Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and a decline in the ability to perform daily tasks (e.g., planning and organizing). It can also affect mood and personality and impair judgment and language. Research has shown that Alzheimer’s results from amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in brain tissue, which affect communication between brain neurons.  The quest for effective treatments remains a high priority. Among the promising...

In the journey of weight loss, everyone eventually reaches a plateau, even when using newer GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound). This phase is where the body finds a new set point and weight. During this plateau, some individuals may experience a gradual increase in appetite or “food noise”, while others can maintain their current state. Other metabolic markers like blood pressure and A1c, stabilize or only fluctuate slightly. It’s important to...

One common misconception about GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), is that once you start taking them, you can never stop. This myth can deter individuals from considering these highly effective medications for weight loss.  In this podcast, we’ll debunk this myth and provide a clearer understanding of how GLP-1 agonists can be included in a comprehensive health plan. Understanding the Role of GLP-1 Agonists GLP-1 agonists help with weight loss and...

GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide (Wegovy), are popular medications for weight loss that work by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. While these medications can be very effective, some individuals might experience fluctuations in their appetite over time. If you've noticed that your appetite seems to be coming back even while on a GLP-1 agonist, you’re not alone. In this podcast, we’ll discuss why this might be happening and what...

In a recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, researchers explored a possible link between the medication semaglutide and a rare type of eye stroke called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). In this podcast, we’ll explain what this means and why it's important. What is NAION? NAION is a condition that affects the optic nerve, leading to sudden vision loss in one eye. It's considered a rare eye stroke and is not related to artery disease. What is Semaglutide? ...

What is Metabolism? Metabolism refers to the biochemical processes in which our bodies convert food and drink into energy. This energy is then used to fuel bodily functions such as breathing, circulating blood, and repairing cells.  Metabolism is divided into two categories: Catabolism: Catabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that break down molecules into smaller units to release energy. It involves the breakdown of complex molecules such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into...

When embarking on a weight loss journey, it's important to be aware that losing weight can sometimes result in the loss of muscle mass along with fat. This unintended muscle loss can lead to decreased strength, slower metabolism, a less toned appearance, or extra skin.  To counteract this, it's essential to incorporate foods that support muscle maintenance and growth into your diet. Consuming adequate protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense carbohydrates can help preserve muscle mass,...

Digestion is a complex process that involves breaking down food into nutrients that the body can absorb and use. For a healthy person, the time it takes to digest meals and snacks can vary based on the type and composition of the food consumed. Keep in mind the digestive process varies significantly between healthy individuals and those with digestive disorders. While healthy individuals typically digest meals within a predictable timeframe, digestive disorders can cause delays or speed up...

Did you know that you don't need a gym to enjoy the benefits of resistance training? You can do it right in the comfort of your home with no gym equipment, and it's fantastic for your overall health and heart health. Regular resistance training can improve your blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, and body composition. It's especially helpful for older adults and those with a higher risk of heart problems (e.g., high blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes, excess weight, current or...

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone primarily known for its role in regulating blood sugar levels through its effects on insulin secretion and appetite control. However, recent research has shown another significant function of GLP-1: its ability to reduce inflammation. This opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions in various inflammatory conditions and chronic diseases. In this podcast, we’ll discuss GLP-1’s role in reducing inflammation and how it may help you. What is...

A class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists has revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These drugs mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon release, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. In this podcast, we’ll talk about the differences among some of the most well-known GLP-1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic (Semaglutide) Form: Injectable ...

As you age, you might notice dark or brown spots (hyperpigmentation) appearing on your face, arms, or the tops of your hands. These age spots can also develop on your legs, back, and other parts of your body.  Age spots on the face (cheek, chin, nose, forehead, and upper lip) are typically caused by years of exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun (melasma). These age spots are more common in women and those who are pregnant or taking birth control pills. While experts don't know exactly...

BPC-157 (body protection complex) is a peptide consisting of 15 amino acids. It’s become popular in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in tissue repair and inflammation reduction.  BPC-157 is derived from a protein found in the human stomach. It promotes healing in a variety of health conditions, from muscle and tendon injuries to gut health and brain fog.  BPC-157 is available as an oral pill or an injection into the fatty tissue (subcutaneous injection). In...

AHK-Cu, also known as Copper Tripeptide-1, has garnered significant attention in dermatology and cosmetology for its many benefits. The cosmeceutical industry has studied it extensively in animal and lab models.  This short peptide, consisting of the amino acids alanine, histidine, and lysine chemically bound to a copper ion, plays a crucial role in skin health, collagen synthesis, and hair growth.  In this podcast, we’ll examine how AHK-Cu works and its potential side effects. How does it...

In the intricate dance of human reproduction, a peptide called Kisspeptin plays an important role in guiding the timing of ovulation in women and the production of sperm in men. Its discovery has sparked a wave of excitement in the field of reproductive medicine, offering new insights and potential treatments for those facing fertility challenges.  In this podcast, we’ll talk about how kisspeptin works for fertility issues and much more. What is Kisspeptin? Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide...

Sometimes, we need a little extra help battling weight and staying healthy. That's where semaglutide (Wegovy) comes in. It's more than just a weight-loss medication—it's a game-changer for long-term health.  In this podcast, we'll discuss how semaglutide can help you beyond just shedding pounds and positively impact metabolic and cardiovascular health, quality of life, and longevity, among other things. Metabolic Health: Semaglutide works with your body to help control your appetite and...

Corneal tears, though small, can cause significant discomfort and vision disturbances. So, what is a cornea? The cornea is the clear covering on the front of your eye. It plays an important role in focusing light onto the retina for clear vision. When it tears due to injury or contact lenses, it can be incredibly painful and lead to redness, light sensitivity, and vision impairment (e.g., blurry or hazy vision). It can also make it feel like something is stuck in your eye. Traditional...

Peptide lip tints are cosmetic products designed to enhance the appearance of lips while also providing hydration and potential anti-aging benefits through the use of peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can have many effects on the skin, including promoting collagen production, improving skin elasticity, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These little tubes of magic have taken the beauty scene by storm, offering a perfect fusion of skincare and makeup...

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone in the intestine that regulates blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion. Increasing GLP-1 levels can be beneficial for people with diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome.  While medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide exist to stimulate GLP-1 production, incorporating certain foods and supplements into your diet can also naturally enhance GLP-1 secretion. In this podcast, we’ll talk about some of these foods and supplements and their...

In the quest for effective weight management, we often focus on diet and exercise, overlooking an important aspect of our health: sleep. Yet, emerging research highlights the profound impact that sleep—or lack thereof—has on our body composition and overall weight.  From hormonal regulation to appetite control, sleep plays an essential role in shaping our metabolism and influencing our dietary choices. In this podcast, we’ll talk about the reasons why sleep is so important for weight...

The benefits of losing weight go far beyond looking and feeling good. Weight loss is often accompanied by numerous health benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to better metabolic function. However, for some people, shedding those extra pounds may also come with an unexpected side effect: hair loss.  While this can be distressing, it's important to understand that hair loss isn't directly caused by GLP-1 agonists but rather by rapid weight loss and other associated factors. As a...

In recent years, peptide therapies have garnered attention for their potential in addressing various health conditions, including weight management, hormonal imbalances, and chronic diseases. However, accessing these innovative treatments may require proactive advocacy, especially when discussing them with healthcare providers. Advocating for yourself to use peptide therapies in a healthcare provider's office involves open communication, collaboration, and persistence.  In this podcast,...

Peptide therapies have gained significant attention in various medical fields, including sports medicine, anti-aging treatments, and weight loss. However, like many injectable medications, peptide therapies can sometimes lead to injection site reactions. These reactions, which may include bruising, pain, redness, and itching, can be bothersome but are typically manageable with proper care and attention. If you’ve had an injection site reaction, you may be wondering if it’s an allergy or...