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Struggling with stress? Your daily routine may be the reason

23. March, 2026

Researchers from Binghamton University have examined why some people cope with stress better than others.

In a study published in the Journal of American College Health involving 401 students, their daily habits were analyzed, including diet, sleep, and exercise.

The results show that lifestyle plays a role in how individuals respond in high-pressure situations.

People with consistent and healthy routines find it easier to maintain an overview.

At the same time, the study found that poor habits are often linked to greater challenges in stressful situations.

Habits

The study indicates that certain habits are particularly important. These include eating breakfast several times a week and being physically active on a daily basis.

Conversely, lack of sleep, fast food, and cannabis use are associated with a lower ability to cope with stress.

Taking fish oil several times a week is also identified as a positive factor.

Psychological flexibility

Previous research from the same university has shown that diet plays a role in mental well-being. What is new is how this effect occurs.

The explanation lies in what researchers call psychological flexibility. This is the ability to change one’s way of thinking and better understand one’s emotions.

This ability makes it possible to take a step back and handle situations more calmly.

According to the research, it is precisely this flexibility that is strengthened by healthy habits.

Lifestyle does not only affect stress directly; it also helps build a mental capacity that makes it easier to stay calm under pressure.

Sources: HealthDay, and Journal of American College Health.

Study reveals why mosquitoes target certain people

Mie Hermansen

23. March, 2026

Study reveals why mosquitoes target certain people

There is a reason some people seem to get bitten the second they step outside. You swat the air, change seats, even switch outfits, yet the buzzing always finds you. It feels random, but it turns out there is a precise system behind it.

New research is shedding light on why mosquitoes seem so uncannily good at locating humans, and the answer is more calculated than most would expect.

The hidden signals

Scientists from the Georgia Institute of Technology and MIT tracked mosquito flight patterns using advanced 3D imaging and millions of data points.

According to the study published in Science Advances, mosquitoes are not following each other as previously assumed.

Instead, each insect independently reacts to two main triggers: visual contrast and carbon dioxide from human breath. When those signals overlap, humans become highly visible targets.

Dark colors play a key role, making people stand out more clearly in the environment.

How they lock in

The research found that mosquitoes behave differently depending on the signals they receive:

Visual cues alone attract attention but do not hold it
Carbon dioxide alone helps them detect presence at close range
A combination of both causes swarming and feeding behavior

This explains why wearing darker clothing outdoors often leads to more bites, especially in still air where breath lingers.

The insects essentially “calculate” their path, adjusting speed and direction based on these inputs.

What it means

The findings could reshape how mosquito traps and repellents are designed. Instead of constant signals, researchers suggest timed or combined triggers may be more effective in controlling populations.

The study also highlights why certain areas of the body, like the head and shoulders, are more frequently targeted due to stronger visual contrast and airflow.

Sources: Science Daily and Science Advanced

Menopause increases the risk of high blood pressure – new research investigates why

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

23. March, 2026

Menopause increases the risk of high blood pressure – new research investigates why

When women go through menopause, levels of the hormone estrogen decline.

This has implications for blood vessels and cholesterol balance, both of which are important for heart health.

Research shows that women in this phase are more likely to develop high blood pressure. This is partly because the body loses some of the protective effects that estrogen previously provided.

At the same time, factors such as lifestyle, genetics, and family history also play an important role in determining risk.

Mathematical model

According to a new study published in Mathematical Biosciences, researchers have used a mathematical model to examine blood pressure in women after menopause.

The results indicate that the risk of high blood pressure increases with age and that estrogen plays a role in this development.

The study also shows that certain types of blood pressure medication may be more effective than others depending on hormone levels.

Hormone therapy is typically used to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep problems, but the research suggests that it may also affect the body’s metabolism and weight.

Estrogen treatment may have a positive effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women, but only as part of an overall assessment.

Uncertainty about hormone therapy

Experts emphasize that there is still uncertainty about the effects of hormone therapy.

Some types may help reduce blood pressure, while others may have the opposite effect.

Therefore, more research is needed before it can be determined precisely who benefits from the treatment.

Sources: Prevention, and Mathematical Biosciences.

New research: A less sweet diet does not reduce sugar cravings

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

23. March, 2026

New research: A less sweet diet does not reduce sugar cravings

For years, dietary advice has focused on cutting down on sweet foods, based on the idea that less exposure to sweet tastes would reduce sugar cravings and thereby improve health.

However, a new study from Bournemouth University, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, indicates that this assumption does not hold.

According to the research, reducing consumption of sweet foods does not change our preference for sweetness.

Three different groups

The study involved 180 participants, who were divided into three groups with varying levels of sweetness in their diets.

Some consumed a highly sweet diet, others consumed less, and a third group fell in between. The diets included sugar, naturally sweet foods, and sweeteners.

Researchers followed the participants for six months, measuring factors such as weight and signs of conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Old habits return

The results showed no clear differences between the groups. Neither their health nor their desire for sweet foods changed significantly.

At the same time, many participants gradually returned to their previous eating habits.

The study suggests that it is not the sweet taste itself that leads people to consume more sugar and other sweet foods.

Instead, the key factor is how much sugar and how many calories are consumed.

Sources: Science Daily, and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Why your body produces more gas – and when to pay attention

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

23. March, 2026

Why your body produces more gas – and when to pay attention

Everyone produces gas in the stomach every day, and it is a completely natural part of digestion.

However, if it feels like it happens more often than usual, it may raise questions about what is going on in the body.

It is normal to have gas in the stomach

It is entirely normal to pass gas throughout the day, and this applies to everyone, regardless of diet and lifestyle.

Gas is part of digestion

The digestive system functions as a long process in which food and liquid are broken down, and waste leaves the body as urine, stool, and gas.

Bacteria in the gut create gas

Gas forms when bacteria in the large intestine break down and ferment food, especially dietary fiber.

The body needs to release pressure

When gas is released, it is the body’s way of reducing pressure in the abdomen and preventing discomfort.

There is no fixed normal number

There is no exact number for how many times a person passes gas daily, but a study shows that healthy adults do so an average of around 32 times a day.

Your own normal is most important

The most important thing is to know your own baseline, as some people naturally have more gas than others.

Gas indicates a healthy gut

Gas in the stomach is actually a sign that the bacteria in the gut are working as they should.

Gas consists of several things

Gas consists both of air swallowed during eating or talking and gas produced during the breakdown of carbohydrates in the gut.

Certain foods increase gas

High-fiber foods, beans, and dairy products can lead to increased gas production.

The speed of digestion plays a role

How quickly food moves through the digestive system also affects how much gas is produced.

More gas is often not dangerous

If it does not cause pain or affect daily life, increased gas is usually not a problem.

Changes can have several causes

More frequent or more foul-smelling gas may be linked to changes in diet, increased air swallowing, or shifts in gut bacteria.

Illnesses can be a cause

If the diet has not changed, extra gas may be a sign of lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, or celiac disease.

Constipation and reflux can have an impact

Constipation can increase the amount of gas, and reflux or anxiety can lead to swallowing more air.

Symptoms should be taken seriously

Pain, bloating, changes in stool, blood in the stool, or weight loss should lead to contacting a doctor.

Treatment depends on the cause

Treatment may involve changes in diet and lifestyle, medication, or in some cases therapy aimed at habits such as air swallowing.

Small changes can help

Eating slowly, drinking fewer carbonated beverages, and staying physically active can reduce discomfort from gas.

Sources: Parade.

Gum bacteria may increase the risk of breast cancer, new study shows

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

23. March, 2026

Gum bacteria may increase the risk of breast cancer, new study shows

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have investigated how breast cancer develops and progresses.

Previous studies have suggested a possible link between gum disease and cancer, but without a clear explanation.

The new research, published in Cell Communication and Signaling, is based on experiments involving both cells and animals.

The researchers observed changes in breast tissue that may contribute to the onset of the disease.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, inflammatory responses and increased cell growth were among the findings, both well-known factors in cancer development.

What happens in the cells?

The study shows that certain influences can damage cellular DNA. When the body attempts to repair this damage, errors may occur, increasing the risk of cancer.

At the same time, researchers found that some proteins become more active. This may make cancer cells more aggressive and harder to treat.

According to the researchers, these mechanisms may help explain why some cancers grow faster and spread more easily.

Bacteria in the mouth

A bacterium from the mouth, Fusobacterium nucleatum, can travel through the bloodstream to breast tissue.

There, it may contribute to the initiation, progression, and spread of breast cancer, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Individuals with certain genetic changes, particularly in the BRCA1 gene, were found to be more vulnerable. Their cells more readily absorbed these influences and retained them over time.

The findings suggest that oral health may play a greater role in overall health than previously thought.

Sources: Science Daily, and Cell Communication and Signaling.

The scale can be misleading: Belly fat may increase the risk of heart failure

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

23. March, 2026

The scale can be misleading: Belly fat may increase the risk of heart failure

Many people associate excess weight with heart disease, but even individuals with a normal weight may be at risk.

New research presented by the American Heart Association in 2026 suggests that the distribution of body fat may be more important than overall body weight.

The study followed nearly 2,000 adults in the United States over approximately seven years. None had heart failure at the outset, but some developed it later.

The results showed that conventional measurements do not always identify the risk.

Inflammation in the body

One key explanation lies in inflammation, a condition involving the body’s inflammatory response.

According to the American Heart Association, inflammation can damage both blood vessels and the heart over time.

In the study, individuals with higher levels of inflammation had a greater risk of developing heart failure.

The researchers estimate that this condition explains a large part of the link between body fat and disease.

The abdomen is crucial

The researchers examined various measures such as BMI, waist circumference, and the ratio of waist to height.

Here, waist circumference showed the strongest association with heart failure.

Fat around the abdomen significantly increases the risk. This also applies to individuals who otherwise have a normal weight.

Therefore, measuring waist size may be a more effective tool for detecting risk early than relying on BMI alone.

Sources: Science Daily, and American Heart Association.

EU approves kiwi as a remedy for constipation

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

23. March, 2026

EU approves kiwi as a remedy for constipation

According to Euro News, EU has approved that green kiwi can have a positive effect on digestion.

According to Femina, citing KK.no, the approval is based on research evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority.

This means that kiwi can now officially be associated with improved bowel function. Specifically, the fruit may increase how often a person goes to the toilet.

This is the first time that a fresh fruit has received this type of health approval in the EU.

Why kiwi works

Kiwi contains dietary fiber that is not broken down in the body but moves through the intestines and binds water.

This makes the contents of the intestines softer and easier to pass, which can support digestion.

In addition, kiwi contains enzymes that may help break down proteins and move food more quickly through the system.

How many should you eat per day

The effect depends on the amount consumed. Around two kiwis per day is highlighted as an appropriate quantity.

The fruit is also used in diets for people with irritable bowel syndrome, as it is often easier to tolerate than other fiber-rich foods.

At the same time, kiwi can count toward the recommended five to eight servings of fruits and vegetables per day, as advised by health authorities.

Sources: Femina, Euro News, and KK.no.

How much water do you need? Here are age-based recommendations

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

23. March, 2026

How much water do you need? Here are age-based recommendations

Most people know that they should drink more water throughout the day.

The body needs fluids to function optimally, and this requirement varies depending on age and life situation.

The body consists of water

The human body consists of approximately 50 percent water, and we lose fluids every day through, among other things, breathing and sweating.

Therefore, it is necessary to continuously replenish fluids in order to survive.

Consequences of dehydration

If you do not drink enough, you can become dehydrated, which can negatively affect both health and well-being.

Symptoms of too little fluid

Dehydration can lead to headaches, confusion, fatigue, constipation, difficulty concentrating, and urinary tract infections.

General recommendation for adults

According to the NHS, most people should consume between 1.5 and 2 liters of fluids daily.

Fluids from sources other than water

Fluids can also come from other drinks and foods such as tea, coffee, milk, melon, soups, and stews.

Children aged 4 to 8

Children in this age group should drink around 1.2 liters of fluids daily, which corresponds to approximately six to eight glasses.

Why children need fluids

In children, fluids are important for brain function, digestion, and the regulation of body temperature.

Teenagers have increased needs

Teenagers have a higher fluid requirement, especially between the ages of 14 and 18, when the body is developing.

Difference between boys and girls

Teenage boys should drink between 1.6 and 1.9 liters daily, while girls should aim for around 1.5 liters.

Adults under 60

Women should drink approximately 1.6 liters daily, while men should drink around 2 liters.

Adults over 60

People over the age of 60 should consume between 1.6 and 2 liters daily, as the sensation of thirst decreases with age.

Signs of sufficient fluid intake

The color of urine is a good indicator. If it is light, similar to white wine, you are getting enough fluids, while a darker color indicates a need for more.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnant women should drink around 2.3 liters daily, while breastfeeding women should aim for approximately 3 liters to support milk production.

Physical activity increases needs

During exercise, it is recommended to drink before training, during activity, and afterward to replenish fluid loss.

The impact of climate

High temperatures and altitude can increase fluid loss through sweating and breathing, which requires increased fluid intake.

Illness affects fluid needs

In cases of fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is important to drink more to avoid dehydration.

Sources: Metro, and NHS.

New study: A steak may reduce the risk of dementia

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

23. March, 2026

New study: A steak may reduce the risk of dementia

A significant share of the population carries certain variants of the APOE gene, which is known to influence the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

According to previous research published in JAMA Neurology, the APOE4 variant in particular significantly increases the likelihood of developing the disease.

In the Nordic countries, prevalence is relatively high, making the region relevant for studies of genetic risk factors.

A new study

The current study, published in JAMA Network Open, followed more than 2,100 older adults without dementia for up to 15 years.

The data were drawn from the Swedish SNAC-K study and included both dietary habits and cognitive measurements.

The analyses accounted for factors such as age, education, and lifestyle.

The results showed that individuals with a genetic risk generally had a higher incidence of dementia when meat intake was low.

At the same time, the data indicated that a low intake of processed meat was associated with a lower risk of dementia regardless of genetic profile.

Dietary guidelines

The researchers emphasize that the findings may have implications for future nutritional recommendations.

In particular, they point to the need for more targeted dietary advice based on genetic differences.

However, the study is observational, meaning that causal relationships cannot be definitively established. Clinical trials are therefore needed to confirm the findings.

Individuals with a high genetic risk did not experience the expected increase in dementia if they had a relatively high meat intake.

At the same time, lower mortality was observed in this group with higher consumption of unprocessed meat.

Sources: VIA, JAMA Neurology, and JAMA Network Open.

1...787980...370 Page 79 of 370

Habits

Psychological flexibility

The hidden signals

How they lock in

What it means

Mathematical model

Uncertainty about hormone therapy

Three different groups

Old habits return

It is normal to have gas in the stomach

Gas is part of digestion

Bacteria in the gut create gas

The body needs to release pressure

There is no fixed normal number

Your own normal is most important

Gas indicates a healthy gut

Gas consists of several things

Certain foods increase gas

The speed of digestion plays a role

More gas is often not dangerous

Changes can have several causes

Illnesses can be a cause

Constipation and reflux can have an impact

Symptoms should be taken seriously

Treatment depends on the cause

Small changes can help

What happens in the cells?

Bacteria in the mouth

Inflammation in the body

The abdomen is crucial

Why kiwi works

How many should you eat per day

The body consists of water

Consequences of dehydration

Symptoms of too little fluid

General recommendation for adults

Fluids from sources other than water

Children aged 4 to 8

Why children need fluids

Teenagers have increased needs

Difference between boys and girls

Adults under 60

Adults over 60

Signs of sufficient fluid intake

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Physical activity increases needs

The impact of climate

Illness affects fluid needs

A new study

Dietary guidelines

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