Author: Cathy Liu

Multivitamins and Cognitive Aging

What did a major clinical trial reveal about the role of multivitamins in long-term brain health? Can a simple daily habit help support memory and cognitive function as we age? New research sheds light on the surprising brain-related effects of multivitamin use in older adults.

Does the Timing of Your Meals Really Matter for Weight and Fat Loss?

What happens when you only eat during an 8-hour window—and does the time of day of your food intake matter? Can combining intermittent fasting with a Mediterranean diet unlock greater health benefits? A new clinical trial explores the impact of meal timing on fat distribution, blood sugar, and weight—here’s what they discovered.

The Hidden Link Between IBS, Inflammation and Mental Fog

Increasing evidence suggests that low-grade immune activation in the gut can influence brain signaling, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog and mood changes which are often present in disorders of brain gut interactions. The biggest mediator behind these outcomes? The brain gut microbiome system: a bidirectional communication system highly susceptible to immune dysregulation, with mast cells, cytokines and the vagus nerve being key players in this process.

The Sweeter Side of Big Food: Real Change or “Greenwashing?”

One of the stated goals of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement is to improve the quality of the American diet, including removal of UPFs from our food supply, but the success of this movement in a climate of hostility for any regulation in the production and processing of our food will need to be seen.

The Potential of Polyphenols

The old adage “we are what we eat” takes on new meaning as we learn more about the science behind how nutrition impacts both physical and mental health. There is a rapidly growing body of research that demonstrates the benefits of a largely plant-based diet. The Mediterranean diet has repeatedly been shown to be associated with healthy aging and increased resilience and resistance against chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including type 2 diabetes, early cognitive decline and heart disease.

The Hidden Link Between The Gut and Chronic Pain

The gut is not just a passive digestive organ; it’s a second brain. Lined with an intricate network of nerves called the enteric nervous system (ENS), the gut communicates directly with the brain through the vagus nerve and spinal cord pathways. These connections form the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional system that regulates digestion, immunity, and even emotions.

The Science Behind Diet and Fertility

As if we didn’t have enough challenges dodging all the social media chatter how to optimize our health and identifying a healthy lifestyle – are you struggling with infertility? If you are, you’re not alone. According to recent studies, one in six individuals face fertility challenges.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Longevity Routines

In 2008, Gwyneth Paltrow, an award-winning actress turned wellness guru, launched her brand “Goop” as a weekly newsletter focused on wellness and lifestyle tips. The brand has since taken off and generated a lot of buzz around Paltrow’s healthy lifestyle habits and wellness trends.

Sexism in Medicine

For many women, the dismissive phrase, “It’s just in your head,” is an all too familiar response during medical visits. Gender bias remains a common concern even in today’s evolved medical world.

The Truth About Protein Powder

Protein powder is often touted as “healthy” because the general consensus is that protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass. However, while it may have some benefits, there are also some issues with regular protein powder consumption.

The Hidden Dangers in Plant-Based Food

As I have consistently discussed in my three books and in many posts in this newsletter, there is overwhelming evidence for the overall health-benefit of a largely plant-based diet, an essential component of the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.

Has the Obesity Epidemic Plateaued?

Obesity has long been one of the most pervasive health challenges in the United States, with rates steadily climbing for decades. In a recent post, I wrote about some troubling report published in the medical journal, The Lancet.

Beyond Skin Deep: The Importance of the Skin Microbiome

The well-known phrase “skin deep” is used to describe something that is seen as superficial or meaningless. While our skin is the body’s second largest organ (the gut has the largest surface area), it is often thought to be taken care of solely to benefit one’s outward appearance and to enhance both our beauty and youth.