While blood cells are the driving force behind a healthy immune system. But a low white blood cell count doesn't necessarily mean there's anything to worry about. In fact, white blood cell measurements from blood tests are best considered in context of your historic data and whether recent tests deviate from your normal. Here's a comprehensive overview of white blood cells, the reasons they might be low, and how to support their production.

Humans are diurnal animals, meaning we work during the day, and sleep and restore (both physically and mentally) at night. But things like technology, long work days, and even light bulbs have drastically expanded what we consider ‘waking hours’ compared to those of our evolutionary ancestors. For most of history, when the sun went down, our bodies knew it was time for bed. But now, most of us couldn't possibly imagine sacrificing those extra few hours between sunset and bedtime! So if we're ...

We've all weighed the costs and benefits of working out when sick: "My throat hurts, so I'll stick to weights and avoid heavy breathing." Or, "maybe a good sweat will break this fever." Often times, it just boils down to, "yeah I feel like crap, but I have a plan I have to stick to." So we compromise and try to push through our workouts, even though we’re suffering (more than normal, that is). After all, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? Well, while forcing a workout when you’re ...

When our immune system is in tip top shape, we take it for granted and rarely give it any love. But, the minute the sniffles start, our eyes begin to water, or we get that raw feeling in the back of our throat, we expect (and hope) that our immune system will pick up the slack. And only then do we reach for the vitamin C, sneak in an extra hour of sleep, or take a precautionary day off of work.  But the immune system is a complicated network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to ...

Sleeping through your alarm. Showing up unprepared to a presentation. Forgetting an important birthday. Getting stressed out just reading? I can relate. But by making my InsideTracker goal ‘Reduce Stress,’ tracking certain biomarkers, and making some lifestyle changes, I’ve been able to find relaxation, mindfulness, and balance in my fast-paced daily life. 

Most of us can recognize the symptoms of an off-kilter digestive system: acid reflux, bloating, stomach pains, discomfort, constipation, excess gas, etc. But once they set in, do you know how to get back to neutral? Two foods that have been getting the limelight lately to help? Kombucha and kimchi. But are these ‘gut healthy’ foods just enjoying their 15 minutes of fame, or are they here to stay?

Do you have high cholesterol? You may know that it's found in our blood and critical for heart health. But cholesterol's relationship with inflammation is lesser-known—and they can work hand-in-hand to damage your body.

  For many athletes from beginners to professionals, taking painkillers has become a pre- or post-event ritual. One study found that almost 60 percent of racers at the 2008 Ironman Triathlon in Brazil reported using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (often referred to as NSAIDs) at some point in the three months leading up to the event, with about half of them taking a pill during the race. Many athletes take these medications as a way of relieving discomfort during and after a ...