Kidney stones (renal lithiasis) can be one of the most excruciatingly painful conditions you can experience. In the United States, about 10-15 percent of adults will be diagnosed with a kidney stone in their lifetime.

Roughly 1 million Americans develop kidney stones each year. Once you have had one kidney stone attack, your chance of recurrence is about 70 to 80 percent.

For many years, nuts have gotten a bad rap for being high in fat. But in reality, nuts are a vital part of our diet, as they are high in monounsaturated fats that actually keep us heart-healthy and disease-free.

Healthy nuts are also great sources of protein, minerals and other life-enhancing nutrients. Scientific studies now show that different types of nuts and seeds can actually prevent heart disease, weight gain and the accumulation of LDL cholesterol.

Recently, I went shopping with my 11 year old nephew, and was shocked and unprepared for the experience.  Like other kids his age, he preferred diet sodas containing aspartame and brominated vegetable oil (BVO).  He also preferred processed foods high in MSG.

I found myself protesting his choices, explaining the dangers of food additives, and removing these items from the shopping cart as fast I could.  These food additives are harmful to health, and represent a minefield at the supermarket waiting for the unsuspecting consumer.

Q: I know olive oil is good for me. But I just can't get over the taste. Are there any other oils that are just as good for me?

Reports about what to do about obesity in adults and children are coming out one after another...

"Autism is caused by poor mothering." That was the belief of the medical community until the late 1960s.

"Autism is a genetic brain disorder." That is what most people -- and most of the medical community -- believe today.

I'm here to tell you that neither one of these statements is true.

In the spirit of “back to school” I thought I’d offer a few thoughts on nutrition for kids.  (Of course this advice applies to adults as well.)  In all honesty, it is probably the most challenging aspect of my private client practice.  While it can be difficult to get adults to eat healthier, kids can be even more so.  The food producers and manufacturers have developed special foods that they call “kid’s food”.  If you take the time to read the list of ingredients you will find that most of it is not food and should not be consumed by anyone, particularly our children. 

On Monday, a friend sent me this link to an article about the role of exercise is weight loss. Basically, the article says it doesn’t work. I agree. I’m sure it may work for the odd individual, but overall, it’s a pretty hopeless.

I mentioned this to a patient yesterday who was seeking to shed some unwanted pounds. His reply was that while he was surprised that such a common notion (exercises helps weight loss) is wrong, it utterly mirrors his experience in real life – it doesn’t matter how much he exercises, his weight stays stubbornly the same.

Dear Pharmacist,

I really need your help because I am now up to 14 medications for the following problems:  High cholesterol, heart disease, pre-diabetes, cataracts, arrhythmias, allergies, memory problems and enlarged prostate (BPH).  The medications make me sick and sleepy.  The reason I am writing to you is because you always have a fresh perspective.  Can you help me get off these medications?  

-- C.P.  Kansas City, Kansas

Q: I'd love to go completely organic, but I just can't afford it. Are there any fruits and vegetable that are okay to buy the non-organic versions of?