Latest Blogs

The right kinds of exercise strengthen “stabilizer” muscles--various muscles throughout the body that allow you to perform simple movements with more ease. 

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. The various forms of this disease affect an estimated 50 million Americans. 

One of the great memories many people have of their childhood is hanging up freshly washed laundry outside to air dry in the warm summer air. 

If you continue this tradition by hanging your own laundry outside to air dry, you could be causing yourself more misery than you think--especially if you are an allergy or asthma sufferer. Pollen can collect in your clothes and wreak havoc on your sinuses.

Earth Day has become such an incredible movement over the past several decades that it’s hard not to feel motivated to make small changes in our lives that could leave a big positive impact on our planet.

My opinion of aspirin or other NSAIDs has not changed, despite aspirin's benefits in preventing heart attack, cancer, and even Alzheimer's. I still don’t feel the benefits outweigh the risks, and I don’t recommend its use.

Daily sunscreen use and warnings to avoid the sun at all costs have been the mantra of government agencies and most medical professionals for at least a decade or more.

Fermented foods are alive and teaming with beneficial microbes (or probiotics) that keep the digestive tract running efficiently.

It won't be long before Old Man Winter departs and springtime settles in. And along with the change of season comes the pollen and the particles that wreak havoc with allergy sufferers. If allergies are a problem for you, I'll give you a couple of quick tips that might help. 

There’s no doubt about it: Depression is a real problem. One in every ten adults reports being depressed. And according to some reports, 15 percent of the population will experience depression that it will require treatment at least once in their lifetime.

In just a few short weeks, we’ll be switching our clocks to Daylight Savings Time, and in the process, losing a precious hour of sleep. 

Most people assume that since aspirin is one of the most used drugs in the world, it is perfectly safe. Everyone from their family doctor and cardiologist to the news media have told them that this tiny pill is the best way to prevent heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and strokes. 

With Valentine’s Day this week, many of you will no doubt be giving or receiving chocolate. 

If you haven’t noticed that we’re deep into the winter season, perhaps your joints have. 

It’s hard to turn on the news these days and not hear about how devastating this flu season has become.

In an ideal world, we would get all the vitamins and minerals we need through our diets. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, and our nutrition usually falls short of where it should be. 

Green tea contains compounds called catechins; the most potent of which is EGCG (for epigallocatechin gallate). Research into the effects of EGCG show that on its own it’s more effective than caffeine at increasing the body’s energy use throughout the day. 

Researchers recently linked dental plaque to premature death from cancer. 

Need another reason to avoid cholesterol-lowering statins like the plague? Now, statins have been linked to cataracts.

I've discussed many, many times in my newsletter and on my blog and website how crucial microfloral balance is to your overall health. 

The Alliance for Natural Health International, a UK-based organization, recently commissioned a risk assessment study that showed exactly how risky it is to take drugs and supplements.

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to protect yourself against the flu this winter. Unfortunately, the struggle to get a good night’s sleep is an exhausting battle shared by many. 

With the holiday season around the corner, you may find that your usual healthy diet flies out the window as you're tempted with sweet or fatty foods you wouldn't normally eat. This often results in digestive upset such as gas and bloating.

As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaches, many of us find the stress of commitments and activities can become overwhelming. Here are five steps you can take to ease your stress.

As we enter the season notorious for weight gain and overeating, I wanted to address a topic with which most people are all too familiar: Food cravings.

According to new research that included 15,000 male participants over a 13-year span, taking a daily dose of one particular multivitamin reduced the total risk of cancer in by 8 percent, and certain site-specific cancers by 12 percent. 

Alternative health treatments are now being offered more frequently because informed consumers/patients understand and see the benefits and seek the providers that offer those services.  It's consumer-/patient-driven.

Studies have found that individuals who drink coffee have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, but new research shows that caffeine can also help control movement in people who have this disease. 

One of my blog readers recently asked me about coconut oil, and it reminded me that I haven't written about or discussed this fantastic oil all that much in the past. 

I make no secret of the fact that I find bacterial balance in the gut to be one of the most important aspects of health. If your microflora are off, it affects everything from your digestion to your immunity.

One of the most pungent foods in your kitchen also happens to have some of the most significant health benefits. It's garlic. 

I get a lot of questions about whey protein powder. I use it every day, and think everyone should. It is probably one of the most underutilized tools you can use to improve and protect your health.

We’re fast approaching flu season, which officially runs from November through April. Soon you'll be bombarded with messages from medical professionals, pharmacists, and even school officials telling you that the best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get your annual flu shot. 

As men age, lower testosterone levels become a concern. Many men may think that this is just a consequence of growing older and there's not much that can be done. But that's not entirely true at all. 

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal has found a potential link between drinking tap water and prostate cancer deaths. 

While dried fruit usually is frowned upon by nutritionists because it tends to be high in sugar, here's a good reason to eat it anyway! Dried apples, in particular, can actually have a very positive effect on overall cholesterol levels. 

If you want the maximum anti-cancer benefits from broccoli, don’t overcook it. Broccoli provides an anti-cancer compound called sulforaphane, but its formation requires the presence of an enzyme called myrosinase. Overcooking destroys myrosinase.

The debate over conventional vs. organic food will probably go on forever. There will always be studies to sway people one way, then studies to refute the original studies. But in the conventional vs. organic debate, my position remains firm. 

Even though the Environmental Protection Agency says that water from your kitchen tap is safe to use, even "safe" water may contain "acceptable" amounts of lead, arsenic, mercury, radioactive particles, and a long list of other poisons and organisms. 

Oatmeal is interesting because, while it is a healthy food choice, it actually has a pretty high glycemic index, meaning it could cause a spike in blood sugar. However, how you eat oatmeal could determine how much of a spike it could cause.

Dehydration is one of the most common underlying causes of countless health issues—everything from headaches and constipation to blood pressure problems. But most people don’t associate dehydration with joint pain and stiffness.

When will the controversy over eggs end? Unfortunately, I think the answer may be "never."

You may have heard of the "paleo diet," which refers to the diet of the cavemen era when individuals were hunter-gatherers instead of farmers. Currently there’s a growing segment of the population that has started eliminating almost all grains and grain products from their diet.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most widely used medications used for all types of pain, particularly the wear-and-tear form of arthritis (osteoarthritis).

You may not aspire to be an Olympian, but wouldn't it be great to feel just a fraction of the energy these amazing athletes have? Here are some easy ways you can boost your get-up-and-go.

I recently reported in my newsletter on interesting research that looked at what effect wearing shoes with textured insoles could have on the gait of older people prone to falling. Researchers found that walking with textured insoles caused people to walk slower and more cautiously.

Rhubarb always reminds me of spring and summertime. Along with being a delicious treat, rhubarb has some pretty impressive health benefits. For example, it can be very effective at stopping upper digestive tract bleeding.

Last week, Montel Williams was a guest on the Dr. Oz Show. As you may know, Montel is living—and thriving, actually—with multiple sclerosis (MS). 

Researchers have found that one of the best and most effective methods of keeping a wound safely moist and help with healing is by applying Vaseline. While it’s true that Vaseline is a good method to use, there is another solution that may be even better—honey.

One nutrient can restore memory loss and prevent Alzheimer’s disease—nicotinamide. (Nicotinamide is another term for niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3.)

What I first thought to be a simple shoe fad has turned out to be a solution for many people with problem feet. 

Learn what causes gout so you can stop attacks before they start.

Many people assume that since nuts are high in fat, they must be unhealthy or they make you fat. Both of these assumptions are wrong.

Most people love summertime produce. And one popular summertime fruit may be the perfect remedy for gout sufferers.

If you suffer from cataracts, antioxidants can help lessen the effects of free radical damage to the lens of the eye. One antioxidant that has been shown to be particularly helpful is the compound carnosine. 

Here’s a quick list of ways to manage your stress.

Want to avoid cold sore outbreaks, and potentially cancer as well? Then check your toothpaste.

If you or someone you know has a child with asthma, here are some suggestions to help you deal with it naturally.

Cinnamon is an effective natural antimicrobial.

Find out how to get the most out of your vitamins.

Find out what your blood pressure numbers mean and the proper way to have your blood pressure taken.

Niacin is an amazing nutrient to have at your disposal when combatting high cholesterol. Find out why.

You can end nausea using acupressure. Learn how. 

Find out what causes muscle cramps and how to stop them, naturally.

Learn how to ease heartburn and acid reflux associated with hiatal hernia naturally.

Conventional medicine is finally catching on to what many complementary physicians, including myself, have been saying for decades—that the risks of getting the prostate-specific antigen test (PSA for short) outweigh the benefits. A government panel of medical experts are giving the PSA test a grade of “D” and recommending that men no longer get this screening.

Everyone is talking about probiotics and stomach bacteria these days. Find out why this is a good thing and how you can get more “good” bacteria into your gut.

One bad food choice can tie your stomach into knots if you have IBS. Learn how to make the right food choices to manage your irritable bowel.

If you want to burn more calories and loose more weight, you may need to adjust your workout schedule. Find out the best time to get the most out of your workout.

Over indulging can do a number on your stomach and leave you with gas and bloating, a potentially embarrassing situation. Eat less and try these natural remedies.

More regulation of supplement manufacturers is not the answer. Being a savvy, well-educated consumer is.

“Eat your beets!” It’s one of the best ways to manage blood pressure without drugs. Here’s why.

You can lower your triglyceride levels with the same tactics needed to lower your cholesterol. Here are two ways to get started.

Fitness routines don’t need to be as strenuous as you think. Learn how to work exercise into your day without spending hours at the gym.

Vitamin D is your best weapon against colds and flu. Learn why it works and how much you need to protect against infection.

Relief from swollen, aching joints may be as close as your local hardware store. Just head for the plumbing supplies.

Castor oil has been a cure-all remedy for ages. Learn how topical application can provide the same wide-ranging benefits—without that bad taste in your mouth.

All cooking oils are not created equal. Here’s your guide to which types of oils are best suited for which uses.

If you want to lose weight, interval training is the best form of exercise for you. Here’s why—and how to do it.

Is Old Man Winter aggravating those nagging aches and pains? Resist the temptation to reach for over-the-counter painkillers, and consider turmeric instead.

Traveling by plane this holiday season? Here's my secret for staying healthy on crowded flights and in busy airports.

Because the brain is mostly fatty tissue, it is prone to accumulating toxins, including aluminum. Here are five ways to reduce your exposure. 

Tomatoes, spinach, and red and yellow bell peppers are rich in vision-friendly nutrients. But did you know that eggs are, too? Learn more about which foods can help you see more clearly.

Tea tree oil is another one of those multi-purpose, non-toxic remedies that should be in every medicine cabinet and first-aid kit. Here are a few of the (probably) thousand different uses for it.

Many doctors are quick to test for prostate cancer, but few tell their patients how to prevent cancer from developing in the first place. Here are three foods that can help to keep your prostate healthy.

Should you eat fat? If so, how much? The simple truth is that your body does require fats. Here are six tips for incorporating them in your diet the right way.

Whether you’re looking for a dessert idea for a Memorial Day barbecue tonight, or for any hot summer night, I wanted to share an easy healthy dessert you can make any time you'd like.

There are many factors you can't control in the battle of the bulge—like your age, hormonal changes, and genetics—yet you can change your metabolism. Here's how.

Cataracts are a cash cow for eye doctors—so it's no surprise that no one’s talking about the steps you can take to prevent cataracts from developing. Here are three recommendations.

"Hanging" unprotected, hemorrhoids gets scraped, bumped, and aggravated by everything that moves through the rectum, and the pain can be excruciating. Here are five ways to help correct this problem.

Salt can make your bones more brittle, but reducing your intake is only half of the story. Potassium is also important for healthy bones—and it can help counteract the effects of sodium. 

When is the last time you ate a stick of celery? This very common, and little discussed, food has powerful therapeutic benefits for your blood pressure.

A lot of heartburn issues are "self-inflicted," meaning we cause it with our own habits. In fact, there are three surefire ways to give yourself heartburn.

Do you have computer vision syndrome? Here are the symptoms to watch out for, along with some simple steps for keeping your eyes focused and clear.

Propolis—the resinous compound that bees make to keep their hives free from fungus, bacteria, and viruses—might help infertility problems associated with endometriosis. Here's what the studies say.

In 2011, more than half of the patients requiring hip replacements will be under age 65—and that will also be true for knee replacements by 2016. The primary reason for these increases is rampant obesity. 

Poor memory is a common complaint as people age, but most fail to associate it with a lack of blood flow to the brain. Learn how Padma can help restore circulation.

Most doctors treat angina with nitroglycerin tablets. While this therapy certainly works, B vitamins, Padma, coenzyme Q10, and other nutritional compounds can also help. 

My least-favorite item of clothing has always been the tie. It has absolutely no useful function whatsoever—and new research even indicates it can be hazardous to your health. Specifically, your eye health.

Often the first warning of cardiovascular disease is decreased blood flow in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. It’s one of the more difficult problems to treat, but Padma can help.

Do something every day that makes your heart work harder and beat faster. Exercise strengthens the heart muscle and causes blood vessels to dilate and expand, which helps them retain their elasticity. 

The best thing you can do for your health is to take a multivitamin every day. Just make sure yours provides the nutrients and dosage levels that research has shown bring about positive changes in the body. 

Flax is one of the oldest cultivated crops, and flaxseed has several properties known to be beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, and atherosclerosis.

For years we've been told to avoid eggs, especially the high-cholesterol yolks. While yolks do contain a large amount of cholesterol, they're also rich in choline—a nutrient that dissolves fat and cholesterol.

Research shows that bee propolis has strong antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-amoebic, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing properties. I take it every day—and recommend that you do, too.

Whey is probably one of the most under-used tools out there when it comes to improving and protecing your health—including boosting your immune system function. 

No one thinks of digestive health as important to immune health, yet a healthy and robust colonization of bacteria in your bowels is essential for preventing disease. Here's why. 

D-mannose is a simple sugar found in cranberries and pineapples that stops bacteria from sticking to body tissues. Take one-half teaspoon taken every two to three hours to resolve vaginal and bladder infections.

At the first sign of the flu, I suggest drinking a cup of licorice-root tea daily for a month or so. This should boost your immune system to help fight off the flu.

Elderberry extract and herbal throat lozenges are effective ways to treat colds and flu. But if you're caught without them, or need additional support, give Andrographis paniculata a try.

Extra virgin olive oil contains a molecule that works in the same fashion as ibuprofen when it comes to inhibiting two inflammation-inducing enzymes. This compound helps further explain some of the many health benefits associated with a Mediterranean diet.

Much attention is paid to soluble fiber foods, but it's insoluble fiber that provides roughage and improves bowel regularity. This natural bulk also gives feelings of fullness and satisfaction, so you eat less.

Although the skin’s primary purpose is generally said to be that of temperature regulation, the sweat it uses to cool the body is made up largely of waste material.

Bromelain is a digestive enzyme extracted from pineapple. In addition to its digestive health benefits, bromelain may be able to "clean" arteries as well. Here's how.

There are many causes of digestive problems, including a diet high in sugar, low consumption of soured milk products, antibiotics, and excessive alcohol. Here's what you need to know.

Dozens of reports have explained how high-fiber diets prevent heart disease, ease digestive problems, and help with many other health problems. Here's another key benefit: weight loss.  

It seems that the health benefits of fiber are never-ending. Research has now shown that diet rich in the highest fiber foods lowers blood sugar levels as effectively as prescribed oral hypoglycemic drugs.

When was the last time you had real sauerkraut? If it’s been longer than you care to remember (or maybe never), then now is the time to start. And you don’t even have to leave your house.

A great way to treat diarrhea is to increase your intake of cultured foods—specifically those made with fermented milk products, such as yogurt, buttermilk, and sour cream. Here's how. 

The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is on the rise. If you've been diagnosed with GERD, here are some simple dietary tips that will help prevent you from feeling the burn.

A number of doctors have successfully removed heavy metals and other neurotoxins from the body using cilantro. However, I recommend adding clay to the prescribed dosage regimen. Here's why.

Studies show enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules can reduce the contractions associated with IBS. Learn more about how this herbal remedy can treat and heal a variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

Researchers have found that resveratrol can stop the replication of the influenza virus in cell cultures. The greatest effect was seen when the compound was given three hours after exposure to the virus.

Nausea after surgery is a commonplace concern, but deep controlled breathing appears to help.

Getting rid of body toxins can improve your bone health by helping to keep your body's pH within a very narrow range. 

It's easy to prevent hemorrhoids: simply improve your bowel regularity. One of the easiest ways to reset your digestive system is with a complete colon cleanse.

I wouldn't call castor oil a "digestive supplement," but it's certainly good for digestive cleansing. It works by stimulating the muscles in your gut and lubricating your intestinal walls.

A basic step in a cleansing and detoxification program is a colon cleanse. This process helps remove toxins from your intestines and lessens the risk that they'll be reabsorbed before they're eliminated.

A reader recently asked me about her psoriasis. She was surprised to hear that her digestive health—and the environmental toxins she’s taken in over the years—could be a source of her skin problems.