Do ‘Mindful’ People Feel Less Pain?

Razi Berry A recent study from the Wake Forest School of Medicine may give insight into why some people experience pain more intensely than others. The research study suggests that the degree to which a person is mindful may impact their experience of pain. The study is published in the journal PAIN.1 Mindfulness: being aware […]

New Metabolites Found to be Produced by Sucralose, a Common Artificial Sweetener

Razi Berry Sucralose, a widely used artificial sweetener sold under the trade name Splenda®, is metabolized in the gut, producing at least 2 fat-soluble compounds, according to a recent study using rats. The finding differs from the studies used to garner regulatory approval for sucralose, which reported that the substance was not broken down in […]

A Nutrient-Rich Diet May Be More Important for Women to Support Emotional Well-being

Razi Berry A recent study suggests that women may need a more nutrient-rich diet to support a positive emotional mood, and sense of well-being. The research comes from Binghamton University, State University at New York.1 Anonymous survey of 563 individuals (48 percent men and 52 percent women) via social media was utilized There is evidence […]

Clear Link Between Smoking and Multiple Sclerosis

Razi Berry The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society has recently released an announcement stating that the link between MS and smoking is “clearer than ever.” The relationship between tobacco smoking and MS shows not only are people who smoke more likely to develop MS, but also smoking can speed up the progression of MS into disability. […]

Children Taking Multiple Drugs May Be at Risk for Drug-Drug Interactions

Razi Berry A recent research study from the University of Illinois at Chicago estimates that 20 percent of children regularly use a prescription medication, and that one in 12 of those children are at risk of a harmful drug-drug interaction (DDI).1 Adolescent girls are at the highest risk of these adverse events. Researchers looked at […]

Marijuana Found in Breast Milk 6 Days After Use

Razi Berry With the increase in legalization of marijuana, both medically and recreationally, more and more pregnant and breastfeeding women are reporting its use. Though, the general recommendation from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics is to warn against the use of marijuana for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, there is a lack of evidence […]

How Does a Hangover Affect Cognitive Performance?

Razi Berry We all know that driving under the influence of alcohol isn’t a good idea. Our focus is impaired, our concentration is diminished and our reaction time is slowed. However, I’ve often thought that the morning after a heavy night of drinking is also probably not a great time to drive. A hangover is […]

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression

Razi Berry Omega 3 fatty acids are generally considered beneficial and safe. They have a host of health benefits, including maintaining healthy cardiovascular function, eye health, nerve function as well as promoting cognition. One of the primary reasons why omega-3 fatty acids are advocated by nutritionists and holistic practitioners is that the typical American diet […]

ADHD Drug May Have Psychotic Side Effects

Razi Berry A recent study reviewed existing evidence associating various psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations as well as problems with concentration and anxiety with methylphenidate, a common drug used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).1 Methylphenidate is more commonly known as Ritalin. It is estimated that around 5% of children and adolescents […]

Study on the Rapid Rise of Gender Dysphoria

Razi Berry Gender dysphoria is defined as a conflict between the gender with which an individual identifies and that which has been observed or assigned to them by their biological sex. The experience of gender dysphoria causes great emotional distress, as these individuals attempt to navigate a non-dualistic experience of gender within a culture that […]