Robert Zhang
20 articles published
About
Robert Zhang writes about natural remedies, supplement safety, and how to evaluate evidence behind popular wellness claims. He focuses on clear, cautious guidance and risk awareness.
Articles by Robert
Zinc for Immune Function: Dosage, Timing, and When to Stop
Zinc lozenges at the first sniffle became a pandemic-era ritual. Here's what the science says about zinc, immunity, and the line between helpful and harmful.
Vitamin K2: The Unsung Hero That Puts Calcium Where It Belongs
Vitamin K2 doesn't just help with clotting. It activates proteins that direct calcium into bones and out of arteries. Most people have never heard of it.
Vitamin E: When an Antioxidant Supplement Backfires
Vitamin E was once a darling of the supplement world. Then the clinical trials came in. Here's why more antioxidants aren't always better.
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin Most People Are Missing
Your body makes vitamin D from sunlight, but most of us aren't making nearly enough. Here's what the research says about testing, dosing, and D3 vs. D2.
Vitamin C: Immune Booster, Skin Savior, or Both?
Vitamin C does more than fight colds (barely). From collagen synthesis to iron absorption to antioxidant defense, here's what ascorbic acid actually delivers.
Supplement-Drug Interactions: What Your Doctor Might Not Mention
Half of Americans take supplements and prescriptions simultaneously. Many interactions are clinically significant. Here are the ones that matter most.
Selenium: Small Doses, Big Impact on Your Thyroid
Your thyroid holds more selenium per gram than any other organ. Here's why this trace mineral matters for thyroid health and where the dose line is.
Potassium: The Electrolyte That Does More Than You Think
Potassium keeps your heart beating, your muscles firing, and your blood pressure in check. Most Americans get barely half of what they need.
Multivitamins: Are They Actually Worth Your Money?
Americans spend $6 billion a year on multivitamins. The evidence for their benefit in well-nourished adults is thinner than you'd expect. Let's talk about it.
Magnesium: The Mineral You're Probably Not Getting Enough Of
Nearly half of Americans fall short on magnesium. Here's why that matters for sleep, stress, muscles, and how to fix it without guessing.
Iron Supplements: Who Needs Them and How to Take Them Right
Iron deficiency is the world's most common nutritional shortfall. Supplementing wrong can backfire. Here's how to navigate testing, dosing, and forms.
Iodine and Your Thyroid: A Delicate Balance
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormones, but the line between too little and too much is razor-thin. Here's how to get it right.
CoQ10: The Supplement Your Heart Might Actually Need
CoQ10 powers your mitochondria and protects your heart. If you're on a statin, over 40, or have heart failure, this one deserves a serious look.
B Vitamins: What They Actually Do (and Don't Do) for Energy
B vitamins power energy metabolism at the cellular level, but popping a B-complex won't replace sleep. Here's what each B vitamin does and who's actually low.
Steam Inhalation for Congestion: Safe Techniques
Breathing steam for congestion is ancient, intuitive, and effective -- when done safely. The burn risk is real though. Here's the right way to do it.
Saltwater Gargle for Sore Throats and Oral Health
A half-teaspoon of salt in warm water might be the cheapest, fastest sore throat fix in your kitchen. Here's the science behind why it works.
Neti Pot and Nasal Irrigation: Safe Sinus Relief
Pouring saltwater through your nose sounds unhinged until you realize ENT doctors prescribe it. Here's the safe way to irrigate sinuses and why it works.
Honey and Lemon for Sore Throats: Does It Actually Help?
The honey-lemon combo your grandmother swore by has real science backing it up. Here's what the research actually says about soothing sore throats.
Garlic as a Natural Antibiotic: Evidence and Limitations
Garlic has been fighting infections since before penicillin existed. But calling it a 'natural antibiotic' is both partly right and dangerously misleading.
Cranberry for Urinary Tract Health: Fact vs. Fiction
Cranberry juice for UTIs is one of the most persistent health claims alive. The truth: it's better at prevention than cure, and the dose matters enormously.