Tag: Health

A person’s waist-to-height ratio could be a more accurate way to predict the risk of developing heart failure than body mass index (BMI), according to new research presented at the Heart Failure 2025 congress of the European Society of Cardiology.
The study, conducted by researchers from Lund University and Malmo University Hospital in Sweden, followed 1,792 people over a median period of 12.6 years.
It found that those with a higher waist-to-height ratio were more likely to develop heart failure compared to those with lower ratios.
While BMI is commonly used to measure obesity, it does not consider how fat is distributed in the body.
“BMI can be influenced by factors like sex and ethnicity and doesn’t show where the fat is located. Waist-to-hip ratio, on the other hand, focuses on central fat—around organs—which is more harmful,” said study author Dr. Amra Jujic.
The participants, aged between 45 and 73 at the beginning of the study, were divided into groups based on their blood sugar levels: normal, impaired fasting glucose, and diabetes. About 29% of the group were women, and the average age was 67.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY
Researchers observed 132 cases of heart failure during the follow-up period.
They found that for each standard deviation increase in waist-to-hip ratio, the risk of heart failure rose by 34%, even after accounting for other health factors.
People with the highest waist-to-hip ratio (median of 0.65) were nearly three times more likely to develop heart failure compared to others.
“This is a strong indication that waist-to-hip ratio is a reliable measure,” said co-author Dr. John Molvin. “Ideally, your waist should be less than half your height. For example, if you are 170 cm tall, your waist should be under 85 cm.”
MOVING BEYOND BMI
Dr. Molvin added that waist-to-hip ratio could be more useful than BMI when identifying patients who may benefit from obesity treatments.
“Our next step is to see if waist-to-height ratio also predicts other health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure in larger populations,” he said.
The findings could help doctors better identify and manage people at risk of heart failure.

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining good health can be challenging. Many people seek natural remedies to boost their immunity, improve digestion, and enhance overall well-being. One such powerful remedy is amla juice, also known as Indian Gooseberry.
Amla is a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Amla juice offers various benefits, ranging from improving skin and hair health to aiding in weight loss and supporting heart health. It is a versatile addition to your daily routine and can be enjoyed as a morning detox drink or mixed into herbal teas. This traditional remedy has stood the test of time.
Boosts immunity
Amla juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight infections. Regular intake can prevent common illnesses such as colds, coughs, and seasonal flu.
Enhances digestion
Amla juice supports gut health by improving digestion and reducing acidity. It also enhances the absorption of nutrients, promoting better overall digestive function.
Improves skin and hair health
Rich in antioxidants, amla juice slows down ageing, reduces wrinkles, and imparts a natural glow to the skin. It also strengthens hair, prevents dandruff, and reduces hair fall.
Aids in weight loss
By boosting metabolism, amla juice helps in faster fat reduction. It also provides a sense of fullness, reducing unnecessary cravings and aiding in weight management.
Regulates blood sugar levels
Amla juice is beneficial for individuals with diabetes as it helps in controlling blood sugar levels. It improves insulin sensitivity and reduces sugar spikes.
Supports heart health
Amla juice helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels, improving blood circulation, and reducing the risk of heart diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties further contribute to a healthy heart.
How to use
– Mix a spoonful of amla juice with warm water and honey, and consume it on an empty stomach for a refreshing start to the day.
– Incorporate amla juice into fruit or vegetable smoothies to enhance their nutritional value.
– Blend amla juice with ginger, tulsi, or lemon tea for a revitalizing and healthy beverage.
– Apply diluted amla juice on the face or scalp to promote glowing skin and strong, healthy hair.
– Taking a small shot of amla juice after meals can improve digestion and prevent bloating.

Women are about 50% more likely than men to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious lung condition, even if they have never smoked or smoked less than men, according to new research published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research. COPD is a group of chronic lung diseases, including emphysema and bronchitis, often caused by long-term smoking, air pollution and lung irritants. The condition makes a person hard to breathe.
However, the large US-based study challenges the long-held belief that smoking alone explains why more women now suffer from COPD.
Researchers analysed data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey, which included over 23,000 adults aged 40 and above. The survey looked at smoking habits, use of tobacco products, and whether participants had been diagnosed with COPD.
Interestingly, women reported smoking less than men. They smoked fewer cigarettes per day (18 vs. 22), were less likely to have started smoking before age 15 (19% vs. 28%), and were also less likely to have used other tobacco products like cigars or smokeless tobacco.
Yet, COPD was more common among women (nearly 8%) than men (6.5%).
Even among those who had never smoked, women were still twice as likely to have COPD compared to men – 3% vs. 1.5%. Among people who had ever smoked, 16% of women had COPD, compared to 11.5% of men.
After adjusting for other factors such as age and smoking exposure, researchers found that women had a 47% higher risk of developing COPD. Among non-smokers, women were 62% more likely to be diagnosed with COPD than male non-smokers.
The study relied on self-reported information and didn’t include possible influences like hormonal changes, environmental pollution, or workplace exposure, which may affect COPD risk. However, the authors argue that the findings suggest smoking alone doesn’t fully explain the higher rates of COPD in women.
“If women were simply more sensitive to tobacco smoke, we wouldn’t see such high COPD rates among those who never smoked,” the researchers noted.

Spending too much time at work may not just exhaust your body, it could also be affecting your brain. A new study has found that working over 52 hours a week may lead to changes in the brain’s structure, especially in areas responsible for managing emotions, memory, and decision-making.
The findings, published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, suggest that overwork could potentially impact a person’s mental and emotional well-being in the long run.
Researchers from Yonsei University in South Korea found that people who worked too much showed clear changes in parts of the brain that help with decision-making and handling emotions.
Researchers looked at healthcare workers who often work long hours, comparing brain scans of those working standard hours with those putting in 52 hours or more per week.
The final analysis looked at 110 workers, most of whom were doctors or worked in healthcare.
Out of these, 32 people worked long hours every week, while 78 worked normal hours.
They found that people working longer hours had noticeable changes in certain parts of the brain that help with focus, emotional control, memory, and problem-solving.
One of the key areas affected was the middle frontal gyrus, a part of the brain linked to working memory and language processing.
In fact, this area was 19% larger in people who worked long hours. Other affected areas included the superior frontal gyrus, which plays a role in decision-making and planning, and the insula, which helps us process emotions and stay aware of ourselves and our surroundings.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence that overwork doesn’t just increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and mental health problems, it may also lead to physical changes in the brain.
While it’s not yet clear whether these changes are harmful or the brain’s way of adapting to constant stress, the researchers said that the findings are a wake-up call.

In a country where the shortage of donor corneas often stands between a patient and restored vision, an innovative eye surgery developed in India is offering new hope.
Known as Pinhole Pupilloplasty (PPP), the technique is changing the way ophthalmologists treat patients with severe corneal conditions, without the need for corneal transplants or lengthy recovery periods.
Corneal transplants are required when the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye, becomes damaged or diseased to the point where it affects vision or causes pain.
Injuries from trauma, infections (like herpes simplex or fungal keratitis), keratoconus etc., would need corneal transplants.
Pioneered by Dr. Amar Agarwal, Chairman of Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, this groundbreaking procedure has not only found takers across India but is also gaining recognition on the global stage.
In fact, the eye surgery earned Dr. Agarwal an international award at the ASCRS Film Festival in Los Angeles.
The technique, now widely practiced in several countries, has been credited with restoring sight where traditional methods fall short.
“Some patients have very high astigmatism that cannot be corrected with usual methods, and toric intraocular lenses only work up to a certain level. This gave me the idea to create a pinhole effect in the pupil itself, which led to the first Pinhole Pupilloplasty,” Dr. Agarwal told IndiaToday.in.
In traditional cases of corneal scarring, eye doctors often recommend a corneal transplant – a procedure that relies heavily on donor tissue, involves a long healing period, and carries the risk of graft rejection. The pinhole pupilloplasty method uses stitches to change the shape of the pupil without needing a donor cornea, and patients recover much faster compared to traditional surgery. The principle is simple: by reducing the size of the pupil to about 1-1.5 mm, similar to the tip of a pin, incoming light is focused more effectively onto the retina, bypassing irregularities in the cornea.
The result? Sharper vision with reduced glare, especially for patients with complex eye issues like corneal scars, keratoconus, or radial keratotomy complications. Source: India Today

The rising popularity of magnesium supplements, largely fuelled by wellness influencers, reflects a broader shift toward proactive and self-directed healthcare. These supplements have suddenly exploded into the market, with dozens of influencer-backed and celebrity-backed companies promising everything from ‘glowy skin’ to ‘increased productivity’ to ‘a better night’s sleep.’ According to the Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2024, the wellness industry reached a record $6.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to hit $9 trillion by 2028.
Where did this trend come from, and how did magnesium become the new star of supplements?
While this trend has contributed to increased awareness about the importance of micronutrients like magnesium, it also raises concerns around misinformation and self-medication.
But first, let’s break down what magnesium actually does in the body, and why it’s suddenly getting so much attention.
What does magnesium do?
Magnesium is an important mineral that is naturally present in the environment. The human body also contains a sufficient amount of magnesium that enables more than 300 enzymes to perform from the smallest to the greatest functions in the body.
Magnesium is involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis (a function that helps break down glucose) and improving sleep quality.
This mineral also transports other minerals like calcium and potassium to various cells to help maintain heart rhythm.
Usually, an adult body contains 25 grams of magnesium, with 50% to 60% present in the bones and most of the rest in soft tissues.
Since our bodies cannot make magnesium, we need to consume it from our diet.
As much as this mineral is important for the body, a global study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Nutrition, Prevention & Health, revealed that magnesium is the second-most common deficiency after vitamin D among Indians, particularly those who have diabetes.

Having probiotics can not only regulate gut bacteria—trillions of microorganisms in the gut which perform key functions in the immune system and metabolism—but also improve brain function and, thus, reduce anxiety, find researchers.
Probiotics are living organisms found naturally in some foods that are also known as “good” or “friendly” bacteria because they fight against harmful bacteria and prevent them from settling in the gut.
The research also suggests that mental disorders could be treated by regulating the intestinal microbiota, but there was no specific evidence to support this.
“Gut microbiota can help regulate brain function through something called the ‘gut-brain axis,’” found the researchers from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers reviewed 21 studies that had looked at 1,503 people collectively.
The team found that probiotic supplements in seven studies within their analysis contained only one kind of probiotic, two studies used a product that contained two kinds of probiotics, and the supplements used in the other five studies included at least three kinds.
Overall, 11 of the 21 studies showed a positive effect on anxiety symptoms by regulating intestinal microbiota, meaning that more than half (52 per cent) of the studies showed this approach to be effective.
Of the 14 studies that had used probiotics as the intervention, more than a third (36 per cent) found them to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, while six of the remaining seven studies that had used non-probiotics as interventions found those to be effective—a 86 per cent rate of effectiveness. Non-probiotic interventions were also more effective.
Most of the studies did not report serious adverse events, and only four studies reported mild adverse effects such as dry mouth and diarrhoea.

A migraine drug has shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression in patients—the first trial to show improvements in both the conditions using a single drug, researchers said.
In the study involving 540 patients, ‘fremanezumab’ was found to reduce days of migraine in a month and symptoms of depression, compared to a placebo (inactive substance producing no effects). The drug, administered as an injection beneath the skin (subcutaneous), is available in India.
Published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Neurology, the study is the first to demonstrate significant improvements in migraine and depressive symptoms—often seen to co-exist in patients—with a single drug, the researchers, including those from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, US, said. Patients of migraine—a common neurological condition marked by recurring headaches—have been studied to be two to four times more likely to develop depression. The two conditions are suggested to have common genetic basis and biological processes that control levels of brain chemicals, such as serotonin and glutamine.
The researchers said that patients having migraine and depression are treated with antidepressants—which work by improving serotonin levels. Serotonin helps regulate mood, and low levels can cause sadness, anxiety and irritability.
However, antidepressants are not uniformly effective for migraine. Further, data is limited on the efficacy of migraine therapy in people also experiencing psychiatric conditions.
The trial was conducted over a 28-week period at 61 centres across 12 countries, including the US, UK, France, and Germany, between July, 2020, and August, 2022.
The participants were randomly assigned to receive a monthly dose of fremanezumab (225 milligrams) or a placebo at the study’s start and at the end of week four and week eight.
“Although treatment with fremanezumab and placebo both resulted in clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms, fremanezumab achieved statistical significance vs placebo at week 8,” the authors wrote.
They suggested that the reduced depressive symptoms could be an indirect effect of the drug actively treating migraine, although further analyses are required to understand this.
The results “suggest that fremanezumab was effective in a difficult-to-treat clinical population with migraine and comorbid major depressive disorders and may also be effective in alleviating psychiatric comorbidities, therefore reducing the cumulative burden on patients.” Source: PTI

A new study has found that constantly bending your head to look at your phone – a condition popularly known as “text neck”, could do more harm than just causing neck and shoulder pain. It could also disrupt your heart’s ability to manage stress and relaxation, leading to deeper health concerns.
The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cureus, which included 84 participants between the ages of 19 and 45, examined how forward head posture (FHP), the typical tilted-head position while using phones, affects heart function, mental health, and smartphone dependence.The condition, also called “text neck syndrome,” is increasingly seen in young adults and has become a public health issue because of prolonged mobile phone use.
What is “Text Neck”?
Text neck refers to the unnatural posture where the head leans forward from the neck while using mobile devices. Over time, this posture can lead to chronic neck and shoulder pain, backaches, headaches, and even problems with eye strain and dizziness. The study explained that there are two main ways this happens: either the neck bends forward while looking down at a phone or the lower part of the neck bends while the upper part extends to keep looking ahead, especially during computer use. Apart from causing physical discomfort, this poor posture can pressurise the spine and disrupt the nervous system’s ability to regulate key functions like blood pressure and heart rate.
Heart and Stress Link
Researchers from Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, measured heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of how well the heart responds to stress, to understand how posture affects the body’s automatic functions. People with a more severe forward head posture showed signs of increased stress response, known as sympathetic dominance, and reduced ability of the body to relax, which is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system.

A recent study by the University of Western Ontario emphasized on an important benefit reaped from eating oranges: weight loss.
The researchers were able to conclude, after experimenting on rats, that a certain molecule compound called nobiletin, specifically found in sweet oranges and tangerines, was able to bring down obesity significantly.
The study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that a comparison between two types of rats was able to demonstrate how exactly this happened. Strangely enough, the scientists could not figure out the pathway of this underlying mechanism. But they were delighted to find a potential therapy for obesity.
The first group of rats given high-fat and high-cholesterol diets were also given nobiletin, while the other group was only fed the high-fat diet. The former bunch of rats had changed and become leaner, and the levels of insulin resistance had dropped. The second bunch of rats who were not given nobiletin did not improve their health.
“We went on to show that we can also intervene with nobiletin. We’ve shown that in mice that already have all the negative symptoms of obesity, we can use nobelitin to reverse those symptoms, and even start to regress plaque build-up in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis.” Murray Huff, professor at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, said, as quoted in the news release.
Huff and his colleagues speculated that AMP Kinase, a pathway within the body that enables the body to burn fat and stop the production of more fat, is positively affected by the consumption of nobiletin. To ensure this was the case, researchers genetically modified the mice and removed AMP Kinase. However, the effect of nobiletin still remained, thus broadening the mystery of how this happens, with or without activating AMP Kinase.
“This result told us that nobiletin is not acting on AMP Kinase, and is bypassing this major regulator of how fat is used in the body. What it still leaves us with is the question — how is nobiletin doing this?” Huff said. The researchers plan to conduct human trials in order to determine how nobiletin works.

Loaded with nutrients and fibre, fruits protect us against many health conditions. But how to include these fresh fruits in our daily diet is often misunderstood. There is no right or wrong way to eat fruits but consuming them in an effective way can definitely provide a number of health benefits.
The best time to eat fruits
The first thing you should do in the morning is eating one fruit before anything else. As our stomach is empty, this practice helps in absorbing its nutrients in the body. Our body can easily digest the fruit eaten empty stomach and allows the stomach to easily process it.
THE RULE
There applies a rule of eating a fruit empty stomach early in the morning. People who have stomach ulcers or acid reflux should not adapt this practice. Also, people with weak stomach functions like toddlers and elderly people should not consume fruits empty stomach. It is because some fruits like citrus fruits, pineapples, cranberries, grapefruits etc. contain acetic acid. This increases the production of gastric acid and can worsen the condition.
Can you eat fruits between the meals?
Definitely yes. Fruits are a great snack when eaten between two meals. This increases the metabolism rate and maintains blood sugar levels. When you consume healthy snack between meals, your body doesn’t store fat or starve.
Wrong time to consume fruits
It is never recommended to consume fruits right after a meal. It is a wrong belief that eating fruits right after a meal helps in digesting food and breaking down calories. This is not true. Fruits contain natural sweeteners and calories too. So instead of breaking the calories, they only add up to the number.
Eat these fruits in moderation
Fruits that contain a high amount of natural sweetness like pomegranate, mangoes, grapes, fig, lychee and watermelon should be consumed in a moderate amount, especially for those who have high blood sugar levels.
Fruits for people with high sugar levels
Eat papaya, passion fruit, pineapple, plums, raspberry, pears, strawberries, peach and apples.
Before you go off to sleep
Choose the right type of fruits if you feel hungry and want to eat a snack before sleeping. The good choices of food before you go to sleep are apple, bananas, kiwis and cherries. They contain natural serotonin, melatonin and tryptophan that calms us down and help in a good night sleep. Avoid fruits like mangoes, grapes as they might keep brain active and disturb your sleep.

An at-home spit test can now help in predicting prostate cancer risk, better than the conventional blood test. The test has been developed by researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and UK government healthcare centre The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, which assesses 130 genetic variants that determine the risk score of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in India after lung cancer. It develops in the prostate gland, a small gland in the male reproductive system that produces fluid for semen.
In the test, a sample can be collected at home that helps determine the genes linked to the deadly disease. While the spit test immediately recognises the risk, the current blood test accentuates further testing for cancer, based on age or ethnicity and symptoms.
The clinical trial, the findings of which are published in The New England Journal of Medicine, was conducted on the DNA of 6,142 European men between the ages of 55 and 69, an age when the risk of prostate cancer is higher.
They calculated a polygenic risk score (PRS), which is based on 130 small changes in the DNA that are linked to prostate cancer.
This score was created by analysing the DNA of hundreds of thousands of men.
Men who had the highest genetic risk, about 10% of the group, were invited for more screening tests. Out of 468 men with a high genetic risk score, 187 (or 40%) were found to have prostate cancer after undergoing MRI and biopsy.
In comparison, the usual PSA blood test only finds cancer in about 25% of men who have high PSA (prostate-specific antigen in the blood) levels.
Interestingly, 118 of the 187 men diagnosed with cancer had PSA levels that were considered ‘normal’—meaning they might not have been tested further using standard methods.
The PSA test often picks up cancers that are not dangerous and don’t need treatment. But the genetic risk score (from a saliva test) found more serious, fast-growing cancers.
In this study, over half (55%) of the cancers found using the genetic test were aggressive, compared to about 36% found using the PSA test.
The study found that the spit test was also more accurate than an MRI.
Since the test was developed in the UK, the research team has estimated that in England, the spit test could identify the genetic variation of up to 12,350 people earlier, saving the National Health Services around 500 million pounds a year.

Researchers have found that actively managing high blood pressure through a combination of medications, lifestyle coaching, and at-home monitoring, can reduce the risk of developing dementia by 15%. Dementia is a progressive condition in which the brain’s cells start shrinking, further impairing memory and cognitive ability. It affects approximately more than 57 million people globally, according to the World Health Organisation. While age is a known risk factor, experts stress that dementia is not something that has to happen. In fact, many cases can be delayed or even prevented by tackling health risks within our control, like hypertension (uncontrolled high blood pressure).
In a large international study published in Nature Medicine, researchers from China and the US studied 33,995 adults aged 40 and above in rural China, all with uncontrolled high blood pressure. These participants came from 326 villages and were divided into two groups.
In 163 villages, 17,407 people received intensive hypertension management care. This intervention group was provided with free or subsidised blood pressure medication, tailored dosage plans, regular lifestyle coaching, and home blood pressure monitors. The control group continued with routine clinical care but received no additional support or equipment.
After four years, 668 people in the group that got intensive blood pressure care developed dementia, compared to 734 in the group that got regular care – a 15% lower risk of dementia, and even a 16% lower risk of early cognitive problems for those who received structured support. Source: India Today

Consuming almonds daily can help control blood sugar levels in specific populations, such as Asian Indians, according to a research article.
Analysing previously published research on almonds and cardiometabolic health, an international team of researchers and physicians said almonds can help improve metabolic health by reducing ‘bad’ cholesterol and increasing beneficial gut bacteria.
Findings, published as a consensus article in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition, reinforce almonds’ role as a heart-healthy, weight-supporting, and gut-friendly food, the team said.
The findings also reveal how almonds can potentially benefit specific populations such as Asian Indians, where rising rates of cardiometabolic diseases are a concern, study author Dr Anoop Misra, chairman of Fortis Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol, told PTI.
Consuming almonds was found to lower LDL, or ‘bad’ cholesterol by five units, and diastolic blood pressure in small but significant amounts of 0.17-1.3 mmHg.
For Asian Indians with pre-diabetes, eating almonds daily can help reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1C, the researchers said.
“The most current meta-analyses on almond consumption and various health-related endpoints suggest that almond consumption does not result in weight gain and results in small reductions in LDL cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure, as well as improved glycemic responses in certain populations (i.e. Asian Indians),” the study said.
Dr Misra said, “These benefits aid weight loss efforts by helping stabilise energy levels and reduce appetite fluctuations. When paired with balanced nutrition and physical activity, almonds can be a health-promoting part of a weight loss plan.”
In the article, the authors also wrote that “there was some evidence that almond consumption of (more than) 50 grams per day may have led to small reductions in body weight in some study participants.” They said the result debunks the myth that almonds can contribute to weight gain. Source: PTI

Stress is an inherent by-product of the contemporary grind. While it is normally effective in protecting you in risky situations by triggering the fight-or-flight response, chronic stress can be detrimental to your body. Stress triggers cortisol, the primary stress-response hormone. When stress becomes chronic, you may not realize it, as your body becomes used to it, but the high cortisol levels are evident through certain signs. It’s also a reminder that physical and mental health are deeply intertwined, with each impacting the other.
These are the signs when your cortisol hormone is elevated for a prolonged period, affecting your gut, immunity and hormonal health:
Weight gain
Especially around the abdomen, face, and neck. This pattern is often linked to cortisol-related fat distribution.
Skin issues
Thinning skin, acne, easy bruising, and purple or red stretch marks (striae), particularly on the abdomen or thighs.
Digestive problems
Chronic stress and high cortisol can disrupt gut health, contributing to bloating, IBS, and irregular digestion.
Muscle and joint pain
High cortisol breaks down muscle tissue and can affect bone density, leading to weakness and discomfort.
Frequent cold and infection
While cortisol regulates the immune system, too much of it suppresses immunity, making you more prone to illness.
Irregular periods
In women, high cortisol can disrupt reproductive hormones and cause skipped or irregular cycles.
What to eat to manage cortisol?
Elevated cortisol levels, when prolonged, can weaken the immune system, promote weight gain, increase blood pressure, disrupt blood sugar levels, reduce bone density, and affect mental health, potentially leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
Foods rich in these nutrients can help.
Vitamin C
Strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli
Omega-3 fatty acids
Spinach, almonds, cashews, and whole grains
Zinc
Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas
Probiotics
Yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi
Complex carbohydrates
Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice
Source: HT

A new study has identified a specific region – the ‘basolateral amygdala’—that plays a plays a crucial role in regulating generous behaviour.
Driven by a concern for society, prosocial or altruistic behaviour involves performing actions that intentionally benefit others and include sharing and cooperating.
The basolateral amygdala helps process the emotional part of information received via senses.
Findings of the study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveal a biological basis for compassionate behaviour.
The amygdala, located deep within the brain, is a small, almond-shaped structure and plays a central role in processing and regulating emotions.
The researchers from Heinrich Heine University, Germany, looked at a unique set of people in South Africa, suffering from an extremely rare condition—Urbach-Wiethe Disease. A few hundred cases of the disease are known worldwide, with a larger group in Namaqualand in northern South Africa.
People with Urbach-Wiethe Disease differ in their emotional and social behaviour. The condition is known to selectively damage the basolateral amygdala without affecting other brain regions.
Above all, the affected people find it difficult to interpret the emotional aspect of facial expressions, the researchers said.
“These patients represent a quasi-natural experimental environment for questions about prosocial behaviour. In the case of these individuals, exactly those areas of the brain are affected, which are believed to play a key role in compassionate behaviour toward others,” lead author Tobias Kalenscher, head of comparative psychology research team, Heinrich Heine University.
The study’s participants were involved in ‘dictator games’, in which they were asked to share money with close friends, acquaintances, neighbours or strangers.
Source: PTI