The hottest Health & Wellness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Immunity Debt: The Conspiracy Theory Elevated to Popular Pseudoscience That Is Making Children Sick

LIL Science • 1277 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Immune System Infections Conspiracy Theories
  1. The concept of 'Immunity Debt' is a dangerous and misleading idea that lacks scientific evidence.
  2. Exposure to pathogens does not weaken the immune system but can lead to severe illness in immunocompromised individuals.
  3. Post-COVID-19 immune system dysfunction can have serious consequences like increased rates of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

ex_bread+butter review: Visited swamp, did not explode, gained 8lbs

Experimental Fat Loss • 99 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Weight Loss Metabolism Food Quality
  1. Fresh artisanal bread with butter is extremely easy to overeat because satiety comes slowly and fades after 4–6 hours, which led to an 8 lb gain in 11 days.
  2. Traditional, non-industrial bread did not trigger the acid reflux problems linked to earlier wheat intolerance, suggesting industrial processing or additives may be the real culprit.
  3. A bread+butter “swamp” lands in the high-carb/high-fat zone that causes bloating and gas and is worse for fat loss than a high-fat heavy-cream approach, though it produced milder hyperphagia than protein-heavy refeeds.

Startled?! Try Glycine

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1557 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Nutrition Genetics Testing Supplementation
  1. Being easily startled could indicate an issue, while a normal startle response is crucial for protection and fight-or-flight preparation.
  2. The startle reflex involves visual, auditory, and tactile inputs, with enhanced reflex indicative of certain conditions like PTSD.
  3. Glycine plays a crucial role in inhibiting the motor response of the startle reflex, and low glycine levels can lead to heightened startle responses.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 217: Kim Witczak, Dr. Roger McFillin, Psy.D., and Danielle Gansky.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychiatry Patient Advocacy Suicide Prevention
  1. Antidepressants can help many people but may also increase suicide risk for some, so clear information and careful monitoring are essential.
  2. Children are being prescribed psychiatric drugs more often, which raises serious concerns about long-term harm and the need for stronger safeguards and informed consent for families.
  3. Withdrawal, tapering, and overall oversight of psychiatric medications need improvement so patients get safe discontinuation plans, true informed consent, and better regulatory accountability.
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5 Questions With Chrissy King

Weight and Healthcare • 539 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Anti-racism Intersectionality Social justice
  1. Chrissy King focuses on creating an anti-racist and inclusive wellness industry through body liberation and intersectionality.
  2. She discovered the concept of weight neutrality and body-affirming care through her personal journey with body image and by reading 'The Body Is Not An Apology' by Sonya Renee Taylor.
  3. Chrissy advocates that weight does not equal health, challenges the notion that smaller bodies are healthier, and emphasizes unlearning biases like internalized white supremacy to truly support clients.

serenity

Poems, Short stories and other things.. • 58 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Mindfulness Stress management Resilience Emotional Health Personal Growth
  1. Sometimes not asking the question or opening a door is a deliberate act of self-care, not avoidance.
  2. You can change your priorities to protect your sanity, and stepping back doesn't mean you've given up.
  3. Let moments move through you without letting them take pieces of who you are, keeping your sense of self intact.

But it's GMP!

Nepetalactone Newsletter • 1670 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Science Vaccines Controversy Safety Data Analysis
  1. There are two types of scientists: those who worship hierarchy and those who understand hierarchy is a cancer to the scientific method.
  2. The EMA found several objections to Pfizer's data, showing that it did not meet GMP standards.
  3. Concerns were raised by the EMA about Pfizer's data integrity, lack of biological characterization, and inconsistencies in the data provided.

The Radical Practice of Body Acceptance

Are You Okay? • 1298 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Body Acceptance Mental health Self-care Eating Disorders
  1. Accepting your body doesn't necessarily mean you have to love it. It's about embracing and caring for your body as it is now, focusing on respect and care rather than appearance or societal standards.
  2. Body neutrality is a journey, not a fixed destination. It requires rejecting unrealistic beauty standards and embracing acceptance of your present self without harsh judgment.
  3. Practicing body acceptance involves being mindful of self-talk, dressing for comfort and confidence, using non-judgmental language about food, avoiding discriminatory speech about body size, and treating your body with kindness and respect.

Case Study – Weight Stigma Impacts COVID-19 Vaccinations

Weight and Healthcare • 678 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Stigma Healthcare access Inclusivity Medical Advocacy
  1. Weight stigma affects access to proper care, such as longer needles needed for COVID-19 vaccinations, especially for higher-weight individuals.
  2. Facilities should ensure they have the correct needle sizes available for all patients, regardless of weight, to provide optimum vaccine efficacy.
  3. Advocacy and awareness are needed to address discriminatory healthcare practices and promote fair treatment for all patients, including those who are higher-weight.

Reader Question – What are Weight-Related Health Conditions?

Weight and Healthcare • 898 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Conditions Research Weight Loss Healthcare Inequalities
  1. Weight-related health conditions are health issues that are often labeled as related to weight just because higher-weight individuals have them more frequently.
  2. The labeling of health conditions as 'weight-related' overlooks other factors like weight stigma, weight cycling, and healthcare disparities that could actually be the main contributors.
  3. The concept of 'weight-related conditions' is used to push for risky weight loss interventions and profits, but it doesn't necessarily support the health of higher-weight individuals.

Q&A: full body MRIs; new Paxlovid data; tapering antidepressants; & screening for aortic aneurisms

Are You Okay? • 499 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Advice
  1. Full body MRIs for health screening are not recommended due to uncertainties in results and potential anxiety from detecting non-significant abnormalities.
  2. The American College of Radiology advises against routine full-body MRI scans for asymptomatic individuals due to the risks outweighing the benefits.
  3. Full-body MRIs may miss conditions, be costly, time-consuming, and offer only a snapshot, not a holistic view of health; targeted screening based on individual factors is preferable.

Learning to give it 85%

The Shift With Sam Baker • 1637 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Work-life balance Self-care Mental health Physical health Professional development
  1. It's important to realize that giving 100% all the time may not be sustainable or healthy in the long run. Aim for 85% effort to prevent burnout.
  2. Society's expectations of always giving 100% can lead to negative consequences on one's well-being, especially when not reciprocated by employers.
  3. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care by working at 85% capacity can actually lead to improved productivity and overall well-being.

Zepbound/Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for Weight Loss - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 818 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication Weight Loss Side Effects Dosage Research
  1. Tirzepatide, known as Zepbound for weight loss, was initially a Type 2 diabetes medication by Eli Lilly that got FDA approval for weight loss due to its side effect of weight loss. It works by interfering with normal digestion processes and hunger signals.
  2. There are dosing differences between the diabetes and weight loss applications of Tirzepatide. For weight loss, patients are encouraged to continuously increase the dosage to the highest tolerable level, potentially facing side effects that impact their quality of life.
  3. The side effects of Tirzepatide/Zepbound can range from mild discomfort to serious conditions like thyroid C-Cell tumors, gastrointestinal diseases, and pancreatic issues. Patients need to be aware of potential risks, like drug interactions and impact on pregnancy.

Reader Question: What to do if you experience medical weight stigma

Weight and Healthcare • 639 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Stigma Healthcare Resources Advocacy
  1. Weight stigma in healthcare is common and can have various forms, impacting patients differently depending on many factors.
  2. There are several ways to address and respond to weight stigma in healthcare, such as addressing it in the moment, submitting a complaint, or sharing experiences on review sites and social media.
  3. Taking action against weight stigma, like lodging complaints, can lead to changes in healthcare practices even if the outcomes are not always visible.

what do you need to lose, to win?

Airplane Mode with Liz Plank • 884 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Productivity Personal Development Wellness Tips
  1. Sometimes, you need to lose something to eventually win something better.
  2. Our brains tend to focus on loss instead of success, so it's important to consciously celebrate our wins.
  3. Reflecting on past accomplishments and comparing them to current achievements can help you appreciate your progress and feel content.

A trick to dissolve social anxiety: close your eyes

Defender’s corner • 339 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Anxiety Mental health Self-care Mindfulness Therapy
  1. Closing your eyes in the middle of a conversation can help dissolve social anxiety by allowing you to focus on your thoughts without distractions.
  2. Others may not notice you closing your eyes to manage social anxiety, even though it may feel weird to you.
  3. Using the technique of closing your eyes can help you form your thoughts clearly and navigate through moments of social anxiety effectively.

People desperately want to believe lockdown was for the greater good - even when the evidence of manipulation is clear.

The Free Mind • 1611 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychology Behavior Perception
  1. People want to believe lockdown was for the greater good, even when evidence of manipulation is clear.
  2. Cognitive dissonance can make us deny, minimize, or rationalize uncomfortable truths.
  3. Lockdown may have influenced how people perceived the severity of Covid risk, based on government actions.

Vaginal DHEA and Oral Ospemifene

The Vajenda • 963 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Menopause Hormones
  1. Vaginal estrogen is the first-line therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, but there are other options like vaginal DHEA and oral ospemifene.
  2. Vaginal DHEA and oral ospemifene are alternatives to vaginal estrogen, although there's no direct comparison on effectiveness.
  3. DHEA is a hormone produced during cholesterol conversion and serves as a prohormone for adult women.

Semaglutide Kind of Life

Freddie deBoer • 5662 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication Weight management Exercise Mental health
  1. The author started taking a medication called Rybelsus due to metabolic problems caused by long-term use of psychiatric medications and physical limitations.
  2. The author's struggles with weight management, loss of control due to inability to lift weights, and the significant cost of medication highlight the challenges they face in trying to maintain their health.
  3. Regular monitoring and support from professionals are essential for the author's well-being, despite concerns about societal judgment around medication use.

NYT Ethicist’s Weight Stigma Problem

Weight and Healthcare • 1597 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Stigma Body positivity Mental health Healthcare Self-care
  1. The columnist's response perpetuated weight stigma by disregarding boundaries and making assumptions about health based on weight.
  2. It's essential to respect others' boundaries, especially regarding personal matters like weight and health.
  3. Approaching conversations about weight and health should prioritize well-being, avoiding judgment, and listening to the individual.

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.

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Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 1848 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Development Relationships Self-care Emotional Intelligence
  1. Take responsibility for your actions and choices. Instead of blaming others or circumstances, focus on how you can respond and change going forward.
  2. Develop an abundance mindset by wanting others to succeed. When you help others, it creates a positive cycle that often leads to you benefiting too.
  3. It's never too late to change or start something new. Every day is a chance to make improvements in your life and relationships.

Toward the eradication of medical diagnostic errors

Ground Truths • 6255 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Artificial Intelligence
  1. Diagnostic errors in medicine are a serious problem, leading to harm or disability for many patients.
  2. Artificial intelligence (AI) shows promise in improving diagnostic accuracy by supporting clinicians and reducing workload.
  3. Using advanced AI models like GPT-4 can enhance diagnostic accuracy and provide valuable second opinions in medical practice.

Stop Measuring Glucose Without Measuring Lactate

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1338 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Metabolism Medical Technology Biochemistry Testing
  1. Measuring glucose alone is not rational; it should also be measured along with lactate and ketones for better understanding of metabolic changes.
  2. BCAAs can impact glucose levels through multiple pathways, highlighting the importance of context in interpreting metabolic markers.
  3. Having a home test for pyruvate could provide more valuable insights into metabolic health, along with glucose and lactate measurements.

Long COVID moonshot

Logging the World • 877 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Long Covid Advocacy Research
  1. Perceptions of Long COVID statistics may be misleading when not considering factors like vaccination and immunity
  2. The severity of COVID infections might be linked to the likelihood of developing Long COVID
  3. Long COVID advocacy could benefit from focusing on providing treatment and research for those suffering long-term effects

E. Jean Caroll’s Nasty Little Game – the Animus of the Childless, Family-less Boomer.

Welcome to Absurdistan • 1572 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Sexual Health Family Dynamics Human biology Well-being
  1. The pursuit of wealth, power, and fame can lead some individuals into harmful and dangerous situations.
  2. The book 'Feminism Against Progress' explores the challenges faced by those who try to defy nature in pursuits like career success and family-building.
  3. Gen Z is showing a trend of rejecting societal norms around sex, birth control, and identity, signaling a shift in values.

Widespread flu activity overshadows holiday season

Force of Infection • 124 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Public Health Respiratory Illness Food Safety Outbreaks
  1. Flu is surging across many states with emergency visits, test positivity, and hospitalizations doubling or tripling in places and in some areas already exceeding last year’s peaks.
  2. Other respiratory viruses — RSV, rhinoviruses/enteroviruses, adenovirus and metapneumovirus — are also on the rise, while COVID-19 is increasing in some states but remains generally low.
  3. Multiple food recalls and non-respiratory outbreaks (growing measles clusters, a salmonella outbreak tied to raw oysters, and rising norovirus wastewater signals) add extra public health risks, so check recalled items and follow basic hygiene steps.