an interesting shortcut involving a particular kind of “good” bacteria…

When your vitamin D levels dip, your disease risk surges. But even if you’re doing your due diligence where vitamin D’s concerned, there could be one thing standing in the way of optimum vitamin D levels and better health…

It’s no secret that chronic bowel issues can eventually cause other health complications… Some of these connections are well-known. But people with serious bowel problems face another risk that comes totally out of left field: They have an insanely high heart attack risk.

More and more types of craft beer are appearing in stores and in pubs every day. For some, trying different new beers has become a hobby of sorts. What if I told you it’s a hobby that might improve your sleep and your cardiovascular health?

A woman’s digestive tracts empty slower than a man’s, which makes it even more important and necessary for women to pay extra attention to their digestive health. If you’ve experienced mild to moderate digestive issues in your life, this is for you…

Itchy, uncomfortable red patches… Dry, flaky, peeling skin… A rash that burns… If you’re living with eczema your doctor may have told you to use their “tried and true” prescription for eczema – bleach baths. But, before you fill up the tub, you better read this…

Say you go to the doctor with chest pain. Your doctor checks you out, then tells you there’s nothing to worry about — you’re fine. But in actuality, you’ve had a heart attack. It sounds like a nightmare. But it’s a nightmare that’s all too real for many women.

Trying to lower your cholesterol naturally so you can avoid the side effects of statins? You can exercise, lose weight, avoid trans-fats, eat more soluble fiber… you get the picture. Those methods are all effective. But they’re not as tasty as this one…

Complete and total exhaustion, muscle weakness, confusion, forgetfulness… these are symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. But new research found that a very specific program including physical activity can overcome much of these debilitating symptoms…

There’s a 50-50 chance that something going on in your mouth right now is threatening your life. In fact, an often-overlooked oral health issue increases the odds of dying from a serious disease for at least half of Americans. Are you one of them?

By now, you’ve heard all about the health benefits of fermented foods. Well, it turns out that yogurt — the most popular of fermented dairy products — is a must-have for high blood pressure-sufferers everywhere… and anyone else who wants to manage their risk for heart disease and stroke. Here’s why…

It’s estimated that over 18 million adults are affected by depression. Fortunately, a new study is shedding light on the disorder. It turns out that a simple amino acid deficiency could be at its root and may provide clues to beating the battle against depression for some people…

Breast cancer is a dreaded disease. But there is something else dangerous about breast cancer — and other female-related diseases… They can mask symptoms and make it hard for a doctor to recognize the high and unique risks that women face from diseases that they feel are outside of the realm of our sex.

There are some places in the world where common diseases actually rarely occur. While experts have speculated on why this is so, let’s just say the jury is still out, although there are some theories and maybe also some principles to live by, that we can all adopt from these nine countries…

Antibiotics don’t do the trick for a lot of people with Lyme disease. Even if you get antibiotics right after your tick bite, you could still be among the 10 to 20 percent of people who deal with chronic symptoms after Lyme disease treatment.

You’re working hard. Getting less sleep than you should. And the stress is piling up. Surprised you’re sick again? If you’re not careful it could be flu that strikes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the season is winding down, but the threat is not even close to being over yet…

We’ve all been there… Your friend lost 20 pounds on a new diet so you try it and… nothing. No weight loss, no new thinner body, no feeling great and fitting into those skinny jeans. So, what’s the deal? Why do some diets work for some people and not for others? Researchers set out to find the answer…

Triglycerides have really gotten a bad rap. In fact, you’d be extremely unhealthy without them, since they perform some crucial bodily functions… Essentially, triglycerides are the fats that are stored in the liver for use whenever the body needs energy. But nothing’s perfect, right?

Being obese puts you at risk for a lot of health problems like stroke, sleep apnea, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, anxiety, depression and certain cancers. But there’s one way to remedy those risks, and I’m not talking about losing weight…

When was the last time you thought about your bladder? As organs go, we pretty much take the bladder for granted. Unless something goes wrong or you have an overactive bladder, chances are, you rarely think about it at all. Here’s why you should…

If time and pain keep you from fitness, consider rebounding. There are so many built-in benefits, but three new studies help to showcase this exercise form’s vast benefits to health and wellness beyond a shadow of doubt…

You may think that you’re as healthy as you can be and that you’re at lower risk for things like dementia and Alzheimer’s than someone who regularly lights up a joint. After all, alcohol is legal and if you consume it responsibly, what could you have to fear?

The health of the prostate gland is a focus for most men as they age and for good reason. Changes in prostate size can drastically affect quality of life with symptoms such as difficulty urinating, nighttime frequency and urgency, and carry cancer concerns…

Have you tried everything to get rid of dark spots… from microdermabrasion and peels, to lasers, lotions, potions… and even prayer? Maybe you haven’t had to deal with it, but, especially if you’re a young woman, it could still be in your future…

Want to live to your 90s and beyond, and stay healthy doing it? A recent study from the University of California identified four habits that can increase your odds of blowing out 90 candles on your birthday cake one day. And #3 is really surprising!

Nobody wants to have foul-smelling breath. But gargling with mouthwash may not be such a great idea. In fact, in doing so you could greatly increase your risk for diabetes and do some cardiovascular harm as well. That’s because your mouth is home to a beneficial health-boosting compound you’re sending down the drain…

The use of human growth hormone for anti-aging is popular among men and woman who want to feel and look younger, be more energized, leaner, and sexual, and who want stronger muscles and bones. If it’s for you, here’s what you need to know…

Sugar feeds bad bacteria. If you have a sweet tooth, it’s sad to think that chocolate cake could put the balance of your microbiome in jeopardy. But Princeton University shows us why sugar upsets microbial balance so much, and how you can counter it and eat your cake too…

You may not know this, but 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. And, it’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. That makes doing everything you can, now, to prevent the disease vital…

You’re probably gearing up for some spring cleaning. But be careful: Cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that have an impact on your lungs comparable to smoking a pack of cigarettes every day! Watch out for these 8 worst offenders…

There are things you can do to lower your heart disease risk, especially if you get regular aerobic exercise, like walking, swimming, cycling and dancing. But, even better, there’s a way to get twice the heart-healthy benefits from your exercise without double the effort…