Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that our bodies need to develop and function normally. There are 14 known vitamins: vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, choline, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate/folic acid. Fifteen minerals are essential for health: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, chromium, copper, fluoride, molybdenum, manganese, and selenium. Most individuals can meet their nutrient requirements by eating a balanced diet with a variety of foods. http://bit.ly/2hDXrnL

The +Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Healthy Aging Data Portal allows users to easily access data on a range of key indicators of health and well-being, screenings and vaccinations, and mental health among older adults at the national and state levels. These indicators provide a snapshot of currently available surveillance information, and can be useful for prioritization and evaluation of public health interventions. http://bit.ly/2fTbOjI 

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is native to the Far East, including China and Korea, and has been used for health-related purposes for at least 2,000 years. Asian ginseng is one of several types of ginseng (another is American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius). The terms red ginseng and white ginseng refer to Asian ginseng roots prepared in two different ways. There have been many studies of Asian ginseng in people, but few have been high quality. Therefore, our understanding of Asian ginseng’s health effects is limited. http://1.usa.gov/1QeQrpe

Nearly 70 percent of people who smoke want to quit, according to a national survey. A few studies have found that mind and body practices such as meditation-based therapies, yoga, and guided imagery (a relaxation technique) can help reduce cigarette use and cravings. Here are four more things to know about several complementary health approaches for quitting smoking: http://1.usa.gov/1shCfWU 

The term “acupuncture” describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of points on the body using a variety of techniques. The technique most often studied involves penetrating the skin with needles manipulated by the hands or electrical stimulation. Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years and is one of the key components of traditional Chinese medicine. In the United States, millions of Americans use acupuncture each year, often for chronic pain. The effects of acupuncture on the brain and body and how best to measure them are only beginning to be understood. Current evidence suggests that many factors—like expectation and belief—that are unrelated to acupuncture needling may play important roles in the beneficial effects of #acupuncture on #pain. http://bit.ly/2gzkFIc 

+Harvard Health Publications takes a look at research that has been done on gratitude and the association between gratitude and well-being: http://bit.ly/2fpp7YI

People with cancer want to do everything they can to combat the disease, manage its symptoms, and cope with the side effects of treatment. Many turn to complementary health approaches—for example, herbal and other dietary supplements, #acupuncture, #massage, and #yoga. No complementary health product or practice has been proven to cure cancer. However, some complementary approaches may help people manage cancer symptoms or treatment side effects and improve their quality of life. Clinical guidelines warn that unproven methods shouldn’t be used in place of conventional treatment because delayed treatment of #cancer reduces the likelihood of a remission or cure. http://bit.ly/2jDrJZ1 

Garcinia cambogia (Malabar tamarind) is native to India and Southeast Asia. The rind of its fruit is used to flavor fish curries and preserve food. The rind contains a chemical called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which has been studied for its effect on appetite. Garcinia cambogia supplements with HCA are marketed for weight loss-and while they have been studied for this, there aren't a lot of recent, reliable studies on their effectiveness. http://bit.ly/2h2s2ZU 

NIH +MedlinePlus shares the story of Diana Gray, a 73-year-old retired student affairs administrator and grandmother who found relief from her chronic pain by practicing tai chi: http://bit.ly/2j8gOmq. There’s some evidence that practicing tai chi may help people manage pain associated with knee, #fibromyalgia, and back pain. NCCIH-supported studies are helping to build an evidence base on the effectiveness and safety of complementary health approaches for treating chronic #pain: http://bit.ly/2hYOcuJ #taichi

+USA TODAY takes a look at research about the effects of exposure to nature on health. http://usat.ly/2gJiK53

Have a safe and happy New Year! 

We sat down with John Cryan, Ph.D., for a Q&A to learn more about the research exploring the mechanisms of how gut bacteria could influence your brain and behavior. http://bit.ly/2fgluGg