The hottest Health & Wellness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Movers and Shakers: Bas Bloem

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 515 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Neurology Parkinson's Research Healthcare Optimism
  1. Bas Bloem wants to eliminate Parkinson's disease so he can make himself unemployed. He believes that it's possible to make significant advances in treating and understanding the condition.
  2. Environmental factors, especially pesticides, may play a major role in causing Parkinson's. Bas argues that banning harmful substances could help reduce the disease's prevalence.
  3. The healthcare system in the Netherlands is more efficient for Parkinson's treatment, with less waiting time for patients. They focus on teamwork among specialists to provide comprehensive care.

The Gut-Brain Axis Takes Center Stage

Ground Truths • 13472 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Gut Health Mental health Nutrition Medical Research Chronic diseases
  1. The gut and brain communicate in many ways, affecting our mood and health. Hormones produced in the gut and gut bacteria play a huge role in this relationship.
  2. Recent studies show how gut inflammation can lead to brain inflammation, which may explain some neurological issues. This connection makes it important to take care of our gut health.
  3. New medications targeting gut hormones are being developed, offering potential treatment for conditions like obesity and Alzheimer's disease. These discoveries could change how we think about health and medicine.

The Barefoot Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Nutrition Mental health Physical therapy Wellbeing
  1. Running barefoot can help you feel the ground better and improve your natural running form. This connection can reduce the chances of getting hurt.
  2. Proprioception, or your body's awareness of its position and movement, is enhanced when you run without bulky shoes. With less padding, you get better feedback from the ground.
  3. Even though many places don't allow running barefoot, it's possible to find ways to get that natural feel for your feet, like running on grass or sand when you can.

Needles You Say?

Situation Normal • 64 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Pain management Mental health Physical therapy Well-being
  1. Fear of needles can be really strong, and it can stop people from trying medical treatments. But sometimes, dealing with pain might push you to face that fear.
  2. Acupuncture can be an effective way to relieve pain, even if you're scared of needles. Many people find that it helps them feel better physically and gives them more confidence about their bodies.
  3. Finding a good practitioner, like through reviews or recommendations, can really help. A good experience can turn you into a believer in new treatments you were once afraid to try.

Gentle Math for Meditators: Vibration

Superb Owl • 6044 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Meditation Science Psychology Wellness Mindfulness
  1. Everything around us vibrates, and our experiences—like thoughts and feelings—are made up of different vibrations. Understanding this can help us better describe our mental states.
  2. Waves and circles are key concepts in understanding how vibrations work. These shapes help us visualize and relate to how things move and behave in cycles.
  3. We can create different sounds and movements by combining waves. Each wave has its own properties, like size and speed, and by mixing them, we can create complex patterns like music.
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It's OK not to be fat

Noahpinion • 30000 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss Obesity Mental health Technology
  1. Losing weight can be more about paying attention to what you eat rather than just having strong willpower. Being mindful of how much you eat and when you stop can make it easier to lose weight.
  2. Technological solutions, like certain weight-loss drugs, may be better at addressing obesity than social solutions. These medications can help suppress appetite and lead to effective and sustainable weight loss.
  3. Weight loss doesn't have to be a moral or self-worth issue. It's just a matter of managing hunger and attention, and using tools to simplify the process can free up time for more important things.

Covid still quiet, measles, ticks, smoke, EMTALA, and seed oil confusion

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1232 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Healthcare policy Nutrition Environmental health
  1. A new class of antibiotics has been approved for treating urinary tract infections, which is great news in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
  2. Measles cases are rising in several states, especially among unvaccinated children, highlighting the importance of vaccination during summer travel.
  3. Wildfire smoke from Canada is affecting air quality in many areas, so it's smart to check local air quality levels and take safety precautions when needed.

Why Bother Checking? Halloween Candy Is Already Full of Poisons.

The Society of Problem Solvers • 359 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Chronic Illness Health Education Public Health
  1. Many popular candies contain harmful ingredients like seed oils and food dyes, which can affect health negatively. It's important to pay attention to what's really in our food.
  2. Instead of just worrying about safety from external dangers, we should recognize that the candies we buy might already be unhealthy. Eating the right foods can lead to better health outcomes.
  3. Solving health problems is possible with the right changes in diet and lifestyle. A focused approach like the Carnivore diet could help improve chronic health issues.

The Drivers of Age-Related Diseases

Ground Truths • 11154 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Immunology Inflammation Nutrition Lifestyle
  1. Our immune system and inflammation change as we age. This affects our health and can lead to age-related diseases.
  2. New research shows that tracking certain proteins and genetic markers can help predict health issues related to aging. This could help us focus on ways to stay healthier longer.
  3. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and sleep are important for maintaining a strong immune system and reducing inflammation, which can extend our healthy years.

Matthew Walker: Promoting Our Sleep Health

Ground Truths • 5074 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Nutrition Physical health
  1. Sleep is essential for our well-being, just like food, air, and water. It helps us stay healthy and even affects our social interactions; being tired can make us feel lonely or less likable.
  2. Quality of sleep matters just as much as quantity. Good sleep means not just clocking hours but also having uninterrupted and restful nights.
  3. New sleep medications are being developed that may enhance sleep quality without the downsides of older drugs. These could potentially lead to better brain health and help clear waste from the brain.

Do blue-blocking glasses improve sleep?

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 625 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Sleep Nutrition Mental health Wellbeing Lifestyle
  1. Blue-blocking glasses may help increase melatonin levels, especially when you're exposed to bright light at night. This means they could help you feel sleepier.
  2. The evidence on whether blue-blocking glasses improve overall sleep quality is mixed. Some studies show a small improvement, while others show little or no effect.
  3. Instead of wearing blue-blocking glasses, it might be better to reduce blue light in your environment, like using dim, warm-colored lights at night.

Movers and Shakers: Help!

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 892 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Chronic Illness Caregiving Health Policies Mental health
  1. Parkinson's disease can progress in ways that become very hard for patients and caregivers. It's important to prepare for these changes to ensure proper care and support.
  2. There are resources and help available for those caring for someone with Parkinson's, like occupational therapy and local support groups. Connecting with others can provide useful information and comfort.
  3. If you live outside of areas with great services, reach out to your local Parkinson's group and keep the Parkinson’s UK helpline number handy for expert advice.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #149

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 168 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Policies Pharmaceuticals Medical treatments Public Health
  1. A new HIV prevention drug called Yeztugo was approved by the FDA. It only needs two shots a year and is very effective at keeping people virus-free.
  2. Lilly is buying Verve Therapeutics to create one-time gene editing treatments for high cholesterol. This could help many people without needing daily medication.
  3. Waymo is planning to test its self-driving cars in New York City. They're aiming to eventually offer robotaxi services in the busy city.

Open Thread: What are your most helpful ideas for difficult times?

Everything Is Amazing • 1642 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Life Advice Self-care Personal Growth Community support
  1. Most people are generally good, and if they're not, it's often because they're scared. This helps us understand and forgive others better.
  2. It's important to focus on what you stand for instead of just what you oppose. This creates a positive environment for discussion and teamwork.
  3. When you feel anxious, try doing something physically active. It can help clear your mind and improve your mood.

Runners I Know: Nancy Martin

Running Probably • 159 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Aging Nutrition Mental health Lifestyle
  1. Staying active as you age is really important. Nancy believes that if people moved more when they were younger, they would have better mobility as they get older.
  2. You can adapt your exercise routine to fit your abilities. Nancy shows that even if you give up certain activities, you can find new ways to stay active, like walking or doing water aerobics.
  3. It's okay to make adjustments and acknowledge your limits. Nancy emphasizes that you should keep moving and adapt to your current abilities to stay healthy.

Compared to what?

Experimental Fat Loss • 120 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Diets Weight Loss Nutrition Metabolism
  1. When comparing diets, remember that starting weight matters a lot. Losing weight is usually easier for those who weigh more at the start.
  2. Water weight can trick you; some diets may cause you to lose water instead of fat. It's important to understand what's really happening with your body.
  3. Everyone's body is different, so a diet that works for one person might not work for another. Don't feel discouraged if something doesn’t work for you just because it works for someone else.

In a World Without Medicine, These Plants Could Save Your Life

OK Doomer • 340 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Herbal Medicine Infection Control Preventive Care Public Health Natural remedies
  1. Plants can be powerful for health, especially when medicine isn't available. They can help fight infections and offer protection against illnesses.
  2. Some plant compounds are effective, like star anise, which works similarly to certain medications. Always check with a doctor before using them, especially if you're on other meds.
  3. Current events like vaccine delays remind us to look into natural alternatives. Researching these plant-based options can prepare us for uncertain times.

'Aging is another word for living'

What Do We Do Now That We're Here? • 4220 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Mental health Parenting Self-care Lifestyle
  1. Aging should be seen as a natural part of life, not something to fear or fight against. Embracing the changes can lead to more joy and freedom.
  2. Taking short breaks for self-care can really improve your mood and relationships. It's important to carve out time for yourself, even if it's just a little.
  3. You don’t always have to keep your options wide open. Sometimes, making firm choices can lead to more happiness rather than feeling stuck in endless possibilities.

Pulling Out The Big Guns For Needle Phobia In An Insane World Where Nobody Seems To Take It Seriously

Knowingless • 1121 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Anxiety Medical treatment Self-help
  1. Needle phobia can be very serious and isn't always taken seriously by others. This fear can lead to panic attacks and avoidance of medical care.
  2. Exposure therapy often doesn't help with severe needle phobia. Finding alternatives like distraction or numbing methods can be more effective for managing panic.
  3. Techniques like ice packs and specialized devices can significantly reduce the pain associated with needles. Experimenting with different methods can lead to better results and less anxiety.

What are ultra-processed foods, really?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1591 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Public Health Dietary Guidelines Food Science Health Research
  1. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can be convenient and affordable, but they are often linked to health issues like obesity and heart disease. It's important to know that not all processed foods are bad; some can actually be nutritious.
  2. Research shows that diets high in UPFs may lead to overeating and poorer health, but the exact reasons for this aren't fully understood yet. The type of UPF matters, with sugary drinks and processed meats being the most harmful.
  3. To eat healthier, you can look for foods with lower added sugars and sodium, while being mindful of marketing claims. Sometimes, it’s okay to include UPFs in your diet, especially when they meet your specific needs.

Je dis que je suis malade au lieu de dépressif

L'Atelier Galita • 159 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Depression Wellness strategies Emotional Support
  1. Many people experience depression, and it's a real illness like a cold. It's surprising how many people have gone through it but don't talk about it openly.
  2. When explaining depression, people often bring up misunderstandings about mental illness. Saying 'I'm sick' instead can make it easier for others to understand without complicating things.
  3. We shouldn't treat depression any less seriously than physical illnesses. Just like we don't hesitate to take medicine for a cold, the same understanding should apply to mental health issues.

How Psychological Distress Globally Accelerated Among Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

After Babel • 691 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Youth Issues Crisis response Global trends
  1. Youth mental health issues have greatly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Many more young people are reporting feelings of anxiety and depression now than before.
  2. The rise in mental health complaints among adolescents has been particularly high for girls. Almost 60% of girls experience mental health complaints regularly.
  3. Different countries show varying levels of mental health issues among youth. Cultural and societal factors play a big role in how these problems are experienced in different places.

Are You Struggling With Your Own Screen Time? 

After Babel • 2596 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Digital detox Self-care Technology impact
  1. It's important to figure out why you want to reduce your screen time before trying to change your habits. Knowing your goals will help you stay motivated.
  2. To spend less time on your phone, reconnect with real life by seeking fun and interesting activities outside of screens. This makes you less likely to reach for your device.
  3. Make your phone boring by deleting tempting apps and reducing notifications. This way, you'll be less distracted and more present in your daily life.

Un protocole de ménage

L'Atelier Galita • 259 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Lifestyle Stress management
  1. Cleaning can feel overwhelming, but focusing on just five categories of clutter can make it easier. These are trash, dishes, laundry, items out of place, and items that have no place.
  2. It's okay to be messy sometimes, as long as everything has a designated spot. Being organized doesn’t mean everything looks perfect, but it does mean you can find what you need.
  3. A simple cleaning protocol can help you tackle messiness without stress. Breaking chores into small, manageable steps makes maintaining a clean space much easier.

Stop Dumbscrolling. It's Bad for Your Mental Health.

OK Doomer • 178 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Social media Behavioral Health Self-care Lifestyle
  1. Dumbscrolling is when you mindlessly scroll through content that makes you feel smarter by looking at others' mistakes. It's not good for your mental health.
  2. This habit can lead to negativity both personally and socially. It encourages us to judge others instead of focusing on ourselves.
  3. Instead of dumbscrolling, we should aim to engage with positive and meaningful content that helps us grow and connect with others.

Sleep, Diet, Exercise and GLP-1 Drugs

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2688 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Exercise Pharmaceuticals Mental health
  1. GLP-1 drugs can be very effective for weight loss, and many people are seeing good results from them. They have contributed to a noticeable drop in obesity rates among those who use them, especially college graduates.
  2. Willpower plays an important role in personal fitness and dieting. While using willpower can be tough, it also has positive effects on self-discipline and can lead to healthier habits over time.
  3. It's vital to find joy in exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Enjoyable activities make it easier to stick to fitness routines and achieve overall well-being.

Behind the Screens: How Mental Health Professionals Can Help Teens Struggling with Social Media Use

After Babel • 787 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Adolescents
  1. Social media can really impact teens' mental health, both positively and negatively. It can create a space for connection but also promote harmful behaviors like bullying and self-harm.
  2. Mental health professionals need to adapt their approaches to include teens' online activities and how these affect their well-being. It's important to discuss what they're doing on social media and how it makes them feel.
  3. Just reducing social media use isn’t enough; it’s also vital to help teens find healthier activities that fulfill their emotional needs. This way, they can still engage with social media positively without letting it control their lives.

Last chance to join Creating Space!

Tech and Tea • 49 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Journaling Personal Development Coaching
  1. Creating Space is a 6-week journaling course designed to help people clear their minds and find more balance in life.
  2. The course encourages participants to take it at their own pace, offering optional prompts and private reflections without pressure.
  3. There are fun features like badges for completing prompts and a custom AI-generated report that summarizes your writing journey to help identify personal themes.

Ménage et autocompassion

L'Atelier Galita • 119 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Personal Development Compassion
  1. Self-compassion is important when it comes to managing your home. Instead of feeling ashamed about the mess, try to view it as a sign of being alive and engaged in life.
  2. How you talk to yourself about cleaning matters. Focus on the benefits of having a tidy space rather than judging yourself morally for not keeping up.
  3. Everyone has different skills when it comes to cleaning. Recognizing that it's a learned ability can help you feel less pressured and more at peace with your own cleaning journey.

the cure for shame is...

Both Are True • 99 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Fitness Nutrition Self-care Personal Growth
  1. Tracking numbers can make us feel like our worth is based on data, like weight or followers. But this often leads to shame and obsession.
  2. There’s more to our value than just the metrics we obsess over. Personal experiences, feelings, and connections also matter a lot.
  3. It's important to talk about our struggles with shame and analytics because many people experience this but don’t discuss it openly.

Our Sleep, Brain Aging, and Waste Clearance

Ground Truths • 17890 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Effects
  1. Sleep is crucial for keeping our brains clean and healthy by helping to remove waste. During deep sleep, our brains operate like a dishwasher, flushing out harmful proteins and toxins.
  2. The brain has a system called the glymphatic pathway that works best when we sleep. This system helps drain waste and keeps our brain functioning well as we age.
  3. Poor sleep is linked to brain aging and diseases like Alzheimer's. As we get older, our ability to clear waste from the brain declines, making quality sleep even more important.

Not Being Absurd

Living Fossils • 11 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Philosophy Human behavior Absurdism
  1. The world can be really absurd and confusing, and this makes it hard to find sanity. Sometimes, people act weird not because they are silly, but because they're trying to make sense of a strange situation.
  2. Therapists are supposed to help people understand their feelings and lives, but sometimes they make things more complicated by sticking to fixed ideas or styles of therapy. It's important for them to be open and honest instead of pretending to have all the answers.
  3. In an increasingly complex world, what many people really want is someone who can relate to their struggles and help them feel less crazy. Therapists should aim to connect on a personal level, rather than just find solutions based on rigid methods.

How Our Gut Microbiome Can Drive Sugar Cravings

Ground Truths • 15222 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Microbiome Nutrition Psychology Diabetes Physiology
  1. Our gut bacteria can influence our cravings for sugar. Specific bacteria in our gut send signals to our brain that can make us want more sweets.
  2. The molecule Ffar4 in our gut plays a big role in how much we like sugar. When this is less active, we might crave sugar more.
  3. A certain type of gut bacteria, called Bacteroides vulgatus, is linked to an increased desire for sugar. Understanding this can help us figure out how to control cravings better.

Perhaps You Would Be a Little Touchy Too

Freddie deBoer • 16429 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Disability Psychiatry Therapy Identity politics
  1. Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood, with many thinking mood swings happen quickly, but the truth is they usually take weeks or months. It's important to really understand how the disorder works.
  2. People are increasingly claiming new and unusual diagnoses for mental health issues, which can undermine the seriousness of established conditions. This shift creates confusion and can affect how we view our own experiences.
  3. Claiming a diagnosis can feel liberating for some, but it can also lead to challenges when others misrepresent these conditions. It's tough when what you know to be true about your own illness feels threatened.

On the knife's edge of hope and despair

Jeff Giesea • 598 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Family Dynamics Coping Strategies
  1. Sometimes, you have to accept that you can't fix someone's problems. Letting go can be an act of love, not failure.
  2. There is a thin line between helping and enabling. It's important to know when to step back and allow someone to make their own choices.
  3. People struggling with mental illness or addiction face tough decisions that affect everyone around them. Your support matters, but ultimately, they must choose their path.

7 mythes sur le ménage

L'Atelier Galita • 119 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Lifestyle Choices
  1. Cleaning as you go is a hard skill that not everyone can master right away. It's better to find a cleaning method that feels right for you, rather than stressing yourself out trying to keep up with others.
  2. It's not about keeping things clean for someone else's approval. Cleaning should be about helping yourself feel better and more comfortable in your space.
  3. Organizing your home doesn't have to be about making it look pretty. What's important is that it's functional and works for your lifestyle.

The Updated Red Meat Story

Ground Truths • 13516 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Microbiome Cognition Epidemiology
  1. Eating a lot of red meat can be linked to health issues like heart problems and cancer. Plant-based diets are usually better for overall health.
  2. Studies show that eating more plant-based foods can help balance the risks from red meat. Even small changes can make a difference in gut health.
  3. Replacing red meat with healthier options like nuts or legumes may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.