Latest news with #Voy
Forbes
4 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
The Dental Myths Your Dentist Wants You To Stop Believing
In the age of TikTok tutorials and Instagram hacks, dental 'advice' spreads fast—but not all of it is worth following. 'Social media is full of trends that might look helpful but can actually harm your teeth and gums,' says Dr. Briar Voy, a dentist and prosthodontist at Amsterdam Dental Group in New Jersey and a spokesperson for Supersmile. Knowing which tips are myths and which habits actually work can help protect your smile for years to come. Here are some of the most common misconceptions Voy says dentists wish you'd stop believing. The buzz around purple toothpaste comes down to color theory: purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, so it can temporarily neutralize yellow tones and make teeth look brighter. 'But the effect is purely optical,' says Voy. 'Purple toothpaste doesn't change the underlying shade of your enamel.' She also cautions that some formulas use strong synthetic dyes—such as CI 60730 or Acid Violet 43—found in products like hair dye and nail polish. Others rely on abrasive agents like silica to mask surface stains. While this can make teeth look cleaner in the short term, it can also gradually wear down enamel, increase sensitivity, and expose naturally yellow dentin. For real whitening without damage, Voy recommends seeing a dentist for professional treatment or using gentle, non-abrasive whitening products designed to lift stains while still protecting enamel. While crowns and veneers don't respond to traditional peroxide-based whitening, they do still pick up surface stains—just like natural teeth. Professional dental cleanings can remove these stains and restore the restorations' original brightness. Some non-abrasive whitening products can also help by dissolving the protein pellicle—a sticky layer that traps stains and bacteria—without harming the surface. 'This means they can safely remove stains from natural teeth, crowns, veneers, and even dentures,' Voy says. It might feel like the perfect finishing touch, but rinsing immediately after brushing can be detrimental because it washes away fluoride and other cavity-fighting minerals from your toothpaste that need time to strengthen enamel. High-alcohol mouthwashes can also dry out your mouth, Voy adds, which is a problem because saliva is essential for oral health since it washes away food particles, neutralizes acids, and provides salivary enzymes that improve oral hygiene. Plus, high alcohol content can disrupt beneficial bacteria, ironically increasing your risk of cavities. 'So instead of rinsing right after brushing, spit out excess toothpaste and wait at least 30 minutes,' advises Voy. And when you do use mouthwash, choose one with low or no alcohol. 'This common misconception about the order of oral hygiene steps greatly impacts how effective your cleaning routine actually is,' says Voy. Flossing before brushing removes plaque and debris between teeth, allowing for a deeper clean. Brushing afterward also ensures the cavity-fighting active ingredients in toothpaste can directly contact and strengthen enamel in those hard-to-reach spots. In short, 'flossing before brushing provides superior cavity protection and overall oral health benefits,' Voy notes. 'The idea that 'harder is cleaner' is a dangerous fallacy when it comes to tooth brushing,' Voy warns. Too much pressure—especially with a hard-bristled brush or an electric toothbrush used incorrectly—can lead to gum recession, root exposure, and enamel damage. What's more, tooth roots are covered in cementum, a material much softer than enamel and far more vulnerable to decay and wear. For a deep clean that avoids damage, 'lift your index finger off the toothbrush handle to lighten your pressure,' Voy suggests. She also recommends using a soft-bristled brush, angling it at 45 degrees to the gumline, and cleaning with gentle, circular motions. In the end, social media can be fun for discovering trends, but your oral health isn't the place to experiment. 'Trusting evidence-based care and products that protect enamel and gums,' Voy says, 'will keep your smile healthier, longer.'
The Irish Sun
26-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Can't get fat jabs on the NHS? The 6 ‘Nozempic' foods that mimic the effects of weight-loss injections
WEIGHT loss drugs can sound like a magical quick fix to overeating and constant hunger pangs. But not everyone is eligible for the drugs, and lots wouldn't opt for them even if they were. Lots of us are still looking to blast some belly fat though, so what if we said you could mimic the meds, with none of the unpleasant side effects? The good news is there are simple ways to mimic fat jabs. 7 With a few diet changes, you can mimic the effects of weight-loss injections without the nasty side effects Credit: Getty Yep, with just a few diet changes, you could swerve the First developed to treat They work by mimicking naturally occurring incretins - hormones, like GLP-1 - that tell your brain you're full up. 'They reduce your minute-to-minute hunger drive,' says Dr Curtis. 'They also slow stomach emptying, so make you fuller for longer and can stabilise blood sugars.' But certain foods can put the brakes on hunger like this too… THE 'NOZEMPIC' DIET 'EVERYBODY creates GLP-1 after they eat, along with a whole swathe of other hormones that tell us we're full and don't necessarily need to carry on eating,' says Emily Lenoir, a registered associate nutritionist and behaviour change coach at Voy. 'There are a few foods that might increase the feeling of fullness, and that often is in relation to a slight peak in GLP-1.' So, pop these in your basket when you next do a big shop… 1. MEAT FEAST 7 Protein takes longer digest and seems to increase GLP-1 levels which will help support that feeling of fullness for longer Credit: Getty CHICKEN, turkey, salmon, eggs… 'Protein takes a little bit longer to digest; it stays in our stomach for longer,' says Lenoir. 'There also seems to be a slight increase in GLP-1 after eating protein.' She adds: 'If a quarter of your meals is coming from protein, which is often what we recommend, then you're likely to have that meal stay in your stomach for a bit longer, and help support that feeling of fullness.' Research from 2020 found that egg whites are particularly handy for GLP-1 release, so get boiling. 2. THE F-WORD 7 Eating fibres in your meal will help slow digestion and make sure you feel fuller Credit: Getty 'That comes from a variety of fruits and vegetables,' says Lenoir. 'If you're getting a whole range of fibres - fermentable fibres (loved by good gut bacteria), and soluble fibres (which slow digestion) - in your meal, that will help slow digestion and make sure you're feeling fuller." Insoluble fibre includes wholegrains like brown rice and wholegrain cereals, as well as leafy greens, nuts and seeds. Soluble fibre, the best type for keeping you full, includes oats, lentils, beans, apples, pears and root vegetables. It turns into a gel-like substance in the gut. Like fat jabs - but by different mechanism - this slows the rate at which food exits, keeping you fuller for longer. Berries are incredibly fibre-rich, as are apples, broccoli, peas, beans and Brussels sprouts. Some studies have found you can reduce glucose spikes, often caused by carbs, by eating your veg first, but Lenoir says not to worry about that too much. 'If you're eating carbohydrates alongside lots of different foods, you're likely to manage that quite well anyway,' she says. And eating things separately isn't always realistic. 'If you're making Bolognese, you're not going to split that up into your veggies, beef and then pasta,' says Lenoir. 3. OATS SO SIMPLE 7 Overnight oats and homemade granola ticks all the boxes to help you feel fuller Credit: Getty GO big on homemade granola and porridge for breakfast to curb hunger pangs through the day - oats are a soluble A 2024 study in the Journal of Nutrition, led by University of Arizona, showed that beta-glucan, found in insoluble fibres like oats, barley and mushrooms, was the only type of fibre that helped mice lose weight by facilitating the release of GLP-1. Lenoir says: 'Oats are high in fibre and have some proteins. 'They tick all the boxes in that respect and definitely help people feel fuller. 'It's important to also pair your meals so you're having a bit of everything. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR WEIGHT LOSS JABS ON THE NHS? NHS eligibility for weight loss injections has expanded but still lags behind the number who could potentially benefit from taking them. Wegovy, medical name semaglutide, is only available for weight loss through specialist weight management clinics. Patients are typically expected to have tried other weight loss methods before getting a prescription. They may be eligible if their body mass index (BMI) is higher than 30, or higher than 27 if they have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. Mounjaro, known as tirzepatide, is also available from GP practices but currently only to patients with a BMI of 40 or higher (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background) plus four weight-related health conditions. The medicines are currently being rationed to the patients most in need. NHS watchdog NICE estimates that more than three million Brits will ultimately be eligible. The GLP-1 injections are prescribed separately by GPs for people with type 2 diabetes, and patients should discuss this with their doctor. 'Oats are the majority carbohydrates, so you want to pair that with some yogurt, berries, nuts and seeds on top, to give you that full variety. 'That can help you feel satisfied for a prolonged period, and stop that big peak and trough that can come from a higher carb meal.' 4. GO NUTS 7 Having a handful of almonds or pistachios as a snack might increase your GLP-1 levels too Credit: Getty NUTS can divide a room - some people feel saintly snacking on them, but others are wary of eating too many for fear of getting fat. However, a review from 2016 revealed almonds, pistachios, and peanuts might actually increase GLP-1 levels thanks to being packed with protein, fibre and healthy fats. Lenoir says: 'They're shown to overall be quite beneficial if you're adding a handful here and there, but obviously, if you were eating a huge amount, that might have an impact on your energy levels across a day.' Too many could also impact your waistline, so keep portion sizes under control. 5. HOLY GUACAMOLE 7 Avocados have a good level of fibre in them - and can also slash insulin levels while increasing GLP-1 Credit: Getty MILLENNIALS might get a lot of grief for how many avocados they eat, but it looks like they're onto something. A 2019 study by the Center for Nutrition Research at the Illinois Institute of Technology found the guacamole staple can slash insulin levels and increase GLP-1 levels, alongside peptide YY - another appetite-regulating hormone - when eaten in place of carbs. Avocados also 'have a really good level of fibre' in them, which helps with satiety, says Lenoir. She adds: 'But similarly [to nuts], it's got fats in it, and fats are higher in energy per gram than other macronutrients. 'It's important to consider your whole diet, and probably eating just avocado isn't going to fit the bill.' 6. PICKLED 7 Fermented foods are often dubbed 'superfoods' but could also curb your appetite Credit: Getty KEFIR, sauerkraut, yogurt, pickles and kimchi are all 'Fermented foods help improve the number of good gut microbiome species in your gut, and also sometimes act like fermentable fibres, which give us short chain fatty acids,' explains Lenoir. 'There's some evidence to suggest that that can increase the level of GLP-1. 'If you have a better variety of gut microbiome then you're likely to be able to manage hunger slightly better.' CAN'T GET NO SATISFACTION REMEMBER, what you're eating is only part of the story. 'There's two sides of hunger: You can feel physically hungry, but you can also feel unsatisfied because you simply aren't including foods you enjoy,' says Lenoir. This can actually lead to overeating, she warns: 'Psychologically, that can increase things like cravings.' So while not overly nourishing or hunger-busting, completely cutting out biscuits or chips could actually jeopardise your weight loss goals. 'I would never recommend people cut things out, it's always about finding that balance of how to stay satisfied for as long as possible, but also having foods you really enjoy,' says Lenoir. And whether you're on weight loss medication, or trying to shed pounds in the traditional way, also avoid eating too little. 'What we really want to maximise is your health gain as you're losing weight,' says Dr Curtis - that doesn't happen if your diet becomes too restricted. 'That's when we worry about undernutrition,' says Dr Curtis. 'I tell patients to make sure every calorie counts.'
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Can't get fat jabs on the NHS? The 6 ‘Nozempic' foods that mimic the effects of weight-loss injections
WEIGHT loss drugs can sound like a magical quick fix to overeating and constant hunger pangs. But not everyone is eligible for the drugs, and lots wouldn't opt for them even if they were. Lots of us are still looking to blast some belly fat though, so what if we said you could mimic the meds, with none of the unpleasant side effects? The good news is there are simple ways to mimic fat jabs. Yep, with just a few diet changes, you could swerve the headaches, nausea, constipation and diarrhoea the drugs can trigger, and still gain the health benefits of losing a few pounds. First developed to treat type 2 diabetes, the medications - Wegovy and Mounjaro (available on the NHS) - are licensed for weight management for people living with obesity (BMI over 30), or those overweight (BMI of 27) with a weight related comorbidity, 'like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or even knee osteoarthritis,' explains Dr Tom Curtis, Clinical Head of Obesity at Voy. Ozempic is also prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes but is not licensed for weight loss in the UK. They work by mimicking naturally occurring incretins - hormones, like GLP-1 - that tell your brain you're full up. 'They reduce your minute-to-minute hunger drive,' says Dr Curtis. 'They also slow stomach emptying, so make you fuller for longer and can stabilise blood sugars.' But certain foods can put the brakes on hunger like this too… THE 'NOZEMPIC' DIET 'EVERYBODY creates GLP-1 after they eat, along with a whole swathe of other hormones that tell us we're full and don't necessarily need to carry on eating,' says Emily Lenoir, a registered associate nutritionist and behaviour change coach at Voy. 'There are a few foods that might increase the feeling of fullness, and that often is in relation to a slight peak in GLP-1.' So, pop these in your basket when you next do a big shop… 1. MEAT FEAST 7 CHICKEN, turkey, salmon, eggs… protein is your friend. 'Protein takes a little bit longer to digest; it stays in our stomach for longer,' says Lenoir. 'There also seems to be a slight increase in GLP-1 after eating protein.' She adds: 'If a quarter of your meals is coming from protein, which is often what we recommend, then you're likely to have that meal stay in your stomach for a bit longer, and help support that feeling of fullness.' Research from 2020 found that egg whites are particularly handy for GLP-1 release, so get boiling. 2. THE F-WORD 7 FIBRE helps slow digestion, ultimately making you feel fuller for longer. 'That comes from a variety of fruits and vegetables,' says Lenoir. 'If you're getting a whole range of fibres - fermentable fibres (loved by good gut bacteria), and soluble fibres (which slow digestion) - in your meal, that will help slow digestion and make sure you're feeling fuller." Insoluble fibre includes wholegrains like brown rice and wholegrain cereals, as well as leafy greens, nuts and seeds. Soluble fibre, the best type for keeping you full, includes oats, lentils, beans, apples, pears and root vegetables. It turns into a gel-like substance in the gut. Like fat jabs - but by different mechanism - this slows the rate at which food exits, keeping you fuller for longer. Berries are incredibly fibre-rich, as are apples, broccoli, peas, beans and Brussels sprouts. Some studies have found you can reduce glucose spikes, often caused by carbs, by eating your veg first, but Lenoir says not to worry about that too much. 'If you're eating carbohydrates alongside lots of different foods, you're likely to manage that quite well anyway,' she says. And eating things separately isn't always realistic. 'If you're making Bolognese, you're not going to split that up into your veggies, beef and then pasta,' says Lenoir. 3. OATS SO SIMPLE 7 GO big on homemade granola and porridge for breakfast to curb hunger pangs through the day - oats are a soluble fibre. A 2024 study in the Journal of Nutrition, led by University of Arizona, showed that beta-glucan, found in insoluble fibres like oats, barley and mushrooms, was the only type of fibre that helped mice lose weight by facilitating the release of GLP-1. Lenoir says: 'Oats are high in fibre and have some proteins. 'They tick all the boxes in that respect and definitely help people feel fuller. 'It's important to also pair your meals so you're having a bit of everything. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR WEIGHT LOSS JABS ON THE NHS? NHS eligibility for weight loss injections has expanded but still lags behind the number who could potentially benefit from taking them. Wegovy, medical name semaglutide, is only available for weight loss through specialist weight management clinics. Patients are typically expected to have tried other weight loss methods before getting a prescription. They may be eligible if their body mass index (BMI) is higher than 30, or higher than 27 if they have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. Mounjaro, known as tirzepatide, is also available from GP practices but currently only to patients with a BMI of 40 or higher (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background) plus four weight-related health conditions. The medicines are currently being rationed to the patients most in need. NHS watchdog NICE estimates that more than three million Brits will ultimately be eligible. The GLP-1 injections are prescribed separately by GPs for people with type 2 diabetes, and patients should discuss this with their doctor. 'Oats are the majority carbohydrates, so you want to pair that with some yogurt, berries, nuts and seeds on top, to give you that full variety. 'That can help you feel satisfied for a prolonged period, and stop that big peak and trough that can come from a higher carb meal.' 4. GO NUTS 7 NUTS can divide a room - some people feel saintly snacking on them, but others are wary of eating too many for fear of getting fat. However, a review from 2016 revealed almonds, pistachios, and peanuts might actually increase GLP-1 levels thanks to being packed with protein, fibre and healthy fats. Lenoir says: 'They're shown to overall be quite beneficial if you're adding a handful here and there, but obviously, if you were eating a huge amount, that might have an impact on your energy levels across a day.' Too many could also impact your waistline, so keep portion sizes under control. 5. HOLY GUACAMOLE MILLENNIALS might get a lot of grief for how many avocados they eat, but it looks like they're onto something. A 2019 study by the Center for Nutrition Research at the Illinois Institute of Technology found the guacamole staple can slash insulin levels and increase GLP-1 levels, alongside peptide YY - another appetite-regulating hormone - when eaten in place of carbs. Avocados also 'have a really good level of fibre' in them, which helps with satiety, says Lenoir. She adds: 'But similarly [to nuts], it's got fats in it, and fats are higher in energy per gram than other macronutrients. 'It's important to consider your whole diet, and probably eating just avocado isn't going to fit the bill.' 6. PICKLED 7 KEFIR, sauerkraut, yogurt, pickles and kimchi are all tasty fermented foods that could supercharge your appetite-curbing hopes. 'Fermented foods help improve the number of good gut microbiome species in your gut, and also sometimes act like fermentable fibres, which give us short chain fatty acids,' explains Lenoir. 'There's some evidence to suggest that that can increase the level of GLP-1. 'If you have a better variety of gut microbiome then you're likely to be able to manage hunger slightly better.' CAN'T GET NO SATISFACTION REMEMBER, what you're eating is only part of the story. 'There's two sides of hunger: You can feel physically hungry, but you can also feel unsatisfied because you simply aren't including foods you enjoy,' says Lenoir. This can actually lead to overeating, she warns: 'Psychologically, that can increase things like cravings.' So while not overly nourishing or hunger-busting, completely cutting out biscuits or chips could actually jeopardise your weight loss goals. 'I would never recommend people cut things out, it's always about finding that balance of how to stay satisfied for as long as possible, but also having foods you really enjoy,' says Lenoir. And whether you're on weight loss medication, or trying to shed pounds in the traditional way, also avoid eating too little. 'What we really want to maximise is your health gain as you're losing weight,' says Dr Curtis - that doesn't happen if your diet becomes too restricted. 'That's when we worry about undernutrition,' says Dr Curtis. 'I tell patients to make sure every calorie counts.'
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Get 33% Off the ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener
Get 33% Off the ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener for a limited time only | Amazon This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. For a limited time only the ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener are on sale. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener known for delivering quick, sleek, and frizz-free results is now available at 33% off. Originally is currently on sale at Amazon and can be yours for £139.50 that's a huge 33% off the original £209 price. Don't miss this limited-time offer to invest in healthier hair with stunning results. ghd Max isn't just a straightener – it's a styling essential designed for performance and protection. ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener | Amazon Engineered for maximum efficiency and salon-quality results, the ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener features 70% larger plates, making it the perfect choice for those with long, thick, or curly hair. You'll spend less time styling and more time enjoying silky, shiny hair that looks professionally done. The ghd hair straighteners have over 1000 five star reviews on Amazon. One person wrote: 'Fantastic quality, purchased to upgrade a very old pair of thin Ghds.' Another person explained that these ghd straighteners are 'Great for thick hair.' Features: Dual-Zone Technology: Maintains the optimum styling temperature of 185°C across both plates for even heat and smooth results without extreme heat damage. Wider Plates: Designed for quicker styling, the 1.65" plates cover more surface area to straighten hair in fewer passes. Frizz-Free Finish: Reduces frizz by up to 2x and delivers up to 80% more shine†. Sleek Results that Last: Create long-lasting, salon-smooth styles effortlessly. Eco-Friendly Packaging: Comes in fully recyclable outer packaging, aligning your beauty routine with sustainability. 💪 Women 55+ are leading the way in healthy weight loss A major UK study shows that women over 55 are seeing the best results from weight loss jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro – and it's not just the medication that's working. According to research from Voy and Imperial College London, older women who track their weight and attend coaching sessions lose 53% more weight than those relying on jabs alone. ✨ Voy offers a personalised, medically guided plan combining prescription support with coaching and digital habit-building tools. Learn more and check your eligibility here. Natalie Dixon is NationalWorld's Lifestyle reporter . If you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here . You can also Get the best style and fashion news with Natalie Dixon in Tuesday's NationalWorld newsletter - sign up now
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Get 33% Off the ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener
Get 33% Off the ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener for a limited time only | Amazon This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. For a limited time only the ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener are on sale. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener known for delivering quick, sleek, and frizz-free results is now available at 33% off. Originally is currently on sale at Amazon and can be yours for £139.50 that's a huge 33% off the original £209 price. Don't miss this limited-time offer to invest in healthier hair with stunning results. ghd Max isn't just a straightener – it's a styling essential designed for performance and protection. ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener | Amazon Engineered for maximum efficiency and salon-quality results, the ghd Max Professional Hair Straightener features 70% larger plates, making it the perfect choice for those with long, thick, or curly hair. You'll spend less time styling and more time enjoying silky, shiny hair that looks professionally done. The ghd hair straighteners have over 1000 five star reviews on Amazon. One person wrote: 'Fantastic quality, purchased to upgrade a very old pair of thin Ghds.' Another person explained that these ghd straighteners are 'Great for thick hair.' Features: Dual-Zone Technology: Maintains the optimum styling temperature of 185°C across both plates for even heat and smooth results without extreme heat damage. Wider Plates: Designed for quicker styling, the 1.65" plates cover more surface area to straighten hair in fewer passes. Frizz-Free Finish: Reduces frizz by up to 2x and delivers up to 80% more shine†. Sleek Results that Last: Create long-lasting, salon-smooth styles effortlessly. Eco-Friendly Packaging: Comes in fully recyclable outer packaging, aligning your beauty routine with sustainability. 💪 Women 55+ are leading the way in healthy weight loss A major UK study shows that women over 55 are seeing the best results from weight loss jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro – and it's not just the medication that's working. According to research from Voy and Imperial College London, older women who track their weight and attend coaching sessions lose 53% more weight than those relying on jabs alone. ✨ Voy offers a personalised, medically guided plan combining prescription support with coaching and digital habit-building tools. Learn more and check your eligibility here. Natalie Dixon is NationalWorld's Lifestyle reporter . If you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here .
