The Effects of Eating Processed Foods in the Short and Long Term

A person getting a forkful of macaroni and cheese illustrates the effects of eating processed foods

Why does eating processed food make you feel tired and unsatisfied? What health problems can processed foods cause over time? The effects of eating processed foods range from immediate energy crashes to serious long-term health complications. Leading researchers have uncovered compelling evidence about how these foods impact our bodies, from disrupting our natural glucose levels to increasing our risk of chronic diseases. Continue reading to explore the science behind processed foods and learn how they affect your health—both now and in the future.

What Is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

A doctor holding chalkboard that says "ADHD 101" as part of a lesson answering what is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? How is ADHD diagnosed? For many people, struggling with commitments and time management rises to the level of a clinical condition that significantly impairs how they live. That’s precisely what ADHD is—a neurological condition that inhibits how your brain processes information, regulates emotions, and predicts the consequences of your actions. Let’s discuss how ADHD is defined, where it comes from, and how it’s diagnosed.

Can Stress Cause Chronic Pain? Here’s How It Can

A woman holding her head surrounded by paperwork, showing how stress causes chronic pain

Can stress cause chronic pain? Why do patients with mindbody disorders think they should be in pain? Chronic pain can originate in your thoughts. Even if you sustain a minor injury, you may start to believe you’re more seriously injured, which only causes more pain because you’re more stressed. Discover how stress and other psychological conditions can influence how your body feels pain.

Why Is Technology Addictive? 4 Ways Developers Hook You

A man staring at his computer screen, showing why technology is addictive

Is technology like gambling? Why is technology addictive? Adam Alter says mobile devices and wearable technology amplify the addictive potential of technology since they make it possible to engage in addictive behaviors no matter where you are. He identifies four common strategies technology developers use to capture and keep your time, attention, and money. Let’s explore those strategies that keep you hooked on technology.

Should You Take Supplements? Mostly “No” and a Little Bit “Yes”

A man looking at nutritional supplements on the shelf in a store illustrates the question, "Should you take supplements?"

Should you take supplements? Do whole foods provide better nutrition than supplements? What nutrients might you need to supplement a plant-based diet? Nutrition experts emphasize the importance of getting nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements. Their research reveals that isolated nutrients often fail to provide the same benefits as those found naturally in foods. Keep reading to discover why you can skip most supplements and which ones you might actually need.

How a Psychosomatic Disorder Diagnosis Is Made

A doctor giving a psychosomatic disorder diagnosis in a hospital room

How are psychosomatic disorders diagnosed? Why do these types of disorders exist on a spectrum? Douglas Hoffman is an orthopedist with decades of experience in sports medicine. He takes a particular interest in how psychological and social factors lead to mindbody disorders, and diagnosing them with a thorough exam.  Check out how Hoffman conducts a psychosomatic disorder diagnosis to help struggling patients.

Why Gambling Is Addictive (and Why Technology Is Just Like It)

A woman in a casino with slot machines, showing why gambling is addictive

Why is gambling addictive? What features does technology share with gambling? Adam Alter explains that some technology is designed to exploit the same psychological vulnerabilities as gambling, another behavioral addiction, to keep users engaged and coming back for more. He names four such design features: exciting audiovisual design, early hooks, variable rewards, and deceptive superiority to real life. Check out the similarities between gambling and technology that make these addictions hard to quit.

How to Make Healthy Food Choices: Simple Ways to Sort It Out

A woman selecting a product on a shelf in a grocery store illustrates how to make healthy food choices

What’s the real difference between whole foods and processed foods? Why do some nutrition experts recommend eating primarily plant-based meals? Making healthy food choices doesn’t have to be complicated. Leading nutrition experts agree on the basics when it comes to selecting foods that support optimal health. Their recommendations focus on choosing whole, plant-based foods while limiting processed items. Continue reading to learn how to make healthy food choices with simple strategies from experts.

How to Take Care of Your Mind: 2 Mental Health Tools

A smiling brain giving a thumbs up because someone knows how to take care of their mind

Why is mental health important to your energy? What does it mean to nourish your mind? It’s extremely important to take care of your physical needs with diet, exercise, and sleep. However, you can’t focus and direct your energy without also taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. Keep reading to learn how to take care of your mind to maintain energy.