June 2023 — Practical updates on meds, supplements and research

This month’s posts focus on things you can try, watch, or ask your doctor about: two rising supplements, a sleep-apnea medication with promise, hair-loss strategies, lymphoma trial trends, and an eye-health drug to monitor. Below I pull out the useful bits and simple next steps so you don’t have to read each piece in full.

Supplements worth attention

Horsemint showed up as an all-natural supplement that many readers found helped digestion and eased inflammation. If you’re curious, start with a standard dose from a reliable brand, watch for stomach upset, and track any changes in digestion or energy for two weeks. Indole-3-carbinol, from broccoli and kale, got attention for hormone balance and possible cancer-protective effects. It’s not a miracle cure, but people report clearer skin and steadier cycles. Ask your clinician about dosing, especially if you take hormone meds or are undergoing cancer treatment.

Treatments and procedures: what worked and why

Acetazolamide came up as a practical option for some people with central sleep apnea. It can stimulate breathing and cut down apnea episodes, which often improves daytime sleepiness. This one needs a prescription and monitoring for blood chemistry changes, so don’t self-prescribe. For hair loss, combining topical minoxidil with hair transplants is a common winning move. Minoxidil helps existing follicles thicken while transplants fill in thin spots. Talk to a hair-restoration specialist about timing—many get the best results when minoxidil is started before and continued after surgery.

Cell lymphoma posts focused on where clinical trials are heading: targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and stem cell options tailored to a patient’s tumor profile. The practical takeaway? If standard therapy isn’t working, ask your oncologist about trials that match your lymphoma’s specific markers—that’s where the most meaningful advances are right now.

Nimodipine came up as an interesting candidate for eye health because it may increase blood flow to the retina and optic nerve. That could help conditions like glaucoma or slow some forms of macular degeneration. Evidence isn’t definitive yet, so discuss potential benefits and risks with an eye doctor before considering it.

So, what should you actually do after reading these summaries? First, list any supplements or meds you’re already using and bring that to your next appointment. Second, prioritize one change at a time—start a supplement for 2–4 weeks and note effects. Third, consult specialists for anything that needs testing or monitoring: sleep medicine for apnea, a hair surgeon for transplants, an oncologist for trial eligibility, or an ophthalmologist for vision concerns.

If you want, I can pull the full post links or make a short checklist for your next doctor visit. Which topic do you want a quick checklist for first?