Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Lower Your High Blood Pressure With These 2 Vitamin Supplements

(Credit-Canva)

There are tons of nutritional <span>supplements</span> in the market, from your basic multivitamins to special herbs and minerals. But sometimes you do miss out on certain nutrients, or your body might be lacking nutrients even with a <span>well-balanced diet</span>. To tackle this issue, scientists discovered various vitamin supplements which are not only helpful for people who suffered from deficiencies but also helps keep your body healthy, acting an a additional fuel. 

Some supplements, <span>like magnesium and zinc</span> are helpful for certain things, especially if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. But it's important to know what you're getting into before you start taking any new supplements. Talk to your doctor first, they can give you the best advice.

<h2>Benefits Of Taking Magnesium and <span rel="noindex">Zinc</span> Supplements</h2>

A study from 2020 looked at what happens when people with <span>heart problems and type 2 diabetes</span> take magnesium and zinc together. They took 250 milligrams of magnesium and 150 milligrams of zinc every day for 12 weeks. The study found that this combo seemed to help improve "good" cholesterol, control blood sugar better, and reduce inflammation. This suggests that magnesium and zinc might be good for your heart, maybe by helping to keep your blood pressure healthy. We still need more research to be sure, though.

Magnesium is super important for your body, it's involved in over 300 different things! It helps your nerves, builds protein, helps your body use insulin, keeps your blood pressure normal, and affects your cholesterol. It also helps calm down inflammation. Women need at least 310 milligrams of magnesium every day, and men need at least 400 milligrams. A review from 2021 said that not getting enough magnesium might be connected to high blood pressure, which is why doctors sometimes recommend magnesium supplements as part of a healthy diet.

<h2>Does Zinc Help Improve Heart Health?</h2>

You probably think of zinc for colds, but it does more than just help your immune system. It also helps build protein and activates things in your body that control your heart rate and blood vessels. Zinc also lowers inflammation, which is good for blood flow and can help prevent blood clots. Just like magnesium, people with high blood pressure might also be low on zinc. Zinc is thought to help blood vessels relax. Men need 11 milligrams of zinc a day, and women need 9 milligrams.

<h2>Are There Any Side Effects Of Taking Vitamin Supplements?</h2>

The study we talked about earlier used 250 milligrams of magnesium and 150 milligrams of zinc. It's important to remember that you shouldn't take more than 350 milligrams of magnesium in supplements, because too much can give you an upset stomach. Also, some laxatives have magnesium in them, so be careful you don't get too much from different sources. Magnesium can also mess with some medicines, like antibiotics and some stomach acid pills. The amount of zinc in the study was much higher than what most people need. 

You shouldn't take more than 40 milligrams of zinc in supplements. Too much zinc can make you dizzy or nauseous, and it can also stop your body from absorbing other important things like copper. Zinc can also interact with some medicines. Always talk to your doctor before you start taking any new supplements, especially if you have health problems or take other medicines.

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Lower Your High Blood Pressure

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zinc

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There are tons of nutritional supplements in the market, from your basic multivitamins to special herbs and minerals. But sometimes you do miss out on certain nutrients, or your body might be lacking nutrients even with a well-balanced diet. To tackle this issue, scientists discovered various vitamin supplements which are not only helpful for people who suffered from deficiencies but also helps keep your body healthy, acting an a additional fuel. Some supplements, like magnesium and zinc are helpful for certain things, especially if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. But it's important to know what you're getting into before you start taking any new supplements. Talk to your doctor first, they can give you the best advice.Benefits Of Taking Magnesium and Zinc SupplementsA study from 2020 looked at what happens when people with heart problems and type 2 diabetes take magnesium and zinc together. They took 250 milligrams of magnesium and 150 milligrams of zinc every day for 12 weeks. The study found that this combo seemed to help improve "good" cholesterol, control blood sugar better, and reduce inflammation. This suggests that magnesium and zinc might be good for your heart, maybe by helping to keep your blood pressure healthy. We still need more research to be sure, though.Magnesium is super important for your body, it's involved in over 300 different things! It helps your nerves, builds protein, helps your body use insulin, keeps your blood pressure normal, and affects your cholesterol. It also helps calm down inflammation. Women need at least 310 milligrams of magnesium every day, and men need at least 400 milligrams. A review from 2021 said that not getting enough magnesium might be connected to high blood pressure, which is why doctors sometimes recommend magnesium supplements as part of a healthy diet.Does Zinc Help Improve Heart Health?You probably think of zinc for colds, but it does more than just help your immune system. It also helps build protein and activates things in your body that control your heart rate and blood vessels. Zinc also lowers inflammation, which is good for blood flow and can help prevent blood clots. Just like magnesium, people with high blood pressure might also be low on zinc. Zinc is thought to help blood vessels relax. Men need 11 milligrams of zinc a day, and women need 9 milligrams.Are There Any Side Effects Of Taking Vitamin Supplements?The study we talked about earlier used 250 milligrams of magnesium and 150 milligrams of zinc. It's important to remember that you shouldn't take more than 350 milligrams of magnesium in supplements, because too much can give you an upset stomach. Also, some laxatives have magnesium in them, so be careful you don't get too much from different sources. Magnesium can also mess with some medicines, like antibiotics and some stomach acid pills. The amount of zinc in the study was much higher than what most people need. You shouldn't take more than 40 milligrams of zinc in supplements. Too much zinc can make you dizzy or nauseous, and it can also stop your body from absorbing other important things like copper. Zinc can also interact with some medicines. Always talk to your doctor before you start taking any new supplements, especially if you have health problems or take other medicines.

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Fitness trackers have become quite popular in recent years. Having a device that can give you accurate stats about your heart rate, distance traveled, as well as how many calories you may have burnt can be a great tool for health. These stats help people devise their own fitness routines and according to the data they get. However, are these stats reliable? 

A new study says that fitness trackers aren't good at measuring how active people with obesity really are. This is because people with extra weight walk differently, have different speeds, and burn energy in unique ways. This means their fitness devices don't give them correct readings, according to researchers writing in Scientific Reports.

<h2>Why Current Trackers Miss the Mark </h2>

Most fitness trackers are designed for people who don't have obesity. Because of this, they don't give accurate information to those who do. For example, trackers worn on the hip often give wrong energy burn readings because people with obesity have a different way of walking and might wear the device at an angle. While wrist-worn trackers are generally better, they haven't been properly tested and set up for people with obesity. 

The research team has now created a new calculation that allows smartwatches to more precisely track calories burned by people with obesity. Tests in a lab setting show this new method is over 95% accurate in real-world situations. 

Without a reliable way to measure activity from wrist devices, it's hard to know exactly how active people with obesity are each day. This makes it difficult to create personalized health programs and improve their health.

<h2>Testing and Open-Source Availability </h2>

The team put their new algorithm through rigorous testing, comparing it against multiple other advanced methods for estimating exertion. They used research-grade fitness trackers and wearable cameras to precisely identify moments when wrist sensors misjudged calorie burn. 

In one part of the study, participants wore a fitness tracker and a special mask that measured energy burn by tracking the oxygen they breathed in and the carbon dioxide they breathed out. In another part, participants wore a fitness tracker and a body camera during their daily routines. 

The research also involved having people do standard exercises that were adjusted for their weight, like wall push-ups instead of floor push-ups. This showed that current "standard" workouts often exclude many people, and it's important to rethink how success is measured in fitness so that everyone's hard work is recognized. 

The next step is to release an activity-monitoring app for Apple and Android smartwatches that will use this new calculation. Importantly, this calculation is open source, meaning other researchers can freely use it and build upon it. The team noted that, to their knowledge, no other similar open-source calculation has been made available for commercial wrist-worn devices. 

<h2>Some Other Ways Fitness Trackers Can Aid Your Health </h2>

While the calories count may not be as accurate as we hope, there are many other ways fitness trackers can aid our health. The Brown Health University explains that these fitness trackers can 

Many fitness trackers can monitor your pulse and heart rate during exercise. This allows you to target specific heart rate zones, helping you get the most out of your workouts. Trackers are also a great way to ensure you hit that recommended 30 minutes of daily activity. 

If you're aiming for better sleep, a fitness tracker can be a useful tool. While it can't replace a full medical sleep study, a tracker with sleep monitoring uses sensors to detect your heart rate and its variations, which helps determine if you're asleep or awake.

Your wearable fitness tracker can easily connect with a variety of other health-related apps on your smartphone. This makes it simple to keep track of your progress on the go. You can check off daily habits, log your water intake, or record your workouts—all from your wrist. 

Fitness tracker accuracy

how accurate are smartwatches

Fitness trackers for health

are fitness trackers useful for obese people

how accurate are trackers for obese people

do fitness trackers work on obese people

Fitness trackers have become quite popular in recent years. Having a device that can give you accurate stats about your heart rate, distance traveled, as well as how many calories you may have burnt can be a great tool for health. These stats help people devise their own fitness routines and according to the data they get. However, are these stats reliable? A new study says that fitness trackers aren't good at measuring how active people with obesity really are. This is because people with extra weight walk differently, have different speeds, and burn energy in unique ways. This means their fitness devices don't give them correct readings, according to researchers writing in Scientific Reports. Why Current Trackers Miss the Mark Most fitness trackers are designed for people who don't have obesity. Because of this, they don't give accurate information to those who do. For example, trackers worn on the hip often give wrong energy burn readings because people with obesity have a different way of walking and might wear the device at an angle. While wrist-worn trackers are generally better, they haven't been properly tested and set up for people with obesity. A New, More Accurate Solution The research team has now created a new calculation that allows smartwatches to more precisely track calories burned by people with obesity. Tests in a lab setting show this new method is over 95% accurate in real-world situations. Without a reliable way to measure activity from wrist devices, it's hard to know exactly how active people with obesity are each day. This makes it difficult to create personalized health programs and improve their health. Testing and Open-Source Availability The team put their new algorithm through rigorous testing, comparing it against multiple other advanced methods for estimating exertion. They used research-grade fitness trackers and wearable cameras to precisely identify moments when wrist sensors misjudged calorie burn. In one part of the study, participants wore a fitness tracker and a special mask that measured energy burn by tracking the oxygen they breathed in and the carbon dioxide they breathed out. In another part, participants wore a fitness tracker and a body camera during their daily routines. The research also involved having people do standard exercises that were adjusted for their weight, like wall push-ups instead of floor push-ups. This showed that current "standard" workouts often exclude many people, and it's important to rethink how success is measured in fitness so that everyone's hard work is recognized. The next step is to release an activity-monitoring app for Apple and Android smartwatches that will use this new calculation. Importantly, this calculation is open source, meaning other researchers can freely use it and build upon it. The team noted that, to their knowledge, no other similar open-source calculation has been made available for commercial wrist-worn devices. Some Other Ways Fitness Trackers Can Aid Your Health While the calories count may not be as accurate as we hope, there are many other ways fitness trackers can aid our health. The Brown Health University explains that these fitness trackers can Monitor your Heart Health Many fitness trackers can monitor your pulse and heart rate during exercise. This allows you to target specific heart rate zones, helping you get the most out of your workouts. Trackers are also a great way to ensure you hit that recommended 30 minutes of daily activity. Track Your Sleep If you're aiming for better sleep, a fitness tracker can be a useful tool. While it can't replace a full medical sleep study, a tracker with sleep monitoring uses sensors to detect your heart rate and its variations, which helps determine if you're asleep or awake. Connect with Other Health Apps Your wearable fitness tracker can easily connect with a variety of other health-related apps on your smartphone. This makes it simple to keep track of your progress on the go. You can check off daily habits, log your water intake, or record your workouts—all from your wrist.  

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<span>Dementia</span> is a general term that is used to define a multitude of cognitive degenerative illnesses like Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer's disease, etc. Alzheimer’s diseases is the most common form of dementia and while researchers have been looking for ways to treat it, there still is no way to cure it completely, the only way to treat dementia is by managing its symptoms. 

<h2>Lesser-known Symptom of Dementia </h2>

Doctors often talk about common signs of dementia, like memory loss. But an expert says a lesser-known symptom could appear in something as simple as a birthday card, potentially being one of the first signs of Alzheimer's disease. 

If someone starts having trouble reading and writing, especially if they never did before, it could be an early sign of a certain condition. This idea is backed up by a 2020 study published in the Intelligent Data Analysis, which explains that some conditions affect how your brain and muscles work, leading to memory issues and confusion. Since writing involves both your brain and muscle control, it's often one of the first things to change, becoming shaky and harder to read over time. 

<h2>Other Subtle Signs to Watch For </h2>

Besides changes in handwriting also highlight some other less obvious, but important, signs of dementia that you should keep an eye out for. These can include a loved one no longer enjoying foods they used to like or starting to shuffle their feet when they walk. You might also notice them using the wrong words when they speak, frequently being late for things, forgetting names and faces of people they know well, or even getting lost in places that are familiar to them. 

<h2>What to Do If You Notice Changes </h2>

If you start to see any of these signs in someone you care about, Michael suggests it's important to talk to them openly about what you've noticed. Gently bring up your concerns and suggest that they make an appointment with their doctor to discuss these symptoms. This conversation with a medical professional will help guide both you and your loved one on the best way to move forward and get the right support. 

The Degenerative Neurological and Neuromuscular Disease journal explains that currently, there aren't any treatments that can fix the brain changes caused by Alzheimer's. But, we might be able to stop or slow down dementia in some individuals by helping them avoid common risk factors like unhealthy habits. Even without a cure, finding out early is super helpful. It gives the person and their family enough time to plan for the future and make important choices, and it also lets them get treatments that can help manage symptoms. 

<h2>Role of Healthcare and Prevention </h2>

Your regular doctor or other primary healthcare professionals play a huge part! They can help figure out who might be at risk for Alzheimer's. They can also suggest lifestyle changes when people are in their middle-age years, which can stop or slow down the disease. Plus, they are crucial for making a timely diagnosis when symptoms first appear. The best strategy is to step in early, because it helps people keep their ability to function and live independently for a longer time. 

dementia

Tell Tale Early Sign Of Dementia

Sign Of Dementia

Early Sign Of Dementia

Lesser known Symptom of Dementia

Early Diagnosis for dementia

Dementia is a general term that is used to define a multitude of cognitive degenerative illnesses like Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer's disease, etc. Alzheimer’s diseases is the most common form of dementia and while researchers have been looking for ways to treat it, there still is no way to cure it completely, the only way to treat dementia is by managing its symptoms. Lesser-known Symptom of Dementia Doctors often talk about common signs of dementia, like memory loss. But an expert says a lesser-known symptom could appear in something as simple as a birthday card, potentially being one of the first signs of Alzheimer's disease. If someone starts having trouble reading and writing, especially if they never did before, it could be an early sign of a certain condition. This idea is backed up by a 2020 study published in the Intelligent Data Analysis, which explains that some conditions affect how your brain and muscles work, leading to memory issues and confusion. Since writing involves both your brain and muscle control, it's often one of the first things to change, becoming shaky and harder to read over time. Other Subtle Signs to Watch For Besides changes in handwriting also highlight some other less obvious, but important, signs of dementia that you should keep an eye out for. These can include a loved one no longer enjoying foods they used to like or starting to shuffle their feet when they walk. You might also notice them using the wrong words when they speak, frequently being late for things, forgetting names and faces of people they know well, or even getting lost in places that are familiar to them. What to Do If You Notice Changes If you start to see any of these signs in someone you care about, Michael suggests it's important to talk to them openly about what you've noticed. Gently bring up your concerns and suggest that they make an appointment with their doctor to discuss these symptoms. This conversation with a medical professional will help guide both you and your loved one on the best way to move forward and get the right support. Why Early Diagnosis Matters The Degenerative Neurological and Neuromuscular Disease journal explains that currently, there aren't any treatments that can fix the brain changes caused by Alzheimer's. But, we might be able to stop or slow down dementia in some individuals by helping them avoid common risk factors like unhealthy habits. Even without a cure, finding out early is super helpful. It gives the person and their family enough time to plan for the future and make important choices, and it also lets them get treatments that can help manage symptoms. Role of Healthcare and Prevention Your regular doctor or other primary healthcare professionals play a huge part! They can help figure out who might be at risk for Alzheimer's. They can also suggest lifestyle changes when people are in their middle-age years, which can stop or slow down the disease. Plus, they are crucial for making a timely diagnosis when symptoms first appear. The best strategy is to step in early, because it helps people keep their ability to function and live independently for a longer time.  

the tell-tale early sign of dementia that you spot on paper

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In another news, scientists have discovered 20 new viruses from bats residing near people in China. This has been discovered in Yuan province, which has a population of around 4.2 million. The species are closely related to deadly Nipah and Hendra virus. 

<h4><span rel="noindex">Nipah Virus</span></h4>

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, which means that it is transmitted from animals to humans, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers. 

Although Nipah virus has caused only a few known outbreaks in Asia, it infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people, making it a public health concern.

<h4><span rel="noindex">Hendre Virus</span></h4>

The WHO notes that Hendra virus (HeV) infection is a rare emerging zoonosis (disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals) that causes severe and often fatal disease in both infected horses and humans. The natural host of the virus has been identified as being fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus.

HeV was identified during the first recorded outbreak of the disease in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra, Australia, in 1994, which is where it gets its name. 

The findings were published in the journal PLOS Pathogens. Experts say that the discovery has highlighted the growing risks of new viruses which could be easily transmitted from animals to humans, especially in areas where farming, deforestation, or urbanization are happening, that is bringing people closer to the wildlife.

The study was conducted by researchers from China and the University of Sydney has uncovered a surprising number of unknown viruses in bats. Unlike most previous research, which focused on bat droppings, this study examined kidney tissues—key organs involved in virus shedding through urine, another potential transmission route.

<h4>22 Viruses Found, 20 of Them Previously Unknown</h4>

The team studied the kidneys of 142 bats over four years in China’s Yunnan province. In total, they discovered 22 viruses, including 20 previously unknown ones. The study also revealed two new types of bacteria and one unidentified parasite.

Among the viruses identified were two new henipaviruses—a group that includes deadly pathogens like Nipah and Hendra. These viruses are known to cause severe brain and respiratory infections in humans and animals, with some outbreaks having mortality rates as high as 75 percent.

<h4>A Hidden Danger in Everyday Spaces</h4>

What makes the discovery even more concerning is that the bats studied were living close to agricultural areas. Researchers caution that bat urine could contaminate fruit or surfaces that both people and livestock might come into contact with, creating potential pathways for viral transmission. The study authors emphasized the urgent need to assess these newly found viruses for their potential to cause future outbreaks.

<h4>Expert Reactions: Important But No Cause for Panic</h4>

Tim Mahony, director at the Centre for Animal Science at the University of Queensland (not part of the study), said the findings highlight how much is still unknown about the viruses in bats and the wider environment.

Linfa Wang, professor at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, added: “This shows just how many different viruses exist in bats, especially henipaviruses. We need to monitor the situation closely, but there’s no need for panic right now.”

Experts broadly agree that ongoing human disruption of wildlife habitats is a major driver of spillover events. As animals are pushed out of their natural environments, the likelihood of cross-species transmission rises. This latest study acts as a reminder of the hidden viral risks in nature—and the pressing need for global vigilance, monitoring, and preparedness.

study finds bat virus in china

health and wellness

nipah virus

hendre virus

20 new bat virus in china

china virus

bat virus china

In another news, scientists have discovered 20 new viruses from bats residing near people in China. This has been discovered in Yuan province, which has a population of around 4.2 million. The species are closely related to deadly Nipah and Hendra virus. Nipah VirusAs per the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, which means that it is transmitted from animals to humans, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers. Although Nipah virus has caused only a few known outbreaks in Asia, it infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people, making it a public health concern.Hendre VirusThe WHO notes that Hendra virus (HeV) infection is a rare emerging zoonosis (disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals) that causes severe and often fatal disease in both infected horses and humans. The natural host of the virus has been identified as being fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus.HeV was identified during the first recorded outbreak of the disease in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra, Australia, in 1994, which is where it gets its name. What Did The Scientists Find?The findings were published in the journal PLOS Pathogens. Experts say that the discovery has highlighted the growing risks of new viruses which could be easily transmitted from animals to humans, especially in areas where farming, deforestation, or urbanization are happening, that is bringing people closer to the wildlife.The study was conducted by researchers from China and the University of Sydney has uncovered a surprising number of unknown viruses in bats. Unlike most previous research, which focused on bat droppings, this study examined kidney tissues—key organs involved in virus shedding through urine, another potential transmission route.22 Viruses Found, 20 of Them Previously UnknownThe team studied the kidneys of 142 bats over four years in China’s Yunnan province. In total, they discovered 22 viruses, including 20 previously unknown ones. The study also revealed two new types of bacteria and one unidentified parasite.Among the viruses identified were two new henipaviruses—a group that includes deadly pathogens like Nipah and Hendra. These viruses are known to cause severe brain and respiratory infections in humans and animals, with some outbreaks having mortality rates as high as 75 percent.A Hidden Danger in Everyday SpacesWhat makes the discovery even more concerning is that the bats studied were living close to agricultural areas. Researchers caution that bat urine could contaminate fruit or surfaces that both people and livestock might come into contact with, creating potential pathways for viral transmission. The study authors emphasized the urgent need to assess these newly found viruses for their potential to cause future outbreaks.Expert Reactions: Important But No Cause for PanicTim Mahony, director at the Centre for Animal Science at the University of Queensland (not part of the study), said the findings highlight how much is still unknown about the viruses in bats and the wider environment.Linfa Wang, professor at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, added: “This shows just how many different viruses exist in bats, especially henipaviruses. We need to monitor the situation closely, but there’s no need for panic right now.”Human Activity Driving the RiskExperts broadly agree that ongoing human disruption of wildlife habitats is a major driver of spillover events. As animals are pushed out of their natural environments, the likelihood of cross-species transmission rises. This latest study acts as a reminder of the hidden viral risks in nature—and the pressing need for global vigilance, monitoring, and preparedness.

outbreak warning: new viruses found in bats living near people in china

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Lower Your High Blood Pressure With These 2 Vitamin Supplements

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