Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Joyce Hollman

Curcumin: From spice to potent anti-viral

Research on curcumin, the compound found in the Indian spice turmeric, is pointing to its potential as an antiviral drug. It’s shown the ability to counteract herpes and Zika viruses and may even have some power against the HIV virus. How you can get some of curcumin’s anti-viral power now?

Joyce Hollman

How to brew up the many benefits of lavender tea

The scent of diffused lavender oil can help you wind down and relax before bed. But a cup of lavender tea can also do the trick and help settle your stomach. That’s because lavender tea is good for more than just sleep and relaxation. Here are more reasons to drink this lovely tea, and how…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

7 superfoods for super women

Eating a healthy diet is important for anyone who wants to live better, longer. But certain foods are especially effective at helping women meet their special health needs. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top seven superfoods that are especially good for women…

Jenny Smiechowski

The three best foods for fighting diabetes

It’s easy to get confused about what you should eat to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Should you go low-carb? Vegan? Low-cal? There’s so much conflicting information out there. So, here’s some simple advice — if you want to escape type 2 diabetes, focus on these three food groups to slash your risk up to 50 percent…

Jenny Smiechowski

Grapes deliver the perfect dose of heart-healthy antioxidants

Oxidative stress is like kryptonite for your heart. It’s tied to atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), high blood pressure, cardiac fibrosis (scarring), plaque rupture, arterial blood clots and even heart failure. Luckily, there’s a fruit that contains the three most powerful antioxidants to fend off oxidative stress and provide serious heart protection…

Jenny Smiechowski

How optimism helps you sleep better and live longer

Research has proven time and time again that optimists live longer than pessimists. In fact, one 2019 study found that they live 11 to 15 percent longer than pessimistic folks on average. But what exactly is it about a sunny disposition that leads to a longer life? A new study shows it could all come down to this surprisingly simple factor…

Joyce Hollman

CBD: Arthritis pain relief without NSAIDs’ cardio risk

More and more people are turning to medical marijuana to relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis. They’ve found that CBD is at least as effective as opioids or NSAIDs, but without the dangers of addiction, heart attack, stroke or internal bleeding.

Jenny Smiechowski

A small increase in these foods makes a big increase in lifespan

More people get their protein from meat even though eating more plant-based protein could do them a lot of good. In fact, the more plant protein, the longer the lifespan. And it’s not an all-or-nothing deal… Research shows you can eat your meat and increase your plant-based protein just a little for some really big benefits…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Beta blockers may pose unique danger for women

One of the most common prescriptions for hypertension in the U.S. is beta blockers, drugs that are supposed to keep your blood pressure in the green zone and protect your heart. But now, according to a new study, these same medications are hiding a danger of heart failure, especially if you’re a woman.

Joyce Hollman

Signs of serious eye conditions and the nutrients to guard them

As we age, our eyes become more vulnerable to disease. Age-related macular degeneration is just one example of diseases that become more likely in our 50s, 60s and beyond. Know the signs and learn how to protect your eyes before it’s too late.

Jenny Smiechowski

Eat this summer berry to soothe skin rashes

We’ve all been there… you brush against a patch of poison ivy or try a new skincare product and your skin erupts in a rash. Typically, you’d need a topical steroid cream to get it under control. But there’s another proven way to tackle this type of allergic response — and you can find it in the fruit aisle.

Jenny Smiechowski

Ditch these foods to lift brain fog

Do you have a hard time concentrating? Do you forget words or lose your train of thought during conversations? Do you feel spacey or out of it often? If you do, you may be dealing with brain fog. You can lift the fog by ditching these foods…

Jenny Smiechowski

2 simple secrets people who live to 100 share

How do you live to 100? Despite what you may have heard, it doesn’t require extreme diets, expensive medical procedures or unusual health rituals. New research shows it may just require two habits that are so simple they may surprise you…

Joyce Hollman

Lower your blood pressure at every meal

Diuretics and ACE inhibitors can be effective in treating high blood pressure. But they come with side effects like diarrhea, lightheadedness and muscle cramping. So, what else is a person to do besides eat right and exercise? Add herbs and spices known to naturally lower blood pressure to foods you already eat.

Joyce Hollman

5 ways oatmeal can beat back metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome sneaks up on people. It might start with your cholesterol. Before you know it, your blood pressure goes up. Next, your doctor is concerned about your blood sugar which is going up with your weight. Before you wake up one day on more medications than you’ve ever taken in all your years, try a daily bowl of oatmeal instead.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Passive stretching: The artery ‘workout’ that improves blood flow

You have roughly 100,000 miles of blood vessels and veins that make up your arterial superhighway… and much working against them. Your heart, and more, depend on them. Luckily, new research has found a way to make it easier than ever to decrease arterial stiffness and improve blood flow. Just grab a partner and stretch…

Jenny Smiechowski

Essential oil diffusers may pose an unexpected risk

I’ve never thought of my diffuser as anything but a blessing to my health and home. It’s an easy way to take advantage of the benefits of aromatherapy and a great alternative to chemical air fresheners. But I recently read something that indicated there may be a dark side to my diffuser…

Jenny Smiechowski

Low-to-moderate drinkers may have cognitive edge over non-drinkers

It’s fun to read about the health benefits of guilty pleasures… like drinking coffee, looking at cat memes or indulging in a glass of wine. We get a lot of mixed messages about that last one though. But a new study shows that people who drink low-to-moderate amounts of alcohol have better brain health than those who don’t.

Joyce Hollman

6 signs of prediabetes and tips that turn it around

About 84 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes. That means 34 percent of adults, at any given time, are poised to cross a threshold that would take them down a chronic disease path. Sounds daunting, doesn’t it? But what if I told you they could turn that trajectory completely around in a matter of steps?

Jenny Smiechowski

2 excellent reasons to go crazy for capers

How often do you eat capers? You know, those tiny green balls you see hanging out in your chicken piccata, on top of your salmon lox bagel or in your salad. The answer for most of us is probably not that often. That’s a shame because they’re packed with a potent compound for brain and heart health…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Is butter back? The truth about saturated fat

Breaking health news contends that limiting dietary saturated fat does nothing for reducing heart disease events or for heart disease prevention. The study’s conclusions run against the advice of most health authorities, but by sheer numbers alone, it feels pretty compelling…

Joyce Hollman

How to correctly disinfect with wipes during cold and virus season

Using disinfectant wipes to clean the surfaces in your home? You should know there’s more to it than just pulling one out and wiping. Follow these tips to make sure you get the most out of them during cold and virus season…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Common ailments that zap your energy

If you’re feeling like all your energy has been drained, you can barely get out of bed in the morning and struggle to make it through the day, you’re not alone. Lack of energy is a common complaint and can be due to a wide range of issues. Figuring out what’s got you dragging is a challenge. Here are some clues…

Jenny Smiechowski

The other omega fatty acid that fights cancer, heart disease and diabetes

You’ve probably heard that omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation and disease, while omega-6 fatty acids fuel them. But recent research shows this isn’t entirely true. Omega-6 fatty acids from healthy sources aren’t the inflammation-causing boogeymen they’ve been made out to be. In fact, they may even have unique health benefits…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Self-care tips to bring your blood pressure down

High blood pressure can stem from a combination of issues. And while your doctor is prescribing medications, far too often other causes get ignored, leaving you with uncontrolled blood pressure problems that even the strongest medicines can’t fully control. Put these blood pressure-reducing interventions to work…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why the FDA’s new food labeling rules put allergy sufferers at risk

When you have food allergies, you become very good at inspecting labels. That’s because, if you don’t, it could have serious consequences. But what if, despite all your careful label reading, you’re still exposed to a food allergen because it’s not listed on the label? That’s a food allergy sufferer’s worst nightmare. And the FDA’s new food labeling rules are making it more likely…

Joyce Hollman

Menopause, brain energy and the Alzheimer’s connection women need to know more about

Most people think menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, memory loss start in the ovaries, when in fact they are neurological symptoms. That’s because estrogen helps produce energy in the brain. As it delines neurons slow down and age quickly. That’s why women need to protect their brains as they age…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why healthy eating isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution

Food is a powerful tool for optimizing health. But how come some people try a certain diet and experience dramatic results while others barely notice a difference in their weight, health and well-being on the same diet? Luckily, research has us one step closer to figuring out how to make healthy eating work for everyone…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

5 health warning signs men should never ignore

Men have a reputation for avoiding check-ups. and even putting off sick visits for as long as possible. That’s why we’ve put together five warning signs something’s wrong with your health that you should never ignore, just for you guys…

Jenny Smiechowski

Overeating? Berries can put you back in control

We all have times when we overdo it at the dinner table. Unfortunately, overeating regularly causes you to gain weight, increases your risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cognitive decline and cancer and triggers hormonal changes that make it harder to stop overeating. Luckily, this simple, healthy snack can stop the vicious cycle of overeating…

Jenny Smiechowski

The little bug causing a big scary meat allergy

It’s amazing what a huge impact a little bug bite can have on your health and your life, especially if it’s a tick bite. Lyme disease is serious business. But there’s one tick-borne disease that’s not only life-altering, it’s outright bizarre…

Debra Atkinson

Prevent back pain with a strong core

The core muscles are the ones that can take some of that pressure off of your back, and help you avoid the back pain and even debilitating injury that can impact your day to day activities. But if your back hurts is it too late? Absolutely not…

Craig Cooper

10 testosterone-boosting tips every guy should know

If you want to boost your testosterone levels without resorting to medications, testosterone replacement therapy, or other conventional approaches, then you’ve come to the right place.

Jenny Smiechowski

Burn more fat just by changing your dinner time

When it comes to meals, you’re probably on a set schedule — breakfast in the morning, lunch in the afternoon and dinner in the evening. But what if a small tweak in this schedule could burn fat and make your weight loss efforts a whole lot easier?

Jenny Smiechowski

How to live a long, spicy and stroke-free life

People who ate a lot of red chili peppers had a few things in common. But the most important trait they shared was a decreased risk of premature death, particularly from stroke or heart attack. The right pepper for you…

Dr. Mark Wiley

3 mindful ways to keep disease away

Science has proven that most of the deadliest diseases we face are preventable. And the best way to prevent them is to work toward changing these three areas of your life: What you think, what you consume and what you do with your body.

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Are high levels of this protein aging you faster?

This pro-aging protein wreaks havoc by binding to cells and hijacking communication, allowing cancer cells to aggregate and spread, fueling chronic inflammation, suppressing immunity, accelerating the aging process and more…

Jenny Smiechowski

Can prebiotics cure your lactose intolerance?

If you’re lactose intolerant, you’ve probably already resigned yourself to a life free of dairy products — no milk, no yogurt, no cheese. But what if you could add dairy back to your diet without paying any gastrointestinal consequences?

Dr. Brad Cutler

Is your doctor ordering the right lab tests?

If you’re going to get poked with a needle and have your blood drawn, you might as well get the most out of it. It’s your right to question your doctor about the most specific and most sensitive tests for any suspected underlying condition.

Jenny Smiechowski

Sofa-sitting gives you same risk as Alzheimer’s gene

People who have the so-called Alzheimer’s gene are three times more likely to develop the disease. Of course, chances are you don’t have this gene. But if you spend too much time being sedentary, your risk is just as high anyway.

Jenny Smiechowski

The stress-free solution to addictive eating

If you’re addicted to any unhealthy habit in your life, whether it’s eating junk food, drinking alcohol or watching too much TV, you might be tempted to take the “willpower” approach to overcoming your addiction. I’ve got something better…

Debra Atkinson

Is fitness bootcamp for you?

Bootcamp can work for you if you love group training. It’s the best for your upper body. But you may find that supplementing your bootcamp style class with a few exercises done in the weight room helps you get the best of both worlds.

Dr. Michael Cutler

Are antibiotics necessary to get over bronchitis?

Even if you’re diligent about taking immune-boosting vitamins and supplements, eating right and getting rest, the occasional bug gets you. This time of year, I see a lot of patients with bronchitis, and most expect antibiotics. I tell them…

Jenny Smiechowski

Coffee crushes chronic inflammation and disease

Protecting your body from serious diseases, like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and autoimmune disorders, feels like an overwhelming task. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s talk about making it easy…

Dr. Mark Wiley

3 ways to improve your balance and avoid injury

Regardless of age, strong balance is important to lead a healthy, full and active life. Yet over time we become less agile and less sturdy. Falls, and fractures due to falls, become common as we age. They can be debilitating and life-threatening.

Debra Atkinson

3+ ways to raise and tighten your tush

An injury to knees, hamstrings or your lower back can be linked to weak glute muscles. But, it’s easy to fix. Here are a few ways to get the strength you need and a nice tush lift to boot!

Jenny Smiechowski

Brain-boosting B vitamins could be Parkinson’s cure

Whether you’re looking to prevent Parkinson’s disease or improve your overall brain health, give your body the vitamins necessary for maintaining a healthy nervous system…

Craig Cooper

7 ways to increase your energy after 50

There are some effective ways to increase your energy after 50 and thoroughly enjoy the second half of your life. Typically these tips involve boosting or strengthening your testosterone (T) levels, which in turn enhance energy.

Jenny Smiechowski

Blue corn for big blood pressure and belly fat benefits

Corn is controversial in the natural health world. And for good reason. A lot of corn is genetically modified and corn derivatives are one of the most popular fillers in processed junk foods. But blue corn is something else…

Jenny Smiechowski

Does red meat put you in the diverticulitis danger zone?

You already know that processed meat isn’t doing your health any favors. All it’s doing is contributing to major diseases like cancer, heart disease and asthma. But what about red meat?

Dr. Mark Wiley

Despite odds, optimism boosts your life expectancy

For the first time in nearly a quarter century, life expectancy in the United States has dropped. Does this mean we’re doomed? Not at all. The light at the end of the tunnel is a silver lining…

Dr. Brad Cutler

3 ways to throw off heart disease

For nearly half of us, the very first sign of a heart problem ends in death. And shockingly most of those deaths happen to women. Since 1984, heart disease, the number one killer of women, has killed more women than men each year.

Jenny Smiechowski

Destroy disease-causing inflammation in minutes

No matter how busy you are, you can spare 20 minutes per day in the name of good health. And luckily, that’s all it takes to conquer your health’s greatest enemy… chronic inflammation.

Jenny Smiechowski

Flossing: Should you or shouldn’t you?

If you let harmful bacteria brew in your mouth, you could be in for serious health problems that require more than a filling to fix. Like a dangerous heart infection called endocarditis or squamous cell carcinoma.

Margaret Cantwell

Why women, especially, need this anti-disease diet

Lupus, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression. What do these health issues have in common? A couple of things, but let’s start with women…

Dr. Mark Wiley

The half moon: Yoga’s perfect strengthening stretch

Stress hammers away on the body from the inside and out. It causes tightness, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, pain and so much more. Externally, stress affects how we hold ourselves; that is, how we assume our postures. Time to stretch it all out…

Jenny Smiechowski

Weight loss with friends: Through thick and thin?

You’ve probably heard the saying “birds of a feather flock together.” But, if you’re like most people, you probably don’t just like to hang out with like-minded people, you like to hang out with like-bodied people too. Surprisingly, the latter can impact your weight loss efforts.

Debra Atkinson

‘Train’ your body for arthritis pain relief, flexibility and strength

Whether you suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or another joint condition, moving will keep you feeling better. You’ve just got to choose the right kind of exercise… One that trains your body to rely more on your muscles to take pressure off your joints.

Jenny Smiechowski

Seniors who get this training keep their driver’s licenses longer

Nothing signifies independence quite as much as a set of car keys. Sure, as the years went on, you gradually started to take the ability to drive for granted. But if you’re creeping up on your senior years, it’s something you need to start thinking about again…

Jenny Smiechowski

Replace pain pills with this ancient Chinese herb

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the most effective painkiller is the opium plant, the same plant that inspired modern painkillers. But there are a few problems with opiates… they’re extremely sedating and highly addictive. That’s why it’s time to look to TCM’s second most effective painkiller.

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