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7 Best Cetylpyridinium Chloride Mouthwash Brands 2025

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
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A meta-analysis of 3 studies (C19early 2025) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may significantly lower risk with  viral clearance . One study shows significant benefit. Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 83% [6‑97%] lower risk . Results are consistent with early treatment being more effective than late treatment. A study, published in Nature ( Takeda 2022 ) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection even at lower concentrations. Another team of international scientists has also demonstrated the usefulness of cetylpyridinium chloride-containing mouthwashes in inhibiting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and reducing the risk of viral transmission. The study is published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology (2022). A scientific review, published in the  Journal of Formosan Medical Association  (2022) also concluded that mouthwash containing CPC shows potential fo...
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8 Best Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements 2025: Benefits, Reviews and Prices

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
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Most people in the United States consume less than recommended amounts of vitamin D . An analysis of data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that average daily vitamin D intakes from foods and beverages were 4.3 mcg in men, 3.8 mcg in women, and 5 mcg (200 IU) in children aged 2–19 years ( NHANES 2017 - 2018 ). What Is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it dissolves in fats and oils and can be stored in your body for a long time. Vitamin D is important to the body in many ways. It helps the body absorb calcium from food and supplements. Muscles need it to move, for example, nerves need it to carry messages between the brain and every body part, and the immune system needs vitamin D to fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis. Vitamin D is found in cells throughout the body. Vitamin D Market Size The Global Vitamin D Market size was ...
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10 Best Nasal Sprays for COVID-19 (2024)

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
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Do nasal sprays actually work against COVID-19? Can I use nasal spray if I have COVID-19?  The COVID-19 pandemic has been roaring on for 3 years. During this time, the FDA has authorized many treatments  that help combat COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines have also been recommended by the CDC ever since the first ones were authorized in December 2020. However, medications that are already authorized are just a small percentage of what's been studied. Many researchers are still trying to find and develop other medications that can treat or prevent COVID-19. Among these, nasal sprays have caught the attention of many people. They’re often easy to use, and some researchers believe they could have a potential impact on the ongoing pandemic. But are any of them effective at treating or preventing COVID-19? And are any of them close to being available in the U.S.?  Which nasal sprays have been studied to treat or prevent COVID-19? A number of nasal sp...
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The Science behind GLP‑1 Medications 2025

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
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GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are transforming how we approach weight loss and metabolic health. But how do these medications actually work inside the body and what should you know to get the best results? In this article, we break down the science of GLP-1: what it is, how these drugs work, and why mimicking this hormone is helping millions achieve better health outcomes. Credit: GoodRx Health What Is GLP-1? GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone produced in your gut that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and how fast food leaves your stomach. When you eat, GLP-1 is released and sends signals to your pancreas, brain, and stomach to help your body manage nutrients more effectively. How GLP-1 Affects Blood Sugar GLP-1  stimulates  insulin production and reduces glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), but only when glucose levels are elevated. This reduces the risk of hypoglycemia. Ke...
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How Much Do Knee Gel Injections Cost? (2024)

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
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Knee pain injections are one of the best ways to target pain without long-term narcotics or unnecessary surgeries. It is no secret that the United States is currently facing an opioid epidemic. Recent medical research is now beginning to highlight the damage caused to our bodies by relying heavily on pain medication. In addition, knee replacement surgery and other invasive procedures carry risks such as blood clots, infection, and long rehabilitation periods. In the United States, knee pain injections cost approximately $1500. To receive the full benefit from these injections, 2-3 injections may be required. However, this is dependent on the type of knee pain. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a very common musculoskeletal disease affecting over 10 percent of the adult population and is a leading cause of disability within the United States. It’s estimated that more than 60 per cent of the worldwide population aged 65 and above has some form of the disease. ...
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9 Best Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements 2025

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
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Calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and Vitamin K2 are vitamin and minerals that are vital to several bodily processes. Though they occur naturally in a variety of foods, many people take supplements to help increase their intake. Benefits and uses 1. May support bone health Calcium is the main mineral in your bones, which hold more than 99% of your body’s calcium stores. Your body is constantly regenerating its bone tissue, so it’s important to consume an adequate amount of this mineral daily ( bones.nih.gov ). Magnesium plays a key role in converting vitamin D into its active form, which aids calcium absorption ( Trusted Source ). Therefore, you can minimize your vitamin D requirement by making sure you’re also getting enough magnesium. Research has confirmed higher magnesium intake helps reduce your risk of vitamin D deficiency by activating more of it.  A  groundbreaking 2017 review  compiled over 80 studies that show vitamin D3 and K2 together might be greater than...
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7 Best Organic Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements 2025

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
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In recent weeks and months, several publications and studies have suggested that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D would seem potentially beneficial in fighting the COVID-19 infection. How do you know that your vitamin D level is adequate? Most people in the United States consume less than recommended amounts of vitamin D. An analysis of data from the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that average daily vitamin D intakes from foods and beverages were 5.1 mcg (204 IU) in men, 4.2 mcg (168 IU) in women, and 4.9 mcg (196 IU) in children aged 2–19 years ( NHANES ). What Is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it dissolves in fats and oils and can be stored in your body for a long time. Vitamin D is important to the body in many ways. It helps the body absorb calcium from food and supplements. Muscles need it to move, for example, nerves need it to carry messages between the brain and every body part, and the immune syste...
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12 Best Natural Ozempic Alternatives 2025 (Resource Guide)

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
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If there's anything the Ozempic craze has taught us, it's that people are hungry for weight loss solutions. But as the world leans into wellness, many are now looking beyond pharmaceuticals, turning their gaze to nature's arsenal for blood sugar balance and metabolic health. The 2023 report from the World Obesity Federation estimates that the economic impact of overweight and obesity will surpass $4.3 trillion annually by 2035. In the U.S., the CDC  reports the prevalence of obesity in adults was 41.9% measured from 2017 to March 2020. This represented an increase from 30.5% from 1999 to 2000. The estimated annual medical costs were roughly $173 billion in 2019 dollars. The weight loss and weight management diet market size was valued at 192.2 billion in 2019, and is projected reach $295.3 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 7.0% from 2021 to 2027. ( source ) Prescriptions for semaglutide have doubled since mid-2021, rising to mor...
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9 Best Vitamin D3, K2 and Magnesium Supplements 2025

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
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Magnesium, vitamin D and Vitamin K2 are vitamin and minerals that are vital to several bodily processes. Though they occur naturally in a variety of foods, many people take supplements to help increase their intake. Magnesium, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K Dosage The typical daily dosage recommendations for these nutrients are: Magnesium: 400–500 mg Vitamin D3: 800 IU (20 mcg)  Vitamin K : 120mcg Food With Magnesium, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K Magnesium: dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, leafy vegetables, and legumes Vitamin D3: avocados, nuts, seeds, full-fat dairy products and eggs Vitamin K: turnips, spinach, kale, brocolli, soybeans, carrots, Chicken If you’re concerned you may be deficient in any of these nutrients, talk to a health professional who can test your levels and determine whether you should eat more of these foods or take a supplement. Benefits and uses 1. May support bone health Magnesium  plays a key role in converting vitamin D into its active form, which aids calci...
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Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide (Ozempic): What's the difference?

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
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Introduction The landscape of obesity treatment has evolved dramatically with the introduction of advanced medical therapeutics like retatrutide (RETA, LY3437943), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and semaglutide (Ozempic). These drugs, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, have shown remarkable efficacy in promoting weight loss, making them game-changers for obesity management. However, each drug has unique mechanisms, benefits, and potential applications, including emerging roles in cancer prevention. This article compares retatrutide, tirzepatide, and semaglutide, highlighting their differences in mechanism of action, weight loss efficacy, additional health benefits, and side effects to help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions. Credit: GoodRx Health Mechanism of Action Semaglutide : Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). It mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone that enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glu...
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