Tag

Wellbeing And Fitness

All articles tagged with #wellbeing and fitness

health15 days ago•5 min saved

Fasting for weight loss: what the evidence really shows

Intermittent fasting (time-restricted eating and plans like 5:2) can reduce daily calories by about 200–500 kcal, which supports weight loss and may improve insulin sensitivity and brain fuel via ketones. Some evidence hints at diabetes remission in type 2 diabetes under fasting regimens, and longer fasts under medical supervision may reduce inflammation and boost metabolic resilience, but long-term safety remains uncertain. The benefits largely derive from calorie reduction rather than a magic effect of fasting; eight-hour windows simply make calorie restriction easier. Downsides include headaches, fatigue, sleep disruption, potential loss of fat-free mass if exercise is skipped, and risks for those with eating disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding, or diabetes without supervision. There is no conclusive evidence that fasting extends lifespan, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not apply.

via Financial Times|

#health #intermittent-fasting #nutrition

wellbeing-and-fitness1 month ago•7 min saved

Inside the $75,000 Harmonic Egg: a spa-like plunge into energy therapy

Jemima Kelly visits the Harmonic Egg, a pricey energy-therapy chamber that uses sound, light and vibration for a claimed physical, mental and emotional detox. After a 40-minute London session guided by guardian Bea Badinska, she emerges relaxed but unconvinced of any measurable “energetic shift,” while noting the procedure rests on testimonials rather than medical evidence. The device, about £120 per session (with bundles), has roughly 250 units worldwide; skeptics like David Grimes warn against treating it as medical treatment. It’s a pricey, curiosity-driven wellness experiment for those nearby, not a guaranteed cure.

via Financial Times|

#alternative-medicine #energy-therapy #harmonic-egg

wellbeing-and-fitness1 month ago•5 min saved

How heavy should your weights be? The science of sustainable lifting

Experts say “heavy” is relative—roughly 80% of your max for six to eight reps with good form—yet the real health payoff comes from consistency and reps over chasing maximal loads. For beginners or older adults, heavier loading can yield larger gains in strength and bone density, while also improving insulin sensitivity; endurance athletes may gain power without gaining weight. But heavy lifting also increases recovery demands, joint strain, and potentially cardiovascular risk for those with heart disease. The take-home: use manageable, challenging loads, prioritize technique and full range of motion, and stay consistent rather than chasing heroic lifts.

via Financial Times|

#aging #bone-density #heavy-lifting

wellbeing-and-fitness2 months ago•3 min saved

Nature’s lullaby: sleep aids that actually work

FT's HTSI guide highlights natural sleep aids—from lavender scents and chamomile to sour-cherry melatonin and magnesium baths—paired with a calming pre-bed routine that can improve sleep onset and quality.

via Financial Times|

#beauty #health #lifestyle

wellbeing-and-fitness2 months ago•9 min saved

Sleep smarter: reclaiming nights for health and longevity

The Longevity Project argues that adequate sleep—about seven to nine hours a night—is vital for heart health, immunity, and brain function, and it contrasts transient sleep disruption with chronic insomnia aggravated by stress and an always-on culture. It details how the brain and body recover during sleep (glymphatic clearance and telomere stress) and offers practical tips: morning light to set the clock, reduced evening screen time, a pre-sleep worry routine, and simple distraction if you can’t sleep; persistent insomnia may require medical attention.

via Financial Times|

#circadian-rhythm #glymphatic-system #insomnia