Metabolism

Many people have are familiar with the importance of getting enough folic acid or folate, also known as vitamin B9, when pregnant. However, getting enough vitamin B12 during pregnancy is also important. New research underscores the importance of getting all of your B vitamins—especially vitamin B12—if you are pregnant or planning to conceive soon. What Is Vitamin B12? Vitamin B12...

Couldn't most of us use an extra hour of sleep? Many people look forward to the fall time change, which occurs on November 6 this year. Unlike the spring changing of the clocks, which equates to lost sleep, turning the clocks back in the fall, or "falling back," gives us a much-needed extra hour of slumber. It also means waking up...

Cancer was once a dreaded death sentence. New research, specifically studies on cancer and the circadian clock, are offering new understanding and new hope. Around half of all people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, making it one of the most common diseases in the modern world. While cancer once had a very high mortality rate, many people are now...

Around 60 percent of American adults take a prescription drug and even more take over-the-counter medications as well. Could recognizing the link between the time of day we take our medications and their efficacy in treating disease, a groundbreaking practice called chronotherapy, make our meds more effective? Your prescription bottle lists the name of your medication, dosage and whether the medication is...

People in the Western world have plenty of food, often more than we truly need. However, this does not make us exempt from nutritional deficiencies. When it comes to what we eat, quantity does not always make up for a lack of quality. Further compounding the issue is the fact that food grown by Western agriculture is often deficient in...

Many Americans make an effort to eat probiotic foods or take a supplement containing these important gut bacteria. The health benefits of maintaining a healthy gut biome, as supported by probiotic supplements, are undeniable. However, there is another less-known supplement that may help your GI tract work at its best: prebiotics. Researchers are just beginning to realize the health benefits...

With obesity reaching epidemic levels in the United States and much of the Western world, many people are struggling to lose a few (or more!) extra pounds. Often those wishing to lose weight strive to eat less and to fit more activity into their lives, only to be disappointed with minimal results. As a result, weight loss is becoming a...

It's a long-held belief that all expecting mothers should take a prenatal vitamin formula to reduce the risk of birth defects, nutrient deficiencies and other health problems. However, there are always skeptics who chime in as to why supplementing with extra nutrients may not actually be necessary while pregnant. If you're on the fence, here is some of the latest...

Westerners are living longer lives than ever. However, we are living sicker lives as well. Many people struggle with chronic illness and disorders that affect their daily lives in a variety of ways. Sadly, our golden years are often spent in hospitals and doctor's offices. Researchers now believe that maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal flora (bacteria in your digestive...

How do your food choices affect your sleep? If you've ever reached for a cup of chamomile tea or a glass of warm milk before bed, you probably have some idea. Although there has not been solid evidence that diet affects sleep until recently, many people in cultures around the globe maintain deeply-held beliefs that some foods and beverages can...