Optimal Being

New findings reveal that the body undergoes significant, systematic changes across multiple organs during prolonged periods of fasting. The results demonstrate evidence of health benefits beyond weight loss, but also show that any potentially health-altering changes appear to occur only after three days without food. New findings reveal that the body undergoes significant, systematic changes across multiple organs during prolonged periods of fasting. The results demonstrate evidence of health benefits beyond weight loss, but also show that any potentially health-altering changes appear to occur only after three days without food. The study, published today in  Nature Metabolism,  advances our understanding of what's happening across the body after prolonged periods without food. By identifying the potential health benefits from fasting and their underlying molecular basis, researchers from Queen Mary University of London's Precision Healthcare University Research Institute (PH...

Summary:   A new study reveals a strong link between daytime physical activity and improved sleep quality among both children and adults. Analyzing the daily routines of over 2500 participants, the research highlights how higher levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity correlate with fewer sleep disturbances, less daytime tiredness, and overall better sleep quality. Unlike common sleep improvement tactics that focus on pre-bedtime routines, this study emphasizes the integral role of daytime activities, especially exercise, in enhancing sleep. The findings suggest that incorporating more physical activity into our daily lives could be a simple yet effective strategy for achieving better sleep and, by extension, improving overall health and wellbeing. Key Facts: Physical Activity Boosts Sleep Quality : Both children and adults who engage in higher levels of physical activity experience better sleep outcomes. Daytime Decisions Affect Nighttime Rest : The study underscores the ...

 A volley of new insights reignites the debate over whether our choices are ever truly our own. You ’ re thirsty so you reach for a glass of water. It ’ s either a freely chosen action or the inevitable result of the laws of nature, depending on who you ask. Do we have free will? The question is ancient — and vexing. Everyone seems to have pondered it, and many seem quite certain of the answer, which is typically either “ yes ” or “ absolutely not. ” One scientist in the “ absolutely not ” camp is   Robert Sapolsky . In his new book,   Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will , the primatologist and Stanford professor of neurology spells out why we can ’ t possibly have free will. Why do we behave one way and not another? Why do we choose Brand A over Brand B, or vote for Candidate X over Candidate Y? Not because we have free will, but because every act and thought are the product of “ cumulative biological and environmental luck. ” Sapolsky tells readers that th...

Have you ever wondered if the place you call home is truly conducive to your overall well-being?   Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, suggests that the climate of your surroundings can significantly impact your health. In essence, the location you choose to live in can either support or hinder your journey to a balanced state of well-being. Ayurveda emphasizes the connection between climate and the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha —each of which represents a unique combination of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether). Your current state, known as vikruti, plays a crucial role in determining the ideal climate for you, while your natural tendencies, or prakriti, also hold significance in this equation. Let’s delve into Ayurvedic wisdom to explore the best climates for each dosha: 1. Vata Dosha: Ideal Climate: Warm, moist, and not too windy. Best Locations: Tropics with lush growth; avoid windy islands or cold, dry, windy plains. For those with a pred...