Kay Russell is the lead product researcher and supplement strategist for VitaminProGuide.com. A graduate of Indiana University, Kay has spent over a decade deconstructing nutritional labels and investigating the physiological impacts of natural compounds on metabolic health.
Kay’s approach is rooted in evidence-based wellness, focusing on separating clinical research from marketing hype. Whether she is testing the absorption rates of liquid tinctures or analyzing the purity of plant-based superfoods, her mission is to provide readers with first-hand experience and laboratory-backed insights.
When she isn’t deep-diving into NIH clinical trials, Kay can be found hiking the trails of the Midwest or experimenting with nutrient-dense, plant-based recipes in her kitchen.
In Brief Safety: Do not exercise. The flu virus can infect the heart muscle (viral myocarditis). Elevating your heart rate while infected can cause permanent heart damage or sudden cardiac arrest. Stay in bed. Effectiveness: Most over-the-counter flu meds…
In Brief Safety: If you have Thalassemia or Hemochromatosis, taking iron can be fatal. Never supplement iron without a blood test confirming low Ferritin (stored iron) and low Hemoglobin. Blind supplementation causes liver damage. Effectiveness: Constipation from iron is…
In Brief Safety: If you are soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for more than 2 hours, or passing clots larger than a quarter, this is a medical emergency. You may need immediate intervention to prevent hemodynamic…
In Brief Safety: Chronic dryness can cause corneal abrasions and vision loss. If your eyes are consistently red, painful, or sensitive to light, see an ophthalmologist. Do not rely solely on home remedies for severe symptoms. Effectiveness: Menopausal dry…
In Brief Safety: Waking up gasping for air or with a racing heart can be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Supplements will not fix a closed airway. You need a sleep study if you snore heavily or…
In Brief Safety: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) can be a secondary symptom of kidney failure, diabetes, or severe iron deficiency anemia. If your symptoms are rapidly worsening or accompanied by numbness, consult a doctor immediately. Effectiveness: Research shows that…
In Brief Safety: Switching fuel sources (from sugar to fat) can cause temporary “keto flu” symptoms like headaches and fatigue. This is not illness; it is withdrawal. Hydrate with electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to mitigate these effects. Effectiveness: Metabolic…
In Brief Safety: If morning stiffness lasts longer than 60 minutes and is accompanied by fatigue or fever, it is a hallmark sign of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This requires a rheumatologist, not just home remedies. Effectiveness: While you cannot…
In Brief Safety: If you have severe ear pain, fever, or pus draining from the ear, you likely have an acute bacterial infection (Otitis Media), not just fluid. This requires medical attention to prevent eardrum rupture. Effectiveness: Fluid buildup…
In Brief Safety: Severe drowsiness after meals can be a sign of insulin resistance or reactive hypoglycemia. If you feel like you might pass out or shake if you don’t eat sugar again, consult an endocrinologist to rule out…