RSSAlternative Medicine
8 All-natural Allergy Remedies
Plagued by allergies? In addition to over-the-counter and prescription medications, there are a few additional moves that can help ease the sniffles, sneezes and watery eyes. Consider these following strategies
The topic of organic foods has received attention recently in response to a study released from Stanford University, which concluded that there isn't much difference between organic and conventional foods. The study set off a firestorm of dialogue
What to Eat to Stay Healthy All Winter
Research shows that, in addition to getting your flu shot, eating certain foods can help you avoid the flu -- as well as colds and illness in general. Here's what to add to your grocery cart
Are the short, cold days bringing you down? Shaking off those winter blues may be as easy as making a few simple changes in your daily routine. Banish the winter blues with these easy moves for mental wellness
Walk down the aisles of a natural food store and you'll find a variety of organic foods, many of which are healthy whole foods. Unfortunately, the organic inventory doesn't stop there
5 Small Changes for a Healthy and Happy Life
Has your daily routine become a little too routine? These simple healthy life tricks will help you shake things up for the better
5 Home Remedies for Common Cold Symptoms
Beat the cold and feel better fast with these natural home remedies
10 Things You Didn't Know About Smiling
In a recent study, 69 percent of men found women who wear a smile instead of makeup younger and more attractive. Here are other surprising truths about smiling
The Right Music for Every Part of Your Day
The right tunes can help you wake up with more energy, decrease stress and more. You just have to time it right. Here's what to listen to and when
Cactus Juice Bristling with Health Potential
Cactus has yet to go mainstream in this country. But that may change courtesy of prickly pear cactus juice, which is gleaning attention for its potential health benefits
The Blackberry: Enjoy Summer's Antioxidant Powerhouse
The blackberry's sweet-tart flavor can be as addicting as its smartphone namesake. Plus, they provide a powerful health benefit
Soothe Pain with Foods from Fish to Fruits
Research is beginning to discover the power of food and diet to help manage pain
Parsley Packs An Antioxidant Punch
Along with its antioxidant vitamins, parsley contains several other unique compounds that also pack antioxidant punch
Probiotics: Feed Your 'Good' Bacteria
Here's how probiotics and friendly bacteria can protect your health and how the foods you eat can nourish them
The Surprising Health Benefits of Texting
Did you know that adults send and receive an average of 41.5 text messages a day? But if those messages have smiley faces, or Web shorthand, it could be good for your mental health
Stress-relief Methods for Every Occasion
To help you beat stress in every situation, I've rounded up my five favorite stress-relief methods. Try them out and use them the next time you need to calm yourself fast
Natural Energy Drinks That Work
Although it's better to get your energy from simple, effective methods, getting your quick fix when you need it is not necessarily a bad thing. Here are healthier options for finding energy
Fish Oil: The One Benefit You Haven't Considered
A recent review study by Australian researchers found that people who supplement with fish oil had less periodontitis
FDA Seeks to Tame Exploding Medical App Market
There are 40,000 medical applications and growing available for download. But that growth is in the crosshairs of new regulatory efforts from the FDA
Nutrient Timing: When to Eat What for Maximum Nutrition
Want to be your best all day long? Try this expert-approved 12-hour nutrient timing plan
3 Simple Meditations to Help You Focus
Have trouble keeping your focus? Try these simple meditation techniques
Herbs That Boost Flavor and Your Health
Here are four herbs that I constantly use in my dishes for health and therapeutic benefits, and why you should use them too
The Latest Superfoods You Need to Know About
It's easy and smart to add these superfoods (aka nutritional powerhouses) to your diet. So, what are you waiting for?
Natural Cures for Spring Allergies
Transitioning into spring can be hard on the nose. Here are some hints to help avoid allergies
A new study suggests that the juiciest parts of the poultry may help protect you from heart disease -- especially if you're at high risk
A growing body of evidence links eating patterns with an increased risk for depression. Boost your mood with these food choices
Surprising Nutrition Facts on Foods
We consulted with our panel of nutrition experts to bring you truth on some common nutrition misperceptions
Chinese Medicine Offers New Parkinson's Treatments
A hooked herb, root extract and a dash of bark -- it may sound like a witch's brew, but these mainstays of Chinese medicine could provide treatments for diseases that have foiled Western doctors, such as Parkinson's and irritable bowel syndrome
Medical Schools Embrace Alternative Medicine
Now that nearly 40 percent of American adults swear by some form of complementary and alternative medicine -- from nutrition and mental relaxation to acupuncture, magnet therapy, and foreign healing systems like traditional Chinese medicine and Indian ayurveda -- a growing number of medical schools, too, are supplementing medication with meditation
Tips For Natural Allergy Relief
Allergy season has been upon many sufferers since February this year, but an early start may or may not mean an early finish. If you're one of the sneezing, sniffling, eye-rubbing, worn out masses, here are some simple things that you can do to ease your symptoms
Broccoli Rabe: Broccoli's Bolder Cousin
Broccoli rabe, like all Brassicas, has cancer-preventing potential due to substances called glucosinolates that serve as a natural defense system to protect the tender buds from pests. Glucosinolates are converted in the body into bioactive compounds called sulforaphanes. Studies suggest that they may protect against cancers. Broccoli rabe also contains ...
Aromatherapy: Simple Tips for a Healthier You
Sick of winter? Feeling bored or even antsy about a deadline or dental appointment? Relief could be right under your nose. To conjure up that feeling of calm and usher spring into your home, try these simple aromatherapy tips
A Smart Guide to Dietary Supplements
Not much is known about the dietary supplements we pop on a daily basis. Although most pose far fewer health risks than the prescription medications we take, some herbal remedies can be downright dangerous. So how can you separate the hype from the reality? Here's recommended rules of thumb
Lowering Cholesterol Naturally: Lifestyle Tips
The good news is, high blood cholesterol is largely preventable and lifestyle changes are the first line of defense. You can lower cholesterol without drugs by understanding cholesterol and adopting the following tips
Boost Dental Health with Honey and Agave Syrup
As a dentist, I'm sweet on using honey or agave. But I have an even better reason to switch from a spoonful of sugar to a squirt of honey or agave when it comes to your oral health
Do energy drinks really give you more energy? And are they healthy?
The Health Benefits of Meditation
Overstressed, overworked, overweight? Forget multitasking and try meditating. A growing body of research shows that taking a short break every day just to sit quietly and breathe is one of the best and easiest ways to improve your mood, your health and even your looks. Here are five great reasons to give meditation a chance
Turns out there are a host of incredible edibles that fight bacteria, attack plaque and build enamel with every bite. Here are surprising foods for a camera-ready smile
Dial Down the Temp to Cook Healthier Meats
How we prepare our food is at least as important as the foods we choose. And turning down the heat may save your meat dishes from accumulating toxins that pose health risks
The benefits of the art of meditation are amazing. Here's how to make it easier to meditate
Honey has Health Advantages, But Moderation is Key
Modern science is beginning to confirm that honey possesses unique health properties
Everybody Say Om: The Real Powers of Meditation
Many people see meditation as an exotic form of daydreaming, or a quick fix for a stressed-out mind. Experienced meditators will assure you that it is worth pursuing. But what does science have to say on the subject of meditation?
Getting stuck with needles to relieve any kind of pain seems like an oxymoron. And yet, for years, acupuncture has been helping ease the ache of arthritic knees; the all-over agony of fibromyalgia; and even the deep pain of shrapnel wounds. Now, two new studies show that acupuncture can provide short-term relief for dental pain too
Pick Blueberries for Brain Defense
There's a buzz heard throughout the Alzheimer's research world regarding the effect of antioxidants, found in foods such as blueberries, on this disease. Given that by the year 2025 an estimated 34 million people globally will be diagnosed with the neurodegenerative condition Alzheimer's disease (AD), there's a lot riding on the promise of antioxidants found in foods
Alternative Treatments That Get Rid of Heartburn and IBS
Heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome: Millions of adults report at least one episode of these conditions every month. Sometimes people are spurred to try alternative medicine when symptoms occur. The trick to these treatment options is figuring out which ones really work. Here, three alternative treatments that have been proven to get rid of stomach ache
Many of us know fasting as a protocol the doctor prescribes before blood testing. For others, it may mean giving up a favorite food or not eating food at certain times for various religious holidays. Strictly speaking, fasting is the voluntary absence of food. Although the idea of missing one meal may put most of us in a state of misery, fasting does have many benefits for the body
Starting The Day Off Right With Breakfast
Do you run out the door in the morning with just coffee in your stomach -- or maybe nothing at all? We're a country of breakfast skippers: Although 93 percent of adults agree that a morning meal is an important part of a healthy diet, more than half of us don't practice what we preach, according to a recent survey by the International Food Information Council
Fibromyalgia Symptoms Improve With Tai Chi
Tai chi (ty-CHEE) may help relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, perhaps more effectively than most medications.
Relieve Stress and Uplift Spirits with Aromatherapy
To revive sagging spirits or reboot concentration, try using stimulating oils like bergamot, lemongrass, rosemary and peppermint. To calm and relax your mind and body, turn to soothing oils like lavender, chamomile and sandalwood. Whichever you choose, a fantasy experience awaits.
Try Natural Solutions For Insomnia
There's nothing worse than not being able to fall sleep. Difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early, awakening during the night, or waking feeling tired are the characteristic features of insomnia. Here's natural solutions for insomnia worth trying
Edible flowers are back in vogue, gracing the covers of glossy food magazines, and adding panache to restaurant entrees
Shift to Plant Foods for Better Health and Eco-Impact
Judging from the growing demand for local, sustainable and organic food it is clear that many people want to reduce their environmental impact by making diet changes that lower carbon footprint
Sea vegetables are one of nature's most valuable foods. A sea of veggies. --They are naturally low in calories and fat. --Some contain up to 47 percent protein
DASH Diet May Decrease the Need for Medication in Those With Severe Hypertension
Research has found the DASH diet to be an effective way to lower blood pressure in people who have slightly elevated high blood pressure (prehypertension) and in those with stage I (mild to moderate) hypertension
Celebrate the Season with Cinnamon for Health
A lovely enhancement to both sweet and savory foods and beverages, cinnamon is easily simmered in tea, cider and milk, sprinkled into dough and batter for breads and baked goods, and mixed into beans and curries for a unique ethnic twist. Cinnamon also has significant health benefits and just two teaspoons of cinnamon provide 44 percent Daily Value for manganese
Love Your Liver: Natural Liver Support
Did you know the liver is the king of the glands? It's the largest gland in the body and is the largest and most complex organ, having over 500 functions. Here's how to love and take care of liver
Healthy Eating Guide to Cereal
These days, buying breakfast cereals can be confusing. Many carry healthy labels or promote some health benefit even if they aren't the best choice for health. To ensure that you're buying a healthy product for your family, read labels and look for the following cues
With an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, we get more vitamin C than we need in summer. But when autumn sets in and temperatures slide, families often get less of the vitamin while simultaneously being exposed to more germs -- a recipe for colds and flu. Here's how to get enough vitamin C on a daily basis is vital for your overall health
Recreational Drugs Go Straight
With a handful of trials showing positive results, from the treatment of cancer to alcohol addiction, could illegal drugs enter mainstream medicine?
Foraging is Green Eating at Its Purest
When people think of eco-friendly foods, they often think of organic foods and family farms. But foraging for wild foods is perhaps the purest way to eat green
Medical Claims for Marijauna - Just Blowing Smoke?
As far as the federal government is concerned, marijuana has no place in medicine. The Drug Enforcement Administration considers marijuana a controlled substance. These drugs are likely candidates for abuse, with no recognized therapeutic benefits. Yet the medical use of marijuana by Americans is spreading
Nutrition May Be Key to Helping Control ADHD
The common approach to ADHD is to medicate children with drugs such as Ritalin or Adderall. These stimulants are thought to help improve ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine levels in the brain to increase attention and motivation. For parents who are interested in experimenting with natural alternatives to traditional medication, nutrition may offer some simple solutions
A Natural Approach to Sweet Slumber
Do you have trouble getting a good night's sleep? If you do, you're not alone. About one-third of Americans complain of sleep disorders. Prescription sleep medications are a common, effective approach to treating sleep disorders, but many people experience unpleasant side effects. So, it's no big surprise that a growing number of people turn to alternative therapies
Tips for Natural Allergy Relief
Allergy season has been upon many sufferers since February this year, but an early start may or may not mean an early finish. If you're one of the sneezing, sniffling, eye-rubbing, worn out masses, here are some simple things you can do to easy your symptoms
Enjoy the Health Benefits of Tea
Tea can be warming, invigorating, soothing, and most importantly, health promoting. With thousands of varieties, tea is a versatile drink and great alternative to coffee or calorie-laden lattes. Many types of tea have outstanding health benefits, so while it's easy to be overwhelmed by the vast amount of tea to choose from, a little knowledge can set you on the right path
Fight Inflammation With the Right Diet
Arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, periodontitis, prostatitis, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease -- most of us are afflicted by inflammation at one time or another, some of us on a daily basis. We may feel that we're out of options when medications aren't the answer, but nothing could be further from the truth. Julie Daniluk is convinced that diet can impact inflammation
Paralyzed Limbs Revived by Hacking Into Nerves
Pulses of electricity are used to control the muscles of an unconscious patient, as if they were a marionette. It represents the beginnings of a new generation of devices that he hopes will allow people with paralyzed legs to regain control of their muscles and so be able to stand, or even walk again
Deconstructing Detox Treatments: Myth or Health Restorative
'Snake oil,' declares Robin Bernhoft, M.D., incoming president for the American Academy of Environmental Physicians, when asked what he thinks about over-the-counter diet detox kits. This is the confusing landscape of the detox diet world, which ranges from books and kits to clinic regimes and protocols.
Supplements to Avoid When Dealing With High Blood Pressure
What are the dangers of taking over-the-counter supplements? I am on blood pressure medication and have heard that there are some supplements that may interfere.
Effectiveness of Laser Spine Surgery for Pain Relief Remains Unproven
Spine surgery can be performed using several different tools, including a laser. Laser spine surgery has been around since the 1980s but it has never been studied in a controlled clinical trial to determine its effectiveness. Most neurosurgeons don't use lasers for spine surgery because there are no clear benefits to laser surgery over more well-established spine surgery techniques
Hybrid Hearts for Transplant: Could Stem Cells Solve Rejection Problems
Human organs for transplant are scarce. One option is to engineer organs from scratch in the lab, using artificial scaffolds. While bladders and skin can be grown in the lab, growing more complex organs and their intricate blood-vessel networks, has proved tricky.
Surgery Not Only Option for Treating Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a common condition that results from changes to the spine as aging occurs. Symptoms vary in character and magnitude but can most often be effectively treated with nonsurgical therapies, such as medication and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
By the Way, Doctor: Can Ginkgo Biloba Slow Dementia
Ginkgo is prescribed in many parts of the world as a memory remedy and is readily available in the United States as an over-the-counter herbal supplement. It does have some antioxidant properties
This gentle form of exercise can prevent or ease many ills of aging and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.
Food Chain: The Gift of Garlic
Garlic is prized as a culinary ingredient and herbal remedy by virtually every culture. The written and unwritten record of its virtues reaches back thousands of years.
Mark Twain may have exaggerated a bit when he claimed that "Humor is mankind's greatest blessing." Still, a chuckle a day may help keep the doctor away and perhaps help stave off heart attacks and strokes.
Sample a Semi-Vegetarian Lifestyle With a Flexitarian Diet
Today's buzzword is flexibility, which also applies to eating styles. A flexitarian is someone who is a flexible vegetarian or a semi-vegetarian, one who limits animal protein intake without giving it up completely.
Food Sources the Best Choices for Antioxidants
It is true that antioxidants -- such as vitamins C and E, carotene, lycopene, lutein and many other substances -- may play a role in helping to prevent diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and macular degeneration. However, research indicates that simply taking antioxidant supplements is not the best way to go about getting what your body needs
Vegetarian Diets & Potential Health Benefits
Most people who choose vegetarian diets are motivated by their personal philosophies, ethical beliefs, or religious convictions. But health certainly is a factor, and if a vegetarian eating plan is constructed properly, it can be an asset to health.
Vitamins and Supplements: Do They Work?
Some researchers maintain that the diets of many Americans still fall short on several essential nutrients -- not enough to cause debilitating deficiency diseases, but perhaps enough to miss out on their benefits without extra help from supplements. While experts say you should be skeptical of most claims about the disease-preventing power of vitamins, minerals and suuplments, some evidence does support taking a few as a hedge.
Food can be and should be your first choice of medicine. With the right recipes and the best quality food, you can actually look forward to filling your prescriptions. Why not spend your hard-earned dollars at the grocery rather than at the hospital?
The best research shows that when measured against prescription pharmaceuticals, some foods and recipes work pretty well. In fact, learning how to cook can save your life.
By the Way, Doctor: A Very Fishy Diet
I read in an earlier issue of the Harvard Health Letter that one of your nutrition experts eats five servings of fish a week. Why so much? And isn't there a risk from the contaminants?
