Author: healthtost

Part 1: Good Gut “Bugs” How to promote a healthy gut microbiome—and help your body fight cancer. There are trillions of reasons why we should carefully consider basic lifestyle choices like whether or not to exercise and what to eat, and they lie right in our gut: are the innumerable bacteria, or microbes, that make up the microbiome of our gastrointestinal tract. Individually, each microbe’s ability to affect your health is minimal. But there is great strength in numbers. This mega-population of gut bacteria, represents approx eight kilograms of our body weight, it has significant effects – on health, disease,…

Forget needles and prescriptions — one of the hottest trends in health right now is using diet and lifestyle increase your body’s natural GLP-1 (your”natural Uzbek”). Your body already produces GLP-1, a powerful appetite-regulating hormone that controls fullness and blood sugar. This is the same hormone that weight loss drugs mimic.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women in the world, with more than 660,000 new cases and nearly 350,000 deaths annually. Now, University of Maryland mathematicians have developed effective strategies to help limit and potentially eliminate the disease. The research was published last week in the journal Bulletin of Mathematical Biologyoffers a new mathematical model that can help public health officials design effective cancer vaccination and screening policies. “The study provides a clear way to show how science affects policy,” said senior study author Abba Gumel, a distinguished university professor of mathematics at UMD who holds joint…

When it comes to skin care, we often focus on our face — but what about the rest of our body?Your feet deserve just as much attention, especially in the colder months, and this “foot facial” I gave myself really transformed dry skin in just 20 minutes. Here’s my 3-step, 20-minute foot facial which completely improved the texture of my skin and brought it back to life. From bumpy and dry, to silky smooth feet. Voila. Because my feet got really dry and needed a foot treatment As an esthetician, I am all about taking good care of my skin,…

Split squats are one of the most reliable movements for building strength, stability and balance. Throw a pair of dumbbells into the mix and you’ve got yourself a leg day move. Unilateral exercises like dumbbell squats work one side of the body at a time. They are great for balancing muscle asymmetry and improving coordination, and can also be vital in preventing and recovering from an injury. Whether you want to build muscle in your legs or even eliminate your imbalances, knowing how to perfect your split squat form is important to ensuring your safety and progress. With practice (and…

Young teenagers, especially boys, who participated in organized sports between the ages of 6 and 10 are less likely to defy parents, teachers and other authority figures, according to a new study by researchers in Canada and Italy. “Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is often underdiagnosed and can coexist with other developmental disorders,” said study lead author Matteo Privitera, a doctoral student at the University of Pavia (UofP), supervised by Linda Pagani, professor at Université de Montréal’s School of Psycho-Education. Symptoms of the disorder include persistent patterns of irritability, contempt, and hostility toward authority figures. The disorder is overrepresented in…

Recovery is not just abstinence from substances, but reclaiming a life full of meaning, connection and resilience. For many people, sober homes are a key part of that journey. These environments offer the stability, structure, and support people need to stay on track after recovery and build the foundation for lasting change. This article explores real success stories from people who overcame addiction and found new purpose through living sober. Their journeys are proof that healing is possible and powerful. What is Sober Living? Sober houses are structured drug and alcohol-free homes that support people transitioning from inpatient care or…

CrossFit is widely recognized for its intense workouts, functional approach to fitness, and strong community spirit. While many people join CrossFit to improve their physical health, the mental benefits of this training method are just as powerful. CrossFit not only builds strength and endurance, but also builds resilience, self-discipline and confidence. However, as with any high-intensity exercise program, balance is key. Without conscious participation, excessive physical demands can lead to exhaustion or injury, adversely affecting mental well-being. This article explores how CrossFit enhances mental strength, the psychological benefits it offers, and strategies for maintaining balance in training and life. 1.…

Vegan lotus bread with wholemeal flour, spices & sunflower seeds There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, fragrant lotus bread, especially when it’s made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. This healthy vegan persimmon bread celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe persimmons, allowing you to enjoy a moist, flavorful loaf that’s lighter on added sugars, fats and salt. Made with whole wheat flour, warming spices, and crunchy sunflower seeds, this nutritious quick bread is perfect for fall baking, holiday brunches, or a warm afternoon treat. Whether you’re looking for a healthier dessert, a nutritious snack, or a delicious way to use up…

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh have discovered a promising new biomarker of “complex” mild to severe childhood traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Unlike a concussion—which usually resolves within weeks—complicated TBI requires at least one overnight stay in the hospital, signaling a more serious injury. Posted today on Journal of Neurotraumathis study is the first to identify a signature of potentially reversible chemical modifications of DNA, called epigenetic modifications, that may serve as dynamic markers of recovery after injury and guide future precision repair strategies. This research brings us closer to understanding how…