Mediterranean Diet for Arthritis – Myth or Miracle?
Arthritis Awareness Month is celebrated each May, and it focuses on increasing understanding of a chronic condition that affects 54 million adults in the United States. Those living with arthritis often face joint pain and other arthritis symptoms that can significantly impact their daily lives. The Arthritis Foundation works to assist individuals with arthritis by […]
Does Excess Body Fat Cause GERD And Other GI Issues?
While I do not fit the exact criteria for obesity, I have definitely had times where my excess body fat has significantly increased. Whether that was because of health conditions, prolonged bouts of being a bit too sedentary, or when I spent three weeks in Italy and had a minimum of two gelatos daily, I […]
Safer Alternatives to Klonopin for Sleep and Anxiety
Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin, is a benzodiazepine prescribed for conditions such as anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and certain seizure disorders. While clonazepam is effective for these and other conditions, the fact that it is a controlled substance highlights its potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms. For many people, this makes it […]
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, […]
Arcoxia: A Targeted Approach to Safer Pain Management
Pain management has long relied on non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), aspirin (Cartia / Micropirin), and diclofenac (Voltaren, Betaren), but these medications often come with significant gastrointestinal (GI) risks. Arcoxia (generic name: etoricoxib) offers an alternative by selectively inhibiting COX-2 enzymes, reducing pain and inflammation while sparing the stomach lining. […]
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 […]
Gallstones & Weight Loss FAQs
Like many others, my mother has had issues with her gut most of her life. Several years ago, she experienced an episode of excruciating pain in her chest. Fearing a heart attack, she called an ambulance, but by the time they arrived, the pain had subsided. After some investigation, it was discovered she had sludge in her […]
Folate Deficiency and How to Fix It
Folate is a form of B9 vitamin that helps the body grow and develop properly. While everyone needs folate, it is especially important for pregnant women. Folate deficiency during pregnancy can cause problems with the development of a baby’s brain and spinal cord, known as neural tube defects. Folic acid is the man-made version of […]
Ten Rare Diseases You May Never Have Heard Of
A disease is considered rare when it impacts fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. There are over 10,000 rare diseases that affect more than 30 million Americans. In 2025, February 28th is Rare Disease Day to raise awareness of and support for those living with such diseases. To support that day, here is some info about 10 rare […]
