Low-level traffic air pollution linked to liver damage and fatty liver disease
“Low levels of traffic-related air pollution harms the liver and may raise the risk of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, a new study in mice suggests.”
Mindfulness treatment program reduces cravings in those with opioid addiction
“Key takeaways: Mean opioid craving was reduced by 67% in the mindfulness-based intervention. Anxiety was also significantly reduced from baseline to 24 weeks in both treatment groups.”
Opera introduces Opera Air – the first browser to actively improve your wellbeing
“Oslo, Norway – 4 February 2025 – The Norwegian browser maker Opera [NASDAQ: OPRA] is introducing Opera Air, the first browser built around the concept of mindfulness. Beyond being a powerful, secure, and fully functional browser, Opera Air is designed to make its users feel better while they browse the web. The new browser integrates mindfulness tools such as breathing exercises, meditation, binaural beats, stretching, and positive quotes directly into the browsing experience. Users also get to enjoy a minimalist Scandinavian design and frosted glass UI.”
Virtual reality meditation can alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms
“A new study from the Texas A&M University School of Public Health provides additional evidence that meditation using immersive virtual reality devices provides greater relief from depression and anxiety symptoms than meditation alone.”
“Healthy vs. Unhealthy Food” Isn’t a Good Mindset—and It Can Cause Harm
“Guilt-free. Decadent. Healthy. Indulgent. Clean. Junk. The words we use when we talk about food can be full of judgment masquerading as health advice. It’s what’s lurking behind the concept of food morality. Labeling foods with moral categories can bring feelings of virtue (“I’ll be good and order the salad!”) or shame (“I was bad and ate the brownie.”). It also ignores the many ways in which food nourishes us—physically, emotionally, and culturally.”
Study Finds High Prevalence of Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency in Type 2 Diabetes
“Key Takeaways: Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin D, are prevalent in individuals with type 2 diabetes, affecting overall health and disease management. A pooled analysis of 132 studies found nearly half of T2D patients have multiple micronutrient deficiencies, with vitamin D, magnesium, and iron being most common.”
The hidden health costs of NFL food advertisements
“A new study by a research team led by the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), found that the foods advertised during National Football League (NFL) games, the most watched sporting events in the U.S., were frequently high in sodium, calories and fat content.”
Unhealthy diet may speed up biological aging, even in young adults
“The results of a new study involving 826 young adults suggest that diets high in fast food, processed red meat, and soda but low in fruits and vegetables may be linked to faster biological aging.”
Juice cleanse may harm gut and oral health
“Think your juice cleanse is making you healthier? A new Northwestern University study suggests it might be doing the opposite. The study, recently published in Nutrients, found that a vegetable and fruit juice-only diet – even for just three days – can trigger shifts in gut and oral bacteria linked to inflammation and cognitive decline.”
Kroger now offers nutrition coaching
“Kroger is strengthening its foothold in healthcare with a new nutrition coaching program that includes tips and tools for shoppers to encourage healthier eating, the grocer announced Monday. The program, known as OptUP Your Nutrition, is free to Kroger Plus loyalty members and includes a 30-minute virtual coaching session with a registered dietitian.”
New Findings Strengthens Case for Exercise Therapy in Cancer Care
“Key Takeaways: Exercise interventions significantly reduce anxiety and depression in older cancer patients, improving HRQOL. Mind-body exercises, such as tai chi and yoga, are more effective in reducing depression and anxiety than conventional exercises.”
CEOs and celebrities swear by cold plunging. New research calls its benefits into question
“That’s the question a group of University of South Australia researchers set out to answer through their unique meta-analysis of 11 global studies. But the results, published in the PLOS One journal on Jan. 29, were murky.”
Pickleball program boosts health and wellness for cancer survivors
“A new community-based pickleball program called Project Rally is helping cancer survivors improve their physical and social well-being, according to a recent pilot study. The program has shown strong results in terms of participation, enjoyment, and physical improvements.”
