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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

The Importance of Poison Control Centers

Every 15 seconds, someone in the US contacts a poison control center for help with an accidental poisoning. Accidental poisoning is the top cause of preventable deaths in the United States, killing more people each year than car accidents or gun injuries. In 2023, more than two million people all across the country called in […]

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 […]