The hottest Health & Wellness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Cosmic impostor syndrome

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2627 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Mindfulness Spirituality Self-Improvement Meditation
  1. Meditation can make you happier and more relaxed, but the journey has ups and downs. You might go through weird phases where your self-esteem feels all mixed up.
  2. Cosmic impostor syndrome is when you realize you're not in full control of your life and self-esteem doesn't make sense anymore. It can feel awkward when you stop taking all the credit for your accomplishments.
  3. Praise can start to feel less personal and more like a comment on something outside of you, like the weather. Relationships that matter to you become the main source of self-affirmation.

Why Does COVID-19 Impact People Differently?

LIL Science • 943 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Genetics Immune System Vaccination
  1. COVID-19 affects people differently, with factors like age, comorbidities, and exposure to the virus playing a role
  2. Genetics, such as blood type and HLA genotype, can impact susceptibility to severe COVID-19
  3. Research is ongoing to uncover genetic factors that influence COVID-19 severity, but prevention through vaccination, masks, and distancing remains key

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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Friday Q&A: HPV vaccine; preventing cholesterol plaque; COVID isolation for infants; & female hair loss

Are You Okay? • 519 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Cholesterol COVID Prevention
  1. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infections with HPV types responsible for various cancers, with immunity lasting up to 10 years.
  2. Adults up to age 45 can also receive the HPV vaccine, even if they have a history of HPV infection, abnormal Pap tests, or genital warts.
  3. Recent research suggests that even a single dose of the HPV vaccine may offer significant protection against HPV infection, especially if administered at a younger age.

Willpower is for losers

Metabolic Repair • 59 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology Fitness Nutrition Behavioral Health Emotional Health
  1. Relying on willpower for long-term goals is usually a path to failure. Instead of forcing yourself to do things, find ways to make them enjoyable.
  2. Willpower is like a car's brake; using it constantly slows you down and can lead to burnout. It's more effective to work with your emotions rather than against them.
  3. To succeed, create systems that reduce internal resistance and make tasks feel easier. This way, you can achieve your goals without relying heavily on willpower.

Disease X, COVID-19, and Bio-Hacking the Next Pandemic

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 786 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetic Engineering Biohacking Pandemics Vaccines
  1. The next pandemic, called Disease X, could be 20 times deadlier than COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization.
  2. CRISPR technology allows genetic modification, potentially leading to both positive advancements like cures for diseases and dangerous consequences like bioterrorism.
  3. Biohacking is becoming more accessible, with kits available for modifying DNA at home, raising ethical questions about self-experimentation and genetic engineering.

How To Tame Your Impulsive Behaviour And Make Healthier Decisions

Insight Axis • 632 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Decision-making
  1. Resisting urges leads to increased suffering because of the pain x resistance equation. It's better to embrace a state of 'couldness' rather than fighting impulses.
  2. Changing your identity to instill good habits may not work well due to the element of restriction that still leads to some suffering. The act of choosing is more impactful.
  3. Simply 'surfing the urge' by sitting with discomfort may not completely eliminate resistance. Embracing 'couldness' with near-zero resistance can lead to better decision-making and empowerment.

Why I’ve Resisted Talking About Mental Health

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 25 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Performance Wellbeing Personal Development Leadership
  1. The phrase “mental health” is vague, but framing it as nervous system health highlights the underlying mechanism that explains how we feel and offers a practical way to act.
  2. People often avoid talking about mental health because of fear — being seen as weak, lacking formal qualifications, or worrying that vulnerability will feel embarrassing.
  3. Peak performance and mental struggle sit on the same nervous‑system spectrum, so talking about energy and regulation connects performance work to mental health, and sharing struggles can lead to support and clearer paths forward.

Why Would Riboflavin WORSEN a Riboflavin-Dependent Metabolic Defect?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 619 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Biochemistry
  1. Riboflavin can worsen certain metabolic defects if not properly managed, even if it's usually beneficial.
  2. High doses of riboflavin might impact thiamine status and lead to unexpected symptoms.
  3. It's crucial to be cautious with riboflavin supplementation, especially in cases of existing deficiencies or metabolic issues.

Get Ready for Pfizer's "TURBO-CHARGED GUIDED MISSILE" Cancer Drugs

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1395 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals Mental health Holistic health Chronic diseases Preventive Healthcare
  1. Our leaders often benefit from wars without considering the consequences for ordinary citizens.
  2. Big Pharma's greed for profits drives the creation of drugs that may not address the root causes of diseases.
  3. People should focus on healthy habits instead of relying solely on medications for their well-being.

5 Questions with Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, CDN

Weight and Healthcare • 599 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Mental health Wellness Body Image Eating Disorders
  1. Christy Harrison is an anti-diet registered dietitian and journalist who aims to challenge diet culture and promote body acceptance through her work.
  2. She learned about weight-neutral care around 20 years ago but fully embraced it later on through experiences in recovery and training in eating disorders.
  3. Harrison applies weight-inclusive principles in her work across various platforms like books, podcasts, online courses, and speaking engagements, critiquing diet culture and promoting critical thinking about wellness.

The 3 things Bryan Johnson is missing from his longevity routine.

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 958 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Longevity Nutrition Genetics Testing
  1. Eating a highly nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy body composition, and systematically testing nutrient status are impactful habits for longevity that we can all adopt.
  2. Key aspects missing from Bryan Johnson's longevity routine are ranked and sorted genetics, functional markers of nutrient status, and thorough screening for energy metabolism impairments.
  3. It may not be necessary for most people to follow an extreme caloric deficit like Johnson's 25%. Opting for a less drastic approach, along with comprehensive nutrient testing, can be more realistic and beneficial.

We're making diseases more dangerous and they're escaping from labs. But don't worry, it's all for your health & safety.

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 727 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Diseases Research Biosecurity Pandemics
  1. Mankind is making diseases more dangerous through gain-of-function research, which poses significant risks.
  2. Despite extensive history of studying viruses, humanity has a low success rate in eradicating diseases.
  3. The proliferation of Bio Security Level 4 labs globally and the risks associated with lab accidents highlight the dangers and lack of stringent safety protocols.

ex150nosauce+ACV-1 review: Down 10lbs

Experimental Fat Loss • 240 implied HN points • 05 Nov 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss Diet Health trends Exercise
  1. The combination of eliminating sauces and taking apple cider vinegar capsules resulted in significant weight loss, about 10 pounds in one month. This approach helped break through previous weight plateaus.
  2. Cutting out sauces led to a reduced appetite and unexpectedly high levels of satiety, making it easier to control food intake.
  3. There were noticeable changes in cravings and food enjoyment, with less desire for previously liked foods and a sense of food anhedonia, where meals became less rewarding.

A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.

News from Those Nerdy Girls • 786 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccine Public Health Prevention Infection
  1. Winter respiratory illness season is approaching, and there is a significant surge in COVID cases.
  2. COVID is more deadly than the flu, with more Americans dying of COVID compared to flu.
  3. The updated COVID vaccine is effective and worth getting, providing strong protection against infection and severe outcomes.

Weekend of a Lifetime

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 32 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Resilience Community health Public Health Physical activity Suicide Prevention
  1. Community programs that start as personal recovery can naturally become service: simple, regular group movement and no-pressure social time give people a safe place to breathe, connect, and feel less alone.
  2. Framing struggles as "nervous system health" rather than clinical "mental health" can make the path forward clearer, because sleep, routine, exercise and community help settle the nervous system and build resilience.
  3. Real cultural change comes from people giving themselves to something bigger and from everyday rituals and honest conversation; a suicide-free future will be built one regulated nervous system and authentic connection at a time.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 18

Force of Infection • 66 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Disease Epidemiology Surveillance Vaccination policy Food Safety Public Health
  1. Flu activity is falling across most of the country but remains elevated, especially in the Northeast and among young children. It might rebound, but usually there’s a single peak and activity typically winds down by March.
  2. COVID-19 indicators are generally declining and ED visits have dropped, yet wastewater levels remain high in parts of the country, with the Midwest currently the hardest hit. Continued monitoring is needed as regional trends differ.
  3. Several food recalls are underway, including a large multistate Salmonella-linked supplement recall, so check and discard any affected products you may have. Wastewater surveillance is also showing value as an early warning tool for outbreaks like measles.

Virtual Event: Paying Attention to Your Attention Span

Range Widely • 648 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Task management Self-awareness Stress management
  1. Work in planned intervals, alternating periods of focused work with breaks, to improve productivity and focus.
  2. Avoid constant distractions from your phone by turning it off or putting it away when you need deep focus.
  3. Be mindful of managing your attentional resources throughout the day, noticing patterns of focus and taking breaks to avoid burnout.

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.

Joy (And Disappointment) on the One Year Anniversary of Ejaculate Responsibly

Design Mom • 1297 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Book promotion Book Sales
  1. The book 'Ejaculate Responsibly' had significant achievements such as making the New York Times bestseller list and receiving international editions.
  2. Despite positive reviews and coverage, the book has sold only 55,000 copies, which is seen as a disappointment in reaching its potential impact.
  3. To expand the book's reach, there is a need for a new and effective marketing strategy to increase sales, along with the support of people leaving positive reviews on platforms like Amazon.

Brief JN.1 wave update

Logging the World • 777 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Health data
  1. There is evidence of a significant peak in infections before Christmas, but recent data shows a convincing decrease post that peak.
  2. The observation of lower hospitalization rates amidst the estimated number of infections suggests a positive trend in managing the virus.
  3. The shape of the curve in future weeks is uncertain, but overall, the current situation seems to indicate no significant exponential growth in infections.

Self-Help Tactics That Are Working For Me

Rough Diamonds • 62 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-help Behavior Change Personal Growth Emotional Health Motivation
  1. Guilt often comes from fear of other people's disapproval, not from some innate low self-worth. Using graded exposure—imagining or facing mild disapproval and practicing tolerance for praise—helps that fear burn out.
  2. Vivid positive visualization is practical motor planning: mentally rehearse difficult or important moments going well to boost confidence and beat procrastination.
  3. Stop waiting for a mythical God’s‑eye verdict; set reasonable first‑person standards and do honest self‑evaluations so you can measure progress and legitimately feel proud.

The Autism Surge: Lies, Conspiracies, and My Own Kids

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7776 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Autism Diagnosis Research
  1. Autism diagnoses in California have increased significantly over the past few decades, with a 50-fold surge in cases over 33 years.
  2. The rise in autism cases cannot solely be explained by better or broader diagnostics, indicating a real and concerning increase in the disorder.
  3. The lack of clear understanding of the causes of autism and the increasing rates point towards a pressing need for better research, support, and services for individuals with autism.

The Utter Ridiculousness of the 5-10% Weight Loss Recommendation

Weight and Healthcare • 1318 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss BMI Health recommendations Research
  1. The recommendation for 5-10% weight loss to improve health is widespread but may not have significant impact on individuals' health conditions.
  2. The weight loss recommendation is based on flawed BMI categories, often leading to unrealistic goals for individuals, especially those with obesity.
  3. The focus on weight loss overlooks the importance of evidence-based, individualized medical interventions for all patients, regardless of size.

How to Care For Your Body with Kindness & Respect

Are You Okay? • 978 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Body Acceptance Self-care Mental health Physical health Wellbeing
  1. Body acceptance is the starting point for caring for your body - it allows you to be realistic and kind to yourself instead of idealistic and critical.
  2. Focus on nourishing foods, enjoyable movement, and rejecting perfectionism in order to care for your body with kindness and respect.
  3. Reduce social media consumption to improve mental health and avoid comparing yourself to idealized images.

The ZYNpocalypse

Invariant • 687 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Regulation Public Health
  1. Nicotine pouches, like ZYN, have been targeted based on concerns of youth usage, but data shows low prevalence among underage users.
  2. Efforts and resources spent on regulating low-risk nicotine products could be better diverted to more pressing societal concerns.
  3. Regulation of novel nicotine products is lagging behind innovation, creating uncertainty in the industry and fostering misinformation.