Mistletoe Extract Shows Promise Against Cancer

Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that has enjoyed use as an awkward holiday decoration for many years. It contains several active substances that appear to directly cause death to tumor cancer cells and stimulate an immune response. A small clinical trial demonstrated for the first time that mistletoe extract may be able to improve quality of life and disease control when used as a cancer support therapy in patients with advanced cancer. (More)

6 Top Ways to Avoid Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and acid salts that can be extremely painful to pass via the urinary system. About ⅔ of people who have had one kidney stone will develop another one in the future. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk of kidney stone formation, including by increasing your fluid intake, cutting down on your sodium/salt intake, and limiting animal protein in your diet. (More)

Plant-Based, Mediterranean Diets Help Protect Against Prostate Cancer

Eating a rainbow of whole fruits and vegetables is good for your health in numerous ways. Now, two recent studies have found that colorful, plant-based eating following Mediterranean or Asian diets helps prevent prostate cancer in men. Researchers also found that these two diets, which are rich in numerous micronutrients, helped speed recovery for men undergoing radiation for existing prostate cancer. (More)

Choir Singing Can Improve Your Health & Happiness

Singing— even in the shower— is linked to a number of health benefits like lower stress levels, pain relief, and a stronger immune system. Evidence suggests that choir singing, specifically, has all of these benefits and is also effective for forging social bonds, especially within large groups. It may even improve your sense of happiness and well-being while protecting brain function. (More)

Good Quality Sleep Could Add Years to Your Life

Good sleep habits can be hard to stick with, but new research indicates that those who do sleep better— especially when they are young— are less likely to die early than those who don’t. Researchers pinpointed five specific beneficial sleep habits that contribute most to longevity. The habits were a mixture of quantity of sleep (i.e., how many hours per night) and quality of sleep (no trouble staying asleep, not using sleep medication, etc.). Those who had all five favorable habits were 30% less likely to die for any reason than those who had zero to one habits. (More)