Are all protein powders created equal?

Protein powders have become the go-to meal replacement option. According to Euromonitor International, 2013 sales of protein powders were at least $7 billion for sports nutrition powders as well as weight management protein shakes. Conditioned by years of meat-industry proclamations of protein being good for building muscle, yet stymied by the dangers of animal fat in the diet, consumers are turning to powders to get the protein they feel they need. But, potential dangers lurk in certain protein powder supplements.

Yoga for heart health

Developed in India 3,000 years ago, yoga is a mind and body practice with historical origins in ancient Indian philosophy. Yoga helps create strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body. While there are more than 100 different types of yoga, typically sessions are comprised of breathing exercises, meditation and holding various postures (sometimes called asanas or poses) that stretch and flex various muscle groups. While holding a yoga pose, you focus inward. You try to become more mindful of your body, as well as to focus and quiet the mind.

Statin drugs may increase your risk for cataracts

Cataract surgery is so common that it almost seems like a normal part of aging. Cloudy lenses in the eye are surgically removed, and new ones are popped in like contacts. Voila, Grandma is seeing 20/20 again. But cataract surgery can have complications, and there may an uncomfortable period of vaguely cloudy vision before eye doctors consider cataracts “bad enough” to operate. So are there ways to prevent this eye surgery?

Probiotics for oral health!

Oral hygiene is not just an issue of beauty and having a great smile. In fact, your oral health affects many areas of your health. For example, according to Mayo Clinic, some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight, and gum disease seems to be more prevalent and severe in people with diabetes.

New Year’s resolution 2015: Fill in the gaps in your workout routine!

New Year’s advertising for gym memberships is as predictable as after-Christmas sales. This is the time of year when we are all at our most virtuous. But workouts should be complete to achieve the dazzling results you want. For example, running won’t strengthen your arms and powerlifting won’t make you flexible.

Try natural solutions to help kids with ADHD focus

Getting kids to pay attention has never been easy, but now, it’s a worldwide obsession. In the last few decades, diagnoses of childhood ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) have skyrocketed, along with sales of potent, expensive drugs to treat the disorder. Almost everyone knows a family affected by ADHD.

Birth control pills may be putting you at risk for dangerous blood clots

While all birth control pills carry some risk, some are much higher risk than others, with one of the primary concerns being your risk of developing a blood clot in the legs or pelvis. The clot may block off blood flow and travel up through the blood stream to your vital organs, like the lungs or heart. This can be fatal -- even for a young, healthy woman. This kind of blood clot in the veins is called a venous thromboembolism (a blood clot is known as a thrombus, and an embolism is anything that obstructs blood flow).

Probiotics: bacteria to promote a strong gut and immune system

The root of the word probiotic comes from the Greek word pro, meaning "promoting" and biotic, meaning "life." And you’ll find it in more places than just your Greek yogurt. Probiotics can also be found in kombucha drinks, kefir and supplements.

Green bananas: a diabetes-friendly snack

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits around. In fact, they seem to be America’s favorite fruit, according to the USDA. The average American eats 27 pounds of bananas a year, and it’s no wonder! They're high in potassium, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins B6 and C. But what you may not know about bananas is that you don't have to wait for them to turn yellow to enjoy them.

Reasons your blood pressure reading may be off

Have you ever been in a situation where your blood pressure reading sounds way higher than you expected? Something seems off, but after multiple measurements, it seems obvious the numbers aren't budging. You go fill a prescription and faithfully take meds for a condition you’re still not entirely convinced you have. But hey – the numbers don’t lie, right? Wrong.

Read my lipids: Prostate cancer risk greater with high cholesterol, triglycerides

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among American men. This year, approximately 233,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 29,480 will die from it. It is estimated that prostate cancer affects 1 in 7 men – so how can you be more proactive?

Burdock: A soother, purifier, free radical fighter all in one?

Often known as an herbal detox remedy in alternative medicine, burdock is in the daisy plant family and grows as a weed in the United States and several other countries. In Japan and some parts of Europe, burdock is eaten as a vegetable.