The hottest Health & Wellness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Sleep, Diet, Exercise and GLP-1 Drugs

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1702 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.

Our Sleep, Brain Aging, and Waste Clearance

Ground Truths • 13253 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.

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.

My Mom Was Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Then She Got Better.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9070 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Caregiving Medical system Family Dynamics
  1. The family faced a tough time after the mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, which came after years of unexplained symptoms. It was a shocking moment for them all, shifting their roles to caregivers.
  2. After a year of uncertainty and prayer, something unexpectedly positive happened that changed their situation. This turn of events felt like a miracle to the family.
  3. The experience highlighted the challenges of the medical system, as the mom had fallen through the cracks but eventually found a solution that helped her condition. It shows the importance of persistence and hope in difficult times.

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.
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YLE milestone, Red Dye #3, air quality in LA, raw cat food, and more on alcohol.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1147 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Nutrition Epidemiology Environmental health Policy
  1. The FDA has banned Red Dye No. 3 from food and drugs because it was linked to cancer in lab animals. Even though it's mostly gone already, some products in stores still have it.
  2. Air quality can be misleading after wildfires. Just because the air is rated as 'healthy' doesn't mean it's safe, as many harmful pollutants might still be present.
  3. Moderate drinking might not be as safe as we thought. Recent reports suggest that even one drink a day could increase health risks, especially if there are other health issues involved.

Your Lab Tests

Ground Truths • 15921 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Lab Tests Data Analysis
  1. Your individual lab results, like the Complete Blood Count (CBC), can vary a lot between people but stay stable for you over time. This means your personal health data can give more accurate insights than just average values used for everyone.
  2. Personalized reference values from CBC tests can help predict health risks better than conventional methods. They show clearer connections to potential diseases and can indicate specific health issues.
  3. Using advanced technology like AI to analyze these personal health metrics could help doctors spot risks early. This approach can enhance patient care by identifying high-risk individuals for proactive health management.

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.

Want to Be Happier? Use These Five Charts to Improve Your Life.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2796 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth Wellbeing Happiness
  1. Happiness comes from many types of wealth, not just money. You should focus on time, social connections, mental well-being, and physical health too.
  2. Reflect on the time you have left with loved ones. Understanding this can help you prioritize your time and who you spend it with.
  3. There's always something more to chase in life, like a bigger boat. Instead of striving for what society tells you to want, figure out what truly matters to you.

The Smoke Detector Principle: The Evolutionary Advantage of Overreaction

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1250 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Anxiety Depression Psychology Evolution
  1. Anxiety is more common in wealthy countries, particularly among educated people with white-collar jobs. It seems to be a problem that affects many people today.
  2. Clinical depression rates have reached a new high, especially among young adults and college students. Understanding depression can be important since it greatly affects people's lives.
  3. Both anxiety and depression have seen significant increases over the past decade. It's crucial to discuss and learn more about these issues to find better ways to cope.

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.

hello anxiety, my old friend

Both Are True • 198 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Anxiety Self-care Personal Growth Emotional Well-being
  1. It's normal to feel anxious while waiting for a response from someone. The uncertainty can make your mind race, imagining different scenarios.
  2. Even though anxiety can feel overwhelming, it's important to remind yourself that things are probably okay. It's just a part of life to face new worries.
  3. Realizing that anxiety may always be there can help you cope with it. Accepting it might make it feel less daunting.

the wince

bookbear express • 1051 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Development Self-reflection
  1. The 'wince' is a feeling we get when we're avoiding things we actually want to do. It's a sign that we care about those things, even if they seem hard or unpleasant.
  2. Recognizing your wince can help you make better choices and create healthy habits. It’s important to figure out whether you should push through the discomfort or let something go.
  3. Everyone experiences fear of hardship, but noticing and facing your wince can lead to personal growth. It helps us move towards what truly matters in our lives.

'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.

Guardians of the Brain

Ground Truths • 9404 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Neuroscience Immunology Chronic Illness Clinical Research
  1. The brain has a vital connection with the immune system, challenging the old belief that the brain is cut off from it. New studies show that brain immune cells can help prevent and treat diseases.
  2. Recent research has discovered ways to program T cells to respond to brain issues, which may aid in treating brain tumors and autoimmune diseases. This could lead to better therapies by specifically targeting brain conditions.
  3. There is a newly understood communication path between the body and brain that controls inflammation and immune responses. Understanding this connection can improve treatments for autoimmune diseases and conditions like Long Covid.

Monk Mode

The Generalist • 1521 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-Improvement Mental health Mindfulness Nutrition Physical activity
  1. January is a great time to start new habits because everyone is focused on self-improvement. You can use this positive energy to make lasting changes in your life.
  2. Using technology mindfully can help you avoid distractions. Limiting social media and opting for higher-quality content like audiobooks can improve your focus and creativity.
  3. Making small changes in your daily routine, like walking more or avoiding alcohol, can create a big impact on your overall well-being. It’s about finding what works best for you and sticking to it.

The problem with Dry January

Men Yell at Me • 222 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Mindfulness Sobriety Diet Fitness
  1. Many people see Dry January as a chance to reset after the holidays, especially when drinking can disrupt sleep. It's a common time for people to reassess their habits.
  2. There's a noticeable shift in the conversation around Dry January, moving from diet tips to more serious themes of sobriety and mindfulness. This can feel intense for some people.
  3. Supporting friends who choose sobriety is important, but there's a concern that the tone surrounding Dry January can sometimes feel restrictive or overly moralistic.

The Year The Phone-Based Childhood Began To Reverse

After Babel • 2302 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Child development Parenting Technology impact Social media
  1. Many believe that 2012 marked the start of a mental health crisis for young people, but 2024 might be when it starts to improve. There is a shift in awareness about the negative effects of smartphones and social media on kids.
  2. The problems children face today include being overprotected in real life while not being protected enough online. This has led to a deep concern for young people's mental health and has sparked conversations about how to fix it.
  3. It's important for kids to have opportunities for risk and independence while playing. Allowing them some freedom can actually make them safer and help prevent potential mental health issues.

The Dose (January 3)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1867 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Vaccination Nutrition Disease Prevention Epidemiology
  1. Winter is here, and respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID, and RSV are on the rise across the country. It's important to stay aware as health services could get overwhelmed.
  2. The new COVID-19 vaccine is showing good results, especially for older adults, helping to reduce hospital visits significantly. Keeping up with vaccinations can strengthen your immunity.
  3. Some Costco eggs may be contaminated with salmonella, so it's best to check your fridge and avoid those eggs to keep your family safe.

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.

Your body thinks itself into its shape

The Intrinsic Perspective • 14234 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Neuroscience Mental health Physical health Well-being
  1. Nutrition science has been confusing, with mixed messages about what's healthy or unhealthy for years. This shows that even experts struggle to understand basic health questions.
  2. Our bodies might work like complex systems, similar to a neural network, meaning personal health experiences can vary greatly from one person to another. This could explain why people have different reactions to the same foods.
  3. Recent research suggests that our cells can 'remember' past states, such as being overweight, which influences how our bodies respond to changes in diet and lifestyle over time.

How to (and not to) detox in the New Year

Your Local Epidemiologist • 850 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Detox Fitness Mental health Public Health
  1. A balanced diet with good nutrition helps your body detox naturally. Eating healthy foods supports your organs and keeps everything working well.
  2. Staying hydrated is important. Drinking enough water helps your kidneys and digestive system do their job of removing waste.
  3. Many trendy detox methods, like extreme diets or detox drinks, are not proven to work and can sometimes be harmful. It's better to focus on healthy habits like regular exercise and reducing alcohol.

The Self Reflection Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Personal Growth Mindfulness Psychology Coaching
  1. Reflecting on your past can help you understand how you've changed and what you're proud of. It's a chance to see what you've learned and what you want to leave behind.
  2. Thinking about your present helps you identify your needs and what's important in your life. It prompts you to evaluate your daily habits and relationships.
  3. Looking toward the future encourages you to think about your goals and what success means to you. It's about planning the changes you want to make and how to grow into your best self.

Sometimes it is okay to just coast

Wednesday Wisdom • 179 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth Career Advice Self-care Work-life balance
  1. It's okay to just take a break and coast when you're feeling stuck. Sometimes, trying too hard can make things worse.
  2. The passing of time can bring clarity. Things will get better as you give yourself a chance to relax and think.
  3. Not every job needs to be exciting. Taking a simple job to pay the bills can help you recover and find your direction again.

Tectonic Therapeutic: Protein Engineering and Fc-relaxin for Hypertension

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Life Sciences Biotechnology Medical Research Drug Development
  1. Tectonic Therapeutic focuses on protein engineering to help treat hypertension. This means they are working on new medical treatments using proteins to effectively lower blood pressure.
  2. Axial invests in early-stage life sciences companies. They are particularly interested in supporting new ideas and inventions that can grow to make a big impact in healthcare.
  3. Support for inventors is a key part of Axial's mission. They aim to help those who are passionate about creating lasting solutions in the life sciences field.

Smarter thinking in everyday life

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Cognitive Science Mental health Decision-making Behavioral Science Self-reflection
  1. Understanding how your brain works helps you deal with daily problems better. This means recognizing your own thinking patterns can improve your decision-making.
  2. By knowing common biases and habits, you can improve how you think and behave. This helps you make better choices and reach your goals more effectively.
  3. Small changes in your thinking can lead to big improvements in life. Using these insights helps you shape your actions and make smarter decisions daily.

Cancer Science in On a Tear

Ground Truths • 7436 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Cancer Research Medical Science Therapeutics Biotechnology Genomics
  1. Recent research has made great progress in understanding cancer, revealing that many cancer cells may come from multiple clones. This helps explain how cancer develops and spreads.
  2. Studies are showing how powerful visual mapping of tumors can be, especially for identifying how different immune responses affect the growth of cancers like breast and ovarian cancer.
  3. New insights into circular DNA in cancer cells are revealing its role in tumor growth and resistance to treatments. There is even potential for new therapies targeting this DNA to combat cancer.

Five Advanced Meditation Techniques (also, drugs)

Superb Owl • 4396 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Meditation Mental health Personal Growth Mindfulness Self-Improvement
  1. Experimenting with different meditation techniques can help if you're feeling stuck. Trying new methods like kasina or mirror gazing can bring fresh perspectives and experiences.
  2. Pain can be a powerful focus during meditation. Instead of avoiding discomfort, you can lean into it to gain better awareness and understanding of your sensations.
  3. Using substances like cannabis or psychedelics may enhance meditation experiences, but it's important to be cautious and not become overly dependent on them.

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.

What is the truth about alcohol consumption

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 235 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Mental health Public Health Lifestyle Substance Use
  1. Moderate alcohol consumption might not be as harmful as some studies suggest, but it's essential to consider various health impacts when deciding how much to drink.
  2. Understanding what and how much we drink can help manage health risks better. It's important to enjoy alcohol responsibly without overthinking it.
  3. More research is needed to understand the true effects of alcohol on health, and personal experiences and preferences should also play a role in drinking habits.

How does arthritis actually work?

LatchBio • 9 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunology Drug Development Treatment Options
  1. Arthritis isn't just one disease; it's a group of conditions that cause joint pain and inflammation, with osteoarthritis being the most common type. It can affect a lot of people, and understanding the differences is key to treatment.
  2. There's a specific type of T cell that gets stuck in arthritic joints and seems to play a big role in causing inflammation. These T cells don’t directly cause pain but help other immune cells trigger the symptoms.
  3. Current treatments for arthritis focus on reducing inflammation but don't eliminate the root cause. New research suggests targeting the stuck T cells and their signaling could lead to better, more lasting treatments.

Fertility Links

In My Tribe • 470 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Fertility Marriage Parenting Demographics Aging
  1. Women are most fertile in their late teens, and the decline in fertility happens steadily between ages 20 and 40. It's important to understand this to make informed choices about family planning.
  2. Many countries are experiencing lower birth rates, and this trend is not just linked to economic factors. It's happening in places where we might not expect it, showing that fertility is a complex issue.
  3. Marriage is changing, becoming less common and often entered into later in life. This shift affects when couples start having children, which can contribute to declining birth rates.

The opportunity theory of depression

Wood From Eden • 3936 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychology Adaptation Evolutionary Theory Social Status
  1. Depression can happen when people feel there are no good opportunities in their lives. It's like a warning sign telling them to pause and wait for a better situation.
  2. Humans seek to feel useful and appreciated, which is different from just seeking social status. Feeling unimportant can lead to feelings of sadness or depression.
  3. Teenagers today sometimes feel low because they are seen as separate from adults and lack meaningful roles in society. This can make them feel powerless and contribute to depression.

Thinking about a cure for pain, again

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 597 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pain management Medical Science Chronic Pain Diabetes Mental health
  1. Pain is a fundamental part of being human and signals when something is wrong, yet we still don't fully understand how it works or how to treat it effectively.
  2. Diabetes can cause specific types of nerve pain that result from damage to the nerves, often making it hard for those affected to find relief.
  3. Researchers might need to focus on targeting pain at the nerve level to find better solutions, potentially using advanced methods like gene therapy.

The Dawn of Spatial Medicine

Ground Truths • 5773 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Research Therapy Biotechnology Health Technology
  1. Spatial medicine is a new field that combines biology and healthcare, focusing on using spatial data to improve patient treatment. This means doctors can analyze cells and tissues in detail to better understand diseases.
  2. Recent research showed that a new treatment using JAK inhibitors was effective for patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis, a serious skin condition. This treatment worked quickly and with no side effects, showcasing the potential of spatial medicine.
  3. The integration of AI and deep learning plays a key role in spatial medicine, helping to analyze complex data and improve patient outcomes. This advancement could lead to more personalized and effective treatments in the future.

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.

ex150-12 review: Holiday Edition

Experimental Fat Loss • 120 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Dieting Weight Loss Fitness Lifestyle
  1. Following a special diet led to a quick weight loss of about 4 pounds, but it might just be water weight from changes in food intake.
  2. During the holidays, more flexibility in eating was allowed, but it didn't seem to majorly affect overall weight loss.
  3. Future experiments with different diets, like one focused on honey, are planned to see how they compare with previous food plans.

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.