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New drug shows promise for millions with kidney disease

21. July, 2026

Most people rarely think about their kidneys until they stop working as they should. Yet these organs play a vital role every day, filtering waste from the blood and helping keep the body in balance. That is why new research on chronic kidney disease is attracting significant attention.

Researchers from the University Medical Center Groningen have published findings in the New England Journal of Medicine suggesting that the drug finerenone could become an important treatment option for people with chronic kidney disease who do not have diabetes.

Slowing the disease

The international FIND-CKD trial included 1,584 adults with chronic kidney disease but no diabetes. Every participant had reduced kidney function and elevated levels of protein in the urine, an early sign that kidney damage may continue to progress, reports Science Daily.

Participants received either finerenone or a placebo while continuing their standard treatment. They were followed for just over three years to assess how their kidney function changed over time.

Encouraging results

According to the researchers, patients treated with finerenone experienced a slower decline in kidney function than those given a placebo. The study also found a lower risk of serious kidney complications, heart failure and cardiovascular-related death among those receiving the drug.

Researchers additionally reported a substantial reduction in urinary protein levels, an important indicator that the disease may progress more slowly.

A wider impact

Previous clinical trials mainly focused on people with type 2 diabetes. However, the new findings indicate that finerenone may also benefit the much larger group of patients with chronic kidney disease who do not have diabetes.

With an estimated 800 million people worldwide living with chronic kidney disease, and more than half of them being non-diabetic, the results could help expand future treatment options if confirmed by further research.

New study identifies the painkillers linked to the highest overdose risk

Mie Hermansen

21. July, 2026

New study identifies the painkillers linked to the highest overdose risk

A new British study has identified which opioid painkillers are most closely linked to life threatening breathing problems. The findings show that the risk varies significantly between different types of opioid medication, reports Unilad.

Researchers examined the risks of opioids

Researchers from the University of Manchester investigated how different opioids affect the risk of respiratory depression, a condition that can lead to a fatal overdose.

One painkiller stood out

Among the opioids included in the study, fentanyl was the medication most strongly associated with serious breathing problems.

The risk was three times higher

Patients who received fentanyl were three times more likely to develop breathing problems than those treated with morphine.

Significantly higher risk of respiratory depression

The study also found that fentanyl was associated with an 85 percent higher risk of respiratory depression compared with morphine.

More than 32,000 patients were included

The findings were based on electronic health records from 32,909 adults treated at hospitals in north west England.

Dangerously slow breathing was the focus

Researchers identified cases in which patients’ breathing slowed to a dangerously low level after receiving opioid treatment.

The condition can have serious consequences

According to the study, respiratory depression occurs when breathing becomes too slow or too shallow and can lead to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.

Several opioid medications were compared

The analysis included fentanyl, morphine, codeine, tramadol and oxycodone.

Using multiple opioids increased the risk

Patients who received more than one opioid had a 50 percent higher risk of breathing problems than those treated with morphine alone.

Codeine was linked to the lowest risk

The researchers found that both morphine and oxycodone were associated with a greater risk of breathing problems than codeine.

Opioids are used to treat severe pain

According to the article, opioids are commonly prescribed following surgery, serious injuries and during cancer treatment.

Researchers hope to improve treatment decisions

Dr. Meghna Jani, the study’s senior author from the University of Manchester, said the findings could help doctors and patients make more informed treatment decisions while identifying when closer monitoring may be needed.

High temperatures during pregnancy may affect children’s brain development, study finds

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

21. July, 2026

High temperatures during pregnancy may affect children’s brain development, study finds

Researchers from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health analyzed data from 3,251 children in the Netherlands.

The children were followed from pregnancy through childhood.

The researchers compared temperatures during pregnancy and the first years of life with MRI scans of the children’s brains taken when they were 10 and 14 years old, HealthDay reports.

Possible explanations

According to the study, published in the journal Environment International, high temperatures may affect blood flow to the placenta and the developing fetus.

The researchers also suggest that heat may influence the body’s stress hormones and the neurotransmitter serotonin, both of which play a role in brain development.

However, the researchers emphasize that these are only possible explanations. More research is needed before any causal relationship can be established.

A specific brain region

The study did not find changes in all of the brain regions examined by the researchers.

An association was identified only in the thalamus, a brain structure that helps process sensory information and regulate functions such as sleep and consciousness.

Children who had been exposed to higher temperatures during pregnancy or infancy showed slower development of the thalamus later in childhood.

However, the researchers found no association between these changes and the children’s cognitive abilities.

They therefore conclude that the findings should primarily serve as a basis for future research into how rising temperatures may influence children’s brain development.

Your meal schedule could be affecting your waistline

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

21. July, 2026

Your meal schedule could be affecting your waistline

Some people wake up early, while others do not feel tired until late at night. This is known as the body’s circadian rhythm, according to HealthDay.

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that this rhythm may also influence when we eat.

Researchers examined 287 women between the ages of 18 and 45. They assessed the participants’ sleep patterns, eating habits, and overall health.

Eating earlier or later

The researchers found that the participants consumed roughly the same amount of food throughout the day. The difference lay in when they ate.

Women who went to bed late ate less in the morning and more later in the evening and during the night.

According to the study, the body is less efficient at burning energy-dense foods at those times because it is naturally programmed to rest.

More body fat

Women with a late circadian rhythm were more likely to have higher levels of body fat, more abdominal fat, and higher cholesterol than women who woke up early.

They also showed poorer blood sugar regulation.

The findings suggest that the timing of meals may be just as important as the amount of food consumed.

According to the researchers, reducing the number of late-night meals may help improve the health of people who are naturally most active in the evening.

Health expert claims donald Trump may not have much time left

Mie Hermansen

21. July, 2026

Health expert claims donald Trump may not have much time left

Public appearances by political leaders often fuel speculation about their health, particularly when social media users begin dissecting every detail.

According to reporting by the Irish Star, renewed discussion surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s condition has emerged following claims made by a physical therapist. However, none of the allegations have been confirmed by official medical sources or the White House.

Unverified allegations

The latest speculation stems from comments by physical therapist Adam James, who claimed to have received information from an anonymous source about Trump’s health.

Based on those claims, James suggested the president could be living with congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease while receiving ongoing treatment to manage the conditions.

Despite the attention the comments have received online, no medical records or official statements have been released to support the allegations.

Spotlight returns

The discussion follows Trump’s appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where he presented medals and the championship trophy after Spain’s victory over Argentina.

While the ceremony itself attracted widespread media coverage, online conversation soon shifted toward renewed speculation about the president’s health.

The Irish Star also noted that previous photographs showing bruising on Trump’s hands have prompted questions in recent months. However, no official explanation has linked those images to any underlying medical condition.

No medical confirmation

Health professionals generally caution against drawing medical conclusions based solely on public appearances, photographs or anonymous sources. Diagnosing conditions such as heart failure or kidney disease requires comprehensive medical examinations and testing.

At the time of publication, there is no official confirmation that Donald Trump has any of the medical conditions discussed in the online claims. The reports therefore remain unverified and should be viewed as speculation rather than established fact.

These common over-the-counter medicines can cause serious liver damage

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

21. July, 2026

Over-the-counter painkillers are often considered completely harmless, but liver disease specialists are warning people, according to Parade, not to use them without caution.

Paracetamol is the biggest concern

Liver specialists say paracetamol is the over-the-counter medication they most want people to use more carefully.

The active ingredient is found in products such as Tylenol.

The liver processes the medication

The liver is responsible for metabolizing most medications.

If it is exposed to excessive amounts or medications are used improperly, liver damage can occur.

Over-the-counter does not mean risk-free

According to doctors, many people mistakenly believe that medicines sold without a prescription are automatically safe.

They stress that this is not always the case.

Accidental overdoses can happen

Many cases of liver failure are caused by unintentional overdoses, with people believing they are following the instructions correctly.

Multiple products may contain paracetamol

Problems often arise when people take several different products at the same time without realizing that they all contain paracetamol.

They contribute to the total daily dose

Some cold and flu medicines, sleep aids, and certain prescription painkillers also contain paracetamol and count toward the total daily intake.

The number of days also matters

Doctors emphasize that it is not enough to monitor the daily dose alone.

It is also important to follow the recommended limit on how many consecutive days the medication should be used.

Some people are at greater risk

People with liver disease, poor nutrition, or other risk factors may develop liver damage at lower doses than others.

Alcohol increases the risk

Regular alcohol consumption can make the liver more vulnerable to the effects of paracetamol.

For this reason, doctors advise against drinking alcohol while taking the medication.

There is a maximum daily dose

According to Parade, a healthy adult should not take more than 4,000 milligrams of paracetamol within a 24-hour period.

People with liver problems are advised to limit their intake to no more than 2,000 milligrams per day.

Other pain relievers also carry risks

Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are mentioned as alternatives, but they can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Some people with liver disease should avoid certain alternatives

NSAIDs should be used with caution in people with chronic liver disease and should be avoided in cases of cirrhosis, particularly if it is accompanied by fluid buildup in the abdomen, kidney problems, or a low platelet count.

Not all pain requires medication

According to Parade, heat therapy, cold therapy, physical therapy, and rest may be suitable alternatives to pain medication in some cases.

Always follow the instructions

Specialists recommend reading the dosage instructions carefully, informing your doctor about all medications and dietary supplements you are taking, and contacting a healthcare professional if the recommended dose does not provide sufficient relief rather than increasing the dose on your own.

Alzheimer’s may be detectable a decade before the first symptoms

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

21. July, 2026

Alzheimer’s may be detectable a decade before the first symptoms

Researchers are working to develop better methods for detecting Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier stage.

However, they emphasize that further studies are needed before the blood test can be used widely.

The findings were published in a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, as reported by HealthDay.

Although the blood test has already been approved by U.S. authorities, it is not yet recommended for healthy individuals without symptoms.

The reason is that there are still no treatments capable of slowing the disease in people at high risk.

The same health advice

Researchers point out that the current recommendations remain unchanged.

According to HealthDay, regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep, and an overall healthy lifestyle remain the best advice.

The study was based on data from more than 2,600 older adults with no signs of cognitive impairment.

Participants underwent blood tests, brain scans, and annual follow-up examinations.

The blood test provided the answer

The blood test measures the protein p-tau217, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

People with very high levels of p-tau217 had an estimated 38 percent risk of developing cognitive impairment within five years. After ten years, the estimated risk increased to 78 percent.

The findings therefore suggest that a blood test may be able to identify the risk of Alzheimer’s disease up to ten years before symptoms appear.

Is it unhealthy to eat the same meals every day? Dietitian explains

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

21. July, 2026

Is it unhealthy to eat the same meals every day? Dietitian explains

Many people stick to the same meals every day because it saves time and makes grocery shopping easier.

Having the same breakfast or snack every day is generally not a problem, as long as the rest of your diet is varied.

That is according to dietitian Keri Gans, who spoke to Verywell Health.

The issue arises when breakfast, lunch, and dinner all consist of the same meals over an extended period.

Your body needs variety

According to Verywell Health, the body requires a wide range of nutrients. No single food contains everything the body needs.

Keri Gans explains that a limited diet can result in an inadequate intake of essential nutrients, including healthy fats, calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants.

She therefore recommends eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein sources, and healthy fats throughout the week.

She also suggests trying one or two new recipes each week to add more variety to your diet.

It can have consequences

If changing your eating habits feels difficult, a dietitian or nutrition professional can help you develop a more varied diet, Verywell Health writes.

According to Keri Gans, a diet that lacks variety can eventually lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients. It may also make it more difficult to maintain healthy eating habits over time.

For that reason, she believes it is generally not a good idea to eat the exact same meals every single day.

A dietitian ate a cup of watermelon every day for several weeks – here’s what she noticed

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

20. July, 2026

A dietitian ate a cup of watermelon every day for several weeks – here’s what she noticed

A dietitian ate one cup of watermelon every day for several weeks to see what changes she noticed.

According to Prevention, these were her main observations.

A fixed portion every day

The dietitian ate one cup of diced watermelon every day, which corresponds to a standard serving.

Most often, she ate it on its own.

Watermelon was used in several ways

In addition to eating it plain, she also made a salad with feta cheese and used watermelon in smoothies.

The biggest difference

The most noticeable change was that she felt better hydrated.

On hot days, she found watermelon to be an easy way to increase her fluid intake.

The experience was not a scientific study

She emphasized that this was her personal experience and not a controlled scientific study.

Watermelon became a regular part of the kitchen

She discovered that the fruit could be used in many different dishes, including salads and granita, and that its natural sweetness paired well with summer meals.

She noticed no significant health changes

During the period, she did not observe any clear changes in either her gut health or heart health.

Small habits can make a difference over time

She pointed out that many health benefits develop gradually and that small, mindful choices can help build healthy habits over the long term.

Watermelon is mostly water

According to Prevention, watermelon is made up of about 92 percent water, making it one of the most hydrating foods.

The fruit also provides minerals

Watermelon contains nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, which Prevention says are important for maintaining fluid balance and supporting normal muscle function.

Watermelon contains lycopene

Its red color comes from the antioxidant lycopene.

According to Prevention, watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.

L-citrulline is highlighted as an important compound

Watermelon also contains the amino acid L-citrulline, which the body can convert into L-arginine, a substance involved in the production of nitric oxide.

May support heart and blood vessel health

Prevention explains that potassium and L-citrulline may help support normal blood pressure regulation and healthy circulation.

May be beneficial around exercise

A two-cup serving provides carbohydrates as well as water and potassium, which Prevention says may be beneficial before or after physical activity.

L-citrulline may also help reduce muscle soreness.

Focus on blood sugar

Prevention recommends that people monitoring their blood sugar pay attention to portion sizes and consider pairing watermelon with protein or healthy fats, such as feta cheese.

The conclusion was positive

The dietitian described the experiment as one of the most enjoyable healthy habits she has tried.

She found that watermelon fit naturally into her daily routine and provided a simple way to support hydration during the summer months.

Why you should avoid falling asleep on the couch

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

20. July, 2026

Why you should avoid falling asleep on the couch

Many people fall asleep on the couch after a long day at work, but sleep experts say this can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep.

Psychologist Debora Gilman explains that the brain should ideally associate the bed with sleep.

If you frequently fall asleep in the living room, this association can weaken, making it more difficult to fall asleep once you go to bed, Azet reports.

Your body pays the price

Couches are designed for sitting, not sleeping.

According to sleep medicine specialist Dr. Funke Afolabi-Braun, an improper sleeping position can strain the neck and back while also affect breathing, Azet reports.

Dr. Scott Cherry also points out that a bed with a good mattress provides the support the spine needs.

This can help prevent back pain.

Why you should choose your bed

Experts recommend maintaining a consistent evening routine, reducing screen time before bed, and sticking to regular bedtimes.

If you continue to feel tired despite getting enough sleep, you should consult a doctor to determine whether a sleep disorder may be the cause.

Although the couch may seem like a comfortable place to fall asleep, sleep experts say it does not provide the same level of restorative rest as a bed.

The habit can reduce sleep quality, increase fatigue, and place additional strain on the back.

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Slowing the disease

Encouraging results

A wider impact

Researchers examined the risks of opioids

One painkiller stood out

The risk was three times higher

Significantly higher risk of respiratory depression

More than 32,000 patients were included

Dangerously slow breathing was the focus

The condition can have serious consequences

Several opioid medications were compared

Using multiple opioids increased the risk

Codeine was linked to the lowest risk

Opioids are used to treat severe pain

Researchers hope to improve treatment decisions

Possible explanations

A specific brain region

Eating earlier or later

More body fat

Unverified allegations

Spotlight returns

No medical confirmation

Paracetamol is the biggest concern

The liver processes the medication

Over-the-counter does not mean risk-free

Accidental overdoses can happen

Multiple products may contain paracetamol

They contribute to the total daily dose

The number of days also matters

Some people are at greater risk

Alcohol increases the risk

There is a maximum daily dose

Other pain relievers also carry risks

Some people with liver disease should avoid certain alternatives

Not all pain requires medication

Always follow the instructions

The same health advice

The blood test provided the answer

Your body needs variety

It can have consequences

A fixed portion every day

Watermelon was used in several ways

The biggest difference

The experience was not a scientific study

Watermelon became a regular part of the kitchen

She noticed no significant health changes

Small habits can make a difference over time

Watermelon is mostly water

The fruit also provides minerals

Watermelon contains lycopene

L-citrulline is highlighted as an important compound

May support heart and blood vessel health

May be beneficial around exercise

Focus on blood sugar

The conclusion was positive

Your body pays the price

Why you should choose your bed

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