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How gum can affect your body if you chew it every day

8. May, 2026

Based on reporting from EatingWell, chewing gum is a habit many people practice without much thought. While it can offer small benefits like fresher breath and oral support, it may also come with certain drawbacks depending on how often and what type of gum you choose.

It can freshen your breath

Chewing gum is often used after meals to improve breath and leave the mouth feeling cleaner. Flavors such as mint or cinnamon create a noticeable freshness that can temporarily mask odors.

It may support dental health

Sugar free gum can help maintain oral health by stimulating saliva production. This process helps wash away food particles and supports the protection of tooth enamel.

Sugary gum can damage teeth

When gum contains sugar, frequent use may increase the risk of tooth decay. Even small amounts of added sugar can accumulate over the course of a day.

It may help control sweet cravings

For some people, chewing gum provides a sweet taste without turning to candy or desserts. This can be useful when cravings are driven by habit rather than hunger.

It is not effective for weight loss

Despite keeping the mouth occupied, gum chewing has not been shown to result in weight loss. Studies suggest it does not significantly impact body weight over time.

It may affect your appetite

Chewing gum can influence how hungry you feel, but it should not replace meals. Using it to avoid eating may lead to an unbalanced approach to nutrition.

It could increase cravings for sweets

Regular exposure to sweet flavors may cause some individuals to crave more sugary foods, especially if the underlying craving is not satisfied.

It may reduce stress levels

Some research points to gum chewing as a simple way to reduce stress and anxiety. It is considered an accessible and low cost option, though more studies are needed.

Artificial sweeteners may cause digestive issues

Sugar alcohols like xylitol or sorbitol, commonly found in sugar free gum, can lead to bloating, gas, or diarrhea in some people.

Chewing may lead to swallowing more air

Frequent chewing can increase air intake, which may result in bloating or belching, particularly when gum is used throughout the day.

Some ingredients raise concerns

Certain additives, including titanium dioxide and BHT, have raised questions among experts. Some consumers choose to avoid these ingredients.

It may encourage unhealthy eating habits

Using gum to suppress hunger instead of eating can contribute to disordered eating patterns. It is important to be aware of the intention behind the habit.

Three dead after cruise outbreak – could hantavirus spread?

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

8. May, 2026

Three dead after cruise outbreak – could hantavirus spread?

The cruise vessel MV Hondius was sailing from West Africa to the Canary Islands with around 150 people on board.

This was reported by HealthDay, citing information from cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions.

However, the risk of the disease spreading widely remains very low.

U.S. health authorities are nevertheless monitoring passengers who have returned home from the voyage.

The states of California, Georgia, and Arizona are monitoring several individuals, though no new infections have been reported so far.

Rare disease

Hantavirus is often linked to contact with saliva or droppings from infected mice and rats.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the disease can begin with symptoms such as fever, headaches, and stomach pain. In severe cases, it can develop rapidly and become life-threatening.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 890 cases were recorded in the United States between 1993 and 2022, making the disease extremely rare.

Three people dead

So far, three passengers have died during the cruise. Oceanwide Expeditions said the victims were a Dutch married couple and a German man.

The New York Times reports that the Dutch man first became ill while on board the ship.

Later, his wife collapsed at the airport in Johannesburg, where she was subsequently diagnosed with a variant of hantavirus.

The third death occurred on May 2, but the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. Only later did hantavirus become a central focus of the investigation.

Sources: HealthDay, Oceanwide Expeditions, Cleveland Clinic, CDC, and The New York Times.

Research finds no evidence linking common drug to autism

Mie Hermansen

8. May, 2026

Research finds no evidence linking common drug to autism

You read the warnings, hear the debates, and suddenly even familiar choices feel uncertain.

For many expectant parents, decisions about everyday medication can quickly become a source of concern.

According to MedPage Today, reporting on research published in JAMA Pediatrics by Kira Philipsen Prahm and colleagues at Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, one of the most discussed questions has now been examined using extensive Danish data.

A long-running debate

The safety of acetaminophen during pregnancy has been widely debated in recent years. Concerns have circulated about a possible link to developmental conditions, including autism.

To investigate this, researchers analyzed nationwide data covering more than 1.5 million children born in Denmark over a 25-year period.

What the findings show

The results were consistent across multiple approaches. No meaningful association was found between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and autism in children.

This held true regardless of how exposure was assessed:

Timing during pregnancy
Dosage levels
Comparisons between siblings

These findings suggest that earlier concerns may have been influenced by other underlying factors rather than the medication itself.

A consistent picture

Similar studies conducted in other countries have reached comparable conclusions, strengthening the overall evidence base.

Researchers emphasize that when results are repeated across large populations and different methods, confidence in the findings increases.

Overall, the study indicates that this commonly used medication does not appear to raise the risk of autism when used during pregnancy.

This happens to your body if you eat blackberries every day

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

7. May, 2026

This happens to your body if you eat blackberries every day

Blackberries are not just a sweet snack. According to experts interviewed by Parade, the small berries may have positive effects on energy levels, digestion, skin health, and heart function.

Here are the main effects of eating blackberries regularly.

You may get more stable energy

Blackberries affect blood sugar less than sugary snacks. This can help provide steadier energy levels throughout the day and reduce feelings of energy crashes.

Blood sugar levels may become more stable

Even though blackberries taste sweet, they are considered low-glycemic.

Their carbohydrates are absorbed slowly, which helps avoid major spikes and drops in blood sugar levels.

You may experience a better mood

According to Parade, dietitians say that stable blood sugar levels may also influence mood and provide greater mental clarity.

Your digestion may improve

Blackberries contain a high amount of fiber, which helps support regular bowel movements and keeps digestion functioning properly.

The risk of constipation may decrease

Experts explain that the fiber in blackberries can make stools softer and more regular, which may help prevent constipation.

You may feel fuller for longer

Blackberries are low in calories but rich in fiber.

According to a study published in Molecules, this combination may increase feelings of fullness and help reduce overeating and weight gain.

Your sweet cravings may decrease

When blood sugar levels remain more stable, cravings for sugary snacks may also decrease, according to experts.

The risk of type 2 diabetes may be reduced

Dietitians point to research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, which suggests that blackberries may help prevent type 2 diabetes due to their fiber and antioxidant content.

Blackberries may benefit heart health

Regular consumption of blackberries has been linked in a study published in Nutrition Reviews to improvements in HDL cholesterol, lower inflammation, and better blood pressure.

Reduced inflammation

Blackberries contain polyphenols and anthocyanins, which may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Your skin may look healthier

The high vitamin C content may support collagen production in the skin, according to a study published in Nutrients, while the water content helps maintain hydration.

Your immune system may become stronger

The vitamin C in blackberries may also support the immune system and help the body recover more quickly after illness.

Your brain may be better protected

A study published in Molecules found that foods rich in anthocyanins are associated with slower age-related cognitive decline and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and blackberries are among those foods.

Blackberries may support balance and coordination

An animal study also published in Molecules found that blackberry consumption improved balance, coordination, and cognitive function.

Sources: Parade, Molecules, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Nutrition Reviews, and Nutrients.

Hidden bone disease affects 40 percent of adults worldwide – are you one of them?

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

7. May, 2026

Hidden bone disease affects 40 percent of adults worldwide – are you one of them?

Around 40 percent of adults worldwide have osteopenia, according to the National Library of Medicine, as reported by SciTechDaily. Osteopenia is a condition in which bones become weaker than normal.

According to Anglia Ruskin University, the condition particularly affects older adults and women after menopause.

Bones are constantly being renewed in the body, but as people age, the body gradually begins to break down more bone than it can rebuild.

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and too little exercise can make bones even weaker. A lack of calcium and vitamin D may also increase the risk.

Risk increases

Hormones also play an important role. After menopause, women experience a drop in estrogen levels, which can cause bones to lose strength more quickly.

Certain diseases and medications can also negatively affect bone health.

These include the long-term use of corticosteroids and diseases such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease.

Exercise can help strengthen bones. Walking, running, and dancing are examples of activities that may improve bone strength.

Often discovered late

Osteopenia usually causes no clear symptoms. As a result, many people only discover the condition after a fall or a bone scan.

Doctors use scans to measure bone density and assess the risk of fractures. Treatment often focuses on a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

According to researchers, osteopenia does not necessarily develop into osteoporosis if the condition is detected early.

Sources: SciTechDaily and the National Library of Medicine.

Study: New migraine treatments could cut monthly attacks

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

7. May, 2026

Study: New migraine treatments could cut monthly attacks

Chronic migraine means having headaches at least 15 days per month. Finding an effective treatment can often be difficult.

Researchers reviewed 43 studies involving adult migraine patients. They found that several older types of medication have uncertain effects, including topiramate, valproate, and propranolol.

Botox may also help some patients, but the researchers believe the treatment often causes more side effects.

Medication targets protein

The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, also focused on newer medications that target the CGRP protein.

The protein plays a role in migraine attacks and contributes to pain and inflammation.

The medication is available in forms such as tablets, nasal sprays, and injections. According to the researchers, patients generally experienced fewer side effects compared with older treatments.

However, the researchers say more studies are still needed to examine the long-term effects of the medication.

Fewer migraine days

The most important finding of the study was that the newer treatments reduced the number of migraine days by an average of around two days per month.

At the same time, the researchers stressed that the best treatment depends on each patient’s individual needs and financial situation.

Sources: HealthDay and Annals of Internal Medicine.

New cell technology could repair damaged knees

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

7. May, 2026

New cell technology could repair damaged knees

Japan is the first country in the world to approve treatments based on cell reprogramming for serious diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and heart failure, according to El Periódico.

The method is based on research by Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka, who received the Nobel Prize in 2012 for demonstrating that adult cells can be altered and given new properties.

Researchers in Spain are now continuing work using the same technology.

Could rejuvenate cells

According to physician Pedro Guillén, researchers are investigating a method that could make cells younger without completely transforming them.

The goal is to help damaged tissue function properly again.

Previous animal studies have shown promising results. A 2021 study published in Nature Communications demonstrated improvements in muscle tissue in older laboratory animals.

Researchers believe the technology could later also be used to treat other diseases linked to ageing.

Human trials planned

The Spanish research team expects to begin human trials before the end of the year. The treatment will be tested on patients with knee osteoarthritis.

If the trials are successful, Spain could become the first country to use the technology to treat early-stage osteoarthritis.

According to Pedro Guillén, the treatment could potentially become part of standard medical care within five years.

Sources: El Periódico and Nature Communications.

This beetroot drink could help support your gut health

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

7. May, 2026

This beetroot drink could help support your gut health

The beverage is a fermented drink made from beetroot, water, and salt. Some people also add garlic or spices.

It is produced by allowing the beetroot to ferment for several days.

During the fermentation process, lactic acid develops, giving the drink its distinctive sour taste.

According to the Polish media outlet Halo Tu Polsat, the flavor becomes stronger the longer the fermentation process continues.

Fermentation typically lasts anywhere from a few days to up to two weeks, depending on the temperature.

Contains several nutrients

The drink contains nutrients naturally found in beetroot, including iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate.

It also contains probiotic bacteria, which may help support gut health.

According to Halo Tu Polsat, fermented products can aid digestion and form part of a healthy diet.

In addition, the drink contains antioxidants such as betaine, which is associated with the body’s natural functions.

Many people choose to drink small amounts daily, often between 50 and 200 milliliters.

Requires caution

Experts emphasize, however, that the drink is not suitable for everyone.

People with kidney disease, kidney stones, or those who need to avoid excessive salt intake should exercise caution.

The same applies to individuals with acid reflux or issues related to excessive stomach acid, as the drink is acidic.

Sources: Halo Tu Polsat.

How you can reduce the risk of dementia and stroke, according to a new report

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

7. May, 2026

How you can reduce the risk of dementia and stroke, according to a new report

A new statement from the American Heart Association explains, according to Medical News Today, how lifestyle, environmental factors, and social conditions can influence brain health throughout life.

The organization also highlights several measures that may help reduce the risk of dementia and stroke.

Brain health is shaped throughout life

The American Heart Association emphasizes that brain health is not determined solely by age or genetics.

Physical and mental health, sleep, lifestyle, environmental factors, and access to healthcare all play a role.

The number of older adults is growing significantly

Globally, the number of people over the age of 65 is expected to exceed 1.5 billion by 2050.

As a result, preserving brain function and mental sharpness later in life is becoming increasingly important.

Early life experiences may matter later on

According to the American Heart Association, experiences early in life can affect the brain many years later.

This includes infections and adverse childhood experiences.

Socioeconomic conditions affect the brain

The American Heart Association points out that factors such as financial conditions, geographic location, and access to resources may influence brain health.

Chronic diseases increase the risk

Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity are highlighted as serious long-term risk factors for the brain.

Stress and anxiety play a role

Long-term stress, anxiety, and depression can negatively affect both brain function and the body’s aging process.

Poor sleep may harm the brain

According to experts, poor sleep and untreated sleep apnea can affect memory, concentration, mood, and blood vessel health.

Air pollution is mentioned as a risk

The American Heart Association highlights that pollution from sources such as pesticides and microplastics may lead to inflammation and brain damage.

Exercise is described as crucial

Regular physical activity is considered one of the most important factors in preventing dementia and strengthening the brain’s resilience.

Even walking can make a difference

Experts behind the statement explain that exercise improves circulation, sleep, metabolism, and mood, and that even regular walks may have an impact.

A Mediterranean diet is recommended

The American Heart Association recommends a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish as a healthy choice for the brain.

Gut health is linked to brain health

The statement also describes growing interest in the connection between gut microbiota and the brain.

Social relationships are important

According to the experts, social interaction, a sense of purpose in daily life, and treatment of mental health conditions should be seen as part of dementia prevention.

Smoking and heavy alcohol use are discouraged

The American Heart Association warns that smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and substance abuse can accelerate damage to both blood vessels and the brain.

Small changes may be enough to begin with

Experts recommend starting with small and realistic changes instead of trying to completely transform one’s lifestyle all at once.

It is never too early or too late

According to the researchers, people can take steps to protect their brain at any age, and even minor changes may make a difference over time.

Sources: Medical News Today and the American Heart Association.

Expert: Consistency matters more than intense exercise

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

7. May, 2026

Expert: Consistency matters more than intense exercise

Modern medicine makes it possible for people to live longer than ever before.

However, according to Jan Hajer, senior director of the healthcare group AKESO Healthcare Holding, that does not necessarily mean people enjoy a high quality of life throughout their lives.

In an interview with TN CZ, he says that healthcare systems often focus more on treating illnesses than on preventing them.

As a result, AKESO is now opening a center dedicated to movement and health.

Exercise should fit the individual

According to Jan Hajer, there is no single type of exercise that suits everyone. Physical activity should be adapted to each person’s needs, age, and overall health.

He also explains that regular exercise is more important than doing intense workouts only a few times a month.

According to clinical studies, even short exercise sessions can have a positive effect on both muscles and overall health.

Many people forget walking

A walk can be a good starting point for people who want to become more active in their daily lives.

But Jan Hajer believes that the body benefits most from a combination of different forms of exercise.

In the interview, he highlights one type of training that many people often forget: strength training.

This is important because muscles play a major role in the body’s metabolism and its ability to resist disease.

Sources: TN CZ.

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It can freshen your breath

It may support dental health

Sugary gum can damage teeth

It may help control sweet cravings

It is not effective for weight loss

It may affect your appetite

It could increase cravings for sweets

It may reduce stress levels

Artificial sweeteners may cause digestive issues

Chewing may lead to swallowing more air

Some ingredients raise concerns

It may encourage unhealthy eating habits

Rare disease

Three people dead

A long-running debate

What the findings show

A consistent picture

You may get more stable energy

Blood sugar levels may become more stable

You may experience a better mood

Your digestion may improve

The risk of constipation may decrease

You may feel fuller for longer

Your sweet cravings may decrease

The risk of type 2 diabetes may be reduced

Blackberries may benefit heart health

Reduced inflammation

Your skin may look healthier

Your immune system may become stronger

Your brain may be better protected

Blackberries may support balance and coordination

Risk increases

Often discovered late

Medication targets protein

Fewer migraine days

Could rejuvenate cells

Human trials planned

Contains several nutrients

Requires caution

Brain health is shaped throughout life

The number of older adults is growing significantly

Early life experiences may matter later on

Socioeconomic conditions affect the brain

Chronic diseases increase the risk

Stress and anxiety play a role

Poor sleep may harm the brain

Air pollution is mentioned as a risk

Exercise is described as crucial

Even walking can make a difference

A Mediterranean diet is recommended

Gut health is linked to brain health

Social relationships are important

Smoking and heavy alcohol use are discouraged

Small changes may be enough to begin with

It is never too early or too late

Exercise should fit the individual

Many people forget walking

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