Bringing wholesome healthy tips
I recently had my annual physical. As part of that, my doctor ordered a series of blood tests to measure my cholesterol, blood sugar and other biomarkers. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of needles, and I hate having to make a special trip to a lab to get the tests done. But I grit my teeth and go through with it because I know it’s the best way to…
When fatty plaque builds up in your arteries, they become narrow. That reduces blood flow to your heart, brain and other organs, but is also a potential setup for heart attack or stroke. Because of these dangers, the American College of Cardiology has long recommended that doctors use assessment tools such as the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score, a newer one called PREVENT and symptom checkers to calculate a…
Do you feel bloated and struggle to ‘go’? Maybe having a bowel movement just once or twice a week has become your normal. If so, you know first-hand the pain and frustration chronic constipation can cause. Sadly, numerous factors could be keeping you backed up, from your diet to common medications. But perhaps one of the sneakiest causes of constipation is an underactive thyroid. The good news is, once you…
Polyphenols are plant metabolites with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. How they work has been a bit of a mystery… Unlike vitamins and minerals that can be measured in the blood, only a small fraction of polyphenols make it to the bloodstream. Instead, ingested polyphenols undergo metabolic transformations in the gut and liver. In the gut, they alter the microbiome, which in turn alters the composition of secondary metabolites in the colon,…
Most of us think of aging as a straight line that’s going steadily downward. But the truth is, our aging process is more like a straight line interrupted by curves, bumps, and dips at specific points. Scientists have already identified three points in a person’s life when specific proteins in the blood that affect aging either increase or decrease. But a more recent study has identified a “turning point” when…
To me, sitting in my chair for hours with a book seems the perfect way to relax. But it’s doing something sinister to my body: reducing the function of my blood vessels. If you’re spending a lot of time working at a computer, driving for long periods, watching TV or gaming for hours — the same thing is happening to your blood vessels. And all that sitting can dramatically increase…
If you’re someone who has experienced a root canal, you know how unpleasant they can be. Unfortunately, they’re often a necessary evil to protect a damaged or infected tooth. But this procedure isn’t just crucial for oral health… Root canal infections can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which can lead to systemic inflammation and potential health consequences beyond the mouth. In fact, an international team of researchers has discovered…
Arginine is an amino acid that helps the body build protein. It’s also referred to as L-arginine, and both terms are used interchangeably. The “L” prefix denotes its natural, biologically active form found in the human body. It is also a precursor to nitric oxide, a signaling molecule that acts as a vasodilator, opening (or dilating) blood vessels to support blood flow. That’s why it’s often associated with support for…
Type 2 diabetes keeps trending up. That’s why we write about it often. Not enough people know they can do something about it. Long before a diabetes diagnosis, blood sugar fluctuations begin, and insulin resistance isn’t far behind. And even though type 2 diabetes is a reversible condition, it’s easiest to stop it from progressing when in the prediabetes stage. Of course, I’m talking about diet. But today is a…
High cholesterol and obesity are two of the most common medical conditions, linking health risks from diabetes to heart disease. And when they go hand-in-hand, it’s a double jeopardy scenario. Now, however, a scientific breakthrough has finally discovered a compound that could help battle both issues in one fell swoop. Here are the details… Peak Superfruits™ Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate…