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These bodily symptoms may be linked to high blood pressure

2. March, 2026

High blood pressure usually causes no noticeable symptoms, but in severe cases the body can send serious warning signs.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms

For most people, high blood pressure does not cause clear signs or physical discomfort. You can have the condition without realizing it.

Why it is called the silent killer

Because symptoms are typically absent, high blood pressure is often discovered only during a routine measurement in a health care setting.

Symptoms may appear at extremely high levels

Although high blood pressure usually goes unnoticed, symptoms can occur when readings become dangerously high.

Chest pain can be a warning sign

Chest pain may occur when blood pressure is higher than 180 over 120 and requires immediate attention.

Shortness of breath may signal danger

Experiencing shortness of breath together with extremely high blood pressure can indicate a serious situation.

Back pain can occur during a hypertensive crisis

Sudden back pain is listed as a possible symptom when blood pressure reaches critical levels.

Numbness may be a serious symptom

A feeling of numbness can appear in connection with a hypertensive emergency.

Weakness in the body should be taken seriously

Sudden weakness combined with extremely high blood pressure is a warning sign that requires urgent action.

Changes in vision can be related to blood pressure

Vision changes are among the symptoms that may occur when blood pressure is critically elevated.

Difficulty speaking can indicate an emergency

Trouble speaking along with a blood pressure reading above 180 over 120 may signal a hypertensive emergency.

When to call emergency services

If your blood pressure is higher than 180 over 120 and you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, changes in vision or difficulty speaking, you should call 911 immediately.

Severe high blood pressure without symptoms

If your blood pressure is above 180 over 120 but you do not have symptoms, you should contact your health care professional as soon as possible.

Measurement is essential

Since high blood pressure often has no symptoms, measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know whether you have the condition.

Sources: American Heart Association

How to deal with stubborn white spots on the skin

Mie Hermansen

2. March, 2026

How to deal with stubborn white spots on the skin

The bathroom mirror has a way of highlighting every tiny change in your skin. A small white bump appears, and instinct kicks in. Most of us are tempted to squeeze first and ask questions later.

But not every white spot is a typical pimple.

Dermatologists say those small, firm white bumps that often show up under the eyes or across the cheeks are usually milia.

Unlike acne, they are not caused by clogged pores or excess oil. Instead, they form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the surface and harden into tiny cysts filled with keratin.

Not acne

Because milia sit under the outer layer of skin, they cannot simply be popped. According to skin specialists, squeezing them often leads to redness and irritation without removing the bump itself.

Heavy skincare products, sun damage and certain medications may contribute to their appearance. They are harmless and not contagious, but they can be persistent.

What helps

In many cases, milia disappear on their own over time. To help the process along, dermatologists recommend:

Gentle chemical exfoliants such as salicylic or glycolic acid
Avoiding thick creams around delicate areas like the eyes
Seeking professional removal if they do not resolve

A dermatologist can use a sterile needle to safely release the trapped material without damaging the surrounding skin.

The key message from experts is simple: if it does not behave like a pimple, treat it differently.

Sources: LADbible, Independent and Cleveland Clinic

New research puts spotlight on overlooked ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy pills

Mie Hermansen

2. March, 2026

New research puts spotlight on overlooked ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy pills

The appeal of a daily pill is easy to understand. It fits into a routine, feels manageable and avoids the discomfort of injections.

For many people using weight-loss medication, tablets represent a simpler path forward. Now, researchers say one of the pill’s lesser-known ingredients deserves closer attention.

Scientists at Adelaide University have examined salcaprozate sodium, or SNAC, a compound used in the tablet versions of Wegovy and Ozempic.

While semaglutide is the active drug, SNAC plays a crucial role by protecting it in the stomach and helping it enter the bloodstream.

In a 21-day animal study led by PhD candidate Amin Ariaee and Senior Research Fellow Dr. Paul Joyce, repeated exposure to SNAC was linked to several biological changes.

What changed

Researchers observed:

Fewer beneficial gut bacteria involved in fibre digestion
Reduced levels of short-chain fatty acids that support gut health
Higher markers of inflammation in the blood
Increased liver weight
Lower levels of a brain-related protein linked to cognitive decline

The study does not show that SNAC causes harm in humans. However, the findings suggest the compound may influence the body beyond simply aiding drug absorption.

Why it matters

As oral versions of semaglutide become more widely available, daily exposure to SNAC could increase.

With obesity rates high globally and prescriptions rising, researchers argue that understanding every component of these medications is essential.

The team emphasizes that further long-term human studies are needed before drawing conclusions.

Source: Science Daily and Science Direct

Pharmacist warns about overlapping vitamin intake

Mie Hermansen

2. March, 2026

Pharmacist warns about overlapping vitamin intake

The morning routine often includes a glass of water and a handful of tablets meant to boost energy, protect immunity or improve sleep. For many, supplements feel like an easy insurance policy for better health.

But more is not always better.

Pharmacist Rojina Shams Nateri from Roseway Labs is warning that many vitamin users may be unknowingly overdoing it.

According to her, one of the most common mistakes is combining several products that contain the same nutrients, effectively multiplying the dose without realising it.

The stacking problem

It is common to take a multivitamin alongside an immune support formula and perhaps an extra zinc or vitamin C tablet during winter.

The issue is that many of these products contain overlapping ingredients such as zinc, vitamin C and B vitamins.

This can push intake well beyond the recommended nutrient reference values. High doses are often assumed to be harmless simply because supplements are sold over the counter, but that assumption can be misleading.

Excessive intake may lead to problems such as:

Zinc above recommended levels interfering with copper absorption and weakening immunity over time
Vitamin D above 100 micrograms raising calcium to potentially dangerous levels
Vitamin A building up in the body and increasing the risk of liver damage, especially in pregnancy
High doses of vitamin C being poorly absorbed and largely excreted once intake exceeds 200mg per day

Medication risks

Another overlooked concern is how supplements interact with prescription drugs. Calcium, magnesium, iron and high dose vitamin C can reduce the absorption of antibiotics, thyroid medication and some blood pressure treatments.

Anyone taking regular medication, even short term, is advised to check with a pharmacist or doctor before adding supplements.

What is worth taking?

Nateri notes that vitamin D is commonly recommended during winter months. Omega 3 containing EPA and DHA may support heart and brain health, while magnesium is often used for sleep and muscle tension.

Experts stress that supplements should support a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, not replace them. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting new products remains the safest approach.

Sources: Mirror

These bodily symptoms may be linked to stress

Mie Hermansen

2. March, 2026

These bodily symptoms may be linked to stress

Stress is often described as a mental burden, but its effects reach far beyond thoughts and emotions. When pressure becomes constant, the body can begin to show clear physical warning signs.

What happens in the body under stress

According to Dr Donald Grant, prolonged stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. While helpful in short bursts, persistently high levels can disrupt normal bodily functions.

Ongoing hormonal imbalance

When stress becomes chronic, elevated cortisol can interfere with multiple systems in the body, creating longer term imbalance.

Acne and skin flare ups

Higher stress levels can increase oil production and inflammation in the skin. This may lead to breakouts and can worsen conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.

Hair shedding

Extended periods of stress may push hair follicles into a resting phase. As a result, some people notice increased hair loss weeks or months after a stressful event.

Sleep disruption

Raised cortisol levels can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. People may wake frequently or feel unrefreshed in the morning.

Weakened immune response

Long term stress can suppress immune function, making it easier to catch infections and prolonging recovery time.

Digestive problems

Stress can disrupt communication between the brain and the gut. This may cause bloating, stomach pain, diarrhoea or constipation and can aggravate irritable bowel syndrome.

Muscle tension

When the body remains in a heightened state of alertness, muscles in the neck, shoulders and back may stay tense, leading to discomfort.

Headaches and jaw pain

Ongoing muscle tightness can contribute to tension headaches and soreness in the jaw.

Erectile dysfunction

Prolonged stress may interfere with blood flow and sexual arousal, increasing the risk of erectile difficulties.

Irregular periods

In women, sustained stress can disrupt reproductive hormone balance, leading to irregular or missed menstrual cycles.

Worsening of existing conditions

Chronic stress can make pre existing health issues more reactive and harder to manage.

Sources: Unilad og Independent Pharmacy

New study links high tyrosine levels to shorter lifespan in men

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

2. March, 2026

New study links high tyrosine levels to shorter lifespan in men

Tyrosine is an amino acid found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products.

The substance is also sold as a dietary supplement and is often associated with improved mental performance.

In the journal Aging, researchers examined whether tyrosine and another amino acid, phenylalanine, have an impact on how long people live.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia, motivated by a desire to understand how diet and biology may influence aging.

What did the data show?

The researchers analyzed data from more than 270,000 individuals in the British health database UK Biobank.

They used both health records and genetic analyses to investigate a possible link between amino acids in the blood and mortality.

According to the study, higher levels of tyrosine were associated with a shorter lifespan in men. The average difference indicated by the models was just under one year.

The same association was not found in women. At the same time, phenylalanine showed no independent effect when tyrosine was taken into account.

What does this mean?

The researchers emphasize that the study does not directly concern dietary supplements, but rather the level of tyrosine in the blood.

Therefore, it cannot be concluded that supplements themselves shorten lifespan.

Tyrosine plays a role in the body’s production of neurotransmitters in the brain and may also be linked to metabolic and hormonal processes.

According to the researchers, biological differences between men and women may be part of the explanation.

The study highlights the need for further research into how diet and sex influence healthy aging.

Sources: Science Daily, and Aging.

She took collagen daily for a year – see her before-and-after photos

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

2. March, 2026

She took collagen daily for a year – see her before-and-after photos

An American content creator named Sara Anderson has shared her experience after taking collagen every day for a year.

According to LADbible, she posted before-and-after photos and described changes in her skin.

She experienced smoother skin and a more even complexion. She also highlighted that her nails felt stronger.

At the same time, she emphasizes that she still gets pimples and that collagen is not a miracle solution.

The photos were taken in different lighting, which may affect the overall impression. Nevertheless, she believes there have been improvements and continues to take the supplement.

What do researchers say?

Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University have reviewed a number of studies on daily collagen supplements published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum.

Their review indicates that collagen may improve skin elasticity and hydration over time.

However, the researchers found no evidence that collagen can remove or prevent wrinkles.

The effect is described as gradual and not something that happens overnight.

Possible benefits related to healthy aging and osteoarthritis are also mentioned.

The body’s own protein

According to the National Institutes of Health, collagen is the most abundant protein in the body.

It is found in the skin, bones, cartilage, and tendons, among other tissues, and makes up around 30 percent of the body’s total protein content.

The body’s production declines with age and can be affected by smoking and sun damage. This is one of the reasons many people choose to take supplements.

Collagen may have some effect on skin hydration and firmness. However, it is not a documented cure for wrinkles or aging.

See the before and after photos here.

Sources: LADbible, Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, and National Institutes of Health.

Three foods to reconsider on GLP-1 treatment

Mie Hermansen

1. March, 2026

Three foods to reconsider on GLP-1 treatment

Changes in appetite can feel dramatic for people starting weight-loss medication. Meals may suddenly seem smaller, cravings less intense and fullness quicker to arrive.

But specialists say reduced hunger does not automatically equal balanced nutrition. Food quality becomes even more important when intake drops.

Why diet still matters

GLP-1 medications, which are increasingly used to support weight loss, work by influencing appetite signals in the brain.

According to Zoe Griffiths, registered dietitian and VP of Behavioural Medicine at Numan, this shift means people must think carefully about what they choose to eat.

She told UNILAD that when appetite is suppressed, every meal needs to deliver nutritional value rather than just fewer calories.

Foods to limit

Griffiths stresses that no food is strictly forbidden, but some options may slow progress if eaten regularly. She points to three categories:

Ultra-processed foods such as crisps, ready meals and sugary cereals
Sugary drinks
Excessive alcohol

These products often provide high calories with limited nutrients and may increase side effects. Alcohol in particular can intensify adverse reactions for some users.

What to prioritise

Instead, nutrient-dense whole foods are encouraged. Lean proteins like eggs, fish, chicken and plant-based sources help protect muscle mass during weight loss.

Fibre-rich vegetables, fruit and whole grains support digestion, especially as constipation can occur early in treatment.

Healthy fats from nuts, seeds and oily fish also remain essential for heart and hormone health.

Experts advise against extreme restriction, recommending sustainable eating patterns that can be maintained long term.

Sources: Unilad

Study finds shoe choice may affect osteoarthritis differently

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

1. March, 2026

Study finds shoe choice may affect osteoarthritis differently

According to Medical Xpress, researchers Kade Paterson and Rana Hinman discuss two clinical trials published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

The most recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine (1) followed 120 people with hip osteoarthritis.

Participants wore either flat, flexible shoes or stable, supportive shoes for six months.

The researchers found no meaningful difference in pain reduction between the two groups.

However, a 2021 study published in Annals of Internal Medicine (2) involving 164 people with knee osteoarthritis showed different results.

In that trial, participants who wore stable, supportive shoes experienced greater pain relief while walking than those wearing flat footwear.

Together, the findings indicate that footwear recommendations may need to be tailored to the specific joint involved.

How footwear influences joint load

According to the researchers, shoes change how forces move through the legs during walking.

Biomechanical studies show that raised heels shift body weight forward and increase stress on the knee joint.

Even moderate heel heights have been linked to higher knee loading compared with walking barefoot.

Stiff soles and arch support can also affect how forces are distributed. More support does not automatically mean less joint stress, which may explain why footwear advice remains debated.

What should patients consider?

Current evidence suggests supportive shoes may benefit people with knee osteoarthritis.

For hip osteoarthritis, no clear advantage has been identified. Both studies noted more frequent foot discomfort with flat, flexible shoes.

Footwear is only one part of treatment. Exercise, weight management, and pain medication remain important components of care.

Sources: Medical Xpress, Annals of Internal Medicine (1), and Annals of Internal Medicine (2).

How your body is affected if you get most of your calories from beverages

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

28. February, 2026

How your body is affected if you get most of your calories from beverages

Research shows that liquid calories are less filling than solid food.

A 2020 review in Scientific Reports indicates that chewing and the time food spends in the mouth play a role in when we feel full.

Beverages pass more quickly through the stomach and do not activate the body’s satiety hormones in the same way.

As a result, you may still feel hungry even after consuming a large number of calories.

Studies published in Nutrition and Metabolic Insights also show that the body often does not compensate for calories consumed through drinks during the day by eating less later.

Blood sugar and disease

According to the American Heart Association, sugar from soda, juice, and energy drinks is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. This can cause significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Research published in Nutrients (1) links a high intake of sugary drinks to an increased risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

A comprehensive review published in Diabetes & Metabolism Journal in 2026 further shows an association between both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Other studies in Diabetes Obesity Metabolism suggest that high consumption of sugary drinks is associated with increased fat around the internal organs, which raises the risk of premature death.

Not all drinks are the same

However, there are differences between beverages. Research in Nutrients (2) shows that protein drinks containing whey protein can increase feelings of fullness.

A controlled trial published in Nutrients (3) involving older adults with overweight and type 2 diabetes found that protein-rich drinks, combined with diet and exercise, can help preserve muscle mass and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Overall, the research shows that beverages can be included as part of the diet. However, if they replace most solid foods, they may increase the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.

Sources: Verywell Health, Scientific Reports, Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, American Heart Association, Nutrients (1), Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, Diabetes Obesity Metabolism, Nutrients (2) og Nutrients (3).

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High blood pressure often has no symptoms

Why it is called the silent killer

Symptoms may appear at extremely high levels

Chest pain can be a warning sign

Shortness of breath may signal danger

Back pain can occur during a hypertensive crisis

Numbness may be a serious symptom

Weakness in the body should be taken seriously

Changes in vision can be related to blood pressure

Difficulty speaking can indicate an emergency

When to call emergency services

Severe high blood pressure without symptoms

Measurement is essential

Not acne

What helps

What changed

Why it matters

The stacking problem

Medication risks

What is worth taking?

What happens in the body under stress

Ongoing hormonal imbalance

Acne and skin flare ups

Hair shedding

Sleep disruption

Weakened immune response

Digestive problems

Muscle tension

Headaches and jaw pain

Erectile dysfunction

Irregular periods

Worsening of existing conditions

What did the data show?

What does this mean?

What do researchers say?

The body’s own protein

Why diet still matters

Foods to limit

What to prioritise

How footwear influences joint load

What should patients consider?

Blood sugar and disease

Not all drinks are the same

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