Life Changes
Healing Through Storytelling: Lessons from The Odyssey
The journey of Odysseus in Homer's 'The Odyssey' offers profound insights into healing...
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- Written by: Ali Mobasheri, University of Surrey and Margaret Rayman, University of Surrey
Osteoarthritis affects over 20% of the population, with limited treatment options available. However, recent evidence shows that a combination of weight loss, moderate exercise, and a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and low in saturated fats can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve joint function in affected individuals.
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- Written by: Valerie Segrest (Muckleshoot)
Indigenous wildflowers offer a wealth of healing properties and wisdom, cultivated over centuries. These plants not only enhance our gardens but also provide medicinal benefits that have been cherished by Indigenous cultures. Discover seven remarkable wildflowers that can enrich health and foster a deeper connection with nature.
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
You pour yourself a glass of wine after a long week and tell yourself you deserve it. Most of us have been there, and most of us have never stopped to question whether that ritual is as harmless as it feels. The truth about alcohol and safety might surprise you, and it is worth knowing before you refill that glass.
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- Written by: Clare Collins
A review highlights the health benefits of coffee consumption, linking it to a lower risk of various diseases and overall mortality. However, concerns regarding pregnancy and fracture risks in older women persist. Phytonutrients, found in coffee and other foods, play a crucial role in these health effects, warranting further research into their potential benefits.
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
You are lying in bed at midnight, staring at the ceiling, watching the minutes tick by like a slow-motion disaster. Someone mentioned melatonin once at a dinner party, or maybe you saw it near the checkout at the pharmacy, and now you are wondering if that little bottle holds the answer. Before you twist off the cap and hope for the best, there is some genuinely useful stuff to understand about what melatonin actually is and how to use it without making your sleep situation worse.
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
You switched to a plant-based diet because you wanted to feel better, live more sustainably, and do right by the planet. But somewhere along the way, a quiet deficiency may have crept in, one that affects your nerves, your energy, and even your ability to think clearly. Vitamin B12 is the nutrient almost nobody talks about until something goes wrong, and scientists are now growing the solution in a garden.
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
You are standing in the grocery store aisle, staring at what feels like a wall of yellow confusion. Butter, margarine, spreads, blends — and every package claims to be the smart choice. Before you grab whatever your mother used, let's actually figure out what you are putting on your toast every morning.
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
There is something quietly powerful that happens when you stand at a stove, stirring something real. Home cooking has long been tied to comfort and tradition, but science is now catching up to what grandmothers have known for generations: preparing your own food changes not just what you eat, but how you feel, how you connect, and who you become. If you have been meaning to cook more at home but keep finding reasons to order out, this article is your gentle nudge back to the kitchen.
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- Written by: Ian Hamilton and Elizabeth Hughes
Recent research reveals the complex relationship between cannabis use and memory. While THC may impair short-term memory, CBD could offer protective benefits for neurodegenerative diseases. The impact of cannabis on memory varies greatly depending on the type and dosage, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of its effects.
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- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com
Two billion people already eat insects as a regular part of their diet, and they have been doing so for thousands of years. The Western world is catching up slowly, not because the idea is new, but because the evidence for it has become impossible to ignore. If you have ever wondered whether the squeamishness is worth holding onto, the answer is almost certainly no.
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- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com
For decades, the conversation about depression treatment has circled the same well-worn options: antidepressants that take weeks to work, therapy that requires months of commitment, and outcomes that remain frustratingly inconsistent for millions of people. Now a molecule derived from mushrooms that indigenous cultures have used ceremonially for thousands of years is sitting at the center of one of the most significant psychiatric research shifts in a generation. The question is no longer whether psilocybin does something remarkable in the brain. The question is whether we can use it safely, systematically, and without losing what makes it work.
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
You are standing in the checkout line watching the total tick upward, and somewhere around the third or fourth item you start doing that quiet mental math that never quite adds up. Food costs have surged in ways that hit differently than other price increases, because you cannot simply decide not to eat. The good news is that cutting back does not have to mean cutting the joy out of every meal.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Neale, et al
The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend consuming 30g of nuts daily for their health benefits, which include good fats and essential nutrients. Despite their calorie density, research shows that moderate nut consumption does not lead to weight gain and may even aid in weight management by promoting satiety and healthy eating habits.
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
There is something that happens the moment you step into a farmers market on a Saturday morning. The smell of fresh herbs hits you before you even see the stalls, and suddenly the week that felt so heavy seems a little lighter. Shopping at farmers markets is not just about buying food, it is about reconnecting with something real in a world that often feels anything but.
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- Written by: Sonia Fernandez
Recent research suggests that dietary interventions, particularly those leading to ketosis, may effectively treat polycystic kidney disease (PKD). This breakthrough indicates that by altering dietary habits or using supplements, it's possible to slow or even reverse the progression of PKD, a condition traditionally viewed as irreversible.
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- Written by: Megan Lee
Over 300 million people globally suffer from depression, impacting their daily lives and relationships. While traditional therapies remain important, emerging research highlights the significant role of diet in managing and preventing depression. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3s can improve mental health and reduce depressive symptoms.
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- Written by: Beth McDaniels, InnerSelf.com
You may have spotted it at a farmers market or tucked onto a restaurant menu — those dark, almost glossy cloves that look like garlic went through something mysterious. Black garlic is exactly that kind of ingredient: quietly transformative, deeply flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home once you understand what it actually is.
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- Written by: Michele Berger-Penn
A recent study reveals that children who eat fish at least once a week experience better sleep and have IQ scores averaging 4 points higher than those who eat fish less frequently. The research highlights the significance of omega-3 fatty acids in fish, suggesting a link between fish consumption, sleep quality, and cognitive performance.
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
You check your cholesterol, monitor your blood pressure, and maybe even track your steps. But there's one simple measurement that might predict your brain health decades from now — and most of us have never thought to ask about it.
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- Written by: Clare Collins, University of Newcastle
Recent studies reveal that coffee drinking may offer significant health benefits, including a lower risk of premature death, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. However, caution is advised regarding heavy intake, which can increase the risk of lung cancer and exacerbate heart issues. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informed consumption.
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- Written by: Dr. Elson Haas
Men over 50 face increased risks of prostate-related diseases influenced by modern lifestyle choices. Factors such as stress, poor diet, and sedentary habits contribute significantly to conditions like benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer. However, maintaining an active lifestyle and incorporating certain herbs can promote prostate health and overall vitality.
