I learned the horrifying risks of 'miracle' ADHD drugs and stopped taking them... but it was too late
Mandi Masterpole was one of 16 million Americans taking ADHD medications — the only catch? She didn't have the disorder.
She took drugs like Adderall and Ritalin without a prescription, using them to power through schoolwork, juggle babysitting jobs, and stay energized for parties.
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The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
This common nut can lower your risk of heart disease, dementia and diabetes
A handful of almonds each day could significantly reduce a condition that has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and dementia, according to a new study in the journal Nutrition Research. Around one in three Americans are affected by metabolic syndrome, and evidence shows they are 'three times as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke and twice as likely to die from coronary heart disease compared to people without this condition,' lead study author Emily Ho, director of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, said in a statement released in the report. 'Poor diet and inactivity contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome, and gut health and chronic inflammation may also play roles,' she added. But swapping processed snacks for a handful of almonds – about 45 nuts – in your daily diet could help curb some of the most serious chronic health risks facing Americans today. In a 12-week clinical trial, researchers studied adults aged 35 to 60 who had been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. One group consumed 320 calories of almonds daily while the other group ate the same number of calories from crackers. Those who ate almonds experienced significant health improvements, including reductions in total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and waist circumference. Blood tests also showed increased levels of vitamin E, an antioxidant known to reduce inflammation and support heart, nerve, and muscle function. Participants in the almond group also saw lower levels of gut inflammation — a promising sign, as maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as vital to long-term health. 'In addition to vitamin E, almonds have polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, fiber, polyphenols, biotin, copper, potassium and magnesium,' said study co-author Laura Beaver, a research associate in the Oregon State College of Health. 'The changes in cholesterol levels we observed suggest a meaningful metabolic shift in those who consumed almonds daily.' The findings align with previous research highlighting the health benefits of almonds.
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I've researched near-death experiences, and this is what's really going on'
A doctor of psychology explains the truth about 'life after death' and why people experience the same thing People who say they have been reported being medically dead and have spent 10, 20 or even 30 minutes 'on the other side' often report experiencing similar things - from floating away from their bodies to tunnels of light and feelings of 'love'. People often say they have been reunited with lost relatives or beloved pets, or gained a final understanding of life after death But despite the seemingly supernatural nature of these experiences, experts say that science can explain why they happen – and what's really going on. Ken Drinkwater, doctor of psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: "A near-death experience is a profound psychological event with mystical elements. It typically occurs in people close to death, or during situations of intense physical or emotional pain, but may also happen after heart attacks or traumatic brain injuries, or even during meditation and syncope (loss of consciousness due to a fall in blood pressure). They're surprisingly common, with a third of people who have come close to death reporting having experienced one. "Common characteristics people report are feelings of contentment, psychic detachment from the body (such as out-of-body experiences), rapid movement through a long dark tunnel, and entering a bright light. "Culture and age may also influence the kind of near-death experience people have. For example, many Indians report meeting the Hindu king of the dead, Yamraj, while Americans often claim to have met Jesus. Children typically describe encountering friends and teachers 'in the light'. "Most reported near-death experiences are positive, and have even helped in reducing death anxiety, affirming life, and increasing well-being. However, some near-death experiences are negative and include feelings such as lack of control, awareness of nonexistence, hellish imagery, or perceived judgement from a higher being." Ken said neuroscientists Olaf Blanke and Sebastian Dieguez have proposed two types of near-death experiences. Type one, which is associated with the brain's left hemisphere, features an altered sense of time and impressions of flying. Type two, involving the right hemisphere, is characterised by seeing or communicating with spirits, and hearing voices, sounds and music. He said: "While it's unclear why there are different types of near-death experiences, the different interactions between brain regions produce these distinct experiences. The temporal lobes also play an important role in near-death experiences. This area of the brain is involved with processing sensory information and memory, so abnormal activity in these lobes can produce strange sensations and perceptions." He added: "Scientific explanations for near-death experiences include depersonalisation, which is a sense of being detached from your body. Scientific author Carl Sagan even suggested that the stress of death produces a remembrance of birth, suggesting the 'tunnel' people see is a reimagining of the birth canal. "But due to the fanciful nature of these theories, other explanations have emerged. Some researchers claim that endorphins released during stressful events may produce something like near-death experience, particularly by reducing pain and increasing pleasant sensations. Similarly, anaesthetics such as ketamine can simulate near-death experience characteristics, such as out-of-body experiences." Ken told The Conversation: "Researchers have also explained near-death experiences via cerebral anoxia, a lack of oxygen to the brain. One researcher found air pilots who experienced unconsciousness during rapid acceleration described near-death experience-like features, such as tunnel vision. Lack of oxygen may also trigger temporal lobe seizures which causes hallucinations. These may be similar to a near-death experience. "But the most widespread explanation for near-death experiences is the dying brain hypothesis. This theory proposes that near-death experiences are hallucinations caused by activity in the brain as cells begin to die. As these occur during times of crisis, this would explain the stories survivors recount. The problem with this theory, though plausible, is that it fails to explain the full range of features that may occur during near-death experiences, such as why people have out-of-body experiences. "Currently, there is no definitive explanation for why near-death experiences happen. But ongoing research still strives to understand this enigmatic phenomenon. Whether paranormal or not, near-death experiences are extremely important. They provide meaning, hope, and purpose for many people, while offering an appreciation of the human desire to survive beyond death."
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Diet soda shockingly linked to devastating disease that kills 100,000 Americans each year
Diet soda might no longer be a healthier option after all. A new study found people who regularly drink the diet alternatives have more than double the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to people who reach for full-sugar beverages. And artificial sweeteners may be to blame. The scientists found that high intake of saccharin - a common zero-calorie artificial sweetener found in diet drinks - could be the main risk factor for the chronic illness, which is suffered by 37 million Americans. The FDA approved the use of saccharin as a zero-calorie alternative to sugar in various foods and beverages in 1977. But saccharin is at least 300 times sweeter than regular sugar and researchers now believe excess consumption may interfere with the body's natural process of utilizing glucose - a sugar the body uses for energy. Based on their findings, study author Lyn Steffen recommended 'limiting the use of any sweetener' and suggested choosing 'unsweetened water, coffee, tea, milk or a small amount of 100 percent fruit juice' for beverages. The researchers examined the diets of 4,654 adults between 1985 to 2015. The participants' average intake of artificial sweeteners, diet beverages, aspartame (a low-calorie artificial sweetener) and sucralose (a synthetic artificial sweetener) were measured in the first year, seventh year and Year 20. The study did not include people who regularly or occasionally drink full sugar sodas. Based on their results, the participants were divided into groups to determine their probability of developing Type 2 diabetes. During this 30-year period, 691 participants developed diabetes. Results showed that the participants who consumed the most diet sodas in the 30 year period had a 129 percent greater chance of developing diabetes than those who barely drank any diet beverages. Additionally, the researchers also found that those who drank sodas loaded with saccharin such as fountain Diet Coca Cola, Diet Dr Pepper and Tab had a 110 percent increased risk of diabetes. No link was found between diabetes and aspartame or sucralose. The observational study did not determine the reason why artificial sweeteners may lead to Type 2 diabetes. However, the researchers believe that consuming excessive diet sodas with artificial sweeteners that are overall much sweeter than real sugar may interfere with the body's metabolism process and lead to excess sugar in the bloodstream. According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than 36 grams or 150 calories of sugar per day while women should consume no more than 25 grams or 100 calories of sugar per day. However, an 8oz can of Sprite Zero contains 50 mg artificial sweeteners, Coke Zero contains 58 mg and Pepsi Max has 77 mg. Along with this, Diet Pepsi and Caffeine-Free Diet Pepsi both contain 111 mg and 118 mg, respectively while Diet Dr Pepper has a shocking 123 mg of artificial sweeteners. Both Diet Coke and Caffeine-Free Coke have 125 mg of artificial sweeteners too. Excess sugar consumption can pave the way for weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease and insulin resistance, which can cause Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition and over 37 million American adults suffer from this form of the chronic illness. The CDC reports that over 100,000 Americans die of diabetes every year. It is caused by either the pancreas not producing enough insulin - a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels - or the body's cells not responding properly to insulin. When you eat sugar, your body breaks it down into glucose, which the enters your bloodstream for energy absorption. To regulate blood sugar levels, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps glucose enter your cells for energy. But consuming excessive amounts of sugar can make the body resistant to insulin, meaning it can't effectively use the insulin to lower blood sugar. This leads to high blood sugar levels and a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream, which can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
