What are probiotics, and why do we need them? Simply put, probiotics are bacteria and yeasts that are good for you. They help keep your gut healthy, which relates directly to your overall health, everything from your digestive system to the health and functioning of your brain.

Probiotics are available in certain foods and can be used as a supplement, but some products may not be as probiotic-rich as they claim.

Many functions of your body are out your control: your digestive system, your immune system, your nervous system. If you had to think about every breath you took, you'd wear out yourself remembering to inhale.

But what if your body isn't regulating every function properly? Hello, fatigue and insomnia, symptoms that your body's worn out. However, there is a technology that allows you to access the problems, and to fix them.

Back pain, neck pain, joint pain. Yes, you can suffer a trauma or accident that can make you ache. But a trip and fall or a car collision aren't the only things that can throw your body out of whack and invite the agony of chronic pain.

Pain is a symptom of problems elsewhere in your body. Fix those problems, and you fix your pain.

Billions of dollars in medical treatment and lost productivity are among the consequences of migraines. The problem is, millions of migraine sufferers are treating symptoms, not causes, and they're creating more problems with medications may provide temporary relief from pain, but leave users at the mercy of serious side effects.

The solution, even for those with chronic headaches? Stop relying on short-term relief and find out what's causing the pain. Then take the necessary, individualized steps to fix your aching head.

Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density that occurs over the course of decades. Even though you may show symptoms at a young age, the real problems begin as you grow older.

If you're eating poorly or leading a sedentary, non-active lifestyle, osteoporosis may be an unwelcome part of your future.

Over 60-million Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease, but nobody is doomed by genetics or habits to a bad heart.

There are strategies you can adopt at any time in your life to avoid heart disease. But the sooner you begin, the better.

Hint: No matter what you've heard, cholesterol and fats aren't the problem.

The world's most dangerous food is everywhere. It's an ingredient in countless products on your store shelves and the subject of decades of misinformation from food manufacturers.

What is this scourge, and how can you keep yourself safe from it?

Is your food making you sick? Anything from simple indigestion to inflammation could be a result of a food sensitivity. If you're eating something your system can't handle, get ready for chronic pain and many other ugly symptoms.

Environmental hazards can contribute, too. But to make yourself healthier, you first have to know which foods may be bad for you, and why.

No medication is free from the dangers of side effects. If you're treating high blood pressure, say, with a prescription medication, and you start experiencing fatigue, dizziness, weakness, brain fog or other symptoms, your drugs may be to blame.

So what do you do? Reach for more drugs, or consider something safer and more effective?

Your body can't do much of anything well if you're not getting proper rest. Chronic sleep problems may be the result of nutritional deficiencies, chemical imbalances or even home electronics. Yes, that electric blanket you love so much may actually be costing you sleep.