Latest news with #SusanAlbers
WebMD
6 days ago
- Health
- WebMD
Why We're So Obsessed With Coffee's Health Claims
Or is it? For decades, studies have linked drinking coffee to a longer life and reduced risk of an array of health problems. This week, a big study grabbed headlines linking coffee to healthy aging – women who drank caffeinated coffee were less likely to develop physical problems, cognitive impairment, and chronic diseases as they aged. In January, another study found that morning coffee drinkers lived longer than people who drank coffee later in the day. Another recent analysis suggested those longevity benefits may be limited to those whose coffee doesn't contain a lot of added sugar or saturated fat. Sorry, mocha and Frappuccino fans. Maybe wait for the next study. 'Coffee is like the science version of a celebrity – it makes headlines no matter what,' said Susan Albers, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic. 'I think that's because it crosses age, culture, and socioeconomic status. It's a substance that everyone enjoys and drinks. And it's one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances on the planet. We forget that it is actually a drug that is paired with an enjoyable drink.' Three out of four adults in the U.S. report they are coffee drinkers. Half of Americans drink it daily. That's a huge number available to researchers, who can then examine countless variables and look for associations. If we're all doing something and it turns out to be bad for us – or good – public health officials want to let us know. Coffee is loaded with micronutrients, such as polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, and most coffee also contains the drug caffeine. 'It's such a window into the brain and how what we put in our bodies impacts us on every different level, in positive and negative ways,' Albers said of our own and researchers' seemingly insatiable thirst for more info on coffee. So will there ever be a verdict? We've been let down before. First it was red wine, touted as healthy until recently, when all alcohol has been frowned upon. And like coffee, chocolate seems to forever be switching sides between healthy and unhealthy. What Is It About Coffee Stories That We Just Can't Resist? 'We want to have healthy habits. We want to keep this enjoyable ritual in our lives but make sure that we're not sabotaging our health,' Albers said. 'And so, the more information that we obtain about it, the better. What I think happens is that there might be a little bit of a click bias.' Coffee lovers click to hear scientific confirmation that their habit is healthy, and people who don't like coffee click in hopes of confirming their choice to avoid the drink. Be skeptical of health claims about coffee, especially on social media, advised Jamie Mok, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Los Angeles, California, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Unqualified health influencers are everywhere these days, so look for someone with credentials who cites evidence from scientific journals. Extreme or ultra-simple claims made in absolute terms are a sign to keep scrolling. Is There a Consensus About the Health Benefits of Coffee? Yes. But the benefits may not apply to everyone. 'Large observational studies are generally showing a consistent positive association between moderate coffee consumption – so like two to three, maybe four cups a day – and the reduced risk of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease, liver disease, or cancer,' Mok said. Some people may not get all those benefits, she said – like those who already eat a diet rich in polyphenols (you're a blueberry lover, for example), or who aren't drinking black coffee, since that's what is usually studied. And even if you do just have a couple of cups of straight black and only in the morning, it may not be healthy if you have a condition like irritable bowel syndrome or anxiety. Do Your Own Coffee Study 'Coffee really is a gold mine for neuroscientists and psychologists who want to study the brain,' Albers said. 'It gives them this wealth of information about how what we put in our body impacts us. And as a psychologist, that's incredibly exciting and interesting to see how something like caffeine impacts our sleep and our mood.' Both Albers and Mok said that when they are working with clients who have anxiety or sleep problems, caffeine is one of the first places they examine. Most people don't realize the deep impact it can have on other parts of their health, they said. Albers suggested a 'mindfulness drinking' exercise to examine your relationship with coffee that she often shares with clients: Sit down to drink your coffee (riding in the car or on the subway doesn't count). Breathe deeply to smell the aroma, maybe wrap your hands around the cup to feel its warmth, and use the moment to slow down and be present. This can be quick, but run through your senses of taste, touch, smell, sight, even hearing. Before you start drinking, rate your energy level and mood each from 1 to 10. For the next hour, keep track of how you feel, and at the end of the hour do the 1-to-10 rating again for your energy level and mood. 'For many people, after they drink their cup of coffee, their mood boosts significantly,' said Albers, who has authored best-selling self-help books including Eating Mindfully. Repeat the experiment on other days, perhaps taking your coffee black or adding a flavor and see if the results change. You may find that coffee affects your energy or sleep, or it enhances your relationships by adding ritual to a shared coffee date. Maybe coffee helps boost your mood and the steaming cup and familiar taste simply bring you pleasure. 'There isn't anything to feel bad about with that,' Albers said.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is mother's intuition real? Doctors say yes
(WKBN) — As Mother's Day draws closer, experts answered a question many have asked themselves as children, or even adults: How did she know that? Some people say mothers have eyes on the back of their head, but what they actually have is a special intuition when it comes to their child. 'A mother's intuition is a very real phenomenon,' said Dr. Susan Albers, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic. 'It is described as a gut level of awareness of what is happening with your child, whether it is what they need, what they are feeling, or if they are in danger based on no information or explanation.' This intuition can be credited to neurobiology as well as learned history. Dr. Albers explained that when a mother spends time with her child, it releases oxytocin in the brain, creating a bond between them. That bond can strengthen their connection and her ability to decipher what her child may be thinking or feeling. Mothers also spend thousands of hours with their child and start to pick up on patterns, so when their behavior changes, for example, they can tell. 'The good news is that you are not just born with intuition — it can be built,' Dr. Albers said. 'You can strengthen your mother's intuition by spending time with your child, being truly present and attuned instead of distracted.' But, it's important to know the difference between intuition and anxiety. 'Listening to your gut and reflecting on how that matches up with the reality of the situation. By tuning in, asking yourself, pausing and reflecting, this can help you to boost and raise your mother's intuition over time.' Albers describes intuition as more of a calm inner voice nudging you if something doesn't seem quite right, whereas anxiety generally feels louder and more chaotic, like an alarm system going off. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sunday marks National Superhero Day, celebrating doing the right thing
(WKBN) — Sunday is National Superhero Day — a day to celebrate heroes who teach us why it's important to do the right thing, even when it's hard. They're not always perfect, which makes them relatable. Studies show that having superhero traits such as bravery and honesty can help us feel better about ourselves by reducing anxiety and making us happier. Dr. Susan Albers from the Cleveland Clinic says superheroes have many good qualities that can inspire us to be kinder and more caring. As we celebrate all the great superheroes from movies and real life, we can learn a lot from them, too. 'One of the most important traits that superheroes teach us is about how to be resilient. They show us that when we have adversity, trauma or grief, we could rise above it. They show us that setbacks can be a setup for a comeback,' Albers said. Most superheroes don't save the day alone — they usually have a sidekick or a team to help them. Albers says we can do the same by asking family and friends for support when we need it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health benefits of having a house plant collection
(WKBN) – Tuesday is Earth Day and if you're looking for a way to celebrate, consider buying some plants for your house. Not only are they good for the environment, but they can actually help in improving your mental health. Dr. Susan Albers, a psychologist with the Cleveland Clinic, says house plants can produce oxygen and remove toxins from the air, which can help your brain work more effectively. In fact, research shows they can promote focus and concentration. They can also give you a sense of purpose. 'Interacting with plants, whether they are indoor or out, with activities such as watering or pruning has been shown in studies to reduce cortisol level, the stress hormone in the body, and to improve heart rate, which makes you feel more calm and relaxed,' Albers said. She says if you're worried about not having a green thumb, that's OK. You could start small with a low-maintenance plant for your windowsill or desk and once you feel more comfortable, add to the collection. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
2 Your Health: How to overcome the fear of flying
We've all heard that flying is the safest way to travel, but you're not alone if you still get anxious before stepping on a plane. 'Flying is stressful. Over 25 million Americans indicate that they have some level of fear around flying, so it is quite common,' explained Susan Albers, PsyD, a psychologist. 'For some, it can mean sleepless nights and a little bit of anxiety. For others, it can be debilitating.' To curb any anxiety before your next flight, Dr. Albers recommends reading up on the safety statistics about flying. Watching different videos about how planes work and what passengers experience can help as well. As for the day of your flight, Dr. Albers suggests arriving at the airport early to avoid any added stress. If nerves strike before boarding, try to focus on all the things you're looking forward to once you land. It's also a good idea to bring something to keep you busy during the flight. 'Focus on creating a calming environment. Whether it's bringing noise-cancelling headphones or downloading a movie on your tablet, find something to help keep your mind distracted so you're not ruminating or worrying. This is going to help your flight go much faster and reduce your anxiety,' said. If flying still makes you nervous, Dr. Albers recommends seeing a mental health professional for even more strategies to overcome your fear. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
