The hottest Health & Wellness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Diversity Inclusion Equity as bureaucratic pathology

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 943 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Diversity Bureaucracy Authority
  1. Bureaucracy can be both useful and pathological, making it tricky to assess and deploy.
  2. Bureaucracy focuses on tasks rather than outcomes, leading to inefficiencies.
  3. Diversity-Inclusion-Equity (DIE) programs in bureaucracies can lead to spending on bureaucracy, hoarding authority, and protecting against competence complexities.

Friday Q&A: Hormonal mood swings; tapering antidepressants; HRT and breast cancer; & long COVID

Are You Okay? • 499 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Therapies Medication Women's Health
  1. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a real and potentially debilitating condition that affects many women. Managing it can involve tracking symptoms, regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, hormonal treatments, SSRIs, psychotherapy, and stress reduction techniques.
  2. When considering tapering off antidepressants, it's important to discuss this process with a healthcare provider. Psychotherapy can be a valuable tool for retraining the brain during this transition.
  3. Individualized treatment plans are crucial for addressing specific symptoms and needs when managing hormonal mood swings, tapering antidepressants, or dealing with other health concerns. Working closely with a doctor can help in developing a suitable plan.

Cultivating Resilience by Changing How You View Your Identity

QUALITY BOSS • 59 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Development Self-care Identity Resilience
  1. Focusing on your core values rather than roles can help you bounce back from tough times. When your identity is built around values like connection and integrity, you're more adaptable to change.
  2. People who tie their identity to their job or relationship might struggle more during transitions. If you see yourself as defined by your values, losing a job or going through a divorce feels less drastic.
  3. Building daily habits that reflect your values can strengthen your sense of self. For example, if curiosity is important to you, spending time learning new things helps keep you engaged and authentic.
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Get Ready for Tough Love from Abigail Shrier!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 97 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Relationships Mental health Marriage Counseling Family Self-help
  1. Abigail Shrier’s "Tough Love" advice column answers readers’ personal questions, and this installment will address a man named Greg who’s deciding if his marriage is worth working on.
  2. The piece is published by The Free Press and includes an AI‑narrated audio version produced by ElevenLabs.
  3. The full article is behind a paywall and requires signing in or subscribing, with subscription options shown (annual $100 or $10/month).

Case Study - Higher-Weight Patient Seeks CT Scan

Weight and Healthcare • 798 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare access Advocacy Body positivity
  1. Higher-weight patients may face challenges in accessing appropriate healthcare services, such as imaging scans like CT scans.
  2. Patients should not have to navigate through healthcare system barriers on their own and should receive accurate information about medical procedures upfront.
  3. Advocacy and education are important for challenging medical weight stigma and ensuring equitable healthcare access for all patients.

Who Killed HRT?

Ladyparts • 479 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Research Book review Medical Misinformation
  1. The Women's Health Initiative made alarmist claims about hormone replacement therapy, but these claims have been walked back except one, which is wrong.
  2. The WHI study negatively impacted women's health by generating unfounded fears and leading to a significant decrease in hormone replacement therapy prescriptions.
  3. Follow the money - the WHI study had major financial backing and caused harm, showing the influence of money in healthcare decisions.

ex150creamsauce+ACV review: Failure, but Why?

Experimental Fat Loss • 77 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Weight Loss Nutrition Metabolism Fasting Appetite
  1. Adding a cream sauce on top of a high‑cream diet didn’t produce fat loss — weight stayed around 214–215lbs and the trial was stopped early because of confounders and life logistics.
  2. A sudden, intense protein‑hunger episode occurred about a week in and only settled after eating substantial protein, showing protein‑leverage can trigger strong, hard‑to‑satisfy appetite at surprisingly low protein intakes, especially when activity, illness, or injury raise needs.
  3. Emulsifying rendered tallow with cream made the food much more palatable and allowed near‑infinite fat intake, creating a major caloric confounder that likely masked any effect of the sauce change.

NYT Ethicist's Weight Stigma Hypocrisy Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 918 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Stigma Ethics Healthcare Body positivity Mental health
  1. The column discusses weight stigma and hypocrisy in healthcare, pointing out discrimination based on body size.
  2. It highlights the importance of respecting boundaries and being cautious with compliments related to body size manipulation.
  3. The response from the Ethicist regarding concerns about weight loss drugs brings to light inconsistencies and potential ethical issues.

Friday Q&A: CBD gummies for sleep; multivitamins; testosterone for women; & IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

Are You Okay? • 419 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Sleep Vitamins Women's Health
  1. CBD gummies can be a safe option for improving sleep, as they contain cannabidiol that may help with conditions like anxiety and insomnia.
  2. Quality and purity of CBD products matter, so it's important to choose reputable brands; remember that people may react differently to CBD, and consulting a doctor before use is wise.
  3. For women in their 50s, while multivitamins may seem beneficial, it's essential to consider individual dietary needs and consult a healthcare provider.

The (spurious) Nutrient Sensing Argument

Experimental Fat Loss • 134 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Health Appetite
  1. Many people have broken appetite regulation systems, meaning cravings can lead them to eat unhealthy foods instead of nutritious ones.
  2. While we can sense the need for some nutrients, like sodium, many cravings don’t point us to the right foods and can often be misguided.
  3. Our eating experiences can change based on our diet; plain foods can reveal the difference between genuine hunger and cravings driven by food pleasure.

Why Women Fall for Wellness Bullshit

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1061 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Nutrition Wellness Trends Influencer Culture
  1. Many women feel a strong need to be understood and validated, especially when experiencing health issues. This desire makes them more likely to follow wellness trends that promise relief.
  2. The story of Belle Gibson shows the dangers of wellness influencers who exploit the struggles of others for gain. Her narrative reflects a broader issue where people's real pain is often dismissed.
  3. Skepticism from medical professionals about women's health issues can lead to feelings of desperation. This can push women towards unproven wellness solutions in hopes of finding someone who believes and helps them.

A Confession and an Announcement

rebelwisdom • 1277 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Spirituality Science Psychology Research
  1. The book discusses a personal experience with a powerful psychedelic drug and its impact on the individual and collective wisdom.
  2. The book reflects on the integration of psychedelic science and spirituality in understanding and navigating the challenges of the present time.
  3. The author aims to prompt inquiry and critical thinking around the potential of psychedelics in transforming society and addressing current crises.

The Incredible Beauty of Unlikely Friendships

Brent and Michael are Going Places • 904 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Friendships Loss Connection Growth Community
  1. Unlikely friendships can have a profound impact on our lives, even if they are brief.
  2. People are not always what they seem, and judging based on first impressions or stereotypes can be misleading.
  3. Building connections with others, especially in unlikely circumstances, can bring a unique and beautiful experience to life.

How to be a late bloomer in 2024

The Common Reader • 3543 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth Life Advice Success Stories
  1. Late bloomers often work towards their goals without a clear endpoint in mind, allowing for meandering career paths that involve learning and skill development.
  2. Late bloomers make significant life changes influenced by networks, circumstances, and mid-life crises, which help them transition and achieve success.
  3. To become a late bloomer, preparation is key; taking small steps towards goals each day can lead to significant achievements over time.

OSD 357: Putting your first aid kit to the test, holiday edition

Open Source Defense • 63 implied HN points • 25 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness First Aid Emergency Prep Medical training
  1. At home, prioritize high-impact tools and training—first aid training, bleeding control items like tourniquets, and an AED if you can afford one—because you’re limited by budget and storage, not portability.
  2. Stock the mundane essentials first (band‑aids, scissors, gauze, tape, burn care) before exotic gear, and run surprise rehearsals so you learn what’s missing and how to use the kit under stress.
  3. Follow a "climb to certainty" approach: take small, clear steps to stabilize or diagnose (clean, dress, reassess) and escalate to medical care if bleeding continues or symptoms are unclear or severe, especially around holidays when emergencies rise.

Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms skyrocket; Could psychedelics lead to better sex? And will CA be the next state to launch a psychedelics program?

The Microdose • 432 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Research Legislation Therapy
  1. Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms have significantly increased over the years, indicating a potential rise in availability and use.
  2. Research suggests that psychedelics like psilocybin can lead to improvements in sexual functioning and satisfaction.
  3. California is considering launching a state-regulated program for therapeutic use of psychedelics, potentially making it the first to focus explicitly on psychedelic therapy.

Reader Question – Wegovy’s Side Effects - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 798 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical treatment Informed consent Side Effects Weight Stigma
  1. Healthcare practitioners should provide informed consent without patients having to ask for it, and dismissing concerns about side effects violates medical ethics.
  2. Wegovy, a weight loss medication, has serious side effects including contraindications for certain medical conditions, fetal harm, and common side effects like nausea and abdominal pain.
  3. The FDA-approved documentation and research show significant adverse events associated with Wegovy, challenging the idea that the drug is safe and raising important questions about long-term use.

Prozac Lessons: 5 Questions for drug historian David Herzberg

The Microdose • 884 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Pharmaceuticals Psychedelics Research Commercialization
  1. Antidepressants have evolved over time, impacting societal views and treatments of depression.
  2. There is a historical pattern of seeking quick-fix solutions for mental health issues through medication.
  3. Concerns exist about the profit-centered approach to mental health treatments, including the potential harms and biases in clinical trials.

Finding My New Fitness Family

The Recovering Academic • 554 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Mental health Physical health Wellness Self-Improvement
  1. Fitness culture has evolved over the years, moving away from toxic masculinity and dominance-oriented training to a more inclusive and positive approach.
  2. Exercise can be a way to compensate for emotional distress and voids, but it's important to shift towards a healthier mindset focused on overall well-being.
  3. The shift in workout environments, from segregated spaces to inclusive settings, reflects a desire for a more positive and supportive fitness community that values happiness and holistic wellness.

Three Things That Should Be Required For Weight Loss Research

Weight and Healthcare • 718 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Research Health Impact Ethics Health Science
  1. Require five-year follow-up with mandatory publication to improve accuracy and information in weight loss studies
  2. Mandate essential information in bold print at the beginning of weight loss studies to ensure transparency and accessibility
  3. Implement a weight-neutral comparator group in weight loss studies to distinguish impacts of behavior changes from weight loss, reducing health risks

Linoleic Acid and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

The Heart Attack Diet • 219 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Mitochondria Dietary fats
  1. Hypothyroidism can present without abnormal hormone levels and might lead to conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, or Major Depression.
  2. Mitochondrial dysfunction, like in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, can be linked to low levels of thyroid hormones which normally stimulate mitochondria.
  3. Linoleic acid in the inner mitochondrial membrane plays a crucial role in providing stability through polymerization, despite being an unstable and rare substance.

Are You Anxious?

Are You Okay? • 878 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Anxiety Therapy Physical health Self-awareness
  1. Anxiety is a natural part of being human and has been essential for our survival throughout history.
  2. Anxiety can have serious negative effects if triggered excessively or inappropriately over time, impacting both mental and physical health.
  3. Understanding your baseline anxiety level, triggers, coping mechanisms, and seeking help when needed are crucial steps in managing anxiety and improving overall well-being.

What's in a Name?

Ladyparts • 878 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Advocacy
  1. It's important to speak openly about ailments related to the vagina, vulva, and female urethra for women's health advocacy.
  2. Watching TV can be a comforting activity after a medical procedure.
  3. Consider signing up for Ladyparts for exclusive content and a 7-day free trial.

Friday Q&A: insomnia; full-body MRIs; aging & acceptance; & "normal" vs. worrisome pain

Are You Okay? • 639 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Insomnia Aging Acceptance Pain
  1. Improving sleep hygiene can help with insomnia more effectively than relying on medications. This includes optimizing environmental, behavioral, and psychological factors for better sleep.
  2. Full-body MRIs as a health screening tool may not have sufficient evidence backing their utility.
  3. Prescription medications for sleep should be used cautiously due to risks of addiction and side effects. It's important to balance risks and rewards in using such medications.

Tell them what they mean to you

Disaffected Newsletter • 1458 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Emotional Wellness Personal reflections End-of-life
  1. It's important to express how much someone means to you, especially as they approach the end of life. Sharing your feelings can bring comfort to both you and them.
  2. Facing death can be hard, but don't let fear keep you away. Being present, holding hands, and talking about your love can make a difference.
  3. Staying busy with everyday tasks can help ease the burden of grief. Taking care of chores can be a good way to cope with loss.

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

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1187 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.