Optimal Health Insider
Research broken down for ease of use
Nitrate intake linked to better muscle function in new Australian study
A new study, published in the The Journal of Nutrition, found that people who consumed a nitrate-rich diet had significantly better muscle function of their lower limbs. Nitrates are found mostly in vegetables, and in smaller quantities in meat and some fruit. The...
Almost 14 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders—We have the nutrients that can help
New research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine has found that an estimated 13.6 million U.S. adults suffer from at least one sleep disorder. And, like toppling dominoes, America's sleep problems translate into widespread related issues. For example,...
These are stressful times: New research shows omega-3 supplements can help
Omega-3 fatty acids---long known for having anti-inflammatory properties that provide numerous health benefits---may be able to provide yet another benefit that is urgently needed during the current pandemic: stress support. In a recent clinical study, researchers...
New immune benefit of colostrum demonstrated: prevention of ‘leaky gut’
A new study, conducted in vitro, has identified a potential new benefit of colostrum. The research, published in the journal Nutrients, found that bovine colostrum was able to strengthen the cells found in gut wall lining. These cells become weakened if bacteria...
Milk overtakes peanuts as number 1 allergy while digestive enzymes continue to gain popularity
The rate of children hospitalized for food-induced anaphylaxis rose by 25% from 2006 to 2012. This is according to a 2019 analysis of data from hospitals in the United States and published in Pediatric Emergency Care. And severe symptoms were more often linked to milk...
Nearly half of Americans started taking immune building supplements during the past year
According to a new survey 43% of Americans added vitamins and/or other immunity-supporting supplements to their routine during the past year of the COVID pandemic. The survey was conducted by polling company YouGov on behalf of oral health product company TheraBreath....
Three studies in 11 days: More evidence Vitamin D is critical in battle against COVID
Studies pointing to Vitamin D's ability to fight viruses and respiratory illness go back decades. After the emergence of COVID-19 studies emerged almost immediately pointing to Vitamin D's ability to fight that virus too. Many of the studies were observational, and...
Higher intake of calcium and magnesium helps reduce migraines according to new research
When it comes to migraines, a number of pharmaceutical treatments are available to use after the onset of an attack. But every person who has suffered a migraine attack also wants to know what steps they can take to reduce the likelihood of an attack in the first...
Pine bark extract improves ADHD symptoms in Taiwanese study
A new study published in Phytotherapy Research found that one month of supplementation with a pine bark extract supplement improved both inattention and impulsivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition researchers determined...
Probiotic supplementation lowers COVID-19 remission rates, study finds
According to a new study, COVID-19 patients who consumed probiotics once a day for a month had lower remission rates. They also saw shorter duration of symptoms and viral load. The placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial sheds light on the gut-lung axis and...
Long-term daily supplementing study reaches 30-year point, finds notable benefits
New research published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research found that long-term daily supplement users had a "better cardiometabolic health profile" than people who chose not to take a nutritional supplement. The study, published March...
Need incentive to lose weight? Risk of death from disease, including COVID, higher for overweight individuals
In this politically-correct age, health advocates are frequently censored for simply pointing out that being overweight is unhealthy. But last week the British Medical Journal defied the popular "any size is healthy" crowd and published a report that found COVID-19...