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Articles by Ava Grace
Comfrey: A healing herb with a cautionary tale – NaturalNews.com
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a potent healing herb known for its high allantoin content, which promotes cell regeneration and accelerates tissue repair. People traditionally use it for wounds, fractures, and joint pain. However, it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can cause liver toxicity, making internal or prolonged topical use unsafe.
Petition seeks to start design contest for Minnesota’s ‘I voted’ stickers
From crop art to snow plow names, Minnesotans love creative competitions. Soon, there could be a new one: “I voted” sticker designs. A petition to allow Minnesotans to choose their voter sticker designs launched this week. The petition, created by local content creator Olivia Iverson, gained about 800 signatures from its launch on Wednesday to Friday afternoon. Petition signers agree, saying voting deserves to look cool and express Minnesotan creativity.
As Election Day approaches, Minnesotans can still opt for early voting
Ava Grace, Minnesota Public Radio News
As Election Day approaches, Minnesotans can still opt for early voting
Election Day is nearly here and Minnesotans are casting their ballots early in record numbers. Nearly 729,000 people have voted already in person, by mail or through an absentee ballot as of Friday morning, according to data from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. That's considerably more than any other nonpresidential-year election in Minnesota. At this point in 2022, only 282,277 ballots had been cast.
Peppermint: A garden’s gift for clear thinking – NaturalNews.com
Peppermint, historically used in ancient Greece, Rome and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is scientifically validated to improve memory, focus and attention. A 2024 study showed peppermint tea consumption enhanced cognitive performance, while a 2023 review highlighted its essential oil’s ability to activate brain regions linked to alertness and memory.
Kitchen Medicines and Lifestyle Habits: Strengthen Your Cold-Season Immunity
A report published by the Epoch Times describes common kitchen ingredients and daily habits that may support the body during cold and flu season [1][2]. The report names garlic, cayenne pepper, and honey as kitchen medicines and cites stress management and sleep as immune-related factors [2]. Clinical herbalist Kerry Adams, who owns Herbally Yours in New Jersey, is quoted in the report on how she uses garlic and on the role of the body’s terrain [2].
Pomegranate extract, gut bacteria and the surprising source of skin elasticity
A 12-week study of pomegranate extract supplementation in 64 women showed improved skin elasticity and hydration, with benefits linked to gut bacteria processing of the fruit’s compounds. The randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial, published in 2026, tested 367 mg and 700 mg doses of Pomanox pomegranate extract.
How Joint Supplements Can – and Cannot – Help Osteoarthritis
Joint Supplements May Offer Modest Relief, but Evidence Is Low Quality Some dietary supplements marketed for osteoarthritis may reduce pain and stiffness in knee osteoarthritis, but the overall quality of evidence is low and rankings vary widely by study, according to recent analyses.
Pilot Trial Tests Resistant Starch and Psyllium Blend for IBS on Low-FODMAP Diet
A small pilot trial examined a fiber blend of resistant starch and psyllium husk in adults with irritable bowel syndrome who were following a low-FODMAP diet, according to a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition. The study stated that IBS symptom severity remained stable and beneficial gut bacteria increased in the fiber group. No worsening of symptoms was reported in the fiber group, according to the findings.
Peppermint: A garden’s gift for clear thinking
Peppermint, historically used in ancient Greece, Rome and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is scientifically validated to improve memory, focus and attention. A 2024 study showed peppermint tea consumption enhanced cognitive performance, while a 2023 review highlighted its essential oil’s ability to activate brain regions linked to alertness and memory.
Peppermint: A garden’s gift for clear thinking
Peppermint, historically used in ancient Greece, Rome and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is scientifically validated to improve memory, focus and attention. A 2024 study showed peppermint tea consumption enhanced cognitive performance, while a 2023 review highlighted its essential oil’s ability to activate brain regions linked to alertness and memory.
Study Links Modest Fermented Dairy Intake to Lower Heart Disease Mortality
A study published in Scientific Reports in September 2026 examined 37,366 U.S. adults using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and reported that fermented dairy intake was associated with lower all-cause and heart disease mortality over a median follow-up of about 9.5 years. The fermented dairy category in the analysis included yogurt, cheese, buttermilk, and sour cream. The findings add to a longstanding debate over dairy’s place in heart-health guidance.
Your dreams may be protecting you from 83 diseases, major new study finds
More time in REM (rapid eye movement), or dream, sleep was linked to lower risk of 83 diseases in a study of 95,559 UK adults. About 48 extra minutes of REM sleep was tied to a 26% lower risk of heart failure and a 46% lower risk of dementia. More deep sleep was linked to lower risk of Type 2 diabetes and major depression. Sleeping six to eight hours carried the lowest risk for 69 conditions, while under five hours raised risk for 37.
Study Links Modest Fermented Dairy Intake to Lower Heart Disease Mortality
A study published in Scientific Reports in September 2026 examined 37,366 U.S. adults using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and reported that fermented dairy intake was associated with lower all-cause and heart disease mortality over a median follow-up of about 9.5 years. The fermented dairy category in the analysis included yogurt, cheese, buttermilk, and sour cream. The findings add to a longstanding debate over dairy’s place in heart-health guidance.
Turmeric, black pepper and ginger: A superfood trio for everyday wellness
The combination of turmeric, black pepper and ginger provides a powerful mix of natural antioxidants (like curcumin and gingerol) that help neutralize free radicals and support overall health. Black pepper’s piperine is crucial because it significantly improves the body’s ability to absorb curcumin from turmeric, making the blend more effective than turmeric alone.
Pilot Trial Tests Resistant Starch and Psyllium Blend for IBS on Low-FODMAP Diet
A small pilot trial examined a fiber blend of resistant starch and psyllium husk in adults with irritable bowel syndrome who were following a low-FODMAP diet, according to a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition. The study stated that IBS symptom severity remained stable and beneficial gut bacteria increased in the fiber group. No worsening of symptoms was reported in the fiber group, according to the findings.
Rhubarb, a $2 Grocery Store Staple, Linked to Cholesterol, Digestion and Liver Benefits in Report
Rhubarb, a tart stalk vegetable that sells for about $2 at grocery stores, is often overlooked because of its sour flavor and short growing season, the Daily Mail reported on Oct. 25, 2026. The report cited Dr. Ronald R.
How a simple freezer hack is helping seniors and shoppers beat high prices and food waste
Frozen produce can be just as nutritious as fresh fruits and vegetables. Flash-freezing locks in vitamins and antioxidants at their peak, while fresh produce loses nutrients during transport and storage on shelves. It significantly reduces food waste and is more convenient. Frozen food results in less household waste, comes pre-washed and pre-chopped, and is always available without the risk of spoiling quickly. Frozen options are more budget-friendly.
Turmeric, black pepper and ginger: A superfood trio for everyday wellness
The combination of turmeric, black pepper and ginger provides a powerful mix of natural antioxidants (like curcumin and gingerol) that help neutralize free radicals and support overall health. Black pepper’s piperine is crucial because it significantly improves the body’s ability to absorb curcumin from turmeric, making the blend more effective than turmeric alone.
Your dreams may be protecting you from 83 diseases, major new study finds
More time in REM (rapid eye movement), or dream, sleep was linked to lower risk of 83 diseases in a study of 95,559 UK adults. About 48 extra minutes of REM sleep was tied to a 26% lower risk of heart failure and a 46% lower risk of dementia. More deep sleep was linked to lower risk of Type 2 diabetes and major depression. Sleeping six to eight hours carried the lowest risk for 69 conditions, while under five hours raised risk for 37.
The simple stride: How walking after colon cancer diagnosis fights debilitating fatigue and reclaims life – NaturalNews.com
Walking significantly reduces fatigue for colon cancer survivors, with a new study showing patients who started a walking program 6-12 months after diagnosis saw marked improvements in energy and quality of life within two years. The post-diagnosis period is a critical window for intervention, as maintaining or initiating physical activity in the first year is a stronger predictor of better outcomes than a patient's activity level at the time of diagnosis.
The silent thief: How everyday isolation is stealing our minds, landmark study reveals – NaturalNews.com
A landmark long-term study found that the objective lack of social contact, more than the feeling of loneliness, directly erodes mental sharpness in older adults. It concluded that 94% of isolation's harmful effect on cognition operates independently of whether a person feels lonely. Modeling shows that moving someone from high to moderate isolation yields a measurable slowing of cognitive decline, a benefit consistent across gender, race and education.
The simple stride: How walking after colon cancer diagnosis fights debilitating fatigue and reclaims life
Walking significantly reduces fatigue for colon cancer survivors, with a new study showing patients who started a walking program 6-12 months after diagnosis saw marked improvements in energy and quality of life within two years. The post-diagnosis period is a critical window for intervention, as maintaining or initiating physical activity in the first year is a stronger predictor of better outcomes than a patient’s activity level at the time of diagnosis.
The silent thief: How everyday isolation is stealing our minds, landmark study reveals
A landmark long-term study found that the objective lack of social contact, more than the feeling of loneliness, directly erodes mental sharpness in older adults. It concluded that 94% of isolation’s harmful effect on cognition operates independently of whether a person feels lonely. Modeling shows that moving someone from high to moderate isolation yields a measurable slowing of cognitive decline, a benefit consistent across gender, race and education.
The sweet and healing mystique of licorice – NaturalNews.com
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) originates from ancient civilizations in Syria, where it was cultivated and used medicinally. It spread to Greece, Rome and other parts of Europe, and is now grown in temperate regions across West Asia, North Africa and Southern Europe. Licorice root contains key compounds like glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, saponins and coumarins.
“Vaccine Education for Mama Bears” on BrightU: What every mama bear should know about baby’s health – NaturalNews.com
In the final episode of "Vaccine Education for Mama Bears," Dr. H explored how digestion, the infant microbiome, probiotics and nutrition related to a child's developing immune system. The discussion highlighted how breast milk supplied maternal antibodies and other protective components that supported infant health and immune defenses.
Formaldehyde’s hidden health toll and its persistent presence in modern life – NaturalNews.com
Formaldehyde is a versatile industrial chemical found in many household and construction materials (like composite wood, fabrics and disinfectants), but it is also a potent gas that is a natural byproduct in the human body and some foods. Exposure causes immediate irritation (eyes, nose, throat) and can worsen asthma. Critically, it is classified as a known human carcinogen, linked to nasal and lung cancers and leukemia from chronic, elevated exposure.
Sourdough Fermentation May Affect Digestion, Blood Sugar, and Gut Health, Research Indicates
Sourdough bread is made with a living starter of wild yeast and bacteria and fermented over hours or longer, according to a report published by The Epoch Times on Oct. 23, 2026. Research reviews cited in that report suggest the fermentation process can change grain compounds in ways that may affect digestion, mineral availability, blood sugar response, and gut activity.
The saturated fat saga: Science, politics and your plate collide in dietary guidelines – NaturalNews.com
An announcement about the new dietary guidelines declared an end to the "war on saturated fats," the specific recommendation to limit saturated fat to 10% of daily calories remains unchanged in the text. The guidelines' imagery celebrates high-fat foods, aligning with popular diets and a lobby challenging old warnings, but this conflicts with the official, unchanged advice.
The unseen cost of a common surgery: Rethinking the rush to remove the gallbladder – NaturalNews.com
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile for efficient fat digestion, and its removal can disrupt gut bacteria and metabolism, with potential long-term health consequences. The standard approach of immediate removal may bypass non-invasive strategies that could preserve the organ. This includes dietary changes (like bitter greens), exercise, stress reduction and therapies aimed at improving bile flow and reducing inflammation.
The Chilean salmon advantage: A conservative case for nutrition and longevity – NaturalNews.com
Chilean salmon is highlighted for its exceptional quality, offering high levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), complete protein and vitamin D, which addresses common dietary deficiencies. The cold, clean environment and responsible farming practices result in healthier fish with a strong nutritional profile and a low-mercury status, making it safe for regular family consumption, including during pregnancy.
Parkinson’s patients who exercise over 8 hours weekly show slower disease progression, new study finds – NaturalNews.com
Parkinson's patients engaging in over 8 hours of weekly physical activity showed significantly slower progression of both cognitive and motor symptoms compared to low-activity groups, with minimal cognitive decline (0.007 vs. 0.478 annual points) and reduced motor symptom worsening over five years.
Dietary supplements for seniors: How non-GMO vitamin C capsules can support everyday wellness
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helping neutralize free radicals that can damage healthy cells. It also helps the body produce collagen, which is essential for healthy skin, bones, cartilage and blood vessels. Adults aged 50 and older generally need 75 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C daily for women and 90 mg for men. Since the body cannot produce or store this nutrient, regular intake is important.
Studies Associate Antioxidant-Rich Diets With Lower Lung Cancer Risk
Two observational studies published in October 2026 in the European Journal of Epidemiology reported lower lung cancer risk among adults with higher intake of six antioxidant nutrients, according to an account of the findings published by NaturalHealth365. Researchers analyzed the UK Biobank and a separate case-control comparison, both of which used detailed diet questionnaires, the account stated.
The healing power of sage: An ancient herb for modern wellness
Sage (salvia officinalis) is a perennial, evergreen shrub from the mint family, known for its aromatic, silvery-green leaves and small blue or purple flowers. It has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years, with origins tracing back to ancient Greece and Rome. Its essential oil, known for its potent properties, is extracted from its leaves using steam distillation.
Parkinson’s patients who exercise over 8 hours weekly show slower disease progression, new study finds
Parkinson’s patients engaging in over 8 hours of weekly physical activity showed significantly slower progression of both cognitive and motor symptoms compared to low-activity groups, with minimal cognitive decline (0.007 vs. 0.478 annual points) and reduced motor symptom worsening over five years.
Study Identifies PICALM Protein as Molecular Link Between Fasting, Exercise, and Muscle Health
Researchers at the German Institute of Human Nutrition have identified a protein called PICALM (phosphatidylinositol-binding clathrin assembly protein) that is activated by both intermittent fasting and exercise, according to a study published in the journal Molecular Metabolism. The study reported that PICALM was significantly up-regulated in skeletal muscle of mice subjected to time-restricted feeding, alternate-day fasting, and four weeks of progressive treadmill training.
Silent Inflammation Can Damage Tissues; Five Lifestyle Habits May Help, Expert Says
Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps protect the body from injury and infection, according to the National Institutes of Health. When that response persists, however, it can become chronic and damage healthy tissues, the agency stated. The NIH has linked chronic inflammation to conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease.
No pills required: Tiny daily tweaks tied to lower heart attack and stroke risk
A University of Sydney study tracked more than 53,000 UK adults wearing activity trackers for eight years. Adding 11 minutes of sleep, about five minutes of brisk activity and a quarter-cup of vegetables daily was linked to 10% lower heart risk. The healthiest group, sleeping eight to nine hours and exercising at least 42 minutes daily, had 57% lower risk. Researchers say sleep, movement and diet constantly influence one another, so small changes across all three add up.
Fermented tea kombucha shows promise in reducing depression-like behaviors, animal study reveals
University of Minnesota researchers found kombucha consumption linked to fewer depression-like behaviors in mice across different diets. The fermented tea altered gut bacteria composition, affecting pathways involved in tryptophan metabolism and serotonin production. Behavioral benefits varied by diet type, with Western-diet mice showing additional anxiety reduction and brain chemistry changes. Mice on standard diets experienced increased short-chain fatty acids, supporting gut barrier function.
“Vaccine Education for Mama Bears” on BrightU: The battle over medical education that could change how parents make decisions
The first episode of “Vaccine Education for Mama Bears” raised questions about whether future physicians received sufficient focused education on vaccines, their ingredients, safety research and potential adverse events.
Study Links Sugar Intake Before Antibiotics to Deeper Gut Damage
A study published in September 2026 in the journal Nature found that sugar intake in the 48 hours before antibiotic treatment was associated with a greater loss of healthy gut bacteria diversity, according to researchers at NYU Langone Health and two major cancer centers.
Study Links Sugar Intake Before Antibiotics to Deeper Gut Damage
A study published in September 2026 in the journal Nature found that sugar intake in the 48 hours before antibiotic treatment was associated with a greater loss of healthy gut bacteria diversity, according to researchers at NYU Langone Health and two major cancer centers.
Experts Recommend 10-Minute Daily Exercise Routine to Improve Sleep
The study examined activity and sleep data from University of Texas students who wore Fitbit devices over several months, researchers said [1]. Separate reporting indicated that participants who logged at least 10 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on more days tended to get more restorative sleep, particularly early in the night, suggesting that consistency matters as much as total exercise time [2].
Experts Recommend 10-Minute Daily Exercise Routine to Improve Sleep
The study examined activity and sleep data from University of Texas students who wore Fitbit devices over several months, researchers said [1]. Separate reporting indicated that participants who logged at least 10 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on more days tended to get more restorative sleep, particularly early in the night, suggesting that consistency matters as much as total exercise time [2].
Microbiologists Identify Everyday Items That Harbor Germs; High-Touch and Damp Surfaces Cited
Everyday Items Harbor Germs, Microbiologists Say Microbiology experts say the everyday items most deserving of cleaning attention are not necessarily the ones that appear dirtiest, but the ones that are touched constantly and cleaned rarely, according to researchers cited by The Epoch Times.
The bittersweet truth: How high-fructose corn syrup infiltrated the food supply and what it costs our health – NaturalNews.com
HFCS became a dominant food ingredient due to a combination of 1970s high sugar prices, U.S. corn subsidies and its FDA "generally recognized as safe" status, making it a cheap and industry-friendly sweetener. HFCS is ubiquitous in processed foods and beverages, found not only in obvious items like soda and candy but also in bread, condiments, yogurt and many other everyday products.
Study Finds Lower Magnesium Levels in Adults With Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes
Study Finds Lower Magnesium Levels in Adults With Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes 10/17/2026 / By Coco Somers / Comments A study of 68 adults with type 2 diabetes in India found that median blood magnesium levels were lower in participants with higher HbA1c, a marker of average blood sugar over the past two to three months, according to the study. The median magnesium level was about 2.1 mg/dL in the higher HbA1c group compared with 2.3 mg/dL in the better-managed group, the study stated.
Lavender: The Mediterranean marvel for mind, body and soul – NaturalNews.com
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a fragrant Mediterranean plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is celebrated for its beauty, soothing aroma and versatile uses in herbal medicine, culinary arts and wellness practices. Lavender contains essential oils, flavonoids and tannins – offering anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and calming properties. It is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, skin conditions, pain and digestive issues, and to boost immunity.
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