Eliminating that morning ‘Cup of Joe,’ consuming processed foods high in nitrites or monosodium glutamate (MSG) and enjoying too much alcohol are potential triggers for headaches, says Vincent Martin, MD, professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine. Migraine trigger foods There are two different approaches to … Read more
Premenstrual syndrome—better known as PMS—includes at least 150 different symptoms that run the gamut from irritability and fatigue to backaches and bloating, from herpes outbreaks and crying jags to insomnia, sugar cravings, and migraines. In order to alleviate what ayurvedic physicians call a woman’s monthly dysfunction, it helps to understand what causes it in the … Read more
I think I’m having a panic attack, but I don’t want to take anti-anxiety drugs. I’ve heard bad things about them. Is there anything natural I can do? If you are having a panic attack, you typically experience rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, tightness in the throat, dizziness, and nausea. If that … Read more
Current perspectives consider a much wider segment of the population at risk. As amazing as our bodies are, we cannot completely withstand the constant assault posed by unhealthy diet, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins. Rising from modern lifestyles, these factors contribute to several of America’s serious health epidemics—and autoimmune disease is rising to the top … Read more
Its name isn’t sexy, and neither are its living arrangements. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms (read bacteria) that are added to your gut, sound like some sort of squirming critter you’d rather steer clear of. But because of their supposed powers to soothe stomachs and boost immunity, probiotics have become increasingly popular. And that’s a … Read more
You’ve seen the ads: “Tone your abs—just five minutes a day!” and “Tone your legs with this simple, everyday workout!” Well, as grating as they may be after repeated viewing, their message does have value. When we “tone” our muscles, we nourish them and bolster their strength. Generally speaking, a daily or frequent workout can … Read more
My doctor just diagnosed me with diverticulitis. What does this mean, and how can I treat this condition naturally? Diverticular diseases have become very common in the US, especially among the over-50 set, so you’re certainly not alone. People often develop diverticulosis, a condition characterized by small, pouch-like herniations called diverticula in the lining of … Read more
At age 16, Dawn Montefusco developed a serious case of psoriasis that covered 85 percent of her body in itchy, red scales. Her doctor dashed her hopes of an easy cure for clear skin, telling her she’d most likely have the autoimmune disease the rest of her life. “I was a sophomore in high school, … Read more
Dialysis is a surrogate for the crucial function of filtering waste from the blood that is usually gone by our kidney. Without this technology, toxic wastes build up in the blood and tissues and cannot be filtered out by the ailing kidneys. This condition is known as uremia, literally meaning “urine in the blood.” Eventually … Read more
I’m in a healthy, happy relationship, but my sex drive has started to lag in recent years. Why is this, and how can I revive my libido? It’s common for our sex drives to dwindle as we grow older—and the numbers tell the story. The Kinsey Institute notes that while 18- to 29-year-olds have sex … Read more