The hottest Health & Wellness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Your Local Epidemiologist • 209 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
  1. Roughly 230 million people ask ChatGPT health questions every week, so AI is already a major health resource for patients and providers.
  2. There’s a growing need for simple, practical guidance on how to ask chatbots about health, so tips, webinars, and resources are being developed to help people frame better questions.
  3. AI can make mistakes when triaging or giving medical advice, so treat its answers cautiously and don't rely on it for definitive medical decisions.
Jeff Giesea • 598 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
  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.
After Babel • 3214 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
  1. Social media is not safe for children and adolescents; it causes widespread direct harms like cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content and raises the risk of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
  2. Recent research — including experiments and leaked internal studies from a major platform — provides strong causal evidence that heavy social media use harms young people’s mental health.
  3. Because social media reaches most youth for many hours a day, the harms are large in scale, so parents and policymakers should act now (for example by restricting access or raising the minimum age) to protect children.
Experimental Fat Loss • 212 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
  1. A very high-fat, protein‑restricted ketogenic pattern (think heavy cream plus limited ruminant meat) produced large, mostly effortless weight loss, better sleep, and no constant hunger, while a typical high‑protein, high‑PUFA “standard keto” failed to keep weight off.
  2. Cutting linoleic acid (seed oils and other high‑PUFA foods) was a major lever — removing those oils and favoring ruminant fats seemed more important than ketosis itself for improving sleep and body composition.
  3. Find what works for you by experimenting: run ~30‑day trials of fat‑, starch‑, and sugar‑based staples, then tweak protein; individual genetics matter, so personalize and iterate based on weight, sleep, and how you feel.
L'Atelier Galita • 119 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
  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.
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Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
  1. Compulsive scrolling and constant phone use have become a modern social contagion that spreads behavior widely and quickly.
  2. Heavy screen use is changing how our bodies and minds handle stress, contributing to increased mental and physical strain.
  3. The hunched-over posture people show while glued to their screens is a visible sign of a widespread, psychogenic epidemic similar to past social contagions.
L'Atelier Galita • 179 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
  1. People with ADHD often face misunderstandings because their traits can seem normal to others. This leads to misconceptions like being labeled as lazy instead of recognizing the neurodivergence.
  2. ADHD can significantly impact a person's life, including higher risks for issues like addiction, job loss, and relationship problems. These challenges are often tied to how society views productivity.
  3. While treating ADHD can lead to positive changes in life, it does not change who a person is. Many people with ADHD also have unique strengths, like creativity and the ability to hyperfocus on topics they love.
Knowingless • 1472 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
  1. People with higher bodycounts tend to report being less codependent and less intertwined with their partners.
  2. There’s a mild, inconsistent trend where higher bodycount is linked to somewhat more toxic relationship patterns, but the effect is small and only shows up on some questions.
  3. Sex-satisfaction results are mixed and sometimes counterintuitive, with very high-bodycount women often responding differently than moderately-high bodycount women.
Noahpinion • 30000 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
  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.
Running Probably • 79 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
  1. Practicing yoga can be like building a running habit; it takes time and a good setup. Setting the right environment makes it easier to stick to your routine.
  2. It's important to approach yoga with a non-judgmental mindset. The goal is to simply do yoga, not to be perfect at it.
  3. Making small adjustments, like keeping yoga props nearby or having a warmup routine, can really help in achieving your practice goals.
L'Atelier Galita • 119 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
  1. People with ADHD can be very curious, which is a positive trait. Instead of seeing distractions as a problem, it can be viewed as a way to explore and learn new things.
  2. Impulsivity, often seen as a challenge, can actually lead to great creativity. Embracing this can help individuals think outside the box.
  3. Having ADHD can make following structure tough, but it also means these individuals can be natural leaders who love freedom. Finding the right support and structure can help them thrive.
box. • 259 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
  1. Loneliness is not just being alone; it can happen even when you are around others. Many people feel a lack of connection, which is a serious issue for both personal health and community well-being.
  2. Young people are feeling especially lonely, and this trend started before the pandemic. Loneliness affects how we interact with others and can create a cycle that makes it even harder to connect.
  3. We can combat loneliness by actively creating environments that foster belonging. Simple acts, like inviting someone to a gathering or being kind to others, can help people feel more connected and break the cycle of loneliness.
L'Atelier Galita • 179 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
  1. ADHD is not just about attention problems. People with ADHD can have intense focus (hyperfocus) on things they enjoy, but struggle to concentrate on tasks they find boring.
  2. ADHD affects both men and women equally, but many women go undiagnosed because the symptoms can present differently compared to men, leading to a lack of awareness.
  3. ADHD isn't just a childhood issue; many adults also experience it, but they often suffer in silence because they weren't diagnosed as kids and the school environment makes symptoms more apparent.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1279 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
  1. Cutting ties with a family member affects the brain much like the death of a loved one, causing real grief and loss.
  2. Family estrangement is common and can happen to anyone, including rich and famous families.
  3. High-profile breakups draw attention but reflect private problems — people often cite interference in relationships or an inauthentic upbringing when they refuse to reconcile.
Don't Worry About the Vase • 1657 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
  1. The apparent rise in autism is actually just more people being diagnosed under much broader criteria, not a real increase in prevalence, and the "autism spectrum" is now so wide it would be clearer to separate the very different ends.
  2. Doing even a small amount of regular exercise gives real health and cognitive benefits, and lowering psychological barriers (like free gym access) raises activity, though gains taper off once you become very fit.
  3. Regulatory and system problems — costly, slow clinical trials, restrictive FDA decisions, and workforce bottlenecks — are slowing drug development and harming care, so easing unnecessary barriers and better incentives would speed innovation and improve outcome access.
bookbear express • 1133 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
  1. Trust yourself to know what’s right for you, and learn to live with and forgive both your own mistakes and other people’s.
  2. Talking, confession, and analysis won’t always fix the inner mess — embodied practices, movement, and small everyday routines are what ground you.
  3. Stop chasing approval and fearing others’ reactions; when you stop needing to be saved or fixed you become more honest, calm, and free.
Your Local Epidemiologist • 1694 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
  1. Getting the basics right matters most: aim for about 7+ hours of sleep, keep indoor air comfortably humid, and eat a nutrient- and fiber-rich diet to support immune function and reduce inflammation.
  2. Supplements are not magic — vitamin D helps mainly if you’re deficient, zinc may slightly shorten colds if started early, and megadosing or unregulated products can be harmful or ineffective.
  3. Practical home measures can help symptoms: nasal saline and clean humidifiers ease congestion and may limit spread, while trendy practices like cold plunges have mixed evidence and aren’t proven immune boosters.
L'Atelier Galita • 139 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
  1. Executive functions help us manage everyday tasks like organizing schedules and controlling impulses. They're like little managers in our heads that guide our adult life.
  2. For people with ADHD, these executive functions can develop slower, leading to challenges in planning and starting tasks. This can make adult responsibilities feel really tough.
  3. There are eight main executive functions, including working memory and emotional regulation. Each one plays a key role in how we handle life’s challenges and goals.
Granted • 16412 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
  1. In tough times, merely promoting positivity doesn't help people cope; it's important to acknowledge and support them through their pain.
  2. Strength comes from being genuinely supported, not from pretending everything is always okay.
  3. It's essential to strike a balance between recognizing difficult emotions and maintaining a sense of hope for the future.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 250 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
  1. Modern screen use is a major driver of rising stress, so cutting back on screens can help reduce daily strain.
  2. Many of life’s happiest milestones—like pregnancy, parenting, and big achievements—are also highly stressful, so joy and stress often come together.
  3. Stress isn’t automatically bad; it can add meaning to life, so rather than seeking a stress-free existence, learn to manage and accept the hard and sweet parts together.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 908 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
  1. Therapy is now common and openly talked about, especially among younger, college-educated adults.
  2. Many people mistakenly expect therapy to make them happier, but therapy isn’t a miracle worker for producing happiness.
  3. It’s okay if therapy doesn’t make you happier; building happiness often requires other intentional practices and therapy has a different, important role in treating mental-health issues.
Who is Robert Malone • 26 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
  1. Repeated mRNA COVID boosters shift the antibody response toward IgG4, which can bind the virus but lacks Fc-mediated functions (like ADCC and complement) and is linked to reduced infected-cell clearance and more breakthrough infections.
  2. This IgG4 shift is driven locally in lymph nodes by IL-10, becomes long-lasting because IgG4-producing plasma cells persist, and is amplified by closely spaced boosters and the prolonged lymph-node activity of mRNA-LNP vaccines; children can show the effect after only two doses.
  3. Standard total-IgG tests cannot detect this problem, so clinicians and regulators should measure IgG subclasses, space boosters at least a year, re-evaluate pediatric booster policies, inform patients of the trade-offs, and start targeted surveillance studies.
Ground Truths • 14084 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
  1. Lithium has been used for a long time in mental health treatment, and recent studies suggest it might also help protect against Alzheimer's disease. Research indicates that lithium could have benefits for cognitive function.
  2. New findings show that lithium orotate, a specific form of lithium, may be more effective than the traditional lithium carbonate used before. It seems to help clear harmful substances in the brain linked to Alzheimer's.
  3. Mice studies show that a diet deficient in lithium can lead to increased inflammation and cognitive decline. Conversely, mice given lithium orotate showed improvements in memory and brain function.
Ground Truths • 17977 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
  1. Estrogen replacement therapy can help slow down the aging process in some organs, especially when started closer to menopause. This means women might feel and function better as they age.
  2. The Women's Health Initiative study raised concerns about the risks of hormone therapy, but many of its findings may not apply to younger women or those who start treatment soon after menopause.
  3. Recent research shows that estrogen can improve heart health and cognitive function, reinforcing the importance of considering hormone therapy for women to enhance their health as they age.
L'Atelier Galita • 139 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
  1. ADHD can show up in different ways, like trouble focusing or being hyperactive. It's important to understand these traits to recognize and discuss ADHD better.
  2. People with ADHD may struggle with things like organization and time management. Their brains work differently, leading to challenges in focusing on tasks unless there’s something interesting or urgent about them.
  3. Emotional regulation can be tough for someone with ADHD. They might react strongly to feelings of rejection or anger, even if it seems delayed, which can be confusing for others.
L'Atelier Galita • 159 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
  1. TDAH stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affecting focus and attention. It’s not just about being hyperactive; people with TDAH can struggle to concentrate on many tasks.
  2. More men are diagnosed with TDAH than women, but it can affect anyone. It's important to consider whether age plays a role in how TDAH symptoms manifest.
  3. TDAH can be hereditary, meaning if a parent has it, their children might be more likely to have it too. It's crucial to avoid self-diagnosing, as it can lead to many incorrect assumptions about conditions.
RESCUE with Michael Capuzzo • 15959 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. Ivermectin and other generic drugs are being explored for cancer treatment by medical pioneers.
  2. Physicians are attempting to make cancer care more effective, affordable, and less painful using safe, off-patent drugs.
  3. Generic drugs like ivermectin and mebendazole are showing promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth and inducing cell death in various cancer types.
Ground Truths • 12422 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
  1. Seeing someone with an infection can kickstart our immune system. This was shown in a study where participants responded to animated characters showing signs of illness.
  2. A new device that stimulates the vagus nerve has been developed to help treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Early trial results are promising and show it can reduce pain and swelling.
  3. People carrying the APOE4 gene, linked to Alzheimer's, have immune system changes that raise their risk of disease. This insight gives new understanding into how genetics can affect brain health.
Force of Infection • 62 implied HN points • 15 Mar 26
  1. RSV season came on much later than usual and now appears to be reaching or passing its peak, with test positivity easing and hospitalizations — especially in babies — starting to fall.
  2. Flu activity is declining and more areas have moved out of high activity, but overall visits remain above baseline and this season has been unusually severe for children.
  3. Norovirus has hit a new seasonal peak with very high test positivity and spreads easily, so careful handwashing and staying home for a few days after symptoms end are important to prevent onward transmission.
Popular Rationalism • 297 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
  1. There is a silent auction happening to raise funds for children's health, closing on October 4, 2024. It's a good chance to bid on some unique items and support a worthy cause.
  2. The auction features valuable items like health screenings and coaching packages, with some starting bids as low as $50. You might find something great while helping kids!
  3. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Documenting Hope organization, which focuses on improving children's health. It's a way to contribute to important research and initiatives for children.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 301 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
  1. Heartbreak is normal and rooted in our biology, so intense pain after a breakup doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. The pain usually fades with time and you can love again.
  2. Use simple, science-backed coping tools like writing briefly about your pain and later noting what you learned, and try listening to sad music to help process complex emotions.
  3. Avoid surveilling your ex on social media because obsessively checking them prolongs suffering; unfollowing, blocking, or removing reminders helps you heal.
Experimental Fat Loss • 148 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
  1. Sitting on the floor can improve hip flexibility, balance, and give a bit of core and leg strength, but it won’t produce big weight loss or dramatic posture changes.
  2. Adaptation is uncomfortable at first — expect weeks of soreness and limited sitting tolerance, so start gradually with short sessions instead of going cold turkey.
  3. A proper setup matters: use a low desk, an adjustable monitor and a cushion at the right height, and be prepared to clean more often since sitting close to the floor attracts more dust.
Your Local Epidemiologist • 1378 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
  1. Antivirals like Tamiflu and Xofluza can shorten the flu by about one to two days, reduce symptom severity and some complications, and work best when started within 48 hours; they can also be used to prevent illness after a known exposure.
  2. Not everyone needs antivirals—many healthy people recover with rest, fluids, and fever reducers—but treatment is recommended for people who are hospitalized or have severe illness and for high-risk groups (young children, people 65+, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic conditions).
  3. Side effects are usually mild (mainly nausea) and serious harms are rare, and many scary online claims are misleading—Tamiflu has not been shown to routinely cause hallucinations and star anise tea is not a substitute; Xofluza is a one‑dose option that may reduce contagiousness but is more expensive and has less data in some populations.
Ground Truths • 12028 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
  1. Peptides are increasingly used for various health and anti-aging claims, often pushed by celebrities, but many lack solid science backing their benefits.
  2. Some FDA-approved peptides are being prescribed for off-label uses, while many others aren't approved at all, raising safety concerns and potential side effects.
  3. There's a growing distrust of traditional medicine, which helps the popularity of these unregulated peptides, despite the risks involved and limited evidence of effectiveness.
bookbear express • 451 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
  1. Unfulfilling relationships usually come from a lack of self-knowledge plus an unwillingness to act on what you learn.
  2. Being honest with yourself is uncomfortable and tempting to avoid, but enduring that discomfort brings accountability, clarity, and a more unified sense of who you are.
  3. People who lean on logic, frameworks, and optimization often avoid looking inward because feelings are messy and changeable, so they freeze or distract instead of facing their needs.
Ground Truths • 13472 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
  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.
Igor’s Newsletter • 12618 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
  1. IgG4 antibodies caused by mRNA technology may lead to immune tolerance and reduced ability to fight infections.
  2. A study showed that mRNA vaccines resulted in much higher IgG4 levels compared to Novavax, indicating a dysfunctional immune response.
  3. The use of mRNA technology in vaccines has been linked to a faulty immune response, potentially worsening the pandemic.
L'Atelier Galita • 59 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
  1. The book 'Dirty Laundry' explores the dynamic between a person with ADHD and their partner who does not have it. It shows how their different brain types affect their relationship.
  2. The author points out that the neurotypical partner often misunderstands ADHD traits and compares them to their own experiences. This highlights the challenges in understanding each other's perspectives.
  3. It's interesting to note that some behaviors the neurotypical partner attributes to being typical, could actually show characteristics of autism, demonstrating the complexity of neurodiversity.
Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 1567 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
  1. Modern medicine often treats each disease separately and can produce remissions, but that piecemeal care can leave older people on a steady, downward health trajectory.
  2. Repeated lifesaving treatments can prolong life without restoring prior function or quality, resulting in chronic frailty and heavily medicalized lives.
  3. Healthcare should prioritize fixing underlying causes of aging and reward true healthspan improvements, which means agreeing on what 'longevity' means and finding reliable biomarkers and trial designs.