Where Do We Go From Here? A series of MedReport articles exploring the botanical origins of the medicines we use every day, by B. Kristine Burneko, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, APHN-BC. Fig. 1 /Herbal Apothecary Tools. From Wix [photograph] (educational use.) This article is a continuation of the series, "Nature's Medicine Cabinet: The Surprising Plant Origins of Common Medicines" available by this author on the MedReport website. The Future of Plant-Based Medicine Long before the

Celiac disease is managed through a strict gluten-free diet. However, because gluten-free processed foods rely heavily on rice, patients face an unintended risk: rice efficiently absorbs heavy metals from flooded soil. Studies show that individuals on a gluten-free diet have significantly higher levels of arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can lead to long-term health issues. To minimize this risk, patients should diversify their diets with alternative grains like qui

Memory, learning, and thought processing are all important functions of the brain. However, as individuals get older, the ability of the brain to carry out these functions may decrease. This can negatively affect their quality of life. Between 2000 and 2050, it is expected that the number of people over the age of 60 will double as the human life span gradually increases. With the increasingly aging population, it is important to examine ways to support the brain that keep it

When my husband saw me giving a quick rinse to a bowl of berries the other day, he paused and asked if I was just wasting my time. His question made me stop and think. I’ve always washed fruits and vegetables out of habit, but I realized I didn’t actually know how much that quick rinse mattered. So I took a closer look at what the research and national food‑safety experts have to say. As it turns out, proper washing and storage aren’t just “nice to do” — they play a real role

By Kat Pachas BSN, RN GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have become popular recently because they help with weight loss.[1] About 1 in 8 American adults has tried these medications. Most GLP-1 drugs are given as injections just under the skin, usually in the upper arm, thigh, or belly. These drugs mimic a natural hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite. They slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach and signal the brain to help you feel full. While many peop

For millions of people around the world, drinking tea is a common daily ritual that helps to promote health, relaxation, and comfort. Tea may be steeped as loose leaves in hot water, then poured through a kitchen strainer directly into a mug. However, more companies now resort to packaging tea in nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic tea bags. This current technology has raised another emerging concern within many of these tea bags: hidden microplastics. Micropla

Image from: https://pressbooks-dev.oer.hawaii.edu/anatomyandphysiology2021/chapter/26-electrolytes-and-fluids/ What is an Electrolyte? You have probably heard of electrolytes, and almost certainly have seen advertisements for drinks and powders containing these essential elements. We all need electrolytes to regulate the electrical systems throughout our bodies. Important electrolytes for the human body include sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium. Electrolyt

We have accepted many symptoms of poor blood flow as a normal part of life. Symptoms like declining memory for example, or difficulty with concentration for a sustained duration, or poor recovery after aerobic exercise, or breathlessness doing light activities, or feeling permanently tired despite sleeping well. This article is about how blood flow may be the root cause of these symptoms you’re experiencing frequently, and how eating beetroot may improve your quality of life

Introduction Obesity is a complex medical condition that is closely linked with serious health complications, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension among others. Medications aimed at weight reduction have been attempted since the early 20th century, although most are limited by significant adverse effects. Since the early 2020s, a new class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras) has demonstrated safe and effec

Plastics: The Beginning of Disposable Consumption Plastics have been used commercially for well over 100 years. The first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland and served not only as a very effective insulator, but was also well suited for production due to its high durability and ease of being molded. Bakelite was revolutionary for its time and set the stage for a new era of plastic manufacturing. By the 1940s, plastic use exploded. World W

As global urbanization accelerates, cities are becoming the primary areas of human population growth, placing increasing pressure on traditional agricultural systems. Feeding dense urban populations sustainably is one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. In response, vertical farming, which is the cultivation of crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled indoor environments, has emerged as a transformative approach to food production. By integrating advan

Article by Marin Whitley The relationship between diet and skin health is complex and influenced by many internal factors. As one of the most widely consumed beverages with physiological effects, coffee has become an area of interest in understanding potential contributors to acne. Does Coffee Truly Affect the Skin? There is not enough evidence to prove that coffee alone causes breakouts. However, coffee can affect the body in ways that may exacerbate acne. Acne results from

Introduction In recent years, gut health has become a central focus in nutrition and medical research. At the heart of this discussion lies the gut microbiome — a vast and dynamic community of microorganisms that plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, metabolism, and even brain function (1,2). Emerging research highlights that diet is one of the most powerful modulators of the gut microbiome, influencing both microbial composition and health outcomes (1). However, moder

During the past five years, GLP-1-like drugs have notably increased their prescription rates. Originally used to treat diabetes type 2, their prescription has shifted to weigh-loss therapies, becoming the most popular drug class for this purpose (1). So much so, that they have gained a lot of popularity in the mainstream media, with multiple articles addressing how “X” or “Y” celebrities have used them in their rapid weight loss journey for cosmetic purposes. With this inform

What Are GLP-1 Agonists? You must have heard of Ozempic with regard to diabetes and weight loss online, from friends, or from a healthcare professional. The hype has been around for a while, and for the right reasons. The GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) is an incretin hormone (gut peptide) produced naturally by the small intestine in response to high blood sugar. Nature has provided us with a built-in blood sugar regulator. It acts on the glp 1 receptors, which are found in the

Cardiovascular, Oncology, and Multipurpose Medications A series of articles exploring holistic medicine and the botanical origins of the medicines we use every day by B. Kristine Burneko, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, APHN-BC Fig. 1: Herbal Apothecary Tools. From Wix [photograph] (educational use.) Cardiovascular Health Statins, similar to lithium and the GLP-1 agonists, have non-plant origins that emerge from the earth nonetheless – as filamentous fungi of several species, most not

Cover Image: BRITISH NUTRITION FOUNDATION. Fibre - Nutrition Information - British Nutrition Foundation [Internet]. British Nutrition Foundation. 2023. Available from: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritional-information/fibre/ What is Fiber? ‌Dietary fiber is a type of plant-based carbohydrate that the human body cannot digest or absorb. Fiber is an important component of a healthy diet. It helps prevent constipation, lower cholesterol, manage blood sugar and reduce the risk

by Alazar Menbere Haile, MD Creatine is a widely used sports performance supplement best known for its role in strength training and remains one of the most extensively studied supplements on the market. It is synthesized from the amino acids arginine and glycine by the kidneys, liver, and pancreas, with a smaller contribution from the brain (1). This natural production by the body accounts for roughly half of daily requirements, while the remainder is obtained from dietary s

Millions of people rely on their daily cup of coffee to kick-start their day and banish fatigue. Caffeine is the world's most popular psychoactive substance, prized for its ability to promote alertness and focus. However, a significant number of individuals experience a strange and frustrating phenomenon: instead of feeling energized after drinking coffee, they feel an overwhelming urge to sleep. This paradoxical response, sometimes called "caffeine-induced sleepiness," is a

Turmeric is a well-known culinary spice across the world as it is incorporated in a variety of cuisines in different ways. Turmeric or curcumin is used widely in soups, teas, curries, cakes, and many other dishes for its color, flavor and antimicrobial properties. It belongs to the ginger family, and it is becoming a popular spice not only for its taste but also for its medicinal and healing properties. In this article, we will explore the health benefits of turmeric and its