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

Home Blog

These evening habits could transform your mornings

12. May, 2026

What you do before bedtime can have a major impact on both your sleep and your mood the next day.

Sleep experts told Verywell Mind about a number of simple habits that can help create calmer nights and happier mornings.

Plan your sleep

Sleep neurologist Meredith Broderick explains to Verywell Mind that waking up in a good mood is often a sign of good sleep quality.

She recommends prioritising time to relax before bed and maintaining consistent sleep habits.

Keep a consistent sleep schedule

According to the experts, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate the body.

Regular routines can support the body’s internal clock and improve sleep quality.

Create a calm bedroom environment

Sleep psychologist Jade Wu recommends keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, according to Verywell Mind.

Small changes to the environment can make sleep more restorative.

Use the bed only for sleep

Annie Miller, a specialist in chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and trauma, told Verywell Mind that the bed should only be associated with rest.

She recommends avoiding emails, social media, and other activities in bed so the brain connects the bedroom with relaxation.

Get up if you cannot sleep

If your thoughts are racing, Annie Miller recommends getting out of bed instead of lying awake.

A quiet activity in dim lighting can help until you feel sleepy again.

Create a consistent evening routine

Jade Wu recommends following a calming routine before bedtime.This could include dimming the lights, putting screens away, or reading a book.

The goal is to help both the body and mind relax.

Avoid overstimulation before bed

According to the experts, the time before sleep should be free from work and stressful activities.

Annie Miller suggests spending one to two hours winding down without to-do lists or other demanding tasks.

Limit food, alcohol, and caffeine

Meredith Broderick recommends avoiding alcohol, caffeine, food, electronics, and bright lights close to bedtime, according to Verywell Mind.

She also says that she personally avoids eating after dinner.

Use relaxing sounds

Meredith Broderick recommends calming soundscapes to help with relaxation.

She believes many people overstimulate their sense of sight through screens and artificial light.

Do not bring stress to bed

Jade Wu suggests writing down thoughts or practising mindfulness if your mind feels busy at bedtime.

Annie Miller also recommends setting aside a specific time earlier in the day to deal with worries.

Make room for worries earlier in the day

According to Annie Miller, spending 10 to 15 minutes on “worry time” earlier in the day can help reduce racing thoughts in the evening.

Be kind to yourself after a bad night

The experts stress that nobody has perfect sleep habits all the time.

Annie Miller believes self-compassion is important because the way people react to poor sleep can affect both their mood and the following night’s sleep.

Sources: Verywell Mind.

Sudden eye floaters could signal a serious problem, experts explain

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

12. May, 2026

Sudden eye floaters could signal a serious problem, experts explain

Many people occasionally notice small dots or wavy shapes drifting across their vision.

The phenomenon is known as “floaters” and is especially noticeable against bright backgrounds or in strong light.

According to the NHS, they are often caused by changes in the eye’s vitreous gel.

The condition occurs when the gel inside the eye changes structure with age. The NHS describes it as a common and usually harmless process.

However, ophthalmologist Daniel Polya from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists told Daily Mail Australia, according to LADbible, that new visual disturbances should be examined promptly.

Collagen in the eye

According to Daniel Polya, floaters occur when collagen fibers in the vitreous gel clump together and cast shadows on the retina.

These shadows are what people perceive as moving lines or spots.

He explains that the vitreous makes up around 80 percent of the eye and that these changes often become more noticeable with age.

Some patients become accustomed to the symptoms, but the expert points out that larger or bothersome floaters can, in some cases, be treated with laser therapy. However, the treatment carries risks.

Risks may be discovered too late

Although floaters are typically harmless, in some cases they can lead to retinal tears.

According to Daniel Polya, there is around a five percent risk that the condition may develop into a retinal tear.

If a tear occurs, he estimates that the risk of a subsequent retinal detachment is approximately 50 percent.

For this reason, the expert emphasizes the importance of an early examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist when symptoms first appear.

Sources: LADbible, NHS, and Daily Mail Australia.

Small food portions could make weight loss more difficult

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

12. May, 2026

Small food portions could make weight loss more difficult

For years, dieting has focused on reducing calories and eating smaller portions.

However, researchers now point out that the body also reacts to how much food is actually placed on the plate.

According to National Geographic, many people feel hungrier when portions become too small.

This is especially true for ultra-processed foods such as chips, cakes, and ready-made meals, which contain many calories without providing long-lasting fullness.

At the same time, it can take up to 20 minutes for the body to register fullness. As a result, people may quickly overeat before the brain signals that it is time to stop.

Filling foods

According to National Geographic, researchers believe that protein and fiber may support weight loss because they create a greater feeling of fullness.

This includes foods such as vegetables, beans, oatmeal, yogurt, and soups.

A study published in the Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome found that high-protein meals may help both with weight loss and with maintaining a stable weight.

Fiber may also play an important role. An analysis from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition links high fiber intake to lower body weight.

Larger portions, fewer calories

Research indicates that people often eat the same amount of food measured by size and volume, even when the calorie content changes.

As a result, large portions of vegetables and other high-fiber foods may lead to fewer total calories than small portions of energy-dense foods.

In some cases, larger meals may actually make it easier to consume fewer calories and lose weight — the key is choosing the right foods for the plate.

Sources: National Geographic, Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome, and Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Blood test may reveal older adults’ risk of early death

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

12. May, 2026

Blood test may reveal older adults’ risk of early death

Researchers from Duke Health and the University of Minnesota studied small molecules in the blood of people over the age of 71, according to SciTechDaily.

The molecules are known as piRNA and may help show how the body ages.

The study was published in the journal Aging Cell and is based on more than 1,200 blood samples.

Researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze both health data and small RNA molecules.

The results showed that certain piRNA molecules could predict short-term survival better than factors such as age, cholesterol levels, and physical activity.

Lower levels linked to better outcomes

Researchers found one particularly clear connection: people with low levels of certain piRNA molecules often lived longer.

According to the researchers, the molecules may be linked to the body’s immune system and its ability to repair cells.

However, they emphasized that more research is still needed to understand their exact function.

The research team tested the findings on an additional group of older adults and found the same pattern.

Could be used in the future

Six specific piRNA molecules alone were able to predict two-year survival with an accuracy of up to 86 percent.

Researchers will now investigate whether medication or lifestyle changes can affect piRNA levels in the blood.

In the long term, the blood test could potentially be used as a tool to detect health problems earlier in older adults.

Sources: SciTechDaily and Aging Cell.

36 experts agree: Trump’s mental state makes him unfit for the presidency

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

12. May, 2026

36 experts agree: Trump’s mental state makes him unfit for the presidency

According to The Oregonian, 36 experts in neurology and psychiatry have signed a letter concerning the American president.

The letter was submitted to Congress’s official archives by two Democratic senators from Rhode Island.

The experts argue that Donald Trump shows signs of poor judgment, weakened impulse control, and cognitive difficulties.

Official assessments

The criticism contrasts with official statements regarding Trump’s health. Last year, his personal physician stated that the 79-year-old Republican was in very good condition.

A medical examination conducted in April 2025 also concluded that he was fit to serve as the United States’ commander in chief.

At the same time, the group of experts emphasizes that none of them has personally examined Donald Trump.

Instead, their assessment is based on his public appearances and statements over the past year.

Warning to the United States

In the letter, the group also points to the responsibility that comes with holding the office of president.

Among other things, they highlight that America’s nuclear weapons can be deployed directly on the president’s orders.

One of the signatories is psychiatrist George Drinka of Oregon Health & Science University.

The group’s main message is that they consider Donald Trump mentally unfit to serve as president of the United States and believe the matter should be addressed quickly.

Sources: The Oregonian.

How butter can affect your body if you eat it every day

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

12. May, 2026

How butter can affect your body if you eat it every day

Butter is a staple in many refrigerators and is used for everything from frying to spreading on bread and serving with potatoes.

However, eating butter every day can affect the body in both the short and long term, according to Parade.

Contains fats

Butter is a source of fat that helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from other foods. It can also make meals feel more filling and satisfying.

Vitamins

Dietitian Alissa Rumsey explains to Parade that butter can help the body absorb nutrients such as vitamin A more effectively when eaten together with foods like sweet potatoes.

Downsides of butter

Although butter has nutritional benefits, Alissa Rumsey points out that it is also high in saturated fat, which should be limited.

These people should be extra careful

People with familial hypercholesterolemia may have difficulty processing saturated fat. This can lead to elevated cholesterol levels.

Inflammation

Dietitian Danielle LaFata explains to Parade that saturated fat is generally considered more inflammatory than unsaturated fats found in foods such as oils and fish.

High in saturated fat

One tablespoon of unsalted butter contains seven grams of saturated fat. That equals half of the daily limit recommended by the American Heart Association.

The effect depends on the person

How butter affects the body depends on factors such as activity level, overall health, eating habits, and how much butter is consumed.

Using butter

There is a difference between eating vegetables with a small amount of butter and eating fried dishes cooked with large amounts of butter every day.

Low energy

According to Alissa Rumsey, meals that are high in fat but low in carbohydrates or protein can lead to energy crashes in some people.

Weight gain

Danielle LaFata emphasizes that butter is calorie-dense. If a person consumes more energy than the body needs, it can lead to weight gain.

The heart may be affected

A high intake of butter over a long period may increase the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease due to its saturated fat content.

Alternatives

To better protect heart health, experts recommend fat sources such as olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, and walnut oil.

Margarine may be a better choice

According to Mayo Clinic, margarine is often better for the heart than regular butter because it mainly consists of unsaturated fats.

Not all margarine is the same

Parade emphasizes that some types of margarine are healthier than others, which is why consumers should read nutritional labels carefully.

Everything in moderation

Experts stress that eating a little butter from time to time will not necessarily harm the body, but consuming large amounts over time may become problematic.

Sources: Parade, American Heart Association, and Mayo Clinic.

These drinks could reduce the effectiveness of allergy medication

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

12. May, 2026

These drinks could reduce the effectiveness of allergy medication

Hay fever can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.

Many people use antihistamines to relieve their symptoms during pollen season, according to The Sun.

According to the NHS and Bolt Pharmacy, several types of juice can negatively affect the medication. This includes orange juice, grapefruit juice, and apple juice.

Experts explain that these drinks can make it harder for the body to absorb the medicine properly. As a result, the tablets may not work as effectively as usual.

Ongoing symptoms

The issue mainly affects the allergy medication fexofenadine, which is commonly used to treat allergies.

Bolt Pharmacy states that orange juice can, in some cases, reduce the body’s absorption of the medicine by up to 70 percent.

This means that symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes may continue, even when people are taking their medication.

However, according to the NHS, the problem does not apply to all types of allergy medication. Nasal sprays and eye drops are not affected in the same way.

The safest choice

Alcohol may also cause problems when combined with certain antihistamines. The NHS warns that the combination can increase drowsiness and dizziness.

Health authorities therefore recommend taking the medication with water instead of juice or alcohol.

This may help ensure that the treatment works as effectively as possible during pollen season.

Sources: The Sun, NHS, and Bolt Pharmacy.

New research: Longer working hours may affect your weight

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

12. May, 2026

New research: Longer working hours may affect your weight

Obesity is a growing problem in many OECD countries.

The OECD is an international organization that works with more than 100 countries to develop knowledge, analysis, and policy solutions aimed at creating stronger, fairer, and more sustainable societies.

According to a new study presented at the annual European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026) and reported by News-Medical, the United States had the highest obesity rate in 2022, while Japan had the lowest.

Researchers examined data from 33 OECD countries between 1990 and 2022. The figures came from sources including the OECD, the WHO, and the World Bank.

The researchers found major differences between countries.

Several Latin American countries had higher obesity rates than a number of European countries, even though they consumed less fat and fewer calories on average.

More than diet

The study suggests that obesity is not only about food and exercise. Working conditions and economic factors may also play a major role.

According to the researchers, long working hours can lead to less time for exercise, higher stress levels, and a greater reliance on fast food and unhealthy meals.

At the same time, the analysis showed that higher income is often associated with lower obesity rates.

Fewer working hours

The results showed that fewer working hours were linked to lower obesity rates. If working hours decreased by 1 percent, obesity rates fell by an average of 0.16 percent.

The connection was strongest among men. Researchers therefore believe that a better work-life balance may be important for public health.

Sources: News-Medical and European Congress on Obesity 2026.

Caffeine may affect bone health – are you drinking too much?

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

12. May, 2026

Caffeine may affect bone health – are you drinking too much?

The body needs calcium to keep bones strong.

If it lacks calcium, the body begins to draw it from the bones to maintain balance in the blood. Over time, this can weaken the bones.

This becomes especially problematic with age. Older individuals and women after menopause have a harder time rebuilding bone mass, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis.

Hidden signals

Calcium deficiency is often detected late because symptoms are initially mild or unclear. As a result, many people do not notice anything until the bones have already been affected.

In addition, the signs can resemble other conditions, making proper examination important, where early detection is key.

Focus of research

Research has long examined what influences the body’s calcium levels.

According to a review in the Journal of Nutrition, caffeine increases the excretion of calcium and other minerals through urine for several hours after consumption.

The body does not fully adapt to this loss, which may increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially if calcium intake is already low.

Health authorities such as the FDA and Anvisa consider, according to Tuasaude, that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is safe for healthy adults. Higher intake may increase the risk of imbalance in the body.

Calcium deficiency is therefore not only caused by low intake of dairy products. High caffeine consumption can also play a significant role by increasing the body’s loss of calcium.

Sources: Tuasaude, Journal of Nutrition, FDA and Anvisa.

These foods can help the body in the fight against cancer

Mie Hermansen

12. May, 2026

These foods can help the body in the fight against cancer

According to an article from Mirror, Dr Li highlights how certain foods may help strengthen the body’s natural defence systems. It is not about food directly fighting cancer, but about supporting the body’s ability to protect itself.

Berries are rich in antioxidants

Berries such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain anthocyanins, which give them their colour and act as powerful antioxidants that help protect DNA from damage.

Berries may affect cancer’s blood supply

According to Dr Li, compounds in berries can reduce the blood supply to cancer cells while also supporting cardiovascular health.

Raspberries are especially high in fibre

Raspberries are highlighted as one of the most fibre-rich berries, which benefits the gut microbiome and helps reduce inflammation.

Apples contain powerful plant compounds

Apples contain the polyphenol chlorogenic acid, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower inflammation levels in the body.

Fibre in apples supports gut health

The fibre in apples feeds the gut microbiome, which produces short-chain fatty acids that further reduce inflammation.

Soy may be linked to lower mortality

A study involving 5,000 women with breast cancer found that those with the highest soy intake had a 30 percent lower risk of dying from the disease.

Multiple studies show similar results for soy

Dr Li points out that 14 consecutive studies have shown that higher soy intake does not increase mortality, but instead is associated with a reduced risk of death.

Tomatoes are rich in key nutrients

Tomatoes contain vitamin C and bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, as well as carotenoids that support vision and healthy ageing.

Lycopene may limit cancer’s blood supply

Lycopene, found in tomatoes, has been linked to an ability to reduce the blood supply to cancer cells.

Lower prostate cancer risk linked to tomato intake

Studies have shown that men who consume two to three servings of cooked tomatoes per week have a 30 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

Less aggressive cancer among tomato consumers

Among those who developed the disease, higher tomato intake was associated with less aggressive tumours and fewer blood vessels.

Tea contains beneficial polyphenols

Tea contains catechins that can reduce inflammation, support the immune system and limit the blood supply to cancer.

Coffee contains the same compound as apples

Coffee also contains chlorogenic acid, which helps reduce inflammation and provides other beneficial compounds.

Matcha offers a more concentrated effect

Matcha is highlighted as a more potent form of tea, as the whole leaf is consumed, providing both fibre and a higher concentration of active compounds.

12 3...336 Page 1 of 336

Subscription Plans

Free limited access

Member full access

Plan your sleep

Keep a consistent sleep schedule

Create a calm bedroom environment

Use the bed only for sleep

Get up if you cannot sleep

Create a consistent evening routine

Avoid overstimulation before bed

Limit food, alcohol, and caffeine

Use relaxing sounds

Do not bring stress to bed

Make room for worries earlier in the day

Be kind to yourself after a bad night

Collagen in the eye

Risks may be discovered too late

Filling foods

Larger portions, fewer calories

Lower levels linked to better outcomes

Could be used in the future

Official assessments

Warning to the United States

Contains fats

Vitamins

Downsides of butter

These people should be extra careful

Inflammation

High in saturated fat

The effect depends on the person

Using butter

Low energy

Weight gain

The heart may be affected

Alternatives

Margarine may be a better choice

Not all margarine is the same

Everything in moderation

Ongoing symptoms

The safest choice

More than diet

Fewer working hours

Hidden signals

Focus of research

Berries are rich in antioxidants

Berries may affect cancer’s blood supply

Raspberries are especially high in fibre

Apples contain powerful plant compounds

Fibre in apples supports gut health

Soy may be linked to lower mortality

Multiple studies show similar results for soy

Tomatoes are rich in key nutrients

Lycopene may limit cancer’s blood supply

Lower prostate cancer risk linked to tomato intake

Less aggressive cancer among tomato consumers

Tea contains beneficial polyphenols

Coffee contains the same compound as apples

Matcha offers a more concentrated effect

Follow us

Categories

Latest News

Popular News