Optimal Health Insider
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Are the benefits of probiotics endless? The research continues to pile up in 2024!
The evidence that probiotics affect just about every aspect of health has accumulated significantly in recent years, and this year is no exception. In early 2024 studies from Italy and China showed that probiotic supplements---also known as "beneficial bacteria" or...
Protein shakes enhance muscle strength when starting an exercise program, study finds
When individuals with a mostly sedentary lifestyle get motivated and start an exercise program, they will see additional improvements in muscle strength if they include a protein supplement as part of their program. This was the primary finding of a study on...
Debunking the Myth: Are Supplements Really Unregulated?
A special report by Optimal Health Systems: On March 18, 2024, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois announced that he intends to reintroduce his failed 2022 Senate bill (S.4090) forcing strict regulations on the manufacturing and selling of nutritional supplements. In his...
Study finds huge potential for taurine supplements in reducing metabolic syndrome, protecting heart
A new study has found supplementing with the amino acid taurine is beneficial in reducing metabolic syndrome variables. Metabolic syndrome is a medical condition that is defined by a "clustering" of different symptoms. A person is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if...
Researchers report iron deficiency is prevalent among athletes, has affect on performance
Living in a world where new health products become available almost every week, it's easy for consumers to forget about the more mundane aspects of health---like micronutrients. Fortunately new studies provide gentle reminders and help keep us grounded in the basics....
Studies: Consuming alcohol increases macular degeneration risk while fruit and veggie consumption lowers risk
Most people recognize that heavy alcohol consumption comes with a number or health risks; however, one common health condition that isn't normally associated with alcohol consumption is macular degeneration. A 2021 study found that moderate to high alcohol consumption...
Higher tryptophan intake found to improve sleep quality in study tracking university students
A new Spanish study focusing on first-year university students has found that lower tryptophan consumption is associated with poor sleep quality. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is used by the human body in the biosynthesis of proteins. As an essential amino acid it...
Creatine boosts muscle strength and power of athletes according to Chilean study
Soccer is big in South American countries---it's the equivalent of football in the U.S. And Chile is no exception. Every young soccer player esteems to go pro, and many Chileans plan their schedules around the next soccer match. So, it's not surprising that...
Study finds half of cancer deaths are preventable–one prevention tool is eating fruit and veggies
Everyone knows smoking is a risk factor for contracting cancer; however, according to researchers with the American Cancer Society, smoking is just one lifestyle habit that contributes to high cancer rates. According to the findings of a new study, four in ten cancer...
Black Seed Oil: Ancient Remedy Backed by Modern Science
Black seed—also known by its scientific name, Nigella sativa—is a small seed that comes from a flowering plant by the same name. As an annual flowering plant, it is native to parts of Africa, India, Asia and the Mediterranean. It is also known as black cummin. The...
Pass Grandma the mushrooms: Study finds reishi extract improves immune function in older women
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a type of mushroom that enjoys a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Written records document medicinal use of reishi in China well over 2,000 years ago. In China, this mushroom is called lingzhi. Reishi mushrooms are...
Society has become more aggressive: New study finds Omega-3 fatty acids can help
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania say a new study shows a nutrient known for heart health also helps the aggressive behavior that seems to permeate society today. That nutrient, or group of nutrients, are Omega-3 fatty acids. The fact that society has...