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Top 10 Dog Breeds and Dog Names of 2024, According to New Data
2023's popular dog name, "Milo," didn't make the list this year.
Since becoming a freelance writer in 2019, Emily has developed significant experience covering viral pop culture moments and trending news topics in the health and wellness space, while also writing about mental health, relationships, and smarter living. She joined Best Life in 2023 as a news contributor, writing for the brand’s travel, wellness, and entertainment verticals.
When Emily isn’t breaking down the latest news about Costco or the best travel hacks, she’s running Scary Mommy Book Club. As a contributing book club editor, she manages the club’s social media platforms, writes original book-related stories, and conducts interviews with authors.
A proud Iowa alum, Emily’s work has been featured on PEOPLE, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, POPSUGAR, HelloGiggles, Scary Mommy, and more.
Every dog owner will attest that their pet is the cutest, best-behaved dog in the world—but unfortunately, there can only be one pup on top. In honor of National Dog Month this August, JustAnswer.com reviewed over 100,000 pet owner-vet conversations to solve the age-old question: What is the most popular dog breed? And because choosing a name for your four-legged friend is arguably the best part of getting a new dog, the online expert site also analyzed data to determine the top 10 dog names of 2024. Keep reading to see if your pooch’s breed and name made the top 10 list below.
Labradors, which are considered excellent family dogs because of their friendly and energetic personalities, edged out Chihuahuas for first place this year, while the Shih Tzu breed bumped up two notches to clinch seventh place after ranking second to last in 2023.
In 2024, Shih Tzu-related questions have increased by 64 percent and French Bulldog questions have increased by 12 percent. When comparing popular dog breeds by state, JustAnswer.com found that conversations about Chihuahuas are most prevalent in California and Texas, while Floridians seem to have the most questions about Yorkies.
Of JustAnswer.com’s most popular states for dog questions (California, Texas, Florida, and New York), Texas was the only state where “Boxers” ranked in the top 10 breeds.
The Top Dog Names in 2024
Bella
Luna
Charlie
Max
Daisy
Lucy
Buddy
Coco
Bailey
Sadie
Booted from the list this year was the name "Milo," which held the number 10 spot last year. It’s been replaced by newcomer "Sadie."
Other popular dog names that ranked high but didn’t make the top 10 include Zoey, Teddy, and Leo.
Additionally, it appears dog owners looked to famous politicians for inspiration in 2024. JustAnswer.com found a 15 percent increase in dogs named "Major," an honorable nod to President Biden’s German shepherd. The name “Trump” for a dog also yielded similar results.
In the spirit of political-themed dog names, it’ll be interesting to see what next year’s data holds, given that 2024 is an election year.
Appliances are large investments, and when we shell out for expensive products, we want to feel confident in their longevity and their safety. But now, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning that Samsung Slide-In Electric Ranges are being recalled following 250 fire reports. According to an Aug. 8 recall notice, the Samsung stoves have “front-mounted knobs” that “can be activated by accidental contact by humans or pets.”
The recall, which includes 30 model numbers, impacts approximately 1,120,905 Samsung ranges sold on Samsung.com, as well as at Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other appliance stores. Different ranges were sold between May 2013 and Aug. 2024, retailing for between $1,250 and $3,050, depending on the model.
According to the CPSC, as of last week, Samsung had received over 300 reports of “unintentional activation of the front-mounted knobs by humans or pets since 2013.” The ranges have been involved in 250 fires, at least 18 of which “caused extensive property damage.” There have also been roughly 40 injuries, including eight that required medical attention—and, tragically, seven fire reports that involved pet deaths.
If you have a Samsung range at home, cross-check the model number on your appliance with those listed in the CPSC notice. The model number on each range is located in the upper left corner of the oven door or inside the storage bin below the oven.
If you find that your range is part of the recall, the CPSC instructs you to contact Samsung for a free set of knob locks or covers that are compatible with your specific model. In the meantime, while knob locks and covers aren’t installed, the agency notes that consumers should keep children and pets away from the knobs, ensure that knobs are off before leaving the house or going to sleep, and avoid leaving objects on the range when appliances are not in use.
For questions or to request a knob cover or lock, call Samsung toll-free at 833-775-0120 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) Monday through Friday, or email the company at rangesupport@sea.samsung.com. If you prefer to submit a request online, you can also visit Samsung’s website. On that page, you can also find video guides for installing both the knob locks and the knob covers.
The CPSC says that those with Samsung ranges that have WiFi can take an extra precaution by opting in to the “Cooktop On” notification in the Samsung SmartThings app. This will send alerts to your phone if your burner is turned on.
In general, the CPSC also advises consumers to follow safety advice to prevent fires.
“Never place, leave, or store anything on the top of your range,” the agency warns. “Such items can ignite if the range is accidentally activated or left on. Fires can occur when items are left on the top surface of any range that is accidentally activated or left on.”
The body needs a small amount of cholesterol to help build cell membranes, regulate metabolism, and produce hormones. However, your liver naturally produces all the cholesterol you need to carry out these essential functions. If your “bad” LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels are high—or your “good” HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels are low—this can instead harm your health, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, organ damage, and more. It’s important to manage your numbers so that they fall within a healthy range, experts say.
The two most common ways to lower your cholesterol levels are through diet modifications and prescription medication. HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, a pharmacist and clinical consultant at BuzzRx, says it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations if they’ve confirmed a problem.
“In some cases, your healthcare provider may determine that statins (e.g., Lipitor, Crestor), PCSK9 inhibitors (e.g., Repatha, Praluent), or another prescription may be more conducive to keeping your cholesterol levels under control, thus, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke,” Ngo-Hamilton says. She tells Best Life that no prescription drug or supplement can substitute the long-term benefits of a healthy diet and exercise, but that it’s “essential” to take your cholesterol medication precisely as prescribed.
However, research increasingly suggests that targeted supplementation may also help lower your LDL cholesterol levels while raising your HDL cholesterol levels. Speaking with your doctor before starting a new supplement can help you determine whether it might help you regulate your cholesterol and ensure that it doesn’t interact with any other medications you might be taking.
These are the seven best supplements to lower cholesterol, according to doctors.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is essential to metabolism (the process of converting food into energy) and is known for its positive effects on cardiovascular health. Ngo-Hamilton says that niacin also plays a role in lowering LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol levels.
“In addition to LDL, niacin also lowers the levels of triglycerides, another harmful blood lipid,” Ngo-Hamilton tells Best Life. “Niacin reduces LDL and triglyceride levels by blocking the essential enzyme for cholesterol production in the liver.”
However, she notes that the benefits may come at a cost: “While there is evidence supporting the role of niacin in the treatment of high cholesterol, keep in mind that niacin is only effective at lowering cholesterol at relatively high doses, which can cause unpleasant side effects. In many cases, niacin is prescribed to treat high cholesterol for people who can't tolerate statin medication."
2. Whey protein
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Studies have suggested that regularly consuming high levels of whey protein may also have a beneficial effect on protein levels. In particular, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Intermediary Metabolism looked at the cardiovascular effects of whey protein on overweight adults and found that eating at least 65 grams of whey protein daily helped to reduce blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and LDL cholesterol levels after the 12-week study period.
Protein supplements that contain collagen may offer even greater benefits. Preliminary research suggests that collagen can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and increase “good” HDL cholesterol levels.
Taking soluble fiber supplements may also help to improve your cholesterol balance, Ngo-Hamilton says. However, she notes that soluble fiber can be found naturally in foods such as grains, nuts, certain fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
“Soluble fibers (sometimes called dietary fibers) can bind to cholesterol in the small intestine, preventing it from absorbing into the bloodstream,” she explains. “From there, cholesterol is eliminated from the body through the feces. Remember that only soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol; insoluble fiber does not affect cholesterol levels; however, insoluble fiber is beneficial for your gut health.”
Raj Dasgupta, MD, a medical reviewer for NCOA and an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine, recommends psyllium husk in particular.
“This is a type of soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol by forming a thick gel that moves through the digestive tract. This gel traps bile acids and cholesterol, preventing them from being reabsorbed and eliminating them from the body during bowel movements,” he says.
4. Phytosterols
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Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, are natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. You can also get phytosterols from cheese or milk that has been fortified with the compound.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, phytosterols can “help you safely lower your cholesterol levels to avoid health risks such as heart attack and stroke. They may also help prevent obesity, diabetes and cancer.”
“Phytosterols are absorbed by the digestive system similarly to how cholesterol is absorbed; when your body absorbs phytosterols instead of cholesterol, cholesterol absorption is limited, and excess cholesterol leaves the body as waste,” explains Ngo-Hamilton.
Omega-3 fatty acids may also be beneficial when it comes to lowering cholesterol, recent research suggests.
"[They] can be found in fish or fish oil and are proven to help lower triglycerides, increase HDL or 'good' cholesterol and can indirectly contribute to decreased plaque formation in arteries,” says Ngo-Hamilton.
She further explains that omega-3 fatty acids lower triglyceride levels by interfering with cholesterol production in the liver, specifically the synthesis of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).
“High levels of triglycerides increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke, so it is crucial to keep your triglyceride levels within suitable ranges. However, keep in mind that omega-3 acids can interact with other medications," she adds.
6. Flaxseed Oil
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Flaxseeds or flaxseed oil supplements can also help to safely lower your levels.
“Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3s and fiber, which help lower bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides by reducing how much cholesterol the body absorbs and improving lipid levels,” says Dasgupta.
However, the Mayo Clinic notes that they can cause minor side effects, including gas, bloating, or diarrhea. They also warn that this supplement may interact with some blood-thinning medications.
You may also want to consider berberine as a means of improving your cholesterol. “Berberine helps lower bad LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol by improving how the body manages cholesterol and boosting enzyme function,” says Dasgupta.
However, the Mayo Clinic notes that this supplement can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea, constipation, gas, nausea or vomiting. You should not take berberine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Running is one of the best cardio exercises you can do. Not only is great for stamina and burning calories, but it also gets you outside and often provides that lovely runner's high. But while you may enjoy going out for a jog or hitting the treadmill at the gym, it's important to consider form to maximize performance and avoid injury. Even better, when you improve your running technique, you might find your runs easier and more enjoyable.
"Proper technique when running reduces the amount of stress you place on your joints and muscles. This decreases your chance of developing common injuries associated with running, such as shin splints, stress fractures, and knee pain," Ellen Thompson, CPT, head personal trainer at Blink Fitness, says. "It also helps to make sure you are running efficiently—when you have poor form, it puts excess strain on your body, which ultimately slows you down and makes you fatigue faster."
With this in mind, you can take a few simple steps to elevate your running game. Read on for the top eight ways to improve your technique.
As a first step, William Baldwin, professional running coach, recommends setting up your phone or video camera to film your form.
By doing so, Baldwin says, "You might be able to see some things you need to correct that you can try to do on your own. Or if you decide to work with a professional, you'll have somewhere to start and some footage to show them"
Baldwin suggests propping up your cell phone when you're on the treadmill or having someone ride a bike beside you while you're running.
2. Address your posture.
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Before you focus on your mileage, you should take a look at your posture.
"Running is not just about moving our feet faster—it is much more of a technical sport than people often realize," Angela McAusland, certified running coach at We Run, says. "You only have to watch sports on TV and watch how the elite athletes run. They look elegant, toned, strong, and 'tall.' Even at the latter stages of grueling races, they still retain their posture and form."
For "ideal posture," keep your head looking forward, your shoulders down and back, and your core engaged, Thompson says.
Interestingly enough, your arms are also important to your overall running form.
"The first thing I'm looking for when watching someone's running form is the height of their hands during all the phases of running," Baldwin says. "We want to avoid 'low hands' or hands down by our pockets during the downward phase of our arm swing."
He recommends "going ribs to chin," where the low point of your arm swing is at your ribs and towards your back, and the upswing is going back to your chin and sternum.
"Our feet follow our hands. If the hands go up and forward, so will our feet, giving us more lift and better propulsion," he explains. "Low hands get low feet, which brings a shuffle stride without much lift."
4. Or your elbows.
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Elbows, too, are integral.
"Many runners need to slightly close the angle where their forearm meets their bicep. This will help keep our hands up and prevent us from having 'heavy hands' where we drop them aggressively in the downswing," Baldwin points out. "We lose a lot of stored energy when that forearm drops aggressively. Keep the elbow angle slightly higher."
5 | Make time for your life outside of the office.iStock
You should also correct your technique by ensuring you have a "slight forward lean," Baldwin says.
"Being upright or leaning back is our natural braking mechanism," he explains. "If we're running and constantly leaning back, then we will be slightly braking the entire time, losing heaps of energy."
When you're leaning back, your feet may land too far out in front of your body and your hips, which can lead to injury.
"A slight forward lean gets the feet back in the ideal force-loading position and lets us tap into the momentum we're building with each stride," Baldwin says. "When you find the right angle of forward lean, most folks will also notice that this position is also where they can more fully access their glutes!"
6. Take shorter steps.
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Of course, when you're running, you want to think about your stride. Since you want to avoid overstriding, McAusland suggests keeping your knees in line with your hips and feet and landing with a "soft knee."
"Keep your steps short, quick, and light—a higher cadence (steps per minute) will lead to less ground contact time, enabling a more efficient stride rate," she says.
A word to the wise, however: Baldwin advises focusing less on cadence if you're a new runner.
"More and more studies show massive variances in cadence among runners. It all depends on your height, movement patterns, pace, and many other factors," he warns. "Find where you move the most comfortably with good form, and cadence will happen. Don't reverse it."
When it comes to your gaze, Rachel MacPherson, CSCS, CPT, author at Garage Gym Reviews, suggests keeping your eyes focused between 10 and 20 feet ahead of you on the ground in order to "help maintain alignment."
But in addition to focusing your eyes, you also need to focus your mind.
"Stay present as you’re running; running can be an excellent coping mechanism to manage stress, and you can tend to trail off in your mind, dissociating from your body and getting caught up in your mind," Gina Newton, NASM-certified CPT and marathon runner, says. "Try to focus on your feet hitting the ground, feeling your knees bend and straighten, etc. Ultimately, nothing should hurt while running, especially over many miles."
8. Get an assessment.
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If you need some instruction on how to improve your technique, trainers and running coaches recommend consulting a professional.
"One of the best ways to work on improving your technique is to get some help from a running coach—someone who can assess how you run and give you instant feedback on some areas for improvement," McAusland shares. "I can honestly say that several lightbulbs went off the first day I received coaching—and I remember thinking, 'Why didn’t I know this before?'"
Adding raw cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can help improve cholesterol levels, promote heart health, and regulate blood sugar. Another thing these crunchy, green-leaf vegetables have in common? Something called glucoraphanin. The compound produces sulforaphane molecules, which have health benefits ranging from anti-inflammation to cancer prevention. But for some, the idea of biting into a raw broccoli stalk is unappealing—that’s why many are turning to broccoli supplements instead.
Surveys reviewed by the American Medical Association (AMA) found that more than half of U.S. adults take dietary supplement products. The supplement industry in the U.S. is estimated to be worth $60 billion by 2025 and nearly $200 billion globally. More and more adults are finding new ways to invest in their overall health, and broccoli supplements are the current talk of the town.
You may be wondering, why broccoli? The cruciferous vegetable belongs to a group of “sulforaphane-producing foods” that also include greens like bok choy and kale, according to Health. However, broccoli (specifically, the stalks because they’re “younger” than florets) produces some of the highest levels of sulforaphane.
Sulforaphane can “promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits such as lowering blood sugar, reducing cancer risk, and delaying age-related cognitive decline,” explains Health. But to activate sulforaphane’s amazing health benefits, a compound called glucoraphanin must interact with a protein called myrosinase.
Glucoraphanin and myrosinase are naturally occurring molecules in broccoli. They produce sulforaphane when the vegetable has been chopped, pulverized, or chewed in raw form. However, most people prefer to cook their broccoli rather than eat it raw.
To clarify, sulforaphane is still released when broccoli is cooked in a pan, but in extremely low amounts. A study published in 2018 by the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry proved that stir-fried broccoli produces 2.8 times less sulforaphane than chopped raw broccoli.
For those who don’t enjoy eating raw broccoli, broccoli supplements are an easy way to get a regular boost of sulforaphane.
Made from broccoli stalks, broccoli supplements are higher in sulforaphane than the side of steamed or charred broccoli you’d serve with dinner. That said, you aren’t reaping all the other natural benefits of broccoli, such as fiber and vitamin K, with an oral supplement.
While broccoli supplements pose a convincing argument, it’s important to note that there isn’t a lot of long-term research or studies on the dietary supplement. Additionally, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve supplements before they hit the mass market, so be sure to consult your doctor before starting any new supplements.
When it comes to taking care of your body, one of the most important things you can do is follow a healthy diet. That's partly because your gut health—or having a healthy gut microbiome—has far-reaching implications for your overall health. Though scientists first discovered the microbiome long ago in the 1840s, recent leaps in research have begun to lay bare the many ways that gut bacteria affect your organs and help to stave off illness. In addition to following a nutritious diet, supplements that promote good gut health can help you reap these benefits, experts say.
Of course, the supplement market is flooded with cure-all claims that don't always hold up under scrutiny. In other words, not all products touted for their gut-boosting benefits are worth the investment. Wondering which ones doctors actually recommend? These are the seven best gut health supplements.
Tending to your gut health won't just reduce your risk of gastrointestinal problems—it can also have a profound impact on your broader health. In fact, research is increasingly demonstrating that gut health can impact every organ in the human body.
"Hippocrates said look to the gut, for it is the cause of all disease. Like a tree, the gut is the root system of the body, and if the root system is loaded with toxins, inflammation, and stealth pathogens, you cannot be healthy," says Daryl Gioffre, DC, CN, a chiropractor, certified nutritionist and gut health expert at Alkamind.
"In your gut, you have [up to] five pounds of bacteria, yeasts, and other organisms that make up the microbiome," adds Katherine Maslen, ND, a naturopathic doctor, nutritionist, gut health expert, and host of The Shift podcast. "What we know from research is that gut health, and in particular the health of the microbiome, is one of the most important factors in disease prevention—in fact, poor microbial diversity is associated with just about every chronic disease."
Having poor gut health or an imbalanced gut microbiome (dysbiosis) has been linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, type 2 diabetes, and more.
Maslen notes that one reason for this is that when the gut is damaged or dysfunctional, it impairs your ability to digest and absorb nutrients.
"Since nutrition is vital for every process in the body, this leads to imbalance and can leave you more susceptible to disease," she explains. "For example, if stomach acid is low—which can happen due to stress—then your ability to digest and absorb minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium is impaired. You need both zinc and iron for immune function, so this can then lead to a weakened immune response."
Before you consider supplementation, it's important to work on laying a healthy foundation through your food habits first. "You can't supplement your way out of a bad diet," points out Gioffre.
Your biggest priority should be to increase your fiber intake, which tends to be lacking in the average American diet, Maslen says.
"Think of it as [if] you're eating for two: You need the nutrients for yourself and the fiber to feed your microbes," she explains. "Processed foods contain little to no fiber, and most Americans aren't eating enough plant products. Aiming for a diet that is at least 50 percent plants—fruit, vegetables, whole grains (brown rice, oats, and quinoa are strong choices), nuts, seeds, and legumes will ensure you're getting what your gut needs," she says.
Another important dietary addition is probiotic foods like yogurt, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha, all of which Maslen says will support healthy gut flora. "Including apple cider vinegar in some water can also help to promote stomach acid and enzyme production," she adds.
Once your diet is sound, you can ask your doctor if supplementation might offer additional benefits.
"There are so many supplements for gut health, so it's best to see a qualified physician that works with gut health, especially if you have major issues going on," says Maslen.
Though different people may have different needs, these are some of the safest and most well-researched options.
1. Probiotics
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Gioffre says that probiotics are the "number one" supplement to take if you're hoping to improve your gut health. He commonly recommends spore-based probiotics, which have a "protective shell" and are designed to withstand your stomach's highly acidic environment. "The digestive system is a harsh terrain," he says.
Maslen agrees that probiotics are essential to gut health and says she recommends Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG).
"While there are hundreds of probiotics out there, LGG is one of the most widely available and best researched when it comes to gut health. It can help to restore a damaged microbiome and can also support gut immunity," she tells Best Life. "It is important to note that each probiotic strain has different health effects."
She also recommends Saccharomyces Boulardii (SB), a type of yeast-derived probiotic: "It is extensively researched and has been found to help with diarrhea, IBS, and gut immunity. If you have food intolerances, are prone to gastro and other bugs, or your bowel movements are irregular, then SB may be beneficial."
2. Prebiotics
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Prebiotics are another supplement that can benefit your gut health by providing a source of food for your gut's good bacteria.
In particular, Maslen recommends taking partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG). "This prebiotic fiber helps to increase bifidobacteria species in the large intestine and has been found to help all types of IBS, constipation, and general gut health," she says.
3. Licorice root
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Licorice root is known to promote a healthy gut microbiome and increase mucus production to protect the stomach lining.
"Licorice can reduce gastrointestinal inflammation, help to heal gut membranes, and there's evidence that it can heal gastric ulcers," says Maslen, adding that it can be taken as a tea, in capsule form, or as a chewable gummy.
4. Slippery elm
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Next, Maslen recommends slippery elm, a powder made from the bark of a tree that's long been used as a traditional remedy for gut issues. "It helps to soothe irritated digestive membranes and also works as a prebiotic, supporting healthy gut flora," she says.
The Mount Sinai Health Library adds that slippery elm contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation, as well as mucilage, "a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water." As it coats the digestive tract, this helps to relieve irritation of the mucus membranes and increases mucus secretion. "The increased mucus production may protect the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and excess acidity," their experts write.
Gioffre next recommends taking magnesium, which he says can have far-reaching effects on the body beyond the gut.
"Magnesium is perhaps the most important mineral and nutrient in your body. It is crucial for healthy energy levels, to keep us calm and relaxed, for a healthy heart [and] cardiovascular system, and most importantly, serving as a powerful neutralizer of acid," he says.
One way that magnesium can aid in digestion and gut health is by activating and regulating the digestive enzymes responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. Furthermore, it helps to remove your gut's "bad" bacteria, which can help stabilize the microbiome.
6. Omega-3 fatty acids
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According to Gioffre, one of the most important factors influencing your gut health is your Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio. By consuming more Omega 3 fatty acids, either through your diet or supplementation, you can enhance the diversity of good bacteria in the gut. However, the benefits don't stop there.
"A diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids can benefit heart health and reduced risk of heart disease, mental health, and brain function (especially as we age), aid in prevention of autoimmune diseases, lower risk of breast and colorectal cancers, support bone and joint health, decreased risk of arthritis, and more," Gioffre says.
However, experts from Harvard Health Publishing say that Omega 6's are not the enemy. One meta-analysis of six randomized trials found that when used as a replacement for saturated fats, they reduced the risk of heart attacks and other coronary events by 24 percent.
Instead, strive to prioritize healthy Omega 3s and treat Omega 6s as a replacement for less healthy alternatives.
7. Glutamine
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Finally, Maslen recommends taking glutamine, a nonessential amino acid that's both found in food and produced by the body.
"Among the various tissues using glutamine at high rates, the intestine utilizes about 30 percent of total glutamine, indicating that it is a key nutrient for the intestine," explains a 2017 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. "Its functions include maintaining nucleotide metabolism and intestinal barrier function, modulation of inflammation, and regulating stress responses and apoptosis," the study states, using the scientific term for cell death.
"At high doses, it has been shown to help support mucosal health and reduce intestinal permeability (leaky gut)," adds Maslen. "It also has positive impacts on the gut microbiome."
Speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplement regimen.
Best Life offers the most up-to-date information from top experts, new research, and health agencies, but our content is not meant to be a substitute for professional guidance. When it comes to the medication you're taking or any other health questions you have, always consult your healthcare provider directly.