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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.

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…

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.

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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.

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.

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

Mounting evidence shows that microwaving may help food and beverages retain nutrients and beneficial compounds better than other heating methods. Which means microwaving might not deserve such a bad rap, after all…

You may regularly stretch your body, but are you stretching your brain? If not, you’re only working half of the equation that could keep you strong, sharp and independent. Here’s how to do both in just 10 minutes…

The tongue is an amazing body part. It helps you speak, eat and keeps your mouth and lips moist. But did you know your tongue could reveal surprising secrets about you, from anemia, to autoimmune diseases, to food allergies and more…

Like most food groups, not all saturated fats are the same. Coconut oil consists predominantly of a fatty acid known as lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid with some pretty powerful benefits for your health…

Allergies can be a sign of more serious long-term conditions such as a poorly functioning immune system or even digestive problems. In other words, there’s actually no such thing as just an allergy…

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body kills insulin-producing beta cells. One thing has always been made abundantly clear: diet and lifestyle have no influence whatsoever on stopping it, unlike type 2 diabetes. That is, until now…

One of the leading causes of disability and poor health in adults is completely preventable. As you get older, your risk of bone fractures goes up because your bones don’t retain calcium and other minerals as well. But there’s a simple answer…

Slowing the aging process is no longer considered a fruitless search for a mythical “fountain of youth.” Research has revealed that if there truly is a way to slow the hands of time, it means getting up, moving and getting physical. These 7 tips will get you going so you can look and feel younger longer…

What causes leg cramps? All of us know by experience what a leg cramp is — and how much they can hurt. Especially a Charley horse in the middle of the night…

Whether it’s constipation or more troublesome and serious conditions such as gastric ulceration, inflammatory bowel disease, and even colorectal cancer — many of us will struggle with gastrointestinal illnesses (GI) at some point in our lifetime.

Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. See your dentist for a checkup every six months and make sure your toothpaste has enough fluoride to prevent cavities. We’ve all heard it. We’ve probably all believed it. Yet, your toothpaste could be doing you more harm than good.

I’m always on the lookout for unique ways to relax. I’ve tried and had success with herbs, teas, and music when I need to take the tension down a few notches. If you’re having a bad day and need to reset yourself in a matter of minutes, this does the trick…

Does milk really do a body good? Well, that depends. Some people will tell you cutting out dairy is the single best thing you can do for your health. You might lose weight, get clearer skin… maybe have more energy. But it’s really not that cut and dry…

We all get the blues. They tend to accompany stress, pain or injury, dramatic or traumatic life events… even seasonal changes. But there are substances in your brain that can make you feel better, unless you take a medicine that works against your brain…

You’ve been told time and time again that if you want to avoid breast cancer, you should maintain a healthy body weight. And it seems like logical advice. But what if the connection between excess pounds and breast cancer isn’t that clear-cut, after all? Well, that may be the case…

My kind of “chilling out” means daily and regular cold therapy, meaning I purposefully place my body in a cool to cold environment. Once I explain all the health benefits you may be reaching for the ice cubes, too.

Do you enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning? Many of us do… but the caffeine could be messing with the thyroid’s delicate hormone balance. Here’s what you need to know about when and how much you should be having…

Triclosan, the main ingredient found in many antibacterial soaps was finally banned by the FDA. But as antibacterial products begin slowly disappearing from store shelves, what are your choices for keeping a clean and germ-free body?

The surest way to conquer severe headache and migraine pain is by preventing it in the first place. Once the pain grips you, it doesn’t want to let go. The only way to escape it is to go beyond the triggers, directly to the causes to keep headache pain from diminishing your life…

If you drink this beverage daily, it could slash your risk for cognitive decline in half. And if you’re at an increased genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, it could reduce your chances of developing cognitive impairment by an impressive 86 percent.

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as crunching down on potato chips occasionally. But when you were enjoying those deep fried, fatty treats, I bet you had no idea you might be consuming a cancer-causing chemical at highly toxic levels…

Good digestion is vital to good nutrition. But there’s more to it. It’s easy to think of digestion as a closed system, but we’re finding that multiple systems, i.e. digestive, endocrine, neurological, immune and others are highly interconnected and woven closely together…

Traditionally apple cider vinegar has been used to stimulate circulation, aid in liver detoxification, purify blood, cleanse lymph nodes and improve immunity. Its active ingredient is one that modern science now confirms has a wide range of health benefits…

Wouldn’t it be nice if the focus on avoiding heart disease was on natural, safe and effective nutrients instead of synthetic prescription drugs? There are proven nutrients that protect your heart, and a few good reasons why you should seriously consider them…

Overusing antibiotics can have deadly consequences… And I’m not just talking about antibiotic resistance. We’ve all read the horror stories about MRSA, C-difficile and Candida. But this time they’ve been tied to cancer-causing colon polyps.

Memory loss and cognition problems are anything but normal. We all know people who are sharp as a tack well into their 90s. And, you’ve probably even wondered what their secret is. Well, it turns out that the secret to a nimble brain is a…

Bacteria are living organisms, which means they have to eat. One way to enhance beneficial flora is to provide nutrition for them, in the form of prebiotics. By giving bacteria the food they like, we help them grow and maintain their balance in our digestive tract.

Many of us suffer from neck pain and there are many reasons why… Chronic pain often stems from stress and poor posture habits. Sudden pain, stiffness and strain means you may be overdoing it. Whatever the cause, these easy, painless movements can bring relief…

Would you like to turn back the clock and reduce the signs of aging from the inside out? If so, I’ve got a spice for you that boosts both beauty and brains — and provides more health benefits than you can shake a stick at.

Essential oils have been used to prevent illnesses, ease pain and stress and promote natural health. They boost immunity, improve breathing and even fight off cold and flu viruses. And there are 5 must-have essential oils to keep on hand…