You take magnesium hoping it will ease tension, improve sleep or boost energy. Still, the results can feel inconsistent. The issue may not be the supplement itself, but how your body absorbs it.
Magnesium supports muscles, nerves, blood sugar balance and bone health. Yet reporting by health journalist Mira Miller, medically reviewed by pharmacist Patricia Mikula, highlights that up to 45% of Americans may be deficient. Experts say absorption is often overlooked.
The hidden partners
Dietitian Lynne Romancia, MS, RDN, explains that vitamin D plays a key role in helping the gut absorb magnesium efficiently.
At the same time, magnesium is required to activate vitamin D in the body. Without enough of one, the other cannot function optimally.
Protein intake also matters. Adequate protein helps transport magnesium into cells, where it carries out essential processes.
Fiber, particularly prebiotic types such as fructo-oligosaccharides, has been associated in studies with improved mineral uptake.
Your gut matters
A healthy digestive system influences how well nutrients are absorbed. Research suggests probiotic strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium may support overall mineral utilization by strengthening the gut environment.
Zinc is another mineral that works closely with magnesium in many biological functions. However, high doses can compete for absorption, making timing important.
How to maximize it
To improve magnesium absorption:
Combine it with sufficient vitamin D
Maintain adequate protein intake
Support gut health with fiber and probiotics
Avoid taking large doses of zinc, calcium or iron at the same time
Small adjustments in your routine may determine whether magnesium delivers its full potential.
Anxiety is often associated with thoughts and emotions, but it can also show up through physical reactions in the body. According to experts, these symptoms can sometimes resemble common illnesses, making them easy to overlook.
Rapid heart rate
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When the body senses a potential threat, its built in alarm system is activated. This response can increase heart rate and blood pressure and may also cause heart palpitations.
Stress hormones in the body
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When the brain triggers the alarm response, hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released. These chemicals prepare the body to either fight or flee and can intensify physical reactions.
Chills or sweating
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Anxiety can affect how the body regulates temperature. Some people experience sudden chills, while others may begin sweating heavily, and in some cases both can happen at the same time.
Muscles on alert
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As the body prepares to respond to danger, the muscles become activated. This can lead to soreness or unusual muscle tension, sometimes alongside sudden changes in body temperature.
Shortness of breath
The heart and lungs work closely together. If heart rate suddenly rises, the lungs may begin working harder, which can create a feeling of breathlessness.
Symptoms during a panic attack
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In more intense anxiety episodes, such as panic attacks, a rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath can occur at the same time. Deep breathing may help the body regain balance in these moments.
Nausea and indigestion
The nervous system plays a major role in the body’s stress response. As a result, emotional distress can affect the stomach and cause nausea, discomfort, or digestive problems.
Serotonin in the gut
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A large portion of the body’s serotonin is located in the gut. When emotional stress disrupts nerve signaling, it can disturb this balance and lead to stomach related symptoms.
Constipation or diarrhea
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During stress, the body redirects resources toward muscles and the senses instead of digestion. This shift can change how the intestines function and lead to constipation or diarrhea.
Bloating and abdominal pain
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Changes in digestion may also cause bloating, excess gas, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms can occur as part of the body’s reaction to stress.
Tingling in fingers or toes
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When the nervous system becomes activated, signals travel throughout the body. This may result in tingling or a prickling sensation in the hands or feet.
Pain and tightness in the body
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Nerve activation can also trigger sudden pain or tightness, especially in areas where nerves are clustered closely together, such as the lower back, jaw, or neck.
Ways to ease the symptoms
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Mindfulness based activities like yoga or tai chi may help because they combine breathing and movement. Experts also recommend speaking with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist, as treatments such as therapy or medication may be helpful.
Butter often appears in everyday meals. It spreads easily on bread, melts into vegetables and adds flavor to many traditional dishes.
But nutrition experts usually look beyond individual foods and focus on overall eating habits. The types of fats people consume regularly can influence long-term health, especially when it comes to the heart.
Health organizations including the World Health Organization and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030 recommend limiting saturated fat in the daily diet.
These guidelines suggest saturated fat should make up less than 10 percent of total daily calories.
A familiar ingredient
Butter is one of the most common sources of saturated fat in many Western diets. It is made largely from milk fat, and much of that fat is saturated.
Even a small portion can contribute noticeably to daily intake. One tablespoon already represents a meaningful share of the recommended limit.
What studies suggest
According to the American Heart Association, diets high in saturated fat can raise levels of LDL cholesterol.
This type of cholesterol is linked to plaque buildup in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Some long-term studies have also found that people who frequently use butter tend to have slightly higher overall mortality compared with those who mainly cook with plant oils.
Researchers say regular high saturated fat intake has been associated with:
Increased LDL cholesterol
Higher risk of type 2 diabetes
Greater likelihood of weight gain
Scientists at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggest replacing butter with oils such as olive or canola oil may help improve cholesterol levels.
A mild burning feeling in the chest is something most people have experienced at some point. It can happen after a heavy meal, late at night, or during a stressful day.
Because it is so common, many people simply ignore it. But health experts say that when the symptom keeps coming back, it may be worth taking seriously.
Doctors in the UK are now encouraging people not to overlook persistent heartburn.
A symptom many ignore
Heartburn and acid reflux are usually linked to digestion problems and often treated with over the counter medicine.
However, doctors within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) have launched an awareness campaign reminding the public that frequent symptoms should not always be dismissed.
According to the NHS, ongoing heartburn or acid reflux could in some cases be connected to oesophageal cancer.
The disease affects the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.
Importance of early checks
Health specialists say cancers affecting the oesophagus are easier to treat when they are discovered early.
Medical guidance from the Mayo Clinic explains that oesophageal cancer begins in the cells lining the inside of the oesophagus and can develop anywhere along the organ.
Risk factors include smoking and alcohol consumption, and the illness is diagnosed more often in men.
Doctors advise contacting a healthcare professional if digestive discomfort happens regularly rather than occasionally.
Other warning signs
Experts say persistent heartburn is not the only symptom people should watch for.
Other possible warning signs include:
difficulty swallowing
chest pain or pressure
coughing or hoarseness
unexplained weight loss
Doctors emphasise that most cases of heartburn are harmless. Still, recurring symptoms should be checked to rule out more serious conditions.
According to a new report from the American Cancer Society, cited by Business Insider, the trend is not limited to the United States. At least 26 countries are seeing a similar development among people under the age of 50.
At the same time, the disease is often detected late in younger patients.
Data show that about three out of four cases in this age group are only discovered when the disease is already advanced.
This means the illness can be more difficult to treat. Researchers are therefore closely monitoring the trend.
Researchers search for causes
The report analyzes developments from 1998 to 2022. During this period, the number of cases among people under 50 increased, while it declined among people over 65.
Researchers believe that changes in the environment or lifestyle may play a role.
Cancer epidemiologist Rebecca Siegel from the American Cancer Society told Business Insider that more recent exposures may have increased the risk of the disease.
Diet is often mentioned as a possible explanation. The digestive system is directly affected by what we eat, and eating habits have changed significantly since the mid-20th century.
A clear shift
The figures also reveal another important development. A larger share of cancer cases now occur in the rectum.
According to the report, rectal cancer today accounts for around one third of all colorectal cancer cases.
At the same time, the number of diagnoses among people under 50 doubled between 1998 and 2022.
Based on these findings, experts now recommend earlier screening than before. Many health authorities now recommend colonoscopy starting at age 45.
The disease no longer affects only older adults but is increasingly being seen in people in midlife.
When shopping with migraines in mind, it can be helpful to pay attention to certain ingredients and foods that may trigger symptoms.
Some processed or aged products contain substances that can affect the body.
A more mindful shopping list may therefore help reduce possible triggers.
Processed and aged foods
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Foods that are aged, fermented, or heavily processed may contain byproducts that in some cases have been linked to migraines.
For this reason, it can be helpful to pay extra attention to these types of products when planning your shopping.
Check ingredient lists
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When grocery shopping, it can be useful to read product labels carefully.
Ingredients such as monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, may be associated with migraine symptoms in some people.
Use a symptom diary
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Before excluding certain foods, it may be a good idea to keep a diary of both diet and symptoms.
By noting what you eat and when migraine episodes occur, you may be better able to identify possible triggers.
Do not remove too many foods at once
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If you are trying to adjust your diet, it is generally not recommended to remove many foods at the same time.
Doing so can make shopping more difficult and increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. It may be better to exclude one or two ingredients at a time.
Choose fresh fruits and vegetables
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Some fruits and vegetables contain the compound tyramine, which may influence the release of certain neurotransmitters in the body.
Tyramine is often found in higher amounts in foods that are fermented, aged, or not completely fresh, so fresh produce may be a better option.
Eat fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients
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Fresh produce can contain a variety of nutrients and compounds that may help reduce inflammation while also preventing nutritional deficiencies that may play a role in migraines.
Choose unprocessed meat
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When shopping at the deli counter, fresh and unprocessed meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, pork, or lamb may be a better choice.
These products typically contain fewer additives.
Limit processed meat
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Products such as sausages, bacon, and other forms of processed or smoked meat may contain nitrates, tyramine, or other substances that in some people may be associated with migraine episodes.
Bread types in the bakery section
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Some organizations recommend limiting freshly baked yeast bread because the fermentation process can produce tyramine.
In some cases, it may also be relevant to examine whether gluten affects symptoms.
Dairy products
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When buying dairy products, regular milk and non-aged cheeses such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta may be possible options.
Aged cheeses and fermented dairy products may be more problematic for some people.
Ingredients in beverages
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Several ingredients in beverages may be linked to migraines in some individuals.
These include alcohol, caffeine, tannins, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin.
Choose simple products in the frozen and grocery aisles
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Ready-made meals and other packaged foods may contain ingredients such as MSG, gluten, or preservatives.
It may therefore be beneficial to choose simple products such as pasta, rice, or individual vegetables and season them yourself.
Be patient
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If you change your shopping habits to identify possible triggers, it may take several weeks before you notice a difference.
If symptoms persist, it may be relevant to speak with a doctor, neurologist, or dietitian.
As people age, both sleep patterns and the brain undergo changes. Many older adults sleep less and experience restlessness or worries more frequently than earlier in life.
Researchers have therefore increasingly investigated whether sleep plays a role in mental health.
According to Medical Xpress, several studies have already shown that poor sleep may be associated with higher levels of anxiety.
At the same time, scientists know that certain areas of the brain can gradually lose volume with age. These regions are among those that are important for managing emotions.
Experiments with older participants
A research team from the University of California, Berkeley, wanted to examine how sleep, brain structure, and anxiety are connected. The results have been published in the journal Communications Psychology.
The study included 61 healthy people over the age of 65. The participants spent one night in a sleep laboratory, where researchers measured their brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG).
The following day, the participants underwent a brain scan using magnetic resonance imaging.
This allowed the researchers to determine whether there were signs of age-related changes in the parts of the brain that process emotions.
An important sleep phase
The researchers focused particularly on the deep sleep phase known as NREM sleep. During this phase, the brain produces slow waves.
According to researcher Eti Ben Simon, the results showed that people with more of this activity during sleep typically experienced less anxiety the next day.
The study therefore suggests that the quality of deep sleep may play an important role in the emotional balance of older adults.
The findings also indicate that improving sleep could become an important focus in future efforts to prevent or reduce anxiety among older people.
A new clinical study published in the scientific journal The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that an experimental treatment can significantly reduce epileptic seizures in children with Dravet syndrome.
According to researchers from University College London, the number of seizures in some patients fell by up to 91 percent after treatment with the drug zorevunersen.
Based on the initial results, a larger phase 3 study has now been launched in which the treatment will be tested on more patients.
The researchers report that most side effects observed during the trial were mild and that the treatment was generally well tolerated by the participants.
Trial with 81 children
The study included 81 children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 18 diagnosed with Dravet syndrome.
Before treatment began, the participants experienced an average of about 17 epileptic seizures per month.
Patients received up to 70 milligrams of the medication through a lumbar puncture in the lower back over a six-month period.
Afterwards, 75 of the participants continued in a follow-up study in which the treatment was administered approximately every four months.
During the follow-up period, researchers recorded a reduction in seizures of between 59 and 91 percent among patients who received the highest dose.
The genetic cause of the disease
Dravet syndrome is a rare genetic disease that causes frequent and severe epileptic seizures from early childhood.
The disease is linked to errors in the SCN1A gene, which plays a role in how nerve cells send signals in the brain.
According to the researchers, zorevunersen has been developed to increase the production of an important protein from the healthy copy of the gene.
The aim is to improve signaling between nerve cells and thereby reduce symptoms.
The researchers emphasize that the results are still preliminary and that larger studies are needed to confirm the effect.
A type of cancer can develop for years without clear symptoms. This means many people may not notice the illness until much later. Health authorities now say that even small changes in bathroom habits can be important warning signs that should be checked by a doctor.
Cancer can develop slowly
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According to the NHS, prostate cancer often grows very slowly. Because of this, the disease may be present for many years without obvious symptoms. This is why it is important to know the signs that may appear over time.
Three key signs
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The NHS has highlighted three main symptoms that men should be aware of when it comes to bathroom habits. These include needing to urinate more often, straining when urinating, and feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied.
Needing to urinate more often
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One possible warning sign is an increased need to go to the bathroom. If someone suddenly needs to urinate more frequently than usual, it may be a change worth discussing with a doctor.
Straining during urination
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Another symptom can be difficulty when trying to urinate. If it becomes harder to start or maintain urination, experts say it should be checked by a medical professional.
Feeling the bladder is not empty
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Some men may feel that their bladder is still full even after using the bathroom. According to the NHS, this sensation can be an important symptom to be aware of.
Weak urine flow
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Other symptoms may also appear alongside the main warning signs. One of these is a weak urine stream, where the flow of urine becomes slower or weaker than normal.
Stop start urination
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Another possible symptom is urine that stops and starts during a single bathroom visit. This change can sometimes signal issues affecting the urinary system.
Night time urination
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Frequently needing to urinate during the night can also be a possible sign. If someone begins waking up regularly to use the bathroom, it may be something to monitor.
Additional symptoms
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The NHS also lists several other possible symptoms linked to prostate cancer. These include erectile dysfunction, blood in urine or semen, and pain in the lower back.
Unexplained weight loss
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Unintentional weight loss can also be a warning sign. Losing weight without trying may sometimes indicate an underlying health issue.
Most common in older men
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Prostate cancer most often affects older men. According to the NHS, it is most commonly diagnosed in men aged 75 or older.
Large number of cases
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The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 333,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. More than 36,000 men are also expected to die from the disease.
Doctor encourages testing
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Professor Prabhakar Rajan from University College London Hospitals told The Mirror that men should speak openly with their doctor about PSA screening tests.
Weight-loss injections have become some of the most talked-about medicines in recent years.
Many people recognize the names from headlines about diabetes treatment and dramatic weight loss.
But scientists are now uncovering a possible benefit that has little to do with the number on the scale. The same medications may also help the heart recover after a heart attack.
A new discovery
Researchers from the University of Bristol and University College London have been studying a group of drugs known as GLP-1 medications. These include treatments widely used for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Their findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, suggest the drugs may improve blood circulation inside the heart after a heart attack.
Even when doctors quickly reopen a blocked artery during emergency treatment, problems can remain.
The smallest blood vessels in the heart sometimes stay narrowed, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching damaged tissue.
The tiny vessels
The research team focused on small cells called pericytes. These cells surround the heart’s smallest capillaries and control how wide the vessels are.
During a heart attack, a lack of oxygen can cause these cells to tighten. When that happens, the tiny vessels constrict and blood struggles to flow through the heart muscle.
Experiments showed that GLP-1 drugs appear to relax these cells. The medications activate potassium channels that help the vessels open again, allowing circulation to improve.
Why it matters
Better blood flow in these microvessels could help limit damage after a heart attack and support the heart’s recovery.
Researchers say the findings are particularly promising because these medications are already widely used around the world.
Possible benefits highlighted by the study include:
improved circulation in damaged heart tissue
reduced risk of complications after a heart attack
better long-term recovery for patients
Further studies involving human patients will be needed before doctors can confirm whether the same effects appear in clinical treatment.
