“Probiotics” are a broad category of various strains of beneficial microbes, usually Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and fermentation yeasts. These may be consumed as part of one’s daily diet in the form of fermented food such as soft cheeses, sauerkraut, Japanese miso and related traditional fermented foods, or they may be taken in capsule, powder or liquid forms as dietary supplements.

Allergies are an affliction for all seasons, especially here in Central Texas. Late Winter and early Spring brings the cedar pollen, (so thick the hills look to be producing smoke), followed by elm pollen, then the oaks and practically every other flowering plant… at least until the sun-hammered dog days of July and August when everything dries out and the dust starts to kick up.

Bipolar Disorder, which used to be known as Manic Depression, is a disorder in which the sufferer experiences severe mood swings, from exceedingly happy (manic) to extremely sad (depressed). Bipolar Disorder's symptoms may also include impulsive or compulsive actions and/or thoughts, obsessions, hyperactivity, feelings of grandiosity, or of having superhuman abilities. Judgment, thinking, and social behavior are also affected.

Our readers know that we have been on the forefront of recommending vitamin D for prevention of influenza. The evidence continues to mount that vitamin D is probably the single, best thing you can take to prevent the flu (and a host of other diseases).

A new study, conducted by researchers at Jikei University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan, during the 2008 and 2009 flu season, showed that kids given 1200 IU of vitamin D (a modest dose), had a dramatic reduction in incidence of flu.