One of the biggest health threats here in the U.S. is the build-up of plaque in the arteries. It’s known as atherosclerosis, and it’s the underlying cause of about 50% of all deaths in westernized countries. As plaque builds up in the walls of blood vessels, it causes them to narrow and can even block […]

There are a lot of reasons why you might feel gassy. Maybe you eat too fast and swallow too much air with each bite, or drink too many carbonated beverages. Certain foods might lead to gassiness, like beans, peas, cruciferous veggies and whole grains. Carbohydrates and sugars ferment into gas. Any of these can lead […]

Even though gout is quite common, it’s one of the most misunderstood forms of inflammatory arthritis. Some people think only men develop the condition. But while the prevalence is higher in men, gout can also affect women. This is especially true after menopause. Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the body, […]

There are plenty of places to lay blame for today’s epidemic of obesity and diabetes. And most of them boil down to lifestyle choices. However, there is one thing that I believe is greatly adding fuel to the problem. It’s a common decision that millions of people make every day in the name of good […]

Mushrooms are a staple in my kitchen. I toss them in my omelets and frittatas, put them in soups, stews and stir fries, add them to salads and veggie wraps, and use them as a topping on meats and fish. As it turns out, I’m the “odd man out.” The average American only eats about […]

Now that the weather is warming up, blooming trees and shrubs are releasing pollen into the air. And you know what that means… Spring allergy season has officially arrived in many parts of the U.S. If it seems like your allergies started early this year, you’re not alone. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation […]

People over in Japan often eat a traditional cucumber salad called sunomono. This dish is really easy to make. It’s simply sliced cucumbers in rice vinegar, seasoned with a little soy sauce and sugar, and topped with sesame seeds. Other items, like seafood, seaweed or tomatoes, can be added as desired. But there is something […]

Despite dozens of trials, the idea that men go through male menopause – or “manopause” – isn’t totally accepted in the medical community. It’s not even accepted by a lot of men. Does that make it any less real? In women, menopause is basically ovarian failure. The levels of female hormones produced by the ovaries […]

We often hear about the negative health consequences of too much sodium in our diets.  It raises blood pressure, contributes to plaque formation in the arteries and raises your risk of heart attack or stroke. It is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, can trigger kidney stones, aggravates joints and creates an inflammatory environment […]

How many times have you heard that vitamins are a waste of money and you’re just making expensive urine, throwing money down the drain if you purchase them? But the fact is, vitamins are needed to fill in nutritional gaps that, if not addressed, could lead to some very serious health concerns. You see, these […]

Over 100 years ago, William Howard Taft was the heaviest President to ever hold office in the U.S. Weighing in at more than 340 pounds he was what we call morbidly obese. At 275 pounds, Grover Cleveland was the second-heaviest President. But it’s interesting to note that neither of these men developed adult-onset diabetes. In […]

Back pain is the most common form of pain in the U.S. As a matter of fact, an estimated 75% to 85% of Americans experience some form of back pain during their lives. The good news is that most cases of back pain are temporary. About nine times out of ten pain improves without surgery. […]

A lot of people get in a bad mood when they’re hungry. They can throw a temper tantrum and lash out at the simplest little thing. These days there is a name for it. We call it being “hangry.” But is it really just a mental state? A bad mood? A feeling of irritation or […]

As we age, we reach the point where old bone breaks down faster than it’s being replaced. The result is osteoporosis… weak, brittle bones that break and fracture easily. And it’s not just women who are affected. Around one in three men over the age of 50 already have low bone mass density. And by […]

Last week you learned how certain medications can affect your blood press pressure. Well, that’s the thing about both prescription and over-the-counter drugs… There are issues with all of them. Not a single one of them is 100% safe. They interact with other meds you’re taking. None of them actually cure disease. And, for the […]

You probably already know that processed meat is bad for you. We’ve known for years and years that even a small amount on a regular basis is linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer – especially colon cancer. Now, a new Lancet study involving researchers from prestigious schools such […]

Sometimes people with high blood pressure do everything right. They start exercising, eat a healthier diet and monitor their sodium intake. But then they find that their blood pressure still isn’t budging. It can be really frustrating when someone with high blood pressure can’t get it under control, especially if they’re also taking blood pressure […]

The biggest fear for women who have survived breast cancer is that it will come back. This is a threat that survivors of all types of cancer face every day. Sadly, there is no silver bullet to prevent recurrence. However, there are things you can do in your life to change the environment where the […]

I know people who have tried to go on a raw food diet. And I realize how attractive the concept is. It sounds so “clean” to get living food enzymes and nutrients from raw food. And it is! Raw fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds are loaded with digestive enzymes and antioxidants. When you eat raw, […]

I’ve been limiting my intake of meat for quite a while now. But I still enjoy it on occasion. My absolute favorite is grass-fed New Zealand lamb. I pierce the top of the meat with a series of holes and fill each opening with a clove of garlic. Then, I cover the entire thing with […]

We hear a lot of bad news about carbohydrates. So some people try to avoid carbohydrate foods altogether. They’re afraid of “carbotoxicity.” This is the idea that eating any type of carbohydrate will contribute to chronic disease. Well, that’s a misconception. It’s not about whether you eat carbs or not. It’s more about whether you’re […]

Eating whole grain breads, cereals and muffins sounds great. They have to be a lot healthier than all of those refined grains sitting on the store shelves, right? Well guess what. A lot of those whole grain foods are only telling half-truths. Take the phrase “Made with Whole Grains.” What does that really mean? Well, […]

It wasn’t that long ago that red light therapy was something you could only find at dermatologist offices and luxury spas. The claims were that it could make skin firmer and reduce fine lines to make you look younger. It could fight off eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and other skin problems. It could regenerate and repair […]

When I think of the term “weekend warriors,” I immediately imagine two groups of people gathering in a large field on a Saturday morning. Somebody blows a horn or whistle, and everyone begins to throw rocks, stones and arrows at each other. Then, when Sunday evening rolls around, the group that has the most people […]

It happens to everyone. You sit too long in one position and a leg falls asleep. Lean on your elbow for a while and your lower arm and hand go numb. As the feeling starts to return, you feel like someone is pricking you with a couple of hundred tiny needles. It’s uncomfortable for a […]

Today’s modern world is full of stressors. We are bombarded with stressful situations all day long, day after day, month after month. Money woes, problems at work, health concerns, the death of a loved one and other troubling personal events top the list. But it doesn’t stop there. Headlines are riddled with news of wars, […]

People think arthritis only happens in old people. Ask any 40-year-old with arthritis, and they’ll tell you just how untrue that is. In fact, more than half of adults with arthritis are between the ages of 18 and 64. The truth is that, even though we often call arthritis an age-related disease, it’s not actually […]

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of those conditions that remain underdiagnosed in the U.S. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, it’s estimated that about half of the people affected by it have not been diagnosed. That’s because it’s a tricky condition. It generally comes with abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. But those […]

Now that we’re in the fall season, temperatures are dropping around the U.S. Even down here where I live in South Florida, we’ve finally been able to say goodbye to those sweltering days of summer. And in the upcoming months, we’ll start seeing snow flurries in the upper states. Well, while unpacking your winter gear […]

A lot of people tend to think snoring and sleep apnea are the same thing. They aren’t. When you snore, the soft tissue in your neck relaxes and vibrates when you draw in air. That vibration is the noise of snoring.  Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. But most people with sleep apnea do […]

When talking about Alzheimer’s, medical professionals often refer to amyloid plaques. The common belief is that these are the underlying cause of the disease – and that if you get rid of them, you’ll be cured. But that theory has been proven wrong, over and over again. First off, every time they’ve developed a drug […]

The Incredible Shrinking Man isn’t just the title of an old science fiction movie. It’s also a reality. We shrink as we age. Starting at about age 40, most people tend to lose about a quarter to a half inch of height each decade. Part of the reason is because of the gel-like cushions between […]

When it comes to cholesterol, mainstream medicine has it all wrong. LDL cholesterol isn’t the “bad guy”. In fact, it’s not even cholesterol. Neither is HDL. People don’t get that. You ask them what their cholesterol is and they say “Oh, my HDL is this or my LDL is that.” Those things are not cholesterol. […]

Did you know that being over 65 years of age is a risk factor for vitamin B12 deficiency? It’s true. But most mainstream doctors don’t really know how to diagnose it. That’s because they receive very little training on nutrition – generally less than 20 hours of nutrition instruction during their entire time at medical […]

Back in 1931 doctor Otto Warburg, M.D. won the Nobel Prize in medicine. He was a German Jew in pre-World War II Nazi Germany. So it must have been a difficult decision to award it to him. But they had to, because he was the first to recognize the metabolism of cancer. He discovered that […]

Dead butt syndrome. It sounds like the punch line of a bad joke. In fact, you’re probably already rolling your eyes and thinking, “Come on Doc, give me a break! There’s no such thing.” Actually, there is… kind of. Some experts are calling it gluteal amnesia. Others call it sleepy glutes. But “dead butt syndrome” […]

If you have varicose veins, you know how unattractive they can make you feel. These dark, twisted and bulging veins aren’t a pretty sight. Of course, the cosmetics industry sees this as a beauty issue. They are constantly peddling a new cream, ointment or mud pack that promises to erase those unsightly veins forever. Well, […]

With all we know about antibiotic resistance these days, you would think the use of these drugs would be more closely monitored. Well, a May 2024 study indicates otherwise. The researchers tracked more than 152 million visits to emergency rooms that resulted in one or more antibiotic prescriptions and compared them against diagnosis codes. Their […]

Dieting doesn’t work the same for everyone. Some people swear that Keto is the best. Others will tell you vegan is the way to go. There’s Pegan, paleo, Atkins or The Zone. You name it, and it worked for somebody. We are all so different that it makes perfect sense that there is not a […]

Meeting our nutritional goals these days can be tough, even when we eat a relatively healthy diet. That’s because modern day agricultural practices now dominate our natural food supply; our fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods. And it has stripped so many of these foods of their high nutrient profiles. How did this happen?

Chronic, low level inflammation is like a plague these days. Nearly everyone has it, nobody wants it, and it is the underlying cause of nearly all of today’s biggest health threats. I’m talking about heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cancer and more. But it’s not always unhealthy lifestyle choices that promote this problem. Sometimes my […]

We’ve known about microplastics for a while. We hear about how prevalent they are in water and other products sold or stored in plastic bottles, storage containers and wraps. But they are found in other places, too. They are in your tap water, fish and shellfish, and meat products produced from commercial livestock. There is […]

Up until around 50 years ago, we didn’t know much of anything about omega-3 fatty acids. The big breakthrough didn’t come until 1971. That’s when researchers compared the eating patterns of Eskimos and Danish people up in Greenland. What they learned is that the Eskimos had much lower rates of heart disease and a complete […]

Between all of the daily tasks I have to complete using my computer, tablet and phone, my eyes often feel like they are taking a beating. By the end of the day, it is not uncommon for my eyes to feel dry, gritty and itchy. This is pretty common for anyone who uses electronic devices […]

In the August 19, 2024 issue of Advanced Natural Wellness, you learned some surprising facts about age-related muscle wasting, or sarcopenia. You don’t have to be old to start experience symptoms; and you might not even look like you are losing strength and muscle mass. To top it off, we’ve been raised with the idea […]

Heartburn can be a scary thing. That’s because it feels like the pain and burning is coming from your heart. Even the name, “heartburn,” suggests that it is heart-related. Thankfully, that is not the case. Rather, the sensation of heartburn occurs when stomach acids back up into your esophagus. This is known as acid reflux, […]

It’s no secret that dental plaque, oral bacteria and gum disease can affect your heart health. For many years now there has been a link between what’s happening in your mouth and your risk of cardiovascular disease. It all starts off with a buildup of dental plaque. When the plaque and bacteria escape into your […]

As we humans grow older, we tend to lose lean muscle mass and strength. The medical name for it is sarcopenia. It brings to mind images of those frail, thin, older adults that we often see at the grocery store… or the ones tottering between family members as they are guided to a table in […]

Sex does a lot of good things for people. Everyone needs to have the feeling that happens during climax – that dopamine release. This pleasure chemical is responsible for the euphoria and satisfaction that floods through the body during the “big event.” But that wonderful feeling isn’t the only thing that happens.

As we grow older, a strange thing happens to our arteries. They start stiffening up. The older we get, the stiffer they seem to become. And unlike so many common health issues today, age is by far the major force behind this phenomenon. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other contributing factors that are directly […]

There is a lot of confusion about prebiotics and probiotics. And then there is another type “biotic” altogether, called postbiotics, that most people don’t even know about. What are they? Where do they come from? How are they different from one another? Let’s start with the basics. Probiotics are live bacteria that add to the […]

The microbes in your gut aren’t just a bunch of bacteria that help break down and digest the foods you eat. They also “talk” to your brain. This phenomenon is called the microbiota gut-brain axis. Basically, it’s the ability your gut bacteria have to activate signals to your brain. This means your brain tunes into […]

Patients with hair that is unhealthy or thinning often ask me if they should take a “hair supplement.” Some of these men and women have already tried these types of supplements with little success. Others swear by them. Well, I’m going to give it to you straight. There are a lot of reasons for hair […]

The older you get, the more protein you need. And it’s not just about maintaining muscle strength. Protein also helps build strong bones, skin and hair. It aids digestion and has an important role in the regulation of hormones. So protein is definitely an important part of your diet. But there is a problem…

You’ve got a sharp ache in your lower back that you’ve never had before, so you head to the doc. He pokes and prods, then pats you on the arm and says, “You’re just getting older. You can expect to start feeling more unusual aches and pains than you used to.” Don’t you just want […]

There’s an old joke that goes something like this… The patient says, “Hey, Doc! It hurts whenever I do this.” The doctor replies. “Then stop doing that!” This little comedy routine has absolutely no relevance to real life, yet many people take it to heart. It is something that has plagued me during my entire […]

Just a few days ago we talked about the dangers of polypharmacy – taking five or more medications on a regular basis. As a quick follow-up to that, I want to alert you about how high summer temperatures – which are affecting most of the U.S. right now – can influence the way certain medications […]

In the June 3rd issue of Advanced Natural Wellness you learned about four types of medications that are dangerous for aging adults. The list included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticholinergic medications, acid reducers and muscle relaxers. But there is a much larger problem when it comes to medicating older patients. It’s something called polypharmacy, which […]

Whenever I am a couple of weeks late changing the HEPA filters in my ionizers, they become especially filthy. They come out covered in a black, grimy fuzz and are thoroughly disgusting. Where the heck does this stuff come from? In my case, it’s probably because I live in a flight path. Every day when […]

People spend a lot of time thinking about food, cooking food and eating food. But they very seldom put very much emphasis on chewing their food. Just think about how long it takes to create perfectly smoked baby-back ribs or beef brisket for summer holidays. Nearly all day, right? But how soon is it over […]

When I was a teenager, AM radio stations blasted the summer season over the airwaves with regular frequency. “It’s summertime summertime sum sum summertime.” I loved it! School was out. I had a full three or four months of freedom. (And rest assured, I always made the most of it.) Even though I live in […]

Ask anybody you know what they think the biggest threat to their heart health is. I’ll bet the large majority of them will say high cholesterol. This makes statin drugs sound appealing; and makes a lot of people extremely willing to take them. And sure, statins really DO decrease LDL cholesterol. But there are probably […]

I remember my first colonoscopy clearly. I laid down on the table to get prepped for the procedure… Then, I opened my eyes, looked at the IV nurse, and said, “Okay, I’m ready.” She just looked down at me and said, “Honey, you’re done!” Wow! That was quick and easy. Thinking back, it really wasn’t […]

The safety of consuming artificial sweeteners has taken a BIG hit this year. I’ve warned you about them in the past. Despite marketing claims, they contribute to a larger waistline and the development of metabolic disorders like diabetes. Many artificial sweeteners are neurotoxins. They over stimulate neuron receptors which, over time, destroys brain cells. They […]

Do you have a hankering for something salty or fatty? Are you yearning for something sugary? It’s easy enough to grab a bag of chips, a slice of pizza, soda or candy bar to satisfy whatever desire you have. And to tell the truth, an occasional treat is no cause for concern. Almost everyone has […]

Everybody seems to think whole grains are the best high fiber foods to get their bowels moving. They eat them constantly and hope they will instantly relieve the constipation that often plagues adults, both young and old. So these foods fly off the racks of grocer’s shelves, whether they are in the form of bread, […]

What’s the deal with the high amounts of caffeine in coffee? Is it good for you, or is it bad for you? The consensus is not cut and dried, and I will explain why in a moment. First, let me share some of the great things that can happen when you drink a cup or […]

Fats are one of the most misunderstood food groups when it comes to health and weight. These days many people think anything that isn’t labelled “no fat” or “low fat” is unhealthy and fattening. Nuts are a great example of this. Study after study shows that people aren’t eating the recommended 1- to 1.5-ounces of […]

Sushi isn’t one of my “go-to” foods, but I get the appeal. Fish is a low-calorie source of protein and packed with healthy omega-3 fats that promote good health. Roll it together with rice, seaweed and veggies, and you’ve got your proteins, fats and carbs all prepared in convenient bite sized pieces. It’s a light […]

At last count, a whopping 85% of U.S. adults over the age of 59 reported taking prescription drugs. And about a third of those in their 60’s and 70’s said they were taking five or more prescription meds on a regular basis. Mix that with all of the over-the-counter (OTC) pills older adults take these […]

On March 19, 2024, you learned the difference between cage-free, free range, organic and pastured eggs. Since then, I’ve received several emails asking me what the REAL SITUATION with eggs is. Are they truly safe? Can I eat them without worry? Why do some experts say they are part of a healthy diet – and […]

Back in the 1960’s and 70’s, people had no idea what to do to prevent heart disease. But these days? Thanks to the Internet, pretty much everyone knows the secret… Don’t smoke, eat healthy foods, get regular physical activity, avoid processed foods, slack off on hard alcohol, and watch your sodium intake. There are even […]

When I was a kid, I wasn’t allowed to leave the table until I ate all of my vegetables. “They’re good for you!” my Mom would exclaim. The problem was, she didn’t know how to cook them. Broccoli and cauliflower were soggy masses of florets that had been boiled to death. Asparagus turned into a […]

Everyone loves the idea of eating a mostly plant-based diet. It’s healthy. It’s wholesome. It’s just downright good for you! Whole, plant-based foods are great for your heart, blood pressure, metabolism and memory. They protect against age-related health conditions, and can work wonders for your waistline. But there is a huge difference between the health […]

What kind of mouthwash do you use? There are so many choices these days and the claims are hard to know which one to choose. All of them promise to give you sweet-smelling breath. Some state that they’ll strengthen enamel. Others guarantee to whiten your teeth or pledge to kill germs that cause gum disease. […]

People have so many health concerns as they age. They worry about their hearts, memory, eyesight, weight and so much more. But when is the last time you wondered how your kidneys were doing? You really want to keep these 5-inch-long bean-shaped filters of your blood as happy as they can be. But kidney function […]

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that vitamin D is necessary to regulate the absorption of calcium in your body to help keep your bones strong and healthy. But Big Pharma is trying to change the dialogue about vitamin D. One thing we are seeing are more and more reports stating that routine vitamin D […]

Nearly all men will experience an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) in their lives. At some point, they will find themselves making constant trips to the bathroom, especially at night. And it may seem that urgency is required… but when you stand over the toilet you may only be able to dribble. You […]

Do you ever experience a weird flutter in your chest? Maybe your heartbeat feels like it skips a beat every now and then. Sometimes it might seem like it’s pounding or racing. It could even feel like your heart just performed a flip-flop. If any of these happen occasionally and is a short-lived sensation, it’s […]

When I go to bed at night, I often use a sound app on my phone to help me sleep. I like to listen to cricket noises or rain. Anything from nature works. But sometimes I just want white noise. On those nights, I play an air conditioner background noise. It blocks out most other […]

Milk. It does a body good. I agree with this statement… as long as it’s intended for babies who are suckling at their mother’s breasts. For adults? Not so much.

When I first started practicing medicine, I didn’t see a lot of liver disease. When I did run across a case, it usually involved someone who was a heavy drinker. There really weren’t a lot of surprises. Sadly, this is no longer true. We are seeing more and more cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease […]

Back in the 1980’s, the airwaves were filled with a song that wanted everyone to walk like an Egyptian. I never really understood the song itself, but I have to admit. All of the moves and grooves that went with it were great forms of physical activity. Anyone who wanted to participate had to raise […]

Back in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer thought it was a death sentence. So they often opted to undergo immediate surgery or radiation treatments, which can both result in serious, lifelong side effects. These days, however, men are increasingly choosing not to undergo immediate treatment. Instead, they are opting […]

In the last issue of Advanced Natural Wellness, you learned how ultra-processed foods can destroy your health. On the other hand, eating a nutrient-rich diet is one of the best things you can do to increase your chances of a long and healthy life. But trying to figure out what to eat can be overwhelming. […]

I hate walking into the grocery store. Most of the shelves are nothing but row after row of canned, processed, packaged, sweetened, and genetically modified foods filled with all sorts of things your body doesn’t know what to do with. These foods consist of sugars, fats, oils, sodium and all sorts of additives guaranteed to […]

A large part of the carbohydrates in your diet come from starches. Potatoes, breads, pasta and rice all fall into this category. I’m not a fan of these types of starchy foods. That’s because, when you eat too many of them, they can drive your blood sugar up and lead to metabolic disorders. So these […]

We all like to think that there is a single, correctable cause of disease. But the fact is, when things go wrong in the body, it’s never just one thing. And often-times, some of the things that negatively affect your health don’t even seem to have anything to do with the health condition in question. […]

High blood pressure is subtle. You can’t see it. You can’t feel it. You can’t hear it. It can quietly damage the body for years before symptoms start showing.  And the harm it can do to your health is incredible. Heart attack, stroke, dementia, kidney damage and even sexual dysfunction. But what really causes high […]

Nobody likes the feeling of an upset stomach. The nausea, vomiting, cramping and diarrhea are miserable. And uggh! The thought of putting food into an already upset stomach sounds like a horrible idea. Just the smell of certain foods can make you feel queasy all over again. Still, there are some foods and beverages that […]

Are knees that pop, creak, crunch or make grinding noises something you should be concerned about? Well, the occasional crack or pop probably isn’t anything to worry about. In most cases, that’s just gasses being released from the joint. But if one or both of your knees regularly makes rubbing, creaking and grinding sounds, it […]

Up until a few years ago, most folks considered eggs off-limits. If they ate them at all, they separated out the whites, and threw the most nutritious part – the yolk – into the garbage disposal. Well, now that eggs are off the hook when it comes to cholesterol and heart disease, you may be […]

I use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in the majority of my meals. Not only does it have great flavor, it’s absolutely THE BEST choice for my health. Unlike margarine, butter and other saturated fats, EVOO has medicinal properties that can reduce your risk of health issues and early death. I’m talking about things like […]

Have you ever noticed that certain skin problems run in some families? Mom, Dad and the kids all seem to have the same sort of problems. Perhaps it’s life-long issues with psoriasis. Or maybe it’s eczema. There is a reason for this. In particular, family members who grow up in the same household often follow […]

My father, brothers, and uncles all suffered from heart attacks. They also all had one strange physical sign – creased earlobes! Believe it or not, this is a warning sign that your arteries may be at increased risk for clogging. And there are well over 50 studies to prove it. (Look for a crease that […]

Not long ago, four American families took part in a very revealing experiment. The families were from Atlanta, Baltimore, Minneapolis and Oakland, and each included two or three children. For the first five days, the families ate their regular diets, which consisted of non-organic foods. These are the types of food that the average American […]

I’ve noticed an odd thing over the years. When it comes to choosing something to drink besides water, a lot of folks have no idea what constitutes a healthy beverage. For example, I’ve noticed that most of the “healthy” choices made by my patients include milk, juice and diet soda.

Last month I mentioned an interesting thing about music… how certain songs can transport you back in time to a specific moment that evokes a cherished memory. Have you ever noticed that the same thing happens with certain scents and odors? It might be a whiff of perfume that suddenly brings an image of your […]

My patients often ask me which type of alcohol is the “healthiest.” And they’re always disappointed in my answer. There is no “healthy” alcohol. “But doc,” they say. “Red wine protects your heart” … “Moderate drinking helps you live longer” …

I love hearing about older people who have defied the myth of old age. One of my favorites is Ernestine Shepherd. When she was in her late 50’s, she looked and acted like we seem to think people approaching their 60’s should. She was overweight, had no interest in exercise, and had never worked out […]

You often hear that vitamins and other supplements are a waste of money… that following a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables provides all the essential vitamins and minerals you need. This is a nice concept in theory, but the fact is, only one out of every 10 adults eat the recommended daily servings […]

Back in 1988 a strange thing happened. A hospital launched a “Healthy Eating Day.” But shortly after enjoying the healthy lunch offered by the hospital, one of the surgical record-keepers fell ill. And before the end of the day, 10 more people who ate in the cafeteria experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. What was happening? […]

When most people think of protein sources, their first thoughts generally run toward poultry, beef and other meat sources. Next on the list are things like eggs, milk and cheese; again from animal sources. Plant-based protein sources, like nuts or beans are never high on the list. For most folks, they aren’t even on the […]

The topics my patients ask me about run the gamut. But the one that always surprises me the most is when patients ask if it’s still okay to have sex. This question mostly comes from men who think they’re “too old” for bedroom activity or have a heart condition. (That doesn’t mean that a fair […]

When you get thirsty, there are so many choices that are tastier than water. Soda, sweetened juices, or even a beer might sound good. And sure, all of these beverages do offer some hydration. But you have to consider all of the crap found in them. Things like sugar, corn syrup, sodium, artificial sweeteners and […]

Do you run out of steam before the day ends, or maybe even before it starts? If there isn’t an underlying health condition involved, there are a lot of different reasons this could happen. You might not be sleeping as well as you should. Maybe you’re not getting enough exercise. Stress can do it to […]

Some people think it’s “normal” to grow weak, lose weight and start moving at a snail’s pace as we grow older. That it’s “normal” to lose your mental faculties and succumb to dementia. If it’s so normal, then why are there so many active, healthy and engaged senior citizens out there? Take Norman Lear, for […]

Here’s a whopper of a statistic: Out of around 14 million US adults who have knee arthritis, it’s estimated that more than half of them will eventually require knee replacement surgery. Now, going through knee replacement surgery isn’t a walk in the park (no pun intended). After surgery, you literally have to learn to walk […]

Have you ever noticed that certain songs can transport you back in time? Back to a specific moment that evokes a cherished memory? Or that you can hear a song on the radio that you haven’t listened to for 10 or 15 years and suddenly remember every word, note and nuance of it? Some music […]

Sleep is one of those things a lot of people don’t get enough of. In our younger years, it just didn’t seem that important. We were too gung-ho to get as much done in a single day as we could. Who cared about sleep? But as we age, the decision to sleep or not isn’t […]

I don’t think people realize that herbal teas aren’t really tea, per say. Green and black teas all come from the same Camellia sinensis plant. The difference between them comes from green tea being steamed after the leaves are harvested. This prevents oxidation and increases levels of health boosting EGCG (Epigallocatechin). Herbal teas, on the […]

Have you ever noticed that all drug commercials are basically same? The words might change. But in the end, all of them portray happy people and happy families. TV ads for GLP-1 agonists are some of the worst. These are those drugs you see advertised on TV to support weight loss and help manage blood […]

People don’t comprehend the absolute unremitting pain of peripheral neuropathy. It begins with tingling in the feet, then moves on to a feeling of “pins and needles” or burning sensations like your feet are on fire. It can even feel as if you’re walking on clouds – like your feet aren’t touching the floor – […]

On December 14, 2023 the CDC announced that Flu and Covid cases had not yet reached their peaks this season. And sure enough, virus activity was on the rise during the last week of December. So we can expect to see this trend continue into January, maybe even February. Your best defense against these types […]

Are you still sold on the idea that whole wheat breads, cereals and pastas are your best sources of fiber and the answer to good health? I’m not. And I’ll bet your reaction this statement is the same as many of my patients. “What the heck, Doc,” they say. “Our ancestors ate grains all the […]

When I was in medical school, my classmates and I were all taught about Addison’s disease. That’s when the adrenal glands literally fail. We also learned about Cushing’s, a disease that occurs when you have too much cortisol and other hormones. But the idea of adrenal fatigue itself was never a topic. And to this […]

To be honest, the safest water on the planet is probably found high in the Himalayan mountains — where glaciers are slowly melting away. This water is crisp, clean, and untainted by any human chemicals. But any natural water source that flows downhill will pick up toxins along the way.

Losing your eyesight is no joke. It’s the fastest way to lose independence as you age… you’ll lose your driver’s license… have trouble getting around… things that were once easy will become a struggle. And one of the most devastating eye conditions today is age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. It’s the leading cause of blindness […]

Well, it’s that time of year again. People are packing their bags and getting ready to hop on a flight to visit family and friends for the Christmas holiday.  According to a survey conducted by The Vacationeer, a travel website, approximately 50% of U.S. adults are expected to travel for the holiday this year. So, […]

In many cases, small lapses in memory don’t mean a lot.  After all, most of us have experienced occasional memory blips throughout our lives. From the youngest to the oldest of adults, we’ve all lost a remote control, missed a scheduled appointment or two, and forgotten to return any number of phone calls. And who […]

Now that the holidays are in full swing, I’ll bet you’ll find yourself under a sprig of mistletoe a time or two over the next couple of weeks. You might even get a few pecks on the cheek. But mistletoe isn’t just for kissing. It also shows great hope as a powerful weapon in the […]

If you suffer from heartburn, acid reflux or other digestive complaints, it is incredibly easy to take an antacid drug in the hopes of gaining some relief. But if you start relying on these medications to consistently ease your symptoms, you could be making one of the biggest mistakes of your life. In recent years, […]

I’m past the traditional age of retirement. But I don’t see myself stopping work anytime soon. I just enjoy talking with people about functional medicine too much. I love seeing my patients. And I take a great deal of pleasure attending training and educational opportunities – especially when I’m invited as a keynote speaker. Plus, […]

I recently had a patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). She had joint pain and swelling in the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles; everywhere! When she came to see me, we did a comprehensive digestive stool analysis. This is a stool test that looks at a lot of things. This includes markers of digestion, […]

Just a few days ago I informed you about the way low estrogen is a major cause of sexual health issues in postmenopausal women. Today, I would like to talk about estrogen from a male perspective. As we men age, two hormonal changes of great consequence happen; testosterone levels decline and estrogen levels go up. […]

When it comes to sexual health, we men are prone to experience problems with erectile dysfunction. Still, it seems to me that aging women have it a lot worse. First, they have to suffer through the hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. This goes on for an average of about seven years, but […]

The holiday season is here, and over the next several weeks you’ll be invited to any number of gatherings. Chances are good that alcohol will be flowing pretty freely at these events. So even if you don’t normally indulge, you’ll probably find yourself with a drink in your hand on more than one occasion. The […]

Back in the 1960’s, obesity wasn’t much of a concern. It wasn’t even really an issue. After all, only a small portion of U.S. adults – about 13 out of every hundred – were dealing with extreme weight issues. Today it’s an entirely different story. Around 43 out of every hundred adults are obese. Add […]

You already know that uncontrolled high blood pressure is bad for your heart. It creates microscopic tears in the walls of your arteries. These tears eventually turn into rough scar tissue where sticky fats, plaques and cholesterol tend to accumulate. This, in turn, leads to blockages, narrowing of the arteries and arterial stiffness. Once this […]

Dieters often cringe at the mention of calorie restriction. And there is a reason why. Most of them have already gone through the torture of nearly starving themselves for a few days, weeks or longer. They even got excited when they lost a few pounds. Then, one of two things happened.

When people come into my office with unexplained aches, pains or numbness in one elbow or another, they often describe their condition as “tennis elbow.” And in many cases, they’ve looked this term up on the internet to set their own treatment schedule, only to find that it’s not working. The reason is pretty simple. […]

Allowing your immune system to get rundown during flu season is like issuing an invitation for the flu to take up residence in your body. Now, there are many reasons your immune function may be working sluggishly. Spending all your time indoors and a lack of physical activity are both linked with lowered immune function. […]

In the October 16, 2023 issue of Advanced Natural Wellness you learned the warning signs of a heart attack or impending cardiac arrest. But how do you tell these apart from a stroke? Well, there are a lot of misconceptions about strokes. Many people believe they are very similar to a cardiac event. While both […]

Back in 1989 NASA published a paper which found indoor plants can rid the air of certain airborne pollutants.

My new patients are often surprised when I don’t approach their health concerns in the way they expect. For instance, I once had a 50-year-old woman visit my office with awful joint pain. She was morbidly obese with pain in her fingers, knuckles, wrists, shoulders, knees and hips. A bone scan ordered by her conventional […]

Pretty much everyone knows that if an artery gets clogged it can trigger a heart attack. What many people may not realize is that heart attack symptoms often differ between men and women. Sure, classic symptoms such as chest pain are common in both sexes. But women are much more likely to have less common […]

Salt intake is quite a dilemma these days. On one hand, your body needs sodium to transmit nerve impulses, help your muscle’s function and maintain fluid balance. But when you get too much of it, it accumulates in the bloodstream where it attracts water. When this happens it increases blood pressure, which can damage your […]

So many in the medical community have dismissed the use of supplements as a tool for better health. Their logic is about as simple as it gets: If you eat a healthy diet, you’ll get all of the nutrition you need. Well, a June 2023 study out of Oregon State University says just the opposite. […]

When men think of prostate problems, they immediately think of urinary difficulties. After all, that’s what we all hear about… dribbling over the toilet in the middle of the night. Road trips postponed and ball games cut short because of the “urge to go.” But there’s another side of the story that is equally disturbing:

Everybody knows that a high sodium intake, excess weight and lack of physical activity are all bad for their blood pressure, right? It’s because we talk about these key contributors to hypertension all of the time. But what about the ones that we seldom hear about? For example, did you know that when you are […]

In the September 25, 2023 issue of Advanced Natural Wellness, I mentioned how much I love to put on some music and bop around the house while I’m doing chores. I do the same thing when I’m ready for some more purposeful physical activity. For example, I love listening to the Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams” when […]

Sometimes it seems like the older we get, the lazier we become. Instead of taking the stairs we are happy to ride the elevator – even if it’s going to take us longer. It’s easier to go through a drive-up window than get out of the car and walk indoors; or to drive the quarter […]

Everybody needs to get nutrient rich vegetables in their diets. It doesn’t matter which dietary lifestyle you’re operating on. Whether it’s omnivorous, carnivorous, vegetarian or vegan, you still need to have your vegetables. So why not eat the ones that have the most nutritional value?   You see, some plant-based foods are more nutritionally dense […]

Everyone wants to protect their heart health, and taking low-dose aspirin sounds like an inexpensive way to do that. After all, what harm could come from taking an over-the-counter pill that was originally formulated for children? Well, the fact is that low-dose aspirin is so dangerous that, if a company attempted to bring it to […]

Your feet are your body’s foundation. And they’re awesome. Believe it or not, each foot accounts for about 1.5% or less of your bodyweight. Yet they carry the entire weight of your body around for an entire lifetime. More than that, really. Because when you walk, the pressure on your heels and the front of […]

If you suffer from knee osteoarthritis, there are a lot of common treatments that don’t work well, and an equally long list of alternative treatments that do. So today I’m going to make things extremely easy for you. First, we will take a look at what doesn’t work to ease knee pain. Then, I’ll clearly […]

Type 2 diabetes is a real epidemic these days, and it comes with all sorts of health problems. It puts you at two to four times the chance of heart disease or a stroke. It affects your brain function, damages your nerves and causes kidney problems. The one thing many people don’t realize is that […]

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are top concerns for my aging patients. Many of them lost one or both of their parents to the disease. Some have lost a grandparent or two to it. If you’ve experienced this type of loss, you might feel like you have a target on your back… that you’re next in […]

I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables to support my heart health. In fact, one of my favorite kinds of green smoothies is filled to the brim with fruits and vegetables. I start with some honey and nut milk followed by a generous bunch of dark-leafy green vegetables like spinach or romaine. Then, I’ll […]

Everyone “gets” the idea of taking a multi-vitamin, minerals and many other supplements to help offset nutritional deficits. But what about CoQ10? CoQ10 is one of those nutrients everyone over the age of 40 needs more of. It’s also one that’s least understood by most folks. It’s not a vitamin. It’s not a mineral. So […]

It seems like every new decade comes with its own set of health issues. When I turned 30, I got out of bed and my ankles cracked. When I turned 40, my knees cracked. And when I turned 50, my back cracked… By the time I turned 60, I just hid under my covers and […]

One thing that drives me absolutely crazy is ambient light in my bedroom when I’m trying to sleep. I leave my phone in my office, cover up all of those blue, green and red lights from power strips and other equipment, and use black out shades on my windows. Otherwise, I can’t sleep at all. […]

I once had an 87-year-old patient who gave me his recipe for a drink he called “Blood.” Now, before you get too grossed out, let me explain… Yes, his bright red juice looked a lot like blood. But this name was appropriate for another reason. The superstar of his drink was beetroot juice – an […]

I’ve been using a water pic for about the past three months. And on my most recent dental cleaning, the hygienist at my dentist’s office was amazed. I had no plaque! They wondered what I had been doing, and I explained that I had added the water pic to my daily dental routine. It acts […]

All across the U.S. – from California to Louisiana and South Florida – record high temperatures are being broken. Not only that, but power grids are being stretched to their limits trying to keep millions of air-conditioners running. So the first order of business is to try and stay as cool as possible. If you’re […]

By the time we men hit our 30s, our testosterone levels naturally start declining. But over the past several decades, testosterone levels in the U.S. have been dropping more quickly than they did 30 years ago.  Since the late 1980’s, average levels of testosterone in men dropped by one percent each year. So a 65-year-old […]

We’ve always lived with blue light from the sun. Now we’re getting it from our electronic screens too. So we’re exposed to a lot more blue light than we used be. And it’s crazy how much time people are spending on their phones these days! Depending on which poll you read, people are averaging anywhere […]

People have so many health concerns as they age. They worry about their hearts, memory, eyesight, weight and so much more. But when is the last time you wondered how your kidneys were doing? You really want to keep these 5 inch long bean shaped filters of your blood as happy as they can be. […]

We’ve been raised with the idea that, when we reach a certain age, we should retire. Just slow down and live the good life. I think this is a problem. We’re already less active than we should be, simply due to the fact that while we know we need to be active, advances in  everything […]

“Should I have my DNA tested to see what diseases I’m at risk for?” This is a question I hear more and more often these days. And I understand the appeal. It’s human nature to want to know as much about ourselves as possible. DNA testing is a great way to get some of those […]

You probably know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels by heart. It’s just as likely you can recite your blood sugar and blood pressure numbers when asked.      But do you have any idea what your uric acid level is? Probably not. In fact, there’s a good chance you don’t even know what uric acid is. That’s […]

Every time I get into my car, I always reach for my little glove compartment right away. I stash my regular glasses and slip on my sunglasses. Then, I’m ready to roll. Even if it’s a cloudy day, these sunglasses stay on until the sun disappears below the horizon. Just like applying sunscreen, wearing your […]

In these days of health consciousness, food and beverage manufacturers will go to great lengths to convince you that their products will make your life healthier. You see it every time you go to the store. Marketers place starbursts on their products claiming they are sugar free, low fat, reduced sodium, cholesterol free, gluten free […]

A few years ago, my 35-year-old neighbor collapsed in his driveway taking the trash out. He was immediately rushed to the hospital where the medical staff performed a full work-up on him. One diagnostic test after another was carried out. Finally they gave him the good news… There was nothing wrong with him. He could […]

There’s no doubt about it. As we humans grow older, we tend to lose muscle strength. The medical term for it is sarcopenia. It’s sort of like osteoporosis of the muscles. Whereas osteoporosis is a condition where the skeleton loses bone mass and quality, sarcopenia is a disorder that results in the loss of muscle […]

My father, brothers, and uncles all suffered from heart attacks. They also all had one strange physical sign – creased earlobes! Believe it or not, this is a warning sign that your arteries may be at increased risk for clogging – and there are well over 50 studies to prove it. (Look for a crease […]

Did you know that when 3,000-year-old honey was discovered in King Tut’s tomb in 1922, the honey was still good? Honey is one of those rare foods that never spoil. This has to do with a combination of an acidic PH and low water content that creates an environment that kills off pretty much any […]

Every now and then I run across a patient who won’t eat fish. It’s not because they don’t like it. It’s because they’ve read one too many scary stories about mercury poisoning. I get it. And I agree that all heavy metals, not just mercury, are a problem in today’s society. However, this may be […]

Irritable bowel syndrome isn’t considered a disease. Yet it is the gastrointestinal complaint most frequently diagnosed by medical professionals. But most physicians don’t know what to do about it. There isn’t a pill you can take to cure it. In the meantime, the gas, bloating, pain and bowel issues associated with IBS can be excruciating, […]

Overeating is built into our genes. It comes from the days when our ancestors experienced long periods of famine. Once food became available again, they didn’t just take five bites of it and say “Oh, I’m full. I’ll save the rest for leftovers tomorrow.” No way! They kept on eating… as much as they could […]

A few years after I entered medical school my life was turned upside down. I went from being a nine-to-five clinical pharmacist to becoming an acutely sleep deprived medical student in a heartbeat. It wasn’t easy. I clearly remember hitting my third year of med school. That’s when those long, punishing hours of clinical rotations […]

If you get a urinary tract infection (UTI), the first piece of advice you’ll get from just about everybody you know is to drink cranberry juice. But does cranberry juice really help with UTIs? Or is it just an old wives’ tale? Before I answer that question, it’s important to understand UTIs. In a nutshell, […]

Of all the diets out there, the Mediterranean style of eating is the one I think is the most beneficial to your health. This way of eating is loaded with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables of all colors of the rainbow. Plus, the nuts, olive oil and fish consumed in this type of diet are all […]