welltica - The path to a better life. - Welltica focuses on improving your life.

Home Blog

How hot water can affect your body if you drink it in the morning

3. July, 2026

A simple morning habit may give your digestive system better conditions to function, according to a gastroenterologist, reports Real Simple.

Morning offers the best conditions

If you want to drink hot water, gastroenterologist Omar Khokhar recommends doing so in the morning. At that time of day, the colon is naturally more active.

Your body’s hormones play a role

When you wake up, cortisol levels are higher than later in the day. This may help increase bowel movement slightly.

It’s about creating better conditions

Hot water does not force your digestive system to work. Instead, it may create a more favorable environment for digestion.

Your intestinal muscles may relax

The warmth can help the smooth muscles in the stomach and intestines relax, making it easier for food and waste to move through the digestive tract.

A glass of water can stimulate bowel activity

Simply drinking water can stimulate the stomach, which may help encourage activity in the intestines.

Digestion may become more efficient

According to the gastroenterologist, hot water may make stomach contents and the protective mucus layer slightly thinner, allowing digestion to move along more smoothly.

Fewer slowdowns during digestion

When digestion flows more easily, there may be fewer points where the process slows down.

A gentler option for sensitive stomachs

People with sensitive digestive systems may find it easier to stay hydrated with hot water than with very cold drinks.

Ice cold drinks may cause discomfort

For some people, very cold liquids can trigger bloating or stomach cramps, while hot water is less likely to have that effect.

A little lemon may help

Adding a small amount of lemon to hot water may provide mild stimulation of the stomach, according to the doctor.

Ginger is another option

The gastroenterologist also highlights ginger, which may help relieve nausea and support stomach emptying.

Avoid overloading your drink

The doctor advises against adding various powders or using large amounts of apple cider vinegar in hot water.

Sunshine and temperature may shape mental health, study finds

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

3. July, 2026

Sunshine and temperature may shape mental health, study finds

A new study indicates that everyday changes in the weather could affect your mental well-being, according to HealthDay.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia examined whether daily weather conditions are associated with the number of people contacting the UK’s healthcare system for mental health concerns.

Millions of contacts

The study, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, is based on more than 4.6 million contacts with emergency departments, out-of-hours GP services, and the NHS telephone advice service in England between 2014 and 2022.

The data were compared with weather records from the same period.

The findings showed that more people sought help when temperatures rose to around 18°C (64°F). At the same time, there were more contacts on days with fewer hours of sunshine.

By contrast, the researchers found no clear link between rainfall and the number of people seeking help.

Could help healthcare planning

The contacts included cases involving anxiety, depression, sleep problems, self-harm, and alcohol-related issues.

The researchers emphasize that the study identifies an association rather than proving that weather directly causes mental health problems.

However, the findings suggest that understanding the impact of weather could help healthcare services better plan their capacity.

The study’s main conclusion is that not only extreme weather, but also ordinary changes in temperature and sunlight, may be linked to when people seek help for mental health problems.

Nara Smith opens up about her 2-year-old daughter’s illness

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

3. July, 2026

Nara Smith opens up about her 2-year-old daughter’s illness

Nara Smith shared on Instagram that her family has been going through a long and difficult medical journey.

According to LADBible, the situation has made it challenging to balance both her work and family life.

She said the past months have been filled with hospital visits while she has also been caring for her four children and managing her career.

Hoping to help others

Nara Smith explained that she decided to share her family’s experience to encourage others to seek medical attention if they notice unusual symptoms in a child or family member.

She also said that meeting other families facing similar circumstances has been a tremendous source of support.

At the same time, she expressed her gratitude to the doctors and nurses who helped guide her family through the ordeal.

Devastating news

According to Nara Smith, everything began toward the end of last year when she and her husband, Lucky Blue Smith, noticed something unusual about their two-year-old daughter, Whimsy Lou.

After several examinations at the hospital and consultations with a pediatric specialist, a biopsy confirmed that the child had cancer.

The family was also told that the disease had spread, and chemotherapy treatment began immediately.

Nara Smith is best known for her cooking videos on TikTok, where she has more than 12 million followers.

How bananas can affect your blood sugar if you eat them regularly

Mie Hermansen

2. July, 2026

How bananas can affect your blood sugar if you eat them regularly

Bananas are a nutritious fruit rich in potassium, but they also affect blood sugar levels. How much they raise your blood sugar depends on factors such as ripeness, portion size, and what you eat them with, reports Verywell Health.

Bananas affect blood sugar

Bananas contain natural sugars that are absorbed into the bloodstream and increase blood sugar levels. The amount of the increase depends, among other things, on the banana’s size and ripeness.

The glycemic index measures the effect

The glycemic index, or GI, shows how quickly a food raises blood sugar. Foods with a low GI lead to a slower rise than foods with a high GI.

A ripe banana has a low GI

A medium sized ripe banana has a GI of about 51. This places it in the low GI category and means it typically does not cause a sharp rise in blood sugar.

Portion size matters

Glycemic load takes both the GI and the serving size into account. A typical serving of banana falls into the medium glycemic load category.

Refrigeration slows ripening

Keeping bananas in the refrigerator slows the ripening process. This helps preserve starch for longer and delays its conversion into sugar.

Green bananas cause a smaller rise

Green or slightly underripe bananas contain more resistant starch. This helps keep blood sugar levels steadier after eating.

Ripe bananas have a faster effect

As bananas ripen, more of their starch is converted into sugar. As a result, their GI increases and blood sugar may rise more quickly.

Very ripe bananas have the highest GI

Bananas with brown spots or mostly black peels have a higher GI than less ripe bananas and are more likely to produce the greatest rise in blood sugar.

Choose less ripe bananas

If you want to reduce blood sugar fluctuations, choosing green or less ripe bananas may be beneficial because they contain more resistant starch.

Pair bananas with protein or fiber

Eating a banana together with protein, fiber, or healthy unsaturated fats may help reduce the rise in blood sugar. Examples include nuts, yogurt, or overnight oats.

Watch your portion size

Even low GI fruits can raise blood sugar when eaten in large amounts. Choosing a smaller banana or splitting a larger one into two servings may help.

Bananas are a popular workout food

Bananas are often eaten before, during, or after exercise because their carbohydrates provide a quick source of energy. Their potassium also supports normal muscle function.

Speak with a healthcare provider if blood sugar spikes are frequent

If you regularly experience significant increases in blood sugar after eating bananas or other fruit, consult a healthcare provider. Monitoring your blood sugar can provide valuable insight into your body’s response, and a registered dietitian can help create a meal plan tailored to your needs.

Irregular menstruation may be a sign of an underlying disease

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

2. July, 2026

Irregular menstruation may be a sign of an underlying disease

Irregular menstruation can be associated with several serious health conditions.

These include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, sleep apnoea, and mental health conditions.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as cited by The Guardian, the condition affects up to 13 percent of women of reproductive age.

At the same time, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), according to The Guardian, believes that the condition often goes undiagnosed and that treatment varies.

New recommendations

NICE proposes that people suspected of having the condition should undergo blood tests to assess hormone levels.

In some cases, an ultrasound scan may also be necessary, according to the draft guidelines reported by The Guardian.

The guidelines also recommend an annual health check following a diagnosis.

This should include ongoing assessments of the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental health conditions.

Earlier diagnosis

The new recommendations are based on international guidelines developed by Monash University and are already being used in more than 100 countries, according to The Guardian.

The most significant change is that people with irregular menstruation should, in the future, be assessed for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).

The aim is to diagnose the condition earlier and ensure that more people receive the same standard of care.

Doctors found 38 parasites in her brain years after a holiday

Mie Hermansen

2. July, 2026

Doctors found 38 parasites in her brain years after a holiday

Most people return from a holiday with photos, souvenirs and happy memories. Few imagine that an infection picked up abroad could remain hidden for years before causing serious health problems.

According to PA Real Life, as reported by LADbible, one Welsh woman’s experience highlights just how unexpected that journey can be.

A rare diagnosis

Doctors eventually diagnosed Lowri Denman with neurocysticercosis, a rare condition caused when the larvae of the pork tapeworm spread to the brain.

Although the disease is uncommon in countries with modern sanitation, it remains one of the most serious complications of a tapeworm infection.

Brain scans revealed 38 parasites in Denman’s brain. The diagnosis came several years after a two-month trip to India in 2007, where doctors believe she most likely contracted the infection.

Ironically, she had chosen to follow a vegetarian diet throughout her travels in an effort to reduce the risk of food-borne illness.

Years of health challenges

Before doctors identified the cause, Denman began suffering from severe headaches followed by epileptic seizures. Treating the infection proved difficult, as the parasites did not respond to medication as quickly as specialists had expected.

The illness gradually affected every aspect of her life. She lost her driving licence because of the risk of seizures, had to leave her job and later required hospital treatment after developing significant mental health problems.

Doctors were unable to determine whether those symptoms resulted directly from the infection, the prolonged treatment or the emotional strain of living with a serious illness for years.

Rebuilding her life

Following years of medical care, Denman’s condition slowly improved. Her seizures are now controlled with medication, and she has remained seizure-free for around a decade. She was able to return to work in 2022 after spending much of her thirties focused on recovery.

Health experts say neurocysticercosis can remain undetected for years before symptoms appear, making diagnosis particularly challenging.

While the condition is rare in Europe, Denman’s story serves as a reminder that persistent neurological symptoms following international travel should always be thoroughly investigated to ensure timely treatment and the best possible outcome.

Why you should never scratch a mosquito bite, according to scientists

Mie Hermansen

2. July, 2026

Why you should never scratch a mosquito bite, according to scientists

An itchy mosquito bite can quickly become the most annoying part of a summer day. Almost everyone has given in to the temptation to scratch, even knowing it probably isn’t the best idea.

New research now suggests that this common habit may actually make your body’s reaction much worse. The findings come from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, published in Nature and reported by UNILAD.

An unexpected discovery

The research team was originally investigating allergic skin inflammation when they uncovered an important link between scratching and the body’s immune response. Using mice, they compared animals that could scratch irritated skin with others that wore protective collars to prevent scratching.

The difference was clear. Mice that were unable to scratch developed significantly less swelling and a much milder inflammatory response. The findings suggest that scratching itself can amplify the skin’s reaction rather than helping it heal.

Your body works against you

An insect bite triggers the release of histamine, the chemical responsible for the familiar itching sensation. Once scratching begins, additional nerve signals are activated, prompting the immune system to release even more inflammatory compounds.

Instead of calming the irritation, this process can leave the bite redder, more swollen and itchy for longer. In other words, the brief relief from scratching may come at the cost of extending the body’s recovery.

What you should do instead

Dermatologists recommend avoiding the urge to scratch whenever possible. Instead, they suggest a few simple ways to reduce discomfort:

Apply a cold compress or wrapped ice pack to the area.
Use an anti-itch cream or an antihistamine if the itching becomes bothersome.
Keep the skin clean and avoid breaking the surface, which can increase the risk of infection.

According to the researchers, most uncomplicated insect bites will settle on their own if the skin is left undisturbed. Resisting the urge to scratch may be one of the easiest ways to reduce inflammation and help the irritation disappear more quickly.

A simple tape measure test could reveal your heart disease risk

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

2. July, 2026

A simple tape measure test could reveal your heart disease risk

The risk of heart disease depends on several factors. Diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and conditions such as diabetes can all play a role.

For this reason, doctors recommend maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and keeping a healthy body weight.

Cardiologist David Min told EatingWell, as reported by Express, that several studies suggest a high intake of fruits such as apples, avocados, blueberries, and oranges may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Your waist can reveal important information

According to heart surgeon Jeremy London, body weight is not the only factor that matters. Excess fat around the abdomen can be a sign of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

He refers to a study that followed more than 500,000 people over a period of 12 years.

According to London, the findings showed that people with a high amount of visceral fat, fat surrounding the internal organs, were at greater risk of developing heart disease.

A simple test you can do at home

According to Express, Jeremy London has shared a simple method that requires nothing more than a measuring tape.

Measure your waist at the level of your navel after fully exhaling. Then measure your height.

If your waist circumference is greater than half of your height, the doctor says it may be a good idea to speak with your doctor about your risk of heart disease.

He also emphasizes that this test cannot diagnose heart disease.

It should only be used as an initial screening tool to help determine whether further medical evaluation may be appropriate.

How to sleep better in the summer heat without air conditioning

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

2. July, 2026

How to sleep better in the summer heat without air conditioning

High summer temperatures can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, as excessive heat often leads to poorer sleep quality and more frequent awakenings.

According to Real Simple, experts share several practical tips to help you stay cooler and sleep better, even without air conditioning.

Cool your bedroom in advance

Start cooling your bedroom one to two hours before bedtime.

Opening the windows or turning on a fan ahead of time can help the room reach a more comfortable temperature before you go to sleep.

Avoid activities that generate heat

Try to finish cooking, baking, and using the oven or other heat-producing appliances earlier in the day.

This helps prevent unnecessary heat from building up inside your home during the evening.

Keep the sun’s heat out

Close curtains, blinds, or shades during the day to reduce the amount of heat entering your home.

This can significantly limit indoor heat buildup throughout the day.

Take advantage of natural ventilation

If outdoor temperatures allow, opening the windows at night can improve airflow and create a cooler indoor environment.

Use a fan

Although a fan does not lower the room’s temperature, it can make the air feel cooler by increasing airflow.

Both ceiling fans and portable fans can provide relief during hot summer nights.

Make sure your ceiling fan rotates in the correct direction

If you have a ceiling fan, it should rotate counterclockwise during the summer.

This pushes air downward, creating a cooling breeze.

Choose a fan with an appropriate noise level

Some people sleep better with a little background noise, while others prefer complete silence.

Experts recommend considering the fan’s noise level when choosing the right model.

Turn off the fan when the room is empty

Fans should only be left on when someone is in the room.

They cool people rather than the room itself, so switching them off when the room is empty can save energy.

Use ice with a fan

Placing a bowl of ice behind a fan can create a cooler stream of air and make it easier to fall asleep.

Cool your hands, feet, or head

Ice packs, cold wet towels, or cool water applied to your hands, feet, or head can help lower your body temperature.

Choose cooling bedding

A lightweight blanket and a cooling pillow can improve comfort by promoting better airflow and reducing heat buildup during the night.

Consider a mattress cooling system

A mattress cooling system circulates chilled water through a mattress pad, helping cool both the mattress and your body while you sleep.

Take a shower before bed

A quick shower can help lower your body temperature.

According to the expert, both a cold and a warm shower can have a cooling effect once you step out of the water.

Establish a consistent sleep routine

Experts recommend going to bed at the same time every night and limiting screen time, as well as stimulating content, during the final hour before bedtime.

It is also a good idea not to charge your phone next to your bed, as it gives off heat while charging.

Scientists explore whether creatine could help treat depression

Mie Hermansen

2. July, 2026

Scientists explore whether creatine could help treat depression

Many people are willing to try almost anything to improve their mental well-being. While new medicines often dominate the conversation, researchers are also taking a closer look at familiar supplements that have long been associated with physical performance.

According to researchers from the University of Ottawa, whose review was published in Brain Medicine and highlighted by Genomic Press, creatine is now being investigated for its potential role in depression treatment, reports Science Daily.

Creatine has been a staple in the fitness world for years, but scientists are now exploring whether its benefits could extend beyond muscle growth. Although the early findings are encouraging, experts stress that the evidence is not yet strong enough to change clinical practice.

What the research found

The researchers reviewed five randomized clinical trials involving 238 participants from countries including the United States, South Korea, Brazil, Israel and India. Rather than conducting a new study, they analyzed existing research to determine whether creatine consistently improved symptoms of depression.

The results were mixed. Two studies involving women with major depressive disorder reported improved outcomes when creatine was added to standard treatment. However, three other trials found no meaningful difference between creatine and a placebo.

Why scientists are interested

Researchers believe the brain’s high energy demands may explain why creatine is worth investigating. The supplement helps cells produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s main energy source, and scientists suspect this process could also influence brain function.

There is also growing interest in whether creatine affects neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which play important roles in regulating mood. However, researchers emphasize that these theories still require much stronger scientific evidence.

More research needed

The review concludes that it is too early to recommend creatine as a treatment for depression. The existing clinical trials were relatively small and differed in both design and quality, making broad conclusions impossible.

Larger and longer studies will be needed before doctors can determine whether creatine has a genuine place in depression treatment. For now, it remains a promising area of research rather than a proven solution.

12 3...382 Page 1 of 382

Morning offers the best conditions

Your body’s hormones play a role

It’s about creating better conditions

Your intestinal muscles may relax

A glass of water can stimulate bowel activity

Digestion may become more efficient

Fewer slowdowns during digestion

A gentler option for sensitive stomachs

Ice cold drinks may cause discomfort

A little lemon may help

Ginger is another option

Avoid overloading your drink

Millions of contacts

Could help healthcare planning

Hoping to help others

Devastating news

Bananas affect blood sugar

The glycemic index measures the effect

A ripe banana has a low GI

Portion size matters

Refrigeration slows ripening

Green bananas cause a smaller rise

Ripe bananas have a faster effect

Very ripe bananas have the highest GI

Choose less ripe bananas

Pair bananas with protein or fiber

Watch your portion size

Bananas are a popular workout food

Speak with a healthcare provider if blood sugar spikes are frequent

New recommendations

Earlier diagnosis

A rare diagnosis

Years of health challenges

Rebuilding her life

An unexpected discovery

Your body works against you

What you should do instead

Your waist can reveal important information

A simple test you can do at home

Cool your bedroom in advance

Avoid activities that generate heat

Keep the sun’s heat out

Take advantage of natural ventilation

Use a fan

Make sure your ceiling fan rotates in the correct direction

Choose a fan with an appropriate noise level

Turn off the fan when the room is empty

Use ice with a fan

Cool your hands, feet, or head

Choose cooling bedding

Consider a mattress cooling system

Take a shower before bed

Establish a consistent sleep routine

What the research found

Why scientists are interested

More research needed

Follow us

Categories

Latest News

Popular News