Treelet Health provides the latest health news, disease prevention, nutrition and diet, and other professional health knowledge to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, so people are advised to drink plenty of water each day. However, a new study suggests that incorporating coffee and tea into your daily drink intake may give additional health benefits. The study found that, provided overall liquid intake was adequate, a balanced intake of coffee and tea was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes.
A new study suggests that moderate consumption of coffee and caffeine on a regular basis could be beneficial to prevent diseases like type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Compared with people who did not consume caffeine at all or very little per day, people who drank 3 coffee drinks per day or 200 to 300 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day had a 48.1% or 40.7% reduced risk for new-onset cardiometabolic multimorbidity. Experts tout many of the other beneficial properties in tea and coffee but warn that other caffeinated beverages may not have the same benefits — and that there is no causal relationship between prevention of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and caffeine.
Staying up-to-date with yearly flu shots is an important step in maintaining day-to-day health. However, some people may be worried about some of the more common side effects, like mild fever, or about feeling faint while getting the vaccine. Medical News Today spoke to experts about what foods and drinks might help mitigate or prevent any short-term side effects from getting a flu shot.
Overweight and obesity are known risk factors for several types of cancer, including those affecting the breast, bowel and liver. But new research suggests that, for some obesity-related cancers, where fat is carried on the body may be as important as how much of it there is. The researchers propose that a better understanding of how fat distribution across the body affects cancer risk could help identify those most at risk of developing many cancers.
Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, heart attack, and stroke, are the leading causes of death around the world. Previous research shows there are a number of modifiable lifestyle factors that can help a person lower their risk for heart disease. A new study reports that more than 99% of people who experienced a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke had at least one of four major cardiovascular risk factors above healthy levels beforehand. Scientists also found that of the four major cardiovascular disease risk factors studied, high blood pressure was the most common issue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that cannot be cured but can be treated to prevent its progression. Individuals at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis can be identified 3-5 years prior to symptom onset based on autoantibody levels, but only 30-60% of individuals expressing these autoantibodies develop this condition. A recent study has identified changes in the immune profile or signature of individuals at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis as they progress in the disease. These findings could help with detecting rheumatoid arthritis early and developing more effective preemptive therapies.
Coffee can promote liver health, according to a new analysis of decades of existing data. In addition to affirming proposed connections between coffee and a healthier liver, the new review identifies the molecular pathways through which such connections may occur. As a result of the compounds it contains, coffee can support liver health in at least five different and significant ways. The effects of coffee are dose-dependent, says the review, and the ability to tolerate its consumption is highly individualized.
There is ongoing research on how food relates to mental well-being and mental health conditions such as depression. An area of study is how foods impact aspects like happiness and life satisfaction. A recent study suggests that certain foods, like fish and vegetables, may be linked to positive psychological well-being.
Alcohol consumption, particularly heavy alcohol use, is linked to many health conditions, including an increased risk of dementia. However, studies have suggested that consuming small amounts of alcohol might actually decrease the risk of developing dementia. Now, a study has found that low alcohol consumption may not have the suggested protective effect. The study, which used both observational and genetic analysis, suggests that any alcohol consumption may increase a person’s risk of dementia, with the risk increasing as alcohol intake increases.
The global population of older adults ages 60 and over is expected to jump from 12% in 2015 to 22% by 2050. Past studies show there are several lifestyle factors that can have a negative impact on how healthy older adults may age. A new study says that it may be possible for older adults to regain their optimal well-being by making healthy lifestyle choices, even at age 60 and older.
While it’s not uncommon for people to experience problems with thinking and remembering with aging, moderate to severe cognitive decline is not a common aging experience. While not all cases of mild cognitive impairment lead to dementia, about 10-20% of cases do. For this reason, clinicians emphasize the importance of following a healthy lifestyle to help keep one’s brain healthy as one ages. Among these interventions are following the MIND diet, a moderate to high-intensity exercise program, and engaging socially.
Metabolic syndrome is associated with memory deficits. A new animal study identifies a mechanism that might underpin this effect. Researchers show how a high-fat diet affects specific neural circuitry, thereby hindering memory formation.