Although it is commonly believed that artificial sweeteners like aspartame do not raise insulin levels in the same way as sugar, a new clinical trial
Category: Health Wellbeing
WHO-backed study sheds new light on ultra-processed foods’ link to chronic diseases
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a data-driven dietary impact assessment tool (DIA) that helps policymakers, researchers, and practitioners examine the health and environmental consequences of diets. The tool, which will debut at the upcoming COP28 conference, aims to curb unhealthy diets, a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. It uses up-to-date data on health and environmental indicators to generate scenarios and inform policy development. The DIA is expected to help countries design sustainable, impactful, and data-driven policies customized to their populations.
Bioactives and natural alternatives with added tech enhancements lead the charge in pain relief realm
Biotechnological and natural ingredient advances are driving innovation in pain relief. Gencor and Arjuna Naturals are offering solutions with improved bioavailability through technologies such as LipiSperse and SpeedTech, which enhance the effectiveness of ingredients like curcumin and PEA. The companies are responding to high demand for natural alternatives to synthetic pharmaceuticals, providing products that not only address different types of pain but also promote overall health and well-being.
Sifter Solutions introduces “Scan By Diet” barcode app for consumers with specific dietary needs
Sifter Solutions’ new smartphone application, Sifter Scan By Diet, allows consumers to match grocery products to their personal dietary needs by setting a personal diet profile and scanning food packaging. The service caters to the growing market demand for specific dietary needs, especially among Gen Z and millennials, and seeks to enhance the shopping experience for nutrition-focused customers. The technology is seen as beneficial for professionals like dietitians and nutritionists, and is positioned to support the retail grocery and health markets.
Researchers caution growing melatonin use among kids, while CRN contests findings
An online survey revealed that frequent melatonin use among U.S. children is “exceedingly common”, yet studies on the hormone’s long-term effects are scarce. The Council for Responsible Nutrition asserts that the survey data, suggesting substantial pediatric use of melatonin, are irrelevant and flawed. While melatonin isn’t necessarily harmful, more research is needed on its effects on development, especially since the supplement’s regulation is loose.
UK soft drinks industry levy linked to improved dental health in kids, study suggests
A study observes a 12.1% fall in child hospital admissions for tooth extraction due to dental caries following the implementation of the UK soft drinks sugar tax. The greatest reductions were seen in children up to four years old (-28.6%) and those aged 5-9 (-5.5%). The study, which used data from 2014 to 2020, estimates a reduction of 5,638 cases per year. Despite this, no changes were observed in rates among children aged 10-18. The sugar tax, encouraging manufacturers to lower sugar content, might have influenced these outcomes.
Low-fat diets may reduce fatigue among multiple sclerosis patients, experts flag
New research suggests that reducing calorie and fat intake can largely decrease fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The 16-week randomized trial revealed that patients who reduced their daily calorie intake by 19% experienced significantly lower fatigue levels. Given that there’s currently no FDA-approved drug for fatigue in MS, the study proposes such nutritional adjustments to improve patients’ quality of life.
So what if I’m angry?
A study conducted at Texas A&M University explored the benefits of anger, challenging the common notion that people should always aim to be happy. The researchers found that volunteers in a state of anger outperformed others in achieving challenging tasks. The study suggests that experiencing a range of emotions may lead to greater life satisfaction and better performance.
Keep Scrolling: Social Media Detox May Not Improve Mental Health
Durham University’s study found that quitting social media is complex, bringing both positive and negative emotional changes. The study, involving 51 moderate to heavy users aged 18-25, found a dip in negative emotions like boredom and loneliness during a week without social media, but also a decrease in positive feelings. Participants, however, reported no addiction-related cravings, contradicting theories likening social media to chemical or behavioural addictions. These findings suggest a more nuanced view of social media’s impact is needed.
Weight loss, weddings and divorces
Research has found that while weight-loss surgery may double the chances of single people getting married, it also increases the likelihood of married people getting divorced. US and Scandinavian studies showed similar trends, indicating that changes in weight, health, and sexual desire, could strain marriages post-surgery. However, 81% of the respondents remained married five years post-surgery.
Magicians less prone to mental disorders than other artists, finds research
Aberystwyth University’s research suggests magicians are less prone to mental health difficulties compared to other creative professions or the general population. Magicians demonstrated lower scores on psychopathological traits indicating fewer tendencies towards antisocial behaviour and unusual experiences. The study aligns magicians’ mental health profiles with those of mathematicians and scientists, indicating that the relationship between creativity and psychopathology is intricate.
How is Mental Health doing in the Digital Age? Its Impact and Remedies
In the digital age, excessive use of technology and social media is proving detrimental to mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, stress, and decreased cognitive abilities. Features like online short videos are contributing to shrinking attention spans, while constant notifications encourage addictive behavior, reducing productivity. However, this negative impact can be mitigated through alternatives like physical activities, mindful use of technology, and maintaining offline connections. Maintaining mental health in the digital age is crucial, as unchecked excessive digital usage could dictate our emotions and lives.
How Do We Know If Digital Mental Health Solutions Are Effective?
During the Behavioral Health Tech 2023 conference, digital health experts discussed the effectiveness of digital mental health solutions. They agreed that addressing patient needs, reducing no-show rates, conducting controlled clinical trials, and improving access to care are key components of a successful digital solution. However, the need to evaluate whether these solutions are making a significant impact on the mental health crisis was also emphasized.
Omega-3 may be an “effective add-on therapeutic” for depression: study
A review by Chinese researchers finds a direct connection between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) dosage and its effect on depression treatment, with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) showing greater effect than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The study suggests omega-3 PUFAs supplementation as a potential therapeutic approach for alleviating depression symptoms, noting a significant improvement in most included studies.