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: Fire Cider is extremely acidic (vinegar) and spicy (capsaicin). If you have GERD, ulcers, or severe acid reflux, drinking this straight can cause intense burning and potential esophageal irritation. Always dilute it. Effectiveness: While no clinical…
In Brief Safety: Transdermal patches bypass the digestive system, reducing nausea common with oral vitamins. However, the adhesive can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Always rotate application sites. Effectiveness: Research is mixed. While small molecules like nicotine absorb…
In Brief Safety: Carrots contain high levels of beta-carotene. Consuming excessive amounts daily can lead to carotenemia, a harmless condition where the skin turns orange-yellow. Limit intake to one medium carrot per day to avoid discoloration. Effectiveness: Research confirms…
In Brief Safety: Do not stare directly into standard LED panels meant for skin. The eyes require a specific low-intensity dosage (typically 650nm at under 50mW/cm²) to avoid thermal damage to the retina. Effectiveness: A 2022 multi-center clinical trial…
In Brief Safety: Okra is extremely high in oxalates. If you have a history of calcium-oxalate kidney stones, drinking concentrated okra water daily can precipitate stone formation. Consult a urologist or OB-GYN before starting. Effectiveness: While no clinical trials…
In Brief Safety: Tart cherry juice is high in sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause bloating or diarrhea in people with IBS. Monitor your digestive response if you have a sensitive stomach. Effectiveness: Research indicates that tart cherry…
In Brief Safety: Somatic shaking can trigger intense emotional releases. If you have a history of severe trauma or PTSD, practice this only with a qualified therapist to avoid re-traumatization or dissociation. Effectiveness: Research on “neurogenic tremors” (TRE) shows…
In Brief Safety: Rapidly increasing soluble fiber intake from zero to 15g can cause severe bloating and gas. Start with half a serving to allow your gut microbiome to adjust. Effectiveness: While it does not mimic the GLP-1 agonist…
In Brief Safety: “Pain-Free” is the golden rule. Never push through sharp pain in the knee joint. Regress the movement until it can be performed with zero discomfort to avoid aggravating existing tendinopathy. Effectiveness: Loading the knee at full…
In Brief Safety: “Masking” tinnitus with noise that is too loud can cause further hearing damage. Always keep the volume slightly below the level of your tinnitus ringing to encourage habituation, not just drowning it out. Effectiveness: Green noise…