Health News & Info

When people think about health, they often focus on calories, protein, exercise, or maintaining a healthy weight. Yet some of the most important influences on our health are the nutrients we need in only tiny amounts. Vitamins and minerals, collectively known as micronutrients, play a critical role in shaping our health from before birth and throughout our lives. Their influence extends beyond preventing deficiency diseases; they help determine how well we grow, learn, develop, fight infection, and age. In many ways, our future health trajectory is established long before symptoms of illness appear, and that planning should begin with optimal...

Dietary fibre is an important part of a healthy diet. Getting enough fibre has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and colon cancer. It also helps keep the digestive system working properly. So, how much fibre do you need each day? Health guidelines recommend that adults consume about 14 grams of fibre for every 1,000 calories eaten. This equals around 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams per day for men. However, most people only consume between 10 and 15 grams daily, which is well below the recommended amount. Fibre Supplements vs...

Nutrients Required to Cope With Hot Weather: Hydration, Electrolyte Balance, and Prevention of Heat-Related Illness IntroductionHot weather places considerable stress on the human body. To maintain a stable internal temperature of approximately 37°C, the body relies on a complex system of thermoregulation that balances heat production and heat loss. During periods of elevated environmental temperatures, particularly when combined with physical activity, the body must work harder to prevent overheating. The primary cooling mechanisms include increased blood flow to the skin and the production of sweat, both of which help dissipate heat. However, these responses also result in substantial losses of...

Emerging research suggests that current vitamin B12 guidelines may not be sufficient to protect the aging brain. A study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that older adults with lower levels of biologically active vitamin B12—even when their levels fell within the accepted normal range—showed signs of reduced cognitive performance and brain changes associated with neurological decline. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in producing DNA, red blood cells, and maintaining healthy nerve tissue. However, the study found that “normal” B12 levels do not necessarily indicate optimal brain health. Among 231 healthy adults with...