Credit: iStock/anyaberkut Preservatives are used extensively in food products worldwide. They play a vital role in preventing foods from spoiling or discoloring, extending their shelf life and making sure they arrive safely to supermarkets and other destinations. Despite the widespread use of preservatives in canned foods, processed meats, snacks and beverages, little is known about … Continue reading The Gut Check: The Hidden Impact of Preservatives on Your Microbiome
Scientific Research
Ripples in Childhood, Waves in Adulthood: Early Childhood Stress and Your Health
Credit: iStock/FangXiaNuo Playgrounds, red balloons, lollipops, sandcastles on the beach and jump ropes are just some of the images that come to mind when you think of a happy childhood. Many people grow up with curiosity, play and the building of foundational memories that shape who they become. From learning to ride a bike to … Continue reading Ripples in Childhood, Waves in Adulthood: Early Childhood Stress and Your Health
Spotting Physiology in Everyday Life: Celebrating I Spy Physiology at 500
Credit: American Physiological Society Nearly 10 years ago, in February 2015, we welcomed readers to the I Spy Physiology blog. The aim of this new content was to answer the question “What is physiology?” in a way that nonscientists could easily understand. Armed with a small group of American Physiological Society (APS) members and staff, … Continue reading Spotting Physiology in Everyday Life: Celebrating I Spy Physiology at 500
How the Heat Affects Your Workouts and Your Body
Credit: iStock/AntonioGuillem Many sports enthusiasts around the globe have been focused on Paris as the 2024 Summer Games play out. Elite athletes in 329 medal events showcase their skill, talent and endurance with elegance, grace—and a whole lot of sweat. How do the best athletes in the world perform the amazing feats they do? Read … Continue reading How the Heat Affects Your Workouts and Your Body
Blue Spaces: The Surprising Health Benefits of Being Near Water
Credit: iStock/baona We have all heard that drinking enough water is good for our health, but we don’t often hear about the benefits of being in a “blue space” near water. Can you get a boost in wellness simply by being close to a body of water? Blue spaces are outdoor areas with water such … Continue reading Blue Spaces: The Surprising Health Benefits of Being Near Water
How Does the Heart Adapt during Pregnancy?
Credit: iStock/Onfokus When someone is pregnant, the body goes through many changes, and these can vary from person to person. Common experiences include morning sickness, swelling in the legs and feet, a faster heartbeat and increased fatigue. These changes are mainly due to the hormonal shifts and changes in the heart and blood vessels during … Continue reading How Does the Heart Adapt during Pregnancy?
How Does Social Media Affect the Brain?
Credit: iStock Social media plays a huge role in how many of us spend our days. Around the world, people between ages 16 and 64 spend an average of two and a half hours per day on social media. Younger generations may spend three to four hours on their electronic devices, and some studies show … Continue reading How Does Social Media Affect the Brain?
Does Alkaline Water Live Up to the Hype?
Credit: iStock Hydration is a key part of life. It helps us stay cool on hot summer days, helps keep our skin plump and clear and is overall part of a healthy lifestyle. However, choosing the right water now seems to be a puzzle. One “designer” water that has gained a lot of traction lately … Continue reading Does Alkaline Water Live Up to the Hype?
Why Do We Gasp for Air in the Extreme Heat?
Credit: iStock If you live in a hot and humid climate, you may know what it’s like to feel as if you’re gasping for air on an especially hot day. For people with asthma or other chronic lung conditions, heat waves—which often coincide with dangerous ozone levels and humidity—may cause asthma flare-ups and breathing difficulties. … Continue reading Why Do We Gasp for Air in the Extreme Heat?
How Does Eating and Exercising at the Right Time Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Disease?
Karyn Esser, PhD, presents her research at the 2024 American Physiology Summit. Credit: American Physiological Society The role of the biological clock (circadian rhythm) on human health and disease was covered in depth at the 2023 American Physiology Summit. Learning about how the body’s clock works with other organs is a topic scientists are continually … Continue reading How Does Eating and Exercising at the Right Time Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Disease?