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New discovery: Former COVID-19 patients may develop hidden eye problems

Researchers at Linköping University in Sweden studied 132 people who had previously experienced mild COVID-19.

Using specialized eye examinations and tear fluid analysis, they identified changes that cannot be detected through a standard eye examination.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications and reported by HealthDay.

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The study found signs of inflammation and damage to the nerves that help the eye function.

Researchers also identified abnormalities in the pupils’ response to light and in the control of the eye muscles.

For some participants, the symptoms were severe enough that around one in three people with symptoms were fully or partially on sick leave from work, according to the study.

Explaining the problems

The study suggests that these hidden changes may be responsible for eye pain, light sensitivity, reading difficulties, and difficulty focusing.

At the same time, the findings help explain why many patients continue to experience symptoms even though a routine eye examination appears normal.

The researchers hope that these findings will make it easier to provide the correct diagnosis and, in the long term, lead to better treatment for people with persistent eye problems following a mild COVID-19 infection.

Dietitian ate yogurt every day for a week: Here are the biggest changes

An American dietitian decided to eat yogurt every day for a week to see how it would affect her body.

The experiment resulted in both personal observations and findings that support several of yogurt’s well-known health benefits, according to Prevention.

Less bloating

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After one week, the dietitian noticed that her stomach felt less bloated.

She believes this may have been due to eating fewer salty snacks, as well as the probiotics in yogurt, which can help support a healthy gut microbiome.

Better satiety

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Yogurt made it easier to stay full between meals.

Greek yogurt in particular, with its high protein content and moderate fat content, provided a longer-lasting feeling of fullness.

More mindful food choices

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Making yogurt part of her daily routine encouraged her to plan her meals more consciously.

Instead of reaching for random snacks, she thought more carefully about how yogurt would fit into her daily diet.

Good support for gut health

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Yogurt contains probiotics that can contribute to a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.

This may benefit digestion while also supporting the immune system and overall well-being.

Protein helps control hunger

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The high protein content makes yogurt an excellent snack.

Combined with the fat found in varieties that are not fat-free, it can help reduce hunger between meals.

Calcium supports bone health

Strong bones
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Yogurt is a good source of calcium, an essential nutrient for maintaining strong bones.

Its protein content also helps support muscle maintenance and growth.

May help with weight management

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The longer-lasting feeling of fullness may make it easier to avoid overeating.

During the experiment, the dietitian also found that she craved extra snacks less often.

Too much yogurt can be a downside

Greek,Yogurt
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Although yogurt is a healthy food, consuming too much can lead to excessive calorie intake.

Sweetened and flavored varieties may also contain significant amounts of added sugar.

Be aware of lactose

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Some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate yogurt because it contains less lactose than milk.

However, if it causes discomfort, it may be a good idea to eat yogurt less frequently or choose lactose-free varieties.

Certain medical conditions require extra consideration

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People who need to monitor their protein or calcium intake because of specific medical conditions should speak with a doctor or a registered dietitian before making yogurt a regular part of their diet.

Greek yogurt was the favorite

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The dietitian preferred Greek yogurt because of its thicker texture and higher protein content, which helped her feel fuller for longer.

Choose yogurt with little or no added sugar

Greek Yoghurt
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Plain, unsweetened yogurt is highlighted as the best option.

Its flavor can easily be enhanced with ingredients such as honey, fresh fruit, or nuts.

Fat content depends on individual needs

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Choosing between low-fat and full-fat yogurt depends on personal preferences and health goals.

For those looking to increase satiety, a variety with a slightly higher fat content may be a better choice.

Plant-based alternatives

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People who follow a vegan diet or have a milk allergy can choose plant-based alternatives made from almonds, soy, or coconut.

It is recommended to select products that are fortified with probiotics, protein, and calcium.

How to protect yourself from the cyclospora outbreak

Since May, several cases of the intestinal disease cyclosporiasis have been reported in the United States.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases have been identified in 31 states, NPR reports.

A total of 843 cases have been recorded, but the CDC believes the actual number may be higher.

Many people recover without seeking medical care, and it can take several weeks for all cases to be officially reported.

The disease has been identified in people ranging in age from 5 to 88.

Authorities search for the source

The CDC is still investigating the source of the outbreak. As part of the investigation, officials are interviewing people who became ill about what they ate.

However, identifying a common source can be difficult because symptoms may not appear until several days or even weeks after infection.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), previous outbreaks have been linked to foods including raspberries, cilantro, basil, snow peas, and lettuce.

Advice for consumers

The CDC recommends thoroughly washing fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs, as well as washing hands before and after preparing food.

Heating food to at least 70°C (158°F) can also kill the parasite.

According to the CDC, efforts are continuing to identify the food or beverage that may be responsible for the outbreak.

One-year obesity program shows lasting weight loss

The obesity treatment program offered by the Primary Health Care Service in Växjö, Sweden, lasts for one year.

Participants initially meet every week and later once a month.

They also receive individual follow-up throughout the program, according to a press release from Region Kronoberg provided to VIA.

The program is not only about diet and weight loss. Participants also work on physical activity, stress management, sleep, and the habits that influence their daily lives.

Support along the way

The treatment begins with a period during which participants use meal replacements.

According to Region Kronoberg, research shows that rapid weight loss at the beginning of treatment can make it easier to maintain positive results over the long term.

The group sessions give participants the opportunity to share experiences and support one another.

They also learn more about topics such as hunger, satiety, and the mechanisms that influence their everyday choices.

The goal is to improve both health and quality of life, Region Kronoberg states.

Results after one year

Participants lost an average of 16 kilograms during the program.

One year after completing the treatment, 76 percent had maintained a weight loss of at least 10 percent.

According to Region Kronoberg, the findings suggest that a combination of structured support, regular follow-up, and a focus on lasting lifestyle changes can help many people maintain their weight loss over the long term.

Nutrition researcher: Why you should eat more berries

Berries contain vitamins, but they also contain plant compounds known as polyphenols.

According to Daniel Ibsen, a nutrition researcher at Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus and Aarhus University from Denmark, research has shown that some of these compounds may have positive effects on blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

This was stated in an interview with DR.

The researcher also emphasizes that all fruits and vegetables are healthy, but berries stand out because of their high polyphenol content.

Small differences

Not all berries contain the same amounts of these beneficial compounds.

According to DR, dark berries such as blackcurrants, blackberries, and wild blueberries are particularly rich in anthocyanins, the natural pigments that give the berries their color.

Daniel Ibsen also points out that berries in season can be a good choice.

Research shows that storage and transportation can affect polyphenol levels, although there are no conclusive studies on what impact this has on human health.

Among the healthiest fruits

The size of the berry may also make a difference.

Many of the beneficial compounds are found in the skin, meaning that smaller berries provide proportionally more skin than larger ones.

Daniel Ibsen told DR that he considers berries to be among the healthiest fruits people can eat.

New research reveals what anesthesia does to your brain

Many people think of anesthesia as nothing more than a deep sleep, but new research suggests the brain behaves in a much more complex way. The findings indicate that the anesthetized brain can display characteristics of multiple states of consciousness rather than simply being asleep, reports Yale.

Anesthesia is more than deep sleep

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A new study from Yale School of Medicine challenges the long held belief that anesthesia is simply a state of deep sleep.

New research offers fresh insights

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Published on May 11, 2026, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study examined how the brain responds while a patient is under anesthesia.

The brain is rarely monitored

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Although anesthetic drugs act directly on the brain, researchers note that brain monitoring is still not part of routine care during most surgical procedures.

Researchers used EEG recordings

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The team measured brain activity using electroencephalography, or EEG, by placing electrodes on the patients’ scalps throughout the procedure.

The entire brain was examined

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Instead of focusing only on the front of the head, the researchers used a full head EEG with 20 electrodes to capture activity across multiple brain regions.

Propofol was the focus

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The study analyzed patients who received propofol, one of the most commonly used anesthetic drugs during surgery.

Brain activity was compared across different states

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The recorded brain signals were compared with EEG patterns from people in deep sleep, REM sleep, normal wakefulness, and coma.

Anesthesia shares features with multiple states

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The results showed that the anesthetized brain can display patterns similar to both sleep and coma, depending on which brain regions are examined.

Anesthesia also has its own signature

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Researchers found evidence that anesthesia creates a unique pattern of brain activity that does not fully match any other known state of consciousness.

The goal is to reduce side effects

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The research team hopes their work will help develop approaches that reduce long term effects on memory and cognitive function after surgery.

A sleep like state may offer benefits

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According to the researchers, guiding the brain toward a more natural sleep like state during anesthesia could potentially lessen some of the side effects associated with surgical procedures.

Better monitoring could improve patient care

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The researchers believe improved brain monitoring during surgery could allow anesthesiologists to tailor anesthesia more precisely to each patient’s needs.

Migraine with aura linked to 73 percent higher risk of stroke

A new study published in Neurology followed nearly 11,400 people over the age of 45 for around six years. The aim was to examine the risk of stroke.

According to the researchers, people with regular migraines did not face a greater risk of stroke. However, the picture changed for those who experienced migraine with aura, HealthDay reports.

Aura refers to visual or sensory disturbances that occur before a migraine attack. These can include flashes of light or shimmering patterns, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Men surprised researchers

The study also revealed an unexpected difference between men and women. Men under the age of 72 with migraines had a significantly higher risk of stroke than other participants.

Previous research has mainly identified women as the group most at risk. The researchers therefore believe more studies are needed.

The risk became clear later

During the study, around five percent of participants with migraine with aura experienced a stroke. Among people without migraines, the figure was approximately three percent.

The researchers concluded that migraine with aura was associated with a 73 percent higher risk of stroke among middle-aged and older adults.

Sources: HealthDay, Neurology, and Mayo Clinic.

Craving candy? Try dried jackfruit instead

According to the Polish newspaper Planeta, dried jackfruit is being promoted as an alternative to candy and chocolate.

The fruit has a naturally sweet flavor reminiscent of mango, pineapple, and banana. It is commonly eaten as a snack or added to breakfast dishes and desserts.

The product contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In particular, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium are among its most important nutrients.

Not all products are the same

At the same time, Planeta points out that consumers should pay attention to how the product is made. Some types of dried jackfruit contain added sugar or syrup, making them less healthy.

There is also a warning against products that are deep-fried instead of dried, as this can significantly increase the fat and calorie content.

Why it is recommended

The fiber in dried jackfruit may help people feel full for longer and support digestion. The fruit also contains antioxidants, which are associated with the body’s natural defenses.

Dried jackfruit is highlighted as a healthier alternative to traditional sweet snacks because it provides natural sweetness without the same amount of fat and empty calories found in many types of candy.

Sources: Planeta.

These breakfast cereals may help reduce the risk of stroke

A fiber-rich breakfast that includes whole grains, is low in added sugar, and contains limited amounts of salt can be part of a diet that supports heart and cardiovascular health.

Here are the breakfast cereals and expert recommendations highlighted by EatingWell.

Whole grains and fiber are important

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Experts recommend choosing breakfast cereals that are high in dietary fiber, low in added sugar, and preferably made with whole grains.

This combination may help support healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Shredded Wheat

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Unfrosted Shredded Wheat is highlighted because it contains 8 grams of fiber per serving, no added sugar, and no sodium.

Magnesium may offer benefits

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Shredded Wheat also provides magnesium.

According to research published in the International Heart Journal, magnesium may be associated with a lower risk of stroke, particularly among women, although further research is still needed.

Less salt benefits the heart

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Keeping sodium intake low may help reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

For this reason, sodium-free breakfast cereals are considered a good choice.

Cascadian Farm

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Cascadian Farm Organic No Added Sugar is available in the Vanilla Crisp and Mixed Berry varieties.

These cereals contain no added sugar and provide 5 grams of protein along with 5 to 6 grams of fiber per serving.

Fiber may help manage cholesterol

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A registered dietitian told EatingWell that dietary fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol, which can otherwise build up in the arteries.

High cholesterol can increase the risk of ischemic stroke.

Watch the sodium content

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Although Cascadian Farm cereals are recommended, they contain between 390 and 400 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Registered dietitian Karen E. Todd told EatingWell that breakfast cereals with less than 140 milligrams of sodium per serving are the preferred option.

Grape Nuts

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Grape Nuts The Original contains 7 grams of fiber per serving and no added sugar.

It also provides nutrients including iron, folate, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, zinc, and phosphorus.

Dietary folate is highlighted

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EatingWell notes that foods naturally rich in folate can be a good way to obtain the nutrient, as dietary supplements may have different effects depending on an individual’s health.

Oats remain a classic choice

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Traditional rolled oats contain 4 to 5 grams of fiber per half-cup serving.

Their soluble fiber, including beta-glucan, may help lower cholesterol and keep blood sugar levels more stable.

Bran cereals are high in fiber

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Bran-based breakfast cereals typically provide 5 to 7 grams of fiber per serving.

Many are also fortified with nutrients such as iron and vitamin D and may help support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Fruit and vegetables strengthen your breakfast

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Experts recommend adding fruit or vegetables to your breakfast.

Foods rich in potassium may support heart health, and diets high in fruit and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of stroke.

Add healthy fats

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Nuts, along with chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds, can add healthy fats that, according to EatingWell, may help improve levels of HDL, often referred to as “good” cholesterol.

New blood test could make unpleasant cancer examination unnecessary

According to The Guardian, several hospitals have begun using the PinPoint blood test following a trial involving 16,481 patients from 170 GP practices across Yorkshire.

Among them were 3,313 women who had been referred for further examination because of postmenopausal bleeding.

The blood test uses artificial intelligence to analyze 30 different substances in the blood.

The results showed an accuracy rate of 99 percent, both for detecting cancer and for ruling out the disease, The Guardian reports.

More hospitals are adopting the test

Based on the trial results, Mid Yorkshire NHS Teaching Trust and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will begin using the test as part of the diagnostic pathway for, among other conditions, gynecological cancers.

At the same time, Cancer Research UK believes the test appears promising.

However, the organization stresses that more research is needed before its full benefits for patients and the healthcare system can be determined.

Could spare many women

Each year, around 90,000 women in England are examined for possible uterine cancer because they experience postmenopausal bleeding.

Only about one in ten is diagnosed with cancer, while most undergo a transvaginal ultrasound scan, according to The Guardian.

The trial suggests that the blood test could allow around one in five referred women to avoid this examination.

This could spare many women an uncomfortable experience while enabling hospitals to examine and treat the patients who do have cancer more quickly.