Latest news with #healthprofessionals
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
America on life support as 'ally' launches huge sabotage operation... and the results are terrifying
A so-called friendly neighbor is quietly siphoning off America's most essential workers — and experts warn it could deal a catastrophic blow to an already crumbling US healthcare system. Canada is aggressively poaching doctors, nurses and health professionals, offering simpler systems, universal care and a political climate many in the liberal-leaning field may prefer to life under President Donald Trump.
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
What is ‘fibermaxxing'? 5 health benefits of the new nutrition trend
Called the new gut-health glow-up, 'fibermaxxing' is a nutrition trend based on boosting your daily fibre intake to help with weight loss or weight management, optimise digestion, and lower the risk of chronic diseases. The TikTok hashtag #fibermaxxing has been used over 157 million times – according to video generator platform SendShort – and has been getting lots of attention on Instagram and YouTube. While experts often criticise social media wellness trends, this one has won many health professionals' seal of approval. Below, two experts explain why and how to tap into this trend for its many benefits. Fibre is a type of complex carbohydrate found in plant foods that does not get digested or absorbed in our small intestine. 'Common sources include whole grains , like brown rice, oats, quinoa and barley; legumes, like chickpeas, beans and lentils; fresh and dried fruit; vegetables; and nuts and seeds,' says Denise Tam, a Hong Kong-based holistic nutritionist. Seaweed and air-popped popcorn are good sources, too, she adds, though these are less commonly thought of.
Health Line
6 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Are Vegetable and Seed Oils Bad for Your Health?
While these oils can be a healthy source of fat, some varieties are better choices than others. That said, the often-mentioned adverse effects of omega-6 fats may not be as clear as previously believed. The consumption of vegetable oils has increased dramatically in the past century. Most mainstream health professionals consider them healthy, but vegetable oils may cause health problems. Their health effects vary depending on what fatty acids they contain, what plants they are extracted from, and how they are processed. This article examines the evidence to determine whether vegetable and seed oils harm your health. What are they and how are they made? Edible oils extracted from plants are commonly known as vegetable oils. In addition to their use in cooking and baking, they're found in processed foods, including salad dressings, margarine, mayonnaise, and cookies. Common vegetable oils include safflower oil, soybean oil, and canola oil. Refined vegetable oils were not available until the 20th century, when the technology to extract them became available. These are extracted from plants using either a chemical solvent or an oil mill. Then they are often purified, refined, and sometimes chemically altered. Health-conscious consumers prefer oils made by crushing or pressing plants or seeds rather than those produced using chemicals. Consumption has increased drastically In the past century, vegetable oil consumption has increased at the expense of other fats like butter. They are often labeled 'heart-healthy' and recommended as an alternative to sources of saturated fat, such as butter, lard, and tallow. Vegetable oils are considered heart-healthy because studies consistently link polyunsaturated fat to a reduced risk of heart problems compared with saturated fat. Despite their potential health benefits, some scientists worry about how much of these oils people consume. As explained in the next chapter, these concerns mainly apply to oils that contain a high amount of omega-6 fats. What do we know about omega-6? It's important to note that not all plant oils are bad for your health. For example, avocado oil and olive oil are both excellent choices. Both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, meaning that you need some of them in your diet because your body can't produce them. Throughout evolution, humans got omega-6 and omega-3 in a certain ratio. While this ratio differed between populations, it's estimated to have been about 1:1. However, in the past century or so, this ratio in the Western diet has shifted dramatically and may be as high as 20:1. Older research has hypothesized that too much omega-6 relative to omega-3 may contribute to chronic inflammation. On the other hand, a more recent study from 2025 did not show a connection between higher omega-6 consumption and inflammation. Chronic inflammation is an underlying factor in some of the most common Western diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. Observational studies have also associated a high intake of omega-6 fat with an increased risk of heart disease. However, these associations don't necessarily imply a causal relationship. In fact, the evidence for omega-6 being detrimental to human health is mixed. Some studies investigating the effects of omega-6 fat consumption generally do not support the idea that these fats increase inflammation. For instance, eating a lot of linoleic acid, which is the most common omega-6 fat, doesn't appear to affect blood levels of inflammatory markers. Consider limiting plant oils high in omega-6, as well as processed foods that contain these plant oils, which include: soybean oil corn oil cottonseed oil sunflower oil peanut oil sesame oil rice bran oil Scientists do not fully understand the effects of omega-6 fats on the body, and more human studies are needed. However, if you are concerned, it is more important to limit processed foods high in omega-6 fats, such as baked treats, chips, deep-fried fast foods, or takeout meals, as these have a more direct and proven effect on health. Current studies remain inconclusive about the actual impact of avoiding vegetable oils when cooking at home on health. These oils are easily oxidized Saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fats differ by the number of double bonds their chemical structures contain: Saturated fats: no double bonds Monounsaturated fats: one double bond Polyunsaturated fats: two or more double bonds The problem with polyunsaturated fats is that all these double bonds make them susceptible to oxidation. The fatty acids react with oxygen in the atmosphere and start deteriorating. The fat you eat isn't only stored as fat tissue or burned for energy ; it is also incorporated into cell membranes. If your body contains a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids, your cell membranes are more sensitive to oxidation. In short, you have a very high level of fragile fatty acids that can easily be degraded to form harmful compounds called free radicals, which can cause cell damage. For this reason, it may be best to eat polyunsaturated fats in moderation. Vary your diet by eating a mix of healthy saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats. The USDA 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend aiming for 20-35% of total daily calories from fats, with no more than 10% of these calories coming from saturated fat. They are sometimes high in trans fats Commercial vegetable oils may also contain trans fats, which form when the oils are hydrogenated. Food producers use hydrogenation to harden vegetable oils, making them solid like butter at room temperature. Margarines are no longer full of trans fats since the FDA ban on trans fats in 2015, which went into effect in 2018, with an extended deadline of 2020 for some food manufacturers. However, some margarines may still contain a small amount of trans fat, so it's important to read the nutrition label. However, non-hydrogenated vegetable oils may also contain some trans fats. However, it's important to note that naturally occurring trans fats found in non-hydrogenated oils are less detrimental to health than industrial trans fats. Also, natural trans fats are found in very small amounts compared to hydrogenated oils. One 2015 study found extremely low amounts of trans fats (less than a quarter of 1%) in vegetable cooking oils. A high intake of trans fats is associated with all sorts of chronic diseases, including heart disease, obesity, cancer, and diabetes. If a product lists hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oil as an ingredient, it likely contains trans fats. For optimal health, avoid these products, although with the trans fat ban, they are likely to be present only in very small amounts now. Vegetable oils and heart disease The reason is that vegetable oils are generally low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated fat. The benefits of reduced saturated fat intake are controversial. However, studies show that reducing saturated fat intake for at least 2 years reduces the risk of heart problems by 21%, but it has no significant effects on the risk of death from heart disease. Furthermore, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids appear to have a greater benefit than omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The omega-6 linoleic acid has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease. However, it is important to be vigilant about avoiding highly refined vegetable oils and processed foods that contain these oils. Our food environment makes it very easy for us to get more than enough omega-6-rich vegetable oils. We can control how we prepare food at home, so in an effort to practice moderation, it may be a good idea to choose other oils that are lower in omega-6 content, like olive oil or avocado oil. There is a lot of evidence on the benefits of olive oil on heart health.
The Guardian
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Five free, easy ways to fight chronic inflammation
Inflammation – the body's evolutionary response to infection, injury, or other threats – has been a trending topic in the health world. Some scientists have even called inflammation 'the cause of all diseases'. But what actually causes inflammation, and what fights it? In some contexts, inflammation is good. When the body faces an acute threat – say, an ear infection or a sprained ankle, it responds with acute inflammation – an immune system process marked by fever, swelling and pain in the affected area. But in the face of chronic threats – say, from trauma or job stress, acute inflammation can become chronic, and the immune, stress and cardiometabolic responses can become dysregulated. Research links chronic inflammation with low mood, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular risks, and a range of health conditions, including depression and dementia. A growing number of products and routines – like red light masks and de-puffing regimens – claim to fight the signs of inflammation. Many nutritional methods have proven to help chronic inflammation, too – such as eating a vegetable-heavy Mediterranean diet or more whole grains and omega-3-rich fish. But cost and access issues can get in the way of these solutions. Plus, they may not address a major root cause, as increasing evidence says chronic stress can induce chronic inflammation. To prevent and manage chronic stress, more health professionals are offering 'social prescriptions', or referrals to non-medical, community-based, de-stressing activities. Often, these activities are free or the costs are covered by another party, like an insurer or local non-profit. Dr Alan Siegel, executive director of non-profit Social Prescribing USA and a family physician at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, has prescribed community walks, painting classes and museum visits to his patients for over two decades. 'Whether somebody walks into my office with type 2 diabetes or depression, I've seen how social prescriptions can help patients truly heal and adopt healthier lifestyles in the long-term.' Over 30 countries and a dozen US states have social prescribing programs, which have led to improved health and reduced pressure on healthcare. But even without a doctor's note or a thick wallet, anyone can engage in these scientifically backed anti-inflammatory activities. Spend time in nature Forest-bathing – engaging in natural environments with all five senses – is a known wellbeing booster. But according to Dr Qing Li, professor of clinical medicine at Nippon Medical school in Tokyo, forest bathing can also help support healthy functioning of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, a key player in controlling the stress and inflammation response. 'Forest environments can promote relaxation and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the 'rest and digest' functions,' says Dr. Li. It can also reduce activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the 'fight or flight' responses. By helping to prevent and manage stress, forest bathing can also help prevent and manage chronic inflammation. A series of Li's studies show that forest bathing can reduce the stress hormones cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. Other research similarly finds time in nature can reduce physiological markers of stress, like cortisol, and the perception of stress. One study found just 20 minutes of nature per day can make a difference in stress levels. Engage with art and music Art can also promote relief from chronic stress. In one study, healthy adults who participated in a 45-minute art-making session saw significantly lower levels of cortisol afterward. Feelings of stress are related to a loss of control, says Dr Girija Kaimal, professor of creative arts therapies at Drexel University, who co-authored the study. Creating art helps us feel like 'there's something we have a sense of agency over' and 'lets us take charge of the distress'. The study's participants self-reported that they found art-making relaxing, enjoyable, 'freeing from constraints', and conducive to flow and self-discovery. 'Distraction is a great initial coping mechanism to help us calm down after a stressful event, but art can help us dig deeper – it helps us pay attention to what distressed us, and it'll help the next time something similar sets us off,' says Kaimal. It's important to create 'the kind of art that speaks to you,' says Kaimal – whether it's writing, dancing, or drawing – and skill level doesn't matter. 'You want to get into a judgment-free zone where you can play and have fun without consequences.' A growing body of research suggests experiencing art, not just creating it, can also promote inflammation reduction. Some research has found listening to music, for instance, can reduce blood pressure and cortisol. Researchers at the University of Florida have been documenting the health benefits of engaging with the arts, with some studies suggesting just one to three hours of related activity per week can reduce risk of depression and cognitive decline. skip past newsletter promotion Sign up to Well Actually Free weekly newsletter Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life Enter your email address Sign up Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy . We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion Move your body Beyond reducing stress, exercise is linked to a number of other anti-inflammatory benefits. This makes sense from an evolutionary perspective because bodily movement was often linked with fighting a predator or fighting for our lives, says Dr. Michael Gleeson, emeritus professor of exercise biochemistry at Loughborough University. 'The body puts its survival first,' and temporarily inhibits the inflammatory response so it can use energy more efficiently, he says. In his co-authored research, Gleeson suggests exercise not only induces an anti-inflammatory environment in the short-term, but may also reduce visceral fat mass in the long-term. The accumulation of visceral fat can drive and worsen chronic inflammation by promoting development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and other diseases linked to physical inactivity. Other research finds that exercise can significantly reduce production of pro-inflammatory proteins, like CRP and IL-6, and increase anti-inflammatory proteins, like IL-10. To reap these and other benefits, the World Health Organization recommends adults spend at least 150 minutes each week on moderate aerobic activity, like brisk walking and cycling, or 75 minutes on vigorous activity, like running, Zumba or sports. A longitudinal study finds sports involving social interaction – such as tennis, badminton and soccer – are best at promoting health and longevity. Support other people Because cooperation with others has historically been essential for survival, our bodies have evolved to respond to the absence of social connections. The late neuroscientist Dr John Cacioppo compares this evolutionary response to hunger. Just as hunger signals the absence of energy and nutrients and cues the body to find food, loneliness signals the absence of social connections, and cues us to seek out or repair relationships. That's why multiple studies link feelings of loneliness and social isolation to a range of stress responses, including increased pro-inflammatory proteins and dysregulated cortisol function. Conversely, studies link high levels of social support to lower cortisol, and link social activities like volunteering and giving social support to lower pro-inflammatory proteins. Experience 'awe' Within all of these activities, the experience of awe – a feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends our current understanding of the world – can also reduce inflammation. Dr Jennifer Stellar, a professor of psychology at University of Toronto, co-authored a study that links awe to greater positive affect and lower inflammatory proteins. Further research is underway but Stellar suggests 'that positive emotions can undo the effects of negative emotions, and negative emotions are associated with inflammation'. Another reason is that 'awe makes us feel connected to others, and social connection has been documented to act as a buffer against inflammatory responses.' So how can you encounter awe? Her co-author, Dr Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at University of Berkeley California and renowned awe expert, says that it can result from engagement with the 'eight wonders of life': the moral beauty of others, nature, collective movement, music, visual design, spirituality and religion, big ideas, and the cycle of life and death.
CNET
16-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
Apple Cider Vinegar: Dosage, Benefits and Key Precautions You Should Know
You've probably heard about apple cider vinegar, likely from a friend, the news or on social media. It's been growing in popularity for some time now, and people are making themselves ACV-based drinks to try and reap some of its health benefits. Historically, apple cider vinegar has been used as a medicine and food preservative, but that doesn't mean it's a miracle cure. We spoke to the experts to get to the bottom of what apple cider vinegar can and cannot do. Here's what they had to say. Taste-Testing 6 Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks Taste-Testing 6 Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 1:32 Loaded : 38.57% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 1:32 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Taste-Testing 6 Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks What is apple cider vinegar? When you combine apples, sugar and yeast and allow it to ferment, it creates apple cider vinegar. Over several weeks, the yeast will digest the sugar to make alcohol. Once this happens, natural bacteria will turn the alcohol into acetic acid, which gives apple cider vinegar its pungent odor and taste. You have two options when you buy apple cider vinegar: filtered and pasteurized, or raw and unfiltered. The cloudy sediment that collects in the bottom of the bottle is "the mother," which is a combination of bacteria and yeast. Some speculate that the mother is what provides the health benefits, as it contains trace amounts of healthy bacteria and probiotics. Apple cider vinegar can be used in the kitchen, around the home and for your health as a: Cleaner Dandruff treatment Denture cleaner Deodorizer Dressing or vinaigrette Facial toner Fruit and vegetable wash Hair rinse Marinade Mouthwash Preservative Weed killer Anna Gragert/CNET 4 potential apple cider vinegar health benefits Although more research is needed, several small and medium-sized studies show the benefits of apple cider vinegar for some health issues and as a potential weight loss aid. 1. May help control blood sugar and diabetes Up to 95% of diabetics have type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type 2 diabetes occurs from insulin resistance, which is "when cells in the body don't respond properly to insulin, which leads to increased levels of sugar or glucose in the blood," according to Amelia Ti, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator in NYC. Even if you don't have diabetes, it's best to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can improve insulin response and lower blood sugar levels after meals. Consuming apple cider vinegar before going to sleep has also been shown to reduce fasting blood sugar after waking. Make sure to talk with your doctor before consuming ACV if you have diabetes, especially if you're on medication because of potential side effects. "ACV alone will not lower blood sugar levels and should not be considered a substitute for diabetes medications," Ti said. 2. Kills harmful bacteria Those looking to preserve food naturally may want to consider using apple cider vinegar. It is a known pathogen killer, which includes microbes like staph and candida. Vinegar is a popular preservative in Korea because it can prevent E. coli and norovirus from growing in food. E. coli can cause food poisoning when consumed but the bactericidal effects of the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can prevent it from occurring. 3. Could lead to weight loss Another benefit of apple cider vinegar that may be useful is its ability to help with weight loss. When taken before or during a meal, ACV has been shown to help with satiety (the feeling of fullness). In one study, participants ate approximately 200 to 275 fewer calories when apple cider vinegar was combined with a meal. In three months, participants taking one to two tablespoons of ACV per day saw up to 3.7 pounds in weight loss and a reduction in body fat. 4. Might improve cholesterol levels High cholesterol and triglyceride levels can increase your risk of heart disease. Incorporating up to an ounce of apple cider vinegar into your day, along with a lower-calorie diet, may reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides while also increasing HDL "good" cholesterol. Those with type 2 diabetes may also see positive results on their total cholesterol and triglyceride levels when adding a half ounce of ACV to their diet. Potential apple cider vinegar side effects Although there are benefits of apple cider vinegar use, there are also potential side effects to consider. The high acidity can strip tooth enamel, which won't come back once it's gone. If you drink it undiluted, it may cause damage to your esophagus or throat. Here are some other potential side effects of apple cider vinegar: Can cause esophageal (throat) burns or ulcers when consumed in excess Can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) Can cause nausea or vomiting Can interact with diuretics, insulin and other medications Can weaken tooth enamel Watering it down with water or juice not only makes ACV more palatable but it can also reduce the risk of damaging your throat and teeth. Combining one or two tablespoons with either may also cure an upset stomach. Marisa Moore, a registered dietitian nutritionist, also advises, "It's important to remember that no one food is a silver bullet. If you choose to incorporate apple cider vinegar, do so safely and with a focus on maintaining a balanced whole diet for your overall health and well-being." How much apple cider vinegar should you drink daily? Apple cider vinegar dosage depends on the reason you're using it. In general, Ti says, "I recommend 1 teaspoon to tablespoon ACV diluted in 6-8 ounces of warm water before meals." If you want to drink it, dilute it with water or your favorite juice or tea. You can also eat it by incorporating it in your favorite foods, especially dressings, vinaigrettes and even when making your own mayonnaise. There are also premade apple cider vinegar drinks, which may make ACV more pleasant to taste. You can find these drinks from brands such as Bragg, Poppi, Remedy and Sidekick Sodas. Local health stores and even grocery stores may carry these, so keep an eye out if you're interested in apple cider vinegar drinks. You can also add a cup or two to a bath for skin issues. Mixing a tablespoon of ACV with a cup of water, and then soaking gauze or cotton in the solution can make a wet wrap. To use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse, combine up to two tablespoons with a cup of water, then pour over the hair after shampooing. Wait five minutes, then rinse. It can be drying, so use it sparingly. ACV can also irritate the scalp, so a weaker dilution may be better. Annick Vanderschelden/Moment/Getty Images The bottom line Some studies have found the benefits of apple cider vinegar but we need more research to definitively prove how beneficial it is. It may help with weight loss, controlling type 2 diabetes, blood sugar and cholesterol and it can also prevent harmful bacteria growth on foods. Drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause tooth enamel erosion or throat damage. Mixing ACV with water or juice before consuming it can prevent damage to the teeth and throat. As with any natural remedy, speak with your doctor before trying apple cider vinegar and do a skin test before using it on your skin. "Remember that the advantages of adopting an overall healthy lifestyle (e.g. nutritious and balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular physical activity/movement, good sleep, stress management, etc.) are far greater than those of any single food, drink, or supplement," Ti said. "There is no quick fix and ACV is definitely not a miracle solution."
