Healthy Living, Simplified

Meta Bans Beauty Filters for Teens in the Age of “Looksmaxxing”

The Trend: $400 facials. Paying AI to tell you what’s wrong with your face. Bone-breaking surgery. These are just a few things we can arguably (perhaps inarguably) link to the “looksmaxxing” era. As these consequences of our ultra-online world have rolled in, so, too have potential fixes. Meta, for example, is banning beauty filters for teen accounts, while school districts around the country are prioritizing low-tech learning environments and free play, inspired by Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. What People Are Saying: One psychologist told Allure that more and more young patients are “becoming obsessed with perfection and feeling extremely lonely,” going so far as refusing to leave the house if they have a blemish. While some say Meta’s ban is a step in the right direction, Suzanne Wallach, LMFT, says, “If we want to be serious about teen mental health, we have to look at the entire system of social media.” What to Know: The impact of social media use on teen mental health is well-documented. Conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and body dysmorphic disorder have all risen rapidly over the last few decades, and researchers point to the growing use of social media and technology as a potential […]

Five Cups a Day Might Be Too Many for Your Bones

A Bone To Pick: Coffee, now linked to lower risk of heart disease and sharper memory, has had an amazing run in the health headlines recently. But a new study has ended that streak. Researchers in Australia tracked nearly 10,000 women aged 65 and older for a decade, following how their coffee and tea habits affected bone density, and the results weren’t great for Team Coffee. The Study: The team used data from a long-running fracture study. Two to three daily cups of coffee showed no drop in bone density, but more than five cups did; those women had lower bone density than moderate coffee drinkers. Tea drinkers had slightly higher hip bone density, credited to compounds called catechins that may help support bone health. The Takeaway: The American Heart Association recently raised its coffee allmotment to up to five cups a day for your heart. Your bones, however, may have a lower ceiling, so two or three cups may be safer long term. Keep in Mind: Adding milk to your coffee may help offset some of the effect caffeine has on calcium absorption.

some foods you shouldn't save as leftovers sitting in storage containers

The 6 Foods You Shouldn’t Save as Leftovers

Overhead view of whole raw almonds filling a white mug, showcasing the healthiest nut you can eat

Why Almonds Might Be the Healthiest Nut You Can Eat

Other nuts still deserve a spot in your diet, but almonds may be one of the healthiest of the bunch.

a woman eating kimchi with chopsticks, representing fermented foods for gut health

8 Fermented Foods for Gut Health That Actually Do Something

Fermented foods like kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut deliver live bacteria that can boost gut microbiome diversity. Here are 8 of the best options and how to start adding them to your diet.

Fitness

Nutrition

Sleep

Running Might Not Wreck Your Joints, Research Shows

Hit the Pavement: For years, runners have been warned that pounding the pavement could wear down their knees, ankles, and hips. New research suggests that assumption may be too simplistic, and that even people with osteoarthritis can safely run. The Study: Researchers at the University of Essex examined data from 17,661 people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. They found that those who took part in higher-impact activities, including running and tennis, had 36% to 48% lower odds of undergoing a total hip replacement within the next year. Higher-impact exercise was also not associated with a greater likelihood of undergoing a total knee replacement during the following year. The Takeaway: The findings challenge the idea that high-impact exercise is inherently bad for your joints. The study authors said that high-impact exercise “should not be routinely discouraged based on joint replacement risk alone.” If running is something you enjoy and your joints tolerate it, an osteoarthritis diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean you have to quit. Keep in Mind: This was an observational study, so it can’t prove running prevents joint damage or replacement. People who are able to run may already have healthier joints, especially if they also do regular strength training.

Lymphatic Workouts Are Trending. But Do They Work?

The Trend: Lymphatic drainage isn’t new in the wellness world, but a new take on it has gotten trendy: lymphatic workouts like “rebounding” and lymphatic walking. The concepts are pretty simple: “Rebounding” involves jumping up and down, while lymphatic walking combines deep breathing with freely swinging your arms as you go. But do these lymphatic exercises really work? What People Are Saying: Lymphatic drainage works by coaxing fluid (called lymph) toward the lymph nodes and away from tissue to reduce swelling and support the immune system — and these workouts claim to help the drainage process along. The lymphatic system relies on muscle contractions (even breathing and digesting) to move lymph. Most people have a well-functioning lymphatic system, but movement and deep belly breathing certainly help keep it chugging along. What to Know: For now, experts don’t know how much effect this type of workout actually has on the lymphatic system, but they are in agreement that more walking — and more movement in general — is good for you.

The ‘Massage Flu’ Myth, Explained

You Should Know: Massages are supposed to feel great, but sometimes people feel pretty terrible afterward — even like they’re coming down with a cold. It’s a phenomenon known as “massage flu.” Some claim it’s caused by the body “releasing toxins,” while others point the finger at lymphatic fluid movement or post-rubdown inflammation. So, why does this actually happen? Going Deeper: “Massage flu” is not an official medical term or diagnosis, nor are people actually sick afterward. Even so, that doesn’t mean they don’t sometimes feel a little off after getting one. Experts say that unwell feeling is most likely due to the body responding to changes to the circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems. Takeaway: Following a massage, some people may get a little headache after, or feel more emotional than normal, a little sore, or deeply relaxed. Others might feel like they’re getting a cold or the flu. Dehydration can contribute to this. Drinking lots of water after a massage is super-important because of increased circulation and lymphatic drainage. Bottom Line: Deep-tissue massages tend to trigger flu-like symptoms more than relaxing types, like Swedish massage. Be sure to book massages only with licensed, experienced practitioners.

The Knees-Over-Toes Debate: What’s the Right Way to Squat?

You Should Know: Remember being told never to let your knees travel past your toes when jumping or squatting? Some fitness influencers are challenging that advice. The “knees over toes” approach popularized by influencers like Ben Patrick emphasizes training through deeper ranges of motion to build stronger, more resilient knees. Going Deeper: There’s some science behind the hype, but it’s not quite as simple as: knees over toes = bulletproof knees. Some research has found that 10 weeks of full-depth squatting produced greater strength and functional improvements than partial squats, without increasing pain. A deeper squat isn’t automatically better for everyone, though. Allowing the knees to move farther forward can increase forces at the kneecap joint. That doesn’t make the movement dangerous, but it does mean that load, depth, training history, and individual anatomy preclude blanket recommendations, one way or the other. Takeaway: As with all things in fitness, there’s no universally “perfect” squat. Anatomical differences and individual history make the “best” squat different for everyone. Bottom Line: Your knees aren’t made of glass. Gradually training them through ranges of motion you can control builds strength and protects your joints.

a woman eating a bowl of high volume low calorie foods like leafy greens and vegetables

13 High-Volume, Low-Calorie Foods That Fill You Up

High-volume, low-calorie foods — think leafy greens, broth-heavy soups, potatoes, and berries — take up more space in your stomach because they contain more fiber and water, while keeping calories low.

People Who Eat This Diet Are More Likely to Reach 100, Research Shows

A Case for Meat-Eaters: You may have heard people make a case for plant-based eating. It’s true that vegetarians and vegans tend to eat more fiber, a nutrient critically lacking in the diet of most Americans. But new research challenges the idea that a plant-based diet is healthier, showing instead that people who eat an omnivorous diet are more likely to live to 100. The Study: Researchers drew on data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The analysis included 1,459 people who lived to at least 100 and 3,744 people who died before reaching that age. Compared with people who ate both plant and animal foods, vegetarians were 19% less likely to reach their 100th birthday. The association was even stronger among vegans, who were 29% less likely to become centenarians. Those who eat some animal foods, like fish and dairy products, didn’t have statistically different lifespans than omnivores. The Takeaway: Including animal foods in your diet, even if it’s just eggs and yogurt, may offer some protective benefits for your health. Keep in Mind: This study isn’t just saying to eat more meat. It emphasizes the importance of protein, from any source, as well as protecting skeletal muscle […]

Fresh market produce including cherries and strawberries, flavanol-rich foods that support heart health

The Fruits and Veggies With the Most Heart-Protective Flavanols

Getting your daily fruits and veggies isn't the same as getting enough flavanols — the antioxidants linked to major heart health benefits. Here's which produce delivers the most protective punch, and how to work more of it into your routine.

Here’s Why Cilantro Tastes Like Soap to Some People

You Should Know: Few foods inspire a greater “love-hate” relationship than cilantro. Some people taste something herby and fresh, while others taste a mouthful of soap. The cilantro debate reveals to us just how differently we can experience the same thing — and our sensory experiences aren’t as universal as we may think. So, why is it that a sprig of cilantro can taste so different from one person to the next? Going Deeper: In part, it’s tied to the nose. Our tongues detect basic tastes, while our sense of smell adds much of the complexity to the flavors we experience, as aroma molecules travel from the back of the mouth up through the nasal cavity. Takeaway: And there’s a genetic component, too: Research has found a genetic variant that’s associated with a greater likelihood of perceiving cilantro as soapy. This variant is located on chromosome 11, which is home to olfactory genes like OR6A2, a gene involved in how we detect certain chemical compounds in cilantro (called aldehydes). These aldehydes are often added to products to add a fresh, bright scent, including perfume, cleaning products, and (you guessed it) soap. Bottom Line: You might not be able to fight […]

2 Science-Backed Ways to Recover From a Bad Night of Sleep

Counting Sheep: We all deal with a bout of bad sleep now and then. Functioning properly the next day can feel impossible, as both our brains and our bodies feel sluggish and exhausted. But new research suggests there are two effective ways to help our brains work better the next day (and not one involves downing a pot of coffee). How to Do It: Researchers kept 54 adults awake for 30 hours, and split participants into three groups. After the bout of sleep deprivation, one group took a 90-minute nap, one group cycled for 20 minutes at a moderate to vigorous intensity, and the other group sat on a stationary bike, neither napping nor pedaling. Then, all of the participants were shown several images — three days later, they all took a memory test on those images. The nap and exercise groups both performed better than the no-intervention group, though the neural mechanisms driving this differed between the two groups. The Benefits: Napping and exercising after being sleep-deprived protected memory in different ways. Exercising appeared to help the brain encode new information more efficiently, due to increased attention from physical activity. Napping decreased mental fatigue and sleep pressure before the […]

Could Your Pillow Height Affect Glaucoma? A Small Study Takes a Look

A small 2026 study found that sleeping propped up on two pillows was linked to higher eye pressure than lying flat in people with glaucoma — researchers think jugular vein compression may be the mechanism behind it.

a woman in the shower wonders if it would be better for her to shower in the morning or at night

Should You Shower in the Morning or at Night?

Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? It's an even split among Americans — and both camps have science on their side. Here's what each does for your body.

Using Cannabis for Stress Relief? Study Says It Might Backfire

Cannabis-Cortisol Connection: Frequent cannabis use may be linked to changes in the body’s natural stress response, according to new research from Oregon State University. The study found that people who frequently used cannabis had higher levels of cortisol — the hormone involved in regulating stress — when they first woke up than people who didn’t use cannabis. The Study: Researchers focused on the cortisol awakening response (CAR), a normal surge in cortisol that occurs shortly after waking and helps prepare the body for the demands of the day. Interestingly, the size of that cortisol increase was similar between cannabis users and nonusers. The difference was that frequent users started the morning with more cortisol already circulating in their bodies, and then still experienced the increase. Takeaway: Frequent cannabis use could disrupt the body’s natural stress response. Stress is also one of the most common reasons people report using cannabis, raising the possibility of a feedback loop in which cannabis use and stress regulation influence each other. Keep in Mind: The study does not prove that cannabis causes elevated cortisol, nor that elevated cortisol causes people to use cannabis. More long-term research is needed to understand the relationship. However, the findings […]

Mindfulness

Beauty

Personal Growth

How To Use This Neuroscience Principle To Rewire Negative Thoughts

Stinking Thinking: Ever have the experience where one critical comment plays on repeat in your head? Well, your brain’s default mode network (which switches on whenever you’re not focused on anything in particular, like in the shower or lying awake at night) may be to blame. A 2023 study scanned the brains of 53 women while they listened to critical comments and praise. Those at higher risk for depression showed more activity in this network after hearing criticism, but not after hearing praise. Researchers think the brain can be primed to latch onto criticism, but luckily, harnessing your brain’s neuroplasticity can help you break the pattern. How to Do It: There’s a reason why affirmations remain so popular — they really work. So try saying the opposite out loud (something simple like “I handled this before” or “I’m doing fine” works best) next time you find yourself caught in a rumination spiral. Do it enough, and you’ll end up creating new neural pathways inside your brain. The Benefits: Giving yourself positive affirmations basically gives your brain new material to practice instead of the old script. If you repeat it enough, your mind will find evidence to back it up, effectively […]

Mindfulness

how to keep your brain sharp includes walking outdoors

The Science-Based Way to Set Goals You’ll Actually Stick With

Setting goals is easy, but achieving them is hard, and talking about them too soon can backfire. The WOOP goal setting method gives you a practical, research-backed framework for turning wishes into action by planning for the obstacles that get in your way.

Mindfulness

Doomscrolling at Work Could Cost You More Than Time

Mindfulness

Beef Tallow Is Moving From Cooking to Skincare

The Trend: After making waves as a cooking fat this year, beef tallow has jumped from the kitchen to the bathroom cabinet. Jars of rendered cow and bison fat are showing up at farmers’ markets and beauty expos alike, marketed as an all-natural moisturizer. The fat is now one of the buzziest ingredients in “natural” beauty circles. What People Are Saying: Fans love the “natural” and “chemical-free” branding and say the fatty acid profile of animal fat closely matches our own skin, which supposedly helps it absorb more readily than plant-based creams. Tallow indeed contains stearic and oleic acids that can help trap moisture, plus trace amounts of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Still, dermatologists say research on beef tallow as a skincare ingredient is limited — it isn’t regulated and can clog pores or irritate sensitive skin. What to Know: If you’re curious about beef tallow, do a patch test first. Also, temper your expectations because it probably won’t outperform your tried-and-true moisturizer.

Beauty

Could Rice Water Help Your Hair Grow?

The Trend: Rinsing your hair in rice water is a practice that dates back thousands of years, but it’s recently experienced a resurgence on social media. Fans of the technique claim it’s an inexpensive, all-natural DIY treatment to promote hair growth and make tresses stronger and shinier. It sounds great, but does it actually work? What People Are Saying: Making rice water is straightforward: Soak a cup of rice in water for about two hours, and then strain and save the leftover liquid to use as a rinse after washing. Rice contains B vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phenols — all good for the hair. The starch in rice water can also coat and smooth the hair cuticle and reflect light to make it look glossier. Some dermatologists caution that starch can also draw moisture from the hair, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage — especially if people do rice-water rinses too often. What to Know: Any benefits are likely superficial, as there’s no scientific evidence validating that rice water can make hair grow. Eating nutrient-rich foods and seeing a dermatologist to address any hair issues are more surefire ways to get healthy locks.

Beauty

Loofah bacteria can build up in natural sponges like this one, shown here beside a bar of soap and woven bath accessories.

Your Loofah May Actually Be a Breeding Ground for Bacteria — Here’s What to Know

Beauty

For Smokers Trying to Quit, Vaping May Work Better Than Patches or Gum

You Should Know: Vaping has a pretty bad health reputation — understandably. But a new Cochrane review suggests there’s one place where nicotine vapes may have an edge: helping people quit smoking. Researchers analyzed 80 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 30,000 smokers and found that nicotine e-cigarettes helped more people quit than traditional nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and gum. Going Deeper: The difference wasn’t enormous, but it was meaningful. The results, in absolute terms, showed that roughly four additional people out of every 100 could quit smoking with nicotine e-cigarettes compared with patches or gum. That doesn’t make vaping “healthy,” though. The review looked at whether people stopped smoking, not whether they eventually stopped vaping or broke their nicotine dependence. And while no serious short-term harms emerged in the review, researchers say we still need larger, longer studies to understand vaping’s long-term effects. Takeaway: For someone who already smokes, switching completely to nicotine vaping may be a more effective quit strategy than patches or gum, and possibly less harmful than continuing to smoke. But vaping still exposes the body to potentially harmful substances. Bottom Line: Vaping isn’t harmless, but for smokers trying to quit, it could be a […]

How To Stop Feeding Your Stress

Feed The Beast: You know the feeling: you’re hard at work with a deadline hanging over your head. Then, almost without thinking, you end up in the kitchen or at the vending machine. In these situations, it can feel easiest to grab whatever’s in a wrapper or package. It’s probably no surprise, then, that a new study from India concluded that those who regularly ate more ultra-processed foods reported higher stress than those who ate fewer. How to Avoid : We could all benefit from keeping easy and nourishing snacks within reach. So keep grab-and-go options like nuts, fruit, or yogurt visible so they’re just as convenient as packaged snacks. And if you’re reaching for food out of overwhelm rather than hunger, a short walk or a few slow, deep breaths could be more beneficial. The Benefits: Prioritizing healthy snacks (especially those that pair protein with fiber) will help you feel fuller longer and provide steadier energy, so you’re less likely to hit a wall later. And the next time a nourishing option isn’t within easy reach, you won’t be relying on willpower alone to resist it.

Why Women Are Embracing a “Hot Divorcée Summer”