By: Yekta Dowlati, PhD Pain is not merely a symptom; it is the consequence of disrupted immune resolution, tissue stress, metabolic dysfunction, and maladaptive neuroplasticity. The historical emphasis on symptom suppression through analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs has overlooked the body’s own endogenous mechanisms for controlling inflammation and restoring homeostasis. As a result, conventional therapies often provide only temporary relief, while doing little to address the biological underpinnings of chronic pain. Emerging research in resolution biology, enzymatic signaling, and phytochemical immunomodulation…

Magnesium is a vital micronutrient involved in more than 600 enzymatic reactions, playing indispensable roles in energy metabolism, neuromuscular conduction, neurotransmitter synthesis, and cellular stress resilience.1,2 As the second most abundant intracellular cation after potassium, magnesium plays a critical role in maintaining ionic gradients, regulating intracellular hydration, and supporting cellular homeostasis under both physiological and stress conditions.3 Yet despite its ubiquity, magnesium deficiency, both overt and subclinical, is remarkably common and clinically underrecognized, especially in the context of chronic stress,…

As the widespread adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonists reshapes the treatment landscape for obesity and metabolic disease, a new and arguably more intricate challenge is emerging: guiding patients through the phase that follows with GLP-1 nutritional support. The discontinuation of GLP-1 therapy is not merely the end of pharmacologic appetite suppression; it represents a critical metabolic inflection point, where compensatory physiology can rapidly unravel previous progress if left unchecked.1,2 What follows is far from benign. Appetite mechanisms recalibrate, often overshooting…

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 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,…