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30. June, 2026

How to make your bowel movements more regular

Maintaining a regular bowel routine is not always easy.

According to Verywell Health, several everyday habits can support digestion and help make bowel movements more regular.

Keep a regular routine

Try to eat your meals at roughly the same time every day, and set aside time for a toilet visit after breakfast or other large meals.

Eat more fiber

Fiber adds bulk to stool, making it easier to move through the intestines.

Vegetables, fruit, and whole grains are all excellent sources of fiber.

Get the recommended amount of fiber

Verywell Health recommends around 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams per day for men, although individual needs may vary.

Drink enough fluids

Staying well hydrated can soften stool, making it easier to pass, according to a study published in BMC Public Health.

Sit correctly on the toilet

A squatting position can help the muscles relax and make it easier to empty the bowels.

Limit low-fiber foods

A diet high in processed foods and low in fiber can make stools harder and bowel movements less regular.

Be mindful of certain foods

Refined grains, dairy products, tender cuts of meat, bananas, and cooked or canned fruit are all relatively low in fiber, according to a study published in the International Journal of Surgery.

Avoid excessive alcohol

Heavy alcohol consumption can contribute to dehydration, making it more difficult to maintain regular bowel movements.

Prioritize a consistent sleep schedule

A regular sleep-wake cycle can support the body’s natural rhythms, including healthy bowel function.

Stay active every day

Light physical activity can promote healthy digestion. Certain yoga poses may also provide additional benefits.

Use supportive treatments when necessary

Suppositories, enemas, or laxatives may be used for short-term relief under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Biofeedback may be an option

Biofeedback therapy can help train the muscles involved in bowel movements, improving coordination between pushing and relaxation, according to a study published in the Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology.

Cancer doctors recommend limiting the use of this type of soap

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

30. June, 2026

Cancer doctors recommend limiting the use of this type of soap

Cancer is rarely caused by a single factor. Genetics, age, and previous exposures all play a significant role, and these are factors that cannot be changed.

However, there are some everyday risks that people can reduce.

According to Parade, several cancer specialists say that prolonged exposure to certain chemicals may increase the risk of damage to the body’s cells.

At the same time, the doctors emphasize that research is still ongoing.

Researchers are studying these chemicals

Some chemicals found in personal care products are being investigated because they may affect the body.

These include phthalates, parabens, and certain preservatives.

According to Parade, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also states that 1,4-dioxane can occur as a byproduct of the manufacturing process for cosmetic products.

According to American epidemiologist Adeel Khan, there is no evidence that occasional use of these products poses a significant risk to most people, Parade reports.

Doctors’ advice

According to Parade, doctors recommend limiting the daily use of strongly scented shower gels.

The reason is that repeated use over many years may increase overall exposure to certain chemicals, even though there is no evidence that all fragranced products are harmful.

As alternatives, the experts recommend fragrance-free body wash, bar soap, or pure liquid Castile soap, which often contains fewer additives.

How to keep your olive oil fresh for longer

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

30. June, 2026

How to keep your olive oil fresh for longer

Olive oil is best stored in a cool, dark place away from air.

If the bottle is left in direct sunlight or near the stove, the oil can gradually deteriorate.

This affects its flavor, aroma, and some of its natural compounds.

That is why it is important to keep the bottle tightly sealed and avoid places with large temperature fluctuations, according to Videnskab.dk.

A kitchen cupboard may be enough

If you use olive oil frequently, a cool, dark kitchen cupboard is a good option.

The most important thing is to keep the bottle away from the oven or stove, where it can be exposed to heat.

This is especially true for extra virgin olive oil, which contains flavor compounds and antioxidants that are best preserved.

Why the refrigerator can be beneficial

Many people use only small amounts of olive oil at a time. In those cases, an opened bottle can last for several months.

According to researcher Astrid Nilsson of the Norwegian research institute Nofima, storing olive oil in the refrigerator can therefore be beneficial, Videnskab.dk reports.

The low temperature can protect the oil from the deterioration caused by heat and oxygen.

If the olive oil becomes cloudy or solidifies in the refrigerator, there is no need for concern.

This is a completely normal reaction to cold temperatures, and the oil will become clear again once it has been left at room temperature for a while.

Analysis of nearly 877,000 patients suggests GLP-1 may affect smell and taste

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

30. June, 2026

Analysis of nearly 877,000 patients suggests GLP-1 may affect smell and taste

The senses of smell and taste play an important role in everyday life. Among other things, they help us detect spoiled food and other potential hazards.

For this reason, researchers believe that changes in these senses should be taken seriously when patients begin treatment with GLP-1 medications.

This is highlighted in a commentary on the study published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, which was reported by MedPage Today.

The researchers recommend that physicians discuss patients’ sense of smell and taste before treatment begins.

Large study

The study is based on medical records from nearly 877,000 people with type 2 diabetes. The participants were divided into two groups.

One group received GLP-1 medication, while the other was treated with other types of diabetes medication. The patients were followed for two years.

The researchers also point out that the findings have limitations.

The data are based on medical diagnoses and patients’ self-reported experiences rather than on formal tests of smell and taste.

A small difference

The results show that people treated with GLP-1 medications were more likely to report problems with their sense of smell or taste than those receiving other diabetes medications.

However, the overall risk was only slightly higher, and the actual difference between the two groups was very small.

The researchers therefore conclude that there may be an association, but they also emphasize that further studies using more precise measurements are needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

Barack Obama makes rare admission about his health

Mie Hermansen

30. June, 2026

Barack Obama makes rare admission about his health

Staying active often becomes less about pushing harder and more about knowing when to slow down. As the years pass, many people discover that avoiding injuries is just as important as keeping fit.

That is a balance former U.S. President Barack Obama recently discussed in an interview with PEOPLE alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama.

The conversation, which followed the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, offered a rare glimpse into how the couple approach health and exercise today, reports UNILAD.

Taking fewer risks

At 64, Obama says he still feels physically fit, but admits his priorities have changed. Basketball remains one of his favourite sports, although he is now far more cautious about movements that place extra strain on his knees and Achilles tendons.

Rather than playing competitive games, he prefers less demanding activities on the court, allowing him to stay active while reducing the risk of injury.

A different approach

Michelle Obama also explained that exercise continues to play an important role in their daily lives. She has become increasingly interested in tennis, while Barack acknowledged that staying flexible has become more important as he gets older.

The couple also shared a light-hearted conversation about aging, with Barack joking that Michelle appears to have aged better than he has, while she suggested his natural grey hair makes him look older.

Looking ahead

The interview came shortly after the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, a new community hub on Chicago’s South Side featuring a museum, sports facilities and public gathering spaces.

For the former president, maintaining an active lifestyle is still a priority, but protecting his long-term health now takes precedence over playing sports as intensely as he once did.

This happens to your body if you lift weights every day

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

30. June, 2026

This happens to your body if you lift weights every day

Strength training has become increasingly popular among people of all ages.

Weight training offers several health benefits, but experts also point out that daily workouts require careful planning and sufficient recovery, according to Parade.

More energy after training

Many people feel more energized and alert immediately after a strength training session.

This boost in energy can make it easier to manage the demands of the day.

Everyday tasks become easier

After a few weeks of consistent training, everyday activities such as climbing stairs or carrying grocery bags may feel less physically demanding.

Muscles and bones become stronger

Long-term strength training can strengthen both muscles and bones, helping to support mobility and overall physical function.

Muscle mass can be maintained

Regular strength training helps preserve muscle mass and can contribute to maintaining strength with age.

The risk of bone fractures may be reduced

Stronger bones can help lower the risk of fractures later in life.

Independence can be maintained for longer

When daily movements such as getting up from the floor or carrying shopping bags become easier, it can help people remain active and independent for longer.

Too much training can cause problems

Lifting weights every day without adequate recovery can lead to sore muscles, overtraining, or injuries.

Rest is essential for progress

Muscles become stronger during the recovery process. Without enough rest, progress may slow down or even come to a halt.

Training can lose its appeal

If strength training becomes a daily obligation without breaks, motivation may decline, making workouts feel more like a chore than an enjoyable activity.

Most people benefit from fewer workouts

According to experts, most people achieve excellent results with two to four strength training sessions per week rather than training every day.

Start slowly

Beginners should start with one or two strength training sessions each week and gradually increase the frequency over time.

Proper technique is more important than heavy weights

Good technique should always take priority over lifting heavier weights.

Controlled movements and an appropriate training load can reduce the risk of injury while helping protect the back and joints.

Don’t throw away ripe bananas – freeze them instead

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

30. June, 2026

Don’t throw away ripe bananas – freeze them instead

Bananas are a convenient everyday fruit, but they ripen quickly. When that happens, they often end up in cakes, smoothies, or the trash.

According to Kobieta, as cited by Dagens.no, there is another way to store them that makes them easier to use later.

Softer and sweeter

If you put your bananas in the freezer, the texture of the fruit changes. After thawing slightly, the banana becomes soft and creamy.

It may also taste sweeter. According to Kobieta, this is because the banana’s natural sugars are released more quickly in the mouth.

Very ripe bananas with dark spots on the peel are best suited for freezing.

A simple trick

Kobieta recommends peeling the banana and cutting it into smaller pieces before freezing it.

That way, it is easier to use directly in breakfast dishes or snacks.

The frozen banana pieces can be mixed with yogurt, cottage cheese, or peanut butter.

According to Kobieta, this can make the meal more filling.

Instead of letting ripe bananas go bad in the fruit bowl, place them in the freezer.

They can later be used as a cold, creamy, and sweet ingredient, although bananas still contain calories and carbohydrates.

Parents warned over popular squishy toys after new safety concerns

Mie Hermansen

30. June, 2026

Parents warned over popular squishy toys after new safety concerns

Most parents don’t think twice before picking up a soft toy that promises hours of fun. If it looks harmless and is widely available, it’s easy to assume it has already passed every necessary safety check.

However, reporting by UNILAD highlights growing concerns from UK trading standards officials, who are warning families to pay closer attention when buying popular squishy toys.

The advice follows investigations into some products that were found to contain benzene, a chemical associated with serious health risks.

Check the packaging

According to trading standards manager Helene Corlette, one of the simplest ways to judge whether a toy appears legitimate is to examine its packaging carefully.

Products that comply with UK safety rules should clearly display the name and address of a UK manufacturer or importer, together with age recommendations, safety instructions and other required information. Missing or incomplete labelling should be treated as a warning sign.

While established toy brands say their products undergo extensive testing before reaching stores, officials stress that not every squishy toy available online or through discount retailers is subject to the same level of oversight.

Watch for warning signs

The packaging is only part of the picture. Parents are also encouraged to pay attention once the toy is removed from the box.

Signs that should raise concern include:

A strong chemical smell
A sticky or greasy surface
Unusual changes in the material after normal use

If any of these issues are noticed, experts recommend removing the toy from use immediately until its safety can be confirmed.

Why experts are concerned

The latest warning follows action by several UK councils after tests identified benzene in certain squishy toys. According to the American Cancer Society, long-term exposure to benzene has been linked to an increased risk of blood cancers, including leukaemia.

Public attention also intensified after a father used a volatile organic compound (VOC) meter to test several squishy toys, recording unusually high readings before reporting his findings to Health Canada.

Butter or margarine? Science finally settles the difference

Mie Hermansen

30. June, 2026

Butter or margarine? Science finally settles the difference

Most people have followed a recipe to the letter only to end up with a cake or pastry that doesn’t look or taste quite right. While the oven often gets the blame, the answer may actually be sitting in your fridge.

According to food scientist Bryan Quoc Le, writing for The Conversation, the chemistry behind butter and margarine explains why the two ingredients produce noticeably different results, even though they appear very similar.

Small differences, big impact

Butter and margarine are both made up mostly of fat, but they are built differently. Butter contains naturally occurring milk fats, while margarine is produced from plant oils that are chemically modified to create a solid, stable product, reports Science Daily.

Those structural differences affect how the fats melt, hold air and behave during baking, making each ingredient better suited for different purposes.

What happens in the oven?

Butter contains milk proteins and lactose, which brown during baking and create the rich flavour and golden colour many people associate with homemade pastries. Its water content also produces steam, helping dough rise into flaky layers.

Margarine, on the other hand, offers greater consistency and a longer shelf life. It performs reliably in many recipes but generally cannot match butter’s flavour development or browning.

Researchers say the choice between butter and margarine is about more than nutrition or personal preference. The chemistry behind each product directly influences texture, appearance and taste, making the right choice dependent on what you want to achieve in the kitchen.

Low levels of these nutrients may be linked to diabetes

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

30. June, 2026

Low levels of these nutrients may be linked to diabetes

People with diabetes are at greater risk of deficiencies in several essential vitamins and nutrients.

According to News55, it is important to be aware of any potential deficiencies and to consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements.

Magnesium is essential for the body

Magnesium plays an important role in muscle function, nerve function, and blood sugar regulation.

People with diabetes are more likely to have low magnesium levels, particularly if their blood sugar has remained elevated for an extended period.

Signs of magnesium deficiency

A magnesium deficiency may cause muscle cramps, fatigue, muscle weakness, heart palpitations, or irregular heart rhythms.

Vitamin B12 can be affected by medication

Long-term treatment with metformin for type 2 diabetes can reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 in the intestines, increasing the risk of deficiency.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

A lack of vitamin B12 may lead to tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, poor balance, fatigue, and memory problems.

These symptoms can resemble the nerve damage that many people with diabetes already experience.

Vitamin D has several important functions

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and muscle strength.

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that vitamin D deficiency is more common among people with diabetes.

Vitamin D deficiency can be difficult to detect

Vitamin D deficiency often causes no obvious symptoms, but over time it can increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Supplements should only be taken after consulting a healthcare professional.

Potassium supports the heart and muscles

Potassium plays a key role in maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, and supporting nerve and muscle function.

A deficiency may develop as a result of high blood sugar, certain medications, or kidney-related complications.

Signs of potassium deficiency

Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, constipation, and irregular heart rhythms.

Fiber is an important part of the diet

Although fiber is not a vitamin or mineral, it is an essential part of a healthy diet for people with diabetes.

It helps keep blood sugar levels more stable while also supporting gut health and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Chromium plays a role in insulin function

Chromium is a trace mineral that influences how the body uses insulin.

Researchers are still investigating the role it plays in blood sugar regulation in people with diabetes.

High doses of chromium are not recommended

According to News55, high-dose chromium supplements should not be used without medical advice.

Omega-3 supports heart health

People with diabetes face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids may support heart and circulatory health, reduce inflammation in the body, and improve certain risk factors associated with heart disease.

Talk to your doctor

According to News55, you should always consult a doctor before taking vitamin or mineral supplements, as high doses should not be used without professional guidance.

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Keep a regular routine

Eat more fiber

Get the recommended amount of fiber

Drink enough fluids

Sit correctly on the toilet

Limit low-fiber foods

Be mindful of certain foods

Avoid excessive alcohol

Prioritize a consistent sleep schedule

Stay active every day

Use supportive treatments when necessary

Biofeedback may be an option

Researchers are studying these chemicals

Doctors’ advice

A kitchen cupboard may be enough

Why the refrigerator can be beneficial

Large study

A small difference

Taking fewer risks

A different approach

Looking ahead

More energy after training

Everyday tasks become easier

Muscles and bones become stronger

Muscle mass can be maintained

The risk of bone fractures may be reduced

Independence can be maintained for longer

Too much training can cause problems

Rest is essential for progress

Training can lose its appeal

Most people benefit from fewer workouts

Start slowly

Proper technique is more important than heavy weights

Softer and sweeter

A simple trick

Check the packaging

Watch for warning signs

Why experts are concerned

Small differences, big impact

What happens in the oven?

Magnesium is essential for the body

Signs of magnesium deficiency

Vitamin B12 can be affected by medication

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin D has several important functions

Vitamin D deficiency can be difficult to detect

Potassium supports the heart and muscles

Signs of potassium deficiency

Fiber is an important part of the diet

Chromium plays a role in insulin function

High doses of chromium are not recommended

Omega-3 supports heart health

Talk to your doctor

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