May 2023 Archive — practical reads on supplements, gut health, pets and skin
This month we published short, useful posts that help you make choices without the fluff. Topics range from seaweed and neem supplements to probiotics, pet inhalers, scar care, and the emotional side of heart failure. Below I group the main takeaways and give quick, practical tips so you can act on what matters.
Supplements and botanicals: what to try and how to stay safe
We covered a bunch of plant-based options — Fucus vesiculosus (bladderwrack), neem, marsh tea, bridelia and even hemlock water dropwort. These can offer benefits like added iodine, immune support, antioxidant effects, or a gentle energy lift. Tip: start low and slow. Try one supplement at a time for a few weeks so you can spot benefits or side effects. Read labels for dose, and if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or on thyroid drugs, check with your clinician before trying bladderwrack or anything with significant iodine.
Also, “miracle” sounds great but doesn’t replace proven care. For herbal choices, pick brands with third‑party testing and clear ingredient lists. If a seller won’t show a lab report, move on.
Medications, gut health and everyday care
We looked at practical medicine topics you can use now. Saccharomyces boulardii got a solid mention for supporting the gut — it’s useful during antibiotic courses or with some acute diarrhea cases. For parasites, mebendazole still plays a role; its main job is clearing worms, which can indirectly help your immune system by removing a chronic drain. If you’re considering off‑label or long courses, discuss risks and monitoring with your doctor.
On spicy food and digestion: capsaicin can trigger loose stools in sensitive people. If you love heat, try reducing portion size or pairing spicy dishes with starchy sides to slow digestion. For ulcerative colitis, probiotics may help certain patients; don’t self‑treat a flare—work with your gastroenterologist to pick the right approach.
Pets got attention too. Albuterol can help dogs and cats with airway issues, but dosing and delivery matter — only give medications prescribed by your vet, and learn the proper inhaler/nebulizer technique they recommend.
We also posted practical skin advice: for scar‑minimizing products, cleanse, patch‑test, protect new skin from the sun, and be patient — visible changes take weeks. On heart failure and mental health, the post focuses on practical coping: ask for help, join a support group, and speak openly with your care team about mood changes so treatment can include mental health support.
Finally, a tougher topic: chlamydia and prostate cancer risk. The post highlights that untreated infections can cause inflammation, and early testing plus prompt treatment reduces long‑term risks. Regular screening and safe sex practices are simple, effective steps.
Want to read a specific post? Scroll the archive list below to open any article. If you’d like a quick recommendation based on your situation, tell me which topic you’re most interested in and I’ll point you to the best read from May.