#249 Drugs versus Diet for High Blood Pressure: Which is Best?

Drugs versus Diet for High Blood Pressure: Which is Best? No one wants to take drugs for high blood pressure.  A new study shows that one specific diet may lower blood pressure more than drugs.  In this article, I'm going to deconstruct this new diet for high blood pressure and teach you what you need to do to lower your blood pressure naturally. My Blood Pressure Struggles I know what it is like to have high blood pressure.  At one…

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#248 5 Life Secrets That Centenarians Know

5 Life Secrets That Centenarians Know Do you want to know the secret of a long and happy life?  Ask someone who has lived the longest.  Indeed, centenarians can teach us the five simple life secrets. My 100th Birthday Plans No one in my family has ever made it to 100.  I suspect this is because of the genes that run in our family.  Despite not winning the genetic lottery in life, I am determined to ski on my 100th…

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#247 How to Optimize Your Sodium to Potassium Ratio for Longevity

How to Optimize Your Sodium to Potassium Ratio for Longevity Could the secret to health and longevity come down to the ratio of how much sodium to potassium you eat each day?  In this article, I will teach you how to optimize your sodium to potassium ratio for health and longevity. David's Experience David recently came to see me as a new patient for atrial fibrillation.  Like most patients, he wanted to know how he developed this condition. As we…

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#246 Juicing vs. Smoothies: Which is Best for Your Heart?

Juicing vs. Smoothies: Which is Best for Your Heart? Juicing vs. smoothies, which is best for your heart? This is a question my cardiac patients ask all the time.  In this article, I'll cover the pros and cons of each approach and then share my practical tips on how to do it right. What is Juicing? Juicing uses a fancy machine to strip the fiber from vegetables and fruits.  It pulls out the juice while leaving the fiber, and those…

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#244 The 3 Most Dangerous Over-the-Counter Medications…And How to Get Off Them

The 3 Most Dangerous Over-the-Counter Medications Just because you can buy medicine without a prescription doesn't mean it is safe.  In this article, I share the three most dangerous over-the-counter medications and offer simple solutions to avoid these drugs. As a disclaimer, please don't stop any medications without speaking to your doctor first.  As with everything in life, your doctor can help you weigh the risks versus benefits of any treatment.  It is possible that your doctor has you on…

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#242 Is There a Sugar Cancer Link?

Is There a Sugar Cancer Link? If you follow the news you undoubtedly saw the headlines this past week--sugar causes cancer.  In this article, I discuss the possible sugar cancer link and share my struggles with sugar. The Latest Sugar Cancer Study This past week Belgian researchers published their latest findings on the sugar cancer link.  In a press release, one of the authors of this study, Dr. Johan Thevelein, even went so far as to make the following bold statement…

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#241 The 30 Minute Rule for Longevity

The 30 Minute Rule for Longevity The 30-minute rule for longevity may be the most critical factor in determining who stays young and who gets old.  In this article, I will share with you what the 30-minute rule for longevity is and the latest research backing up this rule. The 30 Minute Rule for Longevity Study Dr. Keith M. Diaz from Columbia University in New York City recently published his findings on the 30-minute rule for longevity after studying 7,985…

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#238 Mercury and Alzheimer’s: Does Eating Fish Increase the Risk?

Mercury and Alzheimer's: Does Eating Fish Increase the Risk? Studies show that eating fish protects the brain.  However, studies also show that mercury increases the risk of dementia.  So does eating fish, even if there is some mercury in it, increase or decrease your risk of Alzheimer's disease?  Be sure to continue reading this article to find out the answer... The Rush University Mercury, Alzheimer's and Fish Study Dr. Martha Clare Morris and colleagues from Rush University have been at…

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#237 Do You Have These Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms? 10 Reasons Why You Need More

Do You Have These Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms? 10 Reasons Why You Need More Studies show that up to 89% of all Americans are magnesium deficient.  In fact, you just may be one of these magnesium deficient people and not even know it. In this podcast, I discuss the common magnesium deficiency symptoms.  I also discuss 10 reasons why you need more magnesium. If you would rather not listen to this podcast to learn more about magnesium deficiency, here is a…

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#236 Can Buying Time Increase Happiness and Longevity?

Can Buying Time Increase Happiness and Longevity? In our fast paced modern life, most of us are in living in a time famine.  As a perceived lack of time leads to stress, anxiety, and insomnia, can buying time increase happiness and longevity?  In this article, I review a new study evaluating whether buying stuff or time increases happiness. My Life As a child, I always looked forward to Christmas.  I loved seeing the present piled high under the Christmas tree.…

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#235 Does Artificial Light Cause Cancer?

Does Artificial Light Cause Cancer? A recent Harvard study reported that artificial light at night increases your risk of cancer by up to 21%.  In this article, I discuss how artificial light at night might cause cancer and what you can do to eliminate this risk. Mary's Experience Mary had no choice but to work the graveyard shift.  She was a nurse and shared childcare duties with her husband. As he worked days and she worked nights, they always had…

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#234 Should You Eliminate Nightshades from Your Diet?

Should You Eliminate Nightshades from Your Diet? The Internet and popular health books would have you believe peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and other nightshades cause inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases.  As I am often asked about nightshades, this article explores the research behind the misinformation and myths about nightshades.  And when it comes to health books, it is important to remember the following quote from Mark Twain: Be careful about reading health books.  You may die of a misprint. What…

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#233 3 Reasons Why Walnuts May Be the Healthiest Snack

3 Reasons Why Walnuts May Be the Healthiest Snack What you snack on may be the most important health decision you make each day.  In this article, I share the latest scientific findings on walnuts.  Based on the results of this new study, I also discuss three reasons why walnuts may be the healthiest snack. The Snacking Obesity Link We are all wired a bit differently.  Some of us do best with three meals a day while others may need…

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#232 The Best 12 Foods to Reverse Aging with Sulforaphane

Reverse Aging with Sulforaphane Could sulforaphane be the best superfood you have never heard of?  If so, that would make broccoli sprouts the healthiest food on this planet.  In this article, I'll share the science behind why sulforaphane may be the best way to reverse and prevent almost every medical condition.  I'll also reveal the best 12 foods to reverse aging with sulforaphane. What is Sulforaphane? Sulforaphane is a sulfur-containing food molecule that reverses aging, stops inflammation, kills cancer, protects…

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#231 John and Jane Day Discuss The Longevity Plan on the Maureen Anderson Show

John and Jane Day Discuss The Longevity Plan on the Maureen Anderson Show This is a special feature podcast episode.  On this podcast, my wife joined me as a guest on the Maureen Anderson show. As you can tell from this podcast, we quickly hit it off with Maureen and her husband Darell. The two of them run a nationally syndicated radio show called, Doing What Works. If you haven't yet listened to their show, I encourage you to do…

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#230 4 Ways Time in Nature Extends Life

4 Ways Time in Nature Extends Life A recently published study reports that the more green space there is within 820 feet of your home, the longer you will live.  In this article, I review this study and the scientific evidence that nature extends life.  Armed with this information, I also share some real simple strategies that could not only add years to your life but more health and happiness as well. Jeff's Experience Jeff recently came to see me…

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#229 Just Thinking You Should Exercise More May Cause an Early Death

Just Thinking You Should Exercise More May Cause an Early Death Do you ever feel like you should exercise more?  If so, you may have just increased your risk of an early death by 71% according to a new Stanford study.  In this article, I'll review this latest study and offer practical tips to a more mindful approach to physical activity. Kristen's Experience Like most young moms, Kristen had too many things on her plate.  Trying to care for small…

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#228 3 Reasons Why Reading Books Extends Lifespan by 2 Years

3 Reasons Why Reading Books Extends Lifespan by 2 Years A recently published study of 3,635 people shows that reading books extends lifespan by two-years.  Could longevity really be that easy?  In this article, I'll review this recent study and then share three reasons why this could actually work. Reading Books Extends Lifespan Study Dr. Becca R. Levy and colleagues from Yale University came up with a most fascinating study.  As it is well known that education extends life, Dr.…

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#227 Do Artificial Sweeteners Really Cause Weight Gain?

Do Artificial Sweeteners Really Cause Weight Gain? Once again, artificial sweeteners dominated the medical news this week.  This time it was from a study suggesting that artificial sweeteners might cause weight gain and heart disease.  In this article, I'll dissect the latest research and offer a practical approach to artificial sweeteners. The Latest Artificial Sweetener Study I really liked the quality of this latest study.  The researchers did a great job of trying to make sense of every study that…

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#226 3 Reasons Why Meal Timing Matters for Health and Longevity

3 Reasons Why Meal Timing Matters for Health and Longevity In our new book, The Longevity Plan, we report that living in rhythm is a key component for health and longevity.  In this article, I share the latest research showing why meal timing, or eating in rhythm, can allow you to eat more without gaining weight, prevent heart problems, and possibly even extend your life. What is Meal Timing? Just as it is important to sleep at approximately the same…

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#225 The Longevity Plan Reviews

The Longevity Plan Reviews The book critics loved The Longevity Plan.  Getting great Longevity Plan reviews is quite impressive given that book critics generally don't care for health and wellness books.  Readers have also given great Longevity Plan reviews as witnessed by the book sitting for weeks as the #1 best seller on Amazon. The Longevity Plan is Unlike Any Other Book Perhaps the reason why the Longevity Plan reviews have been so strong is because The Longevity Plan is unlike…

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#224 The Longevity Plan

The Longevity Plan I never thought I would write a book.  Much less, I never imagined that this book, The Longevity Plan, would sit for weeks as the number one Amazon best seller just from book pre-orders alone or be featured in world-wide publications like the Wall Street Journal. The Longevity Plan came almost by accident.  Six year ago I had lost my health.  Even as a Stanford University trained cardiologist at the top of my field, I was taking…

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#223 6 Ways to Slow Aging

6 Ways to Slow Aging How old are you?  Is it the number of candles on your birthday cake or your mindset?  In this article, I will teach you how to slow aging and reverse your biological age. Aging and the Medical System Just prior to giving the keynote lecture at a large medical conference organized by Northwestern University in Chicago on the subject of “How to Thrive to 100,” a surprising number of conference attendees I met said something…

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#222 Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Heart?

Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Heart? Coconut oil is the health food darling on the Internet. However, media headlines this past week proclaimed "coconut oil isn't healthy" based on a new report from the American Heart Association.  So who is right?   In this article, I'll answer the question, is coconut oil good for your heart?  I'll also share with you four ways to enjoy coconut oil without putting your heart at risk. The American Heart Association's Coconut Oil Stance As part of…

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#221 The 3 Secrets to Perfect Gut Health

The 3 Secrets to Perfect Gut Health More and more research is pointing to optimal gut health as the secret to a long life free of medical problems.  In this article, I share the 3 secrets to perfect gut health. Could Gut Health Be the Fountain of Youth? As most readers know, we have a new book, The Longevity Plan: 7 Life Transforming Lessons from Ancient China.  This book represents five years of research and writing. In this book, we…

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#220 The Top 5 Causes of Fake Hunger

The Top 5 Causes of Fake Hunger If you’re like most people, you think that feeling hungry is a signal that you need to eat.  And you likely try to quell it by eating something right away, regardless of whether it’s something you really need or even want.  Would you believe me if I told you that your sensation of hunger may not even be real physical hunger?  In this article, I will show you how to stop the top 5…

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#219 Chocolate Prevents Atrial Fibrillation…Really?

Chocolate Prevents Atrial Fibrillation If you read the news this past week, you saw the headlines.  Chocolate prevents atrial fibrillation. It seems to good to be true.  How can something that tastes so good also be healthy for your heart?  In this article, I'll review the latest chocolate study and share what it really means to you. What is Atrial Fibrillation? Before I jump into the study, I want to first explain what atrial fibrillation is for those who may…

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#218 The 2 Secrets to Making Exercise a Daily Habit

The 2 Secrets to Making Exercise a Daily Habit Most people don't really enjoy their workout.  Perhaps that explains why so many people never get their money's worth with the gym membership.  In this article, I share the two secrets to making exercise a daily habit. Why Exercise? If your reason for exercising is to burn calories, build muscle or even improve your cardiovascular health, then chances are really good that you’re doing exercises that you don’t really enjoy all…

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#217 6 Foods to Reverse Aging with Lithium

6 Foods to Reverse Aging with Lithium Could a microscopic dose of the psychoactive drug lithium, which occurs naturally in mineral water and certain foods, actually be the secret to less heart disease, better moods, and a longer life?  In this article, I share how eating six foods may reverse aging with lithium. What is Lithium? Lithium is a naturally occurring mineral in food and water.  It isn't just a psychoactive medication. In fact, lithium is  increasingly being recognized as an essential…

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#216 Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For You?

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For You? Some claim that apple cider vinegar is the key to health and longevity.  In this article, I'll share the science behind these claims and answer the question, is apple cider vinegar good for you? Was Apple Cider Vinegar the Key to Jeff's Longevity? Every time Jeff came in for his annual cardiology visit, I was amazed at his health.  Even though he had atrial fibrillation, his health was otherwise perfect at age 92. Without missing…

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#215 Is Diet Soda Bad for You?

Is Diet Soda Bad for You? If you have been following the news, then the media probably had you convinced that diet soda causes strokes and dementia.  Is that really true?  In this article, I review this latest diet soda study and what we know about diet sodas.  I will also attempt to answer the question, is diet soda bad for you? The Latest Diet Soda Study In the latest diet soda study, Dr. Matthew Pase and colleagues from Tufts University…

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#214 Can Vitamins Make Up for a Bad Diet?

Can Vitamins Make Up for a Bad Diet? Many people take a multivitamin as insurance for any nutrient that might be missing from their diet.  Could this thinking be flawed?  In this article, I share the latest research to answer the question, can vitamins make up for a bad diet? The Latest Study To answer the question, can vitamins make up for a bad diet? Harvard researchers dug through an average of 14 years worth of medical records from 13,316 male physicians. Of…

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#213 4 Reasons Why Dieting Is Bad For Your Heart

4 Reasons Why Dieting Is Bad For Your Heart Studies show that up to 98% of diets fail.  According to new research, dieting might increase your risk of a heart attack as much as smoking.  In this article, I share four reasons why dieting is bad for your heart. Dieting Is Bad For Your Heart Study Unless you were on a media fast this past week, you probably heard about the dieting study the whole world was talking about.  This study was…

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#212 The 7 Foods That Determine Your Lifespan

The 7 Foods That Determine Your Lifespan New research shows that there are 7 foods that account for half of all deaths.  In this article, I discuss these 7 foods that determine your lifespan. Foods That Determine Your Lifespan Study As you may have seen, this recently published study gathered a lot of media attention.  The reason for this is because no other study has ever demonstrated that half of all deaths can be narrowed down to just a small number of foods. The…

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#211 How to Make Your Heart 30 Years Younger: Lessons from the Tsimane

How to Make Your Heart 30 Years Younger: Lessons from the Tsimane The Tsimane living in the Amazon rainforest have hearts that are 30 years younger than anything you might see in the US or other developed countries.  How do they do it? In this article, I share the science behind the Tsimane people who have the healthiest hearts ever studied.  I will also teach you how to make your heart 30 years younger by learning the secrets of the…

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