Are calcium supplements unhealthy?

Are calcium supplements unhealthy?

by | Sep 22, 2025 | blog, cardiovascular health, nutrition, supplements

Calcium is normally associated with bone health, but is also essential for the proper functioning of your heart, muscles, and nerves. More is not always better, however. In a 2016 study, researchers found taking calcium supplements may risk heart damage.

“When in the blood in normal quantities, [calcium] helps carry electrical activity to the heart (along with the muscles and brain). However, when too much calcium is in the blood, it can alter the electrical activity of the heart, causing a change in heart rate,” says Brynna Connor, MD, healthcare ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.com.

While calcium supplements are associated with heart risk, the same risk does not apply to calcium-rich foods—which all doctors agree are an important part of a healthy diet.

For more info and a list of calcium-rich foods, see what Dr. Connor has to say in this article.

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Supplements for menopause

Supplements for menopause

by | Sep 16, 2025 | blog, menopause, natural remedies, nutrition

Menopause symptoms can be distressing. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the standard treatment, many women also turn to supplements* to help ease symptoms. So, how effective are supplements? Brynna Connor, MD, of NorthWestPharmacy.com, says supplements such as “vitamin D, vitamin B6, B12, B9 and magnesium … help ease the discomfort of mild to moderate menopause symptoms.” Further, “supplements may also be beneficial for women for whom HRT isn’t an option,” Dr. Connor adds. For more specific information on which supplements are worth trying and which should be avoided altogether, check out what Dr. Connor says in this article.

* Supplements are not FDA-approved and are not proven to cure any medical conditions.

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‘Brain Rot’ and how to reverse it

‘Brain Rot’ and how to reverse it

by | Aug 10, 2025 | blog, mental health

“Brain rot” is a casual term describing negative effects associated with excessive trivial, unchallenging activities. While not an official medical term, the symptoms are real, including mental sluggishness and lack of focus.

Brynna Connor, MD, of NorthWestPharmacy.com, says that excessive consumption of low-effort content can desensitize our reward circuits. This, Dr. Connor says, can lead to “cognitive atrophy … behavioral conditioning, attention fragmentation, the decline of executive function … irritability and anxiety.”

Luckily, these symptoms can be reversed through healthier forms of mental stimulation. Dr. Connor suggests that the key to undoing brain rot is to exercise sustained attention and executive function. Try replacing screen activities with slower, low-stimulus activities. “It’s important to note that you’ll likely feel bored and/or agitated at the beginning. This is a symptom of neurochemical withdrawal, which can be similar to withdrawal symptoms associated with substance addictions.”

For more tips on reversing the brain rot feeling, see what Dr. Connor has to say in this article.

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Over-the-counter remedies for tendonitis

Over-the-counter remedies for tendonitis

by | Jul 15, 2025 | blog, pain

Tendonitis is characterized by soreness and swelling around a joint and tendon. It often occurs “when some harsh or violent strain occurs on a tendon, or when someone [repeatedly] moves their body in a way that it is not used to,” says Brynna Connor, MD, of NorthWestPharmacy.com.

If your pain remains longer than several weeks, you should see a doctor. Otherwise, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may be sufficient. Some of the best OTC treatments include NSAIDs, topical anti-inflammatory gels, ice wraps, compression therapy, heat therapy, and Epsom salt. When picking an OTC treatment, consider active ingredients and cost. NSAIDS, ice packs, and compression therapy braces are generally inexpensive and highly effective.

For specific product recommendations regarding over-the-counter treatments, take a look at what Dr. Connor says in this article.

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Should your kids be playing in leaf piles?

Should your kids be playing in leaf piles?

by | Oct 21, 2024 | allergies, blog, toddlers

While it’s fun for your kids to play in Fall leaf piles, there are some risks to be aware of, including allergens, molds, insects and spiders. While these things can be concerning, it is possible to mitigate these risks without stopping the fun; in this blog, Priscilla Blossom asks Dr. Brynna Connor and several other experts for advice on how to do so.

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