The hottest Health & Wellness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Everything Is Amazing 1303 implied HN points 11 Dec 25
  1. Regular physical activity can meaningfully improve sleep and help reduce insomnia.
  2. Gentle, mindful exercises like yoga, tai chi, walking and slow jogging often work best because they lower stress, calm the nervous system, and promote better breathing.
  3. The most effective fixes are often simple and boring — increase movement you can stick with — though results will vary by person.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients 1997 implied HN points 01 Jun 24
  1. Iron levels inside cells can be misunderstood, leading to confusion between deficiency and overload, especially for those with certain gene variants.
  2. Neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive issues could be linked to iron levels being too low or too high, affecting dopamine and myelin synthesis.
  3. Understanding the complexities of iron metabolism can help in interpreting lab data and making informed decisions to address iron-related problems effectively.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients 2216 implied HN points 23 May 24
  1. Ferritin, used to measure iron in blood, holds little iron but plays a crucial role, impacting health at extremes.
  2. Iron balance is key for health - too much ages, affects skin, causes diseases; too little harms brain, hormones, energy. It needs to be just right.
  3. Understanding serum ferritin's purpose is unclear; we don't know how it gets into blood or why. Limitations exist in relying solely on ferritin for iron status.
Sensible Medicine 6230 implied HN points 04 Feb 24
  1. Many people have different opinions on mask-wearing and judge others based on their choices.
  2. Logical breaks for stopping mask-wearing include belief in its effectiveness and timing related to vaccination or Covid infection.
  3. Continuing to wear masks after certain periods or events may not always be rational according to the author.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
digitalhealthinsider 39 implied HN points 18 Oct 24
  1. Health tech investments are looking better in 2024, suggesting a recovery in the market. This may lead to more innovative solutions in healthcare.
  2. Companies like Oshi Health and Eleanor Health are raising significant funds to improve virtual care and substance use treatment. This shows a growing focus on essential health services.
  3. Google has launched an AI tool for healthcare that is now available for everyone. This could make it easier for people to find health information quickly.
Freddie deBoer 16429 implied HN points 19 Jan 25
  1. Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood, with many thinking mood swings happen quickly, but the truth is they usually take weeks or months. It's important to really understand how the disorder works.
  2. People are increasingly claiming new and unusual diagnoses for mental health issues, which can undermine the seriousness of established conditions. This shift creates confusion and can affect how we view our own experiences.
  3. Claiming a diagnosis can feel liberating for some, but it can also lead to challenges when others misrepresent these conditions. It's tough when what you know to be true about your own illness feels threatened.
The Forgotten Side of Medicine 6800 implied HN points 21 Jan 24
  1. Over the past years, data suggests that unvaccinated individuals may become ill when in close contact with vaccinated individuals; mechanisms for this transmission involve exosome shedding, COVID-19 shedding, and potentially transfected bacterial shedding.
  2. Efforts to unravel the mysteries of mRNA vaccine shedding have revealed concerns such as shedding's impact on sexual shedding, odor emission, blood transfusions, cancer, and mitigation methods.
  3. Various factors can influence shedding reactions, such as sensitivity levels, timing post-vaccination, symptoms experienced, and potential links to the gut microbiome and pheromones.
The Honest Broker 44184 implied HN points 04 Mar 24
  1. Minimize reliance on scrolling and swiping interfaces to avoid falling into addictive traps engineered by tech companies.
  2. Rediscover real-world applications like learning skills and connecting with the community, which provide personal empowerment and genuine experiences.
  3. Immerse yourself in longer, immersive experiences like listening to music or engaging in rituals to break free from the shallow stimuli of modern technology.
The Forgotten Side of Medicine 5975 implied HN points 07 Feb 24
  1. The bioweapons research industry poses a danger to society and has built a profitable industry around fear.
  2. Lab leaks from bioweapons research have caused harm and need to be addressed to prevent disasters.
  3. Public awareness and pushback against the bioweapons industry can help derail their plans and protect society.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 459 implied HN points 23 Jan 26
  1. Fentanyl was mixed into the heroin supply starting around 2014, and many dealers and users didn’t even know they were getting it.
  2. Because fentanyl is about 50 times more potent than heroin, its effects hit faster and stronger, which accelerated addiction and initially increased overdoses.
  3. Big shifts in supply and demand, plus the toll of roughly a million deaths, have disrupted the fentanyl market and contributed to falling fentanyl-related deaths.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 500 implied HN points 19 Jan 26
  1. Being popular or beloved by millions does not automatically make you happy; external approval is not the same as inner fulfillment.
  2. Different people thrive in different roles. Some find joy in private, scholarly work while others enjoy public-facing careers with travel and recognition.
  3. Choose work and a lifestyle that fit your temperament and values instead of chasing fame, because popularity is an unreliable guide to a good life.
Ground Truths 15222 implied HN points 26 Jan 25
  1. Our gut bacteria can influence our cravings for sugar. Specific bacteria in our gut send signals to our brain that can make us want more sweets.
  2. The molecule Ffar4 in our gut plays a big role in how much we like sugar. When this is less active, we might crave sugar more.
  3. A certain type of gut bacteria, called Bacteroides vulgatus, is linked to an increased desire for sugar. Understanding this can help us figure out how to control cravings better.
Cremieux Recueil 404 implied HN points 29 Jan 26
  1. Laser eye surgery is a mature, widely used set of procedures that are generally safe and effective, with serious long-term complications being rare. Many patients notice dramatically clearer vision immediately or shortly after the operation.
  2. Different procedures trade off speed, recovery, and side effects: PRK has a longer healing time but very stable results, LASIK offers very fast recovery using a corneal flap, SMILE avoids a flap and has the lowest risk of dry eye, and ICL/RLE are better for very high prescriptions or older patients. You should weigh factors like cornea thickness, prescription strength, and how easy revisions would be.
  3. Deciding which surgery to get is a personal choice based on your eye anatomy, age, goals, risk tolerance, and budget. For many people the procedure is cost-effective and noticeably improves daily life.
Tom Ryan, Author 5640 implied HN points 10 Feb 24
  1. The author advocates for periodic breaks from electronics to enjoy solitude and reflection, touting the benefits of disconnecting and connecting with nature.
  2. There is a promotional subscription offer tied to the author's break from electronics, encouraging readers to subscribe and support Best Friends Animal Society.
  3. The author plans to use the time away from screens to focus on spiritual or reflective activities, such as fasting, pondering, and engaging in 'soul work.'
The Audacity. 5621 implied HN points 09 Feb 24
  1. Social media can often be a place where sincerity dies, with people sharing their struggles and miseries.
  2. There is pressure to always appear okay, even though many people are dealing with isolation and various problems.
  3. Despite progress in discussing mental health, there are still challenges like expensive therapy and inconsistent insurance coverage.
Richard Hanania's Newsletter 1511 implied HN points 01 Dec 25
  1. Research suggests that embryo selection and IVF may not lead to significantly worse outcomes compared to natural conception. Many potential negative effects may actually stem from the parents' health rather than the IVF process itself.
  2. Sperm competition in natural conception may not provide a better selection of embryos than IVF methods, which often involve either filtering sperm or simply picking the best-looking one.
  3. Overall health and success of children born through assisted reproductive technology tend to be more influenced by factors like socioeconomic status than by the method of conception itself.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients 2316 implied HN points 10 May 24
  1. Acne can have a significant impact on mental health, affecting self-esteem and causing anxiety and depression.
  2. The post discusses a powerful and safe acne remedy that has been overlooked for decades.
  3. The information provided is not medical advice, and readers are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional before making any health decisions.
Changing The Channel 8192 implied HN points 06 Dec 23
  1. Living in chronic stress from survival mode can lead to chronic illnesses and impact life expectancy
  2. Moving abroad is not just for the rich; many Americans are seeking a better quality of life due to the high cost of living and lack of a social safety net in the United States
  3. Chronic stress is normalized in America and can contribute to chronic illnesses, making it essential to address the root causes of stress in society
The Vajenda 6151 implied HN points 18 Jan 24
  1. Supplements in the United States have a history of being unregulated and potentially dangerous due to a lack of oversight and testing.
  2. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 removed regulations, allowing for the sale of supplements without proof of safety or efficacy.
  3. Buying supplements is like buying gas from a guy on the side of the road - there's little to no assurance of what you're actually getting or its effects on your health.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients 1977 implied HN points 21 May 24
  1. Vitamin B6 is essential for various bodily functions like preventing low blood glucose, maintaining muscle health, and improving skin condition.
  2. Estrogen and inflammation can increase the body's need for B6, so monitoring intake is crucial, especially for individuals with high-protein diets or sulfur dysregulation.
  3. Neuropathy can be caused by B6 supplements, and there is a need to rethink the traditional concept of B6 'toxicity' and consider individual differences in tolerance levels.
Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings 6368 implied HN points 09 Jan 24
  1. Experts debated whether Covid-19 was caused by a novel pathogen or harmful policies and fear propaganda.
  2. Some argued that there was no medical emergency from Covid itself, but from policy measures and vaccines.
  3. Clinical experience indicated a novel pathogen caused a unique and severe syndrome, despite some pre-existing antibody presence.
Changing The Channel 6039 implied HN points 17 Jan 24
  1. Resistance is an invisible force that aims to prevent us from pursuing our deepest desires and goals.
  2. Procrastination is a common manifestation of Resistance and serves as an easy way to rationalize avoiding our work.
  3. Critics and naysayers, including those close to us, may stem from their own fears and insecurities, projecting them onto our creative endeavors.
Ground Truths 15921 implied HN points 14 Dec 24
  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.
RESCUE with Michael Capuzzo 5267 implied HN points 03 Feb 24
  1. Paul Mann, diagnosed with stage four cancer, used ivermectin along with traditional treatments and supplements to achieve remission.
  2. A study led by Dr. Kathleen Ruddy aims to determine if repurposed drugs like ivermectin can improve survival rates for different types of cancer.
  3. The study, titled 'God of Pi', emphasizes systematic exploration of repurposed drugs in cancer treatment, focusing on patient safety and research integrity.
The Analog Family 2977 implied HN points 10 Apr 24
  1. Smartphones and digital media have greatly increased anxiety and depression in kids. The period between 2010 and 2015 saw a sharp rise in these mental health issues coinciding with the rise of smartphone use.
  2. Kids need real-life play to develop important social skills and physical abilities. Too much screen time replaces active play, leading to developmental challenges.
  3. Parents play a crucial role in managing their children's digital exposure. Limiting smartphone use before high school, avoiding social media until 16, and encouraging outdoor play can improve children's well-being.
Ground Truths 13516 implied HN points 19 Jan 25
  1. Eating a lot of red meat can be linked to health issues like heart problems and cancer. Plant-based diets are usually better for overall health.
  2. Studies show that eating more plant-based foods can help balance the risks from red meat. Even small changes can make a difference in gut health.
  3. Replacing red meat with healthier options like nuts or legumes may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
The Forgotten Side of Medicine 4992 implied HN points 01 Feb 24
  1. Being able to identify key signals and patterns in a vast amount of data is a vital skill in the modern age.
  2. As humans, our subconscious filters what information is valuable for our conscious mind to notice.
  3. Expanding awareness to perceive a large amount of information without withdrawing can help navigate the overwhelming sea of data.
Your Local Epidemiologist 1487 implied HN points 19 Nov 25
  1. Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) has gone through a lot of changes in how it's understood and recommended. Early studies suggested big risks, but newer research shows risks depend on many personal factors.
  2. Women who start MHT soon after menopause may have better health outcomes compared to those who start later. The type of hormones and how they're delivered also matter a lot in terms of risk.
  3. There's still a lot of confusion about menopause care. Many doctors haven't kept up with new information, leaving women without the support they need during this transition.
Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings 4835 implied HN points 28 Jan 24
  1. Dr. Hoffe advocates for the safety and effectiveness of ivermectin as a Covid treatment.
  2. Extensive data supports the unparalleled safety profile of ivermectin for Covid and parasitic diseases.
  3. Comparisons show that ivermectin is safer than other approved Covid treatments like Remdesivir, Paxlovid, and Molnupiravir.