Optimal Health Insider
Research broken down for ease of use
Do they know something you don’t? Why magnesium is the most popular supplement in Germany
A new German survey, sponsored by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Berlin, found that magnesium was the most consumed individual nutritional supplement in that country. The finding is interesting since it is a different "top choice" compared to...
Resveratrol is great for the heart and brain, but new study shows why red wine is not the way to get it
For decades now many health-conscious people have included a glass or two of red wine in the evening as part of their "supplement" regimen. This is done in the hope the nutrients in the red wine are providing some protection against heart disease and cognitive...
Study of 27,000 brains finds poor sleep habits age the brain by about a year
When researchers in Sweden analyzed the brain scans and sleep patterns of more than 27,000 middle-aged and older adults they found people with poor sleep habits had brains that looked older than their actual age. Study subjects with the worst sleep patterns had brains...
“Beauty sleep” is real: Studies reveal maintaining skin health is another benefit of quality sleep
Sleep studies conducted in recent decades have established beyond any doubt that sleep quality is linked to good health. In fact, a recent study documented how a single disruptive night could compromise the immune system. But what most people don't realize is the...
Large European meta-analysis finds Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation helps reduce cognitive decline
As global aging accelerates, the prevalence of cognitive impairment continues to rise. The rise of cognitive impairment is, in turn, challenging healthcare systems around the world. It is also diminishing the quality of life of the millions of people who suffer from...
Microbiome importance: Study links poor gut health to stunted growth in children
For almost a century health-conscious parents have provided vitamin and mineral supplements to their children to ensure healthy development; however, if a new study is any indication, parents may soon consider probiotics the most important supplement. According to the...
Researchers at world’s largest hospital find Vitamin C supplementation can reduce respiratory infection by 50%
Higher Vitamin C blood serum levels are associated with a reduction of respiratory infections, according to a new Chinese study. The study, which focused on children and adolescents, corroborates numerous other studies highlighting the immune benefits of Vitamin C....
Methylene blue: Celebrating 150 years as medicine and nutritional supplement
In just a few months methylene blue will celebrate its 150th birthday. Today the unique medicinal compound is known for promoting mitochondrial health, enhancing energy production and reducing oxidative stress; however, during its 150 birthdays it has experienced a...
Optimal vitamin/mineral levels linked to reduced chronic pain in new study
If you're suffering chronic pain, an important step to take is to check if you're deficient in micronutrients. This was the primary finding of a new study in which researchers demonstrated that fixing micronutrient deficiencies is an effective step in reducing pain...
Why Inflammation Is the Root of Most Health Problems (and How to Fight It)
Some of the most persistent health challenges such as low energy, brain fog, joint stiffness, and digestive discomfort, can be traced back to one source: inflammation. It doesn’t always show up with obvious symptoms, but over time it places strain on the body’s core...
70,000 research papers in 100 years: Why you should consider creatine a critical nutrient
During the reign of Genghis Khan (1206 to 1227) nutrition became a weapon of war. It was recognized that meat provided nutrients that made soldiers larger, stronger and healthier overall, so Khan and his advisors sought to strategically restrict the availability of...
The Truth About Detox: What Works and What’s a Waste
“Detox” is one of the most misused words in health culture. Juice cleanses, fasting plans, and dramatic elimination diets often get labeled as detox strategies, but these approaches rarely align with how the body actually works. Quick-fix trends may create temporary...