Whether you make New Year's resolutions or not, you CAN make the choice to kick off your new year with some healthy protocols.

Probiotics, prebiotics and symbiotics all work together to provide you with improved digestive (and overall) health.

"Probiotics" have become a huge buzzword in personal health. Commercials, magazines and doctors are always saying "Take your probiotics!" And you should. Probiotics are a supplement worth the hype. The average consumer has poor dietary habits, lives a stressful lifestyle and is frequently exposed to antibiotics. Both antibiotics that are prescribed for them individually and antibiotics found in many meat and dairy products. It is important that we all repopulate the healthy bacteria needed in our bodies.

Probiotics are the "good bacteria." They help support the healthy bacteria in a person's gut - as well as the healthy lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina.

Good bacteria, such as the lactobacillus species in the vaginal area, protect you against yeast and other infections. One way in which the lactobacillus bacteria (i.e. L. Acidophilus, L. Casei, etc.) do this is by the production of lactic acid, which makes the vaginal environment more acidic. This keeps yeast and bad bacteria from growing. When you take certain antibiotics, have hormonal changes, or use harsh chemicals for intimate cleansing you lose this safeguard. This is when yeast and other opportunistic infections may occur.

Probiotics are great for your gut, but might they also be the next beauty and skincare miracle?

What exactly is cultured food, and how can it benefit your health?

Did you know that certain foods are extremely effective in boosting your mood and can even fight mood disorders like depression and anxiety?

Candida is a fungus that normally lives in your body and only becomes problematic (and symptomatic) when it gets out of hand.

Staying calm and centered when caring for children can be a struggle; even more so with a child on the autism spectrum.

Itching, chafing, burning, and sweating in places you might have forgotten you have...

We all know the importance of exercise for all aspects of your health. It can help you not only feel better and have more energy, increase circulation to your pelvic floor, and help prevent osteoporosis, but the endorphins can improve your mood even in rough times such as menopause.

At times though, it may seem that our body is rebelling against what should be a reward for your dedication to exercise. If women are not careful, these anti-rewards can sometimes rise up in the form of yeast infections, infected glands, bacterial vaginosis, and vaginitis (sometimes called crotchitis), among other uncomfortable things.

Different types of exercise can make women more prone to different kinds of symptoms. For instance, cycling, running, and swimming can have their own set of potential problems. I want to focus on the several things they may all have in common.

Using natural ingredients on your body saves you from chemicals or harmful ingredients irritating your skin and scalp.

New research suggests probiotics may help to lower blood pressure.

In addition to avoidance, there are some nutrients, foods, and natural options for supporting your detoxification processes and helping your body defend against the negative effects of toxins. Let's take a look at 10 of the most important natural detox foods, herbs, and nutrients for protecting your body against toxins:

There has been a lot of recent buzz surrounding probiotics, but do you really know what you're buying and consuming?

Help your child cope with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) through stress management, education, exercise, diet and sleep.

Probiotics may be known for their gut healing powers, but do you know about their detox benefits?

For years, yogurt has been marketed as a healthy option for breakfast or a quick snack. But traditional yogurts are far from healthy.

Even the healthiest diets can fall short when it comes to the vital nutrients you need to really thrive. Which supplements are right for YOU?

A healthy gastrointestinal tract is a good basis for a healthy immune system.

A rich network of microbial life in your body plays a powerful role in shaping critical metabolic functions and even influencing your moods and behavior.

"Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food" - Hippocrates

When overproduced, candida can release harmful toxins into your body and cause several health issues.

Are you struggling to find the right supplements for your body?

Are you constantly bloated, exhausted or suffering from brain fog? You may have candida overgrowth and not even know it.

Do probiotics provide benefits for children? Or could they be potentially harmful?

Probiotics can help your tummy feel better, but can they slim your stomach too? A new study suggests they might.

Trying to find the right supplements can be overwhelming and frustrating. How can you identify the best ones for YOU?

Probiotics are good for your digestive system, but that's not all. Learn the five healthy benefits of a good probiotic.

Slow down, sister! Stress is a major gut inhibitor. Learn how you can cure your digestive distress without harsh drugs.

You're tired ALL the time but don't know why. Can your food choices be to blame?

Is your gut as healthy as it should be? Perhaps not. Learn the importance of probiotics for a healthy digestive system.

Have you been feeling a little "off" lately? Lack of energy, always feeling cold, trouble concentrating, or unexplained weight gain could be a sign of an underactive thyroid. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, upwards of 27 million Americans suffer from some type of thyroid disorder. Of those, it's estimated that half remain undiagnosed.

Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood

Hailed as "the master" of our endocrine system, second only to the pituitary, the thyroid is a small gland shaped like the outspread wings of a butterfly that sits at the base of the throat. It excretes two hormones - thyroxine (also known as T4) and triiodothyronine (or T3) - that regulate metabolism within every cell in the body.

Low levels of these hormones slow everything down, and it's why symptoms of hypothyroidism often include weight gain and fatigue, as well as constipation, depression, irritability, low body temperature, sleep disturbances, forgetfulness, edema (fluid retention), hair loss, decreased libido, joint pain, and a hoarse voice.

Yet, because these symptoms can resemble a host of other diseases, the thyroid is often overlooked by physicians.

Replenishing your gut with probiotics can lead to fewer chronic diseases and a stronger immune system.

Are you suffering from decision fatigue? Learn how to overcome and have your healthiest holiday yet.

You need good bacteria to be optimally healthy. But overexposure to antibiotics is creating a bacterial imbalance.

Introduce the world's best fermented foods into your own kitchen with easy tips and recipes.

Is it important to incorporate pro and prebiotics into your daily diet?