The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health publishes a wealth of information online. This morning, I opened my mail to information on music and health.
Read MoreScience is exciting, a never-ending maze of discoveries, slowly unraveling deep mysteries. Usually, science moves forward in tiny increments, iterative steps. Each small step builds on the next. But every once in a while, there comes about such a revolutionary idea; it sounds like science fiction. Those "out-of-the-box" studies are what I love. They change my perspective and sometimes offer insight into scientific dogma. The novelty and wide-ranging potential is the reason I love the microbiome--its influence on disease. Although a recent discovery, promises to turn most of what we know about health and disease on its head.
Read MoreObesity is a global epidemic and is far more prevalent in countries that adopt Western patterns of eating. Western patterns of eating include highly processed foods with lots of sugar and fat and the removal of fiber. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines processed food as one that has undergone any change to its natural state
Read MoreAn article in the New York Times called attention to a recent study that investigated the biochemical / molecular changes of the body with exercise. The study, published in Cell, used multi-omics to catalog and quantify over 9000 different molecules that changed with exertion.
Read MoreAmidst all the chaos in the world, this NY Times article soothed me. Clothes dried outside have a distinct smell. This scientist studied the genesis of the distinctive outdoor-fresh smell.
Read MoreMany of us have had the opportunity to focus on our health during the Covid-19 pandemic. Exercise has a myriad of benefits to health and mental well being and is one of the pillars of wellness.. Most of us are familiar with the "runners high." Many exercise specifically for this feeling. The "high" is not limited to running. One can feel bliss with any sustained physical activity. An interesting article on TED focuses on the phenomenon.
Read MoreI am doing quite a bit of reading on caloric restriction and time-restricted eating. I came across the article, A Time to Fast, in Science. The article is an excellent summary of the emerging field.
Read MoreAn essential skill for evaluation of wellness claims is critical reading. The Farnum Street article, nicely summarizes the things you should be aware of when reading scientific information.
Read MoreAnother article in the NY Times is calling attention to the need for quality research in the field of nutrition. The report was prompted by a new manuscript, Assessment of Prevention Research Measuring Leading Risk Factors and Causes of Mortality and Disability Supported by the US National Institutes of Health, that demonstrates a lack of adequate quality control In most nutritional clinical trials.
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