Wellness & Research Blog

Optimal Health Insider

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The Link Between Your Gut and Brain: Why Probiotics Help More Than Digestion

Your digestive system is constantly in conversation with your brain. It shapes how you think, feel, and respond to the world around you. This relationship...
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Move over protein and creatine... study shows probiotics improve athletic performance too

Of all the supplements athletes reach for to increase performance, probiotics probably aren't even on the radar screen. But according to research they should be,...
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As studies mount, researchers estimate microplastics contribute to 356,000 annual heart disease deaths

In 1921 cardiovascular disease (CVD) surpassed pneumonia/influenza to become the leading cause of death in the U.S. It has held that position ever since, including...
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Study identifies best fiber supplement for the 94% of Americans who aren't getting enough dietary fiber

According to a 2021 study, 94% of Americans don't consume enough fiber. Considering the popularity of low-carb diets today, this statistic isn't surprising; after all,...
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Focusing on the growing fertility epidemic: Study shows microplastics exposure is a primary culprit

In a recent blog post we discussed the needless concern over the estrogen-like effects that soybean products are thought to pass on to humans. This...
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News media says there's no way to remove microplastics from the body---research says otherwise

Microplastics are in the news a lot lately, and for good reason. After twenty years of warnings from "conspiracy theory people" on the periphery, the...
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From heart to brain: Evidence mounts regarding damage microplastics cause to human body

A mind-numbing study published in early February has made headlines around the world: The average human brain now contains approximately seven grams of microplastics. According...
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U.S. dementia cases estimated to double by 2060: These ten nutrients will help lower your risk

A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found the risk of developing dementia anytime after age 55 was 42% in the U.S.---more...
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Elderberry: The world's favorite immune boosting nutrient also proffers a fat-burning benefit

At the start of a new year just about everyone has the same two health goals: keep the immune system strong in the heart of...
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A healthy gut with the right microbes can lower cholesterol, according to U.S. research

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome as been linked to better health in a number of areas. In 2024 alone studies have demonstrated a positive association...
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Glutamine supplementation improves gut health and immune defense within two weeks, study finds

Glutamine is an amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It is considered by most scientists to be a "conditionally essential" amino...
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Add it to the benefit list: Study finds fruit and veggies help you avoid colon cancer

Many diseases that used to be considered diseases of the elderly are now affecting younger people at alarming rates. One of these diseases is colon...
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Lactase: the enzyme that provides relief for most people with lactose intolerance

Dairy allergy ranks as the second-highest allergy in the U.S. Only shellfish allergies are more common. In Africa and Asia rates of dairy allergies are...
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Phytase: the potent enzyme that can help you enjoy grains again

In the 21st century Western world allergies to wheat and other grains seem to be omnipresent. "Gluten-free" products have become a niche industry, making billions...
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Study shows new enzyme can destroy or degrade phthalates and other harmful substances

Modern society is inarguably toxic. Each day we are exposed to thousands of toxic substances, many of which wreak havoc in our bodies. Of these...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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