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 If you’ve been struggling with joint or ligament pain for a long time, you’ve probably heard of prolotherapy injections . Prolotherapy is a non-surgical regenerative treatment that helps strengthen damaged ligaments and tendons, potentially reducing pain without surgery. However, prolotherapy is not a miracle cure. It can be highly effective for some patients, while others may see little to no benefit. In this article, we’ll explore how prolotherapy works , who may benefit the most, its limitations, and real patient cases illustrating its effects. Ultrasound-guided prolotherapy injection on lower back. 1. What Is Prolotherapy and How Does It Work? Prolotherapy (short for Proliferation Therapy ) is designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. The treatment involves injecting a high-concentration dextrose solution into weakened or damaged ligaments or tendons. This deliberately triggers a mild, localized inflammatory response , which the body interprets as a “...

 1. What Is a Blood Sugar Spike? A blood sugar spike happens when your glucose level rises sharply after eating—typically within 1–2 hours post-meal. If your blood sugar exceeds 160 mg/dL after eating, that’s considered a spike. Even though it’s temporary, this rapid rise can oxidize your blood vessels , trigger inflammation , and—if repeated—raise your risk for heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes complications . With Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) , you can literally see this happening: that steep “roller-coaster” curve after meals is your blood sugar spiking and then crashing. Line graph showing a sharp rise and fall in blood sugar levels after a meal. 2. Why Does Blood Sugar Rise So Quickly? The biggest culprit? Your eating habits. Blood sugar spikes happen when you: Eat refined carbs like white rice, bread, noodles, or sugary drinks Eat too fast Snack frequently throughout the day When glucose enters the bloodstream too quickly, your pancrea...

The heart of the Mediterranean diet is Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) . If you care about both health and flavor, choosing the right grade of olive oil is essential. But not all olive oils are created equal — their quality, origin, and processing can vary widely. Here’s how to pick the real deal and find the EVOO that fits your taste and lifestyle. Comparison chart showing different grades of extra virgin olive oil and their quality levels 1. Check the Label First: Know the Grade Before anything else, look at the “Food Type” section on the product label. This small detail reveals whether you’re holding true extra virgin olive oil or a refined/mixed oil pretending to be one. What to Check Real EVOO Label Avoid These Labels Food Type “Extra Virgin Olive Oil” or “Virgin Olive Oil” “Refined Olive Oil,” “Pomace Olive Oil,” “Blended Cooking Oil” Ingredients 100% Olive Oil / Cold Pressed Contains soybean oil, grapeseed oil, or mentions chemical refining Globally, Extra Virgin acc...

  Do you often experience numbness or tingling in your lower back or legs, or feel sudden sharp pain after walking just a short distance? You might notice relief when sitting, but discomfort returns when you stand or walk. These symptoms may indicate spinal stenosis rather than simple muscle strain. This guide covers everything you need to know about spinal stenosis—from its definition and causes to the differences from a herniated disc, and the latest non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Cross-section comparing normal spinal canal and spinal stenosis, showing vertebra, disc, facet joint, ligament, and nerve. What is Spinal Stenosis? Definition and Causes Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal—the passageway for nerves—narrows and compresses the nerves or surrounding tissues. It most commonly affects the lumbar spine (lower back) . The primary cause is degenerative changes due to aging. Over time, intervertebral discs deteriorate, ligaments thicken, and facet ...

  Vitamin C is more than just a “fatigue remedy.” It plays a vital role in boosting immunity, supporting vascular health, and maintaining skin integrity . The form you choose and the amount you take can significantly affect its effectiveness.  In this guide, we’ll cover how vitamin C works in the body, deficiency symptoms, supplement types, and the principles and safety of megadose intake . Person taking small divided doses of vitamin C with water, with a cup and small capsules/tablets visible. 1. Four Key Roles of Vitamin C in the Body 1) Powerful Water-Soluble Antioxidant Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and reactive oxygen species in the body. This protects cells and blood vessels, prevents DNA, protein, and cell membrane damage, slows aging, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent cholesterol oxidation in arteries , lowering the risk of atherosclerosis. 2) Strong Immune Support Vitamin C enhances white blood cell function, stre...

  Onions are among the most common vegetables in our diet — yet when eaten correctly, they can be a true superfood for blood and cardiovascular health . Let’s explore what makes onions so powerful: their key compounds, their effects on the body, and whether raw or cooked onions are better for you. A fresh onion cut in half, showing its inner layers and texture. 1. What’s Inside an Onion? Onions are far more than just a sweet, aromatic vegetable. They are packed with bioactive compounds that protect your blood and arteries — including allicin, quercetin, sulfur compounds, flavonoids , and vitamin C . 1) Allicin This sulfur-based compound forms when onions are cut or crushed, activating enzymes that release their sharp aroma (and your tears!). Key Benefits: Powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties Helps reduce inflammation in blood vessels and improves circulation by thinning the blood Pro Tip: After cutting onions, let them sit in t...