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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…

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…

If you learned anything from Popeye, it’s that spinach is the secret to healthy muscles. But the muscle-boosting power doesn’t come from iron, and you don’t have to limit yourself to spinach…

Are you hungry when you eat? Or do you eat out of habit… or worse, out of sadness or boredom? That’s emotional eating and it’s a trap that makes differentiating real physical hunger from emotional cravings difficult.

We live in a world where everything we eat and use pushes us toward estrogen dominance. Meanwhile, many newer studies now show that estrogen, specifically estradiol, increases the risk for and actually causes breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Sometimes I’ll cook a healthy meal and then eat too much of it. But with age comes wisdom, and I know that I will eat right if I simplify access to healthy foods as part of my daily routine. My recipe for Spicy, Cheesy Black Beans is on my meal plan. I like to eat this for lunch at work.

If you give in to fast food cravings for those oh-so-good, but oh-so-bad for you burgers, fries and thighs you could be putting your brain at perilous risk of memory-destroying inflammation.

Do you think you sweat too much? Most of us do, but some of us feel we sweat more than anyone else on the planet. Truth be told, most of us perspire on the heavy side and it’s perfectly normal. However, hyperhidrosis is a not-too-common condition in which people sweat excessively.

Most people will tell you coffee isn’t good for your teeth. But most people are wrong… Well, not entirely. Coffee is acidic. And it does dull your smile. But new and surprising benefits for your teeth and bones may be worth it…

Reports continue to warn us of the harmful effects of repeat exposure to pollutants like pesticides, heavy metals and other industrial byproducts, chemicals found in processed foods and common household items. So it’s no wonder our bodies need help detoxifying. But a number of experts aren’t so sure…

Pain. You feel it in your joints, muscles, tendons… and you’re starting to notice it more and more… after prolonged sitting and even when you step out of bed first thing in the morning.

Psoriasis is a “hush-hush” disease. But it’s time to clear the air about psoriasis (and hopefully your skin too) by busting some common myths about this chronic and uncomfortable disease.

If you could burn more fat every day by simply changing the order and timing of things you’re likely doing already, would you? I thought so. Here’s how it works…

A growing body of research suggests that adding a little spice to your daily diet not only lowers pain, but may help you live longer by also lowering cholesterol, inflammation — and your cancer risk.

Most diets can be a real headache. Too many rules about what to eat and portion sizes are enough to drive you over the edge. Stress and hunger set in and you’re ready to give up. If that’s your experience, you’re following the wrong one. Here are a few simple tips that can…

Dietitians agree that nutrient density — the amount of vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content per calorie consumed — is key to improving health outcomes. Many believe that the best way to get maximal nutrient density is to…

When taken together physical exercise, toxin removal through lymph system, improved kidney and cardiovascular function, increased blood flow and stress reduction, all work toward improving the body overall, and specifically sexual function.

Research shows that more than 90 percent of us have suffered from a medical problem linked to our excessive sugar consumption.

To eliminate chronic inflammation, we must reduce the underlying factors contributing to it, and support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The best way to do that is through food and supplements.

Want to avoid prostate cancer? You can feel better, possibly lose weight, and reduce your risk of prostate cancer and other health problems common in American men.

Doctors are more likely to misdiagnose women’s symptoms or miss them altogether, allowing clogged vessels to go undetected, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching heart tissue. This can result in angina pain and, ultimately, heart attack.

An alkaline diet can offer numerous benefits for long-term wellness and vitality. You can greatly reduce chronic inflammation, pain and more with an alkaline lifestyle, and feel vibrant once again.

From an evolutionary perspective, dramatic weight loss was bad for survival. So now, when you gain a few pounds, your body clings to them like your life depends on it, because it once did.

As you age, you lose flexibility. All you need to do is look at any number of seniors hunched over or leaning on canes and walkers to see how much range of motion you can lose over time. Hold on to yours…

Most of us feel that we don’t need to worry about dehydration unless we’re outside on a hot, sunny day or exercising. And most of us are wrong.

Food should be your starting point for ensuring a strong and effective immune system. But for extra protection against the viral and bacterial assaults waiting outside your door, you should consider shoring it up with powerful immune-supporting supplements as well.

If you think that food quality is not a vital part of optimal health, think again. And if you think because we live in a modern world with grand advancements in science and technology, that we are healthier and live longer than those in centuries past, you would be wrong.

It happened again this morning: We all overslept. On days like this, I’m glad that we plan ahead just in case our morning is rushed. If you’re thinking to yourself that there’s no way to prepare a smoothie on a rushed morning, I’ll let you in on our secret…

Migraines are the mother of all headaches. Most drug remedies only provide partial relief, if at all. But there is one solution that’s showing promise…

Men worry about our testosterone… and rightly so for many reasons. But along with that concern comes several myths. I want to set them straight…

Chances are you’ve never heard of a natural protein called brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) produced in your body. I had not until I came across several studies where BDNF was referred to as ‘miracle-gro’ for the brain and ‘brain fertilizer.’

Colds and flu are often lurking nearby, waiting for the earliest chance to make their seasonal debut. Instead of waiting for a special time of year to anticipate the threat, it’s a good idea to generally be prepared. I’d have to recommend the food I consider nature’s smartest drug…