Latest Stories

Did your doctor ever tell you to take low-dose aspirin daily? You’re not alone. For years, doctors promoted this habit to prevent heart attacks. The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology even advised it for a while. Why the change? It just doesn’t work anymore and here’s why…

The FDA doesn’t approve each ingredient used in hair dye. It’s up to manufacturers to include cautions and warnings on their packaging. If any of their ingredients are found to be unsafe, the FDA can request a recall but cannot require it. Why does this matter? Well, coloring your hair may give you cancer…

If you drink soda, you have a higher risk of dying. It doesn’t matter whether your beverage of choice uses natural sugars or an artificial sweetener… just drinking it could lead to an early death. The only difference is what you may die from, according to The Journal of the American Medical Association.

In my last post we touched on a rather hushed subject… female sexual dysfunction. Hopefully, more women are realizing there’s no reason to say goodbye to a healthy and fulfilling sex life as they age. And no reason not to talk to others about it and seek help, including these natural helpers…

Chili peppers not only have a powerful effect on your taste buds, but they also have a powerful effect on your cardiovascular system. In fact, research shows chili peppers can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. But the hot heart-healthy benefits don’t stop there…

It feels like there’s not enough compassion in the world nowadays… People, whether family or strangers, are more likely to jump to judgment than kindness. But there is one big benefit of cultivating compassion… one that would inspire even the most selfish among us to give it a try…

In the world of fruits and vegetables, the color purple signifies something special. Any time you’ve got a purple or dark blue fruit or vegetable on the menu, you’re consuming a healthy dose of a special antioxidant-rich plant pigment known as anthocyanin.

You may have heard that coffee reduces blood sugar problems. In fact, numerous scientific studies have linked higher coffee intake to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Now, thanks to a cutting-edge technique, the one type of coffee that can truly give you that diabetes protection has been identified…

Lots of factors affect the health of your hair, skin and nails… Thyroid issues, hormonal imbalances, medication, aging. But no matter what’s behind your issues, the result is the same: slipping self-confidence. A lot of people turn to beauty supplements. But one could affect the lab work at your next checkup…

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…

Losing weight is by no means an easy task. And it can be discouraging, especially if you come from a family where extra pounds seem to be part of the genetic makeup. If that’s your case, I have some encouraging news for you…

Broccoli is in the Cruciferae family of vegetables — a group best known for their ability to keep you cancer-free. But the most powerful cancer-fighting Cruciferae is often overlooked…

Folate is an important vitamin of the B complex group of vitamins. We get it from our diet every day. It is required to make DNA (genetic code) and it also drives vital reactions in all your cells.

I love the way my house smells when I bake banana nut bread. It’s been one of my favorites since I was a child when my grandmother would make it. For years I followed her recipe to the “T,” but now I make my own healthier version. How?

The rich smell is almost irresistible. Most people crave it in the morning. So many choices, so many health benefits.

A stroke … just saying the phrase is scary. It’s basically “brain attack,” like a heart attack in your brain, where blood flow is interrupted to your head. Even scarier is that there are three ways in which you could cause your own stroke.

The fall season is an excellent time for a detoxifying cleanse. A gentle fall detox using a cleansing diet, natural supplements and mind-body methods such as meditative breathing, offers an ideal way to lighten our systems, improve digestion and increase overall well-being.

Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to get to the root of disease. And researchers are finally unlocking the scientific secrets to how it does that. Recently, they’ve honed in on a cancer-killing treatment that’s being used to eradicate tumors left and right.

Surveys estimate that almost 100 percent of women and nearly 70 percent of men had food cravings during the past year. Most of us experience food cravings on a regular basis. But what causes them?

Scientists are always searching for the fountain of youth… something that can erase all the signs of aging in one fell swoop — the saggy skin, declining mind, creaky joints and weak bones. But so far their efforts have been in vain… or have they?

You need both cardiovascular activity and resistance training. But which, if either, is more important after 50? To burn more calories while at rest, and to stay strong to enjoy life, you want…

Not only is it the single best food for treating your high blood pressure, but it has anti-cancer powers to boot. I’d say that’s more than enough reason to give this bland vegetable another chance…

I have come to realize how our very words reveal who we have become. They also reveal what we are creating for ourselves. In fact, spoken words have a ripple effect on your health that is stronger than you may think…

Superfoods can help you restore and maintain great health! Why? Because they’re densely-packed powerhouse sources of superior nutrients — most often ones your body can’t make or doesn’t make enough of on its own — like disease-fighting antioxidants.

Tight hamstrings are a problem not only for athletes but also for those who just walk or engage in everyday activities. Only by working out the muscle spasm and tightness in the hamstrings can the other areas affected experience pain relief too.

When people in my clinics complain of fatigue, the focus is on improving the quality of their diet and increasing their physical activity level. That’s a two stop process…

Maybe you never had a problem with it before, but that’s the sinister thing about gluten: Unlike allergies, which many people outgrow, you can grow into an autoimmune reaction to gluten. And more people do after 50…

Coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fat, a fat long considered to be unhealthy. Yet coconut oil is being touted as one of the healthiest oils you can consume. What’s wrong with this picture?

Products, recipes and advice on fasting, cleansing and detoxing are abundant these days. Any number of cleansing protocols could be beneficial. But a simple supplement you may already take could be the easiest answer to eliminating these unwanted chemicals and more …

Deciding to start anything new warrants consideration. Will it benefit you? Are there any cons? Am I going about this the best way possible? The same goes for deciding to make certain life changes as we age. Sometimes we wonder if it’s just too late to make a difference.

Poor circulation can result from disease. But most of us are threatened by the dangers of poor circulation because we sit for too long and get little exercise. And that’s a surefire way to die earlier…

Imagine being 80 or even 90 years old and still having the memory and mental sharpness you did when you were 25. It’s everyone’s dream. Here’s how to keep your brain from shrinking and make it your reality…

Menopause symptoms are more than an annoyance for many women. Hot flashes can be downright miserable and embarrassing if they catch you off guard. And deciding how to alleviate these symptoms can be vey complex.

When I was a child, I frequently had a cough and sore throat due to allergies. Mom always came to the rescue with a hot cup of tea with honey and lemon, that seemed to soothe my cough. Was it really effective or did I experience a placebo effect?

It doesn’t matter that the U.S. spends more on health care than other wealthy nations. It is not quality of care, but our daily work environment that is killing us.

Regular detox is an ancient, time honored practice that’s been cherished over the millennia for its ability to promote optimal health and vitality. When done gently with nourishing practices that also support overall health, a detoxifying cleanse can be a direct path to increased energy, wellbeing and happiness.

Imagine you’re sitting at your computer catching up on emails, paying bills, scanning Facebook, when all of sudden the left side of your face and arm feel numb. You try talking and you realize your speech is slurred. You are having a stroke–and this habit prevents…

If you have asthma, allergies or a tendency toward respiratory infections, you can breathe a sigh of relief. There’s a vitamin that can improve your respiratory health tremendously.

Your core performs five types of tasks for you daily. That’s a lot of multi-tasking being handled by three muscle groups — those in your abdominal, back and pelvis area.

Running a marathon is sort of a bucket list “must-have.” My suggestion? Embrace the 5K. Why do I love the five-kilometer distance so much? Let me count the ways.