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 future of esports nutrition: Leveraging innovative ingredients to meet the unique needs of gamers

    As esports gains global popularity, there is an increasing demand for nutrition and supplements specifically designed for gamers to enhance energy, cognitive functions, and endurance. Key players in the nutrition industry are developing products ranging from functional beverages to snack bars. Novel ingredients, such as brain-boosting botanicals and omega-3s, assure cognitive enhancements, while microbiome-supporting solutions promise overall wellness.

  • Mindful eating may help people with high blood pressure stick to heart-healthy diet, study reveals

    A recent study reveals that practicing mindfulness can improve adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet among patients with high blood pressure. Through the study, participants in an eight-week mindfulness program showed better dietary habits and increased self-awareness, leading to significant improvements in their blood pressure levels. The researchers recommend mindfulness training as a tool for enforcing healthy dietary behaviors and managing hypertension.

  • Fermented foods: Study identifies lactic acid bacteria in kimchi with robust defense system

    Researchers at the World Institute of Kimchi have identified a strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in kimchi that exhibits robust resistance to viral invasions. The strain, Pediococcus inopinatus, found in long-term fermented kimchi, has a superior defense system compared to other strains. It is believed this resistance may also apply to mammalian viruses, therefore presenting potential for use in food and pharmaceutical industries, though more research is needed.

  • Fermenting fungi: Researchers uncover potential source for new probiotics

    A recent study highlighted probiotic properties in two types of fungi traditionally used in food production. The fungi, Cyberlindnera jadinii and Kluyveromyces lactis, demonstrated potential to reduce gut inflammation, suggesting a promising direction for new probiotic development. The study also underscored the importance of characterizing food industry fungi strains for possible health benefits and increased usage in traditional health practices and clinical nutrition therapy.

  • Microbiome Boost: Plant microorganisms in fresh produce enhance human gut bacteria, study finds

    Austrian researchers have confirmed that eating fruits and vegetables boosts bacterial diversity in the human microbiome, enhancing overall health. The plant microorganisms found in these foods, especially vital for the production of vitamin B12 and short-chain fatty acids, positively influence our gastrointestinal health. Diets rich in fresh produce may help prevent or control diseases and bolster immune system development, particularly during early childhood.

  • Gut-Brain axis: Study links Beneo’s prebiotic dietary fiber to mood improvement

    International researchers found that consuming the prebiotic dietary fiber oligofructose and a combination of the fiber with the human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) 2’fucosyllactose may ameliorate mood in adults experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression. This consumption boosted beneficial gut bacteria, notably Bifidobacteria. The findings advocate that including 8-10g of prebiotics in daily diets can help improve mood and overall quality of life.

  • Small diet swaps can improve quality and reduce carbon footprint, researchers flag

    A study conducted by Stanford University and Tulane University suggests that making small dietary changes, such as replacing beef with chicken and cow’s milk with plant-based milk, can potentially decrease an average American’s carbon footprint by 35% and enhance the quality of their diet. These changes also have far-reaching health benefits, reducing the consumption of saturated fats and enhancing fiber intake.

  • British Nutrition Foundation raises alarm about drop in vitamin D supplement awareness

    A new survey from the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) reveals that half of the UK population is unaware of the government’s vitamin D supplements guidelines. Despite being a simple and affordable way to maintain bone and muscle health, awareness about vitamin D supplements has declined. This lack of awareness potentially increases the risk for diseases such as rickets, osteomalacia, long COVID and diabetes, which are associated with vitamin D deficiency.

  • How Our Mental Health Is Impacting Live Music, For Better And Worse

    Despite the booming live music sector, grassroots music venues are struggling. The global pandemic’s impact on mental health has driven audiences towards large-scale gigs offering familiarity and perceived safety. This behavior supports survival over exploration, benefiting established artists and hampering discovery. This trend challenges the industry, potentially impacting emerging talent nurtured in small local music venues.

  • Sorry, Gen Z, But Economic Anxiety Isn’t Going Away

    Financial insecurity is a pressing concern for Gen Z and millennials, overshadowing optimism about improving generational wealth. Many factors intensify this anxiety: insufficient savings, professional networks, inflation, and substantial housing costs, among others. Societal structures and scant safety nets limit their options. However, Gen Z’s skepticism towards college degrees, set boundaries with technology, and comfort with rapid tech changes offer potential avenues for advancement.

  • 6 Dating “Laws of Power” That Help Women Avoid Narcissists, According To An Expert

    This text highlights six “laws of power” for women to avoid narcissists in the dating world. These laws include not revealing knowledge of the narcissist’s traits, prioritizing how the potential partner treats you, being cautious about entering relationships, having high standards, observing how the man treats successful women and women he cannot control, and understanding the unique safety risks women face in dating.

  • Just 1 sleepless night could relieve depression for days, new study finds. Here’s why experts say you shouldn’t try this just yet

    Researchers at Northwestern University have found that brief sleep deprivation in mice resulted in their brains releasing more dopamine and rewiring themselves to receive it. The effect, which mirrors how the fast-acting antidepressant ketamine works, could help understand mood transitions and the functioning of antidepressants. However, the researchers emphasise sleep deprivation is not recommended as a method to improve mood due to potential harms.

  • Kidney research reveals a novel DNAm clock measure of biological aging

    Scientists from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the University of Glasgow have developed a novel DNA methylation (DNAm) clock, improving assessment of aging rate for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The new biomarker allows for the measurement of biological vs chronological age. Further research is necessary to maximize the evaluation of lifestyle change effects on biological age using DNAm clocks.