Joshua Petimar, ScD

If you’ve ever taken prescription medication, you know side effects can be a major concern. When listening to any pharmaceutical ad, you’ll hear a long list of potential side effects, from mild symptoms like upset stomach to serious issues like increased risk of infections and cancer. Side effects can introduce new health problems and cause people to stop treatment for their initial health issue. 

Peter Rentzepis, BA 

​We’re living in GLP-1’s world now. Across the country – from TV to social media to doctor’s offices – the clamor for these new weight loss drugs is deafening, and for good reason. In the seminal STEP trials for semaglutide (brand name: Ozempic/Wegovy) and SURMOUNT trials for combined GLP-1/GIP agonist Tirzepatide (brand name: Mounjaro/Zepbound), the highest doses conferred average weight loss of ~10%-20% for up to two years in those with obesity.

​Resistance training is a form of exercise that improves strength by training muscles against external resistance. This may include the use of free weights, machines, bands, and bodyweight exercises. There is increasing evidence that resistance training can improve body composition, prevent bone loss, improve mental health, and decrease CVD risk factors.

By Mingyu Zhang, PhD, MHS
Imagine living in a city with strict environmental regulations. Then one day, the authorities announce that the city must switch to an alternative water source. Why? Because the current water supply has been contaminated – it’s no longer safe for drinking, cooking, or bathing. Suddenly, you and your family are living in fear of an invisible enemy that you cannot see, taste, or smell.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. It happened in Cambridge, MA in August 2022 when elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in the drinking water. PFAS are chemicals used in a wide range of products, including food packaging, non-stick cookware, carpets, and waterproof clothing. Known as “forever chemicals”, PFAS are extremely stable and resist degradation. While this stability is beneficial for creating products that resist water, grease, and stains, it also means that PFAS can accumulate in the environment and our bodies, leading to widespread exposure.

​Patients often wonder if there are any holistic remedies or natural supplements they can take to support their health. One of the most often asked about supplements are probiotics, or “good” bacteria (lactobacilli strains specifically), which are found naturally in fermented foods, such as yogurts, or in beverages like Kombucha. Probiotics are hypothesized to be beneficial for gut microbiota, GI symptoms, removing toxins, improving mood/cognitive function, and even reducing cholesterol levels and improving hypertension. One of the most important questions is, however, is there any benefit to probiotic supplementation in otherwise healthy individuals?