What we are reading - Health and wellness

Interesting article in today’s Mint Lounge on Biohacking.

The pandemic has led to an unusual spike in interest in health and fitness among Indians, and nowhere is this more noticeable than the early-adopting tech circles - forever in search of ways to stay sharp and focused at work, increasing productivity, beating stress and anxiety etc. When you are healthy, mentally and physically, you sleep well, wake up in a good mood, are at a peak state of mind through the day…your work improves, your relationships improve. You are happier.

Biohacking, the practice of using science, technology and lifestyle changes to optimise human biology and enhance performance, is a rapidly growing field globally. But is it all hype or does it show results?

Biohacking approach could help people live a healthy, long, disease-free life. But never blindly follow anything in life and there are no quick fixes.Take intermittent fasting (IF), for example, a phenomenon that was practically unheard of even a decade ago but today is one of the most accessible biohacks

One of the biggest issues of the nearly $4,887 billion global health and wellness industry has always been the lack of regulation: Science and pseudoscience are often indistinguishable, tall claims masquerading as potent scientific breakthroughs, the constant commodification of health by unqualified people preying on consumers naïve enough to fall for it.

https://twitter.com/theliverdr/status/1645346941121830913

The government’s move to ask influencers for qualification has mixed opinions from experts, while few are expecting a drop in scams and bad advice, others are worried about the growth of illegitimate certification agencies. Irrespective of the challenges, this is an excellent first step in filtering nonsense, and more regulations in the future can hopefully shape the industry better.

Metformin: A Promising Anti-Aging Drug?

The increased interest in metformin, a medication frequently prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, as a potential anti-aging treatment. This article looks into the scientific study on metformin’s effects on aging, the experiences of people who use metformin for its alleged anti-aging advantages, and the debates concerning its use in healthy people.

Indians consuming microplastics through salt from sea dumps

Microplastics have been identified in significant concentrations of salt samples obtained from Indian marine dumps, suggesting that Indians who use sea salt may be consuming them. The presence of microplastics in salt may endanger human health because these particles have been related to a variety of health disorders, including reproductive troubles and cancer. The article calls for immediate action to address the issue of plastic waste and limit the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean.

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Insane

Beyond Impossible: The Explosive Growth of Plant-Based Meat Sales

Plant-based meat has progressed from a specialist product to a mainstream one in the previous decade. Despite the popularity of the Impossible Burger and other prominent brands, sales of plant-based meat continue to soar. The causes for this dramatic increase are discussed in this article, including consumer demand for better, more sustainable food options and the rising accessibility and affordability of plant-based meat products. The piece also looks ahead to the future of plant-based meat, examining potential developments and market trends that could fuel even more growth in this quickly expanding business.

Ab Etching: Creating a Fake Six-Pack

Ab etching, a cosmetic surgery treatment that includes the removal of fat from certain parts of the abdominal region in order to create the appearance of a six-pack. This article looks into the procedure’s risks and limitations, as well as the ethical issues of promoting a false image of masculinity. Rather than relying on cosmetic surgeries, I think getting a true six-pack demands an active lifestyle, discipline and attention to diet.

The Bittersweet Truth About Ice Cream and Health

According to a new study, eating ice cream may be harmful to one’s health. The study discovered that eating a lot of ice cream on a regular basis is linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Despite its exquisite flavours and widespread popularity, ice cream is not a healthy food option and should be consumed in moderation. The article explores the possible causes of ice cream’s bad health impacts and suggests some options for individuals who want to satisfy their sweet desire without sacrificing their health.

Does Weed Ruin Your Workout Gains?

The article looks at the impact of marijuana use on athletic performance, including research that indicates it may impede some cognitive and physical abilities important for athletic success. Although there is little and contradictory evidence on this subject, some athletes contend that cannabis use enhances their ability to focus and unwind during practice and competition. In the end, the effect of marijuana use on athletic performance may depend on a number of variables, including the dosage, the way it is consumed, and the user’s tolerance and sensitivity to THC.

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All factors considered, the only role Cannabis seems to be well-bearing is sleep and recovery, and we should stress the dosage and frequency. The consumption if limited to fix sleep cycle, soreness just once, say in 3 to 6 months, may be helpful. But again, it isn’t much different from smoking a cigarette and regular consumption can hurt the lungs and heart albeit its medicinal properties. Also, unnecessary consumption of medicines is nothing but toxicity, again hurting the organs.

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On lab-grown meat :point_up_2:

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Are Protein Bars Actually Good for You?

Although protein bars can be an easy-to-carry option for people on the go, they frequently contain a lot of added sugar and artificial ingredients. The article offers suggestions from nutrition professionals on what to look for when selecting a protein bar, such as verifying the ingredient list for sources of protein from whole foods and avoiding added sweeteners. It also emphasizes how crucial it is to view protein bars as an addition to a healthy diet rather than a swap for real foods. The post offers helpful information for anyone considering using protein bars in their diet overall.

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I have actually written a heart felt blog on health & wellness, preventive healthcare, organic food and produce from my own experiences. And would like to use this (and every) medium to make more and more individuals aware and understand the importance of taking charge of your own health and wellness in your hands. Especially in today’s age where chronic diseases are prevalent in almost 1 out of 3 or 4 of us and is only increasing at a rapid pace and impacting if teens and 20 year olds.

Would be more than happy to hear your viewpoints and opinion on the same.

Happy reading.

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Our (Wellfinity.in) view of Metformin::

Metformin, a :pill: drug that enhances insulin sensitivity and activates mTOR pathways, is being hailed as a longevity drug. However, it’s worth noting that some people may experience digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion after taking the medication. If that’s the case for you, Berberine is a natural supplement that may be more tolerable and provide the same or even better results in lowering hemoglobin A1c levels and other health benefits.

It’s important to keep in mind that taking Metformin may also interfere with the absorption of B12 and other nutrients, potentially causing deficiencies in these areas. If you are deficient or borderline in these nutrients, it’s best to get tested before starting on Metformin. Stay informed and consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.

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Hi Anurag,

Welcome to the Forum!

This is a nice read. An entire generation ended up believing that chronic diseases are life’s curse and made peace to live with it. I couldn’t have said that a couple of years back, as I too believed that those are non-reversible and feared them instead of acting against them.

My father had worked super hard being a workaholic and at the end of the day, he treated himself with bad food habits and less rest. He had always believed that any disease can be taken care of as long as there are doctors to prescribe medication. The realization came when this lifestyle eventually led to Liver Cirrhosis (non-alcoholic) which is non-reversible. I read a lot around and experimented with routines and realized how SIMPLE health really is and how all of it can be avoided with lifestyle changes.

I really wished there was someone to really share all this knowledge with at a large scale so that individuals take the right actions to maintain a healthy lifestyle. :slight_smile:

Thanks a lot Shalem and glad you could connect with the article.

A big part of our goal is to spread this awareness and more importantly to make millions realise that disease-reversal is a reality backed by science. And that you now have a choice of ‘living with for life with medicines’ or live without a disease and medicines for life. Quality of life is a very important yet neglected choice we all have.

Btw, hope your father is doing better now. Just a small viewpoint of ours, Liver Cirrhosis as per our holistic and integrative doctors, it is very much possible to stop the degeneration and thereafter work on regeneration. A long drawn process, but if one is willing to follow the protocols, its very much possible. The key is to identify the real root-causes of the issue rather than looking at the superficial symptoms and hence working on them.

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Being a thread on health and wellness space, this small read has been collectively put together by our clinical experts, at https://wellfinity.in, through the application of our interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and science-backed understanding.

Before we try to understand a disease or the absence of it and hence health & wellness, we need to understand the basic tenets and principles of the body’s workings, its environment and more importantly homeostasis.

If we can grasp this and use it as fundamental blocks, then disease, its absence, health & wellness will much more easier to comprehend. However, in today’s world where we are looking for quick fixes and a band-aid to our health conditions, delving into the fundamentals and understanding the root-causes and the body’s interconnectedness is not given its due importance. And hence its results is there for all of us to see; most of us are diseased and living at a sub-optimal health performance levels than what the body is fundamentally designed for.

While we may not have all the answers, we are constantly in search for them. So your comments and viewpoints will definitely be helpful. :slight_smile:

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Thank you. Upon a great push, he has changed his daily habits, got addicted to daily walks, leaves his phone at home, and goes for an hour-and-a-half-long walk at the park. Gets enough rest and also started consuming eggs and chicken or fish, all of which he used to hate, to put in some protein in the body. He’s now more mindful about the quantity of food and also cut on sweets to a great extent. I’m extremely happy to see this changeover and his consistency for the past year and a half.

It’s still in the child’s A stage, the lifestyle change has slowed down the degeneration. Although there are other health complications, I would love to read/discuss and know about this in detail. :slight_smile:

This article from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) discusses how psychedelic drugs have the potential to help with depression. Certain types of psychedelics, such as psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) and MDMA, have shown promise in clinical trials for their ability to promote positive mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. These drugs appear to work by affecting neural connections and communication in the brain. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that psychedelic drugs may offer new avenues for the treatment of depression.

How psychedelic drugs may help with depression | National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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