Researchers are suggesting that lower vitamin D availability in the winter months may explain the seasonal nature of flu outbreaks and why swine flu has been particularly virulent in Scotland.

A number of genes are known to be regulated through the interaction of vitamin D in the form of 1,25(OH)2D and its receptors with DNA. 1,25(OH)2D has a variety of effects on immune system function, which may enhance innate immunity and inhibit the development of autoimmunity. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed by most cells of the immune system. Those with low blood levels of vitamin D (25[OH]D levels <17.8 ng/mL) have been found to have a 26% increased risk of mortality from any cause.

Everyone knows that stress isn't good - that it can get on top of us and effect our wellbeing. What most people don't realise is that stress can effect much more than just our mood or mental state. Stress has been shown to have a detrimental effect on many parts of our body and indeed peoples health in general. Stress is one of the most widespread afflictions in modern life - everyone suffers from it in their day to day lives.

Its because of this that most people don't recognise stress for what it is until it is effecting their mental and physical health in a negative way. Most people don't realise they are stressed until it becomes a major issue for them.

Remember that movie with Jim Carey, “Dumb and Dumber?” And remember the sequel to that movie, “Dumb and Dumberer?” Well, the low carb mania that is sweeping the globe today has reached a level beyond dumberer… It’s more like dumberererer (try to say that five times real fast)

There is an epidemic of “low carb stupidity” running rampant among millions of people throughout the world today – and fast food restaurants, food product manufacturers, supplement companies, and weight loss programs are capitalizing on it in a big way in 2004!

Good nutrition before, during and after pregnancy is vital to ensure the health of the mother and the best possible development of the baby.