Latest Stories

It’s no secret that a sedentary lifestyle can wreak havoc with your health. But sometimes it can seem impossible to work even 30 minutes of exercise into your busy life. Luckily, experts are finding more evidence that smaller stints of exercise can be just as powerful, yielding significant benefits you can’t afford to pass up.

Functional pain refers to pain that occurs without injury. Migraines and fibromyalgia fall into this category. Turns out more women suffer this kind of pain and now we know why. For starters, a female hormone acts on sensory pain receptors and may ramp up that stimuli. To make matters worse, certain pain treatments can kick it into high gear.

When inflammation goes unchecked for too long, the nervous system becomes damaged and can lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s or multiple sclerosis. That’s just one example of why inflammation is often called the root of all disease. But researchers have found a peptide in the beetroot that could make all that a thing of the past…

Walnuts are known to have numerous health benefits, many of which involve the heart — I’ve lost count of how many I mention in this one post! And now, the largest and longest study to date exploring the benefits of walnuts has discovered how they can help protect you from one of the most destructive processes in the human body…

A new study shows that people doing hard physical work have a higher risk of developing dementia than those doing sedentary work — 55 percent higher. Why? There’s a difference between hard labor and exercise. One of them hurts the blood supply to the brain and the other boosts it…

It’s time to stop thinking of menopause as something perfectly normal. While the menopause symptoms women experience may seem annoying, the truth is they can actually be a harbinger of things to come for your heart. So, what turns a menopause symptom into a heart disease trigger? The number of them you might suffer carries more weight, even if they’re moderate to severe…

2020 has been a very unpredictable year, and levels of anxiety and depression have skyrocketed. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by it all. Even the thought of how to shake it seems like an insurmountable task. But what if all it took was just one thing… one step… one new habit to ditch what’s bringing your down and feel like your old self again? Not to mention the added benefits…

Vitamin D builds strong bones and teeth and prevents osteoporosis. It also helps control the overactive immune response. Now, research has shown that a lack of vitamin D in pregnant women could predict future cognitive deficits for their unborn children.

Why do some people gravitate toward chili peppers and enjoy the burn while others can’t stand it? Perhaps they sense something that more and more research is revealing: that chili peppers may help you live longer. So, if you’re not traditionally a fan of spicy foods, it may be time to change your ways…

Men need to be watchful for any signs of testicular cancer, especially if they are at higher risk for the disease because of age, race, family history or medical condition. Recently, a study turned up another risk factor for testicular cancer — a medical procedure that can be difficult to avoid but could raise the risk almost 60 percent…

When you live with inflammatory bowel disease, you have a lot to watch out for. There’s the chronic inflammation of your digestive tract, the weight loss and diarrhea and the increased risk of colon cancer. But IBD also triples the risk of a life-threatening blood clot. For 1 in 7 IBD patients, it could be even higher…

The Endocrine Society has spent over 14 years researching our exposure to environmental toxins that are present in the air, water, soil and our homes. They interfere, imitate or alter pathways of hormones in the body that lead to disease. And now there’s proof that our exposure can lead to diabetes that we can pass onto our children.

You’ve probably heard that if you want to lose weight, you should eat your biggest meals early in the day. The theory is you drop weight faster by taking in most of the calories you plan to eat in a day several hours before bedtime (when your metabolism naturally slows). The idea of not worrying over what to eat so much as when seemed easy enough. But, we’re learning it may have sounded too good to be true…

While it’s normal and healthy for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day, when your blood pressure stays elevated, it can lead to many health problems. Many people require medications to control their blood pressure. However, there are several things you can do that will help to make it easier to manage your readings…

It’s been long understood that when you have a heart attack, it’s because somehow blood flow to your heart has become cut off, either due to a blockage or a narrowing of your coronary arteries. Blood clots can detach and float off to block those arteries. But finding immune cells are the mechanism behind those clots came as a surprise to researchers recently…

More than a year ago now, I experienced a life-changing event that wreaked havoc with my balance, my ability to swallow liquids and my memory. I got hlep in that “golden hour,” and I know many do not. But a new treatment may make that possible for more stroke sufferers.

The number of people in the U.S. over the age of 65 has grown by over a third in the past decade alone. And with the increase in life expectancy, that means we need to make changes now to stay healthier later. The largest randomized double-blind study on aging has some advice with that in mind: two supplements that may go further for you than your retirement account…

Experts have long believed diet can influence the development of cancer, but data showing exactly why has been scarce. However, a new study has found why meat leads to cancer. It comes down to a meat molecule we build antibodies against — defining a molecular connection between cancer and a diet of animal-based products…

Stroke can occur unexpectedly and at any age. In fact, stroke is on the rise among younger adults under the age of 45, and it turns out many don’t know the signs that could save a life or how to keep from becoming a victim of stroke in the first place. Time for Stroke 101…

Even in these strange pandemic times, there’s a real downside to washing your body every day. So, if sheltering in place has changed your hygiene habits, don’t worry. Experts are telling us that what we’re really doing in our daily shower is throwing our microbiome out of balance, and here’s why that is not a good thing…

Alzheimer’s disease is like a thief stealing a person’s memories and personality. No treatment exists that can halt its progression, but researchers are coming closer to finding compounds that can unravel the complex mechanisms behind the onset of Alzheimer’s. The latest? A hormone that will make you want to ditch your low-fat diet.

Exercising is one of the best things you can do for your health. But what if I told you that timing your workouts could bring even bigger benefits — at least when it comes to cancer prevention? According to a brand-new study, just changing the time of day you work out could dramatically lower your risk of breast and prostate cancer.

We’ve all heard that olive oil is one of the healthiest choices we can make in our diet. After all, the oil is known for lowering bad cholesterol and fighting heart disease, inflammation and cancer. And now, thanks to a new study, things just got even better with a new olive oil option made from ancient trees.

Cortisol, which is made in the adrenal glands, is commonly known as the stress hormone. It’s crucial for helping your body deal with stressful situations. But too much cortisol for prolonged periods can lead to all sorts of health problems including high blood pressure, fatigue and type 2 diabetes. Here’s what to watch for, how to balance it and an interesting way to measure it.

Depression rates are spiking as the pandemic drags on, and although there are plenty of medications to treat it, they’re not always effective and can come with unpleasant side effects. To broaden the treatment options, researchers are taking a look at a mushroom with a less-than-savory reputation…

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors or symptoms occurring together which increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. If you only have one of these conditions, it doesn’t mean you have metabolic syndrome — but if you have three or more of the following risk factors, then you could be on a fast track to serious trouble…

Alzheimer’s is a perplexing disease, but we do know more about it than ever before. Where conventional medicine has fallen short, research into natural solutions is pushing the envelope in Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment, most recently with the discovery of compounds wrapped around the roots of the ginseng plant that may work against amyloid plaques and tau aggregates.

Rheumatoid arthritis and cancer often go hand in hand, but they present conflicts in terms of treatment. RA drugs suppress the immune system, while cancer drugs work to make the immune response stronger. Some cancer drugs make RA worse, and some RA drugs may cause cancer. It’s a tangled web to maneuver to know what’s best for you.

Each year, heart disease and stroke kill more people in the U.S. than all cancers, lower respiratory diseases and cases of influenza and pneumonia combined. But you don’t have to become a statistic. Thanks to a new study, there’s now an easy cheat sheet so that you can know what foods to avoid to keep your heart healthy.

If there’s one medical procedure that’s universally dreaded and put off for as long as possible, it would have to be the routine colonoscopy. But considering the statistics on colon cancer, it’s the one procedure we should all be clamoring to get. Well, you may get your turn sooner than you expected…

It’s sad to say, but a lot of people think the older you get, the worse your health gets. But this doesn’t have to be true for you. There are a lot of changes you can make now to prevent yourself from going down this road — and the first is effortless…

When it comes to eating healthy, you have to consider more than just what you eat. You have to consider when you eat it. Because meal timing makes a big difference in your energy, metabolism, weight and overall health…

They’re called “obesogens.” They come into your home on the products you buy and wind up in your household dust for you to inhale, ingest, and absorb through your skin. According to research, just three milligrams of this dust resulted in fat production.

Reports say this is the worst tick season yet. Add to this, mosquitoes and gnats and a host of other bugs, and a nice summer day or night can turn from amazing to a disaster. Here’s a way to make an effective, non-toxic, natural insect repellent with essential oils…

How often do you use time as an excuse not to exercise? If you’re like most people, probably too often. You figure if you can’t do a full-blown thirty to sixty minute workout, you just should just forget it altogether. But, you shouldn’t, and I’ll tell you why….

If you’re diabetic already, or prediabetic, maintaining tight blood sugar control is extremely important. That’s why you should take advantage of the most effective blood sugar control tools at your disposal. All you have to do is look to simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen…

Heartburn, reflux, ulcers and indigestion… If you’re taking prescription or over-the-counter medication to treat any of these common health complaints, you could be taking a chance with your life.

Mussels… They may not be at the top of your shopping list but they are a powerhouse of nutrition for men… And if your aim is more muscles — and better health for your brain, heart and more — eat more mussels.

Sometimes migraines come out of nowhere. Other times, it’s one of a list of many “triggers” that sets them off. Now, research says you can add too much or too little weight to that list. So is there a weight “sweet spot” that can help prevent your migraines?

Most people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years without major lifestyle changes, including diet changes and exercise. But there is a simple dietary trick that most doctors completely neglect in helping patients avoid diabetes…

You’ve probably heard that blueberries improve brain function, strengthen your bones and fight cancer, among other things. But there’s another berry that won’t be outdone by its blue brother. In fact, it may be one of the best age-defying, disease-fighting berries around…

Does this sound familiar… You’re working hard at losing weight and the pounds are steadily dropping, and then bang… nothing for weeks. You’ve suddenly stalled and those extra pounds just don’t want to budge. It’s certainly frustrating but one thing is for sure, you’re not alone…

A stroke hits when either oxygen or nutrients carried to the brain are blocked. While most people know that stroke is a serious issue, what is less known is that some commonly prescribed medications can increase your risk of stroke anywhere from 25 percent on up to almost 80 percent.

Did you know, that ongoing sleep issues increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression? And then there’s the connection between poor sleep and dementia. That one’s a real doozy…

Ah, summer. Or, should I say, “Ouch, summer!” Summer is little like a rose bush… It’s quite appealing and you can get lost in it. It’s the stuff of fond memories and adventure, but just like a thorn, an unexpected sting, pain or itch can put a quick stop to your fun…

The most common form of skin cancer beats out breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. So take precautions this summer and find out how research says eating more tomatoes should be part of your efforts to reduce your risk of skin cancer…

The flowers of the immature female hops plant have long been used to add flavor and bitterness to beer. It was from there it was discovered that the plant alters its structure and is capable of providing many health benefits — including blasting belly fat at its core. But what about beer belly?

When your skin absorbs UVB rays from the sun, it triggers a reaction in your body that allows your skin cells to create vitamin D. So the sun is literally supplying your body with the vitamin D it needs to stay healthy. But there may be another reason for vitamin D’s sun-related nickname…

The average American gets conflicting messaging about how to eat to avoid the insulin resistance that leads to type 2 diabetes. Very few items represented as health foods, actually are… and certain industries try awfully hard to lead us astray from other…

The power behind cleansing lies in the ability to give your digestive system and your detox organs time to rest and to lighten the load. This brief period can be an amazing rejuvenator! But, before you start any cleanse…

From fatigue and joint pain to weight gain and autoimmune disease, your health issues could be caused by a single thing: your leaky gut. Leaky gut may begin in your gut but its ill effects don’t stop there. Before it’s too late, check these symptoms and causes and start repairing your gut asap!

Loss of strength can sneak up on you, and you know what that means… loss of independence can be around the corner. The little things, like taking a few minutes a day to do one good strengthening exercise can make all the difference. Here’s how to get started…

The evidence supporting medicinal marijuana is in its early stages. But now that more and more states are saying yes, research is turning up some intriguing benefits… like the fact that marijuana could help fight cancer, not just ease symptoms.

Since the majority of people with prediabetes eventually develop full-blown diabetes, scientists have been interested in ways to prevent this from occurring. Now, a study reveals that individuals who take an exotic spice can avoid it, and more…

Men and women dream of having thicker, lustrous, more beautiful hair. Before you start using a prescription or messy topical solution that may not work, think again. Side effects range from headache and dizziness to sexual and neurological problems…

For many years it’s been feared due to its high fat content. But, like many foods, the much-maligned avocado has just been misunderstood. Instead of causing harm, it actually has the ability to heal. Eating avocado each day is heart-protective…

Starbucks and the likes keep the coffee cups filled, much like a “coffee pharmacy” dolling out grande-sized cups of what may very well be a longevity prescription. Because the proof is pretty solid that a coffee habit prevents disease and extends life. But if you want to know…

The sniffles, congestion, headache and body pains that come with a summer cold can leave you stuck indoors right when you want to be out enjoying the fun. And, to add insult to injury, summer colds tend to last longer than the ones you catch in the winter and have a higher chance of recurring.

Intricate mechanisms that occur within the hippocampus region of your brain make it possible for your stored memories to become part of your long-term memory. This process is known as memory consolidation, and it’s important to prevent conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Without sleep…

You probably already know that getting enough vitamin D is essential for fighting disease. It can improve your heart health, ward off cancer, keep your bones strong, balance your blood sugar and more. But here’s the thing….