Optimal Health Insider
Research broken down for ease of use
Phytonutrients benefit all ages, say new studies: Fewer illnesses for women, less ADHD for kids
The health benefits of consuming regular amounts of phytonutrients are diverse and extensive. So diverse, in fact, that two new studies highlighted the benefits on opposite ends of the age spectrum---elderly women and young kids. A new study from the University of...
In a nation already plagued with sleep disorders, fluoride in drinking water shown to cause sleeping problems
Prior to the Covid pandemic the American Sleep Association estimated 50 million Americans---more than one in seven---suffered from a sleep disorder. During the pandemic this number skyrocketed to an estimated 60 to 70 million Americans. Now, as if the situation wasn't...
Saw palmetto effective for urinary tract symptoms according to international panel of urologists
An international panel of urologists published findings in June 2022 that won't come as a surprise to most herbal researchers: "Saw palmetto extract is a valid treatment option for men with mild-to-moderate lower urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged...
Folic acid supplements may lower cardiovascular risks in patients with type 2 diabetes
A new randomized controlled clinical trial from Egypt found that folic acid supplements lowered cardiovascular risks in patients with type 2 diabetes. The risk level reduction was determined by measuring how folic acid affects two different indicators---or...
Athletes perform better when they have a healthy gut microbiome, study finds
Almost every serious athlete follows a supplement regimen to support his or her particular endeavor---be it endurance, speed, muscle gain, flexibility or mental clarity. But one nutrient athletes often overlook is the one that likely provides improvement in all these...
Hops lowers pain and reduces pain-associated sleep disruptions, study finds
Many consumers are aware that blossums from the hops plant (Humulus lupulus) are used in the beer brewing industry to add flavor to the beer. Most are also aware that the calming effects of hops have been utilized for hundreds of years as a natural medicinal. Now a...
In midst of antidepressant epidemic, Vitamin B6 supplements found to reduce depression and anxiety
Depression rates and sales of anti-depressants are soaring in the U.S. and worldwide, but new research is revealing that micronutrients can often provide relief---without the risk of pharmaceuticals. One recent study shows that taking high-dose Vitamin B6 supplements...
We know soda pop is unhealthy, but studies reveal drinking soda on a hot day is down right lethal!
Many studies have linked the regular consumption of soda pop with increased odds of early death. These studies typically focus on the damage caused over time when drinking carbonated high-fructose beverages. But a recent U.S. study has highlighted how soda pop...
U.S. women now rank only 47th in height, but new study shows protein increase can offset decline
In 1914, U.S. men were the third-tallest in the world. Only a couple of Scandinavian countries---where the Vikings used to reign---had men that were slightly taller. At the same time, U.S. women were ranked the fourth-tallest in the world. A little more than a century...
Resveratrol cuts hospitalization rate for COVID outpatients, study finds
A new double-blind, placebo-controlled study has found that resveratrol can be used therapeutically to cut the rate of hospitalization for people diagnosed with COVID-19. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol that is present in high concentrations in grapes, red wine...
94% of adults don’t get enough fiber, increasing their risk of chronic diseases
A whopping 94% of American don't get enough fiber in their diet. This is the conclusion from averaging two major recent studies. A study presented at the Nutrition 2021 Live online conference, sponsored by the American Society for Nutrition, reported that 93% of...
Licorice root: researchers find promising cancer curing potential in new study
The immune benefits of licorice root may play a role in preventing or treating certain types of cancer, according to a new study. The study was a systematic review of hundreds of earlier studies examining the role of licorice for cancer treatment. Licorice is the...