Can Opioid-Induced Constipation Be Avoided?

After surgery many years ago, I was prescribed opioids to manage the pain. At first, I was relieved as they really helped. But then came the constipation, and let me tell you, it was awful. I found myself wondering if the pain relief was even worth it. No one really talked to me about how […]

Good Old Sore Throat Remedies

My doctor tells me I have the biggest tonsils she has ever seen. When I was young, I thought that was very cool, but I didn’t realize it came with an increase in the frequency of sore throats compared to those with “normal” sized tonsils. While these may be inconvenient, it has given me a […]

Why Are People Worried About Botox Injections?

Cosmetic procedures include a variety of treatments designed to improve or change physical appearance. These range from non-invasive options, such as Botox injections and dermal fillers, to surgical procedures like facelifts and rhinoplasty. Botox, also known as botulinum toxin type A, is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In small, carefully administered doses, […]

Breakthrough Study Links GLP-1 to Reduced Alcohol Dependence

Researchers have been exploring whether glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, could help treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). A long-term study with over 8 years of follow-up found that people using these drugs had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization for AUD compared to those on officially approved AUD treatments. This […]

The Tiny Invaders: Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites & Fungi Explained

Microbes are present everywhere, including in food, water, soil, and even inside the human body. In most cases, they live peacefully within the body and can even provide health benefits, such as certain bacterial strains in probiotics or yeasts found in fermented foods. However, in other instances, these microbes can become harmful by releasing toxins, […]

Why Oral Health Matters for Overall Well-Being

As a nutritionist, I’ve seen firsthand how proper chewing is the first step to good digestion, and it is well-known that good digestion is one of the foundations of good health. When food is broken down properly, the body absorbs nutrients more efficiently, fueling everything from energy levels to immune function. But what many people […]

Cases of Parkinson’s Expected to Double by 2050

World Parkinson’s Day is a chance to raise awareness about the world’s fastest-growing neurological condition. A new study shows that the number of people with Parkinson’s disease could more than double in the next few decades. This prediction is backed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. While this could be attributed to an […]

Sticking With GLP-1 Helps to Maintain Weight Loss

Anyone who has struggled to maintain weight loss knows the frustration of losing weight only for it to pile right back on once we slow down or stop whatever weight loss program or diet we were following. This yo-yo effect can discourage, demoralize, and even damage our health. Yet, many diet and exercise programs are […]

A Guide to Hormone Replacement Therapy

Having reached the age of perimenopause, I have newfound empathy for my mother. I remember how I used to giggle and poke fun at her when she would lie on the cold bathroom floor trying to cool herself from a hot flash. As a self-centered teenage girl, I honestly thought she was being overly dramatic. […]

The Role of COX Enzymes in Pain and Inflammation

Everyone deals with physical pain at some point in life. No matter what kind of pain it is, it’s usually caused by inflammation. Inflammation, or swelling, happens when the body reacts to an injury, illness, or something that irritates it. Inflammation is often seen as a bad thing, but it’s actually part of the immune system’s […]