Science for true happiness | Scientific American

Science for true happiness

andrea gawrylevskiy

Paul Saladino is an internet-famous doctor with 2.4 million followers on Instagram. His videos promote a so-called animal-based diet, which excludes meat, organs, raw dairy products, some fruits, and vegetables. Vegetables are full of toxins that humans shouldn’t consume, he says. In other corners of the platform, hundreds of thousands of people follow influencers who claim that plant-based diets and juice therapy can cure cancer. Social media is full of health-related misinformation disguised as fact. So what’s a health conscious person to do? Consider this special issue scientific american An antidote to toxic quackery and honest health confusion.

One easy way to improve your body and mind is to get outside.

The science of health begins with physical activity. You don’t have to be obsessed with 10,000 steps a day (this idea came from a marketing campaign). Research shows that people benefit from different amounts of exercise depending on their age. People who spend more time doing moderate to vigorous physical activity have larger brain areas central to memory formation, and adding cognitive challenges to their training may protect against brain decline later in life. . Weight training helps seniors avoid illness and dangerous falls. Popular wellness products that claim to prolong your youth have little evidence-based support, but basic behavioral changes can add about 10 years to your health.

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A common belief is that our metabolism steadily slows as we age. In fact, metabolic efficiency remains constant from ages 20 to 60. What you eat matters. A growing body of research is linking ultra-processed foods, whose effects on the brain may be similar to nicotine and ethanol, to a long list of health problems. Our bodies need adequate amounts of about 30 vitamins and minerals to function, but doctors overdiagnose vitamin D deficiency. Science says that relying on your body’s thirst cues is enough to keep you hydrated, rather than trying to consume eight glasses of water a day.

We all get sick, but some people are more susceptible to it. Genetics plays a role, as does an individual’s inflammatory response. That’s why wearing a mask remains important for people with weakened immune systems. In the near future, we should see novel non-addictive painkillers and targeted cancer treatments that outperform current chemotherapy. Awareness campaigns about detecting atrial fibrillation and reconsidering blood pressure guidelines for women may have a life-saving effect.

A healthy mind is essential to true happiness. Regular meditation reduces stress and improves mental health. Noisy environments increase stress and increase the risk of heart disease, so it’s important to have regular quiet time. A new group therapy program for teens at risk for depression may improve their mental health by teaching them how to examine their own thoughts using techniques inspired by cognitive behavioral therapy. It has been proven. If you’re feeling stuck, try a quick nap. Inventor Thomas Edison relied on them to spark new ideas and creativity.

As a journalist and scientific american Contributor Lydia Denworth reports there’s one simple way to improve your body and mind. It’s about going outside. Yes, nature is a respite from the constant chatter of social media influencers. But spending just two hours a week outdoors can boost your sense of well-being. Scientists continue to study the effects, but it seems intuitive that fresh air and sunlight make the outdoors a healthier place.