Latest Stories

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 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.

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…

A scalp facial? It sounds strange, but the results will make you a believer. The secret to healthier, thicker, more lustrous hair, like you had when you were younger, starts at your crown. Yet, your scalp may be the most neglected part of your body.

If you’ve ever had food poisoning, you know the misery. In some cases, though, the consequences can be more serious than stomach cramps. For this reason, it’s crucial to know more about the bacteria that can contaminate your food, and how to avoid them.

One in 22 men is likely to develop colorectal cancer over a lifespan. So what if taking the ED drug Viagra (sildenafil) could significantly reduce that risk? At least one group of scientists say this is a possibility, according to results of a study…

Cognitive decline is considered a “normal” part of aging. Even people who don’t end up with dementia experience a decrease in brain power as they get older. But you can help your brain age slower by as much as 11 years…

Maybe you’ve heard that taking antibiotics is like setting off an atomic bomb in your microbiome. It doesn’t just wipe out bad bacteria, it wipes out everything, including the bacteria that keeps you healthy. But have you heard what antibiotics do to your heart?

Sometimes, it’s the smallest part of a plant that contains the most powerful nutrition. Seeds, for example, are tiny powerhouses packed with goodness that could actually help you live longer and healthier by staving off disease and conditions, like…

A lot of people feel stress and urgency about getting fit when summer is just around the corner. That leads to bad decisions that set them up for failure. Like starvation diets. Exercising too fast and too hard. And worst of all, setting themselves up for unrealistic goals…

The connection between vitamin D and cancer is gaining more traction. Past studies have linked a deficiency to an increased risk for colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and leukemia. But just how much can the vitamin reduce your risk?

It may seem illogical that darkness could actually help depression. But if you’re down in the dumps, a light at the end of the tunnel may be the last thing you need. Instead, a darker bedroom may be just the thing to boost your spirits…

One in four American adults deal with uncomfortable symptoms when exposed to everyday chemicals. That means more than 55 million Americans have multiple chemical sensitivity, a condition where chemicals in your environment make you feel ill. Do you have any of these symptoms…

When was the last time you had a massage? The health benefits, both preventive and corrective, are well-researched, and have been experienced by a wide range of people. More than just a way to relax, it promotes health, alleviates pain, and slows the progress of diseases, like these…

Who wouldn’t want to get the cardio-metabolic health benefits of traditional endurance training, but with five-fold less exercise volume and time commitment? Sign me up! Try it this way to avoid the sweat and stress on your joints…

Some studies indicate that women who take synthetic, chemically modified prescription hormones for extended periods of time have an increased incidence of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke, and pulmonary embolism. So lets’ talk about bio-identical therapy…

The prospect of a very powerful antibiotic from an unlikely and strange source, may provide a weapon to fight some of the most resistant bacteria known to man. But there is an even stranger reason why you may never benefit from it…

As warmer weather becomes the rule and not the exception, chances are you’ll be more active than ever. And who wouldn’t like a more toned summer body for those spring and summer clothes? When you’re in a hurry to get results, use these tips for faster fitness. You might be surprised to find less is more.

If you don’t have the time or energy to overhaul your diet, I have good news. There are a few other ways you can trim fat without tackling a new diet plan. In fact, there are several daily choices that factor into your weight that have nothing to do with what’s on your plate…

Any time you’ve got a purple or dark blue fruit or vegetable on the menu, you’re consuming a healthy dose of a special antioxidant-rich plant pigment known as anthocyanin, that can protect you from life-threatening conditions. Get started with these top 10…

Could daily consumption of a certain form of curcumin — the substance that gives Indian curry its bright color — really improve memory and mood in people with age-related memory loss? See what the research says about the secret India’s seniors already know…

Coming out of a long, cold winter often means dealing with dry, chapped, cracked and irritated lips – leaving you to slather on that chapstick, hoping for relief. So, what do you do to finally get the smooth, soft, moisturized lips you want? Here are the six secrets to kissing those chapped lips goodbye…

We all know that breathing vehicle exhaust is bad for us. Recent research has focused on one particular type of fuel and the pollution it creates. We’re exposed to it more than we may think, and it is directly linked to an incurable and ultimately fatal condition.

The Beach Boys may have been onto an ancient healing practice without even realizing it… That’s because the entire universe and everything in it resonates at specific vibrational frequencies. In fact, energy is nothing but vibration, and we are surrounded by it and made up of it.

You know the old saying about an apple a day, and how it keeps us from getting sick… And, you’ve probably heard that dark green and deeply colored fruits and vegetables provide you with far more nutrition than pale or white ones. Well, research has managed to confirm the first adage while turning the second piece of wisdom completely on its head…

Hamburgers. Meat loaf. A glass of milk. There’s debate about whether animal products like beef and milk should be avoided altogether. But wherever you fall in your consumption of cow products, there’s one health risk to be aware of…

Soon the flowers will be blooming, birds will be singing, the grass will turn a vibrant green… and, your seasonal allergies will be back in full force. Don’t reach for those anti-histamines that can leave you feeling funky and drowsy and off your game just when you can get out and play. Eat, instead!

Knee pain, a stiff shoulder, elbow tendonitis, arthritis or a recent minor injury… it doesn’t matter the cause. What does is stopping the pain. Commonly, hot or cold therapy can help, but how do you know which will work for your pain?

There are natural ways to prevent type 2 diabetes in the first place and even ease problems, if you’ve been diagnosed. Even better, though, a six-year study reveals clues to how bacteria in your gut can reverse blood sugar problems.

We all experience those moments from time to time — a forgotten name, a hazy memory, misplaced keys… but according to a recent study, if you’re middle aged and have undergone surgery in the last few years, you may experience greater cognitive decline.

I commonly get questions from my female patients about the use of synthetic progestogens in menopause and this month a new patient came to me taking Prempro. I’d like to share why naturally-derived progesterone is safer and more effective.

When it comes to your body clock and health, things get kind of tricky. Scientists can’t always tell if a messed up body clock causes disease, or if it’s the first sign a disease is brewing in your body. And in the case of Alzheimer’s, they’re starting to think it may be the latter…

If you’re someone who enjoys having a glass of Cabernet or Merlot with dinner, hopefully you already know all about the heart-healthy benefits you’re indulging in. But there’s a new and delightful twist to the story of red wine, polyphenols and your health…