Lenstapes Med

Tag: health

  • Multi-Omic Testing Reveals Biomarkers Tied to Lifestyle

    Multi-Omic Testing Reveals Biomarkers Tied to Lifestyle

    Multi-omic microsampling is a cutting-edge technique that allows the frequent capture and analysis of thousands of molecules from small blood samples.

    This approach enables the measurement of various omics, such as metabolites, lipids, proteins, and cytokines, providing a comprehensive view of an individual’s health.

    The method is simple, minimally invasive, and can be performed outside of traditional clinical settings, allowing for high-frequency sampling and longitudinal biomarker discovery. By integrating wearable data with multi-omics micro-sampling, it offers a promising opportunity to advance precision healthcare and personalized health monitoring.

    The technique involves the collection of small blood samples, typically around 10 microliters, and the subsequent in-depth analysis of the captured molecules. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize health monitoring, disease detection, and preventive measures by providing a more detailed and predictive understanding of an individual’s health.

    The multi-omic micro-sampling method involves the frequent capture and analysis of thousands of molecules from small blood samples, enabling a comprehensive view of an individual’s health. It is a minimally invasive and promising approach for precision healthcare and personalized health monitoring, with the potential to revolutionize disease detection and preventive measures.

  • Love Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and How to Get Help

    Love Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and How to Get Help

    Can You Be Addicted To Love?

    We can feel love, which is lovely and can make our lives better. But when love turns into a passion, it can turn into love addiction, which is bad. Love addiction is a behaviour problem that can happen to anyone. It’s better to try to have a healthy, balanced relationship where both people love each other. You’re not the only one who thinks love can make you crazy. It’s never as easy as waiting for the love drug to wear off when it comes to love in real life.

    What is being addicted to love?

    To be exact, there is no clear description of love addiction because it is not a real illness but rather an idea. It’s not like you can put love to the test in a lab and see how it makes someone feel. But you can see how relationships change our lives, both mentally and physically, as some study has shown. A review from 2023 said that love addiction, which is also known as relationship addiction or obsessive love disease, is a strong and uncontrollable need for love, attention, and affection from other people.

    Having unhealthy or extreme feelings for certain people or always looking for a love partner are two signs of this.  In fact, people who are addicted to love might not always act in ways that are typical of addicts. It may also happen along with a mood disorder, an OCD, or even a disease that makes it hard to control your impulses.

    Love addiction can be caused by a number of things, such as:

    1. Neglect or abuse as a child
    2. Low self-esteem
    3. Fear of being left alone
    4. Dependence on each other
    5. Unresolved feelings of pain
    6. Genes and traits

    Signs: The signs of love addiction are different for everyone, but here are some typical ones:

    1. Thoughts about the love thing all the time
    2. Not taking care of relationships and tasks
    3. Being worried or sad when you’re not with the love object
    4. Doing dangerous things to keep the relationship going
    5. Not being able to control your feelings and actions
    6. Trouble stopping a relationship, even if it’s bad for you
    Two hands making the heart shape over the sunset

    How being addicted to love affects your health

    It can be hard to tell when the love in your life is hurting you more than helping you when it comes to heart issues. The signs of love addiction can overlap with those of other mental illnesses, and they can also make problems worse. Some mental health problems that can come up because of love addiction are: 

    1. Feeling down
    2. Having anxiety
    3. Having trouble sleeping
    4. Lack of self-esteem
    5. Dependence on each other
    6. Problems with eating
    7. BPD stands for borderline personality disorder

    Treatment/Therapy

    Love addiction can be treated in a number of ways, such as through treatment, support groups, and self-help methods. Here are some information about how to treat love addiction:

    1. Addiction Interventions: Help the addict get care right away by being loving, honest, and setting limits for the family.
    2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of treatment helps people recognize and change harmful ways of thinking and acting.
    3. Group therapy: Support groups can give people a safe place to talk about their problems and get help from other people.
    4. Self-help methods, such as meditation, mindfulness, and writing in a journal, can help people handle their feelings and thoughts.
    5. Transactional analysis is a type of psychoanalysis that can be used to help people who are addicted to love. It includes figuring out and changing bad ways of talking and acting.
    6. Regarding ethics, treating love addiction can bring up a lot of difficult issues, such as issues with transference and counter-transference, privacy, boundaries, and questions about having two relationships at the same time.

    If you or someone you know is having trouble with a love addiction, you need to get professional help right away. People can beat love addiction and live a healthy, peaceful life with the right help.

    Sources:

    Cleveland Clinic

    Pub Med

  • Waist Trainers: What Are The Risks of Wearing Them?

    Waist Trainers: What Are The Risks of Wearing Them?

    Waist trainers are a type of undergarment usually made out of a combination of either spandex, nylon or latex. Many designs incorporate some kind of Velcro or belt-like strap and some brands even have plastic or steel boning in them. They are reminiscent of a Victorian-era cincher worn by celebrities like the Kardashians.

    Do Waist Trainers Really Help You Lose Weight?

    In short, not really. The name “waist trainer” suggests that the product is literally training your waist over time to become slimmer. However, in fact, this is not possible. The big difference with waist trainers is that they are meant to be worn over long periods and that the materials they are made of are much more constrictive. According to Dr. Jamile Wakim-Fleming, a hepatologist, wearing a waist trainer can make your core muscles weaker, which can be detrimental to the health of your pelvic floor. Moreover, your stomach may get pushed up beyond the diaphragm, which can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing.

    Infographic showing the risks of wasit trainers.
    Ultimate Performance Fitness have created this image to highlight the risks

    Impact of Waist Trainers on Your Health

    Weaker Core Muscles: Wearing a waist trainer can make your core muscles weaker, which can be detrimental to the health of your pelvic floor.

    Discomfort and Difficulty Breathing: Your stomach may get pushed up beyond the diaphragm, which can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing.

    No Long-Term Weight Loss: Waist trainers do not help you lose weight in the long-term.

    Short-Term Boost: If you are looking to boost results from your workouts, a waist trainer may be a great short-term addition to your routine. However, it is not healthy to wear a waist trainer for extended periods of time.

    Alternatives to Waist Trainers

    Exercise: Regular exercise can help you lose weight and tone your waistline.

    Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet can help you lose weight and reduce your waistline.

    Talk to Your Doctor: Talk to your doctor before you try a waist trainer.

    Waist trainers are not an effective long-term solution for weight loss or waistline reduction. Instead, focus on regular exercise and a healthy diet to achieve your weight-loss goals.

  • Unlock the Immunity-Boosting, Heart-Healthy Benefits of Kiwi

    Unlock the Immunity-Boosting, Heart-Healthy Benefits of Kiwi

    Kiwi, a small fruit native to China, is a nutritional powerhouse renowned for its unique flavor and numerous health benefits. This fuzzy fruit, also known as the Chinese gooseberry, is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an important addition to your diet

    kiwi-fruit-02

    Kiwi is a low-calorie fruit that is exceptionally high in Vitamin C, providing over 80% of the daily recommended value in a 3.5-ounce serving. It also contains Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folate, and fiber, along with minerals like potassium and copper. The presence of these nutrients makes kiwi a versatile fruit in promoting overall well-being. Here, we delve into the myriad of health benefits of kiwi. Here are some of the main benefits of kiwi;

    Health Benefits:

    Boosts Immune System

    Kiwi contains abundant amounts of Vitamin C, which stimulates the body’s immune response. In fact, the kiwifruit contains roughly 230% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. This bold fruit provides a burst of immune-boosting nutrients in every bite. Kiwis are also rich in antioxidants, which help to eliminate free radicals within the body and reduce oxidative stress. Ultimately, this may protect the body from inflammation and disease.

    Kiwi, a small fruit native to China, is a nutritional powerhouse renowned for its unique flavor and numerous health benefits. This fuzzy fruit, also known as the Chinese gooseberry, is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an important addition to your diet

    Kiwi, a small fruit native to China, is a nutritional powerhouse renowned for its unique flavor and numerous health benefits. This fuzzy fruit, also known as the Chinese gooseberry, is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an important addition to your diet

    Promotes Heart Health

    The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in kiwi, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, contribute to heart health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the risk of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that incorporating kiwi into the diet can lower the risk of stroke, heart diseases and enhance heart-protective HDL cholesterol.

    Enhances Digestive Health

    Kiwi is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids in regulating blood sugar, supporting healthy gut bacteria, and maintaining regular bowel movements. Much of its fiber is in the skin, so just wash and cut — don’t peel — your kiwi. The fiber in kiwi has been found to improve stool consistency and reduce straining during bowel movements, making it beneficial for individuals with constipation.

    Antioxidant Powerhouse

    Kiwi contains a combination of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, offering a dual antioxidant effect to combat cell damage caused by free radicals. The consumption of antioxidant-rich kiwis can reduce the risk of diseases, including certain cancers and heart conditions, and boost overall health.

    Supports Bone Health

    Kiwi is a rich source of vitamin K, which helps the body absorb calcium and build strong bones. Kiwi also contains other nutrients like vitamin C and potassium, which are important for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis.

    Balances Gut Health

    Kiwi is high in prebiotics, essential for the growth of probiotics or friendly bacteria in the gut. A balanced gut flora is crucial for preventing digestive problems, infections, and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

    Skin Health

     Kiwi is rich in vitamins K, E, C, folate, and potassium, which can help improve skin health. Vitamin C helps support collagen production, which is essential for healthy skin. Kiwi’s antioxidant phytochemicals and flavonoids can also help fight free radicals and promote healthy skin.

    Kiwis are a good source of lutein, which helps protect your eyes. They also contain vitamin C and vitamin E, which are important for eye health

    Culinary Uses:

    Kiwi can be enjoyed raw or incorporated into a variety of sweet and savory recipes. It can be mixed with other fruits to create nutrient-dense salads, blended into smoothies, or used in marinades, dressings, and salsas. Experimenting with kiwi in the kitchen can lead to delightful culinary creations.

    Conclusion

    Kiwi is a versatile and nutritious fruit that offers a plethora of health benefits, ranging from boosting immune function to promoting heart and digestive health. Its rich nutritional profile and antioxidant properties make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Whether consumed raw or included in diverse recipes, kiwi is a delicious way to enhance your health and well-being.

    Unlock the health secrets of kiwi by incorporating this nutritional powerhouse into your diet. Explore various recipes and enjoy the myriad of health benefits it offers!

    References

    WebMD. [Health Benefits of Kiwi] (https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-kiwi)

    Cleveland Clinic. [Kiwi Benefits] (https://health.clevelandclinic.org/kiwi-benefits/)

    Healthline. [Kiwi Benefits: Heart Health, Digestion, and More] (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kiwi-benefits)

  • The Power of Gratitude: A Pathway to Health and Happiness

    The Power of Gratitude: A Pathway to Health and Happiness

    Gratitude, an often overlooked aspect of our daily lives, carries an extraordinary power that can transform our health, relationships, and overall quality of life. This article delves into the science-backed benefits of gratitude and offers practical ways to incorporate it into our daily routines.

    The Transformative Power of Gratitude

    In 2022, Ama Adowaa, a high school teacher found her world engulfed in flames. She lost her husband to cancer, her father to heart attack, and her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Amidst the turmoil, she discovered solace in the practice of gratitude. She began to jot down simple moments of joy, appreciation and fulfillment each day such as having conversations with her mom, taking her neighbour’s daughter through her assignment and saying thank you to that kid that gave a hand carrying her luggage. This daily practice of gratitude, she found, helped her navigate through the grief.

    Two decades ago, psychologist Robert A. Emmons embarked on a landmark study to explore the benefits of gratitude. His findings suggested that gratitude could significantly improve psychological well-being. This revelation sparked a wave of research that has since established gratitude as a powerful tool for enhancing emotional health, interpersonal relationships, and even physical health.

    showing gratitude

    Understanding Gratitude

    Gratitude is a positive emotion that emerges when we acknowledge the goodness in our lives and recognize that the sources of this goodness are often outside ourselves. It could be as simple as feeling grateful when someone shows kindness towards us. However, merely feeling gratitude is not enough. To reap the full benefits of this powerful emotion, it is equally important to express it.

    The Benefits of Gratitude

    Numerous studies have shown that expressing gratitude can provide significant mental health benefits. It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, increase self-esteem, and improve satisfaction with daily life. Gratitude also enhances our relationships. Expressing gratitude to acquaintances, co-workers, friends, or romantic partners can offer a relationship “boost” and help strengthen our bonds.

    Moreover, the benefits of gratitude extend beyond the individual expressing it. Observing an act of gratitude can cause an observer to feel more warmth and affinity toward the individuals involved. Some studies have even associated gratitude with lower blood pressure and higher levels of heart rate variability, markers of well-being.

    showing gratitude

    Incorporating Gratitude into Daily Life

    While there is no prescribed frequency or method for practicing gratitude, many experts believe that a small dose of gratitude, once a day, is ideal. To develop a long-lasting gratitude habit, try linking your gratitude practice to an already ingrained routine. For instance, you could think about what you’re grateful for when you first turn on your computer at work.

    Being specific in your expressions of gratitude can also deepen your experience. Instead of simply saying “Thank you!”, try expressing your gratitude in more detail. For example, “I am grateful that you took the reins and handled all the kitchen duties tonight. I love how we take turns to give one another a break.”

    Writing down what you’re grateful for can be particularly beneficial. The act of writing slows down our thinking process and allows us to ponder more deliberately. Plus, it provides a permanent record of our blessings, which we can return to in the future to recall what we were grateful for.

    showing gratitude

    Conclusion

    Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can bring about significant improvements in our mental and physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life. By making a conscious effort to recognize and express gratitude daily, we can harness its transformative power and pave the way for a happier, healthier life.
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