Most people take medication expecting it to solve a problem and then quietly become part of their routine. But some treatments can create unexpected challenges when it comes time to stop.
According to NHS guidance, NHS England prescription data and comments from herbal practitioner Simon Mills discussed on The Diary of a CEO podcast, growing attention is being paid to the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), LADbible.
Among them is Omeprazole, one of the most commonly prescribed medications for heartburn and acid reflux in the UK.
Two concerns
Omeprazole works by reducing stomach acid production, helping relieve symptoms linked to reflux, indigestion and heartburn.
While the medication remains an important treatment for many patients, experts say two issues are increasingly being discussed. The first relates to potential health risks associated with prolonged use.
Long-term risks
According to NHS information, extended use has been linked to:
Increased risk of gut infections
Higher risk of bone fractures
Pneumonia
Low magnesium levels
Delayed diagnosis of certain stomach cancers
The second concern involves a phenomenon known as rebound acid production. When some people stop taking the medication, their stomach temporarily produces extra acid, causing symptoms to return or become more noticeable.
Seeking medical advice
Because of this rebound effect, stopping Omeprazole can be difficult for some patients.
Health experts recommend speaking with a doctor before making changes to treatment. Depending on individual circumstances, gradual dose reduction may help ease the transition.
Specialists also stress that prescribed medication should never be stopped without professional medical guidance.
Dark chocolate is often highlighted as a healthier alternative to milk chocolate.
According to Parade, cardiologists say it may support heart health, although the benefits are moderate and it should still be enjoyed in moderation.
Better heart health
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Cardiologists believe that consuming dark chocolate in moderate amounts may be beneficial for the heart, making it a better option than many other sweet snacks.
Flavanols
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Dark chocolate contains flavanols, plant-based antioxidants found in cocoa that have been linked to several positive effects on the body.
May reduce oxidative stress
Photo: Shutterstock.com
According to experts, flavanols appear to help reduce oxidative stress, one of the factors that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.
Less inflammation
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Flavanols have also been associated with lower levels of inflammation in the body, which may benefit cardiovascular health.
May positively affect LDL cholesterol
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Flavanols may help reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol particles, which are believed to play a central role in the formation of plaque within the arteries.
Magnesium and potassium
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Dark chocolate provides magnesium and potassium, both of which are nutrients that support normal heart function.
Supports nitric oxide production
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Experts told Parade that dark chocolate may increase the production of nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax.
May improve blood flow
Photo: Shutterstock.com
As blood vessels widen, blood can move more easily throughout the body, supporting healthy circulation.
Lower blood pressure
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Improved blood flow may contribute to lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart.
Insulin sensitivity
Foto: Caroline Ruda / Shutterstock.com
Dark chocolate has also been linked to improved insulin sensitivity, which may benefit both heart health and metabolism over the long term.
The effect on cholesterol is limited
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Although some studies have shown small reductions in LDL cholesterol from consuming flavanol-rich cocoa products, the effect is generally considered modest.
A better choice than milk chocolate
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Replacing daily milk chocolate consumption with dark chocolate may have a positive impact on cholesterol levels because dark chocolate contains less saturated fat and sugar.
Less sugar may be beneficial
Photo: Shutterstock.com
High intake of added sugar has been linked to insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, weight gain, and broader metabolic health issues.
Changes may be noticeable within a few weeks
Photo: Shutterstock.com
According to cardiologists, people who switch from milk chocolate to dark chocolate may notice improvements in their cholesterol levels after around four weeks.
Overall diet matters most
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Experts emphasize that the greatest benefits do not come from chocolate alone but from broader dietary changes that include fewer sugary desserts.
Too much dark chocolate
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Dark chocolate is calorie-dense, and cardiologists do not recommend eating entire bars on a daily basis.
A small piece of dark chocolate after dinner is highlighted as a sensible compromise for those who want something sweet.
This year, U.S. health authorities released new dietary guidelines recommending reduced alcohol consumption for better health.
However, debate has emerged over how research was used in developing the guidelines.
According to the Associated Press, as reported by HealthDay, a former official believes that an important report did not receive the attention it deserved.
The U.S. Department of Health rejects that claim, stating that the report was evaluated alongside other research.
Researchers disagree
The relationship between alcohol and health has long divided researchers.
Some studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption may offer certain benefits, while others have found an increased risk of disease.
The new report has also faced criticism from both the alcohol industry and politicians, who have questioned the study’s methodology and conclusions.
According to the study, the risk of premature death and a range of diseases, including cancer and heart disease, also rises with moderate alcohol consumption.
The researchers also found no evidence that small amounts of alcohol protect against premature death.
As a result, they believe that adults should consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day.
Researchers analyzed data from 11 large population studies involving more than 1.5 million adult participants and published their findings in JAMA Network Open (1).
Participants were followed for nearly 18 years, during which more than 2,800 cases of liver cancer were recorded, according to MedPage Today.
The researchers emphasize that the findings come from observational studies. As a result, they cannot prove that any specific beverage directly causes cancer. Other factors may also play a role.
Previous concerns
Previous research has repeatedly suggested that sugary drinks may be associated with various forms of cancer.
Other studies have found links to oral cancer and colorectal cancer in women, among other conditions.
According to researchers behind a commentary on the new study published in JAMA Network Open (2), a high intake of sugar may affect the body’s metabolism, increase fat accumulation in the liver, and cause changes that could raise the risk of disease over time.
Surprising findings
When the researchers initially examined liver cancer as a single disease category, they found no clear association between either sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages and the overall risk of liver cancer.
However, the picture changed when they looked at individual types of liver cancer.
The researchers found that people with a higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages had an increased risk of two specific forms of liver cancer, known as HCC and ICC.
For artificially sweetened beverages, the researchers found no similar association.
Many people notice small changes in their daily lives without giving them much thought. Conversations become harder to follow in busy places, the television volume creeps higher, or background noise seems more distracting than before. These subtle shifts are often dismissed as a normal part of aging.
However, experts at Penn State Health say one commonly overlooked symptom may deserve closer attention.
According to information from Penn State Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a persistent ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in the ears can sometimes signal the early stages of hearing loss, reports Science Daily.
More than just an annoyance
The condition, known as tinnitus, affects millions of adults. It is frequently linked to hearing damage caused by aging or long-term exposure to loud noise.
Researchers explain that tiny sensory cells inside the inner ear can become damaged over time. When this happens, communication between the ear and the brain may be disrupted, leading to the perception of sounds that are not actually present.
Effects beyond hearing
The consequences can extend far beyond difficulty hearing conversations. Studies have linked hearing loss and tinnitus to problems with sleep, concentration and emotional well-being.
Research has also associated hearing difficulties with a greater risk of social isolation, falls and faster cognitive decline in older adults.
Common sources of harmful noise exposure include:
Concerts and festivals
Fireworks displays
Loud headphone use
Power tools and machinery
Why early testing matters
Specialists say many people wait too long before seeking help because hearing changes often develop gradually.
Although there is currently no cure for tinnitus, treatments such as hearing aids, sound therapy and professional support can help reduce its impact on daily life.
Experts recommend considering a hearing evaluation if ringing, buzzing or other unexplained ear sounds persist, as early detection may help protect hearing and improve long-term quality of life.
GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become increasingly popular for weight management and metabolic health.
At the same time, microdosing has emerged as a growing trend, with some people choosing lower or less frequent doses than those outlined in approved treatment plans. However, the practice is not approved and may carry several risks, according to Healthline.
What is microdosing?
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Microdosing involves taking smaller doses or altering the dosing schedule compared with official guidelines for GLP-1 treatment.
Many want fewer side effects
Photo: Shutterstock.com
One of the most common reasons people choose to microdose is to reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Some are pursuing different treatment goals
Photo: Shutterstock.com
People experiencing perimenopause or mild insulin resistance may be interested in lower doses to support hormonal balance rather than weight loss.
Appetite control is a key motivation
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Some individuals use microdosing to reduce hunger and food cravings without experiencing the significant appetite suppression that can occur with standard doses.
High costs play a role
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Because GLP-1 medications are often expensive and not always covered by insurance, some people use microdosing as a way to make a prescription last longer.
Lower weekly doses are a common method
Photo: Shutterstock.com
One common approach is to take a smaller portion of the usual dose every seven days.
Some extend the time between injections
Photo: Matt Fowler KC / Shutterstock.com
Others take the standard dose but wait 10 to 14 days between injections instead of the recommended seven days.
Some alternate between treatment and non-treatment periods
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Some users also alternate between weeks on treatment and weeks off treatment in an attempt to reduce cumulative side effects.
There is no official microdosing protocol
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Microdosing is not a regulated practice, and there are no standardized guidelines outlining how it should be done.
It may reduce effectiveness
Photo: Shutterstock.com
According to Healthline, lower doses may reduce the medication’s effectiveness, even if side effects become less severe at the same time.
Dose changes can make monitoring more difficult
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Irregular dosing patterns may make it harder to assess side effects, drug interactions, and overall treatment outcomes.
Microdosing often involves compounded products
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Brand-name medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are typically supplied in pens with fixed doses, making microdosing difficult.
As a result, microdosing is often carried out using compounded GLP-1 products.
Compounded GLP-1 products carry specific risks
Photo: Shutterstock.com
These products are generally not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have not undergone the same extensive testing for safety and effectiveness as approved brand-name medications.
Potency may vary between products
Photo: Shutterstock.com
The concentration of the active ingredient can differ from one product to another, making precise dosing less predictable.
Shelf life can become an issue
Photo: Photo Nature Travel / Shutterstock.com
Once a medication is opened, it remains stable and sterile only for a limited period.
Microdosing may result in the medication being used over a longer period than intended, which can present potential risks.
The risk of bacterial contamination may increase
Foto: Caroline Ruda / Shutterstock.com
Using medication beyond its expiration date or repeatedly accessing the same container may increase the risk of bacterial contamination and infections.
Tablets should not be split or crushed
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Brand-name tablets such as Rybelsus should be swallowed whole.
Splitting, crushing, or dissolving the tablets may affect how the medication works and increase the risk of side effects.
Evidence for long-term effectiveness is lacking
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Healthline highlights that there is currently no extensive clinical evidence showing that microdosing is an effective strategy for maintaining weight loss over the long term.
Speak with a healthcare provider about severe side effects
Photo: Shutterstock.com
If the standard dose feels too strong, experts recommend consulting a doctor or pharmacist rather than adjusting the dosage independently.
A healthcare provider may suggest alternatives
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Possible solutions may include remaining on the lower introductory dose for a longer period, using treatments to manage digestive side effects, or adjusting lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, and sleep.
For many years, Americans have had fewer sunscreen ingredients to choose from than consumers in Europe and Asia.
This is because sunscreen is regulated as a drug in the United States and must therefore undergo extensive approval procedures, writes National Geographic.
Meanwhile, European countries have allowed a much wider range of UV filters in their products.
New regulations
A legislative change introduced last year has made it easier for the FDA to evaluate ingredients that are already being used safely in other countries.
This has opened the door to more new products entering the U.S. market.
At the same time, dermatologists emphasize that sunscreen remains one of the most important tools for protecting the skin against both skin cancer and premature aging.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even when it is cloudy.
First approval in 20 years
The new ingredient is called bemotrizinol. The substance has been used in European and Asian sunscreens for more than 20 years but has only now been approved in the United States.
According to experts, bemotrizinol provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
The substance remains effective on the skin for longer and breaks down more slowly in sunlight than several older ingredients. It is also absorbed through the skin to a lesser extent.
The FDA’s decision means that bemotrizinol will become the first new sunscreen ingredient approved in the United States in more than two decades.
Manufacturers are expected to launch products containing the ingredient later this year.
Many people focus on how often they should wash their hair.
However, specialists say that the way products are used can be just as important as washing frequency.
Choosing the right products
Hair care products should match the needs of your hair and scalp.
Different formulas are designed for oily scalps, dry hair, damaged hair, or color treated hair.
According to experts cited by Trendencias, using suitable products consistently can help improve the appearance and condition of hair over time.
Common washing mistakes
Experts also point out that shampoo should mainly be applied to the scalp and roots, where oil and dirt build up.
The rest of the hair can be cleaned by the foam that moves through the lengths during rinsing.
This approach may help prevent unnecessary dryness, especially for people with dry or damaged hair.
An alternative method
Several hair care professionals have discussed a technique that differs from the traditional routine.
The key recommendation is to apply conditioner before shampoo.
According to hairdresser Olga G. San Bartolomé cited by Trendencias, this method may add moisture without making the hair feel heavy.
Kuki Giménez, spokesperson for Druni, recommends applying conditioner from roots to ends before washing thoroughly with shampoo.
Pharmacist Helena Rodero also advises that when both a hair mask and conditioner are used, the hair mask should be applied first, followed by the conditioner.
According to her recommendation, this order helps the hair benefit from both products before cleansing.
Tomatoes are among the most popular fruits in many kitchens and are used in everything from salads to sauces.
According to dietitians cited by Real Simple, eating tomatoes daily can provide a range of nutrients that support several of the body’s functions.
Tomatoes are rich in nutrients
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Tomatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. They are also a source of several plant-based antioxidants.
Lycopene gives tomatoes their red color
Photo: Shutterstock.com
The red pigment in tomatoes is called lycopene. This compound is an antioxidant and is one of the most extensively studied substances found in tomatoes.
Helps combat oxidative stress
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Lycopene works at the cellular level and helps counter oxidative stress, which over time may contribute to the development of chronic diseases, according to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
Your heart may benefit from tomatoes
Photo: Shutterstock.com
According to experts, regularly eating tomatoes may support heart health through several of their nutrients.
Potassium may help regulate blood pressure
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Tomatoes contain potassium, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure, according to a study published in Molecules.
Lycopene may help protect blood vessels
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Lycopene may help reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a process associated with the formation of plaque in the arteries.
Vitamin K supports blood clotting
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Tomatoes also provide vitamin K, which helps the body maintain normal blood clotting.
Beta-carotene supports the immune system
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Tomatoes contain beta-carotene, which serves as a precursor to vitamin A and supports immune function.
Your eyes may benefit from beta-carotene
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Beta-carotene is also associated with supporting eye health.
Chlorogenic acid may offer several benefits
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Tomatoes contain chlorogenic acid, which dietitians say may improve blood sugar regulation and help lower blood pressure in people with elevated levels.
Gut health may improve
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Research published in Microbial Ecology suggests that tomatoes may increase both the number and diversity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut.
Folate supports cells and tissues
Photo: Shutterstock.com
The folate found in tomatoes supports the body’s cells and tissues and contributes to their overall health benefits.
Acidic tomatoes may cause discomfort for some people
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Tomatoes are acidic, and people who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn may find that daily consumption worsens their symptoms.
Some people may experience increased inflammation
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Certain individuals with specific autoimmune conditions report that tomatoes can worsen symptoms such as inflammation or joint pain.
Canned tomatoes can be a good choice
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Dietitians told Real Simple that canned tomatoes often contain higher concentrations of lycopene than fresh tomatoes because the compound becomes more available through heating and processing.
Tomato sauces can also contribute
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Tomato products sold in jars, such as pasta and pizza sauces, can provide similar benefits.
The best choices are products with no added sugar and less than 200 milligrams of sodium per serving.
Fat helps the body absorb nutrients
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin K are absorbed more effectively when tomatoes are eaten together with a source of fat.
