Chronic diseases or autoimmune diseases are the most obvious risk factors for impaired immunity. But “there are definitely things lifestyle-wise that can set you up for infection,” says Randy Horwitz, M.D., Ph.D., immunologist and medical director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. For the generally healthy population with no underlying medical conditions, these can include an unhealthy diet, a high-stress job or home environment, and poor sleep. Below, experts break down these and other warning signs—and how to give your immune system some extra TLC....

In other words: There was always one thing after another in my life, and I neglected every aspect of my health in the process. In my eyes, my mind and my body were two separate things. I received a phone call later that day, and my OB/GYN asked me to come back to the office ASAP to do some biopsies. After getting the results back—the week of my 30th birthday—I had a cervical cancer diagnosis....

The body’s natural release of endorphins is enhanced during bouts of physical activity, and this surge in happy hormones can boost your mood, increase confidence, and reduce stress levels. Regular exercise can also help improve heart health1, bone density,2 cognition3, and metabolic function4—not to mention increase muscle mass, tone, and strength. As a former Olympic sprinter, I’ve found that during stressful times, exercise has the ability to make everyday activities feel a little easier....

One common term that you’ll likely see is “ascorbic acid,” which can admittedly sound a bit scary (er, acid?) but is one of the most important nutrients you can add to your routine. Read on to learn about what ascorbic acid is used for, some health benefits, plus how much you should take. A quick science lesson: Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. It’s an essential micronutrient, meaning the human body is unable to make its own (unlike most other animals that are able to synthesize the vitamin)....

Unfortunately, there is no check and balance in our food system to assess how food and food additives interact with our microbiome. Foods are generally regarded as safe (AKA—GRAS status1) by the FDA based on their toxicity to us, not our microbiota. And while extensive research shows that the quantity and diversity of plant-based foods promote a healthy and robust microbiome, we are just beginning to understand the safety and impact that additives like emulsifiers in our alternative milks have on our microbes....

Breathing is a unique system in the human body; unlike, for example, digestion, breathing has both an involuntary control mechanism as well as voluntary, similar to a 747 in that it can shift between being piloted and being left on autopilot. If you are a military special operator, or have a background with martial arts or yoga, it’s likely that you inherently understand the strategy of mastering the breath. If not, you will find the most immediate practical benefits in your life from this strategy....

Here, experts weigh in on what butterflies symbolize, plus how to know if you have a connection to these special creatures. “Butterflies show us how we can go within ourselves to dissolve old forms and morph, rebuilding and evolving ourselves,” she explains, noting that they show us the importance of surrender and trust “as part of the essential process of growth and renewal.” As author Erika Buenaflor, M.A., puts it in her book Animal Medicine, butterflies also symbolize rebirth, hope, and bravery....