Latest Stories

For decades doctors have preached to us about reducing the amount of salt in our diets to achieve better blood pressure numbers to keep our hearts healthier… Well, according to a new study, there’s another reason to watch your salt intake. And, this time it’s about your brain, instead of your heart…

Chemo leaves you exhausted, nauseous, confused and unable to focus (chemo brain), and even worse — at risk for other health problems, including heart disease. That’s why, when diagnosed with cancer, there’s one healthy habit your doctor will advise you to continue, and research shows the sooner the better…

Countless studies show aerobic exercise has a near-miraculous effect on brain aging. In fact, a 2016 study found it not only prevents age-related brain shrinkage and cognitive decline… it also reverses it. But, could yoga alone provide the same brain benefits that a run or a heart-pumping bootcamp class could?

Rroughly 700,000 people die per year from diseases that don’t respond to antibiotics worldwide. What can we do about it? Find alternatives for the antibiotics we’ve used over and over again for decades. And researchers from Northeastern University have just done exactly that…

About two-thirds of the U.S. population is overweight or obese. If you find yourself among that two-thirds, there’s something else you should know. If you get a flu shot, it will probably be less than effective. Here’s why and extra precautions you should take…

If you have a senior in life that needs special care, the options may seem overwhelming. Which type of care is best and most appropriate to my senior spouse or parent’s needs? How do I even begin to choose? If you’re facing this decision, or feel you will be soon, here are six possible options…

Antibiotic resistance has been labeled an epidemic and according to the CDC, “More than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year.” Well, it’s possible that if more of us turned to this natural antibiotic powerhouse, that we could avoid a personal assault from these superbugs…

For some reason, subjects like erectile dysfunction in men get a lot of attention, but when it comes to sexual problems that women face, everyone is a little hushed. No reason to be. So, let’s talk frankly about this important subject, starting with the many things that can contribute to it…

When we hear the word “herpes,” most people think of cold sores or STDs. But Chickenpox, Mononucleosis and Roseola are all caused by a herpesvirus. The list goes on. And now there’s mounting evidence that long after herpesvirus symptoms pass, they increase the risk for major neurological diseases…

As we age, our eyes are vulnerable to disease — macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. If you have a genetic tendency toward age-related eye diseases, then you’re really at risk. But beyond obvious risk factors for eye diseases, there’s an invisible factor endangering your vision…

Daily sugar consumption has been shown to reduce the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a process known as neurogenesis. It also increases the presence of cytokines, proteins that cause inflammation. Even though we’re wired to want sweets, it’s possible to rewire your brain to turn them away…

The Mediterranean diet is known as one of the healthiest to follow if you want to avoid a plethora of diseases including Alzheimer’s and diabetes. The focus is on olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains and fish. Would you be excited to know there’s now a meatier version?

It might seem strange to think that psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes skin inflammation, redness and scaling, could also lead to coronary heart disease. After all, it’s external. There’s no such thing as “psoriasis of the heart,” right? A dangerous myth about psoriasis is that it’s only skin deep…

Pick almost any chronic disease around, and I can find you scientific evidence that air pollution increases the risk of it… Diabetes. Alzheimer’s. Heart disease. Breast cancer. It plays a part in them all. It turns out you don’t even have to live somewhere highly polluted to damage your health. A short visit will do…

You have tons of friends on Facebook. You get lots of emails every day. You’re active in online forums and support groups. But somehow, you’re still lonely. What gives? No matter what’s holding you back from tackling your loneliness head on, don’t worry. I know a simple way you can feel far less lonely…

On the Japanese island of Okinawa, it’s quite common for people to live to be 100 or more. Okinawa is a Blue Zone — a place known for longevity where science has identified the reasons. And Okinawans know that, besides diet, friendship is the thing that will make for a long, healthy life…

By 2050, two billion people worldwide will be over the age of 60. That’s a lot of people who will be at risk for potentially deadly health conditions — including heart disease and stroke. How can you grab the highest levels of protection once you pass the 60 mark? 1.1 million people prove it’s this way…

Inevitably, with age, comes a loss of fullness and support in the face. Certain areas may appear to sag while others may look hollow. Dermal fillers can help “replace” that loss to help cheekbones look high and sculpted as well as make other face and even body shape changes that can be quite profound. 

When a school of medicine as prestigious as the one at Johns Hopkins University puts dollars into researching something, you know it’s got real possibilities. Take music — now being used as a way to treat neurological conditions and other diseases, as an alternative to medications, and there’s evidence it works…

Synthetic insulin is one of the most impactful and amazing discoveries of the 20th century. Since it was discovered in 1921, it’s saved countless lives. But there’s no denying that insulin comes with some downsides…

Have you ever found yourself stuck in the oil aisle unable to decide what bottle to purchase? Should you go with classic — but controversial — canola? Hip hempseed? Antioxidant-rich avocado? I’d stick with an old standby — olive oil, for all these reasons and more…

When you’re trying to lower your high blood pressure, every little bit helps. Especially if you’re among half of those diagnosed who can’t get it under control, even with medicaiton. A surprising natural method tested at Brown University helped lower blood pressure by an average of 15 points,

Harvard researcher showed it lowers Parkinson’s risk. Other research says it’s protective against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. And still more says it could help prevent liver cancer. So when the latest report showed it could help beat obesity, diabetes and heart disease, no one had to twist my arm to drink up…

To keep an optimally functioning brain, many of us take supplements, play memory games, do crossword puzzles, and in general spend a lot of time concentrating on the organ between our ears. But taking care of your brain actually starts with caring for a completely different organ…

Which is the healthiest choice: An Impossible Burger (plant-based), a grass-fed beef burger, or a traditional corn-fed beef burger? These three “meat” categories may appear distinct, thanks to good marketing and environmental activism… but as a cardiologist, my answer might surprise you…

When it comes to medications, if you’re like most people, you take what your doctor advises. But what if you take a medicine for years that research shows is really of very little value and that the side effects outweigh the benefits as the years progress? Such is the case with statins prescribed to lower cholesterol.

It may seem like your arthritic knees and rosacea have nothing to do with one another. That your IBS and allergies are completely unrelated. That your gum disease and inability to get your BMI down are two separate problems. But the fact is, almost all chronic health conditions are caused by the same thing…

I don’t know about you, but Christmas is almost here and I’m still recovering from Thanksgiving. And, it’s not just the hours spent cleaning and decorating to prepare for company – only to clean again once the fun was over and everyone went home that has left me dragging – but the food, oh the food!

I have a bad habit. It puts my health at risk daily. But I can’t (or don’t want to) quit it. I’ve been doing it since I was a teenager, after all. Despite what you may be thinking, it’s nothing too crazy. It’s not smoking, drinking, doing drugs or even eating donuts. It’s wearing makeup.

Wow, the response to my post last week on cacao, the superfood to beat statins, was amazing! But I’m not really surprised… Now that you know what cacao can do for cholesterol, let me share other benefits that will have you adding cacao to your coffee like I did this morning…

You do everything to stay healthy. You eat well, exercise and take your vitamins. But did you know ordinary items lying around your house could be sabotaging your efforts and setting you up for cancer?

If you have chronic health problems that doctors can’t solve — things like digestive issues, various mysterious aches and pains, or skin problems that never quite vanish — you’re likely eating something that is punishing your stomach.

Good, strong posture is more important than many people realize. Poor posture creates undue stress on the body, creating inflammation, trigger points, stiffness, limited range of motion and pain. All of that can be avoided with the right exercise.

If you were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or a similar autoimmune disease, you may have asked your doctor about diet and what you could do yourself to reduce your symptoms. Unfortunately, most neurologists today would shrug off that question.

SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants between the ages of one and 12 months and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, claims about 2,500 lives each year in the U.S. But the risk can be reduced…

If you eat more healthy fats you’ll be amazed at the results. But there’s a catch… It turns out that even if you eat all the avocados, walnuts, salmon and olive oil in the world, there is one thing that can prevent you from reaping the benefits of these healthy foods…

If you knew ahead of time that a tornado or hurricane was heading your way, you’d heed the storm warning and seek safe shelter, right? Sure, there’s a chance you could ride it out, but most people wouldn’t risk it. Why then do we gamble with this cruel disease?

A new drug has been found to be effective at ulcerative colitis. That may not be huge news to you—unless you suffer from the condition. But when you find out what the main ingredient is, you’ll understand why it’s exciting news.

What if you could eat an early supper this evening, say around 6 pm, get a good night’s sleep, and when you wake up at 6 am tomorrow morning, you’d have instantly improved your heart health and lowered your risk for diabetes? Would you try it?

The PSA test is usually the first indicator that something is wrong with a man’s prostate. An elevated PSA may indicate prostate cancer, but it can also be the result of many other situations. For example, an above normal PSA may indicate any of the following…

An Olympic athlete, a weekend warrior, two neighbors getting ready to walk, and a couple on their way to a mountain retreat get-away walk into a bar… They all order the same drink. What is it? Beet juice, straight up. Why?

There’s a great yoga posture, called “Downward Facing Dog” that works so well at releasing the shoulders everyone should do it. And today, yoga teacher Lauren Golen shows us two versions of this fantastic exercise.

Get happy with sriracha sauce in this recipe — and really get happy. It turns out that sriracha is a great way to release some mood-boosting endorphins. It’s a hit at home and anywhere I take it — because it spreads a little heat and lot of happiness.

When you discover these kinds of truths, it’s easy to understand why mainstream medicine is so quick to “bad mouth” alternative treatments and therapies for cancer — or any disease for that matter. All the while they are covering up their own lies…

Antibiotic resistance is rendering many of our over-used antibiotics useless against superbugs. Perhaps out of desperation scientists are looking beyond lab-created pharmaceuticals to botanicals. An Italian folk remedy appears to hold promise…

Imagine a pill that could allow you to be sedentary, and still get into shape. Imagine a time when no more sit-ups or pushups or aerobic workouts will be necessary to trigger the same biochemical responses in your body.

If you have painful knees you know the challenge of finding exercises that can help without hurting your knees. This standing exercise may look at first glance like something you can’t do. But give it a try with my tips that will help reduce the chance of pain.

What scares you most about getting older? For a lot of people, the answer’s easy: memory loss. Memory loss is one of the most common problems that comes with aging — one in eight seniors experience it.

A lot of people avoid wheat because it contains gluten, a protein that can be difficult for the body to digest. But it turns out gluten isn’t the only problem with wheat that can make you miserable and take a toll on your health…

Many of the eight worst foods for men’s prostate health are probably in your kitchen. But if you want to preserve and maintain your prostate and your overall health, then it’s time to make some new food choices.

Let’s face it; no one has time for a cold. In addition to making you feel miserable, colds destroy your schedule. Work, family, errands—they all have to wait while you get better. Or even worse, you have to carry on despite your achy muscles, headache, sore throat and more.

If you have trouble remembering things, you’ve got lots of company. Poor memory plagues most of us. Today’s information society throws out so much data that coping with this endless stream, mixed in with life’s everyday issues, can be truly overwhelming…

When you hear the word “superfood” it’s exciting, refreshing … you know something good is coming. Not the same boring old orange or blueberry.

Cholesterol is one of those scary words. So many ideas cross our minds when we think of it, like narrowed arteries, heart disease, stroke and heart attack. But despite all the bad press, you need cholesterol…

You’ve probably already heard that vitamin D deficiency can throw a wrench in your efforts to lose weight. But did you know that there’s another vitamin deficiency that could be equally responsible for stubborn body fat? Here’s how to get it sorted out in time for swimsuit weather…

Millions of Americans take calcium supplements every day to keep their bones healthy. But it turns out these supplements come with serious consequences…

This festive fall treat features Greek yogurt, which is chock full of protein and probiotics. It’s also a good source of B12, potassium and, of course, calcium. It looks like candy corn, but it’s good for you. Fun and healthy!

Stress. Everyone suffers from some amount of stress. But for those of us who experience it day in and day out, for years at a time, it takes a terrible physical toll, often in the form of adrenal fatigue.

Research comparing the moods of young adults with seniors finds that older people are happier. According to the study, it turns out that older people seem to be happier because they avoid looking at the negatives in life and focus on the positive. It sounds simple, but…

Your oral health is a good indicator of your overall health and wellbeing. Yet most dentists treat mouths as independent objects, and they rarely give advice or insight into how decisions — other than brushing and flossing — affect you. Luckily, there is a growing number of holistic dentists.