Pornography Pays in Pleasure—But Taxes Your Brain and Emotions
The new
published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, gives insights into how frequent pornography use may rewire the brain's reward and control circuits, leading to neurological arousal, behavioral changes, and possible dependency, comparable to that observed in opioid addicts.
Obsession-Led Brain Rewiring
Conducted at Chengdu Medical College in China, the study involved 21 healthy college students
who watched pornographic content to varying degrees
and had no history of substance use. The participants were split into two groups: occasional, low-frequency pornography use, and those with a chronic obsession.
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Epoch Times
17-07-2025
- Epoch Times
Pornography Pays in Pleasure—But Taxes Your Brain and Emotions
What begins as a choice to watch pornography can evolve into a neurological and physical battle, with new research showing that frequent viewing rewires the brain in ways that mirror drug addiction. The new published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, gives insights into how frequent pornography use may rewire the brain's reward and control circuits, leading to neurological arousal, behavioral changes, and possible dependency, comparable to that observed in opioid addicts. Obsession-Led Brain Rewiring Conducted at Chengdu Medical College in China, the study involved 21 healthy college students who watched pornographic content to varying degrees and had no history of substance use. The participants were split into two groups: occasional, low-frequency pornography use, and those with a chronic obsession.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Yahoo
The Best Workout For Your Personality
Credit - Photo-Illustration by Chloe Dowling for TIME (Source Images: Leontura/Getty Images, 4x6/Getty Images, Images,, LeoPatrizi/Getty Images, Tony Anderson—Getty Images, Oleg Breslavtsev—Getty Images) If dragging yourself to the gym feels like a chore, the issue might not be motivation, but misalignment. Matching your workout to your personality type could be the missing link to making exercise feel less like a task and more like a reward. In one 2025 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, researchers looked at several different personality traits like being extroverted, conscientious, or neurotic. They found that certain types of exercise seemed best suited to these dominant personality traits—and people who chose physical activities that matched their personality enjoyed their workout more, stuck to it more consistently, and even improved more than people who picked a workout that didn't sync up as well to their personality. Of course, the best workout for you is whichever one gets you moving. But if you're curious how to sync your workout to your personality, read on. How your personality can shape your best workout Every kind of exercise is good for you on a cellular level. It stimulates the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, which can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. But if you can find a type you actually want to do, the psychological payoff goes deeper than brain chemistry. A 2021 study found that intrinsic motivation—when you're driven by internal factors like personal growth, autonomy, and enjoyment—was more strongly associated with consistent exercise habits than external motivation like weight loss or appearance goals. In other words, when your workout satisfies a core emotional or psychological need (or really just feels like you), you're more likely to keep coming back. Read More: The Best Science-Backed Way to Stop Chafing Research shows that tailoring your exercise to your personality can also boost your performance. A meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who chose exercise routines that aligned with their personality traits were significantly more likely to perform better overall and stick with their programs over time. The best exercises for extroverts Extroverts are characterized by being outgoing and sociable, so they thrive on energy and interaction. Workouts that feel like an active hangout are perfect, says Jenna Willis, celebrity trainer and wellness coach. 'Extroverts need that little healthy competition to push through that extra pushup,' she says. 'I always say my workouts feel like you're training with your bestie who just happened to bring dumbbells and a solid playlist. That kind of energy keeps extroverts engaged and hyped.' Read More: Should You Shower in the Morning or at Night? That's also what the researchers found in the latest study: extroverts tended to gravitate toward HIIT, spin, boot-camp classes, and team sports, because this format allowed them to feed off of others' energy and competition. 'It's not just about what burns the most calories,' says Willis. 'It's about what keeps you coming back. And honestly, if you're laughing through your lunges, no matter how bad the burn you're more likely to show up tomorrow.' The best exercises for introverts Introverts tend to prefer solitary activities and quiet environments, thriving when they can focus inward without feeling like they're performing for others, says Gillian Almeida, vice president of strategy and insights at Solidcore, a Pilates-style workout with classes across the U.S. 'The key is finding something that feels like 'me time' rather than social time,' she says. 'Yoga, swimming laps, hiking, 'or even traditional weight lifting where you can put in headphones and zone out' fosters the perfect inward focus.' Read More: Why Am I Sweating More Than I Used To? Research also shows that introverts enjoy methodical and repetitive workouts, where they know exactly what to expect. This can look like running or walking along the same trails or practicing tai chi. The Frontiers in Psychology study found that introverts were more likely to enjoy gentle, private exercises, like a solo walk or light home-based workouts. These workouts offer introverts autonomy, space, and a calming pace—supporting both physical health and emotional regulation. 'That said, some introverts surprise themselves by loving group fitness classes once they realize it's not about being the center of attention,' says Almeida. 'It's more like being part of something bigger while still having your own individual experience.' The best exercises for people with anxiety For someone who feels anxious or worried, quieter, low-pressure environments can make workouts more enjoyable. 'This can look like working out alone in your apartment gym, doing at-home workouts, yoga, swimming, tennis, golf, or any activity with a calm, focused vibe,' says Akin Akman, co-founder and CEO of AARMY, a fitness center featuring cycle and bootcamp classes. Read More: What Most People Overlook About Skin Cancer Like introverts, people with anxiety tend to enjoy slower-paced exercises and workouts in smaller settings or completely alone. The latest study found that this group thrived when doing private, low-intensity, and non-intimidating workouts; they were more likely to incorporate this into their routine compared to high-intensity group fitness classes. Research shows that exercise of any type for those with anxiety can significantly help. One study found that regular physical activity helps reduce anxiety by lowering stress hormones like cortisol and increasing calming neurotransmitters. 'Movement is seriously underrated therapy, especially when anxiety shows up uninvited,' says Willis. 'Sometimes, you just need to move through it.' Contact us at letters@
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Yahoo
Magnesium Can Help With Weight Loss—But Only In This Situation. Experts Reveal When It Really Works
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Magnesium is having a bit of a moment. Muscle recovery sprays formulated with magnesium claim to soothe post-workout soreness. While 'sleepy girl mocktails mixed with the mineral promise to help you unlock deeper levels of sleep. And some proponents of magnesium argue that it aids digestion and relieves anxiety. The internet is abuzz with the potential benefits of this small-yet-mighty supplement that can seemingly do it all. Magnesium is an essential micronutrient and abundant mineral in your body, according to the National Institutes of Health. It supports multiple important processes in the body, like building good bone structure, regulating your heart rhythm, and aiding muscle and nerve function. You can find magnesium in foods like nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, bananas, dark green leafy vegetables, and soy, says Keri Gans, RD, author of The Small Change Diet. According to the NIH, half of Americans don't have enough magnesium in their diets. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium is 310 to 320 milligrams for most adult women and 400 to 420 milligrams for most adult men. Yes, magnesium can potentially help with weight loss—but it's complicated, says Kunal Shah, MD, an assistant professor in the division of endocrinology at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center. 'Magnesium helps with weight loss if you have a deficiency,' Dr. Shah says. That's mostly because too little magnesium is also linked with insulin resistance, which is when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don't respond well to insulin—a hormone that controls your blood sugar—and can't easily take up glucose from your blood, he says. 'There is also some thought that a magnesium deficiency can lead to a more pro-inflammatory state,' Dr. Shah says. 'That pro-inflammatory state and insulin resistance can cause weight gain—but that's if you have a magnesium deficiency.' Ultimately, magnesium's impact on weight is likely to be more indirect than direct, says Amber Core, RD, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 'Magnesium is known to have calming effects,' she says. That can raise the odds that you'll have more restful sleep, which can reduce the level of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, in your body. 'When we don't get enough sleep at night, the body looks for increased energy from foods, and increases ghrelin to tell us to eat,' Core says. 'By eating less during the day, we may lose some weight over time.' As for what the research says: magnesium-rich diets have been associated with lower body fat in people with prediabetes, according to a 2023 study in Frontiers in Nutrition. And, people who have obesity are also more likely to be deficient in magnesium, according to a 2021 study published in Nutrients. However, Core points out that there's no strong evidence that taking magnesium will directly cause weight loss. But, if you do have a magnesium deficiency, 'you could definitely argue that supplementing with magnesium could help,' Dr. Shah says. Magnesium may indirectly aid weight loss by: Correcting a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency has been associated with insulin resistance and pro-inflammatory states, both of which contribute to weight gain. Achieving more restful sleep. Magnesium's calming effects could help you reach deeper levels of sleep, which reduces the amount of hunger hormones in the body. If you're eating a little less during the day, you might gradually lose some weight. First of all, magnesium deficiency can be hard to detect. Early signs include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness, per the NIH—and certain conditions like type 2 diabetes, chronic alcoholism, or taking certain medications may contribute. You may also see symptoms like muscle cramping or twitching, adds Gans. If you suspect you have a magnesium deficiency, talk to your doctor. They may want to do a blood test to see where your levels are, Dr. Shah says. From there, your doctor may recommend that you eat more magnesium-rich foods or take a supplement, although the supplement amount would depend on your level of deficiency.$10.68 at at at You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
