Why would anyone actively avoid eating fruit? For some, this question can be answered in one word: sugar. Most fruits contain a significant amount of naturally occurring fructose and glucose. But, much like other whole foods, fruit also features additional components. Fat, fiber, nutrients and a long list of phytochemicals dictate the blood sugar response and overall health impact of any given fruit. For instance, avocados are rich in both fat and fiber, which makes them an ideal choice for those concerned about blood sugar fluctuations. However, the reality is that most fruits do not contain much fat. Therefore, fruit selection ought to focus on fiber, nutrient-density and phytochemical content.

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Unless you have very high or low blood pressure, you probably don’t think a lot about the the blood pressure spectrum. As an example, a significant number of people have higher-than-normal blood pressure, but not high enough to treat with medication. This is typically defined as “prehypertension” and is marked by blood pressure ranging from 120-139 systolic and 80-89 diastolic. If you consistently have blood pressure in this range, you may well be a candidate for using a variety of natural options to drop your readings into the “normal” category of 120/80 mmHg or less. However, I want to point out that in some instances having higher than normal blood pressure may actually be advantageous. For instance, some research has found that higher blood pressure may actually reduce the risk of balance issues, dementia and all-cause mortality in seniors. So, when in doubt, consult with a cardiologist to determine what’s right for your unique circumstance.

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Availability and convenience play major roles in maintaining a healthful eating plan. The trouble is that many readily available foods and snacks such as muffins, protein bars and smoothies contain questionable additives and ingredients. But, there’s no rule that says you have to compromise convenience in order to stick to a wholesome diet. All you really need to do is learn how to make the types of food you wish you could find at your local market. It’s probably easier then you’d imagine and usually a whole lot less expensive as well.

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If you’re a frequent traveler, you know how challenging it can be to remain on a healthy diet. Often times you don’t have control over what time you eat, where you eat or your dining companions. Changes in time zones, exposure to recirculated air on planes and the general stress of being in unfamiliar circumstances and locations add to the pressure many business travelers experience. In short, travel can contribute to the aging process and lower your defenses, unless you prepare a game plan ahead of time that will help you cope with the uncertainty of life on the road.

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The other night we had dinner at a restaurant where you build your own burger. Diners choose the type of meat they’d prefer, an extensive array of toppings and whether they want their burger on a bun or a bed of organic lettuce. You’re even in luck if you have special dietary needs as they offer gluten-free buns and vegetarian patties. These types of options are becoming more and more common these days as restaurateurs hope to reinvent hamburgers in a creative and, sometimes, healthier way. The latest trend in the attempt to “healthify” burgers is to add certain unexpected and, often, undetectable ingredients to the ground meat itself.

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The exact number of supplements you take should be predicated upon a variety of personal issues. Finances, diet and lifestyle and the ability to swallow pills are important considerations. In addition, genetic factors, pre-existing health conditions and the potential for drug-supplement interactions ought to be evaluated as well. The following list of supplements is what I consider valuable “add-ons” to my core list of recommendations. These are not essential for everyone. However, the health benefits they impart appeal to a broad cross-section of the population at large. They also adhere to my personal standards with regard to efficacy and safety.

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Glaucoma is an eye condition which affects approximately 2.5 million men and women in the United States alone. It is characterized by increased inner eye pressure which can cause damage to the optic nerve and, thereby, result in vision loss. Fortunately, the combination of two nutraceutical ingredients has recently shown a reduction in intraocular pressure and an improvement overall eye health. (1) Read more »

It’s no secret that health status plays a major role in the overall quality of one’s life. But it doesn’t necessarily require a serious medical condition to significantly impact day-to-day life. Something as benign as chronic halitosis (bad breath) can cause stress during the most basic activities such as interacting with colleagues, family and friends. Likewise, working hard to prevent a disease like type 2 diabetes can also feel like a burden. However, both of these hurdles pale in comparison to the stress experienced by those living with a life-threatening illness such as cancer.
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Breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day. It directly follows a period of fasting and sets the nutritional foundation for the waking hours to come. The tricky part is how to make the most of breakfast while still being mindful of practical considerations such as getting to school or work on time. In my experience, the key to overcoming this commonly cited hurdle is to prepare food in advance. But not just any food will do. A strategic mix of macronutrients is what your body thirsts for first in the morning. Today’s recipe delivers just that and a whole lot more. Read more »

Summertime is berry-time. This year, several encouraging studies have accompanied the seasonal influx of these succulent fruits. My Healthy Monday tip of the week is to include more fresh and frozen berries in your diet in the hope of reducing the risk of blood sugar and cardiovascular danger (metabolic syndrome), liver dysfunction, poor cognition and various forms of cancer. Read more »

Glaucoma is an eye condition which affects approximately 2.5 million men and women in the United States alone. It is characterized by increased inner eye pressure which can cause damage to the optic nerve and, thereby, result in vision loss. Fortunately, the combination of two nutraceutical ingredients has recently shown a reduction in intraocular pressure and an improvement overall eye health. (1)
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The fruit of the tree is what first catches the eye. Then the mind begins to anticipate the satisfyingly sweet flavor and fragrant scent that is unique to fresh ripened fruit. However, it’s pretty rare that we ponder the intrinsic value of the other parts of bushes, plants and trees. Without leaves, roots and stems there would obviously be no fruit to bear, but that’s about as much consideration as most non-botanists give to this topic. Fortunately, research scientists are a different breed. They look at the same tree and wonder about the chemical make up of all the inedible parts. They understand that the next big breakthrough in the management of cancer, diabetes, heart disease or virtually any health condition may be found in the less conspicuous regions of the natural world. Read more »

When you look at yourself in the mirror, do you see a “beer belly”? Do you sometimes have trouble with balance, coordination and memory? Is it more difficult to exercise and catch your breath when you do? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions then you’re in good company. Most people experience some or all of these symptoms and others as a “normal” consequence of growing older.

But just because something could happen doesn’t mean that it’s inevitable. Why should we accept the current model of aging when science is telling us that we can exert some control over it? I’d like to share with you three delicious foods that may help counter some of the most common signs of aging.
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