Latest news with #chronicdisease
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Five free, easy ways to fight chronic inflammation
Inflammation – the body's evolutionary response to infection, injury, or other threats – has been a trending topic in the health world. Some scientists have even called inflammation 'the cause of all diseases'. But what actually causes inflammation, and what fights it? In some contexts, inflammation is good. When the body faces an acute threat – say, an ear infection or a sprained ankle, it responds with acute inflammation – an immune system process marked by fever, swelling and pain in the affected area. But in the face of chronic threats – say, from trauma or job stress, acute inflammation can become chronic, and the immune, stress and cardiometabolic responses can become dysregulated. Research links chronic inflammation with low mood, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular risks, and a range of health conditions, including depression and dementia. A growing number of products and routines – like red light masks and de-puffing regimens – claim to fight the signs of inflammation. Many nutritional methods have proven to help chronic inflammation, too – such as eating a vegetable-heavy Mediterranean diet or more whole grains and omega-3-rich fish. But cost and access issues can get in the way of these solutions. Plus, they may not address a major root cause, as increasing evidence says chronic stress can induce chronic inflammation. To prevent and manage chronic stress, more health professionals are offering 'social prescriptions', or referrals to non-medical, community-based, de-stressing activities. Often, these activities are free or the costs are covered by another party, like an insurer or local non-profit. Dr Alan Siegel, executive director of non-profit Social Prescribing USA and a family physician at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, has prescribed community walks, painting classes and museum visits to his patients for over two decades. 'Whether somebody walks into my office with type 2 diabetes or depression, I've seen how social prescriptions can help patients truly heal and adopt healthier lifestyles in the long-term.' Over 30 countries and a dozen US states have social prescribing programs, which have led to improved health and reduced pressure on healthcare. But even without a doctor's note or a thick wallet, anyone can engage in these scientifically backed anti-inflammatory activities. Spend time in nature Forest-bathing – engaging in natural environments with all five senses – is a known wellbeing booster. But according to Dr Qing Li, professor of clinical medicine at Nippon Medical school in Tokyo, forest bathing can also help support healthy functioning of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, a key player in controlling the stress and inflammation response. 'Forest environments can promote relaxation and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the 'rest and digest' functions,' says Dr. Li. It can also reduce activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the 'fight or flight' responses. By helping to prevent and manage stress, forest bathing can also help prevent and manage chronic inflammation. A series of Li's studies show that forest bathing can reduce the stress hormones cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. Other research similarly finds time in nature can reduce physiological markers of stress, like cortisol, and the perception of stress. One study found just 20 minutes of nature per day can make a difference in stress levels. Engage with art and music Art can also promote relief from chronic stress. In one study, healthy adults who participated in a 45-minute art-making session saw significantly lower levels of cortisol afterward. Feelings of stress are related to a loss of control, says Dr Girija Kaimal, professor of creative arts therapies at Drexel University, who co-authored the study. Creating art helps us feel like 'there's something we have a sense of agency over' and 'lets us take charge of the distress'. The study's participants self-reported that they found art-making relaxing, enjoyable, 'freeing from constraints', and conducive to flow and self-discovery. 'Distraction is a great initial coping mechanism to help us calm down after a stressful event, but art can help us dig deeper – it helps us pay attention to what distressed us, and it'll help the next time something similar sets us off,' says Kaimal. It's important to create 'the kind of art that speaks to you,' says Kaimal – whether it's writing, dancing, or drawing – and skill level doesn't matter. 'You want to get into a judgment-free zone where you can play and have fun without consequences.' A growing body of research suggests experiencing art, not just creating it, can also promote inflammation reduction. Some research has found listening to music, for instance, can reduce blood pressure and cortisol. Researchers at the University of Florida have been documenting the health benefits of engaging with the arts, with some studies suggesting just one to three hours of related activity per week can reduce risk of depression and cognitive decline. skip past newsletter promotion Sign up to Well Actually Free weekly newsletter Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life Enter your email address Sign up Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy . We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion Move your body Beyond reducing stress, exercise is linked to a number of other anti-inflammatory benefits. This makes sense from an evolutionary perspective because bodily movement was often linked with fighting a predator or fighting for our lives, says Dr. Michael Gleeson, emeritus professor of exercise biochemistry at Loughborough University. 'The body puts its survival first,' and temporarily inhibits the inflammatory response so it can use energy more efficiently, he says. In his co-authored research, Gleeson suggests exercise not only induces an anti-inflammatory environment in the short-term, but may also reduce visceral fat mass in the long-term. The accumulation of visceral fat can drive and worsen chronic inflammation by promoting development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and other diseases linked to physical inactivity. Other research finds that exercise can significantly reduce production of pro-inflammatory proteins, like CRP and IL-6, and increase anti-inflammatory proteins, like IL-10. To reap these and other benefits, the World Health Organization recommends adults spend at least 150 minutes each week on moderate aerobic activity, like brisk walking and cycling, or 75 minutes on vigorous activity, like running, Zumba or sports. A longitudinal study finds sports involving social interaction – such as tennis, badminton and soccer – are best at promoting health and longevity. Support other people Because cooperation with others has historically been essential for survival, our bodies have evolved to respond to the absence of social connections. The late neuroscientist Dr John Cacioppo compares this evolutionary response to hunger. Just as hunger signals the absence of energy and nutrients and cues the body to find food, loneliness signals the absence of social connections, and cues us to seek out or repair relationships. That's why multiple studies link feelings of loneliness and social isolation to a range of stress responses, including increased pro-inflammatory proteins and dysregulated cortisol function. Conversely, studies link high levels of social support to lower cortisol, and link social activities like volunteering and giving social support to lower pro-inflammatory proteins. Experience 'awe' Within all of these activities, the experience of awe – a feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends our current understanding of the world – can also reduce inflammation. Dr Jennifer Stellar, a professor of psychology at University of Toronto, co-authored a study that links awe to greater positive affect and lower inflammatory proteins. Further research is underway but Stellar suggests 'that positive emotions can undo the effects of negative emotions, and negative emotions are associated with inflammation'. Another reason is that 'awe makes us feel connected to others, and social connection has been documented to act as a buffer against inflammatory responses.' So how can you encounter awe? Her co-author, Dr Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at University of Berkeley California and renowned awe expert, says that it can result from engagement with the 'eight wonders of life': the moral beauty of others, nature, collective movement, music, visual design, spirituality and religion, big ideas, and the cycle of life and death.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Seaweed – The Superfood Tackling Health Emissions And Food Security
Healthy spirulina drink in the glass As the world battles rising chronic disease and climate instability, seaweed is emerging as a rare solution to both. Once relegated to coastal cuisines, this fast-growing marine macroalgae is now surfacing in dietary supplements, snacks, bioplastics and even methane-reducing livestock feed. Seaweed has emerged as a promising solution to help meet global food and material demands without expanding agricultural land. Researchers from institutions including the University of Queensland, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization found that scaling up the cultivation of commercially valuable seaweed species could significantly ease pressure on terrestrial farming. These findings underscore seaweed's potential to support both food security and climate goals, provided land and ocean resources are managed in an integrated, sustainable way. According to a Science Direct article, Western diets are deficient in fiber and essential micronutrients, contributing to gut imbalances, chronic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. Seaweed, particularly sugar kelp, naturally fills these gaps with a potent mix of insoluble fibers such as fucoidan, beta-glucan, alginate, and cellulose. When fermented by gut bacteria, these fibers produce short-chain fatty acids, compounds linked to improved insulin sensitivity, satiety, and immune health. TOPSHOT - Captain John Lovett, 52, uses a knife to harvest kelp and throws keepers into a large bin ... More on the boat in Duxbury, Massachusetts on May 9, 2023. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) Seaweed Health Support From The Ocean OCEANIUM, a UK-based biotech founded by Karen Scofield Seal and Dr. Charlie Bavington, is using seaweed to support both people and planet. Their flagship product, OCEAN ACTIVES® H+, delivers a clinically proven 250 mg dose that improves the ratio of beneficial to harmful gut bacteria, specifically increasing Bifidobacterium while decreasing Enterobacteriaceae. The company's proprietary green biorefinery process ensures their ingredients are bioavailable, food-safe, and traceable from sea to shelf. OCEANIUM is also collaborating with Wageningen University on dementia-prevention research through the gut-brain axis and working with Reading University to explore human and pet nutrition. From a sustainability standpoint, seaweed requires no land, freshwater, or fertilizer, making it one of the most sustainable crops on Earth. According to the company, it supports six UN Sustainable Development Goals, absorbs CO₂ and nitrogen, and increases marine biodiversity. OCEANIUM is not alone in the innovation game. PhycoHealth in Australia produces seaweed-based capsules targeting gut and skin health. FutureFeed, another Australian agritech company, has developed a seaweed-based cattle feed supplement that cuts methane emissions by over 80%, according to CSIRO. Challenges Facing Seaweed And The Way Forward Despite its potential, seaweed still faces hurdles to mainstream adoption. Limited processing infrastructure poses a bottleneck to scaling, and its taste and texture can be off-putting to some consumers. According to the OCEANIUM team, overcoming these challenges requires offering products in familiar, easy-to-use formats with a neutral flavor profile. Their approach focuses on refining seaweed into versatile ingredients that seamlessly integrate into everyday foods like snacks, soups, and protein bars. Just as crucial is consumer education, emphasizing seaweed's health benefits and sustainability value to build trust and encourage widespread use. Pills of seaweed spirulina, chlorella on a wooden spoon close up. Vegetarian Super food with plant ... More protein Seaweed is no longer a fringe ingredient, it is a frontier crop with the potential to nourish people and regenerate the planet. Backed by science, powered by innovation, and aligned with global sustainability goals, seaweed offers a rare convergence of health, climate, and economic opportunity. Seaweed brands are proving that with smart processing, strategic partnerships, and consumer education, seaweed can transcend its niche and become a mainstream force in food systems, bioeconomy, and environmental resilience. The path forward isn't without obstacles, but if cultivated with care, this marine resource could help reshape the future of both nutrition and planetary stewardship.
Bloomberg
15-07-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
MAHA Misses the Real Threats Facing the Next Generation
A new study in JAMA uses extensive data to paint a comprehensive picture of how America's children are faring — and the image is bleak. Between 2007 and 2023, their physical and mental health worsened, and chronic conditions became more common. But the most breathtaking statistic? Children in the US were 80% more likely to die than those born in other similarly wealthy countries. Whether it's death rates, chronic disease, mental health or any of the 170 measures captured in the study, the overall message is a crisis in children's health, says its lead author, Christopher Forrest, a pediatrician and health outcomes researcher at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Can Your Diet Actually Treat Chronic Disease? It Depends on a Few Key Factors.
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." NEARLY 2,500 YEARS ago, Hippocrates proclaimed that 'food is medicine.' Or something like that. Not only is it debatable that Hippocrates uttered the phrase at all, the idea of food being a cure-all for disease is now a thing again. In fact, there's a whole 'food is medicine" movement currently taking shape in the U.S. and around the world, one that's fueled both by concentrated university-backed research entities and the social-political MAHA phenomenon. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has used the phrase as a rallying cry to make changes to SNAP, alter school lunch programs, and eliminate artificial ingredients from packaged foods—all efforts to target chronic disease. At the same time, doctors and researchers believe that food is medicine can prevent—and even treat—diseases by way of expanding access to more healthful foods. That might mean supplying people with medically tailored meals or groceries, paid for or subsidized by their insurance. Or that could be doctors giving their patients prescriptions for fresh fruits and vegetables. Or implementing education programs around the importance of a healthful diet. All these ideas considered, food as medicine shouldn't compete with actual medicine, says Leslie Bonci, RD, a registered dietitian in Pittsburgh, PA. They should complement each other: 'The two don't live in silos,' she says. 'We can be proactive with food, but medication is essential.' In other words, eating a healthy diet is certainly good for you—but it can only take you so far. Here's what the research says about what food can (and can't) help with. WHILE EMERGING RESEARCH shows the promise of Food Is Medicine programs on heart health, there aren't yet solid standards for dose, duration, or frequency, a 2025 review by the American Heart Association found. That said, prior science has shown that what you eat plays a big role when it comes to preventing heart disease. Some research shows that people who eat certain diets—regardless of whether it's a low-carb or a low-fat one—tend to have better heart health than those who eat unhealthier diets. Even if you already have heart disease, eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish, can help prevent a heart attack or stroke. The Mediterranean Diet and DASH diets—which prioritize healthy foods rather than limiting macros—are associated with lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease by up to 30 percent. Fruits and vegetables, especially, play a large part in helping people lower their blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, which can help prevent deaths from heart disease, says Bonci. That's not to say you'll never need medication for high blood pressure or cholesterol, but you can do a lot to protect your heart by eating a healthy diet. THE RESEARCH ON Food Is Medicine and type 2 diabetes is, so far, mixed. One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who did a Food Is Medicine program for a year, didn't see a blood sugar benefit. Yet other studies have reported that medically tailored meals helped those with diabetes lower their A1C, eat more produce, and report feelings of better health six months after receiving the meals. With diet in general, it's certainly true that eating an unhealthy diet can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes by roughly 30 percent, according to some research. The American Diabetes Association states that type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition even if you're exercising regularly and watching what you eat. That also tracks with what the research has found. Namely, that sometimes it's possible to delay a diabetes diagnosis—but sometimes not. For example, according to a 2024 study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, people with a high genetic risk of type 2 diabetes who exercised regularly and ate a healthier diet (more fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber) were 70 percent less likely to develop the condition three years later. But those with a lower genetic risk didn't see the same benefits. And once someone has type 2 diabetes, food is likely only part of the solution. Eating a healthy diet might help someone keep their A1C levels down, but in other cases, it may not. One 2023 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people with type 2 diabetes who participated in a food-as-medicine program, which provided healthy groceries for 10 meals per week for one year, didn't see an improvement in their blood sugar levels. It's still in your best interest to eat healthy whether you have type 2 diabetes—or don't want to develop it. After all, preventing type 2 diabetes for just four years can help you live longer overall, according to a 2024 study. And if you have type 2 diabetes now and stick to a healthy diet, research shows that you'll live longer, too. WE DON'T KNOW yet—but several Food Is Medicine studies are in the works. There's precedence though: Research shows that eating more of certain food groups (read: not any one food in particular) can help prevent some cancers from developing. Eating more fruits and vegetables has been shown to protect against colorectal, breast, and lung cancers, possibly because they contain nutrients like vitamins C and E that prevent cancer from forming in certain cells, according to a review in the journal Nutrients. Likewise, eating more fish may help ward off colorectal cancer, possibly because omega-3s can help lower inflammation in the body. In people who already have cancer, though, food may not make much of a difference. One review from July 2024 concluded that there's no strong evidence to show that any particular diet—such as keto, or diets that claim to starve the cancer cells of sugar—can slow down the progression of cancer or reduce the risk of recurrence. Although there is some evidence that a healthy diet can help some cancer survivors live a little longer. THERE'S SCIENTIFIC that Food Is Medicine programs may help reduce obesity, but more research is needed. That's partially because obesity is so complex. If there's one thing we've learned in the past decade or so, it's that obesity is way more than calories in, calories out. Newer research shows that obesity is driven not only by diet, but by genetics, lower physical activity levels, sleep patterns, stress, race, our environment, plus tons of other factors. Once you gain weight, it can be pretty difficult to shed it for good. Obviously, it's not impossible—and these guys are proof—but one particularly famous study conducted in The Biggest Loser contestants found that most of them gained back much of the weight they lost on the show. That's because when a person loses weight, their metabolism slows. In fact, the researchers found that after six years, The Biggest Loser contestants had resting metabolic rates of about 500 calories lower than someone at the same weight— meaning, they'd have to eat 500 fewer calories a day than the next guy in order to maintain their waistline. Due to the introduction of GLP-1s like Wegovy—which helps lower appetite levels by quieting the food noise—people may be more likely to see obesity as a treatable (and complex) disease. But that's not to say medication alone is the answer. New research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition pointed out that people who use GLP-1s can run the risk of nutrient deficiencies as well as muscle and bone density loss, which means that your food choices are still as important as ever. RESEARCHERS SEE for Food Is Medicine programs to support better mental health, and some preliminary studies have found a connection between some programs and self-reported feelings of less anxiety and depression, but (you guessed it) we need more research. What we already know is that science has consistently found that eating more inflammatory foods—candy, soda, margarine, red meat, you know the drill—is linked to higher symptoms of depression. What's more, not eating unhealthy food can help boost your mood: Research published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine found that people who lowered their intake of junk food and replaced it with healthier stuff saw a reduction in depressive symptoms, even if they didn't have a formal diagnosis. (The study didn't show a benefit to anxiety symptoms, though.) Plus, among people who do have depression, those who eat more whole grains and vegetables tend to have less severe symptoms than people who don't eat healthy, according to a 2023 study. So can you beat depression by shelving your snacking habit? Probably not, but you'll likely feel a little better. ADMITTEDLY, THE RESEARCH into what's being called the Planetary Health Diet is relatively new, but one study published in 2024 found that healthier diets resulted in 29 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, 21 percent less fertilizer, and 13 percent fewer irrigation water. So while it's probably a little too early to tell whether cutting trans fats and added sugar from our diet will save the planet, it can certainly help us live longer—and healthier—in the meantime. And isn't that a good enough reason? You Might Also Like The Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Men to Buy Now 25 Vegetables That Are Surprising Sources of Protein
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Longevity Revolution Is Coming — Will It Include You?
Who wants to live forever? The answer is — just about everyone. But as people live longer, the real question is whether those extra years will be healthy, productive, and accessible to all — or a privilege for the few. When most people think about longevity, they think about fitness trackers, sleep clinics, biohacking startups, or the latest personalized supplements. But as someone who has spent the past decade building a healthcare company in Bangladesh, I can tell you: the tools for living longer have been around a very long time. What's missing are the systems to make those tools available to everyone. The evidence is clear: if everyone in the world had access to a basic health check once a year, we ... More could increase life expectancy by up to seven years across the globe. The biggest breakthroughs in life expectancy won't come from flashy technology. They will come from preventing disease altogether — from ensuring that more people can detect and manage chronic illnesses before they become life-threatening. Today, over 70% of deaths globally are caused by chronic, non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Modern longevity is about staying healthy, active, and free from chronic disease for as long as possible. As longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia has said, 'The goal isn't to avoid death entirely — that's impossible — but to delay the onset of the diseases that most commonly kill us.' The goal isn't to avoid death entirely — that's impossible — but to delay the onset of the diseases that most commonly kill evidence is clear: if everyone in the world had access to a basic health check once a year, we could increase life expectancy by up to seven years across the globe. And yet, many people only seek care when they are already seriously ill. In emerging markets especially, the window for prevention closes too soon — often due to cost, distance, or a lack of trust in the system. At Praava Health, we've seen how that can change. Through a combination of high-quality physical clinics and digital tools, we've served nearly a million patients in Bangladesh — and today, over 30% of our patients come to us for preventive care, not just treatment. Technology plays a critical role — not as a substitute for the doctor, but as a bridge that amplifies access and care. At Praava, digital tools allow us to reach underserved communities, automate clinical protocols, flag early signs of disease, and help patients take control of their health. If we focus only on technology, we risk leaving vast populations behind. Nearly three billion people globally still lack internet access. Over a billion live without reliable electricity. The good news is that we don't need fancy tech to improve healthspan. Even in the richest countries in the world, no technology tool or gadget can replace human connection, continuity, or care. No technology, no treatment, can substitute for the power of community. In fact, as more of us spend more and more time looking at screens rather than at each other, loneliness is one of the greatest and most underestimated health challenges of our time. We now know that social isolation doesn't just affect our mental wellbeing — it increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, and premature death as much as smoking or obesity. Longevity begins with systems: trusted, accessible, affordable care. Across the Global South, we've already seen how simple, system-level investments in prevention can dramatically improve outcomes: These stories prove what's possible, even when resources are scarce. The tools to extend life are in frontline clinics, community health programs, and policies that make prevention accessible. And the returns on longevity are not only social — they're economic. Longer, healthier lives translate into stronger labor markets, rising incomes, and growing consumer demand. In emerging markets, simple interventions can deliver outsized gains for both health and financial returns. Healthcare systems in Asia, for example, trade at 2-3x the valuations of comparable U.S. systems — driven by demand, demographic momentum, and the ability to leapfrog outdated, rigid infrastructure. These markets can build more efficient, tech-enabled health systems from the ground up. Ultimately, each of us must be the quarterback of our own health and longevity. As Dr. Richa Chaturvedi, a leading endocrinologist in India, reminds us, 'Longevity is a fascinating mix of what we inherit from our parents and the choices we make every day. While our genes do set the stage—some people are simply born with a head start—most research agrees that how we live plays a bigger part in how long and how well we live. Things like what we eat, how active we are, how we handle stress, and whether we avoid harmful habits like smoking can make a huge difference, sometimes even outweighing family history. So, even if you don't come from a long line of centenarians, there's a lot you can do to stack the odds in your favour and enjoy a longer, healthier life.' However, without systems that enable those choices, people — especially in the Global South — are left behind. Longevity is a fascinating mix of what we inherit from our parents and the choices we make every most effective healthcare systems are built on a foundation of prevention — not just flashy tech, but high-quality, accessible care that ensures everyone can benefit from something as simple and powerful as an annual health check. To truly democratize longevity, we need: ✔ Affordable, high-quality healthcare and diagnostics, centered around primary care ✔ Financing tools like microinsurance and wellness-linked savings ✔ Investments in frontline workers and community health teams ✔ Regulations that promote access to nutritious food and clean environments ✔ Policies that remove barriers — particularly for women, rural communities, and aging populations The same drivers fueling longevity businesses in the West — prevention, proactive care, system design — are even more scalable, and often more urgent, in the Global systems that empower healthier, longer lives isn't just a moral imperative — it's an economic one. And it's one of the most investable opportunities of our time. If longevity is the next frontier of human progress, it must belong to all of us — not only those of us who can afford it.
