The time and place of one's birth and the relationship it has with mortality rates has been a topic studied by scientists throughout the world. Several studies have found that season of birth influences mortality, while other research suggests vitamin D may provide a crucial counterbalance. Research Suggests Season of Birth Influences Mortality Past research has found that individuals born...

Traditionally, the beginning of a new year is a time to reevaluate life choices and resolve to make certain changes in the year to come --  in other words, make so called "New Year's resolutions." The problem is, statistically, most people fail to keep their New Year's resolutions. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to stay motivated and...

Because heart disease is such a common cause of death, claiming a life every 37 seconds, finding more effective treatments is a primary concern in the medical community. New research has led to the discovery that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may serve as an effective supplemental treatment for reducing the risks of developing cardiovascular disease by lowering...

People all over the world love spicy foods -- and chili peppers in particular -- but these potent peppers may do more than just add flavor to our favorite meals. According to a recent study conducted at Italy's Mediterranean Neurological Institute, eating chili peppers may benefit longevity. In particular, the researchers found that capsaicin reduces mortality risk by positively affecting...

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that comprise the flora of an individual's digestive tract. However, unlike potentially harmful organisms, these bacteria help promote healthy digestion and overall general health. Specifically, probiotics, or "friendly bacteria," help the body process foods and curtail or eliminate several digestive problems such as gas, bloating, indigestion and diarrhea. A healthy gut microbiome also contributes to immune...

Colorectal cancer goes by many names, including "bowel cancer" and "colon cancer," largely because it's a general term used to describe any cancer that develops in the rectum and the colon. According to the American Cancer Society, it can affect one in 21 men, making it the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males. Although slightly less common in women...

Osteoporosis occurs when the rate at which bone tissue is reabsorbed by the body exceeds the rate at which new bone tissue is produced, leading to decreased bone density. As a result, the existing bone becomes brittle and breaks more easily. In fact, frequent breaks, or those that occur as the result of minor falls, are usually the first indications...

New research has linked the gut microbiome and aging, suggesting that maintaining a healthier gut can help you feel younger for longer. A study conducted at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University focused on the effects of transferring the more diverse gut microbiota of older mice into the guts of younger mice. Once the transfer was complete, the younger mice were examined...

Tryptophan, a compound found in turkey, is often erroneously blamed for that sleepy feeling you get after eating a big Thanksgiving meal. It may surprise you to learn that while tryptophan does start off a chain of reactions that results in the release of melatonin, the "sleep hormone," there is actually less tryptophan in turkey than in many other commonly...

Menopause is a natural occurrence in a woman's life, and as such should not be considered an illness or adverse medical condition. Although it typically occurs when a woman reaches her 40s or 50s, it can occur earlier. The onset of menopause is marked by a woman's last menstrual period; specifically, menopause commences with the cessation of the menstrual cycle...