Optimal Health Insider
Research broken down for ease of use
Colostrum boosts immune system and helps maintain athletic performance, Polish study finds
According to researchers in Poland, bovine colostrum supplements strengthened the immune systems of athletes and helped them continue their demanding training schedules with more regularity. The study, which was conducted on professional football (soccer in the U.S.)...
Lutein supplements provide measurable eye health improvements in as little as two weeks, study finds
We live in an era that could be described as a blue light total onslaught. The damaging blue light---light that has shorter wavelengths and higher energy than other colors---comes from excessive exposure to cell phones, computers, tablets, t.v.'s and LED lights....
CoQ10 ubiquinol alleviates menopausal symptoms, according to new consumer survey of women
In the world of supplementing, CoQ10 is relatively new. It has only been available in the U.S. for a little more than a decade; however, during that time more than 60 studies have focused light on the nutrient's unique health benefits. "CoQ10" is an abbreviation for...
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...