Vitamin C

Bifidobacteria are one of the key representatives of the normal gut microbiota, playing an important role in maintaining overall health. They colonize the intestines from the first days of life and participate in numerous processes that support digestion, strengthen the immune system, and synthesize essential vitamins.

However, with age and under the influence of various factors, their numbers decrease, leading to microbial imbalance and increasing the risk of various diseases. Understanding the distribution of bifidobacteria in the gut, their functions, and the factors that affect their levels helps maintain microbiome balance and prevent potential health problems.

Microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms that inhabit not only the gut, but also the skin, respiratory tract, mucous membranes, urogenital system, and even the surrounding environment. The human body contains more microbial cells than human cells: for every human cell, there are about 1.3 microbial cells. The total mass of the microbiome is 1.5–2 kg, and its genes outnumber human genes by a factor of 150.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpesvirus group, most commonly associated with infectious mononucleosis. In the acute phase of the disease, EBV can cause severe symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue, which significantly reduce the quality of life.

Effective treatment at this stage is important not only for alleviating symptoms but also for preventing complications and the progression of the infection into a chronic form. This article discusses approaches to symptomatic treatment of the acute phase of EBV infection, as well as other herpesvirus infections, taking into account their characteristics and factors influencing the success of therapy.

Scurvy is a disease known since the days of long sea voyages when sailors suffered from the lack of fresh food. The disease manifested itself in fatigue, anemia, bleeding gums, bruising, and swollen joints. The link between the disease and a deficiency of something found in “acidic fruits” was established by Scottish doctor James Lind in 1747. His research showed that including citrus fruits in the diet effectively prevented and treated this condition, saving the lives of many sailors.

Iron deficiency is a condition in which the level of iron in the body decreases, leading to insufficient amounts for normal hemoglobin synthesis. Although iron deficiency itself is not anemia, it can cause various unpleasant symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and cognitive decline. If iron deficiency progresses, it can lead to the development of iron deficiency anemia, which poses a serious health risk. Iron deficiency anemia can develop not only due to a lack of iron but also as a result of other factors that interfere with the body’s ability to absorb or utilize iron.

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body, hiding in nerve tissues near the spine and brain. Shingles occur when this virus is reactivated, most often in older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems.

Epigenetic marks play a crucial role in maintaining health throughout life by regulating biological processes and predisposition to diseases. Understanding when and how these marks can change opens new opportunities for the prevention of chronic diseases and improving quality of life. In the first part of the article, we examined the theoretical aspects of epigenetics, how and when these changes occur, and their impact on health. In the second part, we will focus on practical approaches: how to influence epigenetics through nutrition, lifestyle, and other available strategies. Particular attention will be given to critical periods such as pre-pregnancy preparation, childhood, adolescence, and aging when external factors can have the most significant long-term effects on health.