We all know that stress can affect physical health in a number of ways, partially because it weakens the immune system. Studies have also found that stress influences cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. In a recent study, it was found that the stress caused by trying to balance work and family, or...

Resveratrol is a beneficial compound that's commonly found in the skin of dark fruits and vegetables. It's widely known as a powerful antioxidant and researchers continue to find new ways that it can benefit the body in this regard. It's also been found to possess antitumor and antiviral properties, which suggests it may help protect against unhealthy cell growth and...

We have known for some time about the critical gut-brain connection that relays messages in both directions; in fact, the gut has even been referred to by some researchers as the "second brain." New insights into this connection suggest that gut health may influence mood and overall well-being, underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy and diverse gut microbiome. How...

Not all bacteria are nefarious germs that spread disease and cause illness. The human body is host to a vast community of beneficial bacteria that play a role in maintaining optimal health. In fact, there are 10 trillion more bacteria in the body than human cells -- all of which exist in the gut microbiome. Located in the large intestine...

Serotonin (also referred to as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is a chemical messenger that helps the nerve cells in the body communicate. While serotonin was discovered by scientists over 60 years ago, the study of its importance to healthy body function continues to evolve. A serotonin deficiency has been linked to a variety of physical and mental health issues, making it...

It has been a well-known medical fact for years that probiotics are effective at treating a variety of gut-related issues. What has not been studied as much until recently is how this treatment may also be able to help those individuals who experience mental health challenges. When you understand how the gut and brain are so closely connected, it makes...

Dementia is a condition that affects millions of people in the elderly population, as well as their loved ones. While you can never entirely prevent dementia, new evidence shows that making an effort to stay social in your later years will help to lower your risk of dementia by 12 percent. Here is what you need to know about social...

As new research reveals a link between vitamin D and COVID-19, finding natural ways to get sufficient levels of vitamin D becomes more vital to our health. Why is Vitamin D Important? In some areas of research, the to endeavor to prove the efficacy of vitamin D in promoting physical and emotional health is still underway. For instance, we know...

It's commonly known that healthy melatonin production is an essential to a restful sleep. As nighttime comes and we prepare for bed, our internal clock, or circadian rhythm, signals the brain that it's time for sleep. In response, the brain releases melatonin, a hormone that's used to regulate sleepiness and wakefulness. If you have trouble sleeping, a melatonin deficiency may...

In recent years, there has been a slew of new findings that demonstrate the link between mitochondrial function and stress and anxiety. Understanding the scientific tenets of mental health issues and learning more about mitochondrial function can help you to understand how boosting the health of your mitochondria may help reduce the risk of developing a serious anxiety disorder. Understanding...