Latest Stories

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…

It’s been drilled into our heads for decades that fat is bad. With obesity comes a higher risk of all kinds of disorders, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancers. But recent research has found that fat may not always be a harbinger of a health problem on the horizon. In fact, if you’ve got thick thighs, you may breathe a sigh of relief…

In 1972, the United States banned the use of the pesticide DDT. But other endocrine-disrupting pesticides have taken its place and are still in use. Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself from exposure to these endocrine-disrupting chemicals that cause breast cancer.

Reduced muscle mass can lead to a lack of mobility, lower quality of life and even steal your independence. Now though, there’s a new weapon in your arsenal that could make all the difference — a simple and delicious way to kick your muscle strength into gear by stimulating the production of special cells in your body that boost muscle growth and repair…

If you don’t have asthma, you probably know someone who does and know they keep an inhaler close by. Oral steroids can be part of asthma management, too, since inflammation is a troublesome component of the condition. But experts fear these medications are being overprescribed and are leading to some very serious side effects…

Anticholinergics, also called antispasmodics, treat everything from Parkinson’s to COPD and asthma to irritable bowel syndrome. Some are even found in over-the-counter allergy medications. But at least three recent studies point to a strong connection between anticholinergic use and cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s.

If you’re a “social smoker,” you may think your health risk from lung cancer and other tobacco-related diseases is much smaller than if you smoke a pack a day. But is that true?

A lot of anxiety sufferers find ways to improve their symptoms, but they never quite slay their inner anxiety demon completely. If you can relate to this struggle, you need to know that the root of all those sleepless nights, panic attacks and anxious sweats may be your thyroid.

For over a decade, experts have waffled about whether omega-3 intake can help you stay heart healthy. Now, the largest meta-analysis to date has found conclusive proof that whatever amount you might get through diet, you should consider supplementing for ample cardioprotection…

Have you ever wondered if you’re going to end up with Alzheimer’s and when? The truth is that while there is genetic testing for the disease, having or not having the gene won’t answer those questions. But there is another indicator that Alzheimer’s is likely in your future…. one that you can turn around.

Everyone is trying to curb chronic inflammation nowadays. That’s because science has clearly identified it as a major contributor to disease and pain. Popular approaches to dousing it include anti-inflammatory diets and drugs. But a kind of mental therapy can significantly slash your levels — no diet changes or drugs needed!

Based on all the latest research, your vitamin D levels may be a window into your future. They can determine your risk for conditions like heart disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes. The free, circulating vitamin D levels in your blood may be the best indicator of whether your vitamin D levels are in the danger zone.

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…

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, can be bothersome and embarrassing. The condition arises as an immune system reaction that produces an inflammatory cascade in the body, which surfaces on the skin. Eliminating food triggers can help…

If you’re making the switch to a healthier diet, then you’re probably familiar with one particular feeling… hunger. But never fear! There’s a trick for curbing cravings that will make your life a whole lot easier and your stomach a whole lot fuller.

When you’re trying to lose weight, skipping a meal might seem like the obvious solution. After all, it lowers your calorie intake and that’s a good thing, right? But skipping breakfast leads to negative metabolic changes that can sabotage your efforts and put you in danger of stroke.

Dieting is a challenge and once you add in eating out, it can seem impossible to lose the weight and keep it off. But, there are ways to make healthy choices no matter where you choose to eat. Here are the top ways…

The growing low T issue is concerning and so are the symptoms… decreased sex drive, ED, increased body fat and enlarged breasts. Not to mention depression, irritability and insomnia. Just a few of these symptoms are enough to affect a man’s quality of life (and his partner’s), but it also impacts fertility.

A lot of people only exercise with one goal in mind — losing weight. And they assume that once they lose weight, they’ll feel better, look better and have more self-esteem. But the truth is, exercise is more than a means to an end…

For the first time in more than a decade, the life expectancy in the U.S. has dropped. Now more than ever, you need to take your health into your own hands and do all that you can to live longer and healthier. So, here are a eight easy, proven ways to extend both the quantity and quality of your life.

Have you put on a few extra pounds lately? Are you plagued with headaches, mood swings, bloating and even a decreased sex drive? If any of this sounds familiar, you could be suffering from the symptoms caused by high estrogen, even if you’re in menopause.

Neck tension can creep up on you and if you’re really unlucky, can lead to headache and migraine pain when that tension makes it way up the base of your head. And most of the time you’re not even aware it’s happening until it hurts. Why?

If you’re trying to eat healthy, then you probably eat broccoli at least a few times per week… It’s one of the most touted cancer-fighting foods, after all. But there’s another big broccoli benefit that hasn’t gotten much press yet, even though it could help fight one of the greatest epidemics of our day…

If you want skin that is more youthful and vibrant… Skin that has that glow you just can’t miss. There is one must-have essential oil that should be part of your beauty regimen.

Do you ever wish you could turn the clock back a decade to a time where you felt a little younger, a little healthier and a little more energetic? Well, in a sense, you can…

Who do you turn to when you are thinking about joining a gym, taking up yoga or trying a new diet? Who do you call when you have a health concern, small or large? These are important considerations…

Fat is not something to be feared. The fact is we need fat for many functions in the body — for the production and formation of bile acids, sex hormones, adrenal hormones, vitamin D and more.

You might not even think about your fingernails except to clip, file, paint or otherwise improve their appearance. But, your fingernails do more than just make you look good, they also provide a window to your health.

Olive oil has a long list of unquestionable health benefits… It fights heart disease, reduces your risk of diabetes, fights osteoporosis, and wards off depression, among other remarkable feats. But if all that weren’t enough, olive oil has one more enticing trick up its sleeve…

We don’t think much about the thyroid… and we really should. Especially considering that this non-descript little gland located in your neck produces hormones that regulate energy metabolism, control protein synthesis and adjust your body’s sensitivity to other hormones.

There are many nutrition myths that are deeply embedded in society. So much so that they become “norms” — things that most people believe to be true and don’t really question. One such nutrition myth surrounds fat…

There’s a quick trick you can use to keep those pounds from coming back, maintain your weight loss and stay fit and it’s backed up by science. Researchers say it “pushes the right biological buttons” that keep your body from gaining weight.

There’s no getting around it: most of us absolutely adore chocolate! Like many, perhaps you even struggle to balance your desire to eat healthy with your desire to enjoy life’s pleasures — such as chocolate! The good news is you may not have to choose.

There’s a lot of anger in the world these days. Anger is quite a powerful emotion and has been shown to manifest in powerful diseases. You may feel powerless about what’s behind the anger, but regardless of the cause, if you let it, it can rob you of your good health… or even kill you.

It’s no secret that a simple smile from someone you love can make you feel better. But, did you know that putting a smile on your face, even if you have to fake it can decrease your stress, fight depression, ease your pain, lower your blood pressure and even help you live longer?

A strong, flexible spine is one of the most important ways to assure better health as you age. This one body part can help you have good posture, better balance and flexibility and an active lifestyle. That equates to a longer life.

Did you know that adding this tasty snack into your diet could be one of the best things you can do to boost your brain health? If you want a healthy brain, you first have to improve the health of your gut…

Summer is the perfect time of year to while away your days at the beach — the sand between your toes, the breeze on your face and the water lapping at your ankles. Of course, there are a few things that put a damper on this blissful summer experience… sunburn, bug bites and (worst of all) jellyfish or man o’ war stings.