Hello. It’s Thursday, February 22. You’re about to discover a natural DIY vapor rub for chest congestion… 8 spending tips to maximize your happiness… the 8 best herbal teas to keep you warm until spring… and more!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Food Preservatives Found to Harm Beneficial Gut Microbes
A commonly used group of food preservatives known as lantibiotics has been shown to harm or destroy beneficial gut bacteria, according to some recent research. This may mean that they have the potential to disrupt overall gut health by causing an imbalance in the gut microbiome.
Though naturally produced, lantibiotics act almost like an antibiotic for food, killing potentially dangerous pathogens that could make people sick. Alongside synthetic preservatives, lantibiotics have replaced more traditional preservatives like sugar, salt, vinegar, and alcohol.
Researchers tested the effects of nisin – a popular type of lantibiotic used in foods like beer, cheese, sausage, and dipping sauces – on both pathogenic and beneficial gut bacteria in a lab setting. They found that nisin had “potent effects” against both, killing bad and good bacteria alike.
“Nisin is, in essence, an antibiotic that has been added to our food for a long time, but how it might impact our gut microbes is not well studied,” said Zhenrun “Jerry” Zhang, PhD, study author. “Even though it might be very effective in preventing food contamination, it might also have a greater impact on our human gut microbes.”
Just 30 Minutes of Walking May Lower Blood Pressure
A single 30-minute session of moderate walking can help lower systolic blood pressure by an average of 5 mmHg, a recent study has found. This is a significant outcome because a blood pressure reduction of this amount is linked to a lower risk of dying from coronary artery disease or stroke.
The study was a small one involving 20 women with rheumatoid arthritis – a condition that comes with a higher risk of hypertension and dying from heart disease. Participants were assigned to either a group that walked at moderate speeds on a treadmill for 30 minutes or a control group that rested.
Though diastolic blood pressure did not change, the exercise group had significantly lower systolic blood pressure levels for 24 hours following the treadmill workout. Their blood pressure also dropped by 1 mmHg during a stress test when it would normally rise by about 18 mmHg.
These findings underscore the importance of even moderate amounts of exercise for both heart health and overall health. Just a single walking session can positively affect blood pressure, although experts do emphasize that the effects are most notable when achieved consistently over time. (For more, also see article ‘8 Great 30-Minute Workout Videos for All Levels’ below ↓)
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Partner of the day |  |
|
|
|
|
|
7 Key Warning Signs of Kidney Stones
About 1 in 10 people will get kidney stones at some point in their life, and they have the potential to cause complications, especially the larger ones. A common symptom of kidney stones is pain while urinating or constant pain around your kidneys (your lower back, belly, or side). You might also notice cloudy, pinkish, or smelly urine, sudden urges to urinate, or a decreased urine flow. Nausea or a fever alongside other kidney stone symptoms is a sign to get checked out right away. (Also, see top tips to prevent kidney stones below ↓) (More)
“Leisure-Time” Physical Activity May Lower Fall Risk
Falls are the second-leading cause of injury-related deaths globally. Though the fear of falling may keep some older adults from exercising, a new study has found that physical activity can actually help prevent falls in the first place. Overall, meeting the current recommendations for weekly leisure-time exercise (exercise outside everyday activities) was linked to a lower risk of both injury-causing and non-injury falls. The guidelines are currently set at 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. (More)
Stress Is Less Harmful When Viewed as a Challenge, Not a Threat
Everyone goes through stressful situations, and stress is now confirmed to have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. However, how you view the stress you are going through may make a big difference to the effect it has on your overall health. As a recent study found, viewing stress as a challenge is linked to a greater chance of self-reported good health and well-being, while viewing it as a threat leads to a greater likelihood of poorer health, including illnesses and mental health issues. (More)
Radon Exposure Linked to Increased Stroke Risk
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can enter homes and become an indoor air pollutant. It’s currently the second-leading cause of lung cancer, but some new research has found that radon may also significantly increase stroke risk. More specifically, moderate to high levels of radon exposure were associated with a 6-14% greater risk of stroke. Currently, the presence of radon in the home can only be detected through special testing. (More)
8 Common Caffeine Myths + 4 Potential Health Benefits
Caffeine is a chemical that naturally occurs in over 60 plants. It has caused a lot of controversy over the years, but not everything you hear about it is true. For example, caffeine is not considered an addictive substance, although you may get a few “withdrawal” symptoms if you quit cold turkey. Also, it's not likely to harm your bones or heart or raise your cancer risk. In fact, along with boosting energy, caffeine may actually benefit heart health as well as possibly reduce your risk of cancer or dementia. (More)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your spine is made up of 5 distinct segments that contain a total of 33 vertebrae (bones). At least, that's true unless you belong to the 10% of the population that was born with an extra lumbar vertebra – an anomaly that surprisingly doesn't have much impact on spine health.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Partner of the day |  |
|
|
|
|
|
> Why did Mickey Mouse go to outer space? To find Pluto.
> Why did the dog run after a book? He was chasing his tale.
> What kind of dessert comes out of a musical volcano? Bach-Lava.
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Never accept the proposition that just because a solution satisfies a problem, that it must be the only solution.”
―Raymond E. Feist
|
|
|
|
|
| Why Beat122? A "beat" is a genre of journalism focused on a particular sector. In our case, that sector is concise and unbiased natural health news that you can take action to live long and live well.
The number 122 symbolizes positive change. And there is a double meaning to Beat122. The world's oldest person lived to age 122. Based on the science, we are certain you and many others can beat that, and our mission is to provide you with the best insights to do so!
First time reading? Subscribe completely FREE here.
Interested in reaching smart readers like you? To become a Beat122 partner, apply here. |
|
|
|
|
|
The resources we share are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any type of disease. If you purchase products linked from our emails, we may receive a portion of the proceeds, and these affiliations help to support our work. Here are full terms &
conditions. |
Beat122 1144 E State St, Suite A310 Geneva, IL 60134 Copyright 2023, Beat122, All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
