Wellbeing

Research-informed reading on physical health, mental wellness, nutrition and fitness – summarised from trusted health publications, with a link to every original source.

TopicsMental healthDiet and healthPrognosisFitness and exerciseBoost intelligence

  • The Case for ‘Test Driving’ Your New Year’s Resolutions Before January 1

    The writer conducted an experiment where they implemented New Year’s resolutions before the start of the new year. They found that starting early encouraged consistency and gradual behavioral changes. The process also underscored the importance of setting realistic, incremental goals that align with personal values rather than societal pressures. They observed that treating the experiment with curiosity rather than criticism could facilitate success. Above all, ensuring flexibility and self-compassion helped maintain these new habits, even when plans deviated.

  • Peloton Row Hands-On: A Beautiful Machine, But Who Is It for?

    The Peloton Row—a $2,995 rowing machine—is suitable for those with ample living space and an appetite for rigorous workouts. With integrated classes and AI-assisted form evaluation, the machine proficiently combines personal training with unguided fitness. However, its large size may be challenging for those with limited spaces. The Peloton Row offers a unique fitness experience benefiting from the Peloton’s app, but its appeal might be limited to Peloton loyalists or regular rowing enthusiasts.

  • Fuel Your Creativity

    The article suggests 15 activities to boost creativity, suitable for artists, writers, entrepreneurs and those seeking innovative inspiration. These include mindful meditation, nature walks, journaling, collaborative brainstorming, artistic exploration, music, travel adventures, diverse reading, puzzles, photography, technology detox, cooking adventures, attending workshops, mind mapping and daydreaming breaks. The author asserts that these activities can fuel one’s creativity and unlock boundless potential, revealing a more vibrant and innovative life.

  • Hot Girl Hikes Are the New Hot Girl Walks—And They’re Even Better for Your Heart, Balance, and Mental Health

    The author, who moved from Florida to Denver, emphasizes the transformative power of hiking over simple walks. Hiking brings physical benefits, such as challenging leg muscles and heart, improving balance and strength. Mental benefits include increased happiness, reduced stress, and deeper social connections. Walking in nature, compared to city settings, is linked to decreased anxiety and less brain activity tied to depression. The author suggests the practice of “forest bathing” – concentrating on natural surroundings to increase relaxation.

  • The Secret to Strength Training? Embracing a Reality That Most of Us Would Rather Avoid

    The author shares their journey in strength training, emphasizing the value of embracing failures in the learning process. The experience allowed them to understand the importance of resilience, challenging their physical limits, and developing comfort with uncertainty. The lessons learned in the gym extended to other areas of life, reiterating that failure does not equate to being a failure, but rather an opportunity for growth and success.

  • World Diabetes Day: Beneo raises awareness of diabetes risks and prevention

    On World Diabetes Day, Beneo highlights the importance of understanding the risk of type 2 diabetes and the role of diet in its prevention or delay. Research conducted by Beneo confirms the health benefits of its slow-release carbohydrate, Palatinose, and the prebiotic fiber Orafti Synergy1 in blood glucose management. Beneo’s recent study also showed that these ingredients, when incorporated into regular diets, facilitated better blood sugar control and improved gut microbiota.

  • 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.