Medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs, have been popularized in the context of Bulletproof™ coffee or the ketogenic diet. MCTs and the keto diet have been investigated in the management of obesity, insulin resistance, ,  epilepsy, neurodegenerative conditions, and others.

Our knowledge of connections between the human microbiome, immune system, and disease continue to evolve. Gut microbiota are influential in the health of our bodies and function to both increase immune-system function and suppress colonization of pathogens.

Exotic plant oils are a prime example of topical skincare products retaining a deep and rich historical tradition of use across various regions and cultures. Their benefits are now being rediscovered and more firmly established through studies into their cutaneous effects.

May 22 was the International Day for Biological Diversity. Plants in nature always serve a purpose, and when plants pop up in the garden that were not intentionally planted by the gardener, some people can see it as a nuisance.

With spring come seasonally grown local foods and green leafy vegetables (GLV) become more desirable for quality, and especially for their overall health benefits. Examples of GLV include salads, kale, broccoli, collard greens, spinach, mustard greens, etc.

A holistic approach to chronic-disease prevention and treatment often includes exercise therapy as an essential modality. Exercise is generally considered a healthy activity, with few exceptions, and its application is a logical addition to any health program.

Seeing others in distress can make us feel sad; however, telling someone to be happy when they are not does not seem to work very well. In fact, trying to be happy is often a recipe for unhappiness! Psychology researchers have even put it to the test: People who were instructed to feel as happy as they can when listening to pleasant music felt lower mood than those who were exposed to the same pleasant music with no instruction.

One of the most important topical products to consider in the realm of mitigating the degree of extrinsic photoaging is that of regular sunscreen use.

Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that has been used for thousands of years for the treatment of various ailments such as pain, fertility concerns, low energy, mood swings, and even colds and flu. It involves the insertion of very fine needles at specific points on the body to promote healing through the stimulation and circulation of “Qi.”

According to Tolstoy, patience and time are the most powerful warriors. When it comes to the pandemic, they certainly seem to have been important allies. The time for vaccines has finally arrived. However, we have also been told to not let our guard down. Vaccines are not the only secure gateway, and encompassing a healthy lifestyle is still needed for effective herd immunity and to protect ourselves and our loved ones

In conditions that promote a leaky gut, the compounds of the food bolus that are usually kept safely in the intestinal lumina—including undigested food macromolecules, toxins, bacteria, or parts of bacteria known as endotoxins—has now the potential to pass through the fragile and unicellular mucosal membrane of the small intestine, and to reach the blood circulation.

Weight loss can seem like an uphill battle, with so much confusing advice about dieting. The science does appear to be quite consistent with the medical risks associated with weight gain such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and overall lowered vitality.

Long before February was declared “Heart Month” in Canada, “American Heart Month” in the United States, and “National Heart Month” in the United Kingdom, children and adults celebrated February 14 as a day of love and affection.

The kidneys are one of the body’s most important filtration systems and are sometimes overlooked until there is an issue. In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are often referred to as the “root of life,” and they play an important role in overall vitality, especially as we age.

After iron, zinc is the most abundant element in the human body, with approximately 2 to 4 g distributed among the muscles (60%), bones (20%), liver, and skin. Given its abundance, concerns about zinc deficiency is often overlooked; however, as discussed in this article, certain populations and individuals may benefit from supplementation.