Bringing wholesome healthy tips
If you want to keep your brain healthy, exercise is one of the best ways. Not only does staying active keep your brain from shrinking, but it’s also been shown to stimulate the growth of cells in the hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Now, researchers are finding there’s even more to the story when it comes to how exercise can help you stay…
What’s the largest organ in your body? If you said, “My skin,” good for you! Most people don’t think of their skin as an “organ,” like their heart, liver or kidneys — but it absolutely is. What’s more, it’s the most vulnerable. Think about it: your skin is like a shield between you and the pollutants, ultraviolet radiation, pathogens and toxins you encounter daily. But that’s not all… When you…
There’s no escaping our exposure to plastic. Even if its manufacture ends tomorrow, plastic waste can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose. As it does, it breaks down into tiny bits that make their way into our bodies. That’s where we are today. We don’t feel or taste it in the food or water we consume, or in the personal care products that permeate our skin. But…
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, affects 30% of adults worldwide. By 2040, just 16 years from now, health experts predict that percentage will rise to 55%. People with MASLD suffer damage from inflammation and tissue scarring, caused by abnormal accumulation of fat. That leads to heightened risks for diabetes, cancer (both liver and elsewhere), chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Oddly enough,…
A whopping 3 out of every 4 Americans ages 20 and older drink coffee at least occasionally, and roughly half drink it daily. Considering coffee’s growing list of health benefits, that’s not a bad thing. From lowering stroke risk to reducing some cancers and promoting healthy aging, there’s a lot going for it. However, there is a drawback to be aware of: Coffee consumption could interact with your medication. Coffee…
As a cardiologist deeply invested in preventive health, I’ve observed a common trend… While many individuals are preoccupied with protein intake, a significant number are neglecting a vital nutrient — fiber. Despite its essential role in maintaining overall health, fiber doesn’t receive nearly the attention it deserves. The Truth About Fiber Intake According to a comprehensive study on fiber intake, less than 5% of Americans meet the recommended daily intake for dietary…
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that increases the risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. At least one-third of all American adults have metabolic syndrome. You likely have metabolic syndrome if you’re affected by three or more of the following symptoms: Abdominal fat (or high waist circumference) High blood pressure High blood sugar High blood triglycerides, which can raise your levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol Low HDL, the…
Now that I’m in that period delicately referred to as “midlife,” I’m trying to stay as healthy as possible. That includes a more nutritious diet, avoiding alcohol and exercising regularly. But sometimes I wonder if these steps are enough to overcome past unhealthy behaviors — particularly a diet that threw caution to the wind when it came to sugar, all the wrong fats, processed foods and alcohol. What a relief…
I am not a runner and never will be. But I love walking. I feel more alert after a good, brisk walk, and there’s science that explains why. Walking also helps me manage my blood pressure, helping to keep my heart healthy as I age. Plenty of research has shown that walking is ideal for heart disease prevention. Now we’re learning that your walking pace could count more than how…
Quite often, research turns up a connection between two conditions, which becomes important in keeping people healthy. After all, we’ve said it time and again… An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That brings us to the subject of urinary incontinence — or the involuntary leakage of urine — a common symptom that affects 50% of adult women and increases with age. In fact, up to 75%…