A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in PLOS ONE aimed to evaluate the psychological, cognitive, and physiological effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) in healthy adults. The study synthesised data from 11 randomised controlled trials encompassing 3,177 participants who engaged in CWI through methods such as cold showers, ice baths, or plunges in water temperatures at or…
An article published in Nature by science journalist Max Kozlov describes the results of a recent study that has found a potential link between microplastics and serious health issues like heart attack, stroke, and even death. Here’s a breakdown of the key points: It’s important to note that this is the first study of its…
A New Scientist article published last year delves into the exciting potential of the vagus nerve to transform health. The vagus nerve, the longest nerve in the body, acts as a superhighway, connecting the brain to numerous organs like the heart, lungs, and stomach. Recent research is unveiling its crucial role in regulating various bodily…
Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is a critical component in maintaining optimal musculoskeletal health. It plays a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of healthy bones and muscles. This essay explores the intricate relationship between vitamin D and musculoskeletal health, focusing on its impact on bone density, muscle function, inflammation,…
The health of our joints is essential for maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle. However, as people age, joint problems such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and general wear and tear become more common. In this context, dietary supplements have gained popularity as a means to support and enhance joint health. This essay delves deeper into…
Valter Longo et al. recently published a paper that examined research on the relationships between nutrition, health and longevity. Here are some of the main components of a longevity diet: mid to high carbohydrate intake (45-60%) – mostly non-refined fat intake (25-35%) – mostly plant-based low protein intake (10-15%) – mostly plant-based but includes regular…
Last month Reynolds et al. published an article in The Lancet that looked into the relationship between carbohydrate quality and health. They carried out a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses that evaluated around 135 million person-years of data from 185 prospective studies as well as 58 clinical trials with 4635 adults. They found that…
Yesterday professor Banach, from the Medical University of Lodz in Poland, released the findings of his research at the European Society of Cardiology. The prospective study looked at the relationship between low carbohydrate diets, all-cause mortality and deaths specifically from coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer. The study group consisted of almost 25,000 adults from…
A group of researchers led by Per Ladenvall (University of Gothenburg in Sweden) have looked into the relationship between physical capacity and health. They studied 800 middle-aged men over a period of 45 years. Physical fitness was measured by VO2 max. The results showed that low physical fitness is a greater risk of death than high…
Would you like to live longer? Of course! I can remember as a child having what could initially appear as a morbid fascination for cemeteries. I used to drag my parents into each and every cemetery we walked or drove by…just so I could calculate how long people had lived! Perhaps my curiosity in longevity…