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Nikeyia Ingram, 38, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD) at just 6 months old, experiences pain nearly every day due to the red blood cell disorder. Most days, she’s able to treat the pain and manage her disease by controlling her stress, staying hydrated and keeping in touch with her medical team. Lately, Ingram has been finding that grief has been affecting her ability to manage her disease. Last year, she lost her 15-year-old, Demetrius Ingram, her only son, in a car accident. The heartache exacerbates her pain.

Confused about probiotics and prebiotics? Let’s unravel the mysteries of how prebiotic and probiotic foods promote a balanced gut and what role that plays in your overall wellness.

Remember, even researchers are just beginning to understand the complexity of digestive health: how each organ functions and what the microorganisms within them do to keep the whole digestive system in working order. Before you alter your diet and lifestyle to consume more probiotics and prebiotics, consult with your primary care physician for personal guidance on healthy eating for your gut.

It’s no secret that when women are healthy, families and communities thrive. But from menstruation to menopause, women face many distinct — and sometimes complex — health events that require care, understanding and partnership from a health care provider.