While everyone is at risk of common health problems, some issues impact women more than men. And some concerns are exclusive to women.By understanding the risks, women can better control ...

Joints are the connections between your bones that allow flexibility and movement of your skeleton. According to Medline Plus, joints are “complex structures of bone, muscles, synovium, c...

Although the words “detox” and “cleanse” are popular in the natural health world, there are many misconceptions about what these words mean. Some people think that detoxing and cleansing ...

There’s something cleansing and rejuvenating about springtime. The sun and warmer weather return, and everyone is excited to get outside more. It’s also a fantastic time to spring into he...

The kidneys are two bean-shaped, fist-sized organs on the left and right of your body, directly below your ribcage area. And although they might look kind of funny, the kidneys’ purposes ...

Diabetes is an incredibly common disease — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in ten Americans have it. But even though many people know of diabe...

Do you want to eat better but struggle to do so, week after week? Meal prep can help you streamline your healthy eating without being complicated. By putting in a little effort ahead of t...

When it gets colder outside, we’re all tempted to go into hibernation mode — lighting up the fireplace and getting comfy under the blankets. While there are good reasons to slow down duri...

Most people don’t think of winter as being synonymous with health. In fact, most of us are used to hearing about the risks of cold weather, such as weaker immunity and becoming more seden...

Want to eat healthy during the holidays this year? If you answered "yes", that doesn't mean you're guaranteed a season of boring blandness. Instead, you can eat well and enjoy yourself.He...

Did you know that the nopal cactus (also known as the prickly pear) has some unique benefits on your health? Nopales are the flat paddles found on cactuses. They are common meal ingredien...

Your lungs are vital organs that constantly work to keep you going. As you breathe in, your lungs provide you with fresh air; as you breathe out, they remove harmful waste. But to stay he...

Halloween is a fun holiday for many, and it’s hard to think about “spooky time” without candy corn and other delicious candy. But what if you want to celebrate with healthy Halloween trea...

Move over, pumpkin spice — there’s a healthier spice in town! We’re talking about the delicious taste and benefits of the turmeric latte (also known as a golden milk latte).Turmeric has b...

The fall season comes with shorter days, cooler temperatures, and fun seasonal activities. While there are many pros of autumn, the transition can also be a challenge. Fewer hours of dayl...

We’ve all seen movies where kids are teased or harmed by the bully at school, but it’s hard to fully understand what it’s like until you’ve been through it yourself — or your child comes ...

Teenagers are busy people. From school year start to end, their schedules are filled with classes, homework, studying for tests, team sports, plans with friends, and other extracurricular...

Whether your family is back to school or still soaking up summer vacation time, your young ’uns will soon be using their minds to solve problems and flex their creative muscles. As a pare...

Hot temperatures in the summer can be brutal on your skin: extra heat and humidity increase sweating, dehydration and oil production. The result can be breakouts, dry skin and other uncom...

Many of us look forward to summertime with its vacations, sun-filled days, and time by the pool or beach. But that doesn’t mean life stops! We still have responsibilities that make it har...

It’s a pretty plant with a funny name and some amazing benefits. Uva ursi means “grape of the bears” because bears love its bright red berries. However, humans use another part of the pla...

Getting older is a normal part of life, yet humans are often afraid of aging—and everything that comes with it. We forget that the old saying rings true: Age is just a number.No matter yo...

You’ve probably heard the saying of “calories in equals calories out” regarding weight loss. But for many people, burning body fat is more complicated than that. There are various biochem...

Vitamin D is one of the most powerful nutrients for your body. You can get this essential vitamin from foods, supplements, or sun exposure (but don’t forget the sunscreen!). While many pe...

After you eat, your digestive system (also known as your gut) starts to work. It breaks the food down into nutrients and energy for your body to use. But even when the gut is doing its th...

Worrying is hard on your mental health and your physical health. When life feels scary or uncertain, it can be hard to not collapse under anxious and worrying thoughts. While there’s no o...

During the current global health crisis, it is wise to remember the old adage, "the best defense is a good offense." Living healthy is a significant key to supporting the immune system - ...

An unhealthy endocrine system can mean trouble for your body, as it’s responsible for many different functions. Let’s look at why the endocrine system is so important, its most important ...

Energy. Most of us feel like we could do with more of it each day. We have things to do, work to accomplish, and responsibilities to fulfill. While there’s no magic pill for perfect energ...

Here at MNP, we believe that many of the best food choices center around organic options. There are many benefits of eating organic foods. The problem many people run into when trying to ...

The blood sugar inside your body is your main source of energy. Also known as “glucose,” you get blood sugar from the foods you eat, and it’s transported to all of your cells. If blood su...

You probably already know that keeping your heart strong is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. But maybe you wonder exactly how to maintain a healthy heart. What actions can you ta...

Blood pressure is one of the main numbers to pay attention to for a healthy heart. Knowing your numbers—including what a normal blood pressure looks like—can help you know when changes ne...

A “healthy weight” can be subjective in many ways. Although we have guidelines like body mass index (BMI), the number on the scale leaves out a lot of information about what it actually m...

Metabolism is the process of converting the food you eat into energy for your body’s functions. It involves many chemical reactions and fuels everything from moving to breathing to thinki...

With a new year upon us, you’ve probably seen a lot of people looking back on the past 365 days and discussing what they want to do differently. New Year’s resolutions are incredibly comm...

You don’t need to go on some crazy crash diet or starve yourself to get back on track after the holidays. In fact, those actions can set you up for failure, leaving you hungry and fatigue...

Most people know that staying hydrated is vital during the warm summer months. But what about drinking enough water during the colder winter season? Here’s what you need to know about hyd...

We spend a lot of time, money, and energy preparing for different holidays throughout the year. It’s easy to forget about what’s truly most important during these times: the relationships...

Most of us associate cold weather with the late fall and winter months, which brings us holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. These can be festive and exciting times, but...

While it’s possible to get sick at any time of year, the risk of disease typically spikes during winter. You probably notice more people around you (including yourself) coming down with s...

The holidays are often described as “magical” and the “most wonderful time of the year.” But what if you are dealing with the holiday blues more than cheer? You’re not alone. The numbers ...

Most of us know that what we eat can affect the health of our skin. When eating well, you might notice your skin is looking clearer and taking on a healthy glow. But what we put on our sk...

Heartburn is often described as discomfort or burning in the mid and upper chest, sometimes including the neck and throat. About a third of Americans experience heartburn once a month or ...

Every year, 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Those with diabetes make up almost 9.5 percent of the population, and it is ...

There has been a lot of discussion throughout the years about how much meat is safe to eat. Many of us turn to fish as a healthier alternative. After all, the American Heart Association d...

Prostate cancer statistics show it is the second leading cancer among men (behind skin cancer). It is most commonly diagnosed in men over age 65, but the risk especially increases past ag...

Cholesterol is an important substance for your body. Contrary to popular belief, your body actually needs cholesterol to function. However, having too-high levels of total and LDL cholest...

Your adrenal glands are small and out of sight, but they are incredibly important. They create hormones your body needs to function and thrive. You can’t live without these small but vita...

With jobs, school, after-school activities, and more, it can be hard to stay healthy as a family, let alone get together once a day for dinner. Eating and living healthfully can be challe...

With everything women must juggle in daily life, it’s difficult to prioritize health. However, taking care of yourself is the best way to show up in the world. It also helps ensure you fe...

High cholesterol is a very common problem in the developed world—so much so that most people have heard it’s dangerous. The truth is, your body actually needs some cholesterol. But high n...

The percentage of obese kids and teenagers has increased more than three times since the 1970s, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This is a problem since obesity can hav...

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes red, scaly, and sometimes itchy patches. There is no known cure for psoriasis. It’s a chronic condition that may come and go throughout some...

The word “superfood” has been tossed around a lot in recent years, but there’s some ambiguity about what it actually means. There is no set definition of what makes one food more “super” ...

The most effective natural remedies for a cold are quite simple. Basically, you want to ramp up your self-care and focus on rest. This can be difficult for many of us. We live busy lives ...

Your immune system is designed to protect you from disease and illness. But factors like stress, poor diet, environmental pollutants, and even changes of season can lower your body’s defe...

You’ve likely heard that exercise, a healthy diet, and mindfulness can help with stress relief. But sometimes, you can do everything “right” and still need additional help. This is where ...

Stress is a daily part of life for most people. And while some stress helps us survive, chronic stress can lead to sickness. By employing certain relaxation techniques, we can help combat...

A fast-paced life can happen so easily. With the internet, social media, and every type of technology at our fingertips, we’re constantly connected—and it can take a toll. But if you’re f...

Cancer is a scary disease that’s, unfortunately, the second leading cause of death in the United States. We’re learning more about it every day, but there’s still a lot to understand abou...

Whether you work out five days a week or are recently getting back into exercise, sore muscles can happen. You usually experience soreness most when you’ve done something your body isn’t ...

Do you get enough exercise? For most Americans, that answer is a big “no.” Most of us have sedentary jobs, drive a vehicle to and fro, and generally don’t have a lot of obvious opportunit...

It’s no secret that physical exercise is good for your physical health. It can help reduce your risk of chronic illnesses and promote a healthy weight and muscle mass. But we don’t often ...

One in four people globally are not getting enough exercise, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). That’s not just older people; over 80 percent of adolescents aren’t getting ...

Mindful eating is often the missing piece to a healthy lifestyle. Many of us are so rushed day-to-day that we grab what’s quick and convenient. It’s hard to slow down, especially during m...

As swimsuit season approaches, many people look for ways to tighten, tone, and lose weight for the beach and other get-togethers. While weight loss can be a good change for many of us, it...

Many people are currently trying to lose weight. And while weight loss can be great for your health, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about how to do it safely and healthily. Let...

Many people lose weight every day, but only a small percentage of them are actually keeping the weight off. What’s their secret to how to maintain the weight loss?Healthy weight loss and ...

Many of us check at least one of the social media platforms every day—often several times a day. But emerging research shows we may need to pause and consider: what is the impact of socia...

Spring is here, and when the warmer months arrive many of us are excited to get out for some vacation time. If you’re planning to travel this year, don’t forget the importance of caring f...

A healthy diet is essential to a well-rounded, flourishing lifestyle. While your diet doesn’t need to be perfect, there are likely little ways it can be tweaked and enhanced. Starting sma...

Every time you eat, your digestive system is working hard for you, breaking down food and assimilating it for your body to use. Are you giving it the support it needs to do its job?Withou...

Dietary fiber is the rough, indigestible part of plant foods. It’s a type of carbohydrate that your body does not break down or absorb—but it does a lot of good for your health. Eating pl...

About 142 million Americans over the age of 40 deal with vision problems, according to a 2016 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). Many times, t...

Research on alcohol has made news headlines countless times with articles either applauding or denouncing its benefits. But what’s the truth? Is alcohol good for you, actually?Alcohol is ...

Athletes of all ages are at risk of injury. Physical fitness can be so good for your muscles, bones, and overall health, but injury prevention is key to avoid hurting yourself during trai...

Fasting means not eating for a certain period of time. Fasts can last anywhere from several hours to days at a time, and there are different reasons a person might fast. Let’s look at som...

So many holidays and life events during the year allow us to dote on the special people in our lives, but it’s often much harder to care for the most important person: ourselves.Today and...

Getting enough sleep is just as important as good diet and exercise for your health. But many of us are walking around sleep-deprived, day after day. Whether you have a busy schedule, dea...

The foods we eat each day matter for our health. And one of the most important organs you can nourish with a healthy diet is working for you every single second: your heart! To help you s...

Reproductive health refers to the overall well-being of both the male and female reproductive systems during all life stages. Our reproductive systems literally produce life if an individ...

Women go through many changes during their lifetime; one of the biggest is menopause. Whether you’re not quite menopause age, are going through it right now, or a loved one is menopausal,...

The thyroid is a small part of your body, but it’s largely important—and thyroid issues can greatly affect your body and well-being. Let’s look at some crucial facts about the thyroid, ea...

Two of the most common resolutions people make each year are to eat better and to lose weight (closely matched with getting more exercise). For many people, that starts with cutting out s...

Weather is a common allergy trigger—so it’s no surprise that winter allergies are typical as it gets colder outside. And allergies in the chillier months are often slightly different than...

During warmer months, the sun’s rays are especially strong. And while a sunny day feels great and tans are popular, too much sun is a big risk to your health. The following sun safety tip...

As the winter months approach, temperatures drop and the coats and scarves come out as we brave the cold. For many of us, this can also bring uncomfortable skin dryness. You might find yo...

Winter brings us shorter days, less sunlight and colder temperatures. For many of us, that means tasks like getting up for work or going to the gym become a real struggle—also known as: w...

Proper hand washing is an act many of us take for granted. As kids, we were taught to wash our hands after going to the bathroom, before eating dinner, etc. But it’s easy to get lazy in t...

Much of the end of the year (and beginning of next year) is dedicated to holiday-related activities. And while this season can be full of love and cheer, it can also be a lot to handle. F...

Over 15 out of every 100 American adults currently smoke cigarettes, and 18 million are living with a disease related to smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control(CDC). Smokin...

November is Healthy Bladder Month. Not a particularly exciting topic and most people don’t actively talk about their bladder health. The truth is, it’s very important!Your bladder support...

Your skin is your largest organ—and the most visible one. Are you keeping it healthy? Just like the rest of your body, your skin needs regular attention and care.With November being Natio...

Millions of Americans live with a mental health condition like depression. While there is no substitute for getting professional help for your mental health concerns, there are several li...

Every moment, your lungs are working for you, bringing oxygen into your body and removing carbon dioxide waste. Breathing is what keeps our cells working—breaking down nutrients and creat...

Bone and joint conditions are the most common reason for severe chronic pain and physical disability in the world.[1] Hundreds of millions of people are affected by problems related to bo...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is all about breast health. Most women probably don’t think too much about this day-to-day—but it’s an important topic.Breasts come in all ...

Every second, your heart is pumping blood through your body to keep you alive and well. Since you usually can’t feel your heart beating as you move throughout your day, it’s easy to forge...

Your body contains over 100 trillion microorganisms – and many of those microbes are bacteria. Some bacteria are bad, which your body fights off, while other bacteria are beneficial. Thos...

Prostate health is not a topic that comes up in everyday conversation, but it’s an important one. Just like each part of the body, the prostate is supported by a well-balanced diet and li...

You probably already know exercise is good for health and longevity. But did you know yoga can provide the same benefits as other forms of exercise—and then some?Let’s look at the top ben...

We all get older; it’s an inevitable part of life. But aging doesn’t need to be something bad we try to avoid. In fact, you don’t have to feel older as you age—no matter what that age is....

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural human processes – but did you know it actually has a lot of advantages for babies and their mothers? Let’s look at the main benefits to consider f...

Many schools are starting back in August now, which means it’s time to start buying supplies and getting ready to jump back into the routine! But that’s not all—there’s a lot involved wit...

If you’re reading this right now, you’re using two very important organs in your body: your eyes!Although we use our eyes to see, read and ultimately make sense of the world, their health...

Warm weather meals generally call for different recipes than cold weather. Who wants soup when it’s 100 degrees outside?! So, we’ve Googled, read, and pulled out all the cookbooks in orde...

Summer is in full-swing, and it’s the perfect time for cool, crisp, healthy salads.But you don’t need warm weather as an excuse to eat more greens and veggies. Salads are a great idea any...

The best way to eat healthy meals is by making your own. But what if you’re traveling, on vacation, at a work dinner or having a nice dinner out with friends or family?There’s nothing wro...

June is Men’s Health Month, which is a great reminder for men to make an appointment for their annual physical and take better care of their health. All too often, guys don’t pay enough a...

Did you know that sitting too much can increase your risk of almost every disease?A study from the American Cancer Society has demonstrated the dangers of sitting for too long. It suggest...

Everyone knows about “comfort foods”. We all run to them when we’re feeling a little down, stressed or depressed. We eat what makes us feel good during those times. The truth is that we h...

The focus for many of our blog articles has been on summer and how to survive it safely! This week we’re going to cover what you should know about summer hair care.While most of you plan ...

With Father’s Day around the corner, thinking up new and creative gift ideas for Dad can be a challenge. So, instead of another tie or coffee mug, how about finding gifts to help the Dad ...

You’re never too old, and it’s never too late, to do activities for your physical, emotional and mental health. You can enrich your life at any age—and start at any time!Whether you’re an...

A healthy work environment is key to having happy and satisfied employees. And since many office workers struggle to get enough physical activity or eat well, why not encourage their heal...

The bright and sunny weather is making its way across most of the country. So, now it’s time to start thinking about summer sunscreen safety. If you’re like most health-conscious people, ...

There’s never a bad time to let Mom know she’s loved and appreciated. And a great way to do so is by supporting her health and wellness!Whether you need a Mother’s Day gift, birthday gift...

May is Mental Health Month, so this week we’re talking about a commonly ignored aspect of health: emotional stress.There are two types of stress: physical stress and emotional stress. Emo...

Most Americans don’t get enough exercise, and that includes kids, too. The rise of digital activities like TV, computers, tablets and smartphones, and video games has made it extremely ea...

Ear infections can happen year round, but some people—especially kids—can get them more during the warmer months while swimming and doing other water-related activities. No matter when th...

Your eyes are just like the rest of your body: they need good nutrition to thrive. Eating a balanced diet (along with reducing sun exposure) alone is good for your eyes, but below are som...

While there’s no full-proof plan for how to live longer, there are several daily habits we can control. Here are the top seven to practice each and every day.1. Keep Your Body and Mind Ac...

Go to any grocery store at Easter time and you’ll see aisles full of chocolates, candies and chick- and bunny-themed treats. They look yummy, but all the sugar and processed ingredients a...

In honor of both Women’s History Month and National Nutrition Month, we’re dedicating this week to women and their special nutritional needs!While good nutrition is fundamental for everyo...

Some good fortunes happen due to luck, but a healthy life is something we must maintain for ourselves. And there’s no better day to promote that good health than with the Luck of the Iris...

Spring is fast approaching! We all know about spring cleaning for the home, but have you considered the need to spring clean your body, too?It’s a great season to take a look at what you’...

We all experience work stress sometimes, but is yours affecting your health?Short-term stress can be helpful for getting things done and meeting deadlines, but chronic work stress—whether...

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the United States. That’s a scary statistic, but thankfully there’s a lot we can do to protect our tickers—like eating a healthy diet.But what ex...

February is American Heart Month! And since we’re all about sharing the love through health, here are some passionate ways to care for your heart on the holiday most popular for sharing i...

Most people know whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, are good for us, but what about packaged foods that claim to be healthy? How much can we trust them?Due to clever marketing or di...

The winter months bring us the holidays, a new year, and many other meaningful times of life. But colder temperatures and shorter days can also spur an imbalance in some of us, causing a ...

The New Year is upon us! Did you make a resolution to eat better?While New Year resolutions can be great launching points to create a better life, you might find yourself a little overwhe...

Even at our Michael’s® headquarters in balmy San Antonio, Texas, the weather has been a little more frigid this winter. As the temperatures drop, we can expect an increase in cold weather...

Runny nose, fever, aching body, sneezing. We’re all familiar with these symptoms and most of us experience them sometimes.Both the common cold and flu are frequent ailments people get eac...

As the temperature drops near the end of each year, you might notice more aching joints. Maybe they hurt in an area of past injury or surgery. Colder weather may lead to flare ups in the ...

Food is a huge part of the holiday season. But those who are mindful of health or weight management might worry about those salt- or sugar-laden foods that are less than nutritious. If yo...

There are many things to love about the holidays: time with family and friends, gift-giving, decorations and celebrations. But there can be a downside to the holiday season that isn’t tal...

So much of the holidays is about community – shopping for gifts, visiting loved ones, going to parties and more. While these are all wonderful aspects of the season, they can take a toll ...

Teeth are one of the first things we notice in other people, and they’re important for many things, from expressing ourselves with a smile to chewing our food for good nutrition. The heal...

Omega-3s are amazing for supporting our minds, bodies and overall health! Maybe you’ve heard about omega-3s but aren’t sure where to get them or why they’re important. Below, we’ll answer...

Do You Have to Eat a Big Breakfast to Be Healthy?You’ve probably heard the saying that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Many weight loss diets will tout the same philoso...

Most of us tend to eat richer, sugary foods during the holiday months. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year all have their array of decadent sweets. While many of us have whol...

You’ve probably heard that our skin is the largest organ of the body! It not only protects our insides, but also covers the face we present to the world. Just like the rest of our body, h...

When it comes to sodium, nutrition experts are still debating. Some say we need to cut way back on it, while others warn on the dangers of not getting enough.The truth is we do need some ...

Pre-packaged lunch meats and deli meats are used as a quick lunch solution for many people, but there are reasons to be wary of this choice. These types of meats are not only poor in nutr...

Most of us have felt bloated at times. But for some people, it’s an everyday occurrence. Although most of the time bloating isn’t serious, it can be a real annoyance if it happens often.L...

Autumn is well on its way, which means cold season will be here before we know it! That means more people prepping tissue supplies and stocking up on Vitamin C.You might know that you can...

Headaches show up in different ways depending on the situation and severity, but one thing’s for sure — they aren’t fun. In fact, regular headaches can greatly interfere with quality of l...

Our daily choices affect the brain, as well as the rest of the body — and sometimes our modern environment can make us feel a little off, tired, or experience a lack of concentration or “...

When we discuss health, it’s often centered around topics like strong bones and heart, balanced blood sugar and healthy weight. But we mustn’t forget about the important organ that sits a...

Friendships can play an important role in health and longevity. Being socially connected to other humans is one of our most basic needs — not only for surviving but also thriving. We crav...

Many people look forward to a fresh cup of coffee to start their day or for a “boost” during an afternoon slump. But those who are health conscious might be wondering if coffee is okay to...

We all feel low energy sometimes, but it’s a problem if feeling tired is a daily occurrence. While there are a number of reasons for tiredness and fatigue, some simple changes might help ...

Eating and living well is the best way to nourish our bodies and avoid health concerns as we get older — and that includes the health of our bones! They form the framework of our bodies, ...

Do you wake up each day with a purpose? Whether you do or not could have a significant impact on your sleep and sleep-related conditions.A study recently published in Sleep Science and Pr...

There are many reasons to look forward to the summer season: vacations, the kids being out of school, longer days, and getting sun out by the pool. But are you staying hydrated enough?Dri...

You likely know that exercise is important. But how much do you need, exactly? And how do stay motivated if exercise itself seems like a chore? If these are questions you have, here’s a q...

Dealing with pain and aren’t sure why? It could be caused by something common you do every day and didn’t realize was an issue. Here are some of the top offenders and how you can modify t...

Aging is an inevitable part of life; something we can’t control. But what we can control is how we feel as we age and the health aspects of it all. Here are some easy ways to help you enj...

If you experience frequent urination, there are a number of reasons for it. One cause could be an irritated bladder. Some of the stimulants that aggravate the bladder are sweet dried frui...

I recently read a few articles that I thought would be of benefit, especially if you are a parent. The gist of these articles is that children who use cell phones, tablets, computers and ...

Your kidneys perform many essential functions, such as filtering wastes from your bloodstream, removing excess water, producing hormones, regulating electrolytes in your body and maintain...

An allergy is an abnormal reaction to something in your environment or to a food you eat. Triggers are called allergens.The allergens in food are somewhat of a mystery to medical science....

Monkfish is taken primarily with bottom trawls and dredges, which result in high levels of by-catch and habitat damage. This Atlantic bottomfish was once considered worthless, but rising ...

This is the second article in the B complex vitamins series. As mentioned in our original post "The B-Complex Vitamins – Simplified (March 2015), the members of the ‘Vitamin B Complex’ ar...

In a previous post on Acne, Aging and Attitude, I mentioned the causes of acne. Now I would like to offer helpful suggestions to deal with the issue.Dietary Changes for Healthy SkinA good...

I travel quite a bit and came across a newspaper article about a “new” approach to people with peanut allergies. What really struck me is that this new approach is similar to something we...

Have you ever received an email from a well-meaning friend passing on information that appeared credible on the surface, but turned out to have little real basis in fact? I received one s...

The other night at dinner I ordered Chilean Sea Bass. Then I discovered that this is another fish primarily caught with bottom trawls. In addition, they can also be caught with longlines,...

Vitamin B2 is now called riboflavin. This is one of the most widely distributed water-soluble vitamins in the body. As a co-enzyme, it is important in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrate...

Do you get backaches? Here’s my view on the topic.Several factors contribute to backaches, such as stress, strain and injury. Stress, whether it is emotional or physical, creates nutritio...

This is a question I hear often, especially in my consultations. Of course, there are many variables that can affect the answer. The first consideration is the current nutritional status ...

Everyone knows about “comfort foods”. We all run to them when we’re feeling a little down, stressed or depressed. We eat what makes us feel good during those times. The truth is that we h...

This post is the first in a series of the worst fish to eat. I think that it is important to pass on this information about fish as it pertains to your health, which you may not have seen...

Hair loss can have a few different causes. There is the genetic “Male Pattern Baldness” type of hair loss, as well as autoimmune causes.Something that you may have never thought about, ho...

Vitamin E is another one of the free radical scavengers. It is a great antioxidant.  And, remember that free radicals are constantly being produced in your body during normal metabolic ac...

I had an interesting chat with my acupuncturist about time, space and energy. According to him it is an old Chinese thought. I felt it is appropriate to share because I think it can help ...

We love soda, but it works against us. Most people know that soda is unhealthy. It’s not breaking news. On the other hand, have you ever thought about or questioned if it is good for you?...

I have mentioned in the past that your blood is the life of the body. So let’s examine the cleansing process of the blood stream, which is carried out by the body’s detoxification systems...

VITAMIN D is a fat-soluble vitamin known as the “sunshine” vitamin because the action of the sun’s ultraviolet rays converts a form of cholesterol present in the skin into vitamin D.This ...

A causative factor in weight gain can be a sluggish or low thyroid. Often called the “master gland” or “power control center,’’ the thyroid is vital because of its interactions with other...

Earth Day – a time to reflect on just how amazing our planet is and how to sustain its beauty and health.Learn more about the Earth Day movement and how you can make a difference here.

Every day our bodies face an onslaught of potentially harmful factors: air and water pollution, processed foods, stress, viruses, etc. It's a lot for the body to battle on a daily basis, ...

What can you do about Arthritis?The first thing I always recommend is a dietary change. It’s not that the diet caused arthritis directly. Uric acid, a by-product of nucleic acid metabolis...

How much Vitamin C should I take daily?This is a great question. Each of us is bio-chemically unique. Because of diet and lifestyle, including work environment, different nutrient require...

I am a firm believer that if you give the body the nutrients it needs, in meaningful amounts, it will self-correct any imbalances and disharmonies. The body is the magic in correcting imb...

I read an article in Consumer Reports, “Pesticides in Produce”, which is about pesticides in conventional or commercial farming and the organic approach to growing and protecting fruits a...

Can the reproductive system be nourished to become fertile?Every system, gland, organ and function in the body REQUIRES nutrients to be able to perform and function properly. The question...

Acid reflux, GERD, heartburn and indigestion can all seem to be the same problem. When I ask people what they think causes it, I hear some of the same answers: too much stomach acid, too ...

Vitamins are classified as coenzymes or cofactors that must be supplied to the body because the body cannot synthesize them, but they are needed to activate other substances in the body. ...

When we feel down or overwhelmed there is a tendency to reach for our personal comfort foods, which oftentimes include carbohydrates.Carbohydrates that are part of our comfort food system...

Hardly anyone thinks of their home as being a polluted environment. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that indoor air pollutant levels can be higher than what is out...

Our bodies get energy from the foods we eat through the process of healthy metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Metabolism is the term used to describe the sum of all chemical ...

I was at a trade show this past weekend and did a consult with a woman who has been having anxiety attacks for a long time.Anxiety can have multiple causes. Fundamentally, all of the caus...

Vitamin A is my favorite nutrient. I carry a small bottle with me whenever I travel. At the first sign of something, (like that little sticky feeling in the back of the throat), I start t...

Fear and stress can be very detrimental to your health, but fear is the deadliest of all. Fear has many different effects on an individual and the body. On one level, it is a mind killer ...

In my last post I discussed how fear generates stress and how that affects the nutrient reservoir of the body. Stress depletes vitamins and compromises minerals.Vitamins are technically c...

Yes, supplements can affect blood pressure … and so can diet, lifestyle and other facets that make up everything we do.  Here is how blood pressure works.Blood pressure is regulated by a ...

Today we are faced with the fact that our bodies – especially our immune systems – are having a more difficult time defending us. Why is this so? We will touch on two aspects that are ins...

There is a saying that “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change.” But, extreme weather changes can wreak havoc on the body. They stress it out and tax the immu...

I want to share thoughts on dealing with cardio health from a position of strength, beginning with the main star of this system, the heart.Heart Function. The heart is a pumping station t...

Do you have a tendency toward constipation? As a Mind-Body counselor, I ask my clients many questions to get an understanding of what is taking place in their lives and bodies. The first ...

The biggest issue with the lungs is mucus and phlegm buildup, which can clog the lungs and prevent the efficient release of toxic gases, such as carbon dioxide. This can also block the am...

Gender-specific supplements are not new. They began over 25 years ago. But perhaps you don’t know it was Michael’s® Naturopathic Programs that introduced this whole new supplement categor...

As summer arrives, we all become concerned about how we may look in a bathing suit. Maybe this is the time to re-examine your diet and daily routine. If you are going to eat carbohydrates...

We are in summer mode. The time of year when you want to look your very best. An important aspect of that is your facial appearance. Whether you’re dealing with acne or wrinkles, being in...

Summer is practically upon us and this is the time of year you want to look good. Whether it’s a few pounds you want to shed or it’s in the double digits, I would recommend a holistic app...

Cholesterol has gotten a bad rap. The fact is your body needs it.  Here are a few of the many important roles cholesterol plays in your body:It is a component of cell membranes and a star...

Here are some tried and truthful ideals to live by from Michael.Minimize fried and fatty foods, and dairy as well.No sugar! Seek to eliminate sweet tasting things for awhile so you can br...

Weight loss is a major topic with many ways to approach it. There are psychological concerns as well as physiological and glandular effects at work in most everyone with weight issues. Le...

The liver is the largest internal organ of the body and is crucial to the maintenance and regulation of homeostasis of body fluids and control of body processes. In one of its many functi...

On my iPad, I have an app called News360. This app covers news from multiple sources around the globe. I choose health, science, environment and self improvement as topics that I want to ...

There is hardly a fish species that isn’t affected by pollution. We use the oceans as a dumping ground for our garbage, which is loaded with chemicals! In addition, our sewer systems dump...

Physical stress is easy to identify when you look at hard labor or strenuous exercise. However, there is another type of physical stress that compromises nutrients brought upon the body b...

Life is a wonderful, scary, inspiring, debilitating, invigorating and sometimes uncertain. Of course there are more adjectives that can be used to describe life. The truth is your life is...

“Give the body what it needs and the body will manufacture what it requires,” says Michael Schwartz on Dr. Dan Koontz’ Radio Show, KNFX in Phoenix. Enlightening! About Dr. Dan Koontz Dr. ...

On my iPad, I get U.S. and World news. There was an article on diets that I found interesting. A U.S. News panel of diet and nutrition experts examined the top five diet plans for 2013 th...

We all know that sugar is not a healthy substance. It might taste great and adds a dimension of enjoyment to everything we put it on or in, but it is one of the major ingredients that lea...

The female body’s ability to procreate and give birth is the result of an intricate combination of chemical, physical and emotional interchanges within the body. As women mature from pube...

Digestive Enzymes Supplements – To put it simply, enzymes are life. Our bodies use enzymes in a multitude of daily functions, both those we produce ourselves and those we must ingest. We ...

Seemingly simple in design, the Principles of Naturopathy image shown here represents concepts that have significant implications for our health. Together these four concepts forge a syne...

A woman’s work is never done. At no time in history has that expression held more truth than today. Between juggling college and career, child-rearing and homemaking and hobbies, the 21st...

Let’s take a look at some specific minerals and talk about what your body uses them for. These minerals should be considered when examining your diet and the contents of your mineral supp...

The adrenal glands are ductless glands of the endocrine system responsible for producing some of the most important hormones in the body. All glands of the body are classified as either e...

Minerals act as the major transmission junctions and switches for the electrical message impulses that flow from the brain to the muscles. These impulses use the nervous system as the tra...