Optimal Health Insider
Research broken down for ease of use
New research highlights another health risk linked to poor sleep: dementia
According to ongoing research, poor sleep quality negatively impacts immune function, heart health, risk of diabetes, obesity and chronic pain. But for those who find getting regular sleep a challenge, there is a health risk they may not be aware of: dementia....
After years of calling it unnecessary, Harvard Health now says taking a multi-vitamin is a good idea
The tide may be slowly turning on the medical establishment's vilification of nutritional supplements... but don't get too excited just yet. Last month Dr. Howard LeWinde, the chief medical editor at Harvard Health Publishing, reversed course and stated that he now...
Probiotics for skin health and pain management: New studies highlight lesser-known flora benefits
During the Covid pandemic surveys showed use of probiotic supplements had surged globally. Consumers had already become better informed about the immune benefits of probiotics, and the pandemic drove the interest even higher. Currently probiotic sales increase by...
Another benefit of regular fruit and veggie consumption: Lower risk of kidney stones
Surveys show that roughly 10% of the population is affected by kidney stones. One in ten people will get at least one kidney stone in their lifetime. "Kidney stone" is the common language referring to when a solid piece of material---the medical terminology is renal...
Are you forgetting zinc? Researchers say it’s ‘The most insidious’ of all nutrient deficiencies
A collaborative effort by researchers from four countries has fingered an inadequate intake of the mineral zinc as one of the "most devastating nutrient deficiencies" in the world's population. Though minerals are often overlooked in the sphere of essential nutrients...
Vitamins K2 and D: Two nutrients that work synergistically to help reduce coronary artery calcification
In recent years the health benefits of both vitamins K2 and D have received a lot of attention in institutional research and media coverage. Most of the attention has focused on energy, bone, muscle and immune health---though the health benefits appear to be endless....
Higher Omega-3 status shown to reduce the risk of long-term cardiac events in new study
If you've suffered a heart attack, a critical "survivor's step" you should take is to increase your Omega-3 Index. This is one of the findings of a new study that examined the long-term health outcomes of patients following a heart attack. The Omega-3 Index refers to...
Four years since lockdowns: Covid research highlights the nutrients you’ll need for next emergency
March 2024 marks a milestone of sorts: It's the fourth anniversary of the start of America's unprecedented pandemic lockdowns. The anniversary is a good time to reflect on the status of your own health and whether or not you're prepared for the next national...
What percentage of your diet should be protein? According to new research, over 20% is too much
High protein diets have become popular in the athletic and weight loss spheres in recent decades. But is loading-up on protein effective or safe over the long term? According to recent studies, the answer is a firm "no" on both counts. A 2022 meta-analysis, published...
Vitamin D supplementation linked to reduced dementia risk in review of large sampling of seniors
According to a new analysis of more than a quarter million participants of the UK Biobank, those with a high Vitamin D status were far less likely to suffer dementia as they age. The UK Biobank is a large longevity study in the United Kingdom which is investigating...
Cinnamon provides blood sugar benefits that can help ward off diabetes
According to a new study, the popular spice cinnamon offers hope for obese and overweight individuals in warding off diabetes. The small study, conducted specifically on prediabetic individuals, corroborated earlier studies highlighting cinnamon's ability to reduce...
New study highlights benefits of L-glutamine supplementing for high-intensity exercise
According to new research conducted in Taiwan, supplementing with the amino acid L-glutamine has the ability to boost the recovery and performance of athletes following intense bouts of exercise. For this new study researchers focused specifically on combat-sport...