Latest Stories

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…

One thing us women have to deal with throughout our lives are hormones. From period pains and mood swings, to sore swollen breasts, bloating and lower back aches in the middle years. When the big dreaded menopause hits, it can be an even rockier ride. But it doesn’t have to be…

Your doctor is probably a great guy. He went to school for years to learn how to heal people. But he didn’t go to school to learn how to keep you from getting sick in the first place. If he did, he was sorely disappointed because there was an essential class missing…

Did you ever notice that drugs are constantly found to have more side effects and dangers, whereas nutrients are always being found to have more benefits? Resveratrol is a prime example.

If you sit or stand too much, without moving most of your muscle groups on a regular basis, stiffness and pain in your neck, shoulders and hips may be something you consider “normal.” Well, it’s not…

Think your dry, irritated eyes are just due to allergies? If you’ve been using prescription eye drops to block the histamines searching for relief, you could be wasting your time. The real cause behind your dry eye problems could be hormonal… But we’ve got five ways you can get relief…

Your body needs a wide range of nutrients to perform its functions. But there is one vitamin that supports every function in your body and can miraculously reduce your risk of all causes of death — even the big ones like heart disease, stroke and cancer…

In one of my favorite books there’s a reference to the old days when the chief of the tribe was executed at the first sign of a gray hair. Sometimes being over forty can feel like that. But the actual statistics suggest otherwise…

There’s a strong chance whether you’re sitting or standing that you’re putting your lower back at risk. But in addition, you’re missing out on an easy way to retrain your body to strengthen your core.

Cancer cells metabolize glucose in a very different way than healthy cells. It’s this altered metabolism that is linked to the growth, survival, maintenance and proliferation of cancer cells. In other words, glucose (or sugar) makes you more susceptible to cancer…

Scientists have an unfortunate forecast for this summer: They’re expecting a bumper crop of ticks. In fact, they think it might be the largest increase in the tick population on record. You’ll want to take precaution not only for Lyme disease, but a new tick-borne disease…

Stress can be both healthy and harmful and each of us experiences it differently. But one thing is certain: Workplace stress is a big, big problem that can derail your health and your life. Send it on its way by following these five steps…

Anyone who has experienced knee pain knows it is far more than just a functional issue… but luckily there is one powerful protein that can provide significant relief from your knee pain and even strengthen the joint itself.

There’s one surprising way you can improve your health this spring: Head to a baseball game and grab the all-American, heart-healthy, superfood snack that’s been shown time and again to have an amazing effect on your cardiovascular system…

The adrenal glands are responsible for producing around 50 different hormones and helping with blood sugar regulation, stress adaptation, immunity and gut health. But when they’re stressed, your body pays the price…

What if eating cheese was not only completely fine for your heart, but helped you lose weight rather than gain it? That would be the best news ever. And lucky for us cheese-lovers that seems to be the case…

Want to make your brain 7 years younger? Maybe reduce cognitive decline by 90 percent? Every day you might read something about how to save your brain health. But I can almost guarantee you’ll never again come across a brain-saving tip this easy…

TV commercials tell you when things hurt to reach for a bottle of aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen for relief. Yet there’s a constant stream of clinical studies indicating that could set you up for a big pain in the heart.

It wasn’t a lack of exercise that put belly fat there. It was hormones. You can give up or you can harness your hormones to get the results you want. That means you’ve got to do things differently, starting with how you exercise…

Nourishing your gut bugs can improve bone health, hormone regulation, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, respiratory conditions and more. The key? Bacterial diversity — as long as you try to encourage the beneficial gut bacteria, while keeping the bad bacteria away…

Want to stay healthy longer, be less stressed, and even get stronger bones? Then, it’s time to get a cat. The sound of a cat purring can do everything from preventing heart attacks to healing injuries. Who knew our furry friends were so powerful?

Certain elements, namely heavy metals, are considered systemic toxicants — meaning they don’t just poison one area of your body… they’re known to spread and induce multiple organ damage even at lower levels of exposure.

Did you know that running improves your joint health, retrains your brain to need less sleep, gives you more youthful muscles and may even reduce your risk for cancer? To get started, make sure you follow these 7 safe and healthy tips…

Back in the 90s cardio kickboxing came into vogue. But how about something more holistic, like whole-body exercises that work the core, balance, endurance and strength – using body weight at all levels? Let’s get started!

Overactive bladder can be stressful. But one of the most common prescription medications for overactive bladder comes with some serious side effects that are much worse than all the urinary urgency, frequency, stress or incontinence in the world…

If you’ve ever suffered from hay fever, you know it’s no walk in the park. In fact, it can turn a mere walk in a park into an unpleasant, sneeze-and-sniffle-filled ordeal that, it turns out, may be caused by an imbalance between different types of immune cells. Here’s how to fix that…

In many areas, concentrations of air pollutants exceed “healthy” levels. When you’re doing your regular activities, you may be inhaling fine particles of pollutants known as ambient particulate matter. And it’s these particles that can do major damage to your heart…

If you were to ask me what type of exercise I consider the most complete, most challenging, and most fun, I’d give an answer that might surprise you…

There’s a game I see people play when dining out. Everyone puts their smartphones in the middle of the table, and the first one to use their phone during dinner has to foot the bill. But there’s another very important reason for putting your smartphone away…

Americans keep gaining weight. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity or being overweight is a key factor associated with increased mortality rates in adults — as well as elevated risks of heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Whether you work in an office, behind a cash register or in a classroom, it never fails… The clock strikes 2 p.m. and your energy and productivity take a dive. You can barely keep your eyes open, let alone finish out your workday. Next time it hits, try this…