Health Archives

Are Typical Western Diets & Lifestyles Making People Sick?

How are typical Western diets and lifestyles influencing people’s health? What is microbial diversity and what happens when it’s compromised? Science journalist Ed Yong writes about the health implications of living a Western lifestyle in his book I Contain Multitudes, which debunks common myths about microbes and how they impact our lives. Yong argues that a typical Western diet is just one factor that leads to decreased microbial diversity. Read on to learn about the health risks of following a typical Western diet and lifestyle, according to Yong.

The Importance of Fungus: 3 Ways It Benefits All Life Forms

What’s the importance of fungus? How do humans depend on fungi? Merlin Sheldrake’s book Entangled Life argues that it’s important to further invest in mycology. With fungi, plants stay hydrated, we challenge our ideas of intelligence, and we have advanced solutions to mental illnesses. Continue reading to learn why fungi are important for all life forms.

I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong: Book Overview

What is I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong about? Aside from common microorganisms, how do the trillions of other microbes affect us and the environment? I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong is about the mysterious and fascinating world of microbes. In the book, Yong claims that although we often think of ourselves as individuals, we’re essentially walking ecosystems containing countless species of microbes living in symbiotic partnership with us. Read on for a brief overview of I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us by Ed Yong.

What Do Microbes Do? Their History & Functions Explained

What do microbes do? Why are they important? What is their evolutionary role? When most people think of microbes, the first things that come to mind are disease-causing germs or healthy probiotic yogurts. In I Contain Multitudes, Ed Yong explains what microbes do and how most of us are largely unaware of the trillions of microbes on every surface and throughout our bodies. Read on to learn how Ed Yong defines what microbes do, why they’re important, and their significance to evolution.

Super Human: Book Overview & Key Takeaways (Dave Asprey)

How can you naturally reduce inflammation in your body? What’s the best way to rebalance your gut bacteria? Is it possible to reverse hormonal imbalances? In the Super Human book, Dave Asprey draws on advancements in anti-aging science to explore ways to slow down and reverse the aging process, optimize your mental and physical health, and extend your lifespan. He shares practical advice on how to keep your body young. Continue reading for an overview of Super Human by Dave Asprey.

The Benefits of Free Radicals: Why They’re Not All Bad

What are free radicals? Do they benefit the body in any way? Free radicals get a bad rap. And, much of that is deserved. However, they do benefit the body in some ways—specifically, regulating the heart and supporting the immune system. Read more to learn about the benefits of free radicals.

Free Radicals & Inflammation: The Vicious Cycle of Disease

How do free radicals lead to inflammation in the body? What dietary change can make a difference? Mitochondria manage cellular health and functionality through a number of processes. One process is extracting energy from your body’s metabolic processes to power your cells. In this process, free radicals are created. Unchecked, they damage cells and cause inflammation. Continue reading to learn more about the relationship between free radicals and inflammation.

A Baby’s Immune System: How Microbes Shape Immunity

When do babies develop an immune system? What factors influence the health of a baby’s immune system? According to Ed Yong, your immune system begins forming earlier than you may think—in fact, the health of a baby’s immune system is impacted during the process of birth. In I Contain Multitudes, he explains the role of microbes in the development of a baby’s immune system. Read on to learn more about how babies’ immune systems form, according to Yong.

How to Live a Long Life: 6 Ways to Slow the Aging Process

What causes biological aging? Can you get the upper hand on these causes and live longer? As you age, several factors undermine your health and accelerate your aging. But, Dave Asprey argues that you can turn this around by making dietary changes, adjusting your lifestyle, or seeking medical interventions. Keep reading for Asprey’s advice on how to live a long life.

Gut Health and Mental Health: Are They Related?

What’s the relationship between gut health and mental health? Can poor gut health cause or worsen depression or anxiety? Ed Yong wrote I Contain Multitudes to raise awareness about the trillions of microbes that exist in our bodies and how they influence everything, including our mental health. Your gut health and mental health are closely connected—a lack of certain microbes can even lead to abnormal brain development, claims Yong. Read on to learn more about the relationship between gut health and mental health, according to Yong.