Selena Gomez, a multi-talented singer and actor, has been candid about her health challenges, opening a window into the realities of living with chronic illnesses. Recently, in an emotional interview with Vanity Fair, Gomez revealed a deeply personal struggle that resonated with many — her inability to carry children due to medical issues.

As she navigates this difficult reality, Gomez sheds light on her broader health battles, including lupus, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

The 32-year-old did not disclose the specific medical condition during the interview, but she has previously been open about her 2015 lupus diagnosis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues and organs. The following year, she was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression, both of which can be associated with lupus and the medications used to treat it.

Impact of Lupus on Gomez's Health

Gomez's journey with lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, has been at the forefront of her health battles. She was diagnosed with the condition in 2015, a revelation that came after years of mysterious symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, and swelling.

Lupus can affect various organs, including the kidneys, heart, and lungs, and its unpredictable nature makes it a particularly difficult illness to manage.

In 2017, Gomez underwent a kidney transplant, a lifesaving procedure made necessary by the damage lupus had inflicted on her kidneys. The transplant, which was donated by her close friend Francia Raisa, was a turning point in her health journey, but it also underscored the severity of her condition.

While the surgery provided some relief, lupus remains a chronic illness, and the battle is ongoing.

Lupus, as a medical condition, comes with a host of complications, many of which can affect reproductive health. Women with lupus are often advised against pregnancy, as the disease, combined with the medications required to manage it, can lead to high-risk pregnancies.

In Gomez’s case, her condition, coupled with other health concerns, has made pregnancy too dangerous, a reality she has had to come to terms with.

Bipolar Disorder and the Challenge of Medications

In addition to lupus, Gomez has also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that can range from depressive lows to manic highs. Bipolar disorder can be challenging to manage on its own, but the medications used to treat it can pose additional health risks, particularly when it comes to pregnancy.

Gomez has been open about her mental health struggles, revealing in 2020 that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a particularly difficult period during which she experienced a psychotic episode. This episode, marked by hallucinations and suicidal thoughts, led her to seek treatment, and she has since found a combination of medications that helps her manage her symptoms.

However, these medications come with their own set of complications. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2022, Gomez shared that the medications she takes for bipolar disorder could make pregnancy unsafe. This added another layer of complexity to her desire for motherhood, as the risk posed by both her mental and physical health conditions meant that carrying a child would be too dangerous.

"Did not want to put the baby’s life in jeopardy"- Grieving the Loss of Traditional Motherhood

One of the most emotional aspects of Gomez’s recent revelations is the grief she has experienced over her inability to carry a child. In her interview with Vanity Fair, she opened up about how difficult it was to accept that pregnancy would put both her life and the baby’s in jeopardy.

“That was something I had to grieve for a while,” she said, reflecting on the emotional toll that this realization took on her.

For many women, the ability to conceive and carry a child is a deeply personal and important part of their life plan. The societal expectation that motherhood is a natural next step in life can add additional pressure. For Gomez, this expectation was something she had envisioned for herself, particularly as she approached her mid-30s.

The idea of having to let go of this vision was heartbreaking, and she has been open about the emotional journey she has been on to come to terms with it.

However, Gomez’s story also speaks to the strength of her resilience. While she has grieved the loss of traditional motherhood, she has also embraced the possibility of becoming a parent through alternative means.

Adoption and surrogacy are two options that Gomez has considered, and she has expressed gratitude for the availability of these paths to parenthood. “I’m excited for what that journey will look like, but it’ll look a little different,” she said. “At the end of the day, I don’t care. It’ll be mine. It’ll be my baby.”

Infertility and Chronic Illness

Gomez’s story highlights a larger issue that affects many women — the intersection of chronic illness and infertility. Conditions like lupus, bipolar disorder, and the medications required to manage them can significantly impact reproductive health.

For women with these conditions, the decision to start a family is not always straightforward, and in many cases, pregnancy may not be a viable option.

The emotional toll of infertility, especially when it is compounded by chronic illness, can be devastating. For women, who had envisioned a future that included biological children, the reality of infertility can lead to feelings of loss, grief, and frustration.

Conditions That Can Possibly Affect Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a complex process, and various physical and mental health conditions can significantly impact a woman's ability to conceive or carry a child to term. Below are some common conditions, both biological and mental, that can affect pregnancy:

1. Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. For women like Selena Gomez, lupus can pose serious risks during pregnancy, including complications such as preeclampsia, premature birth, and increased risk of miscarriage. Medications taken to manage lupus may also affect fertility or the health of a developing fetus, requiring close medical supervision.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and fertility. It is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and elevated levels of male hormones, which can hinder pregnancy. PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.

3. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and potentially leading to fertility problems. Women with endometriosis may face difficulties with conception and are at a higher risk of complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth.

4. Bipolar Disorder

Mental health plays a crucial role in pregnancy outcomes. Bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by extreme mood swings, can complicate pregnancy if not managed properly. The medications used to treat bipolar disorder, such as mood stabilizers, may pose risks to a developing fetus, including birth defects or developmental delays. As in Gomez’s case, ongoing treatment for bipolar disorder might make pregnancy unsafe without proper medical adjustments.

5. Anxiety and Depression

Chronic anxiety and depression can negatively affect fertility and pregnancy. These conditions can interfere with hormone regulation, making conception more difficult. In pregnant women, untreated anxiety and depression are linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression. Furthermore, the medications used to manage these mental health issues may need to be altered during pregnancy to minimize risks to the baby.

6. Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes, particularly type 1 and type 2 diabetes, can lead to complications during pregnancy. High blood sugar levels can result in birth defects, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Additionally, pregnant women with diabetes may be more likely to experience preeclampsia and premature delivery.

7. Thyroid Disorders

Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can impact fertility and pregnancy. These conditions may cause irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation problems, making it difficult to conceive. During pregnancy, thyroid disorders can lead to complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, or developmental issues in the baby.

8. Obesity

Obesity can complicate pregnancy by increasing the risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery. Women with obesity may also experience difficulties with fertility due to hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles. Maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy is essential for reducing these risks.

9. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Chronic hypertension or high blood pressure can lead to pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, restricted fetal growth, and premature birth. Women with hypertension may need careful monitoring and medication adjustments to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome.

However, Gomez’s openness about her journey offers a message of hope. By sharing her story, she is helping to normalize conversations around infertility, chronic illness, and the alternative paths to motherhood that many women are exploring.

Selena Gomez’s health journey serves as a reminder that chronic illness can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from their physical health to their mental well-being and even their ability to start a family. Her story is one of strength, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that, despite the obstacles, there are still countless possibilities for joy and fulfillment.

We have all heard the phrase ‘Money can’t buy happiness’ however many people do not agree with it. A lot of the troubles they face are due to financial difficulties, so having money could actually be a reason for their happiness. However, a new study shows that while you may be flourishing in life, you may not be as happy.

A new global study suggests that true well-being, or "flourishing," goes beyond simply being happy. Researchers from Baylor and Harvard universities surveyed over 207,000 people across 22 countries and Hong Kong to understand this broader concept.

It is now more than ever a chance to look at the mental health of the current living generations and what factors could affect it.

They looked at how people are doing in areas like their health, their sense of purpose, the strength of their character, and their connections with others, alongside just how happy they report being. This broader view helps us understand overall well-being in a more complete way than just focusing on happiness alone.

What Does It Reveal About The Mental Health Of Youngsters

One of the more concerning findings of this global study was that younger adults, across many of the countries surveyed, reported lower levels of overall flourishing compared to older adults. Many young people expressed that they didn't have a strong sense of purpose in their lives, which is a key component of flourishing.

However, there were some exceptions, with countries like Tanzania and Poland showing better flourishing scores among their younger populations, suggesting that cultural and societal factors might play a significant role in this age-related trend.

Experts suggest that increased competition for good jobs in developed countries could be a source of stress for younger individuals. Additionally, while richer countries often scored higher in financial security, they tended to rank lower in areas like relationships and a sense of meaning in life.

How Is Flourishing Different Than Happiness?

Their "Global Flourishing Study" looked at six important aspects of well-being: how happy people feel, their physical health, their sense of meaning in life, their character strengths, the quality of their relationships, and their financial security. By looking at all these areas together, the study aimed to create a more detailed understanding of what it means for people to be truly thriving in their lives across different cultures and countries.

The study revealed that Indonesia ranked highest in overall flourishing, followed by Mexico and the Philippines. Surprisingly, many countries that often top the World Happiness Report, such as Sweden and the United States, scored only in the middle range for flourishing.

Researchers point out that the findings raise important questions about how economic progress can be achieved without negatively impacting people's sense of purpose, the quality of their relationships, and their character development. Some of the most flourishing countries didn't even rank high in traditional happiness reports, indicating different factors contribute to overall well-being.

Going through chemotherapy can be very difficult for one’s body. To get better, chemo patients get sick regularly to ensure they get better. The Cleveland Clinic explains that side effects of chemo happen as the medicine used to destroy cancer cells can also often affect healthy cells. People experience extreme fatigue, nausea, hair loss, loss of appetite, weakened immune system etc. One of the reassurances is that normal cells can repair themselves allowing your body time to recover.

Another side effect of the treatment is the ‘brain fog’. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is characterized by trouble thinking and creating memories during and after the treatment. Some other symptoms of brain fog include trouble recalling what you’ve said to others or seen particular images and short-term memory loss issues. Experts do not know the cause of this side effect.

However, a new study revealed that having a loving and devoted partner can drastically improve brain fog symptoms in chemo patients.

A Partner’s Role In Chemo Management

Published in the Psychoneuroendocrinology journal, the research found that patients who reported having a fulfilling and happy intimate relationship were more likely to maintain their cognitive abilities and experience less of the mental fogginess often associated with chemotherapy treatment.

Based on their findings, the researchers suggest that therapy focused on strengthening the quality of a patient's relationship with their partner might be a helpful way to improve how well they handle the impact of chemotherapy on their thinking and memory skills.

For the study, researchers followed 48 women with breast cancer who were participating in a larger investigation looking at how chemotherapy affects the gut and brain. These patients underwent tests to assess their verbal skills, attention span, and short-term memory both before and after chemotherapy.

Satisfied Relationship = Preserved Brain Function

The key finding was that the more satisfied patients were with their relationship with their partner, the better their brain function held up while they were undergoing chemotherapy. This suggests a strong protective effect of a positive intimate connection on cognitive abilities during this challenging treatment period.

While general social support from friends and family also seemed to offer some benefit, the researchers noted that the link between a highly satisfying relationship and protected brain function was stronger and more consistent. This led them to believe that the intimate partnership is the most crucial social connection for cognitive well-being during chemotherapy.

Love Can Affect Chemo Treatment

The study also revealed that chemotherapy has an impact on the hormone oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone." Researchers found that levels of oxytocin in the blood significantly decreased while patients were receiving chemotherapy but returned to normal after the treatment was completed.

This temporary drop in oxytocin levels suggests that chemotherapy might be affecting the hypothalamus, which is the area of the brain responsible for producing this hormone that plays a role in social interactions and various other bodily functions.

Overall, the researchers concluded that supporting the intimate relationships of cancer patients through couples therapy could be just as important as providing other forms of support, such as support groups specifically for chemotherapy patients.

Incorporating enough fruits and vegetables into your daily meals can be a challenge—especially for those with picky palates. Yet, these plant-based foods are nutritional powerhouses, and one often overlooked leafy green in particular may deserve a second look: turnip greens.

A cup of cooked turnip greens contains fewer than 60 calories, but don’t let that fool you. This humble vegetable delivers an impressive 4.87 grams of protein, 5.05 grams of fibre, 39.1 milligrams of magnesium, 209 milligrams of calcium, and 29.7 milligrams of vitamin C. Despite this, its naturally bitter taste can be off-putting for many.

Kathleen Benson, a registered dietitian-nutritionist with Top Nutrition Coaching, says preparation is key. “You can toss turnip greens into soups or add them to a grain bowl with a tangy dressing to balance out the bitterness,” she suggests. A little creativity in the kitchen can go a long way in making these greens more palatable—and more beneficial to your health.

Why bother with turnip greens? Beyond their robust nutrient profile, they belong to the Brassicaceae family, also known as cruciferous vegetables. This puts them in the same league as kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts when it comes to health benefits. Among the most noteworthy is their potential to prevent cancer.

The cancer-fighting power of turnip greens is attributed to their glucosinolate content—naturally occurring compounds that can interfere with cancer development. A 2023 review in Medical Oncology emphasized their usefulness for both cancer prevention and treatment. Another review published in 2009 in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research noted a decreased cancer risk among people who regularly consumed these sulfur-rich compounds.

But the benefits don’t stop there. The calcium and magnesium in turnip greens support strong bones and play a vital role in maintaining healthy muscles, circulation, and nerve function. A 2011 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also found that eating cruciferous vegetables like turnip greens may lower the risk of cardiovascular death for both men and women.

Vitamin C, another major nutrient found in turnip greens, is known for boosting immune health and aiding in tissue repair. This makes the vegetable an excellent ally in fighting off illness and helping the body heal from injury.

To make turnip greens more enjoyable, Benson recommends cooking methods that enhance their taste while preserving nutrients. Acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice can "cut the bitterness." Garlic and olive oil not only add flavor but help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A and K. While cooking may slightly reduce the greens’ vitamin C content, Benson has a fix: "Adding a squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten the flavor even more and help preserve some of the vitamin C in the dish."

Turnip greens might not be the first vegetable that comes to mind, but with the right preparation, they can be both delicious and incredibly good for your health.