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...

In order to study how skin health and disease are related, researchers had to first understand why disease causes us to experience inflammation. When it comes to physical injuries, inflammation is a necessary part of the healing process because it builds a buffer around the wound to protect it. Even though we try to reduce the swelling around the wound, it's...

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...

While most of us have often heard the term osteoporosis, many people don't fully understand what this disease entails. Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease in which the production of new bone decreases or stops completely. As we age, our bones naturally lose density, becoming more porous; with osteoporosis, the body's reduced ability to produce new bone tissue leaves the existing bone...

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...