Dr. Lori L Shemek

08/10/2026

It’s easy to forget that olives are a fermented food, but that also means they’re rich in gut-friendly bacteria.

Gut health is the epicenter of every aspect of health.

A clinical study showed that eating 10 green olives a day for 30-days reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, promoted weight loss & improved digestive health.

Study Findings and Health Markers:

👉Oxidative Stress: Showed a significant drop in malondialdehyde, a molecule tied to cell stress.

👉Inflammation: Demonstrated a decrease in interleukin-6 (IL-6), a primary marker for inflammation.

👉Body Composition: Noted a minor decrease in fat mass percentage alongside an increase in muscle mass percentage during the 30-day period.

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08/06/2026

Just 1 tablespoon of sauerkraut leading up to 1/4 to 1/2 cup daily (therapeutic) has powerful health benefits.

Dramatically increases the variety of good bacteria in the gut microbiome:

👉 Neutralizes oxidative stress
👉 significantly decrease levels of 19 distinct inflammatory proteins (such as interleukin-6) in the blood.
👉Several systemic health benefits, particularly regarding cancer risk reduction, heart protection, and bone health.
👉 Accelerated digestion and motility.
👉 Maximized nutrient absorption.

07/27/2026

Did You Know?

February 2026 was a historic regulatory and scientific shift regarding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

The FDA and the broader medical community acknowledged that the original scary headlines from the early 2000s (based on older, synthetic formulations given to women in their 60s and 70s) were applied far too broadly. For healthy women starting HRT early in menopause, current data shows the exact opposite of those old warnings: it actually protects against major chronic conditions.

Major Benefits:

1. Protection Against Cardiovascular Disease

2. Defense Against Neurodegenerative Decline & Alzheimer’s

3. Substantial Reduction in Bone Fractures & Osteoporosis

4. Metabolic and All-Cause Mortality Reduction.

There is currently a widespread, severe shortage of estrogen patches across the United States however, there are other ways, such as oral, sprays, gels or compounded estrogen.

07/23/2026

🍫 Hey chocolate lovers! Good news just dropped: New research suggests that theobromine (that wonderful compound in dark chocolate) may be linked to slower biological aging.

People with higher levels of it in their blood tended to have a younger “biological age” on DNA clocks compared to their actual years.

Of course, it’s observational for now (more studies needed!), but it’s a great excuse to enjoy a square or two of 70%+ cacao dark chocolate in moderation. Your heart and taste buds will both thank you! 😊

07/22/2026

If you have osteoarthritis, keep blood sugar balanced. 🍪🍭🍩

High glucose levels can speed up the formation of molecules that make cartilage stiff & this can also trigger inflammation that can accelerate cartilage loss.

Why?

A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can exacerbate existing osteoarthritis by promoting systemic inflammation, accelerating cartilage stress, and driving weight gain that increases mechanical load on weight-bearing joints.

👉Increased Inflammation.
👉Advanced Glycation End-Products
👉Weight Gain
👉Metabolic Stress

Eliminate sugar & excess carbs as a foundation.

07/20/2026

Did You Know?

High-quality 100% pure extra virgin olive oil can make you cough or cause a distinct burning sensation in the back of your throat. In fact, this throat-irritating “kick” is considered one of the primary indicators of authenticity and premium quality.

The scratching sensation and cough are caused by a specific, naturally occurring organic compound called oleocanthal.

To ensure authenticity of 100% extra-virgin olive oil, (not cut with seed oils), look for third-party certifications like the California Olive Oil Council (COOC) or the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) Quality Seal on the bottle.

07/15/2026

💪Muscle is your secret weapon against diabetes!

A huge new study tracked ~480,000 adults for 14 years. People with “sarcopenic obesity” (too much fat + weak/low muscle) had over 3.5 times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with healthy body composition.

That risk was even higher than obesity OR low muscle alone — especially in women and people under 60.

Bottom line: It’s not just about losing fat. Building and keeping muscle matters a lot for preventing diabetes (and more).

Strength training + good protein + movement are game-changers!

✨Remember, muscle is a metabolic powerhouse!

What do you think — are you focusing on muscle health?

07/14/2026

DHA (an omega-3) in seafood has been found to not only decrease inflammation but to actively resolve inflammation.

👉 DHA had a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than EPA (also an omega-3): DHA lowered the genetic expression of 4 types of pro-inflammatory proteins, whereas EPA lowered only 1 type.

These fatty fish are the best sources of DHA/Omega-3s:

Salmon
Sardines
Herring
Mackerel
Anchovies
Krill
Algae Oil (option for plant-based)

07/14/2026

07/13/2026

RFK Jr: “GROUNDbreaking HISTORIC WIN for American Health!”

“For the 1st time in history, doctors will finally get PAID to take patients OFF unnecessary medications...to DEPRESCRIBE harmful pharmaceuticals.”

No more rewarding over-medication. This is the beginning of putting patients first, reversing polypharmacy, and delivering true healing.

Wellness over pills. Freedom over dependency. -Valerie Ann Smith