Latest Stories

There’s just something about the world’s most popular beverage. And this time it’s too good to pass up, especially if you’re a colon cancer survivor or just looking for that special ingredient to live your longest best life…

Weight gain and inflammation create a vicious cycle that sabotages weight loss. But when science teams up to bust inflammation, you can pack on health while the weight falls off. Here’s what the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found works…

Obesity has been linked to cognitive decline, even Alzheimer’s, but researchers questioned if it really was the weight, which can take years to gain, or the high-fat foods harming the brain. In just three days, they had their answer.

Two bacterial strains commonly found in the gut are behind some nasty infections, such as UTIs, meningitis and sepsis, and can lead to diarrhea and liver abscesses. The best nutrient to keep them under control is one Americans don’t get nearly enough of…

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has no known cause and no known cure. But scientists are seeking to change that. Their explorations into AMD’s mechanisms have uncovered a surprising link between AMD and heart disease….

You might be surprised that a cardiologist has something to say about colon cancer. But we’re seeing a parallel: what causes heart disease earlier in life may also be a setup for aggressive colon tumors.

One factor related to cognitive decline is brain shrinkage, also known as brain atrophy. As brain size decreases, connections between brains cells are lost and that leads to problems with thinking skills, memory and even performing daily activities, But a Japanese diet may keep your brain plump and sharp…

Chronic fatigue syndrome has puzzled doctors for decades. People with the debilitating condition have felt left out in the cold and worse, told “it’s all in their head.” But several recent studies have found that low blood levels of an important nutrient may be to blame…

Acid reflux is more than annoying. If not managed, it can develop into even more serious conditions. But if you’re treating it with the popularly prescribed and OTC acid busters, you may notice your blood pressure start to rise…

Women in menopause tend to lose interest in sex. Considering it can become painful, that’s no surprise. What is surprising is that a “pleasure prescription” may be just what’s needed to overcome this challenging time of life…

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has millennia of evidence backing up its remedies. Which is why when searching for the next cancer breakthrough, researchers have turned to an unusual medicinal herb with a solid reputation for acting against cancer cells…

Metabolic syndrome can lead to serious trouble impacting different organs in the body. But it’s the combination of diabetes and obesity that can wreak significant harm on the liver. Here’s what you need to know…

After climbing for decades, it looked as though human longevity had hit a ceiling. But sometimes you can accidentally trip a switch that triggers a protective mechanism. When you drink coffee, it’s an ancient longevity switch hidden in your cells.

Medications for four categories of conditions make it difficult for the body to handle hot weather by reducing its ability to sweat or increase blood flow to the skin. That can result in heat-related illness or increase risk of heart attack. Are your meds on this hot list?

For a healthy mouth and avoiding gum disease, oral hygiene matters. So do regular checkups. But who couldn’t use an edge to stay out of the dentist’s chair, especially to avoid those procedures we dread the most…

When is dementia, not dementia? When it’s a liver disease that attacks the brain and leaves surprisingly similar symptoms in its wake. Good news? When this liver condition attacks your brain you can fight it with laxatives and medication…

Scientists have suspected the Keto diet holds answers to treating autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. Changes in the gut show they’re on target, but if the diet’s too extreme, a supplement mimicks the helpful effects.

Menopause is not fun. Hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain… it all adds up to a really unpleasant time. But researchers have identified three key elements that can relieve the worst symptoms, and know exactly why they work…

Women are almost twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as men. While the exact reason has been a mystery, there are plenty of plausible theories. But a connection between two molecules is strong enough to even lead to a blood test for early detection…

At middle age, some things are just expected, including the dreaded middle-age spread. But the more we understand about how that fat gets there, the better our chances of doing something about it, starting now…

It may not be your cup of tea, but evidence links cold water immersion to living longer. After taking a deep dive, researchers know why: It enhances a critical cellular protective mechanism that promotes health and longevity.

Some foods are just made for each other… Beans and franks. Chips and dip. Mac and cheese. Peanut butter and jelly. Spaghetti and meatballs. But nothing’s better than a food pairing that keeps your blood pumping…

Stroke can change or take your life in an instant. But one type, known as a mini-stroke, is often referred to as a warning stroke. Heed it and you might escape significant harm. But that adage no longer holds up…

The list of harmful effects tied to semaglutide keeps growing. Sure, it melts fat, but almost half the weight loss may come from muscle loss. That’s trouble for anyone, but especially if you have blood sugar problems…

The good news is that antibiotic use is on the decline after years of discovering the damage they do to the gut microbiome. But, there are times they’re necessary, and that means the risk of another sinister way they cause harm long after their use…

Atrial fibrillation is more common in people over 65. But trends in certain risk factors are changing that, and linking the condition with more than a 50% increased risk for early-onset dementia, even without stroke…

Colorectal cancer is growing among folks 50 and younger. But a potent daily habit could help survivors live longer, in some cases, than their peers who never had cancer. Here’s what we all need to know to kick our bodies into high gear for cancer survival and prevention…

“Eat the rainbow” was coined for a good reason: To reap the incredible disease-fighting benefits of flavonoids and reduce your risk of early death, research suggests it’s key to get them from these different sources…

There’s no question that smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. But if you thought cannabis, smoking or eating edibles, was safer, we’ve got a warning about how it could impact your blood vessels…

Health experts are sounding a warning as rates of early-onset breast cancer in women under 50 are growing dramatically. It’s a trend, they say, that cannot be explained by genetics alone, and we know eactly why…

Many factors affect heart disease risk, like poor lifestyle choices that can set up heart problems down the road. But some actually speed up that risk, like two conditions that bring about the potential for heart trouble almost three decades sooner…

After menopause, fat is the primary source of estrogen. Body mass index may not accurately measure body fat. This matters because body fat is linked to hormone-positive breast cancer, an underestimated deadly cancer risk…

Would you know if you were having a heart attack? Conventional wisdom says that chest pain, sweating and shortness of breath are classic signs. But there are others that aren’t talked about nearly as often. Don’t mistake these symptoms…

If you’re tired of those deep purple and red splotches that happen with the slightest bump and make your skin look beat up and older than it should, there is an answer… and, it’s easier than you might think.

If you have high cholesterol, you may be on the hunt for alternatives to statins. Why? Because they have side effects that are intolerable for many. This one works so well your doctor may recommend it. Just be careful…

As you age, you probably tend to worry about the health of two of your most important organs — your brain and your heart. That’s why we’re urged to exercise and eat right. But what if you’re over 65, is it too late? Not for a berry boost…

The average American consumes almost 19 teaspoons of added sugar a day. And that’s tied to more than 45 serious health problems. No wonder many of us turn to low-calorie sweeteners, like xylitol. But practicing moderation may be safer than risking blood clots…

A mild stroke could be a wake-up call. But a severe stroke changes your life in ways you can’t bounce back from. Before it’s too late, do something about the most important risk linked to severe stroke…

If you have risk factors for heart disease, including hypertension and diabetes, a case of pneumonia can increase the stress on your heart further leading to some serious complications. But if your doctor approves, you can start working to prevent that possibility now…

Aging gracefully is about more than just adding years to your life. It’s about enriching those years with health, vitality and connection. Golf can help because it’s more than just a sport — it’s a pathway to a longer, fuller life. 

Vitamin D is linked to positive impacts from healthy aging to prevention. Its effect on blood pressure has been inconclusive, however. But new research finds it may be a matter of when and who vitamin D can help the most…

Obesity is at the root of most disease, from cancer to heart disease. But it’s most closely linked to is diabetes, hence the term ‘diabesity.’ But another hidden factor driving that connection has been recently uncovered…

Gabapentinoids have been seen as a safer alternative to opioids for pain. However, they carry with them their own risks — including one debilitating condition that could be a death sentence for older adults…

Coming out on the other side of a cancer diagnosis is no small feat. But survivors often live looking over their shoulders. Scientists have identified one particularly high risk factor that could leave cancer in the rearview mirror…

Avocados have long been considered a superfood. Yes, they’re high in fat and calories but also contain some valuable nutrition. That’s what caught the attention of researchers looking to put the blood pressure-busting effects of avocados to the test…

Visits to the ER for heart attacks increase during the winter months. Experts say there are three levels of people for whom this is more likely, and one group never sees it coming. Here’s how to avoid being one of them…

For thousands of years, medicinal mushrooms have been used for tumor therapy in traditional Chinese medicine. But one stands out because it also has anti-diabetic qualities. And if you know cancer’s favorite fuel source, it’s a no-brainer how it works…

Menopause is a dangerous time for women, beyond breast cancer. So how can you keep ‘the change’ from stealing your health? Whether you’re perimenopausal or post-menopausal, start now to avoid these 5 threats…

Licorice is candy. But in traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s a medicinal herb. Its powerful effects are why guidelines determined how much was safe to eat. But they were wrong about how little can have deleterious effects…

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. It’s also a leading cause of stroke. Risk of devloping it climbs with age but it can also run in families and take your risk even higher. Do this one thing to slash it…

I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to slow aging. Understandably, there’s some skepticism when products claim to. But it can be as simple as avoiding the things that accelerate your rate of aging — like these foods…

For years, people with gout have been shamed for causing their own pain. It was thought their poor diet elevated uric acid which contributes to painful crystals in joints, like the big toe. Now we know there’s more to the story.

If you can bang out close to 10,000 steps a day, more power to you. But there’s a more effecient way to rev up your metabolism and burn 60 percent more calories. This is one health hack that may sound too good to be true, but here’s why it works…

Thanks to genetics, even diet and exercise may not lower high cholesterol. And since many people ditch medication, researchers seek alternatives. After a study with 400,000 people, they’ve hit on one that’s effective even when it starts with your genes.

Garlic has long had a place at the table and in traditional medicine, where the potent bulb is linked to heart health, reduced inflammation and a strong immune system. Now, taming aggressive cancer cells can be added to the list…

After a heart attack, it makes sense that you’d want to sleep more. But the need for sleep is more than the physical exhaustion of going through a traumatic health event. It’s a signal for healing that if not heeded could mean a 2nd heart attack…

The “cold sore” virus is extremely common. It’s believed to be present in more than half of all Americans. That doesn’t make it any easier to deal with when cold sores flareup. Gaining a better understanding of the virus may…

Apple cider vinegar is a versatile household staple, from brightening salad dressings to unclogging drains. It’s also touted as a health elixir. How can you separate the hype from the real benefits? See what the doctor has to say…

Environmentalists have sounded alarms about the harm it’s doing. But a more dire warning may be the estimated nine million premature deaths that happen each year because it’s hardening our arteries. As a doctor, this is how I’m protecting myself…

The idea of a healthy diet has been based on older dietary measures that steer us towards food groups or specific macronutrients. But it’s the effect of food inside the body that’s the common denominator fueling disease…