New health trends are always popping up, whether they are diet related, fitness related, or lifestyle related. Wellness shots are one such trend that has picked up pace. Wellness shots are small drinks that are concentrated with vitamins and minerals from a strong plant compound.

You may have heard of ginger turmeric shots; they are one of the most popular health shots that you may also find in stores along with nutrient-dense herbs, spices, extracts as well as fruits and vegetables. People who incorporate wellness shots into their diets often do so as they feel like these shots can help them avoid diseases and nutrient density. But are these shots all you need to have for good health?

Are Wellness Shots Actually Good For You?

While there are many benefits for each component, there is no clear proof of whether they actually help your health or not. According to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, while there are individual benefits of these shots, they shouldn't replace a balanced diet. Whole foods offer a complex mix of nutrients that work together naturally. Isolating specific benefits, like anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties, overlooks this natural synergy. While shots can complement a healthy diet, eating a wide variety of nutritious foods is the best approach. Try incorporating ingredients like apple cider vinegar into dressings, ginger into tea, and turmeric into meals whenever possible.

People say wellness shots can do lots of good things, like make your immune system stronger and help your stomach. But, we need more studies to really know if they work as well as people think. Many studies look at pills or powders, not these little juice shots. Also, these shots lose some of their power after a few days in the fridge. So, if they sit on the store shelf for too long, they might not be as helpful. We know the ingredients are good, but we need to learn more about how they work when they're all mixed together in a shot.

Common Ingredients in Wellness Shots

A variety of wellness shots exist, each with unique ingredient combinations targeting different health benefits. Here are some commonly used ingredients:

Ginger: Known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger contains gingerols that can alleviate nausea and vomiting, especially during pregnancy.

Turmeric: Curcumin, its active compound, boasts powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially aiding in managing arthritis, metabolic syndrome, anxiety, and muscle soreness. Combining it with black pepper enhances absorption.

Apple Cider Vinegar: May help reduce fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Acerola Cherry: A natural source of vitamin C, which is readily absorbed by the body, supporting immune function.

Wheatgrass: Rich in antioxidants, it may protect against oxidative stress and the development of chronic diseases.

Elderberry: Possesses antiviral properties that can significantly reduce upper respiratory symptoms.

Green Tea: The combination of L-theanine and caffeine may promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance focus.

Safety Considerations

Even though they're made from good things, wellness shots can sometimes cause problems. A StatsPearl review explains that ginger and turmeric can thin your blood, which is bad if you take medicine for that. They can also lower your blood sugar too much if you take medicine for diabetes, too much ginger can also upset your stomach. MedlinePlus explains that apple cider vinegar can also lower blood sugar. So, it's important to be careful. If you take any medicine, ask your doctor before you drink these shots. They can tell you if it's safe and if they might mix badly with your medicine. If you start to feel sick after drinking them, stop drinking them.

The NHS has shared important guidance on its website for anyone prescribed lansoprazole, especially those taking it for three months or longer. The health service’s site provides trusted, evidence-based advice on many medications and health conditions, helping patients make informed decisions about their treatment.

What Is Lansoprazole And How Is It Used?

Lansoprazole is a commonly prescribed medicine in the UK, belonging to a group called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs make up a large portion of prescriptions dispensed in England. Lansoprazole works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and is used to treat and prevent various acid-related conditions, as per NHS.

There are four other PPIs similar to lansoprazole: omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole. These medicines lower stomach acid in the same way and generally have similar effects and side effects. Doctors may prescribe a different PPI if lansoprazole is not working as expected or if side effects occur.

People taking lansoprazole often notice improvements in two to three days, though it may take up to four weeks for full effect, so some symptoms can continue during this period.

How Long Should Lansoprazole Be Taken?

The duration of lansoprazole treatment depends on the condition being treated. It is usually advised to take the lowest effective dose for the shortest period to prevent long-term side effects. Some people take lansoprazole for extended periods, sometimes even years, but it should always be under regular supervision by a doctor because of potential risks.

Lansoprazole: What Is The NHS Warning About?

The NHS notes that taking lansoprazole for more than three months can reduce magnesium levels in the blood. Low magnesium may cause fatigue, confusion, dizziness, muscle twitches, shakiness, and irregular heartbeats. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult their doctor.

Magnesium is vital for over 300 functions in the body, including nerve and muscle activity (including the heart), bone health, energy production, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure control. Low magnesium can lead to muscle cramps, tiredness, irregular heart rhythms, and long-term problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and weakened bones. It also affects cellular functions and the body’s electrolyte balance.

Using lansoprazole for more than a year may raise the risk of side effects such as bone fractures, gut infections, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include extreme fatigue, a sore or red tongue, mouth ulcers, and pins-and-needles sensations. Anyone noticing these signs or taking lansoprazole for extended periods should schedule regular check-ups.

The NHS advises: “If you take lansoprazole for more than a year, your doctor will monitor your health to determine whether you should continue treatment. It is unclear if lansoprazole becomes less effective over time. If you feel it is no longer helping, speak to your doctor.”

Lansoprazole: Medication Interactions to Know

Patients should inform their doctor of all other medications, vitamins, or supplements they are taking. Lansoprazole can interact with drugs like warfarin, digoxin, and certain HIV medications. Antacids such as Gaviscon should not be taken within two hours of lansoprazole. Herbal remedies like St John’s wort should also be avoided while on this medication.

Seek urgent medical attention or call emergency services if you experience severe symptoms, including allergic reactions (swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing), worsening stomach pain, severe or persistent diarrhoea, or signs of low magnesium, such as muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, or confusion.

Does Long-Term Lansoprazole Use Increase Stomach Cancer Risk?

The NHS notes that there is some evidence suggesting a very small increased risk of stomach cancer for people taking acid-reducing medicines, including PPIs like lansoprazole and H2 blockers, especially for more than three years. However, larger studies are needed to confirm a direct link.

PPIs, like any medicine, can have side effects, so it is recommended to use them for the shortest effective period. Anyone noticing potential signs of stomach cancer—difficulty swallowing, vomiting, feeling full quickly, or unexplained weight loss—should speak to their doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions about medications, side effects, or health conditions. Do not stop or adjust your prescribed treatment without medical guidance.

This year, Nick Jonas has completed 20 years with type 1 diabetes. This is also the same year when his band, the Jonas Brothers have also hit the mark of 20th anniversary. Speaking to Healthline, Jonas said, "It is crazy hpw it lined up. It has been a wild journey in both... in the Brothers sense, it's been the ride of a lifetime, and we have been so fortunate to be able to do this for 20 years now and to have the support of the world's greatest fans."

He also revealed that he had great and some tough times too living with diabetes. There had been struggles of managing his low, however, he revealed that being the spokesperson of Dexcom, a healthcare company known for its glucose monitoring system, and through his own non-profit initiative Beyond Type 1, he has been joyful. “Overall, I’m really grateful to have been able to be transparent about [type 1] and to connect with all these wonderful people from all regions of the world who are experiencing their own diabetes journey, and it’s a really big thing to feel like you’re a little less alone in it,” said Jonas.

On World Diabetes Day, which was on November 14, Jonas took to the stage during a Jonas Brothers concert and shared the audience his A1C. This is a test that measures one's average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. This number shows how well diabetes has been managed. He shared an inspiring message of hope, while giving a shoutout to his A1C. The concert was attended by Dexcom Warrior community, which makes more than 30,000 people who have been diagnosed with diabetes and may share the same experiences. “It was really special for me to get to use the Jonas Brothers’ platform as a place to speak about something that’s obviously very personal to me and on World Diabetes Day, I think it’s natural to get reflective and to tap into kind of what life looks like for me as a now 33-year-old person living with this disease,” he said.

He also dedicated the song 'A Little Bit Longer', that he had written very early on in his career during his diabetes journey. “It’s a really important time for me to get to speak on stage like that and play a song that I wrote about these experiences when I was 14 and to see the impact it still has to this day with the fan base,” he said.

Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Here are some strategies Jonas uses that helped him manage his diabetes. First off the list is to take the pressure off. “You’re never going to have the perfect day living with this disease and even if you’re super on top of your diabetes management, there are just things that are a little out of your control and being able to take a deep breath, reset, and know that it’s going to be OK on the other side is really important,” he said.

It may seem hard, but he said learning it in the beginning of his diagnosis helped him manage his diabetes. Then comes the care. He has focused on taking vitamins, caring for his skin, and most importantly, staying hydrated. “It’s a simple thing, but the more water I drink, my glucose levels are better. I don’t know exactly why, but I just find that hydrating has a lot of health benefits,” said Jonas. “I didn’t put as much focus on it earlier in my life as I do now, and it’s been really beneficial.”

Physical activity is a must. He walks for 30 minutes daily, or sometimes longer for his physical, mental, and emotional health. “It really centers me and even when it’s cold out, getting out in the fresh air is really important when a lot of my day too, is spent indoors for hours at venue or on a film set or something,” he said.

His focus on self, he says is the most important as he says he relies on his therapist from time to time. "I think it is really important to do that self-work". Lastly, he says everyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes, must take part in the community. “There will be good days, there will be tough days, but you can climb this mountain, and there’s some incredible people out there whose stories will really inspire anybody that’s going through tough moments,” said Jonas.

People prescribed venlafaxine are being urged to stay alert to certain symptoms and side effects that may require medical advice from NHS 111 or their GP. Venlafaxine is a widely used SNRI antidepressant. It is mainly prescribed for depression, but doctors may also recommend it for anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

What Is Venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine, sold under brand names such as Effexor and Effexor XR, is a prescription antidepressant classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It helps regulate mood by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, chemicals that play a key role in emotional balance and mental stability.

Doctors Warn People Taking Venlafaxine

The medicine is usually taken as a tablet or capsule. It works by increasing levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, chemicals that help regulate mood. According to NHS guidance, venlafaxine tends to cause fewer side effects than older antidepressants. That said, it is not completely free of risks.

Most people begin to notice some improvement within one to two weeks, although it can take four to six weeks for the drug to have its full effect.

Venlafaxine Side Effects

Common side effects listed by the NHS include sweating, nausea, a dry mouth, and headaches. These are generally mild and often ease as the body adjusts to the medication.

However, there are other, more serious side effects that may need prompt medical advice. While these reactions are uncommon and affect fewer than one in 100 people, the NHS advises contacting 111 or a GP if they occur.

Venlafaxine Serious Side Effects

NHS advice says you should speak to your GP if you notice unexpected weight gain or weight loss, or sudden changes to your menstrual cycle. This may include spotting, bleeding between periods, or unusually heavy periods.

Patients are also advised to contact their doctor or NHS 111 without delay if they experience any of the following symptoms while taking venlafaxine:

• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes
• Bleeding gums
• Bruising that appears without explanation or continues to spread
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Muscle pain or weakness with no clear cause
• Breathlessness, or a heartbeat that feels fast, uneven, or irregular
• Intense feelings of elation, extreme excitement, or restlessness that makes it hard to stay still
• Changes in vision, including blurred eyesight or enlarged pupils
• Coughing up blood
• Blood in urine
• Persistent headaches along with confusion, weakness, or repeated muscle cramps
• Black or red stools, or blood in vomit, which may point to internal bleeding