Our microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that inhabit our bodies, primarily in our gastrointestinal tract, but also on our skin and in other areas. This community consists of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, collectively playing a crucial role in maintaining our health and well-being. The gut microbiome, in particular, is home to trillions of microorganisms, with hundreds of different species. These microbes contribute to various physiological functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system regulation, and even influencing our mood and behavior. A balanced and diverse microbiome is associated with better overall health, while disruptions in its composition, known as dysbiosis, have been linked to various health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders What are Probiotics? Probiotics have garnered increasing attention recently for their potential to support gut health and overall well-being. But what exactly are probiotics? Simply put, probiotics are live microorganisms that have health benefits to the host when consumed in adequate amounts. These microorganisms, often referred to as "friendly" or "good" bacteria, can be found naturally in certain foods like yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables, and dietary supplements. They primarily consist of strains of bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, known for their beneficial effects on the gut.

Life can feel rather gray at times, and as a result, your mood may suffer. Sometimes you can work out the exact reason you are feeling down. It could be caused by things such as stress at work, problems in relationships with family, friends or partners, or financial worries. When you know what is making you feel this way it’s easier to try and deal with it. There are times, however, when your mood can feel low for no particular reason and this is harder to tackle. It may help to boost certain vitamins, which when they run low can have a negative impact on your mood. The following may be helpful for you to try for mild symptoms of depression – for more severe symptoms that are impacting your everyday life, you should see your doctor.

As the days get shorter and the temperature cools, it can be tempting to curl up on the sofa with some comfort food and a binge-worthy box set. But we are not naturally hibernating animals, so it's important to understand why your energy levels may dip while your appetite increases and address it with healthy choices. The doctors at Healthwords will always encourage a healthy balanced diet over and above taking supplements, and the more colorful and varied your meals, the more nourishing nutrients you get. But there are times that supplements may be helpful or even vital. There is less choice of fresh foods over winter and less sunshine to naturally make vitamin D, plus fighting off colds and flu means our immunity needs to be in tip-top condition. Let's talk you through the challenges of winter and how to counter them to keep you healthy in mind and body.

There are many possible symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, although it is also possible to have no symptoms at all. Here in this article, Healthwords will walk you through what Vitamin D does, why it is so important, and what the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are so that you can be on the lookout.

Vitamin D has been hailed as an aide in the fight against COVID-19. Judging by the empty supermarket shelves, the public is listening. But what’s the theory behind it, and where’s the evidence? Can vitamin D stop us from catching COVID-19? Or stop it from making us very ill? We’ve examined the facts.

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, teeth, and healthy muscles and has many other benefits to keep you in tip-top health. We can get it from sunny summer days and some food. It’s easy to become deficient, so we need to take supplements in the darker months or depending on our ethnicity. Let’s take you through why it’s important and how you can boost levels.

Vitamin D is essential for your body to form strong bones and teeth, along with many other benefits. It helps your gut absorb calcium and phosphate, which form part of your bones. It also helps muscles function correctly and can help boost your immune system. If you do not get enough vitamin D, you may have no symptoms at first, or you might just feel a bit tired and achy. As vitamin D deficiency becomes severe or prolonged, bone pain or bone deformities can develop. For children, over time, the long leg bones can permanently bend, making the legs look bowed, in a condition known as rickets. Bones are already set in adults, but prolonged severe vitamin D deficiency can cause osteomalacia, where sufferers complain of bone pain and muscle weakness. This is different to osteoporosis which is a condition characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, leading to bones becoming fragile and more prone to fractures, whereas osteomalacia is a condition characterized by softening of the bones due to a deficiency of vitamin D or problems with its metabolism. This leads to impaired mineralization of the bone matrix.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for your body’s metabolism. It is so vital for the body’s metabolism and the formation of normal red blood cells that people can often feel exhausted and tired when lacking in vitamin B12. Most people obtain it from regularly sourced foods such as meats and fish. If vitamin B12 intake is not met through diet alone, you can try supplementing with tablets and oral mouth sprays; however, if you are severely deficient, injections may be needed through your doctor. Vitamin B12 deficiency can often cause fatigue, tiredness, and reduced physical performance.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for your body’s metabolism. Most of the time, it is given as tablets and oral mouth sprays; however, it is poorly absorbed, so injections are often given to deficient patients. Most people do obtain it from their regularly sourced meats and fish. Because it is so important for the body’s metabolism, people often feel exhausted when lacking in Vitamin B12. It is also for the functioning of normal blood cells and more specifically important for athletes.

Oral rehydration therapy (also known as oral rehydration salts or solution) is used to prevent and treat dehydration. Around the world, it is used to prevent serious illness and death from diarrhea. It has been reported to reduce the risk of death by more than 90%. It is considered so important that it is a part of the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines.

Vitamin D is important for all ages but has particular importance in children. Here are some of the common questions pediatricians get asked by parents.

Dietary sources of vitamin D are especially important. If you cannot go outside into the sun, or during the winter months in the US, you cannot get enough sun exposure to make vitamin D. At this point, your only options are dietary vitamin D or supplements.