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When you hear the words “immune system,” you probably think immediately of your body’s defense against seasonal maladies like cold and flu. A strong immune system is definitely an asset in protecting you from these and other invaders. But it turns out the immune system does a lot more than protect against microbes and infection.

We all know stress can ruin health and bring on disease. But who has the downtime to combat it? With a never-ending list of tasks to accomplish, scheduling time to relax seems like a distant dream. Lucky for us, researchers found it only takes 10 minutes to boost your body’s physiological engine of relaxation — and they’ve identified the most effective way to do it…

Humans are omnivores who can survive on a long list of foods… plants, meat, fish, dairy, fruit, grains, nuts and even whatever the heck is in those processed, packaged foods we eat. But which of these foods will help you not only survive — but thrive… especially when it comes to heart health? Loads of research points to this diet as the ideal for omnivores who want to keep their hearts ticking…

A “runner’s high” is a reference to a feeling of euphoria brought on following a strenuous run or even after engaging in other intense forms of exercise. It’s triggered when the brain releases endocannabinoids — fantastic molecules that research shows could be key to giving your memory a boost and even preventing Alzheimer’s.

When you get a cholesterol test back, you’re typically given four numbers: The total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Your doctor is probably great about going over your results with you, but it can be confusing to remember all the details once you leave their office. Here’s what you need to know to interpret the results like a pro…

Your bone health isn’t something to be taken lightly. A hip break can land you in the hospital, even shorten your life span. But it’s not a heart attack, right? Not so fast. The development of mineral deposits in your arteries, which can lead to arterial stiffness, and bone mineralization share many overlapping processes. That’s why weak bones may be a sign of serious heart trouble…

There’s no denying that diabetes is hard on the kidneys. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. About one in four people with diabetes has it. And as a result, they often go on to develop kidney failure. Why exactly is diabetes so damaging to the kidneys? It turns out that diabetes prevents them from performing one of their most critical functions…

Your microwave can be your best friend. Use it to make life easier, more flavorful, and more aromatic. Here are seven things your microwave can do that you may not have thought of, and here’s one good reason why: Mounting evidence shows that microwaving may help foods and beverages retain nutrients and beneficial compounds better than other heating methods.

Coffee has received recognition as a serious superfood in recent years for boosting energy and metabolism and enhancing mental and physical performance. It’s also been shown to reduce the risk for diseases like Parkinson’s, type 2 diabetes and dementia, not to mention reducing colorectal cancer by 26 percent. But coffee may do even more than just help prevent colorectal cancer… it may help people survive it.

Living with pain can make all aspects of your life more difficult… from the dread you feel just getting out of bed in the morning knowing the stiffness, aches and discomfort will be there… to having to give up the activities you love. Luckily, a new study might have the answer to reducing your pain, and it’s as easy as counting down.

Since I entered my 60s, my hearing isn’t what it used to be. I find myself asking people to repeat things. They don’t seem to mind and neither do I. After all my hearing is not that bad. But what does bother me is this: Research establishes a firm connection between age-related hearing loss and memory problems, possibly even Alzheimer’s. This is what we can do to combat that threat…

Feeling lonely and being alone are very different things. Loneliness is a strong predictor of the onset of type 2 diabetes. Loneliness also elevates blood pressure and blood sugar and puts us at greater risk of early death than either obesity or alcoholism. Loneliness isn’t a weakness, it’s a health warning to heed…

With people spending more time at home than ever before during the pandemic, it’s important to have a clean, safe dwelling. But if you live with a smoker or in a home where smokers once lived, coronavirus isn’t your only concern. Thirdhand smoke and its carcinogens can become deeply embedded in carpets and drywall and later be released back into the air you breathe.

Raw honey is probably the sweetest health food out there. Unfortunately, even as a natural, unprocessed product, raw honey may still arrive on your store shelves with pesticides, herbicides and bacteria. But there are simple ways to make sure you’re eating “clean” honey and getting all of its health benefits.

There are plenty of ways to reduce your risk of osteoporosis, a condition that thins and weakens your bones. You can eat calcium-rich foods, practice weight-bearing exercise or take a supplement to bulk up your supply of bone-supporting vitamin D. But there’s one way to take better care of your bones that’s kind of strange — turning up the heat…

We would all like to live happy, fulfilling lives. So, some scientists recently set out to discover how we could all grab a little more joy in our lives — pandemic or not — and where, with whom or in what our happiness lies. What they found is pretty eye-opening, and I hope you can put it to good use, especially during these trying times…

I’ve never met a cat who doesn’t love playing with laser pointers. And the good news is, these popular pet toys give your cat plenty of exercise. But there’s also something you should be concerned about if you have one of these lying around the house… they could permanently blast away cells in your eyes in just a few seconds…

When you’re feeling sick and just want to find relief, you trust that the prescription your doctor sends you home with is not only going to help you feel better but that it’s also safe. But a word of caution… there is a common antibiotic you need to think twice about if you take other medications regularly, even if your doctor says you need it, or you could end up with a heart attack.

Does a normal weight protect you against adverse health outcomes even if you don’t eat particularly well? And what if you’re obese? Is your outcome equally poor regardless of what lands on your plate? A 17-year study may have finally helped us get the answer that most of us have been struggling with. And it may be the most freeing news you get all day…

If you have diabetes, you’ve probably wrestled with sleep issues from time to time. Diabetics often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and often do not get enough sleep as a result. But even people without diabetes often struggle to sleep well. So is it any worse of a problem for diabetics? Research shows being a night owl or an early bird certainly affects disease management…

Not all fat is created equal. In fact, some fat deposits, like the ones around your abdomen, can be far more dangerous to your health than the fat padding your hips and thighs. This abdomen fat skyrockets your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Now, new research has found a way to lose that fat in just eight weeks without starvation or exercise.

Turmeric is a spice used in curry. It has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat any number of conditions. Recent research confirms that it’s also a good substitute for dangerous NSAIDs if you suffer from the knee pain of osteoarthritis.

A 54-year-old man in Massachusetts died after his heart stopped suddenly. The cause? Eating too much black licorice over the course of a few weeks. How could overindulging in candy cause someone’s heart to stop? Well, it turns out black licorice contains a compound that can trigger high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and put your life in serious jeopardy…

Having cancer is scary. But the word “chemotherapy” can be just as worrisome for different reasons, including dreadful side effects like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, weight loss, fatigue, anemia and infection. Perhaps the worst, though, is when cancer becomes resistant to chemo. What then? Well, research shows a Chinese herb is proving a potent helper in just this situation…

For many, seasonal affective disorder can soon hit hard. The fatigue, sadness, hopelessness and social withdrawal (compounded this year by COVID-19) can make a long winter feel even longer. But if you’re looking for a safe, scientifically-backed way to fend off depression, this fragrant herb can be a big help…

Did you know that how you sleep can keep you from losing weight? Research shows that sleep directly impacts your appetite hormones and your ability to say no to fattening snacks. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to counteract this effect…

If you’re living with diabetes, you already know how important it is to embrace a healthy lifestyle. But there’s one more change you might need to make to be sure you don’t add high blood pressure to your list of diagnoses…

A calorie restricted diet isn’t easy. But they can lower blood pressure and inflammation, balance cholesterol, reduce insulin resistance and promote a longer lifespan. Why is cutting calories so good for you? That’s the million-dollar question, but it may not be the only way to get these benefit.

You probably consider yourself to be level-headed, right? Sure, you like to be adventurous, but you draw the line at risky behavior because it’s the smart thing to do. But if you’re among the 1 in 4 who turns to a popular OTC pain reliever for minor aches and pains, you’re unknowingly putting something in your body that can muddy your perception of risk…

The common cold is far from dangerous, but it still makes you miserable by walloping you with a cough, a headache, congestion, a low-grade fever and that awful fatigued feeling you get when you’re sick. But the next time you’re laid up with a serious cold, you have a big bright side to think about… colds may be able to prevent the more dangerous flu virus from infecting your airways…

If you live with constipation, you already know the pain, bloating and straining. What you may not know is that constipation is a real danger to your health. The best way to overcome chronic constipation is to provide safe, natural support for your colon.

Some healthy habits are a given. For example, you know that regular exercise helps improve your cardiovascular health. And you know the sunshine vitamin helps improve bone health. But put them together and…

Low energy? Not feeling like sex? It could be low testosterone. Take the following quiz to see if you have any of the symptoms and how they add up… Then, check out these all-natural things you can do to boost your testosterone and start feeling like yourself again…

You don’t have to live with your depression, stress and anxiety. And, you don’t have to choose those prescription drugs with questionable effectiveness, chemicals and dangerous side effects. Start here…

You may think you’re doing everything you can to ward off dementia as you age. But there’s one more lifestyle habit you should adopt ASAP if you want to keep your cognitive health intact… and it takes place in the bedroom.

The biggest trend in the exercise world is high-intensity interval training or HIIT. It’s one of the best ways to stay in shape, keep your bones strong and your muscles lean, and to lose weight if that’s your goal. Luckily, it’s pretty simple and great for us mature folk…

Scoliosis is a painful and sometimes disabling condition affecting approximately 7.5 million Americans. It causes the spinal column to curve (rather than grow vertically), which causes an asymmetrical posture. The good news? A single yoga pose might correct it…

Alzheimer’s and dementia rates are rising at an alarming pace. And they’re only expected to grow more and more in the years to come… Is there something in the air? The answer is yes. There absolutely is… Alzheimer’s-causing air pollutants.

While you may assume that people who live beyond 100 must have superhuman genes, this isn’t the case at all. Only one third of their genes have any influence on their lifespan, while the rest of their longevity is determined by these three factors…

If you’re like a lot of people with chronic low back pain who would like an easier and possibly less expensive alternative to feeling better, you’re in luck. Recent research has shown that something you can do at home is just as effective for achieving relief as physical therapy.

If you’ve ever dyed your hair, you know how hair dye smells and feels on your head — that strong chemical smell and burning sensation on your scalp are the first warning signs that hair dye probably isn’t great for you. But just how bad is it?

When summer comes, the days get longer and we tend to stay awake later. Obviously, we can’t turn off the solar cycle. But understanding the powerful impact these external changes have on your body is the first step to finding solutions to sleep easier…

Rheumatoid arthritis is serious and usually gets worse over time. It can even lead to severe disability in cases where joints become so swollen and disfigured that you’re unable to use them. But diet can help, and there’s one particular food that protects your joints best from this devastating disease…

If you’re over 50, you’ve probably noticed that you just don’t have the sense of balance that you used to. This lack of balance doesn’t just add a wobble to your walk that can make you appear older, it also makes it more likely that you will suffer from a fall…

As a doctor, I was extremely disturbed to discover the American Heart Association’s new conclusions about coconut oil for heart health. Let me uncover what we know about coconut oil and why their conclusion is simply incorrect…

If you’re reading this right now, you’re likely an unfortunate headache and migraine sufferer. But what you may not know is that 30 percent of headaches and migraines are triggered by foods. And the six most common offenders are…

If low-key relaxation is your thing, more power to you… or if you’re a jet-setting adventurer seeker, that’s great too. Everyone is different. But to get the most of your vacation, take the kind that just might help you live longer by boosting your health on the cellular level…

The benefits of probiotics extend far beyond your gut. They also heal other health issues you wouldn’t expect like eczema, allergies, colds, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infections, tooth decay and periodontal disease and more. Check out these 7 big benefits of taking a simple, daily probiotic…

Cataracts result when the naturally clear lenses of your eyes begins to cloud, causing you to experience difficulty seeing and eventually leading to complete vision loss. The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. This makes focusing on cataract prevention vital to healthy eyesight.

Have you been more forgetful lately? Has it been harder to focus than it used to be? Talking to your doctor about it probably won’t do you any good. Mainstream medicine thinks that it’s all just a natural part of getting older. But, it doesn’t have to be that way.

You might be surprised how much you’ll notice your upper body needs this stretch and opening. Most of us think of stretching and focus on our legs and hips, but your upper body can benefit just as much if not more, especially since it can hold so much tension.

When researchers looked at data from 17,000 adults they noticed that those who had lower blood pressure had a higher potassium intake. So, here’s a list of foods that can help you get more of this heart health-boosting nutrient…

Without enough antioxidants we would age more quickly and be more prone to neurodegenerative diseases. But while antioxidants are vital to health, there’s another disease fighting partner that can play a huge role in fighting off free radical damage, and that is ORAC…

Although we often don’t read about how it’s possible to reverse or stop prostate cancer, there is evidence that such goals can be achieved. It just takes a few well-researched steps you can get started doing all on your own…

Did you know that stress damages your DNA? Stress shortens your telomeres, a part of your chromosomes that’s associated with cellular aging. The shorter your telomeres, the quicker you age and the more likely you are to succumb to diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

It’s amazing that traditional cultures know the nutritional and medicinal benefits of plant ingredients. What’s even more amazing is they have known the powerful influences of plants long before the need for the type of scientific research that modern medicine requires.

Like oxygen rusts steel or air turns sliced fruit brown, free-radical damage occurs in your body through the natural process of metabolizing the oxygen you breathe. Think of it like car exhaust. It’s called oxidative stress and it’s an underlying cause of disease…

The debate about dairy’s health benefits continues… One day you hear that dairy increases your risk for serious health problems like cancer. And the next day you hear that dairy can protect you from cardiovascular disease and help you lose weight. So what’s the story?

Did you drink enough water today? Many of us suffer from chronic dehydration, especially during the summer months. But what’s really surprising is that most people may not even know they’re dehydrated…

If you’re over 40 and having trouble getting enough sleep, there’s a simple solution to your problem. In fact, it’s so easy that many people ignore it. Yet, it can help you fall asleep 20 minutes faster and sleep more deeply all night. The answer is a…