
MAILBAG! 3 Secrets to a Long Healthy Life
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
What do you think are the top 3 things one can do to live a long life?
–Mary from Milford, CT
Hi Mary,
Thanks for your excellent question!
When you asked for the TOP three, it really stumped me at first. We can do so many things to live longer healthier lives.
But after giving it some serious thought, here’s what I suggest for the list.
#1 Master Your Digestion: Your overall health is closely tied to your gut. After all, your digestive system houses much of your immune system. You can send your gut health soaring with a few simple changes. Start with throwing away artificially processed foods. Next, focus on eating fresh vegetables and good proteins for most meals. And finally, make sure you’re getting the probiotics your gut needs to be healthy.
#2 Become a Nutrition Expert: If you don’t already take supplements, there’s little chance that you’re getting enough healthy vitamins and minerals. This is because so much of our food is grown in poor soil, combined with over-the-top food processing stripping away vital nutrients. You don’t have to take a million supplements to boost your health. But there ARE some essentials nearly every one of us will benefit from.
Start with a multivitamin to cover the basic vitamins and minerals. You absolutely need omega-3-rich fish oil to give you the essential fatty acids. And you should make sure you’re getting plenty of biologically active phytonutrients, including polyphenols and bioflavonoids. These plant-based nutrients aren’t vitamins, but they are vital for putting up a fight against diseases, preventing cell damage, and keeping your body working properly.
#3 Keep Your Blood Sugar Low: High blood sugar increases oxidative damage to your cells, creating misshapen proteins that lead to disease. Keep your blood sugar low by eating low-glycemic foods (foods that don’t cause spikes in blood sugar). This means avoiding lots of foods with added sugars and empty carbs. Plus, nutrients like chromium and berberine can help keep your blood sugar control system working at the top of its game.
Consistently practicing these three good habits will give you the best shot at a long and healthy life.
P.S. Wondering whether your probiotic is TRULY helping or if it’s all hype? Click through to uncover the 5 benefits you should see from your probiotic.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...