Health
Finding good health news amidst a pandemic can be quite daunting. That’s not the case with The Optimist Daily, where positive news is in high supply. Our Health section covers the latest good news from the health sector, featuring solutions ranging from mental and physical health to immunity, nutrition, and cutting edge medical research.
Next time you fear the flu, find a frog
Frog slime has properties that could fight off human flu strains. Researchers found that certain peptides excreted by frogs could be used as emergency vaccines when regular ones aren’t available. It’s not a good idea, though, to just go out licking frogs the next time you get the sniffles, as Read More...
One science-based solution for less stress, better mood and memory and more
Sitting is the new smoking. Researchers have found and continue to find evidence that prolonged sitting increases the risk of developing several serious illnesses like various types of cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. So, conversely, walking is a big investment in your health. But Read More...
Avocados can help protect you from metabolic syndrome
Here’s another reason to love avocados. According to new research, avocados can help to tackle metabolic syndrome, something that is known to cause a number of health conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The rich components within avocados, which include fatty acids, minerals Read More...
Study: Having a pet in the house can boost a child's immune system
Having a dog in your home is known to boost mental health, but did you know it can improve physical health as well? According to new research, children born into homes with pets have higher levels of gut microbes that protect against allergies and obesity. Researchers say the indirect exposure to Read More...
Vitamin B diminishes effects of air pollution-induced cardiovascular disease
B vitamins can mitigate the impact of fine particle pollution on cardiovascular disease. Healthy non-smokers who took vitamin B supplements nearly reversed any negative effects on their cardiovascular and immune systems. This is the first clinical trial to evaluate whether B vitamin supplements Read More...
Study: Yoga relieves side effects of cancer treatment for men
Cancer treatments produce a number of serious side effects. According to a new study, doing yoga twice a week may improve the quality of life for men being treated for prostate cancer and may help reduce the side effects of radiation such as fatigue and sexual dysfunction. The researchers said that Read More...
This lab-made probiotic fights off infections from unfriendly bacteria
As scientists continue their exploration of the thousands of organisms that live inside our body, a new study is showing just how much one “good” bacteria can be exploited to its host’s advantage. Scientists were able to engineer this bacteria to find and attack a harmful pathogen Read More...
Deep breathing brings peace and scientists are discovering why
Take a deep breath. Mothers and meditation teachers have said it for ages: Breathing reduces stress and anxiety and brings peace. But why? For the first time, scientists have uncovered why taking deep breaths is so calming. Working with mice, they found that taking deep breaths is calming because Read More...
Probiotics show promise in easing some schizophrenia symptoms
Adding probiotics to the diets of patients with schizophrenia may help treat yeast infections and bowel problems (common conditions in schizophrenia), and in some cases, reduce positive psychiatric symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, and hostility, according to a small pilot study at Johns Read More...
Silicon Valley launches a new movement that could be the future of medicine
Forward is Silicon Valley's futuristic doctor's office that looks "like an Apple Store meets 'Westworld.'" For $150 a month, it acts as your primary care provider, along with providing some extra perks and technology used with the intent to keep you healthier. It's a type of Read More...