The New York Times

Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, a new study warns. Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have discovered a link between obesity and insulin resistance in the brain.

The team found that a diet high in sugar leads to insulin resistance in the brain, which then hinders the clearance of neuronal waste. This increases the risk of neurodegeneration, which causes disease, by causing inflammation, brain cell death and poor nervous system recovery.

Bron(nen): Study Finds

Enjoy your cup of comfort, because coffee is healthy. Dutch researchers now also have this demonstrated. And you don’t even have to stick to one cup. No, more is better. Until about four cups then.

Scientists from Wageningen University and UMC Groningen examined more than 80,000 test subjects, most of whom liked a coffee. They appear to have healthier kidneys than non-coffee drinkers and those with diabetes benefit most from the health benefits. Four cups of coffee are healthier than one. Above this level, no further positive effects were found.

“We already saw in other studies a possible beneficial effect of coffee on diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The result of our research fits into that picture,” says Marianne Geleijnse, professor of nutrition and cardiovascular disease at Wageningen University, against RTL News.

It is still unclear what exactly makes coffee so healthy. “It could be due to several factors,” says Geleijnse. “Coffee contains thousands of substances, from antioxidants to caffeine.”

The black gold is not only good for the kidneys. According to previous research, it reduces the risk of Parkinson’s, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, liver and prostate cancer. Coffee is also said to prolong your life in a general sense. Filter coffee is the healthiest because it contains less cafestol, which increases cholesterol.

Bron(nen): RTL News

Our intestines and brain are closely connected. The complex network of nerves and microbes in our gut, also known as the ‘gut brain’ or ‘2nd brain’, influences our mood, cognition and behavior. Communication between the intestines and the brain takes place via electrical wires (autonomous nerve fibers) and messenger substances such as neurotransmitters and hormones 1. Intestinal bacteria secrete an enormous amount of signaling substances, including serotonin and dopamine, which enter our brain via the bloodstream and influence our state of mind 23.

The intestinal microbiota, consisting of various microorganisms, has a profound influence on our physical and mental health.

These microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea and eukarya, have co-evolved with humans and have outnumbered our own cells. Collectively known as the ‘microbiota’, they contribute to various aspects of our well-being, such as digestion, metabolism and immunity.

Recent research has shown that the gut microbiota can also influence our brains and behavior via the gut-brain axis. The microorganisms in our gut can produce molecules that transmit signals to neurons, regulate brain activity, and influence cognition and emotional states.

Understanding this complex relationship between our gut and brain could lead to new treatments for mental illness. Although more research is needed, interventions such as probiotics and dietary changes show promise in modulating the gut microbiota and improving mental well-being.

Bron(nen): RUG

It’s gray and cold outside; Before you know it you wake up with a sore throat. What is the best thing to do to prevent a sore throat or nip the sick, weak and nauseous condition in the bud?

Good night

Give your health a big boost by getting (more than) enough sleep. Your immune system benefits from a good night’s sleep. This greatly reduces the chance that you will become ill or get a sore throat. Sleep more than eight hours in a row a few nights.

Humidity in the house

Make sure the air in your home is not too dry, as this can cause the mucous membranes in your throat, mouth and nose to dry out, causing a sore throat. Place indoor plants in your bedroom, such as Sansevieria, Aloe vera, Peace Lily, Calathea or Zamioculcas. They purify the air and ensure good humidity.

Gargle with salt water

Gargling with a saline solution can dissolve mucus and prevent sore throats. Make salt water easily yourself by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in lukewarm water.

Steaming

Turn your bathroom or shower cabin into a steam room by taking a hot bath or shower, while keeping doors and windows closed. You can also take a steam bath by hanging over a tub of hot water with a towel over your head. Steam moisturizes dry skin and dehydrated mucous membranes. If necessary, add some chamomile or a dash of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the bath or basin. This helps prevent or reduce coughing fits.

Popsicles

Chewing on ice provides cooling and numbs the pain. Choose ice cream without sugar, lemon or dairy, because these ingredients can irritate the throat. This will only make the sore throat worse.

Bron(nen): Dragonfly

Cardiologist Janneke Wittekoek warns in HLN about the role that emotional stress, such as relationship stress or grief, plays in heart disease. She highlights the significant impact of stress on the heart, with emotional stress playing a crucial role in a third of all heart attacks.

It is conventional wisdom that stress is bad for your heart, yet hospitals often overlook the impact of stress on the body. Stress can lead to narrowing of the blood vessels and various heart-related problems.

Wittekoek emphasizes the development of heart diseases, such as neurovascular angina pectoris and broken heart syndrome, which often occur in women.

Strategies such as meditation, mindfulness, breathing techniques and yoga can help manage stress. Wittekoek also emphasizes the importance of a good night’s sleep and the need to seek therapy for severe stress. She also recommends engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as spending time in nature, listening to music and participating in cultural activities.

Regular exercise, especially running, has been shown to have a positive impact on mental well-being and heart health.

Bron(nen): HLN