MediWeek

Sodium intake is vital for maintaining several physiological functions in the body, including fluid balance, cellular homeostasis, and nutrient absorption. The link between salt intake and hypertension is well documented, but the association between high salt intake and type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains underexplored due to challenges associated with determining dietary sodium intake. Numerous studies […]

During transition from late childhood to early adolescence, physical activity (participation in sports, outdoor play, and total physical activity) has been shown to facilitate neurodevelopment in the subcortical structures, the hippocampus and amygdala (as measured by an increase in their volume) in a recent study by Estévez-López et al, published in JAMA Netw Open. These

Circadian rhythm is a natural process in the body, primarily responding to light and dark stimuli, and involves physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. Daytime light exposure strengthens the rhythm, while night-time light exposure weakens the rhythm. Disrupted or abnormal circadian rhythms and sleep disorders have been documented to be associated

Depressive and anxiety disorders often take an immense toll on the mental and physical well-being! Results from meta-analyses indicate that exercise interventions can be as effective as antidepressants and psychotherapy, especially for managing mild-to-moderate depression. Given the higher risk of physical illnesses like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity in people with depression and anxiety, it

Modifiable risk factors like dietary choices, physical activity levels, and smoking and drinking behaviors have been linked with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Notably, diet itself emerged as a central factor influencing tumor formation. A diet rich in plant-based foods with limited consumption of non-vegetarian foods has been associated with reduced risk of GI cancer. A recent

Globally, over 25% of the adults do not meet the recommended physical activity levels advocated for better cardiovascular health. Common barriers to physical activity include health issues, limited resources, financial constraints, and time scarcity. One practical solution to engage in physical activity is integrating stair climbing in daily routine and replacing elevators for short-to-medium distances

A close association between the brain and the gut is widely established in studies. Psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression affect a lot of people and are often related to many diseases of the digestive tract, including the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Evidence suggests that people with depression are 1.7 times more likely to

Lifestyle factors like diet, physical activity, smoking behavior, and alcohol consumption are well-documented risk factors for diabetes. There is a growing evidence that sleep and its attributes such as duration, quality, regularity, disturbance, and timing also potentially contribute to diabetes risk. A recent study published in the journal, Sleep Health by the National Sleep Foundation,

The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise limiting screen time exposure to one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5 years. With rapid advances in the digital technology and easy access to digital devices in the recent years, it is not surprising that these guidelines are not adhered to

The World Health Organization identified sedentary lifestyle as the 4th leading cause of death globally, impacting approximately 1.5 billion people and contributing to at least 3.2 million deaths annually. Walking is one of the easiest forms of physical activity, but the optimal number of steps needed for noticeable health benefits remain uncertain. A recent meta-analysis