Cities with the worst air pollution in 2024
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes unclean air, and air pollution causes seven million premature deaths a year. Indeed, air pollution remains a prevalent health crisis around the world. PM2.5 concentration (measured as micrograms per cubic meter, or µg/m3), which refers to inhalable particulate matter with a diameter equal to or less than 2.5 micrometers, poses the greatest health threat and is often used as a metric in legal air quality standards. WHO sets a recommended annual limit of 5µg/m3 as an indicator of clean air. However, many cities are recording dangerous levels of air pollution, in some cases 15 times above safe levels! Using average PM2.5 levels, the Air Quality Index (AQI) project has recently put together the 2024 updated ranking of the 25 cities with the worst air pollution in the world. As a general guide, air quality with a PM2.5 (μg/m3) of between 0-12.0 is considered good; 12.1-35.4 is moderate; 35.5-55.5 is unhealthy for sensitive groups; 55.6-150.4 is unhealthy; PM2.5 150.5-250.4 is very unhealthy; and 250.5 or greater is hazardous. Are you holding your breath? Click through and discover the world’s most polluted cities.
2024-03-21T11:04:11Z
What you can eat and drink to combat stress, anxiety, and depression
Symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as high levels of stress, are common in people all over the world. Not only do these afflictions take a great mental toll, they can also manifest themselves physically—in weight gain. Unfortunately, stress-induced weight gain is a very real thing. When your body is under a high amount of stress, it releases the hormone cortisol, which leads to a rise in appetite. How does this happen exactly? Essentially a higher cortisol level creates higher insulin levels in your body and a drop in blood sugar, which is the perfect combination for junk food cravings to ensue. Anxious people are often not getting an adequate amount of sleep. A lack of sleep, like stress, contributes to your body producing more cortisol. Let the snacking begin... People who are stressed out are also more likely to emotionally eat and skip out on regular exercise. Not to mention forgetting to eat when you’re busy at work, which slows your metabolism and makes it more likely for you to binge later on in the day. While these are all difficult cravings to overcome, what if you could use food to help you minimize some of your symptoms and improve your mood? Instead of going for comforting junk food, try to grab one of these healthier options. You never knew food could have this much of an impact! Click through this gallery and find out how to use the power of these foods to improve your day-to-day life!
2024-03-12T11:50:58Z
9 Best Magnesium Supplements Of 2024, According To Experts
What dietitians want you to know. If you haven't stopped hearing about magnesium supplements lately, you're not alone. The buzzy wellness trend is everywhere nowadays, from the viral "sleepy girl mocktail" on TikTok to claims that you can take magnesium for sleep, digestion, and even weight loss. But can the popular mineral really support your health? And if so, what are the best magnesium supplements to take? “Magnesium has become the MVP of minerals in recent years, and for good reason,” says Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CEO of Virtual Nutrition Experts and author of The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan. “It's a macro mineral (meaning our body needs it in larger quantities) and electrolyte that our body relies on for various reasons including nerve and muscle function, bone health, proper heart rhythm, blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, as well as energy production.” Magnesium may help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, says Alona Pulde, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician and chief executive officer and co-founder at WeHeal. Another bonus? Magnesium has also been shown to support mood and brain function, and low levels of the mineral have been linked to anxiety and depression, she adds. Luckily, there are many supplement options out there to choose from depending on your health goals. Here are some of the best magnesium supplements to take and what to consider before starting your routine, according to dietitians. Meet the experts: Jenn Baswick, RD, is a registered dietitian and founder of The Intuitive Nutritionist. Lisa Moskovitz, RD, is a registered dietitian and CEO of Virtual Nutrition Experts and author of The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan. Alona Pulde, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician and chief executive officer and co-founder at WeHeal. What To Consider When Taking Magnesium Supplements Not all magnesium supplements are created equally, and different types target specific conditions, says Moskovitz. “Magnesium glycinate is beneficial for promoting better sleep, mood stability, and blood sugar regulation, while magnesium citrate and chloride are more effective at fighting constipation,” she says. The most easily absorbed forms are magnesium aspartate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, and magnesium chloride, Dr. Pulde adds. Approximately 2.5 to 15 percent of Americans experience magnesium deficiency with rates even higher in those with diabetes or alcohol use disorder, according to a recent study. If you experience a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, and/or numbness in your limbs, talk with your doctor about a magnesium supplement because you may be deficient, says Dr. Pulde. If your doc gives the all-clear, try taking magnesium supplements with meals and at the same time each day, says Dr. Pulde. Most female adults need 310 to 320 mg a day, while men need 400 to 420 mg per day, she says. It’s best to take magnesium supplements at least two hours apart from other medications to avoid digestive upset, Baswick adds. And if capsules aren't your thing, most people can get the recommended intake by eating magnesium-rich foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, quinoa, oatmeal, spinach, kale, and avocado, Dr. Pulde says. Taking magnesium can also negatively interact with certain antibiotics, high blood pressure medications, antacids, and laxatives, affecting their absorption and efficacy, Dr. Pulde says. So always consult your provider first.
2023-07-17T11:16:02Z
Discover how your blood type can influence your health
Dr. Karl Landsteiner was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930 for his development of the ABO blood group system, a method used to classify blood types. Having knowledge about your blood type is crucial when donating or receiving blood, as a mismatch can lead to immune system reactions resulting in various complications, including kidney failure, blood clotting, and, in severe cases, even death. Fortunately, advances in testing techniques have minimized these occurrences in recent years. However, research indicates that there may be connections between blood type and a range of diseases. Being aware of your blood type may serve as an indicator of specific health risks, such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes. To learn more about your blood type and the potential health implications it could have, explore this gallery.
2023-11-21T13:02:40Z