Sunny days often bring thoughts of outdoor activities, cold drinks, and time spent with family and friends. But as temperatures climb, there is another issue many people may overlook.
According to health specialist Rhysa Phommachanh from Landys Chemist, some medications can become less effective in hot weather, while others may increase the body’s vulnerability to heat-related problems, reports Unilad.
Medications need extra attention
Several types of medication can be affected by high temperatures. Insulin is one example, as exposure to heat may reduce its effectiveness. EpiPens may also become less reliable if they are stored above recommended temperatures.
Asthma inhalers are another concern, as extreme heat can affect the pressure inside the container and potentially influence how the medication is delivered.
The body may respond differently
Some medicines can make it harder for the body to cope with hot conditions. Antihistamines may reduce sweating, while certain antidepressants can interfere with the body’s natural temperature regulation.
Diuretics, often referred to as water tablets, can increase fluid loss and raise the risk of dehydration during a heatwave.
Meanwhile, some acne treatments containing ingredients such as retinol can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the likelihood of sunburn.
Expert advice during hot weather
Health experts recommend storing medications in a cool, dry place and keeping them away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity.
People using Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications are also being encouraged to pay close attention to their fluid intake. These treatments can reduce feelings of thirst, making it easier for dehydration to go unnoticed during periods of hot weather.
Many people eat dried fruit with breakfast, on yogurt, or as a snack. Dried fruits contain fiber and nutrients that may be beneficial for the body.
According to USA Today, some dried fruits also contain antioxidants. These compounds can help the body protect cells from damage and inflammation.
Beneficial bacteria
Several studies have investigated how dried fruits affect the bacteria in the gut. A study published in Food & Function found evidence that one particular type may help beneficial bacteria grow.
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Foodalso showed that the fruit may contribute to more regular digestion. This is partly due to its high fiber content and natural compounds that help keep stools softer.
The special fruit
In the same study, researchers observed improvements in digestion among people who consumed around 84 grams of the fruit daily. They also found changes in certain markers associated with gut health.
The dried fruit in question was raisins. According to the studies cited by Le Journal des Femmes, raisins have a strong prebiotic effect. This means they can help beneficial gut bacteria thrive.
However, experts do not recommend eating too many raisins.
USA Today reports that around 40 to 50 grams per day is appropriate for most adults. It is also recommended to choose raisins without added sugar and unnecessary preservatives.
Many people measure their blood pressure at home to keep track of their health.
However, a study from Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that even the position of your arm can affect the result and lead to misleading readings, according to Deník.
High blood pressure is a hidden risk
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High blood pressure can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
The problem is that the condition often does not cause obvious symptoms for a long time.
Symptoms can be difficult to recognize
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When symptoms do appear, they may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, or vision problems.
However, many people do not necessarily associate these signs with their blood pressure.
Some people discover the problem late
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For some individuals, no symptoms occur until serious health complications have already developed.
Regular monitoring is important
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Regular blood pressure checks are the best way to detect elevated values in time, especially for people over the age of 55.
Measuring at home can be beneficial
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It is not recommended to rely solely on measurements taken by your doctor. A long period may pass between appointments, and blood pressure can change in the meantime.
The white coat effect can influence results
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Some people record higher blood pressure readings at the doctor’s office than at home. This phenomenon is associated with stress and anxiety related to medical visits, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
Incorrect use of the device can cause errors
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Even accurate blood pressure monitors can display readings that are too high if they are not used correctly during measurement.
Arm position plays a major role
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Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that arm position during measurement affects the results more than many people realize.
Incorrect arm position can increase readings
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The study showed that an unsuitable arm position can make systolic blood pressure appear up to 6.5 mmHg higher than it actually is.
Supporting the arm on a table gives the most accurate results
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Researchers compared measurements taken with the arm resting on a table, in the lap, and hanging by the side of the body. The most accurate readings were obtained when the arm was supported on a table.
The lap produced higher readings
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When the arm rested in the lap during measurement, recorded values were on average 3.9 mmHg higher than those obtained using the recommended position.
The arm hanging by the side produced the greatest deviations
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Measurements taken with the arm hanging down by the side showed the highest values on average, up to 6.5 mmHg higher than measurements taken with the arm supported on a table.
A research team from Houston Methodist investigated how obesity affects the brain. The study was published in the journal Molecular Neurodegeneration.
The researchers found that certain fat molecules can travel from the body’s fat tissue to the brain. Once there, they may disrupt communication between brain cells and affect the brain’s immune system, according to SciTechDaily.
Can damage the brain
The researchers focused in particular on molecules called phosphatidylethanolamines, also known as PEs. According to the study, higher levels of these molecules are produced in people with obesity.
When the molecules reach the brain, they may contribute to the buildup of amyloid proteins, which are often associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
At the same time, the molecules may interfere with normal brain function and make it harder for the brain to protect itself.
Possible explanation
The researchers also tested what happened when the balance of fat molecules was restored. In their models, they observed improvements in both brain function and memory.
However, the researchers stress that more studies are needed before the findings can be applied to treatments for humans.
Even so, the study suggests that obesity may contribute to the accelerated development of Alzheimer’s through signaling molecules released from the body’s fat tissue.
Sources: SciTechDaily and Molecular Neurodegeneration.
Alcohol-free beer is becoming increasingly popular. This trend coincides with a growing number of studies examining the nutrients found in beer, according to Iltalehti.
The researchers found that bock beer had the highest content of vitamin B6, while rice beer had the lowest. In contrast, there was almost no difference in vitamin B6 content between regular lager and alcohol-free lager.
However, none of the beers studied contained enough vitamin B6 to qualify for a health claim under EU regulations.
Half a liter of beer
Vitamin B6 is important for the body and plays a role in functions including brain health and muscle performance, according to healthcare company Terveystalo.
Experts emphasize, however, that the vitamin should primarily come from everyday foods such as meat, dairy products, grains, and vegetables.
Vitamin B6 deficiency is rare and is often linked to a highly unbalanced diet, according to the BBC.
On average, half a liter of beer can provide around 15 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6.
The researchers also highlight alcohol-free beer as the best option, as it can provide the same amount of the vitamin without the well-known health risks associated with alcohol.
Most people have considered changing their eating habits at some point, whether to improve their health, boost energy levels, or simply feel better in their own skin. That’s one reason unusual diet trends often spread quickly online, attracting millions of curious viewers.
According to LADbible, YouTuber Pigmie recently decided to test one of the internet’s latest health crazes. Instead of following a complicated meal plan, he spent 48 hours eating just one food.
An unusual experiment
The challenge centred around sardines, a food rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well as several important vitamins and minerals. Supporters of the trend claim a short sardine-only diet can help people reset their eating habits and improve overall wellbeing.
To find out for himself, Pigmie documented every stage of the experiment and shared the results with his audience.
Physical changes
Early on, he reported feeling lighter, but the novelty quickly wore off. Hunger became more noticeable, and the lack of variety made the challenge increasingly difficult.
As the hours passed, his energy levels appeared to drop. Without many carbohydrates in his diet, everyday activities felt more demanding than usual.
Researchers have previously studied low-carbohydrate eating patterns, which can lead to a metabolic state known as ketosis, where the body relies more heavily on fat for fuel.
Mixed results
Despite the challenges, Pigmie also noticed several positive changes. He reported improved focus, less discomfort in his joints and shoulders, and visible differences in his physique by the end of the two-day period.
However, nutrition experts generally caution against extreme diets that rely heavily on a single food source. Restrictive eating plans can create nutritional imbalances and may not be suitable for everyone.
While the sardine challenge generated plenty of attention online, it also served as a reminder that viral health trends often come with both potential benefits and important risks.
Many people associate fruit with sugar and vitamins, but some fruits also provide protein, fiber, and other valuable nutrients.
With the right choices, fruit can complement a balanced diet while supporting satiety and recovery, according to iDNES.
Protein in fruit
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Protein from fruit naturally comes alongside fiber and antioxidants. This makes fruit a different source of nutrients compared with many processed protein products.
Fruit can increase daily protein intake
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Although fruit cannot compete with meat or other traditional protein sources, carefully selecting certain fruits can contribute an additional 5 to 10 grams of protein per day.
Kiwi
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According to iDNES, kiwi contains approximately 1.1 grams of protein per 100 grams. The fruit is also highlighted for its benefits to digestion.
Frozen berries
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Frozen blackberries and raspberries can be significantly cheaper than fresh varieties when they are out of season. According to iDNES, both the protein content and vitamins are preserved through gentle freezing.
Increased satiety
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Protein has the highest thermic effect among nutrients.
As a result, the body uses energy to process it, and a higher protein intake may help support feelings of fullness.
Stable energy release
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The fiber found in fruit can slow the absorption of sugar. This means energy is released more gradually rather than all at once.
One-sided fruit diets are not recommended
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iDNES emphasizes that a diet based exclusively on fruit can lead to deficiencies in essential amino acids. Dietary variety is highlighted as crucial.
Supporting digestion
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Kiwi and pineapple contain enzymes such as actinidin and bromelain.
These substances are not proteins themselves, but they may help the body break down and digest protein from other foods.
Avocado
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Although many people consider avocado a vegetable, it is botanically classified as a fruit.
A medium-sized avocado provides approximately 3 to 4 grams of plant protein, along with a broader amino acid profile than many other fruits.
Blackberries
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Blackberries contain around 2 grams of protein per cup. They also have a low glycemic index, meaning energy is released more gradually.
Raspberries
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Raspberries are among the locally available fruits with a relatively high protein content. One cup contains approximately 2 grams of protein as well as a good amount of fiber.
Banana
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Bananas are well known for their potassium content, but they also contain around 1.3 grams of protein per fruit.
Combining bananas with dairy products may help the body make better use of amino acids.
Dried apricots
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When fruit is dried, the water content is removed and nutrients become more concentrated. Dried apricots contain more than 3 grams of protein per 100 grams and are easy to take on the go.
Guava tops the list
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Guava is among the fruits with the highest protein content. A serving about the size of a coffee cup contains roughly 4.2 grams of protein.
The fruit is also rich in vitamin C and is becoming increasingly available in supermarkets.
Researchers from Fayoum University Hospital in Egypt examined 184 women who were scheduled to undergo breast cancer surgery. The study was published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.
Half of the patients were deficient in vitamin D, while the remaining participants had normal levels. All patients received the same treatment before, during, and after surgery.
During the operation, the patients were given pain medication containing fentanyl. After surgery, they were able to administer tramadol themselves using a button-controlled system, according to SciTechDaily.
More pain
According to the study, patients with low vitamin D levels more frequently experienced moderate pain during the first 24 hours after surgery. This group also used more opioid medication than patients with higher levels of the vitamin.
Researchers also recorded more cases of nausea among patients with vitamin D deficiency. A small number of vomiting cases were observed only in this group.
Vitamin D supplements
The researchers emphasized that the study cannot prove that vitamin D directly causes the increased pain. The investigation was conducted at only one hospital, and other factors may also have influenced the results.
Nevertheless, the researchers believe that vitamin D may play a role in how the body manages pain after surgery.
They therefore suggest that vitamin D supplementation before surgery could be relevant for patients with low vitamin D levels.
Many people use walking as part of their daily exercise routine, and a method involving changing pace is now being highlighted as especially effective.
According to Blick, the idea is to alternate between brisk walking, light jogging, and a slower pace.
The method is based on interval training, where the body constantly works at different intensity levels. This may help improve both fitness and calorie burn.
Several benefits
According to Blick, varying the pace can make the body use more energy compared to regular walking. At the same time, the heart and lungs are challenged more, which may help improve endurance.
Blick also reports that the method can activate more muscles in the legs and core, and the body may continue burning energy after the workout has ended.
The method does not require any special equipment and can be used by both beginners and more experienced exercisers.
How the method works
Consistency is more important than the time of day. Some people prefer to exercise in the morning, while others train in the evening.
The workout consists of two minutes of brisk walking, two minutes of light jogging, and one minute of slow walking. This cycle is repeated for 20 to 30 minutes several times a week. The approach is known as the “2:2:1 method.”
Researchers have developed an experimental nasal spray that, in early testing, appears capable of slowing down — and possibly reversing — some effects of brain aging.
For many people, mental aging starts subtly. Names become harder to remember, focus fades faster, and everyday tasks suddenly require more effort than before.
Scientists have long considered this a natural part of growing older, but new research from Texas A&M University is now challenging that idea, reports Science Daily.
According to findings published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles., researchers observed significant improvements in memory and brain function after using an experimental nasal treatment designed to reduce inflammation inside the brain.
A new approach
The research team focused on chronic inflammation that gradually develops in aging brains. Scientists increasingly associate this process with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Instead of relying on traditional medication methods, the researchers used microscopic biological particles delivered directly through the nose. The treatment was designed to bypass the brain’s protective barrier and target harmful inflammatory activity more efficiently.
Researchers also found signs that the treatment helped restore activity in mitochondria, the structures responsible for producing energy inside brain cells.
Memory improved
After only two doses, researchers recorded noticeable improvements in memory and recognition abilities during testing. The treated models performed better at identifying familiar objects and reacting to changes in their environment.
The team believes the therapy may help the brain reactivate some of its natural repair mechanisms by reducing stress and improving cellular function.
The treatment has not yet been tested on humans, and researchers stress that more studies are still needed. However, scientists believe the technology could eventually become important in future treatments for age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
