Probiotics are one of those trendy health terms that everyone likes to talk about, but not many people understand. Chances are you’ve heard the word thrown around commercials that are advertising a new snack or yogurt that is packed with probiotics. Maybe you’ve even seen it on a food label or two, or have even been lured to make a purchase because the item promised it would bring you the benefits of probiotics.

The television commercials would have you believing that digestive discomfort is as normal as anything. Heartburn, nausea, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea—there is even a jingle to make the thoughts of such unpleasant symptoms not sound so horrible. Jokes about passing gas, having to run to the bathroom after every meal, feeling discomfort day in and out and popping pills so that you can still manage to down your favorite foods, this is the normal day to day for millions of Americans. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

When it comes to treating urgent or acute medical needs, the traditional western medical system has a pretty good system in place. Hospitals are available for urgent medical care around the clock, and doctors are trained in highly specific issues so they can diagnose, treat, and analyze those specific health concerns with expert perspective.

Mercury, once used heavily in thermometers, light bulbs, vaccines, antiseptics, and dental fillings, has become phased out and regulated heavily as its toxicity became better understood. Unfortunately, its presence in many bodies of water, along with high mercury concentrations in many species of fish and shellfish, can put you at risk for mercury poisoning. If you suspect that you have mercury poisoning, you should consult a physician, but here are some of the steps that you can take to detoxify mercury from your body:

Half of all women will have osteoporosis by age 60. One in five women will have a hip fracture in her lifetime, and 50% of them will never walk again. Men are not immune to this problem. 30% of osteoporosis happens in males, and 50% of men who suffer hip fractures will die within one year.

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As patients' health care needs and knowledge develops, many health care practitioners here in the Rochester Hills area and elsewhere are making a transition toward functional medicine. Functional medicine differs from traditional medicine in many important ways. Traditional medicine tends to be disease centered. Functional medicine takes a whole-patient approach, and helps people maintain better health overall instead of just treating discrete illnesses.

If you think getting a massage is just about pampering yourself, think again. There’s no question that a massage can feel great, but studies show us that it can also have direct benefits to our health, making massage a potentially valuable component of your anti-aging or functional medicine program.

Following an anti-aging diet can be spicier than you might think—in fact, some might say the spicier the better. Chances are there are a handful of herbs growing in your garden or hanging out in your spice cabinet that can help you improve your health by fighting free radicals, which contribute to chronic disease, damaged skin and other concerns.

Getting through a long day at work and balancing your household duties is hard for anyone, but is particularly difficult for those dealing with chronic fatigue. If Rochester continues to hustle and bustle as you find yourself weak, tired and irritated, then it might be time for you to find natural ways to perk yourself up.