There is a time and place for medication. Some people require them to ease their health issues, but too many medications come with a long list of side effects. One of the most common side effects is heartburn because certain medications irritate the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. That can cause heartburn pain that is similar to the pain of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Although some medications cause heartburn or make it worse, others can actually relieve heartburn. Typically, the ones that cause heartburn include iron or potassium supplements, antibiotics, and tricyclic antidepressants. Want to know if a medication you take is responsible for the heartburn you experience? Read on to learn which medications cause heartburn.

Aspirin

Whether you take it to ease your headaches or reduce the risk of heart attack, aspirin increases heartburn in those who already have it. The reason for this is because aspirin promotes more acid production in the stomach. Aspirin prevents the body from forming protecting prostaglandins in the digestive tract. The body makes prostaglandins, which act like hormones, and the ones in the stomach prevent cells in the stomach wall from producing and releasing acid.

Sleeping Pills And Sedatives

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan), work to relieve anxiety and aid relaxation. They also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which may cause heartburn. The unfortunate reality is that most people lie down after taking these medications. Lying down can increase the severity of acid reflux because reclining prevents gravity from keeping stomach acid down, meaning it can get into the esophagus. 

Iron Supplements

Iron supplementation is typically reserved as a treatment for people with iron deficiency anemia. Taking iron supplements can irritate the lining of the esophagus and contribute to acid reflux. According to research, iron erodes the mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract. Iron pill-induced gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) has only been documented in people who take iron supplements in pill form, not liquid form. 

Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter ibuprofen products, such as Motrin or Advil, can help mitigate pain, but may cause heartburn. These products increase acid production in the stomach and reduce protective prostaglandins. According to gastroenterologists, oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet) can be better for the stomach than taking six Motrin tablets per day. That said, some narcotics cause heartburn and are habit-forming; not to mention, they can cause constipation. 

Potassium Supplements

Potassium supplements can help regulate blood pressure, but they can also irritate the esophageal lining. Now, that isn’t to say that every person who takes potassium supplements will experience heartburn. You can reduce your chances of heartburn by taking the supplements while sitting up and drinking plenty of water with them. No matter what supplement you take, always speak with your healthcare provider before starting. The FDA minimally regulates dietary supplements and their effects vary from person to person. If you are nervous about dosage or negative interactions with current medications, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Some psychiatric drugs, such as antidepressants, work in a specific way and have fewer gastrointestinal side effects. However, some older tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine or amitriptyline, may cause heartburn because they slow how quickly the stomach empties. Tricyclic antidepressants can also relax the LES, which increases the risk of heartburn.

Antibiotics

Tetracyclines are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that treat common bacterial infections. One of the drawbacks is that they can cause heartburn. If you tend to experience heartburn regularly and require antibiotics, consult your health care provider to get one that is gentle on the stomach and esophagus. An enteric-coated pill may be less abrasive because the coating keeps the pill intact as it passes through the stomach. That means it dissolves in the small intestine, not your stomach.

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It’s no secret that new weight loss drugs are highly sought after in the United States. The reason for that is because they are highly effective, so long as you continue using them. Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and other similar medications work by recreating the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that the gut produces once you finish eating. This hormone reduces both hunger and cravings, helping you to eat less, which promotes weight loss. 

What happens when you stop taking these medications, though? Recent research suggests that you can regain weight once you stop taking them. Health experts have started to refer to this weight gain as “Mounjaro plateau” or “Ozempic rebound.”

Why Do People Stop Using These Medications?

People stop taking these medications for numerous reasons, with a common one being the high cost, which is especially true for people without health insurance. Even if you have health insurance, many providers don’t offer coverage for these drugs. There is a huge demand, supply issues, and many unwanted side effects that come from using these medications. In fact, clinical trials found that up to 10% of users stop using these medications because of side effects, including nausea and disruptive bowel movements. 

It’s possible that the number of people who stop using these medications is higher than that 10% figure. Patients may have less aftercare, support, and accountability than they do in clinical trials. That means there is most likely a higher percentage of people who experience unwanted side effects, which could be easily managed. Doctors also state that people stop using these medications once they meet their goal weight. 

Why Do You Gain Weight Post-Medication?

Ozempic, and other related drugs, were originally intended to help people with type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels. During clinical trials, researchers observed weight loss to be a surprising side effect. That got them thinking, so they started to prescribe these medications for weight loss (an off-label purpose). 

In present day, many people with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or fatty liver disease, have been struggling to lose weight for 20 to 30 years. Drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy help people lose weight by temporarily altering hunger mechanisms. Basically, they provide a synthetic form of GLP-1, which is the hormone that helps you feel satiated and less hungry. At the same time, these drugs also promote an increase in insulin response to food, which works to regulate blood sugar. They also reduce the release of glucagon, a hormone that opposes insulin and tends to increase blood glucose levels. 

When you stop taking these medications, the body naturally produces more ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Once off the medications, the body’s metabolic rate slows down. The combination of a slower metabolic rate and a rapid onset of hunger causes weight gain, especially if there is no modification in lifestyle or diet. 

How Common Is Weight Gain After Stopping Ozempic?

If you use Ozempic to lose weight, the last thing you want is to see the weight return once you stop taking the drug. As it turns out, it is very common for a person to gain weight after quitting Ozempic or similar medication. One study found that people who stopped taking semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) and quit lifestyle interventions gained two-thirds of their weight back within a year. Another study monitored people who stopped taking tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro. Within one year of quitting the drug, they gained more than half the weight they’d lost while on the drug. 

The Takeaway

Before you take any GLP-1 agonist (such as Ozempic), consult your healthcare professional and make sure you understand the risks. Are you using the drug for short-term or long-term results? If you decide to take Ozempic, make sure you understand what will happen once you stop. Your healthcare professional may be able to provide guidance, nutritional advice, and an exercise regimen to help stave off the weight you lost while on the drug.

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A lot of people welcome the warm weather of spring, while others dread the pollen that also arrives. From one morning to the next, people wake up sneezing, develop runny noses, and have itchy eyes. To avoid these miserable allergy symptoms, many people reach for the allergy medication bottle. There is nothing wrong with allergy medication, but some people may prefer to experiment with natural remedies that don’t cause the same unwanted side effects that accompany certain medications. 

If the immune system reacts to something, which may not bother other people, that indicates an allergic reaction. The most common culprits of allergic reactions include:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Insect stings
• Food
• Medications
• Pet dander
• Mold spores

Although everyone many not experience the same allergy symptoms, the most common ones are:

• Sneezing
• Itching
• Rashes
• Swelling
• Asthma
• Runny nose
• Dry eyes

Natural Remedies For Allergies

The best natural remedy for allergies, well, is to avoid allergens at all costs, but this isn’t always possible. Allergens, especially pollen, are difficult to avoid during the spring. If your symptoms to certain allergens are relatively mild, you may be able to fight them off with natural remedies. Experiment with the following remedies to see if they help your spring allergies. 

Clear The Air

Dust, dander, and pollen particles can trigger allergy symptoms, and filtering indoor air may help eliminate them from your home. Your best bet is to look for a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter because it can remove 99.97% of problematic airborne particles. Putting a HEPA filter in your bedroom can make a huge difference, especially if you have allergy attacks at night or early morning. Air conditioning may also help because it removes moisture from indoor air, which eliminates mildew growth. 

Saline Nasal Rinse

According to a 2012 review of studies, saline nasal irrigation benefitted both children and adults with allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Flushing the sinuses out with a neti pot or squeeze bottle can help wash away pollen, or other allergens, that may cause allergy symptoms. Studies show that a good saline nasal rinse can provide relief from both allergy symptoms and symptoms of the common cold. 

Vitamins And Supplements

A healthy diet helps encourage optimal immune response, but some people require supplementation to meet daily nutritional requirements. That is where dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs, come into play. These supplements may help limit inflammation that accompanies allergic reactions. According to health experts, the following supplements may encourage better immune function:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Quercetin
• Stinging nettle (a natural antihistamine)
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Acupuncture

Are you surprised to see acupuncture on this list? Don’t be! Historically, the practice of ancient needling boosted immune function and combatted hay fever. Additionally, a fair amount of research indicates the efficacy of acupuncture for treating symptoms of allergies and sinus disorders. In fact, a 2015 review of studies concluded that acupuncture demonstrated positive results for people with seasonal allergies. 

Use Essential Oils

If you have sinus issues, adding essential oils to a diffuser may help you breathe better, or at least limit the intensity of allergy symptoms. Many people benefit from using eucalyptus oil because it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Others find frankincense essential oil to provide protection against some allergy symptoms. One study found that frankincense essential oil helped fight against perennial allergic rhinitis. A 1998 study found that inhaling the aroma of peppermint essential oil had enough anti-inflammatory effects to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.

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As of now, the general treatment for hypothyroidism is taking a daily thyroid hormone replacement medication. Naturally, medications invite a long list of side effects, some of which do or don’t affect people. Forgetting to take the thyroid medication, however, can lead to other unwanted symptoms. 

If thyroid medication causes side effects, you may want to experiment with natural remedies. Some of these remedies may cause fewer side effects and better suit your overall lifestyle. That  said, they may not be able to replace a thyroid medication, so consider talking with your healthcare professional about the natural remedies in this article. 

Natural Remedies

The primary reason to experiment with natural remedies is to see if they address the root cause of the problem. Thyroid problems typically start because of the following reasons: 

• Stress
• Poor diet
• Lacking nutrients in the body

If you change your diet and start taking certain supplements, you may benefit your thyroid health. Those options tend to have fewer side effects than taking a thyroid medication. Additionally, taking an herbal supplement to address an under-active thyroid may be an alternative option if you do not respond positively to medications. That said, if you have Hashimoto’s disease, the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S., alternative remedies may not be effective. If you want to experiment with natural remedies, consider adding the following to your treatment plan. 

Consider Some B Vitamins

As you will learn in this article, there are certain vitamins and minerals that positively affect the thyroid. Low thyroid hormones can affect the body’s B-12 levels, so taking a B-12 supplement may help repair some of the damage done by hypothyroidism. Additionally, taking a vitamin B-12 supplement may counteract the tiredness that is common with hypothyroidism, which can also affect B-1 levels. Consider eating more peas, asparagus, beans, sesame seeds, wild caught tuna, and eggs if you want to add more B vitamins to your diet. 

Adopt A Gluten-Free Diet

Many people with hypothyroidism tend to maintain a gluten-free diet because a significant number of them also have celiac disease. If you have celiac disease, gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine. As of now, research does not support a gluten-free diet as a viable treatment option for hypothyroidism. That said, many people with Hashimoto’s disease tend to feel better after adopting a gluten-free diet. More research is necessary about the relationship with gluten and hypothyroidism. 

Take Selenium

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that selenium is a trace element that plays a part in thyroid hormone metabolism. In Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid and typically reduces the amount of selenium in the body. Researchers note that supplementing with selenium may help balance thyroxine (T4) levels in some people. If you decide to take a selenium supplement, consult your healthcare professional because every person requires a different amount. If you want to eat more selenium, focus on flaxseeds, chia seeds, broccoli, cabbage, lima beans, Brazil nuts, spinach, sunflower seeds, and brown rice. 

Sugar-Free Diet

Although people with hypothyroidism may be sensitive or allergic to gluten, they are not necessarily allergic to sugar. Upon eating sugary or processed foods, you can develop higher inflammatory markers in the body. Inflammation slows the conversion of T4 into triiodothyronine (T3), which is another thyroid hormone. If this conversion is slow, then you may experience worse symptoms. Sugar only leads to bursts of short-term energy, so eliminating it from your diet may regulate energy levels. Removing sugar from your diet may also help regulate stress levels, which can impact thyroid function. 

Add More Probiotics To Your Diet

One NIH study found a link between hypothyroidism and problems in the small intestine. Study authors noted that altered gastrointestinal motility that was common with hypothyroidism caused small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. That ultimately leads to chronic digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea. Researchers suggest that probiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the stomach and intestines. Although there are probiotic supplements available, many dietary sources offer beneficial probiotic strains. Fermented vegetables, kombucha, miso, natto, kefir, and some yogurt are useful probiotic foods.

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Star fruit is not something you see in the average grocery store. Native to Southeast Asia and other tropical areas, star fruit gets its name for the star-like shape, which is particularly evident when you cut the fruit into slices. It exhibits a sweet and slightly tart flavor profile that goes great in a fruit salad. 

Both the skin and flesh are edible and it can be sweet or sour, depending on how ripe the fruit is. If the fruit is greener in color, it will taste more sour, while a yellow fruit will taste sweeter. Just watch out for the seeds that are in the center of the fruit! 

Star Fruit Nutrition

According to research studies, star fruit offers a lot of vitamin C and fiber. For a single, medium-sized star fruit (about 91 grams), the nutrient content is as follows:

• Fiber: 3 grams (g)
• Protein: 1 g
• Folate: 3% of the daily value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 52% of the DV
• Copper: 6% of the DV
• Vitamin B5: 4% of the DV
• Potassium: 3% of the DV
• Magnesium: 2% of the DV

Based on the above information, the nutrient content for a star fruit seems relatively low. Keep in mind, though, that this serving only has 28 calories and six grams of carbohydrates. Calorie for calorie, star fruit is highly nutritious. Continue reading to learn more about star fruit’s health benefits.

Vitamin C Superstar

As a powerful micronutrient with antioxidant properties, vitamin C helps to protect against cellular damage. A 2022 umbrella review included 57 meta-analyses and concluded that vitamin C consumption reduced the risk of multiple cancers, including breast, esophageal, lung, pancreatic, bladder, and gastric cancer. Researchers noted that vitamin C works to protect against cancers by reducing oxidative damage to cells and protecting tissues from carcinogens. Currently, the recommended DV of vitamin C for men is 90 milligrams (mg) and 75 mg for women. That said, those numbers only help people avoid vitamin C deficiency. Based on current findings, people should take at least 200 mg per day to promote overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Beneficial For The Heart And Digestive Health

The average medium star fruit contains three grams of fiber, which benefits both heart and digestive health. Regarding digestion, fiber add bulk to stool and helps regulate bowel movements. It also acts as food for the healthy bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract. That promotes a healthy intestinal lining and microbiome. Additionally, adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet can help protect against certain digestive disorders, including colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Eating fiber-rich foods is also beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart. Fiber works to lower blood lipids, blood pressure, and may regulate blood sugar, all of which help lower your risk of heart disease. The vitamin C in star fruit may also offer protection from heart disease. Some studies show that increasing your intake of antioxidants and flavonoids, such as those that exist in star fruit, may help lower the risk of coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease in America. 

Safety And Side Effects

Because star fruit has a high oxalate content, it may cause adverse effects in certain groups. People with kidney problems should avoid star fruit and its juice, or at least consult a healthcare professional prior to consuming it. Eating star fruit may lead to kidney damage or star fruit toxicity, which may cause neurological problems like seizures. If you take prescription medication or drugs, proceed with caution. Just like grapefruit, star fruit can alter the way certain drugs are broken down and used by the body.

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Berberine is a naturally occurring compound in many plants. For thousands of years, it has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and other medicinal traditions to treat digestive disorders, inflammatory conditions, and infections. Some research indicates that it may offer protection against high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, among other conditions. 

What Is Berberine?

Extracted from several plants, berberine is a bioactive compound that belongs to the alkaloid class. It is yellow and typically used as a dye, despite its long history in traditional medicinal applications. Modern evidence suggests that it exhibits impressive health benefits that may address chronic conditions. As of now, limited human research indicates that berberine may lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. This is of great interest to the health experts because these are reversible risk factors for heart disease. Although it appears to be safe and only causes a few mild side effects, you may want to consult a healthcare professional if you are interested in taking it. 

How Does Berberine Work?

There have been hundreds of studies on berberine’s effects on the body. According to animal studies, one of berberine’s primary actions is to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme inside cells. Found in cells throughout the body, AMPK has an active role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. Berberine also has an effect on other molecules inside cells, potentially affecting which genes are turned on or off. That may help protect against many chronic health conditions, but more research is necessary on this matter. Continue reading to learn more about berberine’s health benefits. 

May Protect Against Bacterial Infections

A 2022 study found that berberine helped prevent the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Researchers note that this bacterial strain can cause sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and a range of skin conditions. Another study found that berberine exhibited an ability to damage the DNA and protein of certain bacteria, due to its antimicrobial activity. 

It Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels

According to many studies, berberine can significantly lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In 2008, study authors monitored a group of 116 participants who took one gram of berberine per day. The results indicated that berberine lowered fasting blood sugar by 20%, and it also lowered hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by 12%. Additionally, berberine improved blood lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Researchers note that berberine seems to work in several ways to aid these processes:

• Decreases sugar production in the liver
• Reduces insulin resistance to make insulin more effective
• Increases the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut
• Slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in the gut
• Increases glycolysis, which helps the body break down sugars inside cells

May Aid Weight Loss

There is a lot of attention on berberine because it may be a viable weight loss supplement. An older 12-week study involved people with obesity who took 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine three times daily. At the end of the study, participants experienced five pounds of weight loss, on average, with a 3.6% reduction in body fat. A review of 12 studies noted that supplementing with berberine led to significant reductionist body weight, belly fat, and body mass index. It was also effective at decreasing C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. Other research found that berberine works to inhibit the growth of fat cells at a molecular level, which may promote weight loss. Although existing research is promising, more research is necessary to determine berberine’s weight loss effects.

It Helps Lower Cholesterol

If you have high levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, you have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Some research suggests that berberine may help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. One review of both animal and human studies found that berberine exhibits cholesterol lowering effects. Researchers believe that berberine’s effects are similar to drugs that reduce high cholesterol. The only difference is that berberine does not cause the same side effects. 

May Benefit People With Obesity

There is an obesity epidemic in the United States, and it increases a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. One review found that people who took 750 mg of berberine twice daily for three months experienced significant weight loss. Another double-blind study monitored people with metabolic syndrome who took 200 mg of berberine three times daily. Participants experience decreases in their body mass index scores. Finally, some research suggests that berberine works similarly to metformin, a drug that doctors typically prescribe people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, berberine works to alter gut bacteria, which may benefit people with diabetes and obesity.

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Bergamot, which you may know if you dabble in essential oils or drink Earl Grey tea, is a citrus fruit primarily found in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. That area of Italy has a long tradition of using bergamot in folk medicine to treat fevers and infections. In recent years, researchers have examined bergamot’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which indicate that it may help lower total cholesterol levels. 

Can Bergamot Improve Cholesterol?

According to clinical trials that involved oral administration of bergamot, it may help reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the bad one). Other lab studies indicate that bergamot’s polyphenols may influence enzymes that relate to cholesterol metabolism. In fact, a systematic review of 12 studies found that supplementing with bergamot demonstrated the following:

• LDL cholesterol decrease: ranging from 7.6% to 40.8%
• Triglyceride decrease: ranging from 11.5% to 39.5%
• Total cholesterol decrease: ranging from 12.3% to 31.3%

An additional eight trials found that bergamot was able to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol). The studies revealed a potential dose-dependent effect and synergy with statins. That means that bergamot could be an alternative for dyslipidemia, especially in statin-intolerant people. In fact, one study found that bergamot fruit extract reduced overall cholesterol levels in liver cells. Although it didn’t block the enzyme involved with making cholesterol, it did limit cholesterol absorption in intestinal cells. 

How Long Does It Take For Bergamot To Lower Cholesterol?

There is one component in bergamot fruit extract, neohesperidin, which studies found decreased the activity of the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production. Additionally, neohesperidin boosted the function of another enzyme related to cholesterol management. Clinical studies suggest that cholesterol levels may reduce after weeks of regular bergamot supplementation. The effects may last one to six months, depending on lifestyle factors and personal biology. The time it takes for bergamot to work its magic may vary among individuals, and you should consult your healthcare professional about supplementation if you suffer from high cholesterol.

How Much Bergamot Is Necessary?

Determining how much bergamot to take to manage cholesterol levels will depend on a few things. The form of bergamot, such as extract, oil, supplement, the concentration of bergamot, and the individual’s overall health, including underlying conditions. In studies, typical doses ranged from 150 milligrams (mg) to 1,500 mg of extract daily. Unfortunately, the best form of bergamot for managing cholesterol is still unclear. Different forms of the fruit, including extracts, juices, or supplements are the available forms, at least in the clinical studies confirming their efficacy. 

Are There Side Effects?

In certain cases, bergamot may cause side effects, which are detailed below: 

• Drug interactions: Antibiotics and diabetes medications, in addition to drugs that cause photosensitivity, may negatively interact with bergamot. As stated earlier in this article, some studies suggest that bergamot extract may enhance statin effects. Combining bergamot with other medications, however, could intensify their effects and increase the risk of muscle pain. 
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight: Bergamot contains compounds that may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk of skin irritation or sunburn. 
• Allergic reactions: Some people are allergic to bergamot, which can result in rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, but this depends on the severity of the allergy. If you are allergic to other citrus fruits, you may want to reconsider bergamot supplementation, or get a food allergy test.

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Escaping your day-to-day life by traveling to one of the Wonders of the World or a tropical paradise is truly a gift. Jet lag just happens to be something that often accompanies a long-haul journey of this caliber. It can be quite annoying when the body crosses time zones and bypasses normal sleep patterns. Although some global travelers have their own hacks, this article aims to highlight a few helpful tips to help get over jet lag.

What Is Jet Lag?

Yes, jet lag is a real thing, but you usually don’t feel it if the time change is small (a couple hours for example). Jet lag is essentially the disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm, which occurs when you travel across three or more time zones. The symptoms often include impaired cognition, general malaise, sleeping troubles, daytime drowsiness, and gastrointestinal issues. Depending on how far you travel, jet lag can last a couple days to a couple weeks.

Researchers suggest that it takes people about one day to adjust for each one to 1.5 hours of time change. That one-hour-per-day rule isn’t concrete, though, and eastward travel tends to create more jet lag than traveling west does, but everyone experiences it differently. Trip itinerary and biological factors can also affect the severity of jet lag. The key to getting over jet lag is getting your body’s circadian rhythm back on track with the sunrise and sunset of your destination. You may find the following tips helpful. 

Adapt To Your Time Zone

Some will agree that this is easier said than done, but do your best to forget your old time zone once you land in your new one. If you continue to eat and sleep according to your old time zone, then you’ll experience great trouble. Eat meals and go to bed according to your destination’s time. If you land in the morning, don’t go to sleep right away, despite your desire to do so. 

Realign Your Circadian Rhythm

Jet lag disrupts your body’s internal clock, which you have to synchronize with the 24-hour day at your destination. This happens whether you travel east or west, although more people have a harder time traveling east. Because there are so many variables, such as flight arrival time, length of the trip, number of time zones crossed, etc., there is no single remedy to realign your circadian rhythm. Proper timing is essential to adjust your circadian rhythm, though, with proper daylight and dark exposure to quickly get over jet lag. Even with a well-oiled plan, you may still need a few days to over a week to adjust your circadian rhythm. Do your best not to overindulge with caffeine and sleep at night at your destination. 

Drink Water

During long-haul flights, most people don’t drink enough water. In fact, people tend to avoid drinking a lot of liquids to ensure fewer bathroom breaks. Proper hydration may help you manage fatigue and other jet lag symptoms. Opt for water instead of soda, sugary juices, or coffee during in-flight service. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up at your departure airport so that it is full for the flight. You may also ask the flight attendants to fill your water bottle if you run out during the flight. They may or may not say yes, though.

Manage Sleep Time

It can be tempting to sleep whenever you feel tired in your destination. If your flight arrives during the morning or daytime, try to avoid the urge to nap or sleep for a long time. That can make sleep much more difficult once nighttime arrives at your destination. A few things that can help you rest include eye masks, earplugs, comfortable blankets and pillows, portable white noise machine, and noise-canceling headphones. Do your best to get some sleep during your flight if you are in the air during your destination’s nighttime. 

Experiment With Melatonin

The body makes melatonin on its own to trigger sleepiness, but it comes as a supplement as well. Melatonin may be a valuable supplement to consider to help your body get sleepy once you arrive at your destination, depending on the time of arrival. If your body isn’t ready for bed at night, you may benefit from taking some. Just be careful to not consume too much melatonin if you want to avoid the unwanted side effects. Don’t take more than five milligrams at a time. 

Don’t Over-Schedule Your First 

Because you will most likely experience some degree of jet lag upon your arrival, don’t overbook yourself at your vacation destination the first couple days. If returning home, try to leave a day or so of rest before you resume work. Budget enough time for sleep and keep tabs on how you feel to avoid getting sick.

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Ozempic, which is an injectable semaglutide, is one of the most popular type 2 diabetes drugs on the market. Within recent months, it has become more difficult to acquire because of how many people seek it out. There is one reason for the growing demand: dramatic weight loss, which is one of the common side effects. 

Wegovy, another drug and medicine, also contains semaglutide, which helps regulate blood sugar. Semaglutide helps people feel full and eat less because it curbs appetite and slows digestion in the stomach. Besides weight loss, other side effects of semaglutide include diarrhea, nausea, headaches, and constipation. 

Ozempic and Wegovy have been on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug shortage list for several months. Although there are other type 2 diabetes medications that work in a similar fashion, they don’t induce weight loss in the same way. Because of the shortage and high out-of-pocket cost, many patients decided to stop taking Ozempic. How could they maintain the same weight loss they experienced while taking the medication? That depends on each person, but it’s also possible to experience the following things after stopping Ozempic. 

Appetite Returns

While taking Ozempic, people eat less because semaglutide slows digestion. That keeps food in the stomach for longer and increases feelings of fullness. Ozempic also trigger changes in the brain that actually reduce hunger and curb feelings of satisfaction that accompany eating. For example, you may only be able to eat a few bites of pizza while using semaglutide, whereas you could eat half a pizza prior to using it. That rapid feeling of fullness goes away as soon as you stop taking Ozempic, causing you to eat more, so following a low-calorie diet becomes very difficult. 

You’ll Regain Weight

When you stop feeling full and your appetite returns, the first thing that you reach for is more food. The unfortunate reality is that medication, like Ozempic shouldn’t be the only treatment plan for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity. Healthy lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, are necessary for long-term success and health. Without those lifestyle changes accompanying the use of Ozempic, users will most likely regain weight and suffer from poor blood sugar control.

Blood Sugar Climbs

For those with type 2 diabetes who take Ozempic to manage blood sugar, halting treatment may cause blood sugar to return to pre-medication levels. Endocrinologists explain that Ozempic treats the chronic disease of diabetes, so people can expect the condition to worsen once they stop using it. As previously explained, Ozempic helps people eat less, so stopping treatment may cause them to eat larger portions and more calories. All of that amounts to an increase in blood sugar. Even if people manage to control their eating habits once they stop taking Ozempic, blood sugar may still rise because the drug boosts insulin production, a hormone involved in blood sugar control.  

Ozempic Face Will Go Away

Experiencing rapid weight loss from Ozempic use can affect the skin and reduce fat all over the body, including the face. Ozempic users who lost dramatic amounts of weight reported that their faces appeared shrunken, dehydrated, and gaunt. Dubbed “Ozempic face,” this physical change is contingent with other instances of dramatic weight loss. Stopping Ozempic can reverse these facial changes, especially if users regain weight. If the face doesn’t return back to normal after stopping treatment, injectable facial fillers from a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can address the situation.

Side Effects Will Subside

In addition to weight loss, Ozempic users can experience nausea, constipation, vomiting, heartburn, gas, headaches, and dizziness. Not all users experience these side effects and some only experience mild versions of those side effects. How you eat and what you eat can also make a difference in whether you experience side effects or not. Reducing the consumption of dietary fat, consuming smaller portions, and not skipping meals can help reduce the chances of experiencing these side effects. Users that stuck with Ozempic treatment and still experienced those side effects would see them go away after stopping the medication.

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Coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks are the most commonly consumed caffeinated beverages. Caffeine is a substance that can help boost your mental and physical performance, in addition to your mood and metabolism. Studies suggest that caffeine is safe for people to consume in low-to-moderate amounts, but seldom do people do that. In fact, most people consume caffeine in excess, which causes some unwanted and dangerous side effects. 

According to research, your genes may influence your caffeine tolerance. Some people seem to consume much more caffeine than others without experiencing negative side effects. On the other end of the spectrum, individuals who are not used to caffeine can experience negative side effects after a moderate dose. If you feel that caffeine is a problem in your life and your health isn’t thriving, you may need to lower the amount you consume. Keep an eye out for these side effects that result from drinking too much caffeine. 

Digestive Issues

It is very common for people to drink a morning cup of coffee to encourage a bowel movement. Coffee has laxative properties because it causes the body to release gastrin, a hormone that accelerates activity in the colon. It’s not surprising, then, that high amounts of caffeine can lead to loose stools or diarrhea. Some studies suggest that caffeinated beverages, especially coffee, may also worsen acid reflux in certain people. If you suffer from digestive issues, consider cutting back on the amount of coffee you drink, or switch to tea to see if that helps your situation. 

Addiction

It’s important to note that caffeine does not cause classic addiction the way that cocaine and amphetamines do. That said, caffeine does trigger certain brain chemicals similarly to those drugs. The reality is that chronic caffeine consumption can potentially lead to a psychological or physical dependency. One study surveyed 213 caffeine users, who completed questionnaires after 16 hours without caffeine. Daily users experienced an increase in headaches, fatigue, and other withdrawal symptoms, in addition to strong caffeine cravings. Although caffeine does not cause true addiction, regular caffeine consumption can make you dependent on its effects. 

Muscle Breakdown

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition that’s characterized by damaged muscle fibers entering the bloodstream. That can ultimately lead to kidney failure and other serious health complications. Trauma, drug abuse, muscle strain, infection, and bites from poisonous insects or snakes can cause rhabdomyolysis. Although it’s relatively rare, a few reports of rhabdomyolysis have been related to excessive caffeine intake. One woman developed nausea, vomiting, and dark urine after drinking 32 ounces of coffee containing 565 milligrams of caffeine. She recovered after receiving fluids and medication. To reduce the risk of rhabdomyolysis, aim to keep your caffeine intake to less than 400 milligrams per day. 

Insomnia

Most people consume caffeinated beverages to stay awake, but too much caffeine can make it difficult to get restorative sleep. Studies have found that consuming large amounts of caffeine increases the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. Additionally, consuming a lot of caffeine can reduce total sleeping time, especially in the elderly. You may not realize how much caffeine is interfering with your sleep, especially if you are not aware or honest with how much you consume. An energy drink, for example, can contain up to 350 milligrams of caffeine.

Depending on the time at which you drink that beverage, you may still have caffeine in your system when trying to fall asleep. Caffeine remains in your system for about five hours, but it can remain in there for up to nine hours. One study investigated how caffeine indigestion affects sleep. Researchers gave 12 healthy adults 400 milligrams of caffeine either six hours before bedtime, three hours before bedtime, or immediately before bedtime. The time it took to fall asleep and the amount of time they spent awake at night increased for all three groups.

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