When one hears about high testosterone, the first thought that comes to their mind is of a hot-blooded, impulsive and sex-driven personality. Nevertheless, the last scientific research on testosterone reveals that it has a slightly more complex impact on men's behavior in matters involving romance and love. Surprise, surprise; testosterone isn't a libido-boosting hormone, as many may believe. Instead, it plays an important role for men in getting them to hook up with others.

A study by researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has challenged the stereotype that testosterone drives men to insatiable levels of sexual desire. Instead, the study found that elevated testosterone levels were associated with an increase in "courtship effort" among single men, not necessarily their sex drive.

According to lead author of the study Dr. James Roney, "Despite a common belief that testosterone regulates fluctuations in sexual desire, there is little direct evidence. It may instead motivate mating effort through other means, such as by promoting courtship effort.

This finding implies that testosterone nudges men to work hard at getting someone they are interested in. The effort could be in the form of cracking jokes, paying compliments, or even buying flowers—small but thoughtful gestures that build romantic relations.

How Testosterone Fuels Romantic Efforts

One interesting aspect of the study was the comparison between single men and those in relationships. The study found that testosterone levels were higher in single men than in their coupled counterparts. This suggests that the hormone plays a motivating role in finding a partner.

As Dr Roney noted, "Increased testosterone serves to facilitate mate competition attempts in unmarried males. When such attempts succeed, lower levels of testosterone production are triggered along with a shift in effort from courtship."

In essence, once a man settles into a committed relationship, his body may reduce the production of testosterone, thereby indicating a change from courtship to maintaining the relationship.

In a study with 41 men aged between 18 and 26 years, researchers explored the relationship between testosterone and romantic behavior. They asked each participant to give a daily saliva sample that could measure testosterone levels, in addition to completing daily surveys about their sex drive and courtship efforts.

While all participants had healthy levels of testosterone, the study found that changes in the hormone within the normal range were linked to greater efforts to attract a mate.

Interestingly, the findings suggest that the role of the hormone in human behavior goes beyond biological impulses and influences social interactions.

The study points out how testosterone shapes behaviors beyond pure physical attraction. Men with higher levels of testosterone are likely to exhibit more behaviors that would indicate interest to the woman, including:

- Making light of jokes so that they create a light-hearted and interesting atmosphere. - Identifying and complimenting qualities of a woman of their choice.

- From small tokens such as flowers to grand romantic gestures.

These acts are part of the overall courtship process, which demonstrates how the hormone promotes social attachment and attraction towards a partner.

Testosterone's Dual Role

Testosterone has been mainly linked to sex drive, but this research indicates that its influence spreads into personality and social behaviors. It basically encourages men to be more proactive in pursuing relationships.

However, testosterone levels also change with men as they shift from being single to being in a relationship. This decrease is not a sign of lost passion but rather a change in priority—instead of seeking out a partner, now one spends time maintaining a relationship.

Low Testosterone and Its Effects

The study included only males with normal testosterone levels; however, it should be realized that low levels of the hormone can lead to loss of libido and general well-being. Possible symptoms of low testosterone levels include:

- Decreased sexual desire.

- Low energy.

- Emotional states; irritability or depression.

Men experiencing these symptoms should consider consulting a healthcare provider, as addressing hormonal imbalances can significantly improve quality of life.

Ultimately, this study offers a refreshing perspective on testosterone’s role in relationships. Rather than fueling reckless desire, the hormone helps men engage in meaningful behaviors that enhance their chances of finding and keeping a partner.

For single men, increased testosterone would be a motivator for efforts in courtship. Once in a relationship, testosterone levels naturally taper off and allow men to focus more towards deeper, long-term commitments.

One of the many beliefs that people hold, especially the older generation, is that the new way of living, which is highly protected and sanitized, has made kids weaker. While there are certain evolutionary changes we have developed over the past few centuries, it is arguable whether we are . However, their theory may not be far from the truth, but how do we know that? To this day, there are certain communities who enjoy a quiet living, void of modern possessions like the Amish community.

Surveys have noted that Amish children tend to have lesser allergies or asthma cases, but how?

Why Do Amish Children Have Less Allergies?

Scientists have long known that kids who grow up on traditional farms are less likely to have asthma and allergies. This is called the "farm effect," and it seems to be caused by being around farm animals, especially cows, and the microbes (tiny living things) that are found there.

In a 2018 study, researchers from The University of Manchester and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust studied two unique farming communities in the U.S.: the Amish and the Hutterites. Both groups have similar genes and lifestyles, but they farm in very different ways, and this seems to be the reason for their different health outcomes.

Another 2020 study done by the American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology compared the living of Amish and Old Order Mennonite, who also have a similar style of living, with a few comparable changes.

What Is The Difference Between Amish And Hutterite Living?

The Amish and Hutterites both came from the same group in Europe and have similar lifestyles. They eat similar foods, have large families, and avoid many modern habits like having indoor pets or using the internet. However, their farming practices are completely different.

Amish Farms

The Amish use old-fashioned, family-run farms with horses for work. Their barns are close to their homes, so children are around the animals and barn dust from a young age.

Hutterite Farms

The Hutterites live on large, modern, industrial farms. Their barns are big and located far from their homes, so children have little contact with the animals or barn environment.

This difference in lifestyle led to a major difference in health. The study found that Amish children have a very low rate of asthma (just 5.2%), while Hutterite children have a much higher rate (21.3%). This shows that the environment, not their genes, is the most important factor in preventing asthma.

How Was Amish Health Different From Mennonite Health?

The 2020 study researchers created a survey to compare the health of these two groups. They asked families about different types of allergies they had, as well as their lifestyle and farming practices.

They found that families in both groups lived on farms and drank raw, unprocessed milk. However, the Amish families had more children on average and lived on smaller farms with fewer animals compared to the Mennonite families. The survey results showed a significant difference in health between the two groups:

The Amish families reported having a much lower rate of allergies overall. Only about 26% of Amish households had a family member with an allergy.

The Mennonite families had a much higher rate of allergies, with nearly 47% of households reporting an allergy.

Why Were The Amish Less Likely To Get Allergies?

One key difference is that while both the Amish and Mennonites have large families, Mennonite communities sometimes use modern technology like tractors and electricity. In contrast, the Amish stick to traditional, old-fashioned farming.

This difference in farming methods could change the types of microbes (tiny living things) found in the farm environment. Since other research has shown that these specific microbes are important for preventing allergies, the different farming practices might explain why the Amish have a much lower allergy rate.

How the Environment Protects Against Asthma

The scientists found a key difference in the homes of the two groups: Amish homes had much more endotoxin, a type of dust from bacteria. When this dust was tested on mice, the dust from Amish homes protected the mice from developing asthma. However, dust from Hutterite homes actually made the mice's asthma worse.

This suggests that the kind of dust and microbes you are exposed to matters. The dust in Amish homes is full of "good" microbes that help a child’s immune system grow and develop correctly, preventing it from overreacting and causing asthma.

How Does Immunity Affect Allergies And Asthma?

The study also looked at the children's blood and immune systems. They found that the Amish children’s immune systems were very different from the Hutterite children's. The Amish kids had a stronger innate immune system, which is the body's first defense against germs. Their immune cells were "calm" and seemed to be trained to not overreact to things that can trigger asthma.

This research strongly suggests that the farm effect works by "training" the immune system. Early exposure to a wide variety of microbes helps the body learn how to respond correctly, which in turn protects against asthma.

While these studies give us a lot of great information, there are still many questions to answer. Scientists still need to figure out exactly which microbes or substances in the farm environment are the most protective. They also need to study children at a younger age to see how their immune systems change over time.

But for now, the findings from this research confirm that growing up on a traditional farm and being exposed to its rich environment is a powerful way to protect against asthma and allergies.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects about 37 million people in the United States and approximately 90% do not even know they have it (National Kidney Foundation). Despite its global relevance, we still have no cure for it and its treatment usually consists of managing the symptoms to slow down the progress of the disease. However, a new discovery may have changed these odds.

Scientists from The University of Manchester and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust have made a big discovery that could change how we treat CKD. They have found new ways to predict how the disease will get worse, which could lead to a simple blood or urine test for patients.

In a recent study published in the American Journal of Nephrology, researchers found that a special marker called Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) can predict a patient's risk of both kidney failure and death. This is the first time these two factors have been measured together, giving doctors a much better understanding of a patient's overall risk.

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Your kidneys are vital organs that do many important jobs to keep your body healthy. They act like a filter, removing waste and extra water. They also help control your blood pressure, keep your bones healthy, and help your body make red blood cells.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) happens when your kidneys are damaged over a long period (at least three months) and can't do these important jobs well. Because it develops slowly, CKD also raises your risk of other health problems, like heart disease and stroke. Doctors divide CKD into five stages to help guide treatment.

What Makes This Discovery So Important?

Right now, doctors find it hard to predict how CKD will progress because it can be very different for each person. One patient's condition might stay stable for years, while another's might suddenly get worse. The standard tests used today don’t give a full picture, often missing important clues like inflammation. This means patients with the same disease stage often get the same treatment, even if their risk levels are completely different.

This new research helps doctors see the "hidden drivers" of the diseasey—the actual biological changes happening inside the body. Dr. Thomas McDonnell, the lead researcher, said that these findings could lead to a more personalized approach to care.

How This Could Help Patients

With this new information, doctors would be able to:

Help high-risk patients sooner

Doctors could identify patients who are most likely to get worse and start more aggressive treatments earlier, which could make a big difference in their health.

Avoid unnecessary treatments

For patients at a low risk, doctors could prevent them from getting over-treated, which means fewer medical appointments and less stress.

Living with CKD can be tough, but this new discovery offers hope for better, more targeted care. By giving doctors a clearer look at each patient's individual risk, it could help people with chronic kidney disease live more active and fulfilling lives.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of CKD?

Many people with CKD don't notice any symptoms until the disease is in its later stages. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Foamy urine, or urinating more or less often than usual
• Itchy, dry skin
• Feeling very tired
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Weight loss without trying

In more advanced stages of CKD, you might also experience:

• Trouble thinking clearly
• Swelling or numbness in your arms, legs, or feet
• Achy muscles or cramps
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Trouble sleeping
• Breath that smells like ammonia (or a "fishy" smell)

The American Heart Association (AHA) has updated its official recommendations for dealing with high blood pressure, replacing the old rules from 2017. These new guidelines are the result of a deep look into the latest research, providing doctors and patients with better information on how to understand, prevent, and treat high blood pressure. They are designed to be a clearer, more effective guide for everyone.

High blood pressure is one of the biggest silent killers globally. Although many people suffer from it, most do not make the necessary changes to ensure that their health doesn’t deteriorate. A global estimate of about 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years has hypertension, according to the World Health Organizations (WHO). It is also estimated that 46% of these people are unaware that they have the condition.

To ensure that people keep their health in check, government and health institutions issue health guidelines that help people take care of their health.

What Are The Latest Changes To High Blood Pressure Guidelines?

The new guidelines highlight several key points:

Brain Health

There is now stronger evidence linking high blood pressure to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Managing your blood pressure now may help protect your brain in the future.

Leading Risk Factor

High blood pressure remains the top risk factor for serious health problems like stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and AFib.

Pregnancy-Related Hypertension

The new guidelines feature specific blood pressure categories for pregnant individuals to help detect serious risks, such as preeclampsia. Regular blood pressure checks are now considered crucial. It's important for expectant mothers to monitor their blood pressure closely before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure their health and the safety of their baby.

• Normal blood pressure is when your top number is less than 140 and your bottom number is less than 90.
• Hypertension in pregnancy is when your top number is 140 or higher, or your bottom number is 90 or higher.
• Severe hypertension is when your top number is 160 or higher, or your bottom number is 110 or higher.

Tips for Managing Your Blood Pressure

You can take steps to manage or prevent high blood pressure through a combination of lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication. For the most accurate reading, sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and arm extended at heart level.

Dietary Changes

• Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day (about one teaspoon of salt). The ideal goal is less than 1,500 mg.
• Follow a heart-healthy diet like the DASH eating plan, which focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy.
• Drinking less or no alcohol can help lower your blood pressure.
• Losing even a small amount of weight (at least 5% of your body weight) can help lower blood pressure. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, losing just 9 pounds can make a difference.
• Activities like meditation, controlled breathing, or yoga can help.
• Ask your healthcare professional about other conditions that can cause high blood pressure, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, and thyroid problems.

What Does General Blood Pressure Look Like?

It's important for everyone to understand their blood pressure numbers. The new guidelines classify blood pressure into these categories:

Normal: Your top number is less than 120 and your bottom number is less than 80.

Elevated: Your top number is between 120 and 129, and your bottom number is less than 80.

Stage 1 Hypertension: Your top number is between 130 and 139, or your bottom number is between 80 and 89.

Stage 2 Hypertension: Your top number is 140 or higher, or your bottom number is 90 or higher.

A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency that occurs when your blood pressure is higher than 180/120. If your blood pressure reaches this level and you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or numbness, you should call emergency services. If you need a health and diet guide, you can follow the ‘Life’s Essential 8’, the guideline that helps keep our health a priority by the American Heart Association.