While your body is comprised of trillions of human cells, it's also home to trillions of fungi, bacteria and other foreign microbes. A large portion of these reside in the large intestine, and scientists refer to this community as the "gut microbiome." Until fairly recently, little attention was paid to this realm, but we now recognize that the microbes housed...

In recent years, continued discoveries relating to the importance of the gut microbiome have brought to light the extent to which we rely on the bacteria thriving in our body to determine how we fight off disease. The bacteria in the large intestine are responsible for influencing genetic responses to a number of external factors. We actually have more microbes...

Recent research has found that increasing vitamin intake may reduce the risk of chronic disease as we age. Whether by consuming a more diverse diet or by taking a high-quality dietary supplement, ingesting sufficient amounts of antioxidant vitamins may reduce the chances of developing myocardial infarction, stroke and other medical disorders. Similarly, getting enough of other important vitamins has been shown...

We already know that blueberries are packed with vitamins and nutrients that provide a vast array of health benefits. According to a new study, certain compounds found in blueberries protect heart health and and may even help prolong life. New Study Finds Blueberries Protect Heart Health A joint project, which brought together researchers from the U.K.'s University of East Anglia...

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects one's ability to communicate effectively and/or interact with others. Symptoms of ASD typically appear in childhood and may vary in severity from person to person, thus it is often considered a "spectrum" disorder.  A new study has uncovered a link between gut bacteria and autism, suggesting that taking a probiotic...

It's common knowledge that our bodies are comprised of cells, however most people are unaware that we also rely heavily on the presence of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes. In fact, these microbes are just as common as human cells. Each person's body is comprised of up to 40 trillion human cells and up to 38 trillion microbial cells...

Glucosamine is a natural supplement used to help support bone and cartilage health, and more specifically in cases of minor joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and other joint concerns. Early laboratory tests found that glucosamine helps reduce minor joint pain by addressing the inflammation that surrounds the joints, allowing the cartilage to naturally regenerate on its own. While intended to...

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in a variety of healthy foods, such as blueberries, peanuts and red grapes, that has been proven to offer a variety of health benefits. Since red grapes contain a high concentration of the compound, it is also found in red wine. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound, meaning it contains polyphenols, plant constituents with strong...

There are 21 million Americans suffering from schizophrenia; most of those people don't get the treatment they need. Those that do seek treatment are prescribed anti-psychotic drugs that treat the symptoms of the illness, but produce severe side effects, such as cardiovascular problems and "the shakes," or body tremors. This has caused researchers to look for alternative treatments for schizophrenia...

Heart disease rates are declining throughout the world, while at the same time they are on the rise in the United States. In fact, heart disease is responsible for nearly one out of every four deaths in the U.S. This makes heart disease the leading cause of premature death among Americans, ranking higher than cancer and certain types of chronic...