Vitamin D

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.

Gut Microbiota is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that inhabit the human intestinal tract. The number of microbes in the human body is estimated to be around 39 trillion, slightly exceeding the number of human cells. However, their genetic material is much richer and has a profound impact on bodily functions.

The microbiota performs many key functions, such as aiding digestion, synthesizing vitamins, protecting against pathogens, and supporting the immune system. A healthy microbiota is key to maintaining long-term health, whereas imbalances may trigger a wide range of diseases.

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a condition where bacteria that are normally present in small amounts in the small intestine—or that typically reside in the large intestine—begin to proliferate in the small intestine. SIBO disrupts normal digestion and nutrient absorption.

Symptoms of SIBO include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. However, it’s not just discomfort—SIBO can significantly impact quality of life, leading to chronic fatigue, skin issues, weight loss, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The underlying cause of SIBO is often another condition, and SIBO is a dysfunction of the gut that results from this primary issue.

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.

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.

What is Hidradenitis?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects apocrine glands, which are located in specific areas of the body. These glands secrete a special fluid and are found only in certain regions such as the armpits, groin, around the anus, genitals, buttocks, and under the breasts.

Due to skin folds in these areas, apocrine glands often lack oxygen, leading to blocked secretions and encouraging the growth of pathogenic anaerobic bacteria. If the apocrine glands become clogged and inflamed, this can result in painful nodules and abscesses, which may merge and form tunnels under the skin.

In the first part of the article, we discussed the causes and diagnosis of endometriosis. Now, we will explore the possible treatment options for this condition.

What Can Affect the Progression of Endometriosis Symptoms

As you might guess, anything that leads to hormonal imbalance in the body can have an impact. In our world, there are quite a few such issues.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition in which mast cells in the body become excessively activated. This leads to the release of numerous chemical substances that can cause diverse symptoms affecting various systems of the body.