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These foods can support or harm your liver

The condition of the liver is closely linked to everyday eating habits.

By choosing beneficial foods and limiting harmful ones, it is possible to support liver function and long term energy.

The liver is a highly active organ that filters toxins, processes fats, and stores vitamins, but it can become overloaded without proper care, according to Lrytas.

The liver’s role in the body

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The liver works continuously by removing toxins, breaking down fats, and storing essential vitamins needed for the body.

Impact of poor diet

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High sugar intake, alcohol, and processed foods can put significant strain on the liver and reduce its efficiency.

Natural ability to recover

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The liver has the ability to regenerate if proper nutrition is maintained through daily food choices.

No need for strict detox

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According to Lrytas, extreme detox programs are unnecessary, as simple dietary adjustments can support liver recovery.

Signs of an overloaded liver

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Certain symptoms may indicate that the liver is under stress and not functioning optimally.

Constant fatigue

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Ongoing tiredness can be a signal that the liver is struggling to cope with its workload.

Difficulty losing weight

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Challenges in weight loss may be linked to impaired liver function.

Digestive problems

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Issues with digestion can arise when the liver is not working efficiently.

Worsening skin condition

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Changes in skin health can reflect internal strain on the liver.

Garlic

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Garlic helps activate enzymes that assist the body in removing toxins.

Beetroot

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Beetroot supports fat breakdown and helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Turmeric

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Turmeric promotes bile production and protects liver cells from damage.

Citrus fruits

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Citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants that aid the detoxification process.

Cruciferous

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Vegetables like broccoli and cabbage enhance the production of cleansing enzymes.

Green tea

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Green tea helps limit fat accumulation in the liver.

Avocado

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Avocados stimulate the production of glutathione, which is an important antioxidant.

Leafy greens

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Greens help neutralize toxins and support overall liver health.

Nuts

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Nuts reduce inflammation and assist natural cleansing processes.

Artichoke

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Artichokes improve bile flow and support digestion.

Foods to avoid

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Sugar, sweet drinks, alcohol, trans fats, fast food, and refined flour products should be limited as they burden the liver and slow its recovery.

Sources: Lrytas.

The best way to eat oats for your gut health

Oats are a popular breakfast choice, often praised for being healthy and easy to prepare, according to Jíme Jinak.

It naturally contains phytic acid, which can block the absorption of important minerals like iron and zinc.

Soaking oats overnight helps reduce this substance and makes the minerals easier for the body to use.

Soaking also softens the oats, which makes them gentler on digestion.

Cooking adds another benefit, because it breaks down compounds that can interfere with digestion and helps the body process proteins more efficiently.

Impact on gut health

Cold oat dishes, such as overnight oats, contain resistant starch.

This type of carbohydrate is not digested in the small intestine. Instead, it reaches the large intestine, where it feeds beneficial gut bacteria.

Research published in Advances in Nutrition shows that this process supports gut health and may reduce inflammation.

Cooking oats lowers resistant starch, but cooling them after cooking can bring some of it back through a natural process.

Choosing the best method

There are three main ways to prepare oats: soaking without cooking, soaking and then cooking, or cooking and cooling before eating.

Each method has its own advantages.

The key finding is that no single method is perfect. A mix of soaking, cooking and cooling can offer both better digestion and support for gut health.

Sources: Jíme Jinak og Advances in Nutrition.

How olive oil can affect your blood pressure when used in cooking

Olive oil is highlighted by heart specialists speaking to Parade as one of the best choices in the kitchen for supporting healthy blood pressure.

Experts especially point to its content of healthy fats and antioxidants as the reason behind these positive effects.

DASH diet

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The DASH diet was specifically developed to help lower blood pressure.

The diet focuses on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and moderate amounts of meat, nuts, and low-fat dairy products.

Cooking ingredients matter

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Experts emphasize that it is not only about what you eat.

The ingredients used in cooking also play an important role in overall health.

Rich in healthy fats

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According to nutrition expert Maya Vadiveloo in comments to Parade, olive oil contains high amounts of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that may help lower blood pressure.

Blood vessels may widen more easily

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The healthy compounds in olive oil help blood vessels expand more effectively. This makes it easier for blood to flow throughout the body.

Nitric oxide

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Cardiologist Jayne Morgan explains to Parade that olive oil increases the availability of nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and widen.

Antioxidants

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The antioxidants in olive oil may help protect the lining of blood vessels from damage. This can reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.

Plaque buildup

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When arteries become narrower because of plaque buildup, the heart must work harder to pump blood around the body. This can lead to higher blood pressure.

Anti-inflammatory effects

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Experts highlight that olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties. This may help protect the body’s circulatory system.

Benefits for overall heart health

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In addition to its effects on blood pressure, research also suggests that olive oil may support overall cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

LDL cholesterol

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The unsaturated fats in olive oil may help lower LDL cholesterol, which is an important factor linked to the risk of heart disease.

Extra virgin olive oil

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Both experts recommend extra virgin olive oil because this type is believed to provide the greatest health benefits.

Olive oil considered healthier than several other oils

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Jayne Morgan tells Parade that olive oil is generally considered a healthier choice than canola oil and regular vegetable oil.

Some oils oxidize more easily

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Vegetable oils high in polyunsaturated fats may oxidize more easily at high temperatures. This can create compounds that are not beneficial for blood vessels.

Olive oil handles heat better

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According to the experts, extra virgin olive oil is better at slowing oxidation during cooking compared with several other popular oils.

Replacing butter

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Maya Vadiveloo tells Parade that replacing butter or beef fat with olive oil may be especially beneficial for heart health.

Everyday cooking habits

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The experts conclude by emphasizing that the ingredients people regularly use in the kitchen can help form the foundation of a more heart-friendly diet.

Sources: Parade.

Seven infected with E. coli – raw cheddar under investigation

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), seven people in California, Texas, and Florida have been infected with the E. coli bacteria. Two people have been hospitalized, Prevention reports.

Four of the infected are children under the age of three. The FDA is now investigating whether raw cheddar cheese produced by the company Raw Farm is the source of the outbreak.

Authorities have recommended that the company remove the products from the market, but Raw Farm has rejected the request.

Risk linked to raw milk

The cheese is made from raw milk, which has not been heat-treated.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raw milk can contain dangerous bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.

E. coli can cause symptoms including diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. In severe cases, the bacteria can lead to kidney failure.

However, the FDA stated that the bacteria has not yet been found directly in the cheese products that have been tested, and investigations are continuing.

Slow recall process

Experts say it is not unusual for products to remain on store shelves during an investigation.

One reason is that companies can refuse to recall products if no direct evidence has been found.

According to experts, the process often takes time because authorities must gather sufficient documentation before they can force a company to take action.

Sources: Prevention, FDA, and CDC.

8,500 steps a day may help you keep the weight off

For many people, losing weight is not the biggest challenge. The real problem often begins afterward, when the kilos start to return.

According to HealthDay, around 80 percent of people who are overweight regain some or all of the weight within three to five years after losing it.

Researchers are therefore searching for solutions that can help people maintain their new weight over a longer period.

Lifestyle programs produced the best results

A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reviewed data from nearly 4,000 adult participants across several different weight-loss studies.

Some participants received dietary guidance and were encouraged to be more physically active in their daily lives. Others followed only a diet plan or received no treatment at all.

According to the study, participants in the lifestyle programs lost an average of around four kilograms over eight months.

8500 steps

Researchers identified one key difference between the groups.

People who walked around 8,500 steps per day during and after their weight loss found it easier to keep the weight off.

Participants who were less active did not achieve the same results.

Sources: HealthDay and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Researchers found lower Alzheimer’s risk among people who ate five eggs a week

Researchers have spent years investigating how diet affects the brain.

Eggs contain nutrients such as vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline, all of which are important for brain function.

A new study from Loma Linda University Health, published in The Journal of Nutrition and reported by Medical News Today, highlights that eggs should be included as part of a healthy and varied diet.

Researchers urge caution

The study is based on data from more than 39,000 Americans.

Many of the participants already followed healthy lifestyles, including lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as a more plant-based diet.

Because of this, experts say caution is needed before concluding that eggs alone protect against dementia.

The study can only show an association and cannot prove causation.

Dietitian Michelle Routhenstein also points out that foods such as beans, soy, and green vegetables contain many of the same nutrients.

Eat eggs at least five times a week

The researchers found that people who ate eggs at least five times a week had up to a 27 percent lower risk of receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis compared to people who did not eat eggs.

Previous research has shown similar results. A 2024 study, also published in The Journal of Nutrition, found that people who ate one egg per week had a lower risk of developing the disease.

However, the researchers emphasize that more studies are still needed before it can be determined whether eggs can directly protect the brain.

Sources: Medical News Today and The Journal of Nutrition.

Researchers develop new Hantavirus vaccine – new method could also reduce vaccine waste

Many vaccines must be kept at low temperatures to remain effective.

This makes transportation expensive and difficult, especially in countries with poor infrastructure and unstable electricity supplies.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 50 percent of vaccines are lost in some developing countries because the cold chain breaks down, News-Medical reports.

As a result, millions of people are unable to access essential treatment.

Researchers develop solution

A research team from the University of Bath is now developing a method designed to protect vaccines from heat.

The project is led by Professor Asel Sartbaeva, who is also a co-founder of the company EnsiliTech.

The method, known as Ensilication, works by encapsulating vaccine proteins in a protective silica layer.

The goal is to make vaccines stable at normal temperatures so they can be transported without constant refrigeration.

According to the university, this could have major significance in areas where access to cooling systems is limited.

New vaccine being tested

At the same time, the researchers have developed a new vaccine against hantavirus, which is spread by rodents and can cause serious illness.

There is currently no effective vaccine available for this group of viruses.

According to the University of Bath, the vaccine has been tested in laboratories and on animals with promising results.

The researchers expect to begin the first human trials in the near future.

The vaccine is based on mRNA technology and the new temperature-stabilization method.

Sources: News-Medical.

How to improve the air quality in your home

Indoor air quality plays a major role in health and well-being.

Several studies, according to Real Simple, suggest that technology, filters, and monitoring systems can help improve the air inside homes and reduce harmful substances.

Research points to several solutions

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Both monitoring technology and air purification are being highlighted as possible tools for creating a healthier indoor environment.

VOCs affect air quality

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A study published in Advances in Structural Technologies points to VOCs as some of the substances that can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Activated carbon can clean the air

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Filters containing activated carbon may help remove VOCs from the air. VOCs are volatile organic compounds that can negatively affect indoor air quality.

Activated carbon is used in air purification

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Activated carbon is used in air filters because the material can absorb certain pollutants from the air.

Filters can reduce harmful substances

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Air purifiers with activated carbon are highlighted as a possible solution for reducing the amount of pollutants inside homes.

Monitoring can provide better control

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By continuously measuring air quality, it becomes easier to detect indoor climate issues and respond more quickly.

Indoor air can be monitored with sensors

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Low-cost sensor technology is increasingly being used to measure air quality in homes. This allows people to monitor the levels of different substances in the air.

Measurement technology is evolving

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Developments in affordable sensor technology are making it easier for more households to monitor air quality without major expense.

Sensors are becoming more accessible

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Technological advances are making air-quality sensors more accessible to everyday consumers.

The importance of clean air

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According to the EPA, improving indoor air quality is important for creating healthier indoor environments.

Air quality is gaining global attention

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There is growing awareness of the importance of healthy indoor air and of methods used to monitor and improve it.

More studies are examining indoor environments

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Researchers continue to investigate solutions that can improve air quality in homes and other indoor spaces.

Sources: Real Simple, Advances in Structural Technologies, and the EPA.

Is it pollen or a virus? Experts explain the difference

When the body is exposed to foreign particles, the immune system is activated through a series of defense mechanisms.

In the case of a viral infection, the reaction is triggered by one of the many existing viruses, while a hypersensitivity reaction is caused by harmless substances such as dust, animals, or plant particles.

Both conditions can produce exactly the same symptoms, including coughing, headaches, sneezing, and a blocked or runny nose.

According to information from SELF and News55, the body’s basic response is very similar regardless of whether the cause is an allergen or a virus.

Duration and exposure

One important way to tell the difference lies in the timing and social environment. A typical infection will usually go away on its own within a week.

An allergic reaction, on the other hand, will continue for as long as a person remains exposed to the substance they are allergic to.

Katrina Johnson, a specialist in internal medicine, told SELF that it is important to consider whether you have recently been around people who were sick.

This significantly increases the likelihood of infection.

At the same time, it is a clear sign of allergies if the symptoms return at the same time each year.

The key clinical differences

To identify the exact cause, it is important to look for specific physical signs. Itching in the throat, ears, or eyes, as well as red eyes and rashes, point toward allergies.

Immunologist Erin L. Reigh explained to SELF that allergies never cause fever or swollen glands.

If a person experiences fever, a sore throat, or body aches, it is most likely an infection.

Although pollen season can create confusion, the presence of fever and body aches is the clearest indication that you are dealing with a cold.

Sources: News55 and SELF.

18 studies link daily mental exercises to better heart health

Researchers reviewed 18 studies on mindfulness, gratitude, and other mental exercises.

The review was published in the journal Cardiology Clinics and was described by SciTechDaily.

Participants included people with high blood pressure or an increased risk of heart disease.

The programs typically lasted between 6 and 12 weeks. Participants used apps, phone calls, or small at-home tasks as part of the programs.

According to the researchers, the exercises were not only about positive thinking.

Many participants also started exercising more, eating healthier, and remembering to take their medication more consistently.

Close follow-up

The studies showed that the best results came from programs with frequent contact between participants and advisors.

One of the programs used WhatsApp for daily tasks and weekly guidance.

Other programs helped participants increase their daily step count and follow their treatment plans more closely.

Researchers therefore believe that mental health programs could become an important part of preventing heart disease.

Measurable results

It was only during the final analyses that researchers observed clear physical changes in the participants.

Several studies showed lower blood pressure and fewer signs of inflammation in the body after the mental training programs.

The results were most noticeable among people who practiced daily and also received weekly support.

Sources: SciTechDaily og Cardiology Clinics.