Search results for vitamin d

Cardiac incidents, including heart attacks, typically increase during the holidays. Dr. Christopher Cutitta, a St. Luke’s University Health Network cardiologist, points to a variety of factors contributing to this unfortunate seasonal heart health trend. These factors include changes in diet and nutrition, disruption of health routines and holiday-related stress. Help keep your holiday season happy by giving your heart health...

As the opening day of the holiday season, Thanksgiving can be stressful -- even without Covid-19 concerns. The focus on family and tradition can bring up a lot of emotions, expectations and pressures. It’s no wonder so many people struggle with mental health issues during this time of year; even those that look forward to the holidays with joy and...

Winter can put a damper on immune system function, energy levels and mood. Cooler temperatures and shorter days often translate into less sun exposure and reduced physical activity. This can impact serotonin levels and mood, as well as immune function and energy levels. Cold and flu season, along with a busy holiday season, can add to the challenges of the...

Chronic inflammation is a largely unrecognized condition that plagues millions of people worldwide. When unaddressed, it can lead to some of the most debilitating health conditions of our time: arthritis, autoimmune diseases, heart disease and even cancer. Recent research points to a strong connection between inflammation and aging. Read on to learn more about what causes chronic inflammation in the...

While you may not be familiar with whole body vibration, or WBV, it's a practice that has been around for several decades. New research has found that whole body vibration benefits include a reduction in inflammation, while it also promotes a healthier gut microbiome. What is Whole Body Vibration? Initially introduced in the early 1990s, whole body vibration is a...

As we age, it is natural to experience a gradual decline in cognitive function. Although it is normal to experience a certain level of decreased brain function with advancing age, cognitive changes that go beyond what is to be expected at a certain age can be the first signs of dementia. Understanding the various symptoms of dementia, the differences between...

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...

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...