Articles

Articles on mental health, wellness, mindfulness and life energy: psychology, practices and research for a clear mind and a healthy body.

Family boundaries help prevent a loved one’s anxiety and OCD from becoming a shared daily ritual

When One Person’s Anxiety Controls the Entire Family: How to Restore Boundaries

When family members recheck locks, answer the same questions, and cancel plans, anxiety gains helpers. How to break this cycle carefully and without conflict.

⋄8 min read
Learning languages in adulthood as a practice for cognitive reserve and communication

Why Learn a New Language in Adulthood?

A second language after 30 is not a magic insurance policy against dementia. We examine what is known about cognitive reserve and how to turn studying into a lasting habit.

⋄7 min read
The long-term effects of medications on the gut microbiome and safe recovery after antibiotics

Can medications change the microbiome for a long time?

Antibiotics can leave a mark on the microbiome for months, but the picture is more complicated with antidepressants and blood pressure medications. We examine the evidence without urging anyone to stop treatment.

⋄7 min read
The reptilian brain myth makes it harder to understand the real causes of impulsivity

Is it true that impulsivity is controlled by the “reptilian brain”?

The “lizard inside” conveniently explains losing control, anger, and the urge to make quick decisions. But the brain is more complex: let’s debunk the myth and learn to understand impulses without shame.

⋄8 min read
Spirulina does not replace bioavailable vitamin B12 in the diet

Can Spirulina Be Considered a Reliable Source of Vitamin B12?

Spirulina may contain compounds resembling B12, but they are often useless to humans. We explain why green powder does not replace a proven supplement.

⋄7 min read
Financial instability as a cause of anxiety, reduced concentration, and difficulties with planning

Why Financial Instability Changes the Way You Think—and Why It Is Not a Weakness

When money barely lasts until the next payment, the brain is focused not on “bad decisions” but on finding safety. We examine how financial stress narrows attention and what can ease the burden.

⋄8 min read
Mycotoxins in plant-based meat: how to distinguish a laboratory finding from a real health risk

Should You Be Afraid of Mycotoxins in Plant-Based Meat Alternatives?

An alarming headline about “dangerous toxins” in plant-based meat sounds convincing. We examine what the detection of a mycotoxin means, where the real risk begins, and how to choose products.

⋄7 min read
a low-carbohydrate diet requires LDL cholesterol monitoring in cases of family risk and excessive saturated fat intake

Who May Experience a Sharp Increase in LDL Cholesterol on a Low-Carbohydrate Diet

On keto, triglycerides fall in some people while LDL skyrockets in others within a few weeks. Here’s who especially needs to monitor their lab results and why feeling well is not enough.

⋄7 min read
talking in person helps clarify difficult feelings and reduce the intensity of conflict over messaging

Why Talking in Person Helps More Than a Long Exchange of Messages During a Conflict

A single message can be reread ten times and seem cold, even though the author never intended it that way. We explore when it is better to discuss a conflict in person—and when meeting is not advisable.

⋄7 min read
A full-body MRI without symptoms does not replace a personalized prevention plan

Is a Full-Body MRI Necessary When There Are No Symptoms?

A full-body MRI promises peace of mind and control, but in a healthy person it more often triggers a search for incidental findings. We explain who may need it and what alternatives are available.

⋄8 min read
Intrinsic capacity helps assess healthy aging beyond a list of diagnoses

Intrinsic Capacity: Why Aging Is Assessed Beyond Diagnoses

A person’s age on their passport and list of diagnoses say little about how they live. We explain what the WHO calls intrinsic capacity and why it is assessed.

⋄7 min read
Fiber in the diet as nourishment for bacteria that produce butyrate in the gut

How Much Fiber Does the Gut Need to Produce Butyrate?

Gut bacteria produce butyrate when they receive the right types of fiber. We explain where to start, which foods to choose, and how to avoid bloating.

⋄8 min read