Diet sodas are often seen as a better option than sugary beverages. According to B.T. described by Dagens.no, this is linked to the desire to avoid calories and sugar.
At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned against high consumption of artificial sweeteners.
The focus has primarily been on weight and metabolism, but newer research points to other possible effects.
Study over time
A study published in the journal Neurology followed more than 12,000 adults in Brazil over eight years. Researchers examined how artificial sweeteners affect the brain.
Several types of sweeteners were analyzed, including aspartame and acesulfame-K, which are found in many diet products.
Participants were divided based on their intake levels, and their memory and cognitive abilities were measured over time.
Possible link
The results show that individuals with high intake experienced a faster decline in cognitive abilities than those with low consumption.
The effect was most pronounced among people under 60 and among individuals with diabetes.
Researchers note that the difference may correspond to faster brain aging. At the same time, they emphasize that no direct causal relationship has been proven.
Artificial sweeteners, found in products such as Pepsi Max, may be associated with a more rapid decline in memory and thinking.
The body follows a natural circadian rhythm that regulates, among other things, sleep, appetite, and metabolism.
Researchers in chrononutrition, which examines how meal timing aligns with the body’s internal clock, have found that eating at irregular times may disrupt the body’s balance and affect how fat is stored and how blood sugar is regulated.
Sleep also appears to be linked to these patterns, according to ScienceAlert.
Some people eat late and skip breakfast, while others eat earlier in the day.
The results indicate that a late first meal and frequent eating are associated with a higher BMI.
Conversely, longer intervals between dinner and breakfast are linked to a lower BMI.
Some of the men also had unhealthy lifestyles involving smoking and alcohol, which makes the results more complex.
Uncertainty in the findings
The study cannot prove that eating habits directly cause changes in weight.
The researchers accounted for factors such as age and sleep, but uncertainties remain.
The effect appears to be more pronounced in women before menopause.
Overall, the study suggests that longer overnight fasting and earlier meals may be associated with lower body weight, but this is not the only explanation.
Further research is therefore needed, particularly studies that follow participants over a longer period.
Sources: ScienceAlert and International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
Here are the key foods you should know, according to Real Simple.
Fermented foods
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Fermented products such as yogurt, kimchi, pickles, and kombucha are known for their positive impact on gut health.
Many are plant-based and may also help strengthen the immune system.
Berries
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Berries such as cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. They also provide fiber and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Berries in the diet
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Berries can easily be incorporated into daily meals by adding them to smoothies, salads, or oatmeal, making them a flexible source of nutrition.
Bone broth
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Bone broth is a type of stock made by simmering bones and connective tissue from animals over a long period.
It is a relatively new addition to the list and contains collagen, which is important for hair, skin, and nails. It is also rich in protein.
Bone broth as a meal
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This type of broth can be consumed on its own as a snack or used as a base for soups, making it easy to incorporate into cooking.
Seeds
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Seeds such as chia seeds and hemp seeds are small but nutrient-dense. They contain fiber and antioxidants and can support digestion and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Seeds in everyday meals
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Seeds can be added to salads, smoothies, or used in dishes like chia pudding, making them a practical ingredient.
Avocado
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Avocado is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin K. These nutrients can support both heart and brain health and improve the absorption of other nutrients.
Leafy greens
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Spinach is a popular choice among leafy greens and contains more iron and potassium than similar alternatives, which can support energy levels and muscle function.
Nuts
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Almonds and walnuts are nutrient-rich options. Almonds provide protein, fiber, and magnesium, while walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Ancient grains
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Grains such as teff, oats, and sorghum are rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants and can be used as a base for meals or for breakfast.
Green tea
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Green tea contains antioxidants that can reduce oxidative stress, support gut health, and contribute to both heart and brain function.
Legumes
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Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and dried peas contain protein, fiber, and micronutrients such as iron, potassium, and folate.
Sources: Real Simple and Pollock Communications and Today’s Dietitian.
Omega-3 is one of the most widely used dietary supplements in the world.
Often referred to as fish oil, it contains fatty acids that the body needs but cannot produce on its own, according to LADbible.
These fatty acids are important for, among other things, the heart, the brain, and the body’s ability to reduce inflammation.
They are found mainly in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, but also in plant sources like nuts and seeds.
Health authorities recommend eating fish a couple of times a week to get enough.
Risk of heart disease
A study from BMJ in 2024 examined potential risks associated with fish oil.
Researchers found a link between the supplement and an increased risk of certain heart conditions in healthy individuals.
At the same time, the results showed that people with existing heart disease had a lower risk of serious complications if they took omega-3.
However, LADbible emphasizes that the study does not show that fish oil directly causes these problems.
Who needs it?
The need largely depends on diet. If you do not eat enough fish, it can be difficult to get sufficient omega-3 through food alone, according to LADbible.
This applies, among others, to vegetarians, vegans, and people with elevated blood lipid levels.
The supplement is not necessary for everyone, but it is particularly relevant for those who lack omega-3 in their daily diet.
Dr. Charlotte Dean, head of the research group for lung development and lung diseases at Imperial College London, explains to The Guardian that they can repair damage once the strain from smoking stops.
This is because the lungs are essential for the body’s survival and are therefore designed to withstand factors such as pollution and infections.
When a person stops smoking, the body gradually begins to rebuild some of the damaged tissue. For many, this leads to improved lung function over time.
Not the same for everyone
Although the body can heal, it does not happen in the same way for everyone. Some people develop permanent damage that cannot be reversed.
This may be due to genetic factors or how long and how much a person has smoked.
Age also plays a role. The older a person is, the more difficult it becomes for the body to repair itself. Therefore, the timing of smoking cessation is highly significant.
More than just quitting smoking
A healthy lifestyle can support the lungs. Exercise can improve the body’s ability to absorb oxygen and thereby support lung function.
This makes it easier for the body to function more effectively in everyday life.
Nevertheless, it is important to understand that previous damage may have long-term consequences. The risk of disease may still be elevated.
The key point is that the lungs can heal after smoking, but not necessarily completely, and some damage may be permanent.
Prevention of type 2 diabetes is primarily about lifestyle.
According to Health, experts recommend a healthy diet with fewer carbohydrates, along with regular exercise.
In some cases, medication may also be relevant for people with elevated blood sugar levels. These methods are well documented and are already used in treatment.
At the same time, there are warnings against excessive intake of, for example, vitamin D.
High amounts can accumulate in the body and lead to side effects such as nausea and kidney stones, according to the National Institutes of Health.
A new study
A new analysis from JAMA Network Open is based on a larger study from 2019 involving around 2,100 people with prediabetes.
At the time, no overall effect of vitamin D on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was found.
However, in the new analysis, researchers took a closer look at specific groups.
They discovered that individuals with certain levels of vitamin D in the blood had a lower risk.
Differences in genes
The researchers also examined genetic differences in the body. These genes influence how the body uses vitamin D.
The results showed that approximately 70 percent of participants with certain gene variants had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, while the rest experienced no effect.
This suggests that vitamin D may only benefit some individuals, depending on their genetic makeup.
Vitamin D does not appear to be a general solution, but it may potentially be used in a more targeted way in the future.
Sources: Health, National Institutes of Health, and JAMA Network Open.
Research indicates that it is not only what you eat, but also how you eat, that affects the body.
Foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, and low in nutrients, can strain the body’s functions over time.
In addition, researchers point out that takeaway is often eaten quickly and without attention to portion sizes. This can lead to a higher calorie intake.
Packaging may also contain chemical substances that could potentially have negative effects on health, writes The Sun.
Increased risk
The study, published in BMC Public Health, is based on data from around 43,000 adults in the United Kingdom.
The results show a link between certain dietary habits and a higher risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
According to the research, this also applies to individuals who are not overweight.
At the same time, studies show that many people eat takeaway regularly, making the issue relevant for a large part of the population.
Long-term effects
Exercise is often seen as a way to improve health, but the research suggests that certain dietary habits may reduce the positive effects of physical activity.
The study concludes that regular consumption of takeaway food can cause the body to age faster.
Over time, this may increase the risk of premature death and shorten life expectancy.
If your clothes itch or irritate, the material may be the cause.
People with sensitive skin should pay attention to the textiles they choose, as both fibers and treatments can affect the skin, according to Healthline.
Why fabrics can irritate the skin
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Irritation often occurs when a material creates friction, feels rough against the skin, or traps heat, which can lead to discomfort.
Chemicals in clothing can be a cause
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Some clothing is treated with chemicals such as formaldehyde to prevent wrinkles, and this can irritate the skin even in products marketed as environmentally friendly.
Wash new clothes before use
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New clothing may contain dust and chemicals from production, so it can be beneficial to wash it, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Seams and details can cause irritation
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Rough stitching, labels, closures, and loose threads can create irritation and discomfort when in contact with the skin.
Allergy to synthetic materials
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Some individuals may develop allergies to materials such as polyester, which can lead to skin reactions.
Skin conditions increase sensitivity
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With conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, certain textures can be particularly problematic and should be avoided.
Natural materials are often better
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Natural fibers typically reduce friction and overheating and are therefore often a better choice for sensitive skin.
Cotton is a safe choice
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Cotton is breathable, soft, and used in many types of clothing, making it popular among people with sensitive skin.
Linen is light and hypoallergenic
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Linen is a durable and cooling material that is also hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.
Hemp has beneficial properties
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Hemp is breathable, antibacterial, and wicks moisture away from the body, although it is often blended with other fibers to make it softer.
Silk is soft and smooth
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Silk is a very soft and smooth material that feels comfortable against the skin and can be a good choice.
Wool can irritate some people
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Wool insulates well and wicks moisture, but it can feel itchy for people with sensitive skin, although fine merino wool is often softer.
Cashmere is soft but expensive
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Cashmere is a very soft, lightweight, and warm material that rarely feels irritating, but it is also more expensive.
Bamboo is not entirely natural
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Bamboo fabric is produced through chemical processing and is therefore semi-synthetic, although it is still soft, breathable, and quick-drying.
Synthetic materials can cause problems
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Synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon can trap heat, be less breathable, and create friction, which is not ideal for sensitive skin.
Synthetic fibers can retain odor
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Materials such as polypropylene can retain odor because bacteria accumulate in the fabric.
Blended fabrics are common
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Most textiles consist of a blend of fibers, but a high cotton content is often perceived as more comfortable.
Cotton is recommended for skin conditions
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Cotton is often highlighted as the best choice for eczema because it is soft, cooling, and absorbs sweat.
Silk regulates temperature
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Silk can help regulate body temperature while feeling soft against the skin.
Choose clothing carefully
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By reading clothing labels and testing different materials, you can find the fabrics your skin responds best to.
Consult a professional if needed
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For specific skin issues, it may be a good idea to consult a dermatologist about the choice of materials.
The body’s biological age develops differently from one individual to another.
According to a study published in Nature Communications, cited by Medonet, this difference may influence how patients cope with cancer.
However, measuring biological age in a simple way has been challenging. Therefore, researchers have turned to artificial intelligence to analyze facial features.
The tool FaceAge assesses factors such as skin condition and facial structure to calculate a person’s biological age.
Previous studies indicate that patients with a higher biological age often have poorer outcomes.
Study of patients
A total of 2,276 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy participated in the study.
Photographs of their faces were taken at the start of treatment and subsequently analyzed using AI, according to Medonet.
Researchers measured how quickly the face changed over time.
They found that faster aging was associated with a higher risk of death, regardless of the type of cancer or other factors.
The risk was highest among patients with advanced disease.
At the same time, the results showed that changes in aging over time were more important than the difference between biological and chronological age.
Potential implications
The method is relatively inexpensive and can be used multiple times during a course of treatment.
Nevertheless, the researchers emphasize that there are limitations, partly because the participant group was not sufficiently diverse.
There are also concerns about data security and the risk of errors in the technology. Therefore, further studies are required before the method can be applied in practice.
