Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Aging Is Difficult On Your Muscles - 5 Strength Tests That Reveal How Fit You Are

(Credit-Canva)

When human beings begin to age beyond the young adult stage in life, the body slowly starts deteriorating. While a lot of it can be slowed by exercising, a good diet, and other lifestyle changes, it is a natural part of life. Losing strength in your muscles is also another aspect of it. However, even if you aren’t as strong as you were before, one can always go back to training and exercising to regain some of it back. 

Knowing whether you have lost strength can be tricky, but you can figure it out through a few strength tests. These tests can help you figure out what specific areas you need to work on and how to go about it. 

<h2>Why Is It Important To Build Strength As You Age?</h2>

As we get older, focusing on making our muscles stronger becomes even more crucial than just doing activities that get our heart rate up. Building muscle helps our bodies fight against the natural <span>loss of muscle and bone that comes with aging</span>. This means you'll be able to keep doing everyday tasks without struggling and you'll be much less likely to get hurt from falls or other accidents. Strong muscles make all activities easier and safer as we age. So, while getting your heart pumping is still good, don't underestimate the power of building and maintaining muscle strength as you age.

Think of it as building a strong foundation for an active and independent future. You absolutely can and should begin incorporating exercises that challenge your muscles, no matter your current fitness level. This will pay off in feeling better, moving easier, and staying healthier as you continue to age.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Tests That Can Determine Your Strength Levels</span></h2>

A few simple tests can help you recognize potential weaknesses so that you can work on them in the future! A few things you should have before you start are a clock or stopwatch Just a way to keep time and a solid wall for support if needed. You might also want a soft mat for the exercises you do on the floor. You can do these exercises without shoes or in comfortable athletic shoes.

Stand normally, then carefully lift one foot a little bit off the floor. See if you can stand on the other leg without holding onto anything for a full minute. This checks your balance, which relies on good muscle strength.

Start standing up. Cross one leg over the other and carefully sit down on the floor with your legs crossed. See how easily you can sit down and then stand back up without using your hands, knees, or arms for support.

Stand with your back flat against a strong wall. Step your feet forward a bit and then slide down the wall until your hips are at the same height as your knees. Make sure your knees are right above your ankles. Hold this position for as long as you can to test your leg strength.

Get down on the floor on your hands, making sure your hands are directly under your shoulders. Then, stretch your legs out behind you and put your toes on the ground. Try to keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels, engaging your core muscles. Hold this position to test your core strength.

Start in the same position as the plank, but you can have your knees on the floor for an easier version. Slowly bend your elbows backward, keeping them at about a 45-degree angle from your body, and lower your chest almost to the floor. Then, push yourself back up. This tests your upper body strength.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Strength Tests That Reveal How Fit You Are

Aging Is Difficult On Your Muscles

Important To Build Strength For Old Age

Tests That Can Determine Your Strength Levels

fight against the natural loss of muscle

loss of muscle and bone that comes with aging

Strength training

Fitness tests

Ageing and exercise

Why Are More Indians Prone To Heart Attack?

Inside Minneapolis' Silent Room: A Place That Makes You Question If Silence Heals or Haunts

Add These Ayurvedic Seeds To Your Daily Diet For Vitamin C And Muscle Repair

Health & Wellness

Reasons To Do Dancing As A Workout

Why Summer Fruits Are A Great Addition To Your Diet?

What Should You Avoid For Your Bladder?

Lower-Body Exercises For Strong Foundation

Healthy Drinks That Improve Your Digestion

World Tobacco Day: Unexpected Ways Smoking Can Affect You

Seasonal Mood Swings? How Weather Affects Mental Health

Is Calorie Counting Healthy? Dos And Don’ts

Heat-Related Illnesses That You Should Know

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Tips On Period Hygiene

​Add These High Protein Vegetarian Meals To Your Diet​

Top 10 Workouts That Burn Most Calorie

Makhana Season – Healthy &amp; Quick Foxnut Recipes

Monsoon Ahead – Tips On Building Rainy Season Immunity

Do You Have Prickly Heat Rash – Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Healthy No-Cook Recipes You Can Try

How Do You Calorie Count – Numbers And Nutrients

Unexpected Signs Of Dehydration – Safety And Precaution Measures

Leg Exercises You Can Do At Home To Build Strength

Foods That Promote Skin Elasticity

Must-Do Chest Exercises You Can Try At Home

What Are The Symptoms Of JN.1 COVID-19 Strain?

Why Does Sleeping Become Harder As You Age?

High-Fiber Healthy Drinks You Should Try

10 Dumbbell Exercise Variations For Upper-Body Strength

A Parent’s Guide To Pets: Important Points To Consider For Your Child’s Health

Food Anxiety Is Real – How Your Food Intake Affects Your Anxiety

World Osteoporosis Month: Ways To Strengthen Your Bones

Brain Exercises To Keep You Cognitively Sharp

Easy Recipes To Make When You Don’t Wish To Cook

Physical Signs Of High Cortisol

9 Healthy Plant-Based Protein Rich Dishes To Try

What Happens When You Have Low Blood Pressure?

Throw These Toxic Bathroom Items Away To Protect Your Health

This Is What Cricket Superstar Virat Kohli Eats In A Day

Signs You Are Experiencing Sensory Overload

Shoulder Exercises You Should Do For Defined Shoulders

Best Foods To Eat When You Are Fasting

​Ghee For Ayurveda: Why It Should Be A Part Of Your Diet​

Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer You Should Know

When human beings begin to age beyond the young adult stage in life, the body slowly starts deteriorating. While a lot of it can be slowed by exercising, a good diet, and other lifestyle changes, it is a natural part of life. Losing strength in your muscles is also another aspect of it. However, even if you aren’t as strong as you were before, one can always go back to training and exercising to regain some of it back. Knowing whether you have lost strength can be tricky, but you can figure it out through a few strength tests. These tests can help you figure out what specific areas you need to work on and how to go about it. Why Is It Important To Build Strength As You Age?As we get older, focusing on making our muscles stronger becomes even more crucial than just doing activities that get our heart rate up. Building muscle helps our bodies fight against the natural loss of muscle and bone that comes with aging. This means you'll be able to keep doing everyday tasks without struggling and you'll be much less likely to get hurt from falls or other accidents. Strong muscles make all activities easier and safer as we age. So, while getting your heart pumping is still good, don't underestimate the power of building and maintaining muscle strength as you age.Think of it as building a strong foundation for an active and independent future. You absolutely can and should begin incorporating exercises that challenge your muscles, no matter your current fitness level. This will pay off in feeling better, moving easier, and staying healthier as you continue to age.Tests That Can Determine Your Strength LevelsA few simple tests can help you recognize potential weaknesses so that you can work on them in the future! A few things you should have before you start are a clock or stopwatch Just a way to keep time and a solid wall for support if needed. You might also want a soft mat for the exercises you do on the floor. You can do these exercises without shoes or in comfortable athletic shoes.One-Foot BalanceStand normally, then carefully lift one foot a little bit off the floor. See if you can stand on the other leg without holding onto anything for a full minute. This checks your balance, which relies on good muscle strength.Sitting-Rising TestStart standing up. Cross one leg over the other and carefully sit down on the floor with your legs crossed. See how easily you can sit down and then stand back up without using your hands, knees, or arms for support.Wall SitStand with your back flat against a strong wall. Step your feet forward a bit and then slide down the wall until your hips are at the same height as your knees. Make sure your knees are right above your ankles. Hold this position for as long as you can to test your leg strength.PlankGet down on the floor on your hands, making sure your hands are directly under your shoulders. Then, stretch your legs out behind you and put your toes on the ground. Try to keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels, engaging your core muscles. Hold this position to test your core strength.Push-UpStart in the same position as the plank, but you can have your knees on the floor for an easier version. Slowly bend your elbows backward, keeping them at about a 45-degree angle from your body, and lower your chest almost to the floor. Then, push yourself back up. This tests your upper body strength.

aging is difficult on your muscles - strength tests that reveal how fit you are

Ishita Roy

Health News

Type 2 Diabetes And High Blood Pressure Now Affect 1 In 8 Americans, Study Links Combo To Early Death Risk

type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure now affect 1 in 8 americans, study links combo to early death risk

Nutrition

This Essential Nutrient Is Often Ignored In High-Protein Diets— Why That’s A Big Mistake?

this essential nutrient is often ignored in high-protein diets— why that’s a big mistake?

Fitness

Exercise Proven ‘Better Than Drugs’ To Prevent Colon Cancer Recurrence, Study Trial Shows

exercise proven ‘better than drugs’ to prevent colon cancer recurrence, study trial shows

Your Kiss Might Carry More Than Love- It Could Also Spread Anxiety, New Study Finds

your kiss might carry more than love- it could also spread anxiety, new study finds

<span>Heart attack</span>s have become a common phenomenon. Earlier, it was associated with old age, however, now it is striking more and more young ones. In India, this has raised a major health issue, with 50% of heart attack reported in patients below the age of 40 between 2020 and 2023, as per Dr Ravi Prakash, a senior consultant in cardiology in PSRI Hospital, who cited data from across hospitals. Geetanjali Hospital, Udaipur also reported the same statistics, in fact as per Apollo Hospitals, every minute, about four Indians in the age group of 30 to 50 years experience fatal heart attacks. The hospital website also notes that Indian gets heart attacks 8 to 10 years before any other ethnic group across the world. 

<h4>What Makes Indians More Vulnerable To Heart Attack At A Younger Age?</h4>

What makes Indians more prone to heart attacks—and that too at a younger age? Research suggests a distinct pattern of dyslipidemia (abnormal fat levels in the blood) that, when combined with a natural tendency toward insulin resistance, often leads to early-onset diabetes. Additional contributing factors include smoking, use of other tobacco products, and hypertension. Genetics also play a significant role, with familial hypercholesterolemia being a common cause of premature heart disease in the Indian population.

The impact of today’s fast-paced lifestyle further intensifies this vulnerability. High mental and physical stress—driven by job-related competition and pressure—leads many to adopt harmful habits like smoking and alcohol consumption, both of which are known risk factors for heart disease. A sedentary lifestyle, coupled with insufficient sleep, only compounds these risks.

Dr Rohit Sane, who is the CEO &amp; Managing Director at Madhavbaug Hospitals said that the reason is not a sudden illness, but lifestyle habits, as was also reported by IndiaTV. 

He also pointed out four hidden factors which could make young people in India more vulnerable to heart attacks:

<h4>Chronic Stress: A Silent Strain on the Heart</h4>

Modern life is fast-paced, competitive, and often isolating. Unlike earlier times, where joint families and strong communities provided emotional support, today’s environment leaves many young people juggling pressures from work, social media, and family life — often with little space to breathe.

This constant emotional stress quietly affects both the body and mind. Stress hormones raise blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and they trigger inflammation in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks over time. Many don’t realise the toll it has taken until warning signs appear — sometimes too late.

<h4>Processed Foods: A Hidden Threat in Everyday Diets</h4>

The comfort of fresh, home-cooked meals is increasingly being replaced by fast food, packaged snacks, and sugary beverages. These ultra-processed foods are often packed with trans fats, refined sugars, and artificial additives.

Beyond just adding weight, these foods fuel chronic inflammation in the body, quietly damaging artery walls and promoting plaque buildup and clot formation. Over time, this can narrow or block blood flow to the heart, raising the risk of heart attacks — even among those in their 30s.

<h4>Lack of Sleep: Skipping Nature’s Recovery Window</h4>

Sleep is essential for the body’s repair and reset. Yet, job demands, binge-watching, and screen addiction mean many young adults rarely get the recommended seven to eight hours of rest.

Inadequate sleep disrupts the body's internal rhythm, alters hormones, and elevates stress levels. It also impairs how the body handles sugar and fats, increasing the risk of diabetes and high cholesterol. Skipping sleep regularly is akin to ignoring basic maintenance for the body’s most vital system.

<h4>Misplaced Fitness Priorities: Fit Bodies, Stressed Hearts</h4>

Fitness trends today often revolve around aesthetics — six-packs, sculpted arms, and social media-ready bodies. But genuine health isn’t just skin deep. True <span>heart health</span> relies on endurance, flexibility, and nervous system balance.

Excessive training without adequate rest, imbalanced routines, or ignoring holistic exercises like yoga, swimming, or brisk walking can put added strain on the heart. Fitness should be about long-term well-being, not just surface-level transformation.

heart health

health and wellness

heart attack

young people heart attack

heart attack in india

Heart attacks have become a common phenomenon. Earlier, it was associated with old age, however, now it is striking more and more young ones. In India, this has raised a major health issue, with 50% of heart attack reported in patients below the age of 40 between 2020 and 2023, as per Dr Ravi Prakash, a senior consultant in cardiology in PSRI Hospital, who cited data from across hospitals. Geetanjali Hospital, Udaipur also reported the same statistics, in fact as per Apollo Hospitals, every minute, about four Indians in the age group of 30 to 50 years experience fatal heart attacks. The hospital website also notes that Indian gets heart attacks 8 to 10 years before any other ethnic group across the world. What Makes Indians More Vulnerable To Heart Attack At A Younger Age?What makes Indians more prone to heart attacks—and that too at a younger age? Research suggests a distinct pattern of dyslipidemia (abnormal fat levels in the blood) that, when combined with a natural tendency toward insulin resistance, often leads to early-onset diabetes. Additional contributing factors include smoking, use of other tobacco products, and hypertension. Genetics also play a significant role, with familial hypercholesterolemia being a common cause of premature heart disease in the Indian population.The impact of today’s fast-paced lifestyle further intensifies this vulnerability. High mental and physical stress—driven by job-related competition and pressure—leads many to adopt harmful habits like smoking and alcohol consumption, both of which are known risk factors for heart disease. A sedentary lifestyle, coupled with insufficient sleep, only compounds these risks.What Does The Doctor Say?Dr Rohit Sane, who is the CEO & Managing Director at Madhavbaug Hospitals said that the reason is not a sudden illness, but lifestyle habits, as was also reported by IndiaTV. He also pointed out four hidden factors which could make young people in India more vulnerable to heart attacks:Chronic Stress: A Silent Strain on the HeartModern life is fast-paced, competitive, and often isolating. Unlike earlier times, where joint families and strong communities provided emotional support, today’s environment leaves many young people juggling pressures from work, social media, and family life — often with little space to breathe.This constant emotional stress quietly affects both the body and mind. Stress hormones raise blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and they trigger inflammation in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks over time. Many don’t realise the toll it has taken until warning signs appear — sometimes too late.Processed Foods: A Hidden Threat in Everyday DietsThe comfort of fresh, home-cooked meals is increasingly being replaced by fast food, packaged snacks, and sugary beverages. These ultra-processed foods are often packed with trans fats, refined sugars, and artificial additives.Beyond just adding weight, these foods fuel chronic inflammation in the body, quietly damaging artery walls and promoting plaque buildup and clot formation. Over time, this can narrow or block blood flow to the heart, raising the risk of heart attacks — even among those in their 30s.Lack of Sleep: Skipping Nature’s Recovery WindowSleep is essential for the body’s repair and reset. Yet, job demands, binge-watching, and screen addiction mean many young adults rarely get the recommended seven to eight hours of rest.Inadequate sleep disrupts the body's internal rhythm, alters hormones, and elevates stress levels. It also impairs how the body handles sugar and fats, increasing the risk of diabetes and high cholesterol. Skipping sleep regularly is akin to ignoring basic maintenance for the body’s most vital system.Misplaced Fitness Priorities: Fit Bodies, Stressed HeartsFitness trends today often revolve around aesthetics — six-packs, sculpted arms, and social media-ready bodies. But genuine health isn’t just skin deep. True heart health relies on endurance, flexibility, and nervous system balance.Excessive training without adequate rest, imbalanced routines, or ignoring holistic exercises like yoga, swimming, or brisk walking can put added strain on the heart. Fitness should be about long-term well-being, not just surface-level transformation.

why are more indians prone to heart attack?

Like, Comment, Share: How Social Media Triggers Dopamine Loops, Comparison Anxiety And Rewires Your Brain With Anxiety?

like, comment, share: how social media triggers dopamine loops, comparison anxiety and rewires your brain with anxiety?

More Than A Diagnosis: Cancer Survivors Share The Small Wins That Helped Them Heal

national cancer survivors day: 'more than a diagnosis' - cancer survivors share the small wins that helped them heal

Work Stress Getting To You? Your Dog Could Also Be Affected By It

work stress getting to you? your dog could also be affected by it

We have all been in spaces where noise was almost killing us and we hoped to reach home, be in silence, and relax. Well, there is, in fact a space like that. It is located in Minneapolis, it is the quietest room on the planet. This is located on East 25th Street, was once known as Sound 80, a studio where Bob Dylan recorded part of his Blood On The Tracks album. However, in the turn of events, the building went from a place of music to the quietest rooms on the planet. 

This was bought by Steve Orfield, who is the president of Orfield Laboratories. He had realized that the building is capable of absorbing sounds. This is what makes it an "anechoic chamber". 

Orfield says, as CBS News also reports, that the chamber is so quiet that you can hear your joints scratching against each other. Not only this, but you can hear your heartbeat, your internal organs working and "if your hearing is very sensitive, you can hear your lungs flowing."

Why does it happens? Thanks to the airplane cables, each of which hold 1,500 pounds of weight, help keep things quite, while putting a bounce in your step, notes CBS News. 

The place is so quiet that many visitors have used it as a challenge to see how long can they stand hearing the sound of their own bodies. As per Caity Weaver of the New York Times Magazine, you can also hear the sound of your eyelids shutting upon blinking. 

While we think that silence has a calming impact, too much silence could actually be unsettling. As per a neuroscientist at Northwestern University who studies human auditory system, Kevin Sitek, people inside an anechoic chamber could also become disoriented. This is because "we have trained out whole lives to hear in natural conditions. Echoes help us orient ourselves very literally in the world...when those are gone, there are no cues beyond the sound itself," he explains. 

Sound also help us with stimulation, which is important for our brain. However, Sitek points out that "we do not have a good handle on what happens when there is no stimulation." This is why some people may find silence unsettling. 

Another reason why silence could haunt you is also due to sedatephobia, or the fear of silence. People with this phobia need constant stimulation or human contact to fill the void. Too much silence can also cause panic attacks.

Many of us are also uncomfortable with silence because this is something that we have developed over the years. We are used to constant stimulation, and thus too much silence could feel eerie. 

Furthermore, many experts also point out that quiet forces us to face our reality and silence can compel us to think things we do not want to think about. 

While several studies have proved that too much noise can lead to health issues including heart disease, depression, and anxiety, even triggering body's stress response, there are studies that also show that too much silence could put us in uncomfortable situations. 

A 2014 study, titled Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind, noted that many people would rather receive an electric shock than to continue to sit in silence. Another 2020 study, titled Waiting, thinking, and feeling: variations in the perception of time during silence, published in Frontiers in Psychology noted that silence can make one become more pronounced with their own thoughts. This for many could become unsettling. 

The way out is to draw a balance, while you could enjoy silence, but too much of it could make you struggle. However, noise is also something you don't like. Try putting a soothing music to relax you. This balance will help you stay focused, enjoy the silence, but not too much that you hear your own body and get haunted by it. 

is silence calming

Minnesota Quietest Room In Planet

mental health

is silence terrifying

does silence heal

Minneapolis Quietest Room in planet

We have all been in spaces where noise was almost killing us and we hoped to reach home, be in silence, and relax. Well, there is, in fact a space like that. It is located in Minneapolis, it is the quietest room on the planet. This is located on East 25th Street, was once known as Sound 80, a studio where Bob Dylan recorded part of his Blood On The Tracks album. However, in the turn of events, the building went from a place of music to the quietest rooms on the planet. This was bought by Steve Orfield, who is the president of Orfield Laboratories. He had realized that the building is capable of absorbing sounds. This is what makes it an "anechoic chamber". Orfield says, as CBS News also reports, that the chamber is so quiet that you can hear your joints scratching against each other. Not only this, but you can hear your heartbeat, your internal organs working and "if your hearing is very sensitive, you can hear your lungs flowing."Why does it happens? Thanks to the airplane cables, each of which hold 1,500 pounds of weight, help keep things quite, while putting a bounce in your step, notes CBS News. The place is so quiet that many visitors have used it as a challenge to see how long can they stand hearing the sound of their own bodies. As per Caity Weaver of the New York Times Magazine, you can also hear the sound of your eyelids shutting upon blinking. Is It Really Calming?While we think that silence has a calming impact, too much silence could actually be unsettling. As per a neuroscientist at Northwestern University who studies human auditory system, Kevin Sitek, people inside an anechoic chamber could also become disoriented. This is because "we have trained out whole lives to hear in natural conditions. Echoes help us orient ourselves very literally in the world...when those are gone, there are no cues beyond the sound itself," he explains. Sound also help us with stimulation, which is important for our brain. However, Sitek points out that "we do not have a good handle on what happens when there is no stimulation." This is why some people may find silence unsettling. Another reason why silence could haunt you is also due to sedatephobia, or the fear of silence. People with this phobia need constant stimulation or human contact to fill the void. Too much silence can also cause panic attacks.Many of us are also uncomfortable with silence because this is something that we have developed over the years. We are used to constant stimulation, and thus too much silence could feel eerie. Furthermore, many experts also point out that quiet forces us to face our reality and silence can compel us to think things we do not want to think about. While several studies have proved that too much noise can lead to health issues including heart disease, depression, and anxiety, even triggering body's stress response, there are studies that also show that too much silence could put us in uncomfortable situations. A 2014 study, titled Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind, noted that many people would rather receive an electric shock than to continue to sit in silence. Another 2020 study, titled Waiting, thinking, and feeling: variations in the perception of time during silence, published in Frontiers in Psychology noted that silence can make one become more pronounced with their own thoughts. This for many could become unsettling. The way out is to draw a balance, while you could enjoy silence, but too much of it could make you struggle. However, noise is also something you don't like. Try putting a soothing music to relax you. This balance will help you stay focused, enjoy the silence, but not too much that you hear your own body and get haunted by it. 

inside minneapolis' silent room: a place that makes you question if silence heals or haunts

Tanya Dutt

Your Kiss Might Carry More Than Love—It Could Also Spread Anxiety, New Study Finds

More Than Half Of Mental Health TikToks Are Misleading; How To Protect Yourself From Misinformation?

more than half of mental health tiktoks are misleading; how to protect yourself from misinformation?

Drinking Coffee Doesn't Affect Your Energy - It Changes The Way Your Brain Functions

drinking coffee doesn't affect your energy - it changes the way your brain functions

Fluoride Removal From Drinking Water Could Trigger Millions More Cavities In US Kids , Study Warns

fluoride removal from drinking water could trigger millions more cavities in us kids , study warns

Bruce Willis’ Dementia Diagnosis Left Wife Emma Heming Feeling ‘Lost’ And ‘Isolated’ - What Are The Signs Of Caregivers Burnout?

bruce willis’ dementia diagnosis left wife emma heming feeling ‘lost’ and ‘isolated’ - what are the signs of caregivers burnout?

Have you ever wondered if <span>mental health</span> could actually be contagious—just like a cold or the flu? It sounds wild, but new research suggests it might be more than just metaphorical. We’ve all heard phrases like “good vibes only” or felt someone else’s <span>stress</span> rub off on us, right? But what if your partner’s <span>anxiety</span>, <span>depression</span>, or even insomnia could be passed on through something as intimate as a kiss? Yep, that sweet gesture could be doing more than just bonding hearts. Intrigued? You should be—because this new finding might change how we think about emotional well-being in relationships.

A groundbreaking study out of Iran has introduced a startling new concept: that anxiety and depression may not only be shared emotionally between romantic partners—but biologically transferred through a kiss.

Yes, you read that right. <span>Kissing</span> your partner may not just swap affection, but millions of microbes—some of which may be quietly influencing your mental health.

This new research opens up a fascinating, and somewhat unsettling, frontier in how we understand mental wellness within intimate relationships, pointing to a biological pathway for emotional transmission through oral <span>microbiota</span>.

<h2>Love, <span rel="noindex">Intimacy</span>, and the Hidden Microbial Highway</h2>

It’s long been accepted that couples tend to influence each other’s behaviors—picking up habits, mimicking routines, and even adopting one another’s speech patterns. But recent scientific inquiries suggest that our bodies—and more precisely, the bacteria within them—might be syncing in much deeper ways.

A team of Iranian researchers, led by Dr. Reza Rastmanesh, followed 268 newlywed couples for six months to explore whether the oral bacteria exchanged during intimate contact—like kissing—might play a role in the development of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep.

Their conclusion? Mental health symptoms can potentially be transmitted biologically, mediated by the microorganisms that reside in our mouths.

The study, published in the journal Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, recruited newlywed couples from two private sleep clinics in Tehran. Researchers focused specifically on couples where one spouse had been diagnosed with moderate depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances—what the researchers referred to as the "depression-anxiety phenotype."

At the beginning of the study, the other partner was entirely healthy—no sleep complaints, no psychological distress, and no history of mental illness. Both partners provided saliva and oral swabs, which were analyzed to assess cortisol levels and map out the oral microbiota using DNA sequencing technology.

After just six months of living together, something remarkable occurred: the healthy spouses began to mirror their partners’ symptoms. Their depression and anxiety scores climbed, they reported trouble sleeping, and—most compellingly—their oral microbiomes began to resemble those of their affected partners. How could something as seemingly benign as kissing transmit psychological symptoms?

According to the study, four specific types of bacteria—Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus, and Lachnospiraceae—were found in higher concentrations in the saliva of affected partners. These bacteria have previously been associated with neuroinflammation and mood disorders.

When the researchers analyzed the healthy partners' microbiota after six months, they found a significant increase in these same bacteria—implying microbial transmission had occurred.

This bacterial “convergence” may play a role in disrupting the <span>gut-brain axis</span>, a well-documented communication system between the digestive tract’s microbiome and the central nervous system. The oral cavity is the first gateway in this axis, making these findings especially significant.

<h2>Cortisol and the Chemistry of Stress</h2>

The study didn’t stop at microbes. Researchers also tracked cortisol, a hormone released during times of stress. Healthy spouses began the study with normal cortisol levels—but after six months, levels spiked, particularly among women.

In some cases, female spouses showed nearly double the cortisol compared to their initial readings, underscoring a clear physiological stress response. This rise in cortisol mirrored the uptick in anxiety and depression symptoms, suggesting a complex chain reaction where microbial exposure leads to hormonal shifts, which in turn may affect mood.

Interestingly, gender appeared to influence susceptibility to microbial and emotional transmission. Female partners reported higher rates of mood disturbances and sleep issues than their male counterparts, despite starting the study in good mental health.

While the study does not definitively explain why women may be more affected, prior research has shown that women’s immune and hormonal systems are more sensitive to stress-related changes—potentially making them more vulnerable to shifts in microbiota and subsequent mental health symptoms.

The concept of “psychological synchrony” in relationships is not new. Previous studies have documented how couples’ heart rates, stress levels, and even reproductive hormone cycles can align over time. But this new study adds a biological layer to emotional co-regulation: one that literally lives inside our mouths.

While the idea that mental illness might be “contagious” through bacteria may sound like science fiction, it builds on a growing body of evidence linking gut and oral microbiomes to cognitive and emotional health.

“Oral microbiota transmission between individuals in close contact partially mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety,” the researchers concluded—urging the scientific community to consider bacteria as potential contributors in the mental health equation.

Of course, this study is not without its limitations. The researchers noted that they did not account for underlying health conditions, dietary habits, or genetic predispositions that may influence oral microbiota.

Still, the implications are vast. If further studies confirm these findings, oral health may become a new frontier in mental health interventions. Could probiotic therapies or personalized oral hygiene routines serve as preventive strategies for couples living with mental illness? Could clinicians someday assess microbial profiles to predict emotional risk?

Dr. Rastmanesh and his team believe this is just the beginning. They have called for more longitudinal studies to explore whether similar bacterial patterns are found in couples with longer marriages and in other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress.

<h2>Should You Worry About Your Next Kiss?</h2>

Not necessarily, the study doesn’t suggest we should avoid kissing or sharing close contact with loved ones. Intimacy remains a cornerstone of healthy relationships. But it does encourage us to broaden our understanding of what it means to be “in sync” with a partner—not just emotionally, but biologically.

As our knowledge of the human microbiome evolves, so too must our understanding of mental health. This study may not offer all the answers, but it raises critical questions about how deeply our relationships shape us—right down to the microscopic level.

depression

anxiety

kissing

emotional wellness

stress

intimacy

microbiota

gut-brain axis

Have you ever wondered if mental health could actually be contagious—just like a cold or the flu? It sounds wild, but new research suggests it might be more than just metaphorical. We’ve all heard phrases like “good vibes only” or felt someone else’s stress rub off on us, right? But what if your partner’s anxiety, depression, or even insomnia could be passed on through something as intimate as a kiss? Yep, that sweet gesture could be doing more than just bonding hearts. Intrigued? You should be—because this new finding might change how we think about emotional well-being in relationships.A groundbreaking study out of Iran has introduced a startling new concept: that anxiety and depression may not only be shared emotionally between romantic partners—but biologically transferred through a kiss.Yes, you read that right. Kissing your partner may not just swap affection, but millions of microbes—some of which may be quietly influencing your mental health.This new research opens up a fascinating, and somewhat unsettling, frontier in how we understand mental wellness within intimate relationships, pointing to a biological pathway for emotional transmission through oral microbiota.Love, Intimacy, and the Hidden Microbial HighwayIt’s long been accepted that couples tend to influence each other’s behaviors—picking up habits, mimicking routines, and even adopting one another’s speech patterns. But recent scientific inquiries suggest that our bodies—and more precisely, the bacteria within them—might be syncing in much deeper ways.A team of Iranian researchers, led by Dr. Reza Rastmanesh, followed 268 newlywed couples for six months to explore whether the oral bacteria exchanged during intimate contact—like kissing—might play a role in the development of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep.Their conclusion? Mental health symptoms can potentially be transmitted biologically, mediated by the microorganisms that reside in our mouths.The study, published in the journal Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, recruited newlywed couples from two private sleep clinics in Tehran. Researchers focused specifically on couples where one spouse had been diagnosed with moderate depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances—what the researchers referred to as the "depression-anxiety phenotype."At the beginning of the study, the other partner was entirely healthy—no sleep complaints, no psychological distress, and no history of mental illness. Both partners provided saliva and oral swabs, which were analyzed to assess cortisol levels and map out the oral microbiota using DNA sequencing technology.After just six months of living together, something remarkable occurred: the healthy spouses began to mirror their partners’ symptoms. Their depression and anxiety scores climbed, they reported trouble sleeping, and—most compellingly—their oral microbiomes began to resemble those of their affected partners. How could something as seemingly benign as kissing transmit psychological symptoms?According to the study, four specific types of bacteria—Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus, and Lachnospiraceae—were found in higher concentrations in the saliva of affected partners. These bacteria have previously been associated with neuroinflammation and mood disorders.When the researchers analyzed the healthy partners' microbiota after six months, they found a significant increase in these same bacteria—implying microbial transmission had occurred.This bacterial “convergence” may play a role in disrupting the gut-brain axis, a well-documented communication system between the digestive tract’s microbiome and the central nervous system. The oral cavity is the first gateway in this axis, making these findings especially significant.Cortisol and the Chemistry of StressThe study didn’t stop at microbes. Researchers also tracked cortisol, a hormone released during times of stress. Healthy spouses began the study with normal cortisol levels—but after six months, levels spiked, particularly among women.In some cases, female spouses showed nearly double the cortisol compared to their initial readings, underscoring a clear physiological stress response. This rise in cortisol mirrored the uptick in anxiety and depression symptoms, suggesting a complex chain reaction where microbial exposure leads to hormonal shifts, which in turn may affect mood.Wy Are Women More Vulnerable?Interestingly, gender appeared to influence susceptibility to microbial and emotional transmission. Female partners reported higher rates of mood disturbances and sleep issues than their male counterparts, despite starting the study in good mental health.While the study does not definitively explain why women may be more affected, prior research has shown that women’s immune and hormonal systems are more sensitive to stress-related changes—potentially making them more vulnerable to shifts in microbiota and subsequent mental health symptoms.The concept of “psychological synchrony” in relationships is not new. Previous studies have documented how couples’ heart rates, stress levels, and even reproductive hormone cycles can align over time. But this new study adds a biological layer to emotional co-regulation: one that literally lives inside our mouths.While the idea that mental illness might be “contagious” through bacteria may sound like science fiction, it builds on a growing body of evidence linking gut and oral microbiomes to cognitive and emotional health.“Oral microbiota transmission between individuals in close contact partially mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety,” the researchers concluded—urging the scientific community to consider bacteria as potential contributors in the mental health equation.Of course, this study is not without its limitations. The researchers noted that they did not account for underlying health conditions, dietary habits, or genetic predispositions that may influence oral microbiota.Still, the implications are vast. If further studies confirm these findings, oral health may become a new frontier in mental health interventions. Could probiotic therapies or personalized oral hygiene routines serve as preventive strategies for couples living with mental illness? Could clinicians someday assess microbial profiles to predict emotional risk?Dr. Rastmanesh and his team believe this is just the beginning. They have called for more longitudinal studies to explore whether similar bacterial patterns are found in couples with longer marriages and in other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress.Should You Worry About Your Next Kiss?Not necessarily, the study doesn’t suggest we should avoid kissing or sharing close contact with loved ones. Intimacy remains a cornerstone of healthy relationships. But it does encourage us to broaden our understanding of what it means to be “in sync” with a partner—not just emotionally, but biologically.As our knowledge of the human microbiome evolves, so too must our understanding of mental health. This study may not offer all the answers, but it raises critical questions about how deeply our relationships shape us—right down to the microscopic level.

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Aging Is Difficult On Your Muscles - 5 Strength Tests That Reveal How Fit You Are

Quick Stories

Why Are More Indians Prone To Heart Attack?

Inside Minneapolis' Silent Room: A Place That Makes You Question If Silence Heals or Haunts

Your Kiss Might Carry More Than Love- It Could Also Spread Anxiety, New Study Finds

Health Conditions A-Z

Why Are More Indians Prone To Heart Attack?

Inside Minneapolis' Silent Room: A Place That Makes You Question If Silence Heals or Haunts

Add These Ayurvedic Seeds To Your Daily Diet For Vitamin C And Muscle Repair