Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)—such as Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid—are the gold standard treatment for a variety of digestive issues including acid reflux, GERD, indigestion, heartburn, and ulcers. With annual sales of over $13 billion, the drug companies certainly want to maintain that status and keep cranking out those purple pills.     PPIs “work” (and I use that term loosely) by raising your stomach’s pH and shutting down its acid production.  With less acid in...

  Over the last year, it has become abundantly clear that there is a nasty new respiratory virus in our midst, joining the ranks of pneumonia, influenza, bronchitis, croup, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and H1N1, among others.  And while the COVID-19 virus (aka SARS-CoV-2) is “new” to us, viruses in general have been around since the dawn of time.  Believe it or not, currently there are about 200 different viruses hanging around that could potentially...

  While most of us believe that hunger is our body’s way of telling us it needs food, there are other reasons why your inner dinner bell may be clanging.  Here are 10 to consider:1- You’re thirsty Many people think that they’re hungry when they’re actually thirsty.  Next time you feel hungry between meals, drink a glass of water instead and see if your hunger subsides.2- You’re eating too much saltSalt can trigger both thirst...

  If you are among the 45 percent of Americans (which includes a whopping 86 percent of millennials) that made a New Year’s resolution 43 days ago, chances are excellent at that time that you were envisioning a slimmer version of yourself in the mirror by now. Aaaaand…I would have to guess that hasn’t happened.  Based on current research, most resolutions are ditched by January 12th (that date has even earned the title of “Quitter’s...

  I had a conversation with an acquaintance who proudly told me that she was happy to be in good health in her late 50's. This is how she described "good health": Her cholesterol was under control with Lipitor Her blood pressure stayed right around 120/80 with atenolol Nexium kept her acid reflux at bay Metformin brought her A1C down to under 6% THAT'S good health?  This woman is anything BUT healthy.  What she has...

  I have to confess that I get my inspirations for writing sometimes in the strangest, most warped ways. Today I have an appointment for my annual GYN checkup…and while I’m happy to report I’m feeling fine, the same cannot be said for many other women who may be paying a visit to their gynecologist today. Because one of the most common reasons to see a GYN is a vaginal yeast infection! Ah yes, most...