Our healthy lifestyle tips reports on emerging health news focusing on research, new treatments, diet, exercise, and trending topics in health and wellness. We focus on breaking news that you can implement in everyday life, with focus on lifestyle, diet and natural health treatment solutions. We update these news items on a regular basis so please check back to make sure that you don’t miss our latest content.

Treating Hair Loss

A recent scientific review has revealed that a medicinal Chinese herb, Polygonum Multiflorum, or He Shou Wu, can treat androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) and trigger hair regrowth at the same time. This herb has been used in Eastern Medicine for over 1,000 years and can prevent hair follicles from dying early, trigger hair growth signals, preserve follicles, and stimulate more blood flow to the scalp.

“What surprised us was how consistently historical texts – described effects that align perfectly with today’s understanding of hair biology. Modern studies now confirm that this isn’t folklore; it’s pharmacology,” said Han Bixian, first author of the review.

More western medicine clinical testing still needs to be done, but according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is over 1,000 years of evidence showing that this herb is beneficial for hair loss. He Shou Wu is most commonly found as an oral supplement or capsule, but please talk to your doctor before starting to take this herb.

The study was provided by KeAi Chinese Roots Global Impact.

Vitamin B12 Benefits

As you get older, certain factors may make it so your body needs a little extra help getting the vitamins necessary to thrive. Older adults often eat less, avoid certain foods because of issues with their teeth, or take medicines that impact their ability to absorb nutrients.

Vitamin B12 is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in older adults. You need enough stomach acid to get B12 from the food that you eat, and as you get older your stomach may not produce as much acid. A couple very common medications hinder this: metformin and proton pump inhibitors. Low B12 can lead to anemia, fatigue, problems with nerves, including numbness and tingling.

Other common vitamin deficiencies in older adults include folate, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium. If you are over 40, check your vitamin levels to see if you would benefit from taking supplements

This information came from an article by The Conversation.

Taking Omega-3 for Diabetes

A recent study shows that taking omega-3 supplements may improve insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes. This was the case in both people with obesity, who make up about 80-90 percent of those with type 2 diabetes, and people who are not obese but have type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance is not only an issue with blood sugar, but also one that is connected to inflammation. Chronic inflammation can disrupt insulin signaling and production. This research develops the idea that addressing inflammation can treat and control chronic diseases like diabetes.

Using omega-3 to tamp down inflammatory responses encourages your immune system to move from attack to protect and to get out of a cycle of inflammation. Omega-3 supplementation has a whole host of beneficial effects, lowering insulin resistance, improving blood sugar control, lowering inflammation, and reducing bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

This study was done by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation.

Magnesium for Type 2 Diabetes

Magnesium deficiency can lead to a set of symptoms and conditions, but it can also impact type 2 diabetes. Research shows that issues with insulin production is connected to low levels of magnesium. On the other hand, high levels of magnesium is connected to better insulin sensitivity.

Additionally, magnesium can support blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, and break down glucose in the blood, moving out of the blood and into cells. For some, magnesium may even lead to better hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) numbers.

Consider taking magnesium oxide or chloride to help manage blood sugar. However, the best way to gain the benefits of magnesium is by eating foods rich in magnesium, like spinach, bean, or nuts.