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Expert reveals the warning signs of a high functioning alcoholic

11. May, 2026

A former addict is now sharing the signs that many people overlook in individuals with a hidden alcohol problem.

Coach Ben Lowe told LADbible that it often involves people who still manage their jobs and daily lives while developing a dependency on alcohol.

Not honest about alcohol consumption

Ben Lowe says it can be a warning sign when someone hides or downplays how much they drink.

He believes many people automatically give a lower number because the truth feels too serious to admit.

Alcohol becomes part of every situation

Another sign is when alcohol becomes a regular part of almost every situation. This includes stress, celebrations, family time, and after-work routines.

Comparing themselves to others

According to Ben Lowe, it can be problematic when someone defends their drinking habits by pointing to people who drink more.

He says this is not a sign of healthy behavior, but rather a reflection of low standards.

Becoming defensive when criticized

Ben Lowe also explains that many people react defensively when someone comments on their drinking habits. This can indicate that the subject touches on something sensitive.

Unable to relax without alcohol

Another warning sign is when a person feels unable to unwind without a drink.

Ben Lowe explains that the relief after the first drink may be more about dependency than enjoyment.

Saying they can stop anytime

According to Ben Lowe, many people claim they could stop drinking whenever they want. The problem arises when this never actually happens in practice.

Emotionally absent

Ben Lowe also mentions people who are physically present but mentally distant. Alcohol can create distance in relationships, even when everyday life appears functional on the surface.

Family and friends notice distance

If family members or friends feel like they are walking on eggshells around someone, it may be a sign of a larger alcohol-related problem.

Drinking alone or in secret

According to the treatment center Priory, it can also be a warning sign when someone drinks alone, secretly, or at unusual times.

Using alcohol as a reward

Some people justify their drinking by describing it as a deserved reward or a way to celebrate something.

Struggling with social situations without alcohol

Priory also points out that some people avoid social events without alcohol because they feel uncomfortable without drinking.

Experiencing blackouts

Another sign is memory loss after drinking, where a person struggles to remember evenings or even entire days because of heavy alcohol consumption.

Becoming irritable without alcohol

If a person becomes restless or irritable after a day or two without alcohol, it may also indicate dependency.

Needing larger amounts of alcohol

Priory explains that increased tolerance is common. This means the person needs to drink more alcohol to feel the same effect as before.

Sources: LADbible and Priory.

How much should beginners walk? Experts share their advice

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

11. May, 2026

How much should beginners walk? Experts share their advice

Many people believe exercise only works if you train hard. But according to Runner’s World, the most important thing for beginners is simply to start slowly and build up gradually.

Experts recommend walking for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, three to five times per week. Depending on your pace, that equals roughly 6 to 15 kilometers per week.

It is better to take several short walks than one long walk followed by several days of rest.

The body needs time to adjust

If you are not used to exercise, even short walks can take a toll on the body.

That is why experts recommend increasing distance gradually to avoid pain in the knees, back, or tendons.

Runner’s World advises increasing your total walking distance by no more than around 10 percent per week.

People who already cycle or play sports can often walk longer distances from the beginning. Even so, the body still needs time to adapt to the strain of walking.

Fewer kilometers may be enough

According to the WHO, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Walking can meet that requirement if the pace is brisk enough.

The benefits may include reduced stress, better sleep, and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, Runner’s World writes.

In addition, the goal of 10,000 steps per day is not based on an official health recommendation.

Instead, the most important thing is finding a level you can maintain over time.

Sources: Runner’s World and WHO.

Breakthrough could speed up visits to the dentist

Mie Hermansen

11. May, 2026

Breakthrough could speed up visits to the dentist

You know how easy it is to delay a dental visit when it sounds like a long process with multiple appointments.

For many, the idea of waiting weeks for a final result is enough to keep it off the calendar.

Researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas may be changing that reality. Their latest work focuses on speeding up how strong, natural-looking dental crowns are produced, using advanced 3D printing techniques, writes Antyweb.

Faster process

Zirconia is widely used in dentistry because of its strength and resemblance to real teeth.

However, producing crowns from this material has traditionally taken time, especially during a stage where binding materials must be carefully removed.

This step, known as debinding, has been a major bottleneck, often lasting anywhere from 20 to 100 hours in standard processes.

New approach

The research team developed a method using high heat transfer combined with a porous graphite structure in a controlled environment.

This allows gases to escape more efficiently during production, preventing damage to the material.

As a result, the debinding phase can now be completed in less than 30 minutes, while maintaining similar strength and quality. The process also uses significantly less energy than conventional methods.

Future impact

If approved for clinical use, this advancement could allow dentists to create custom zirconia crowns in just one visit, reducing waiting times and improving patient experience.

Key advantages may include:

Faster treatments
Fewer appointments
Improved efficiency

Further testing is still required before the technology becomes widely available.

Have you avoided potatoes? Here’s why they deserve a second chance

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

11. May, 2026

Have you avoided potatoes? Here’s why they deserve a second chance

Potatoes are often excluded because they contain carbohydrates that can affect blood sugar levels. However, the effect depends on how they are incorporated into a meal.

If they are eaten together with foods rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, the rise in blood sugar occurs more gradually, according to Netdoktor.

In addition, potatoes contain both fiber and some protein, especially when the skin is eaten. This makes them a more nutritionally complex food than many assume.

Key nutrients

Potatoes provide several important nutrients. Among other things, they contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. The content can be higher than in certain fruits.

They are also a source of vitamin C, although some is lost during cooking.

With the skin on, a serving can cover a large part of the daily requirement.

In addition, potatoes contain iron, which the body uses to transport oxygen.

Weight and satiety

Potatoes are low in calories and contain no fat. At the same time, research cited by Netdoktor suggests that they are more filling than many other carbohydrate sources.

A study from the University of California, published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, shows that people can lose weight even when they eat potatoes regularly.

What matters is the overall calorie intake, not a single food item.

On this basis, research indicates that potatoes are not unhealthy in themselves. Their role depends on how they are included in the overall diet.

Sources: Netdoktor and Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

How yogurt can affect your blood pressure if you eat it regularly

Mie Hermansen

11. May, 2026

How yogurt can affect your blood pressure if you eat it regularly

Yogurt can have a positive effect on your blood pressure if you choose the right type and include it as part of a balanced diet. This article is based on reporting from Parade.

Yogurt can be part of a blood pressure-lowering diet

Low-fat dairy products like yogurt are included in the DASH diet, which is specifically designed to help lower blood pressure. This makes yogurt a natural fit in a heart-healthy eating pattern.

Not all yogurt is the same

Yogurt comes in many varieties with different fat contents and flavorings. Some also contain more additives than others, which can affect their overall nutritional value.

Choose options low in saturated fat and added sugar

To get the most benefit, it’s recommended to select yogurt with low levels of saturated fat and minimal added sugar or processed ingredients.

Plain yogurt gives you more control

Choosing unsweetened yogurt allows you to control both the flavor and the nutritional content by adding your own ingredients.

Sweetness can be added naturally

If you prefer a sweeter taste, a small amount of honey or maple syrup can be used instead of pre-sweetened options.

Yogurt offers a balanced nutrient profile

Yogurt contains a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, which helps provide steady energy throughout the day.

Stable blood sugar supports healthy blood pressure

Keeping blood sugar levels stable can help prevent hormonal spikes that may otherwise increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels.

Research links yogurt to lower blood pressure

A large study involving more than 3,000 participants found that people who eat yogurt several times a week tend to have lower blood pressure.

Regular intake may reduce hypertension risk

Other research suggests that eating multiple servings of yogurt weekly is associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure.

Yogurt is a good source of protein

Greek yogurt in particular is rich in protein, which supports energy levels and helps you feel full longer.

It may support weight management

Studies have linked yogurt consumption with lower body mass index and reduced body fat.

Contains calcium and probiotics

Yogurt provides calcium, which plays a role in both bone health and heart function, as well as probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome.

How menopause affects sleep patterns

Mie Hermansen

11. May, 2026

Evenings used to bring calm. Now they stretch into long, restless hours where sleep feels just out of reach.

Many women notice this shift without immediately connecting it to a deeper change happening in the body.

According to research from the University of Copenhagen and reporting by Netdoktor, sleep disruption is a frequent companion to menopause. Hormonal fluctuations quietly alter how the body handles both rest and temperature.

A changing body

As estrogen levels decline, the body’s internal systems lose some stability. This affects both the natural sleep rhythm and the ability to stay comfortable through the night.

Overheating and sudden wake-ups become more common. These interruptions may seem minor at first but can build into a persistent pattern.

The result is often lighter, more fragmented sleep that leaves many feeling unrefreshed.

Daily impact

When poor sleep continues, it begins to affect more than just energy levels. Focus can slip, and emotional balance may become harder to maintain.

Even routine tasks can feel more demanding. Over time, reduced sleep can influence overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Health experts warn that ongoing issues may require medical attention, especially if they last for months.

Practical steps

Improving sleep often starts with simple adjustments:

fixed sleep schedule
daily daylight exposure
less evening screen time
limiting late caffeine
cooler, darker bedroom

If these changes are not enough, professional guidance can help identify further treatment options.

Timing of exercise may affect blood sugar levels

Mie Hermansen

11. May, 2026

Timing of exercise may affect blood sugar levels

You know the feeling. You finally find time to move your body, but the question lingers in the back of your mind: does it actually matter when you do it? For many, exercise is about fitting it in, not timing it perfectly.

But research reported by Adnkronos, based on a review from the University of Copenhagen and the Karolinska Institutet, suggests timing could play a surprising role, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.

Timing matters more

Scientists found that exercising later in the day may lead to better blood sugar control compared to morning workouts.

Afternoon activity appears to support a more stable glucose response and improved insulin efficiency.

For people with type 2 diabetes, this difference can be significant. Their bodies often struggle with regulating blood sugar, and timing exercise to match natural rhythms may help.

The body’s rhythm

The explanation lies in the body’s internal clock. Hormones and metabolism follow a daily cycle that affects how energy is used.

In the morning, cortisol levels rise to wake the body, but this also increases blood sugar.

For those with insulin resistance, this can make glucose harder to manage. Intense exercise at this time may even push levels higher.

What works best

The findings suggest a few simple adjustments:

Afternoon exercise may improve glucose control more effectively
Morning workouts still help, but lower intensity may be better
Consistency remains the most important factor

Even with these insights, researchers note that studies are still limited in size and scope. Still, the pattern is clear enough to consider adjusting your routine.

Trying to lose weight? Try adding beans to your plate

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. May, 2026

Trying to lose weight? Try adding beans to your plate

Beans have been part of diets for centuries, although they originally come from Central and South America, according to iDNES.

They can be eaten as fully grown beans or as green pods. The green version is lighter and contains fewer calories, but it does not keep people full for as long.

There are many types, such as white, red, black, and butter beans. Their taste and texture differ, but their nutritional value is quite similar.

iDNES reports that both dried and canned beans are commonly used, with canned options offering convenience while still providing similar health benefits.

Nutritional profile

Beans contain protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates. This mix helps people feel full for longer and keeps blood sugar levels stable.

According to iDNES, cooked red beans have about 120 kilocalories per 100 grams.

This is lower than the same amount of chicken, yet beans can keep hunger away for a longer time due to their fibre content.

Other types also have benefits. Black beans contain more antioxidants, while white beans are easier to digest.

However, the source notes that regular consumption is more important than choosing a specific type.

Consumption patterns

Beans are often used in diets focused on weight control. They can replace both meat and side dishes like rice or pasta.

Proper preparation is important. iDNES explains that soaking and cooking beans correctly can improve digestion, and starting with small portions is recommended.

Eating beans two to three times per week is considered ideal. Too much may cause digestive discomfort.

iDNES indicates that beans may help people feel fuller than meat while lowering total calorie intake, making them useful for weight management.

Sources: iDNES.

New favorite in the fruit bowl: Why you should choose pears over bananas

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

10. May, 2026

New favorite in the fruit bowl: Why you should choose pears over bananas

Bananas are popular because they are inexpensive, easy to find, and sweet. They also contain potassium, which is important for muscles and the nervous system.

However, comparisons show that pears may offer some advantages.

A medium-sized pear contains around 6 grams of dietary fiber, while a banana typically has about 3 grams.

This means pears contribute more to daily fiber intake, according to Wprost.

Better for digestion

Pears contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber. This fiber can help lower bad cholesterol and improve digestion.

At the same time, pears have a lower glycaemic index than bananas. It ranges from around 30 to 38 for pears, while bananas can range between 50 and 60 depending on ripeness.

This means that blood sugar rises more slowly after eating a pear. It can reduce hunger and is beneficial for people with insulin resistance.

How pears can be used

Pears consist of approximately 84 percent water, making them suitable for a diet focused on weight loss.

They also contain boron, which helps the body retain calcium and thus supports bone health.

To get the most out of a pear, it should be eaten with the skin, as it contains the most fiber.

Pears can be eaten raw, used in salads, or prepared in both sweet and savory dishes.

In many cases, pears can be a better choice than bananas, according to Wprost.

Sources: Wprost.

Faster or slower digestion? It could affect your health

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

9. May, 2026

Faster or slower digestion? It could affect your health

The study, published in Gut and described by ScienceAlert, is based on data from several previous studies involving thousands of participants, both healthy individuals and people with illnesses.

Researchers looked at diet, stool, and gut bacteria.

To measure how quickly food moves through the body, various methods were used.

These include small capsules with sensors, visual scales, and tests that track specific foods through the system.

The aim is to determine how long contents remain in the large intestine, as this affects bacterial activity.

Differences in bacteria

The results show clear differences between people with fast and slow digestion.

According to the study, this knowledge provides a better picture of gut bacteria than diet alone.

Fast transit is often associated with bacteria that feed on carbohydrates. Slow transit, on the other hand, is more often linked to bacteria that use protein.

Both extremes show reduced bacterial diversity, suggesting that certain types dominate in the gut.

What it means

Previous research has shown that slow digestion may be associated with conditions such as inflammation, metabolic disorders, and neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s disease.

At the same time, these differences may explain why the same diet does not work equally well for everyone.

The speed of digestion may be an important, but often overlooked, factor in health and treatment.

Sources: ScienceAlert and Gut.

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Not honest about alcohol consumption

Alcohol becomes part of every situation

Comparing themselves to others

Becoming defensive when criticized

Unable to relax without alcohol

Saying they can stop anytime

Emotionally absent

Family and friends notice distance

Drinking alone or in secret

Using alcohol as a reward

Struggling with social situations without alcohol

Experiencing blackouts

Becoming irritable without alcohol

Needing larger amounts of alcohol

The body needs time to adjust

Fewer kilometers may be enough

Faster process

New approach

Future impact

Key nutrients

Weight and satiety

Yogurt can be part of a blood pressure-lowering diet

Not all yogurt is the same

Choose options low in saturated fat and added sugar

Plain yogurt gives you more control

Sweetness can be added naturally

Yogurt offers a balanced nutrient profile

Stable blood sugar supports healthy blood pressure

Research links yogurt to lower blood pressure

Regular intake may reduce hypertension risk

Yogurt is a good source of protein

It may support weight management

Contains calcium and probiotics

A changing body

Daily impact

Practical steps

Timing matters more

The body’s rhythm

What works best

Nutritional profile

Consumption patterns

Better for digestion

How pears can be used

Differences in bacteria

What it means

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