Sarah Thompson
Lead Science Editor
The Health News
Credentials
- 15+ years in health and science journalism
- Member, Association of Health Care Journalists
- Specializes in metabolic health and supplement research
About
Sarah leads the editorial review process at The Health News, making sure every piece of content meets rigorous evidence-based standards.
With a background in science communication and a deep interest in metabolism and nutrition, she bridges the gap between clinical research and everyday health decisions.
Areas of Expertise
Articles (20)
Best Gut Health Supplements in 2026: What Actually Works
With hundreds of gut health supplements on the market, it's hard to know what actually delivers results. We break down the science behind probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and L-glutamine — and which products are worth your money in 2026.
The Gut-Weight Connection: How Your Microbiome Affects Weight Loss
Research increasingly shows that your gut bacteria play a significant role in metabolism, fat storage, and appetite regulation. Here's what science tells us about the microbiome-weight connection — and what you can actually do about it.
How to Restore Gut Health: A Science-Based 30-Day Plan
Whether you're recovering from antibiotics, years of poor diet, or chronic stress, your gut microbiome can be rebuilt. Here's a realistic, evidence-based 30-day plan to restore gut health — week by week.
15 Best Foods to Lower Blood Sugar Naturally
What you eat has the single biggest impact on your blood sugar levels. These 15 foods have solid evidence behind them for improving glucose control, insulin sensitivity, or both — and they're easy to add to your daily routine.
Collagen for Joints: Types, Dosage, and What Research Says
Collagen supplements have surged in popularity for joint health, but not all collagen is created equal. Different types serve different purposes, and the dosage matters. Here's a comprehensive look at the evidence for collagen and joint health in 2026.
How to Spot Fake Supplement Reviews: A Consumer's Guide
Learn to identify fake reviews, paid endorsements, and misleading claims in the supplement industry. This guide covers the red flags, how fake review operations work, what legitimate reviews look like, and the tools you can use to protect yourself before buying.
Do Weight Loss Supplements Actually Work? A Science-Based Look
Weight loss supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry, but do they actually deliver? We examine the science behind thermogenics, metabolism boosters, and appetite suppressants to separate what works from what doesn't.
ProDentim vs Regular Probiotics: What's the Difference?
Oral probiotics and gut probiotics serve different purposes, target different bacterial ecosystems, and use different strains. Here's how ProDentim compares to the probiotic supplement you might already be taking.
Best Weight Loss Supplements for Women Over 40 (2026)
Weight loss after 40 is harder for women due to hormonal shifts, slower metabolism, and muscle loss. We cover which supplements actually address these age-specific challenges and deliver real results in 2026.
Can Hearing Loss Be Reversed? What Science Actually Says
Millions of people wonder if their hearing loss can be reversed. The honest answer depends on the type. Here's what current science says about treatments, emerging research, and realistic expectations.
Your Gut Microbiome Explained: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Support It
Trillions of microorganisms live in your gut — and they influence everything from immunity to mood. Here's what science actually tells us about the microbiome and how to keep yours thriving.
How to Read Supplement Labels: A No-BS Guide to Not Getting Scammed
Most people spend more time reading restaurant menus than supplement labels — and that's exactly what shady brands count on. Here's how to decode the Supplement Facts panel, spot proprietary blend tricks, and tell quality products from overpriced fillers.
Omega-3 and Brain Health: What the Research Actually Shows
DHA makes up 60% of your brain's fatty acids, and EPA fights neuroinflammation. Here's what landmark clinical trials reveal about omega-3s for cognitive decline, depression, ADHD, and prenatal development — plus dosing, sourcing, and quality guidance.
Sleep Supplements Compared: Melatonin vs. Magnesium vs. L-Theanine vs. Valerian (2026)
A head-to-head comparison of the four most popular sleep supplements — how they work, what the research says, optimal dosing, side effects, and which one matches your specific sleep problem.
12 Best Foods for Brain Health (Backed by Science)
What you eat directly shapes how well your brain performs. Here are 12 foods with strong scientific support for memory, focus, and long-term cognitive health.
How to Lose Weight After 40: What Actually Works
Weight loss after 40 is different — but it's not impossible. Here's what the science says about metabolism, hormones, and the strategies that actually produce lasting results for midlife adults.
Melatonin Side Effects: What You Should Know Before Taking It
Melatonin is the most popular sleep supplement in America, but that doesn't mean it's risk-free. Here's an honest look at the side effects, interactions, and dosing mistakes most people make with melatonin.
How to Improve Sleep Quality: 10 Science-Backed Tips
Struggling with poor sleep? These 10 evidence-based strategies can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed.
What Causes Tinnitus? Understanding the Ringing in Your Ears
Tinnitus affects nearly 15% of Americans. Learn about the most common causes, from noise exposure to earwax buildup, and what you can do about it.
The Gut-Immune Connection: How Your Digestive Health Affects Everything
70% of your immune system lives in your gut. Understanding this connection can change how you think about supplements, diet, and your overall health.
Product Reviews (11)
Breathe Review: Can These Herbal Drops Actually Clear Your Airways and Support Lung Health?
Breathe is a liquid drop supplement designed to support respiratory health and clear airways using a blend of traditional lung-support herbs. With ingredients like mullein leaf, manuka honey, eucalyptus, and elderberry, it targets congestion, inflammation, and immune defense in the respiratory tract. We analyzed the formula, scientific backing, and user feedback to determine whether these drops deliver meaningful respiratory support.
DigestiStart Review: Can a TCM-Based Formula Actually Fix Your Digestive Issues?
DigestiStart takes a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to digestive health, combining 11 classical herbs to target bloating, irregularity, and general gut discomfort. We dug into the ingredient research and real user feedback to see whether this East-meets-West formula lives up to its claims.
FitSpresso Review: Can This Coffee Supplement Really Boost Your Metabolism?
FitSpresso is a weight loss supplement marketed around the idea of a "7-second coffee loophole" — which in practice means taking a capsule before your morning coffee. Stripped of the marketing language, it's a blend of six natural ingredients (Chlorogenic Acid, Capsicum, L-Carnitine, Chromium, Banaba Leaf, and Panax Ginseng) that may support metabolism and energy when combined with caffeine. We looked at the ingredient research and real user feedback to see if it's worth the price.
JavaBurn Review: Does Adding This Powder to Coffee Really Help You Lose Weight?
JavaBurn is a tasteless powder you mix into your morning coffee that claims to boost metabolism and support weight loss. The idea is simple: enhance coffee's natural thermogenic properties with additional ingredients. We looked at the research behind the formula and real user feedback to see whether it actually delivers.
LipoVive Review: Can a Natural Supplement Really Support GLP-1 Hormones?
LipoVive is a supplement that claims to support GLP-1 hormone pathways — the same biological mechanism behind prescription drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. That's a big claim, and we need to be upfront: a supplement containing berberine and herbal extracts is not going to replicate the effects of injectable semaglutide. What we can say is that several of its ingredients do have published research on metabolic support, appetite regulation, and blood sugar management. We looked at the evidence and user feedback to see what's realistic.
Mitolyn Review: Can a Mitochondrial Formula Actually Help You Lose Weight?
Mitolyn takes a different angle on weight loss by focusing on mitochondrial health — the idea being that if your cells produce energy more efficiently, your metabolism works better. We looked at the ingredient research and user feedback to see if this approach holds up.
PrimeBiome Review: Does This Gut-Skin Probiotic Actually Deliver?
PrimeBiome takes an interesting approach to skin health by starting with the gut. The idea is simple — your microbiome affects everything from digestion to how your skin looks. We dug into the research behind its probiotic and botanical blend to see if this gut-skin angle actually holds up.
Renew Review: Can Better Sleep Actually Help You Lose Weight and Slow Aging?
Renew is a sleep-support capsule that goes beyond just helping you fall asleep. With ingredients like ashwagandha, 5-HTP, melatonin, and magnesium, it targets deep sleep quality while also supporting weight management and cellular repair. The premise is simple: better sleep leads to better metabolism, hormone balance, and anti-aging. We analyzed the formula and user feedback to see if this approach holds up.
Sleep Lean Review: Can Improving Your Sleep Actually Help You Lose Weight?
Sleep Lean takes an interesting approach to weight loss by focusing on sleep quality — the logic being that poor sleep disrupts the hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism. We looked at the ingredient research and real user feedback to see whether this nighttime formula lives up to its premise.
The Smoothie Diet Review: Is a 21-Day Smoothie Program Worth It for Weight Loss?
The Smoothie Diet is a 21-day meal replacement program that swaps out certain meals for smoothies made from fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. It comes with recipes, shopping lists, and a day-by-day schedule. We looked at the program itself, what users actually experience, and whether the results hold up after the 21 days are over.
Sugar Defender Review: Can These Liquid Drops Really Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels?
Sugar Defender is a liquid drop formula containing 24 natural ingredients designed to support healthy blood sugar levels. With compounds like chromium, gymnema sylvestre, and alpha-lipoic acid, it targets glucose metabolism from multiple angles. We analyzed the formula, clinical evidence, and user feedback to determine whether these drops deliver meaningful blood sugar support.