Tag Archives: wellbeing

Understanding Health Commodification: How Social Media Influences Your Wellbeing

Posted on by
Reply

Money has always influenced healthcare, from pharmaceutical advertising to research agendas. However, the pace and scale of this influence have intensified. A new wave of players is reshaping our health choices, filling the gaps left by overstretched healthcare systems, and commodifying our well-being.

Traditionally, doctors held a monopoly on medical expertise, but this is rapidly changing. A parallel healthcare system is emerging, led by consumer health companies. These entities—including health tech startups, apps, diagnostic services, and influencers—are vying for authority and monetizing their influence.

Currently, there seems to be a solution for every discomfort. Fitness trackers monitor our activity, while meditation apps come with subscription fees. Our biology is increasingly quantifiable, yet these marketable indicators may not always lead to improved health outcomes. We’ll observe whether changes in biomarkers yield positive results. While genetic testing and personalized nutrition promise a “better you,” the supporting evidence often falls short.

In this landscape, our symptoms, treatments, and even the distinctions between genuine illness and everyday discomfort are commodified. This trend is evident in podcasts promoting treatments without disclosing conflicts of interest, influencers profiting from diagnoses, and clinicians presenting themselves as heroes while selling various solutions.

Much of this transformation occurs online, where health complaints and advertising lack proper regulation. Social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are becoming key sources of health advice, blending entertainment with information.

The conglomerate of pharmaceutical, technology, diagnostic, and supplement brands is referred to as the Wellness Industrial Complex, fueling the rise of the “commodified self.”

This issue is not just about personal choice. Social platforms shape our discussions about disease, influencing clinical expectations and redefining what healthcare should provide. We’re essentially participating in a global public health experiment.

However, this phenomenon also reflects real-world deficits. Alternative health options thrive because people seek acknowledgment, control, and connection, especially when public health support feels insufficient. Critiquing misinformation alone won’t halt its spread and could exacerbate marginalization.

When timely testing is inaccessible, private diagnostics can offer clarity and control. Optimization culture flourishes when traditional medicine is perceived as overly cautious or reactive.

The critical question for health systems is not whether to adapt but how. They must remain evidence-based, safe, and equitable while also being attuned to real-world experiences. Failure to do so risks losing market share and moral authority—the ability to define the essence of care.

To navigate health today, one must understand the commercial mechanisms influencing it. The content we consume is curated by an industry with unprecedented access to our bodies, data, and resources, amplifying its potential to impact our self-perception.

Deborah Cohen is the author of Negative Effects: How the Internet Has Taken Over Our Health

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Discover the Importance of Alone Time During the Christmas Season for Mental Well-Being

Posted on by
Reply

The holiday season is often envisioned as a time of joy, filled with family gatherings, festive lights, and cherished traditions. However, experiences during this period can vastly differ, and stepping away from the hustle and bustle may offer its own unique advantages.

In a recent survey conducted by our Solitude Lab involving over 300 UK adults, a significant number reported spending Christmas with family, whether at large gatherings or in intimate settings with immediate loved ones. Despite the positives, many found that socializing—while enjoyable—can bring its own challenges. The stress of gift shopping, traveling, and altered routines can be overwhelming. When asked about their feelings during the holiday season, participants frequently mentioned emotions like love and togetherness, but a notable amount also identified calmness and relaxation. This indicates a desire for both connection and restoration, suggesting that short moments of solitude can help create balance.

Research from our lab highlights that spending around 15 minutes in solitude can effectively reduce heightened emotions. Multiple experiments indicate that feelings of excitement and irritability tend to decrease after just 15 to 30 minutes alone. Participants commonly engaged in activities such as browsing their phones, reading, or simply reflecting. Physiological studies also provide evidence that solitude aids in quicker stress recovery, helping to balance out periods of high stimulation.

These moments need not be extravagant; simple activities like enjoying a quiet cup of tea or running errands alone during early mornings can provide essential space for relaxation and mental reset before rejoining social interactions. Here, solitude isn’t a sign of avoidance, but a valuable means of recalibrating oneself.

Notably, not everyone experiences a crowded holiday season. About 9 percent of adults surveyed anticipated spending Christmas alone. Participants who embraced a solitary Christmas often reported feelings of calm and contentment, with positivity evident in their responses. Loneliness and boredom were less frequently mentioned, particularly among older adults who faced circumstances leading to solo celebrations.

Having a choice greatly influences experiences of loneliness, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social norms have shifted, leading many to view solitude not as something to fear, but as an opportunity for introspection. Our perspectives play a crucial role in shaping our emotions during these moments.

Moreover, choosing how to spend alone time can enhance the experience. Engaging in reflective activities—such as contemplating positive memories from the past year—or enjoying leisurely walks can be fulfilling. Stepping outside alone also opens the door for brief interactions with strangers, which can uplift your spirits and foster a sense of belonging. This beneficial aspect of human interaction is often underestimated. Despite being physically alone, one can still nurture connections by reaching out to others, sending a card, or reminiscing about loved ones, which can enhance feelings of richness in our lives. Learn more.

Whether you choose to celebrate the Christmas season with others or in solitude, embracing brief moments of quiet brings its own rewards. These pauses allow for reflection, emotional calming, and overall ease in navigating the holiday season—a time that often demands much from us. It’s not about isolating oneself from connection; it’s about recognizing the value of both interactions and solitude.

Tui Vi Nguyen is a principal investigator at Solitude Lab and co-author of the book: Loneliness: The Science and Power of Solitude

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlock Your Creativity: Tips to Enhance Your Life and Well-Being

Posted on by
Reply

Fotografia Inc./Getty Images

To lead longer, healthier, and happier lives, we often hear advice like reducing sugar, exercising, quitting smoking, eating vegetables, taking supplements, managing stress, and getting quality sleep. However, one fun health tip remains overlooked: engaging in the arts.

Recent decades have highlighted the positive impact of creativity on overall health. Global initiatives are integrating arts into healthcare, showing remarkable outcomes: from music reducing the need for sedatives during surgeries to dance programs aiding Parkinson’s patients in walking.

Art isn’t just for illness recovery. Crafting, singing, acting, dancing, reading, writing, and painting promote well-being in our daily lives, regardless of our health concerns. In my upcoming book, Art Cure, I assert these activities qualify as “health behaviors,” akin to exercise, nutrition, and sleep. Discover how to incorporate more art into your life starting in 2026.

As an epidemiologist, analyzing cohort studies is part of my routine. These extensive datasets reveal the long-term benefits of art engagement on various health outcomes, collected from diverse populations worldwide.

The findings are compelling. Regular art participants report greater happiness and life satisfaction. Children engaged in the arts are less likely to face depression as they enter adolescence. Additionally, older adults attending cultural events significantly reduce their risk of developing depression over the next few years, as highlighted in this research: The risk of depression is nearly halved.

You may question whether art engagement impacts health independently from wealth or overall lifestyle. Advanced statistical methods account for such variables, including genetics and early life experiences, ensuring valid results still support the link between art and health.

These benefits extend beyond psychological health; children involved in musical activities develop better social skills as they transition to schooling. Conversely, fewer youths participate in artistic endeavors, increasing the risk of anti-social behavior. Furthermore, seniors attending cultural events have been shown to be 32% less likely to feel lonely after a decade.

Live Events: A Path to Enhanced Creativity

Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The positive outcomes intensify with age. My research team at University College London analyzed data from around 100,000 individuals across 16 countries, finding that hobbies like gardening, baking, sewing, and journaling promote: Self-reported health improvements as we age. Engaging in these activities yields benefits such as enhanced balance, lower pain levels, improved sleep quality, better cognitive function, reduced frailty, and a lower risk of chronic diseases like diabetes. In fact, many studies reveal those involved in the arts could live longer compared to their less-engaged counterparts.

How do these surprising health benefits manifest? Psychological, social, and behavioral factors contribute, but intriguing biological mechanisms are emerging. Studies indicate regular art participants show lower blood pressure, heart rates, cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation, improved immune function, and lower body mass index.

Recent advancements in measuring biological age allow scientists to explore how healthy habits influence our aging process. Research combining data on cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory health, and gene expression patterns suggests that creatively engaging might keep us biologically younger. Individuals participating in dance, music, or visual arts often demonstrate more youthful brain characteristics.

It’s essential to clarify that engaging with art isn’t a cure-all. Factors like accessibility and misconceptions about its health benefits can limit participation. Nonetheless, evidence consistently indicates that dedicating time to enjoyable, creative activities is a valuable health investment for this year. Furthermore, promoting art is also altruistic; economists suggest that arts activities deliver over £18.6 billion in societal value annually.

“
Artistic activities involving screens often serve as the ultra-processed foods of the art domain.
“

So, how can we all enhance our artistic consumption in 2026? This question is explored throughout my upcoming book, Art Cure, which offers daily strategies for leveraging art to meet your health objectives. Think about art as you do food: don’t binge on it, as quick fixes yield short-lived benefits. Instead, find your equivalent to “5 servings a day” of fruits and vegetables. Dedicate just 10 minutes daily to creative writing or 15 minutes each evening to a craft. Effortlessly swap out activities; trade your dinner date for a live performance, replace gym workouts with dance classes, and read poetry on your commute instead of news articles.

Diversity in your artistic experiences is crucial; explore various creative forms to maximize health benefits. Each unique encounter offers different sensory joys and health advantages. Aim for a moderate level of novelty—something outside your norm but likely enjoyable. Make your artistic engagement genuine rather than virtual; screen-based activities can dilute the essence of art.

Lastly, be a mindful creator. In our fast-paced lives, it’s tempting to think of art as a quick solution. However, art’s beauty lies in its complexity and individuality. These rich and dynamic experiences should be afforded the time they deserve in our lives. Ultimately, art not only enhances our well-being but also evokes feelings of elation and upliftment, proving it is undeniably good for us.

This article is part of a series on simple changes you can implement to enhance your health in the coming year.
Read the full series here

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Prohibiting Phones in Schools Might Negatively Impact Certain Students’ Mental Well-Being

Posted on by
Reply

Some schools mandate that students store their cell phones in lockers throughout the school day.

Robin Utrecht/Shutterstock

Concerns about the adverse effects of excessive screen time are growing. Specifically, phone usage in educational settings can detract from learning experiences. However, some studies indicate that outright banning smartphones from schools can lead to feelings of loneliness among students, at least initially.

“When a school opts to completely prohibit smartphones, several factors should be considered,” explains Sanyogita Kare from Radboud University in the Netherlands. “Socially vulnerable youth may face additional challenges, leading to a possible sense of estrangement from peers.”

Mobile phones and similar devices have been linked to various issues, ranging from declining academic performance to worsening mental health among adolescents. However, there is a lack of concrete evidence supporting these claims. As of January 1, 2024, the Netherlands has instituted a ban on the use of smartphones and other smart devices in classrooms. Many schools enforce strict rules, prohibiting students from using such devices at all during class and often requiring that they be stored in lockers.

Seeking to unravel this impact, Carré and colleagues conducted a study with students from two middle schools in the Netherlands, both of which disallow smartphone usage during class. Surveys were administered initially in December 2023, prior to the nationwide ban, and repeated in March or April 2024.

The researchers aimed to analyze two types of loneliness: social loneliness and emotional loneliness. “Social loneliness pertains to your overall network and feelings of group belonging,” states Carre. “Emotional loneliness speaks to the depth of connection in close friendships.”

Upon comparing loneliness rates before and after the ban, findings were mixed. “Though we did not observe a significant change in social loneliness, there was a slight uptick in psychological loneliness,” Carre mentions. This surge may occur if some classmates are absent, thereby limiting students’ ability to connect with close friends during the school day.

The research also revealed that while the general sense of social loneliness didn’t rise among children, those who found social interactions more challenging were likely to feel increased loneliness. Carre notes that these impacts might not be long-lasting as students adjust to the ban over time.

A limitation of the study is that there was no comparison made with other Dutch schools where regulations are more lenient, such as allowing phones during breaks. Jonathan Canter from RAND, a U.S. nonprofit research organization, states, “To draw meaningful comparisons, we need data from similar students in schools without prohibition. Without that, we can’t ascertain whether our findings reflect broader patterns.”

Both Carre and Cantor express that there’s a gap in fundamental data regarding the effects of phone bans in schools. Canter and his team have recently attempted to address this issue by looking into voluntary bans on phones in U.S. schools.

They discovered significant variability in policies; certain schools enforce total bans on phones, while others permit their use at the discretion of teachers. In the UK, government guidelines suggest the use of phones in schools but leave the final decision to the discretion of school leaders regarding whether these devices should be banned.

“The pressing issue is the need for rigorous evaluations to assess the effectiveness of these policies at the school level. This requires detailed data on the types and timing of policies implemented,” Kanter states. “This is the focal point of current analysis efforts.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Power of Laughter Therapy for Enhancing Emotional Well-Being

Posted on by
Reply

Laughter yoga session in Kolkata, India

SOPA Images Limited/Alamy

Laughter therapy is no laughing matter. Structured activities designed to elicit joy, such as laughter yoga and hospital clowns, appear to significantly lower anxiety levels and enhance life satisfaction.

Laughing, a behavior observed in various animal species, is believed to boost social bonds and may assist infants in developing their self-identity. Research indicates that interventions involving clowns lead to shorter hospital stays for children.

Yelsynyn-Mauricio Porras-Jiménez from Jaen University in Spain aims to enhance people’s holistic well-being. “It’s not solely about physical health; mental and emotional aspects are crucial,” he notes. “I discovered laughter therapy while exploring ways to implement holistic care effectively.”

Porras-Jiménez and his team performed a meta-analysis of 33 studies from the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The participants included nursing students as well as individuals receiving terminal care, undergoing surgeries, in vitro fertilization, or those grappling with depression or burnout.

Each study divided participants into two groups. One group engaged in various laughter therapy activities, such as laughter yoga, clown visits, watching entertaining films, or joining guided laughter sessions. The second group served as a control, maintaining standard care or receiving no interventions.

Results demonstrated a consistent link between laughter therapy and decreased anxiety, alongside heightened life satisfaction. In one measurement of anxiety on a scale of 0-100, the control group’s average score was around 60, while the laughter therapy group scored 8-10 points lower. Regarding life satisfaction, the control group’s score averaged 50, with the laughter therapy group scoring 10-12 points higher.

However, participants were aware they were partaking in laughter therapy, which raises questions about potential placebo effects, according to Sophie Scott from University College London.

Nonetheless, laughter triggers physiological changes correlated with reduced anxiety, she adds. Research shows lowered cortisol levels, a stress hormone, and increased endorphins, neurotransmitters that foster feelings of happiness.

“It’s challenging to determine if the benefits arise from laughter itself or from the social environment that encourages comfortable laughter,” Scott remarks. “It seems to be a combination of both.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Genetic Engineers Bring Back Extinct Wolves with White Fur and Improved Well-Being

Posted on by
Reply

A company aiming to revive lost species has revealed three genetically designed wolves in the US that resemble extinct dire wolves. These wolves are seen sprinting, sleeping, and howling in their private, safe spaces.

The wolf puppies, aged 3 to 6 months, have long white hair, muscular chins, and weigh around 80 pounds. According to Giant Biology, this revelation was made on Monday.

Dire wolves, which went extinct over 10,000 years ago, were much larger than their closest living relatives today.

While independent scientists caution that this effort does not mean the dire wolves will return to North American grasslands soon, the lead scientist on the project, Beth Shapiro from Colossal, explained the process of genetically modifying blood cells from live grey wolves to create these genetically engineered puppies.

Colossal previously worked on similar projects, including creating animals resembling extinct woolly mammoths and dodos.

Although the puppies physically resemble young dire wolves, experts like Matt James, Colossal’s animal care expert, note they may lack certain behaviors vital for survival in the wilderness.

Colossal also reported cloning four red wolves using blood drawn from wild wolves to enhance genetic diversity among the endangered red wolf population.

While the technology may have broader applications for species conservation, challenges like sedating wild wolves for blood collection still remain.

Colossal’s CEO, Ben Lamm, met with officials from the US Department of Home Affairs in March to discuss the project. Despite skepticism from some scientists, interior secretary Doug Burgham praised the project as a remarkable advancement in science.

Vincent Lynch, a biologist at the University of Buffalo, emphasized that these reconstructed dire wolves cannot fully replicate the ecological functions they once performed.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The negative impact of frenemies and love-hate relationships on your well-being

Posted on by
Reply

Mariana Castel/Millennium Images, UK

When I think about the members of my social network, I am almost filled with feelings of pure love and warmth. I can't wait to see them again, knowing we can bask in each other's love and support.

But for some, it evokes a completely different emotion: a mixture of enthusiasm and fear. In terms of conversation, encounters like Russian roulette are guaranteed. If I'm in a good mood, these guys will give me a fun night, but if I catch them at the wrong time, they can suck all my goodwill. I have no idea what will happen.

If this sounds familiar, it means you have a frenemy too. Psychologists call them “ambivalent relationships,” and not only can they ruin a good party, but they can also have surprising consequences for your happiness. A wealth of research shows that love-hate relationships like this are often more stressful than interacting with people who are constantly mean. It can harm your mental and physical health. They can also cause you to age prematurely.

Knowing this, the easy solution seems to be to cut ties with these people. However, our relationship with frenemies is not simple, and it is not always possible or desirable to abandon them. However, gaining deeper insight into your own ambiguous relationships can help you cope more effectively. You might even become better friends that way. Because if you know the signs to look out for, you may realize that the frenemy in some relationships is you.

Since the 1970s, huge amount of research We're looking at thousands of things…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unveiling the key components that influence your microbiome and well-being

Posted on by
Reply

The rats in John Cryan's lab were withdrawn and anxious, behaving in ways that mirrored those who had been bullied at work and who feared they might encounter the bully again.

Believe it or not, the good news is that they fed some of these rodents a slurry of microbes extracted from their own feces. This may sound unpleasant, but it had a surprisingly positive effect on their behavior. “That was surprising,” says Cryan, a neurobiologist at University College Cork in Ireland. “We found that the behavioral changes that were induced by stress were normalized, and they started to behave like normal animals.”

Even more surprising, the mental changes weren't brought about by changes to gut bacteria, but by modifying another key aspect of the microbiome whose importance is only now being recognized: viruses.

After all, our bodies are full of these viruses – trillions of stowaways that do no harm to our health, but instead play a key role in nurturing a beneficial microbiome and making us healthier. Recent studies have found that the influence of this “virome” can be found throughout the body, from the blood to the brain. The hope is that tweaking it might lead to new ways of treating a variety of ailments, from inflammatory bowel disease and obesity to anxiety.

Microbiome Diversity

Over the past decade, there has been a surge in interest in the microbiome (all the tiny organisms that live on and in our bodies), but that interest has focused primarily on bacteria. Until recently, the assumptions were that…

Source: www.newscientist.com

The unexpected impact of weight loss drugs on your mental wellbeing and cognitive function

Posted on by
Reply

ADDICTIVE STOCK CREATIVES/Alamy; AdoBe Stock

Kathy Schwartz had been sober for 10 years, but battling cravings was a daily struggle. “They were always in my head,” she said. But last June, the cravings subsided.

After being prescribed the weight-loss drug semaglutide, she not only lost nearly 30 kilos over 10 months, but also eliminated her desire for drinks or pills. “The cravings went away, and I didn’t realize that was a side effect,” Schwartz says. Amazingly, the depression and anxiety that had previously hit her in waves also subsided.

Schwartz isn’t the only one to have had this experience: New research is showing that semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as other diabetes and weight-loss drugs that mimic gut hormones released after eating, can have surprising benefits for brain and mental health.

Though it’s still early days, evidence suggests that these drugs could potentially be repurposed to treat depression, anxiety, addiction, and even certain eating disorders, as well as neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. What’s more, these benefits appear to be mediated not simply through weight loss, but through a direct effect on the brain.

The history of drugs like Ozempic dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, when researchers discovered them. A gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 has been discovered. When GLP-1 was injected into rodents in the lab, it was able to stimulate insulin secretion. Even more amazingly, these animals started to eat less and lose weight. We now know that this hormone leads to an increased feeling of fullness.

Semaglutide, etc.

Today, there are drugs that mimic…

Source: www.newscientist.com

The harm of toxic positivity: How relentless optimism can negatively impact your health and mental wellbeing

Posted on by
Reply

Having a positive mindset can have unexpected results

DEEPOL (Plain Picture/photo by Anja Weber Dekker)

Do you suffer from low self-esteem? If so, you may have been told to repeat phrases like, “I am worthy of love, I am worthy of love, I am worthy of love.” Repeating positive statements like these is called self-affirmation, and it's said to boost a person's mood and sense of worth. Sounds incredible, right? Well, it is. When psychologists tested the effectiveness of this mantra, it backfired. Participants who started out with low self-esteem ended up feeling worse. The problem was, they simply didn't believe what they were being told.

We know that a positive attitude is good for your health, and that the right mindset can really impact your health and happiness. But it turns out that too much of a good thing can be bad. What psychologists who study self-esteem have discovered is an example of “toxic positivity” – the idea that forcing yourself to interpret your experiences in an optimistic way and suppressing negative emotions can actually do you harm. The term has become something of a buzzword in both academia and pop culture. And yet, the messages that “happiness is a choice” and “positivity is a mindset” are rampant.

What is needed is a return to balance. It is not enough to say that excessive positivity is harmful; we need to know when, why and for whom it is harmful. Fortunately, there is a growing body of research addressing these questions. …

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Benefits of Embracing Solitude for Mental Wellbeing

Posted on by
Reply

Recently, I was walking alone down a quiet, winding road. The road is snowy and slippery, making it difficult to walk. The sun felt warm on my face. As I trudged uphill, I missed seeing my girlfriend’s partner, but I was grateful to be able to visit my little sister, who I don’t see often.

I spent a few hours alone that day. At that time, I felt a variety of emotions, including curiosity, anxiety, and joy. It was a welcome period of solitude, and I returned to civilization feeling calmer and clearer than when I left.

Think back to the last time you were alone. Maybe you were commuting to work or getting up before the rest of your family. Maybe you live alone. Did you enjoy that period of solitude and long to connect with others, or did you let it pass without much thought?

Loneliness is inevitable. The adults inside England And the US One-third of your waking life is spent alone And it increases as you get older. In many places, we live alone more than ever before.Recent Survey of 75 countries We find that 17 of these locations have more than 25% single-person households.

As social creatures, research has historically kept us from spending time in solitude. But these days, more and more people seem to be craving time away from the crowds. Well, we now have evidence as to why spending time alone feels so good and may actually be essential to your health and well-being. Furthermore, we…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Study shows workplace AI, robots, and trackers have a negative impact on overall well-being

Posted on by
Reply

A groundbreaking study by the Institute for Work think tank has revealed that exposure to new technologies like trackers, robots, and AI-based software in the workplace has a negative impact on people’s quality of life.

Conducted through a survey of over 6,000 individuals, the study focused on the health impacts of four categories of technologies that are increasingly prevalent in various industries.

The research found that increased exposure to technology in areas such as AI, machine learning-based software, surveillance devices like wearable trackers, and robotics had a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of workers.


On the other hand, the use of established information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as laptops, tablets, and instant messaging at work had a more positive impact on well-being.

The report highlighted that frequent interactions with ICT improved quality of life, while interactions with new technologies in the workplace had the opposite effect.

Economists at Goldman Sachs estimated that by 2030, 300 million jobs worldwide could be automated, with many roles being fundamentally transformed due to developments in generative AI.

Lead author Dr. Magdalena Sofia emphasized that the issue lies not in the technology itself, but in how it is implemented and utilized.

Skip past newsletter promotions

The report also raised concerns about the negative impact of tracking devices and surveillance technology on worker performance, echoing warnings from unions and activists.

Mary Towers, head of AI at TUC, cautioned that without proper regulation, AI could create an oppressive work environment for many individuals.

On the other hand, the Pissarides review on the future of work and happiness, in collaboration with Warwick Business School and Imperial College London, aims to shed light on the impact of new technologies on quality of life in the workplace.

Professor Christopher Pissarides emphasized the importance of understanding how interactions with new technologies influence the overall well-being of individuals in their working lives.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Surprising Influence of Your Skin on Your Well-being and Longevity

Posted on by
Reply

woman applying body cream

Shutterstock/Rawpixel.com

In winter, the backs of your hands can become dry, red, and cracked. Maybe you find yourself applying more moisturizer. Otherwise, itching and pain can be a big hindrance.

Cracked skin is annoying and uncomfortable, but it's not as serious as something like high blood pressure. However, that assumption may not hold, as with skin aging.

Growing evidence suggests that skin damage can have knock-on effects on other parts of the body, causing inflammation, muscle and bone loss, and even cognitive decline. The more your skin deteriorates, the faster the rest of your skin ages. This new perspective means that our skin not only reflects the signs of aging, but also contributes to it. There's even preliminary evidence that taking better care of your skin may slow down the negative effects of aging and improve your overall health.

Our skin is one of the first areas of our body to show signs of aging. Especially in active areas such as the outer corners of the eyes, wrinkles may increase and age spots may appear. Although these changes may seem to be literally skin deep, the importance of the skin to the rest of the body should not be underestimated. “The skin is the largest organ in the body,” he says. wendy borag At Augusta University in Georgia, USA.

And it's not just the size. Skin is essential for survival. The outer layer of the epidermis is impermeable to water, so body fluids, the source of life, are not lost to the air. If someone causes damage to a large area…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Recognizing gender disparities in the brain is crucial for mental well-being

Posted on by
Reply

we heard it all. Men's brains are larger and have better spatial awareness. Women's brains are adapted for multitasking and emotional intelligence. Stereotypes about how sex influences behavior abound, and as increasingly sophisticated brain-scanning technology emerges, claims about such inconsistencies are becoming more apparent.

But as we discovered in our feature on the human brain (“Your Amazing Brain: 10 Challenging Questions That Uncover Amazing New Discoveries About the Human Brain”), men's and women's behaviors, interests, We are trying to identify the biological reasons for population differences in . The issue of occupation is a delicate debate that includes not only sex but also gender, and has never been resolved.

Still, we should keep trying. In particular, if there really are gender-related brain differences, this would have a major impact on our health. That's because many pathologies related to the brain and neural branches affect men and women at different rates and in different ways. For example, women have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Men have higher rates of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

There are many possible reasons for this imbalance in the gender ratio. For example, autism may be underdiagnosed among girls, or typical behaviors may manifest differently. Similarly, biological factors may make women more susceptible to depression because they tend to have lower incomes or because men are less likely to seek help for mental health problems. .

However, brain differences between the sexes may also exist. If so, the photo is not yet complete. These may not be due to direct genetic or sex hormonal effects, but may be due to the way society generally treats men and women differently throughout their lives.

Elucidating all of this could shed light on the mechanisms behind these symptoms and lead to better treatment strategies. After all, this is not a competition between male and female brains, but an initiative that has the potential to help everyone.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

The unexpected connection between diet, diabetes, and mental well-being

Posted on by
Reply

New research reveals important links between nutrition, diabetes, and mental health. Poor dietary choices can put you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Conversely, a diet rich in essential nutrients and low in processed foods can reduce these risks. The findings highlight the importance of informed dietary choices in the management and prevention of diabetes, anxiety, and depression and have implications for public health policy and medical practice.

A new literature review by researchers at the College of Public Health provides new insights into the relationship between nutrition and mental health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes (diabetes mellitus) are two to three times more likely to experience depression than people without diabetes. Current treatments include therapy, medication, or both.

However, understanding of the multifaceted relationship between nutrition, mental health, and DM is relatively new in scientific discussion. Mason researchers sought to learn about the relationship between nutrition, diabetes, and mental health.

The impact of nutrition on diabetes and mental health

Two literature reviews by Associate Professor Raedeh Basiri show that malnutrition plays a dual role in contributing to both the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and mental health effects such as anxiety and depression. I am. According to the results of this study, mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety increase his risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and diabetes is also associated with an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety. Nutritional interventions can help with both of these health issues.

“Our findings highlight that dietary choices play a vital role in reducing the risks associated with both diabetes and mental health. These findings The implications of these findings extend beyond the scientific community, as they are expected to inform public health policies, medical practices, and dietary recommendations that can positively impact people. ” said Basili, lead author of the paper.

Strengthen dietary choices for health and prevention

“This research ultimately aims to enable individuals to make informed health-promoting dietary choices, which will help prevent and manage diabetes, anxiety, and depression. It serves as a proactive strategy,” Basili said.

More specifically, the research team’s findings provide a comprehensive view of the relationship between dietary patterns, health impacts, and the important role of eating behavior in the context of type 2 diabetes and mental health. Masu.

The research team found that eating foods rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products may be associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. found that it was associated with lower risk. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods has been found to have negative effects, making you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, depression, and anxiety.

The importance of a nutritious diet

Additionally, the researchers found that although people consume energy-dense foods, they lack essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, selenium, chromium, and magnesium. I found the meals to be nutritious. It is associated with worsening of unfavorable symptoms in both mental health and the development of type 2 diabetes. This relationship highlights the importance of nutrient-dense food choices for overall health and well-being.

“Current scientific evidence highlights the potential benefits of adopting a balanced diet in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression while enhancing glycemic control in people with diabetes.” said Basili.

References: “Exploring the interrelationships of diabetes, nutrition, anxiety, and depression: Implications for treatment and prevention strategies,” by Raedeh Basiri, Blessing Seidu, and Mark Rudich, September 29, 2023. nutrients.
DOI: 10.3390/nu15194226

“Key Nutrients for Optimal Glycemic Control and Mental Health in People with Diabetes: A Review of the Evidence,” by Raedeh Basiri, Blessing Seidu, and Lawrence J. Cheskin, September 9, 2023. nutrients.
DOI: 10.3390/nu15183929

Source: scitechdaily.com