Author: healthtost

As winter takes over the Northern Hemisphere – bringing frosty Swedish mornings, chilly evenings to the UK and even cooler vibes to the US – our bodies crave natural defenses against colds, flu and that nagging tiredness from the shorter days. In Pakistani homes, this is not a new battle. For centuries, spices like turmeric (haldi) and cumin (jeera) have been the unsung heroes of winter wellness, woven into daily rituals such as haldi doodh (golden milk) and jeera water. These are not just flavor enhancers. they are strong winter superfoods backed by both tradition and modern science for immune…

Calcium (Ca2+) drives many cellular functions, although how it controls the quality of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a cellular organelle that synthesizes and transports proteins, is largely unknown. This protein quality control system, known as proteostasis, has been put under the microscope by researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the process, potentially revealing clues about how to prevent type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The team consisted of researchers across multiple disciplines, led by Distinguished Associate Professor Masaki Okumura of the Tohoku University Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS) and the Graduate…

A study led by biomedical scientists at the University of California, Riverside, has shown for the first time that a father’s exposure to microplastics (MPs) can cause metabolic dysfunctions in his offspring. The research, conducted using mouse models, highlights a previously unknown pathway through which environmental pollutants affect the health of future generations. While MPs have already been detected in human reproductive systems, the study, published in Journal of the Endocrine Societyis the first to bridge the gap between paternal exposure to MPs and the long-term health of the next generation (the “F1 offspring”). MPs are tiny plastic particles (less…

Pop-psychology, stripped down to sounds and chemical buzzwords, turns complex human emotions into quick explanations and, in many cases, encourages people to self-diagnose before they can understand themselves. This is not mental health literacy. It’s emotional oversimplification dressed up as empowerment. Because not every emotion is a diagnosis, and not every emotional breakdown needs a label. Scroll through Instagram or TikTok for five minutes and you’ll likely hear phrases like: “This is your dopamine crash.” “If you feel this way, you probably have ADHD, OCD, or Anhedonia.” “Low motivation? That’s your cortisol.” “You’re not attached, you’re trauma-connected.” “This behavior means…

Reading: 4 minutes Winter invites us to slow down — cozy sweaters, warm meals and moments with the people we love. But while you’re settling in, your skin can feel the cold air, indoor heating, and low humidity. These changes can quickly absorb moisture, leaving your skin feeling dry, tight, or more reactive than usual. The good news? With a few careful tweaks, your winter skincare routine can do double duty: moisturizes daily while supporting the gentle restoration of photoaging. Winter is the perfect time to help your skin renew itself with hydrating heroes, preventative antioxidants and restorative ingredients at…

Understanding Men’s Pelvic PhysiotherapyPelvic physical therapy focuses on the muscles, nerves, connective tissues, and systems that support the bladder, bowel, and sexual function. While pelvic floor therapy is now widely recognized for women, men also have a pelvic floor—and they can experience significant dysfunction that affects quality of life.Men seek pelvic physical therapy for concerns such as:Urinary incontinence or dribbling after urinationUrinary urgency and frequencyConstipation or pain in the anusErectile dysfunction and ejaculation disordersGenital or pelvic painChronic pelvic pain syndromePain during urination, defecation or sexual activityThese concerns are not uncommon and are not “just part of aging.” They are often…

Between holidays, co-workers baking cookies, mint lattes, and family members pushing second (or third) helpings at the holiday table, it’s easy to fall victim to one of two extremes: to indulge in overindulgence or to give in to restraint. Is it possible to navigate the holiday food landscape in a way that allows you to enjoy holiday favorites while still feeling comfortable? Yes, by setting boundaries and cultivating awareness — but not by creating rules. Instead of labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” take a more meaningful approach based on intuitive eating. Make conscious choices Often, food regret happens because…

New research from Fujita Health University reveals that speech can subtly delay the eyes’ ability to detect and stabilize visual information. In experiments comparing speaking, listening, and control conditions, only speech produced slower reaction, movement, and fixation times during rapid eye movement tasks. Because driving is highly dependent on rapid shifts of gaze, these delays can affect hazard detection and delay physical responses. The findings highlight the hidden dangers of engaging in conversations while driving. Talking while driving is widely recognized as a major source of distraction, but the specific ways in which conversation interferes with the early stages of…

Key points Therapy is harder at first because it’s hard to expose ourselves to feelings we’ve avoided. Just like exposure therapy for a spider phobia, talk therapy teaches us that emotions are not dangerous. Therapy changes your relationship with your own emotions to reduce fear and avoidance. Let’s say you get on my couch. “So what brings you in?” I ask. You begin with a sigh and at first speak in short, vague statements. “I’ve been feeling bad,” you say. Or “I’m having problems in my relationship.” “Tell me more,” I say. As I begin to get curious,…

By Nutrition Network | Dr Brian Lenzkes, MD joinsReviewed by Tamzyn Murphy, RD, MSc Because most weight loss solutions don’t last Every January, millions of people resolve to ‘lose weight’, ‘eat better’ or ‘finally get healthy’. Gyms are filling up, diet plans are trending and the first few weeks are full of promise. Then life gets in the way. Dr. Brian Lenzkes, a San Diego physician and Nutrition Network’s lecturer Obesity: A Metabolic Disease education, understands this cycle better than most. “I’ve struggled with obesity my whole life,” she admits. “I was following the standard of care, doing what I…