How Metformin Works: Mechanism, B12 Risk & Longevity
How metformin works at the cellular level, the often-overlooked long‑term risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, and what the NIH‑backed TAME trial can — and can’t — tell us about metformin and ageing.
Which sugar substitutes actually help — and which quietly create new metabolic risks. A clear, practical guide to stevia, monk fruit, allulose, erythritol and artificial sweeteners, plus the label checks that stop hidden erythritol and other risky additives slipping into your diet.
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How metformin works at the cellular level, the often-overlooked long‑term risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, and what the NIH‑backed TAME trial can — and can’t — tell us about metformin and ageing.
Probiotics look like a neat idea, but for most healthy adults the evidence shows the bacteria usually pass through rather than colonise — and taking them after antibiotics can even delay recovery. This article unpacks the two landmark 2018 Cell studies and a JAMA meta-analysis so you can decide whether a specific strain (not a generic capsule) is worth your money.
Cortisol levels are often miscast as the root of belly fat, puffy faces and low energy. This article cuts through the marketing: what cortisol really does, why “adrenal fatigue” lacks evidence, when physical signs require medical work-up, and which sleep, exercise and mindfulness strategies actually move the needle.
Clear, evidence-first guide to GLP-1 weight loss drugs: what semaglutide and tirzepatide actually do, the trial results (15–20% average weight loss), what happens when you stop, real safety trade-offs, and the surprising early data on alcohol use — so you can discuss risks, cost, and longer-term strategy with your doctor.
A clear, anatomy-first explanation of why women get more UTIs: short female urethra, nearby gut bacteria (E. coli), and the big role of falling oestrogen after menopause — plus what actually prevents recurrence and what to ask your GP.
Magnesium is essential but routinely missed: standard serum tests measure only ~1% of body stores, so normal bloodwork can hide true deficiency. This article explains why serum magnesium is misleading, the cardiovascular and muscle risks linked to low magnesium, who’s most vulnerable (including long-term PPI users and athletes), and practical, evidence-based steps to assess and protect your magnesium status.