Articles

Introduction Getting enough high-quality sleep is essential for both mental and physical health. However, many people struggle to make sleep a priority or create an optimal sleep environment. Recent research has uncovered just how vital sleep is for cognition, immunity, cardiovascular health, emotional regulation, and much more. Sleep Tracking Technology Consumer sleep tracking devices like…

A Tiny Sensor, A Wealth of Insight Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are transforming diabetes care by providing patients and clinicians access to a wealth of real-time glucose data. At the core of this technology is a tiny sensor, thinner than a human hair, which is inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels…

Introducing a Renowned Preventative Cardiologist Dr. Ethan Weiss, a prominent cardiologist focused on prevention, joins the show. Weiss trained at prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins for medical school and residency before a fellowship at UCSF, where he still practices. His lifelong immersion in medicine stems from his father, also a longtime cardiologist. Originally intent on…

The Intricate Physiology of Our Stress Response When we face stressful situations, our bodies kick into high gear through the activation of two key systems: the sympathetic nervous system (aka the "fight or flight" response) and the HPA axis which controls release of stress hormones called glucocorticoids. Adrenaline and norepinephrine come online within seconds, mobilizing…

Sleep Deprivation Wreaks Havoc on Metabolism and Appetite Regulation Getting insufficient sleep has profound negative consequences for metabolic health. Studies show that after just one week of sleeping only 4-5 hours per night, healthy subjects suffer a 50% reduction in insulin sensitivity. This is on par with prediabetes. Similar metabolic derangements are seen with other…

Evidence Mounts that Insufficient Sleep Contributes to Cognitive Decline Emerging research over the past decade has uncovered compelling evidence for a connection between poor sleep quality and quantity and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. Scientists have discovered links at the molecular level related to the accumulation of beta amyloid plaques and tau tangles, the two…

The Critical Role of Choline Choline is an essential nutrient that acts as a methyl donor in the body. It plays a vital role in liver function, fatty acid transport, and cell membrane integrity. Many people are unaware that choline deficiency can contribute to serious conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dietary sources rich…

Introduction Sleep is foundational to both mental and physical health. However, in our modern 24/7 society filled with artificial lighting, excessive screen time, jet travel across time zones, and nonstop stress, quality sleep is increasingly elusive. This article provides research-backed tips and hacks to improve sleep and better manage health based on insights from leading…

Hair Loss is Extremely Common Among Both Men and Women Hair loss is an extremely common issue affecting close to 100 million Americans. It can occur in both men and women due to a variety of factors including genetics, hormones, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. Male pattern baldness linked to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) accounts for…

A Long History of Mistreatment Led to Justified Skepticism Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women has a long and controversial history. In the 1940s and 1950s, estrogen was found to effectively relieve troublesome menopausal symptoms, which on average last 7-10 years, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease, the #1 killer of women.…

The Growing Burden of Type 1 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in a lack of insulin production and an inability to control blood glucose levels. The incidence of type 1 diabetes has doubled since the 1960s,…

The Evolving Landscape of Prostate Cancer Screening Prostate cancer screening and early detection methods have advanced considerably in recent years. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test revolutionized screening in the 1990s, enabling detection of prostate cancer at earlier stages. However, PSA screening also led to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of indolent cancers. Today, more sophisticated approaches…