Diet & Nutrition

Exciting new research findings link tea and cognitive decline, suggesting that the regular consumption of green tea may help protect against illnesses like dementia and Parkinson's disease. In order to fully understand how green tea has been found to benefit mental functioning, it's first important to understand cognitive decline. Cognitive decline describes a process whereby thoughts become more difficult to...

The gut microbiome is filled with bacteria and other microbes that assist in the digestion of the foods we eat. While there are some bacteria that are harmful to us, many of the bacteria in our digestive tract are beneficial, helping to withdraw nutrients and vitamins from our foods through the digestion process. In addition, these bacteria help to boost...

Even though type 2 diabetes affects millions of people and is a growing problem worldwide, few people have more than a vague understanding of this illness. You probably know that this is a chronic disease that alters the body's ability to process sugar -- but there's more to it than that. Type 2 diabetes affects the body in one of two...

The immune system is a complex defense system our bodies employ to protect us from germs and other foreign invaders in the environment. Our immune system is triggered by antigens, which are foreign proteins found on cells. Once an antigen is detected, our white blood cells produce the antibodies specifically engineered to attack and destroy that particular antigen. As this...

Several depression research studies have linked this serious health condition to certain lifestyle habits and biological phenomena. Here, we will briefly touch on depression, as well as several important scientific studies that offer new insight into possible causes of depression and novel ways to minimize its deleterious effects. What is Depression? Depression encompasses more than merely feeling down or being...

Each year, the research supporting the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria for good overall health grows. However, many of the previously known health effects of a healthy microbiome involved the digestive system. Could your gut bacteria also affect how well your immune system protects against infection and even prevent autoimmune disease? New research suggests that gut...

Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. All around us, trees are budding and new patches of green line the earth. In this time of new growth, many people seek to become healthier, ridding themselves of old habits while ushering in a new and healthier lifestyle. Often, maintaining a healthy weight becomes a focus. Whether you want to address the...

Although some regions are still in the icy grips of winter, the days are slowly getting longer, signaling the start of a bright new season. Traditionally, spring is a time of new beginnings. Whether you are going strong on your New Year's resolutions or adjusting your habits for other reasons this season, a spring detox can help you shed unwanted...

Fasting, particularly intermittent fasting, is one of the leading trends in weight loss and fitness. But unlike some popular "fad" diets, this one appears to be here to stay. Several new studies have found that intermittent fasting can have positive health effects even outside of the weight benefits. A recent study on the anti-aging effects of fasting suggests that it...

Could mental disorders like dementia be connected to gut bacteria? This seemingly unlikely correlation may not be so far-fetched: New research suggests that an imbalance of healthy gut bacteria could be one of the possible causes of dementia, a mental condition that primarily affects the elderly. Gut Bacteria and Dementia Defined The gut's microbiome is made up of trillions of...