Posted on: November 19, 2024 Posted by: Michele Lee Comments: 0

Micro-walks: Short bursts, bigger benefits

By now, we’ve all heard the mantra that to stay healthy, we need to get in 10,000 steps a day. But let’s face it… Those 10,000 steps work out to about 4.4 miles and for most of us, the idea of heading out for an almost 4 ½ mile walk can seem out of reach. Well, I’ve got good news for you. Researchers have discovered a health hack that can…

Posted on: November 16, 2024 Posted by: Michele Lee Comments: 0

How fermented black garlic slows prostate cancer

We know that garlic has excellent antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. This potent bulb has long been linked to heart health and reduced inflammation, not to mention a strong immune system. But I’ve been hearing a lot recently about black garlic, which has twice the antioxidant level of the better-known white variety. Black garlic is simply white garlic that’s been subject to a fermentation process that’s been used in Asia…

Posted on: November 15, 2024 Posted by: Michele Lee Comments: 0

The sleep trigger that could prevent a 2nd heart attack

Our bodies have their own wisdom. Much of it hinges on communication that occurs between different organs and systems that work together not only to maintain our health but to protect us when we especially need it. An example we’ve heard a lot about is the gut-brain axis and the vagus nerve that connects them and various organs along the way. Now, we’re learning about another such crucial “conversation” that…

Posted on: November 13, 2024 Posted by: Michele Lee Comments: 0

A cardiologist answers: What can apple cider vinegar really do?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has always been a versatile household staple, from brightening salad dressings to unclogging drains. But recently, this sour, fermented apple liquid has found itself in the spotlight — and not just for its cleaning power. ACV is now being touted as a health elixir, with claims that it can aid in weight loss, control diabetes, improve cardiovascular health, and more.  But how much of this is…

Posted on: November 13, 2024 Posted by: Michele Lee Comments: 0

The environmental threat hardening our arteries

It can be completely invisible. For decades environmentalists have sounded alarms about it and the harm it’s doing to our planet. But a more dire warning may be that an estimated nine million people each year die prematurely because of the damage it does to the human body, making up a whopping 16% of all deaths worldwide. Can you guess what it is? Pollution. And while we’ve long understood many…

Posted on: November 13, 2024 Posted by: Michele Lee Comments: 0

The disease-fueling denominator 6 in 10 Americans share

It’s no secret that inflammation and poor health go hand-in-hand. In fact, experts now agree that inflammation could be the missing link that unifies the worst of the diseases we face, with doctors at Harvard going so far as to state that, “The four horsemen of the medical apocalypse — coronary artery disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s — may be riding the same steed: inflammation.” The question then is, if inflammation…

Posted on: November 12, 2024 Posted by: Michele Lee Comments: 0

Say goodbye to nighttime leg cramps

Have you ever been awakened from a deep sleep by the stabbing pain of a leg cramp? If so, you’re among 70 percent of adults, especially those over 60, who deal with pain, the likes of which you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. As painful as they are, though, leg cramps aren’t typically life-threatening. But they could be a sign that something else is seriously wrong. Medications have provided…

Posted on: November 7, 2024 Posted by: Michele Lee Comments: 0

Ditch IBS symptoms when you ditch just 2 foods

I’ve suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for years, and the only thing that has helped to some degree is adopting a low FODMAP diet. FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligo-di-monosaccharides and polyols. A low FODMAP diet involves decreasing the consumption of FODMAP foods, which can linger in the gut where they ferment and cause the uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms of IBS. Foods to avoid include: High fructose corn…

Posted on: November 6, 2024 Posted by: Michele Lee Comments: 0

Pistachios defenc against vision loss

We hear a lot about the health benefits of nuts — for good reason… Walnuts, for example, are great for the heart and contain neuroprotective compounds that support brain health and motor function. And almonds have a reputation for being the world’s most nutritious nut, with cholesterol-lowering benefits and more. Then there’s my favorite nut, the pistachio. This tree nut doesn’t get quite as much attention, and that’s a shame…

Posted on: November 5, 2024 Posted by: Michele Lee Comments: 0

What are nasal polyps, why they come back and what to do

Do you live with seemingly never-ending nasal congestion and recurrent sinus infections? Maybe it feels as if you just don’t get enough air through your nose each time you breathe… Or you might have noticed that your sense of smell or taste just isn’t what it used to be. If so, you might be suffering from nasal polyps. The good news is that while these growths inside the nasal passages…