The Medical Advisor

You’ve probably heard that eating carrots are good for your eyes. You may have also noticed adverts for eye health dietary supplements. Can vitamins and minerals help your eyesight and eye health? Continue reading to discover more about eye health and vitamins. Having 20/20 vision has long been everybody's goal, but for many adults, it’s not a reality. In addition to imperfect vision, there are a host of other maladies that can occur as we grow older, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, dry eye disease, cataracts, and other eye health issues. Older adults, in particular, are at risk for AMD and may benefit from a supplement for eye health. Those who don’t consume a well-rounded diet rich in key nutrients for eye health may also benefit from supplementation, says Amy Shapiro , MS, RD.  There are some nutrients that are especially important when it comes to eye health: antioxidants, vitami...

Certain longevity nutrients, like taurine, ergothioneine (ESH) and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), help protect against premature aging by reducing oxidative stress, supporting mitochondrial function and cellular health, providing neuroprotection and more. Taurine, in particular, has emerged as a potential key player in longevity, with research suggesting it could be used as an antiaging therapy (1). In a 2024 meta-analysis of 25 RCTs (randomized controlled trials), researchers from Taiwan ( Nature 2024 ) concluded that taurine supplementation exhibits positive effects on multiple Metabolic Syndrome related factors, making it a potential dietary addition for individuals at risk of or already experiencing Metabolic Syndrome. Further, taurine supplementation also offers promise for reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition that affects more than 1 billion people worldwide ( Nature 2024 ). Taurine and Metabolic Syndrome: How Taurine May Help Taurine is a sulfur-containing amin...

Introduction Modern diets—rich in sugar and ultra-processed foods—are strongly linked to rising rates of Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Insulin Resistance. Low-carbohydrate and Ketogenic Diet diets have gained popularity as tools to reverse these conditions, but the full picture is nuanced and requires careful evidence-based interpretation. This guide connects the root causes, mechanisms, potential benefits, limitations, and a clinical framework for personalization. Part 1: The Root Cause — Sugar, Processed Foods, and Metabolic Dysfunction The Problem with Modern Diets Ultra-processed foods are: Rapidly digested Low in fiber Highly palatable and easy to overconsume These foods trigger frequent blood sugar spikes due to their high Glycemic Index. High intake of refined carbohydrates is associated with hyperinsulinemia and increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. (1, 2) Insulin: The Central Driver When blood sugar rises, the pancreas releases Insulin, which: Lowers blood ...