The hottest General Health Substack posts right now

Conscious consumption starts with curiosity, so it's important to be aware of the impact of alcohol on mental and physical health.
New research on alcohol can be contradictory and may not always have straightforward implications for individuals' health decisions.
Assessing the relationship with alcohol goes beyond quantity and involves looking at how it affects behavior, emotions, cognition, and physical health.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a real condition that affects a significant portion of the population, more commonly women, causing symptoms like cramping, pain, bloating, and more.
Managing IBS involves keeping a food diary to identify trigger foods, checking medications for possible digestive effects, increasing fiber intake gradually, managing stress, and nurturing the gut microbiome by choosing the right foods.
Individuals with family history of breast cancer and considering hormone replacement therapy should consult with healthcare providers, as factors like age, lifestyle habits, and specific health conditions play a role in decision-making.

Information on COVID risks and booster shots was addressed in a Friday Q&A session. It's important to consider context and accurate data when evaluating health risks associated with COVID infection.
Having had previous COVID infection or vaccination can impact the likelihood of 'long COVID' symptoms in case of reinfection, with different considerations for teens and young adults.
Viral infections like COVID can worsen existing health conditions, highlighting the importance of understanding individual health contexts and risks.

Identify triggers for binge or restrict urges, practice mindfulness, distract yourself, practice self-compassion, seek professional help if needed
Consider consuming more probiotics like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, feed your microbes with prebiotics, avoid antibiotics, reduce processed foods and sugar intake
Approach conversations with teens about food and body image with sensitivity and empathy, focus on health not weight, choose the right time and place to discuss, lead with curiosity, offer support and resources

The writer reflects on their weight history over several periods of their life and discusses the concept of set-point/lipostat-type theories of obesity.
Weight measurements can vary based on the scales used and personal weight fluctuation experiences, such as after periods of physical activity or dietary changes.
The importance of historical weight data and the impact of muscle mass on weight, as illustrated through the writer's experience in rowing and the changing perceptions of weight within the sport.

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Boost your adaptive immune system with a vaccine or by developing neutralizing antibodies after being sick with COVID-19.
Enhance your innate immune system by focusing on your general health through proper sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and stress management.
Taking care of your basic health needs not only helps you fight diseases like COVID-19, but also improves overall health and well-being.