By: Yekta Dowlati, PhD GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including semaglutide and liraglutide, have redefined therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes and obesity by harnessing incretin biology to achieve profound metabolic benefits.1 These agents enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, delay gastric emptying, and reduce appetite through central and peripheral pathways. However, the same physiological mechanisms that underpin their efficacy are intrinsically linked to gastrointestinal (GI) side effects—an area of growing clinical significance.2 Nausea, early satiety, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation…

By: Yekta Dowlati, PhD   The therapeutic landscape for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been revolutionized by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), with weight reductions approaching magnitudes once exclusive to bariatric surgery. Yet, alongside dramatic fat mass loss, emerging data underscore a concerning reality: a substantial fraction of weight shed on GLP-1 RAs is lean mass — up to 40% in some trials.1,2 As muscle quantity and quality are integral to metabolic resilience, physical function, and…

By: Yekta Dowlati, PhD The advent of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) marks a transformative era in obesity and type 2 diabetes management. As of 2024, 6% of adults in the United States are currently using GLP-1 medications, with 12% reporting either current or previous use.1 Among those who have been diagnosed with overweight or obesity by a healthcare provider, this figure increases to 22%.1 These agents—such as semaglutide and tirzepatide—deliver clinically meaningful weight loss, improved glycemic control, and cardiovascular…

By: Yekta Dowlati, PhD Let’s face it—supporting women’s health isn’t simple. It’s not just about digestion, hormones, or immune balance. It’s all of those things—plus stress, vaginal health, sleep quality, energy levels, and how women feel in their own bodies, every single day. These multidimensional challenges are further influenced by age, microbiota imbalances, and environmental factors, necessitating an integrative, evidence-based strategy to support health and vitality. Across puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, shifts in estrogen and progesterone affect not only…

By: Yekta Dowlati, PhD Maintaining gut homeostasis is foundational to overall health, with increasing research emphasizing the gut microbiota’s pivotal role in immunity, digestion, and systemic well-being. Modern lifestyle factors such as poor diet, antibiotic exposure, infections, and aging can disrupt this microbial balance, creating opportunities for health deterioration. Probiotics are defined by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”1 In contrast,…

By: Yekta Dowlati, PhD In today’s demanding world, restorative sleep, metabolic balance, and immune readiness are increasingly compromised—particularly in women navigating complex hormonal landscapes. Many experience chronic stress, disrupted sleep architecture, immune dysregulation, and emotional fatigue, all of which can erode physiological resilience over time.¹ The nighttime hours represent a biologically privileged window for recovery—a period when cortisol levels should decline, cellular repair mechanisms activate, and immune surveillance intensifies. However, disruptions in circadian rhythm, hormonal regulation, and stress responsiveness can…

by Yekta Dowlati, PhD In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining optimal health and vitality can feel overwhelming. With constant demands on energy, mood, digestion, and metabolism, many people struggle to feel their best. For women, these challenges can be even more complex due to hormonal fluctuations, evolving health needs, and busy lifestyles. But what if the key to lasting well-being lies in science-backed, natural ingredients? Research shows that targeted bioactive compounds—derived from plants and essential minerals—can support the body’s natural ability…

by Kyle Perkovich, BS The gut, often referred to as the body’s “second brain,” is central to overall health, influencing everything from digestion to immune function, metabolism, and even mental health.1-3 Emerging research consistently demonstrates that a balanced and diverse gut microbiome is essential for overall health and a key aspect of every patient’s wellness. The gut microbiome – a complex ecosystem containing trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms – helps regulate digestion and communicates with various body systems through neurotransmitters,…

by Kyle Perkovich, BS Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS can feel like an unavoidable struggle, but the right approach can help make it more manageable. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations trigger the common symptoms of PMS, leading to mood changes and physical discomfort.1 While various options exist for those seeking to combat these symptoms, natural supplements are increasingly recognized for their ability to provide relief. Many conventional treatments focus on masking the symptoms, but a growing body…

by Kyle Perkovich, BS The pursuit of effective, natural remedies for sleep disturbances and anxiety is increasingly critical. Among various options, kava—a traditional herbal ingredient rooted in Pacific Island cultures—stands out for its potential therapeutic benefits. Known scientifically as Piper methysticum, kava has been celebrated for centuries for its sedative properties1. Only in recent years has it garnered attention from the scientific community for its potential in enhancing sleep quality and mitigating anxiety. This exploration into kava's therapeutic capabilities aims…