“Having a healthy, robust immune system is crucial for our survival. Critical players in the body's antiviral immune response are interferons. Certain lifestyle behaviors can boost interferon production and immune function, including sleep, vitamin D, and hot hydrotherapy.”
“As a result, sauna use is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms that drive these effects are likely due to increased heat shock proteins and metabolic and hormonal changes that accompany exercise and sauna use.”
“Online resources that combine healthful practices and feedback may be beneficial for some people with depression but tapping into the benefits of less modern practices may be beneficial, too. Ancient practices, such as heat exposure, long-distance running, and fasting may promote mental well-being.”
“Acute activation of the immune system (from exercise or sauna use for example) can temporarily reduce inflammation and the depression that can come with it. The segments brought to you by this episode of The Aliquot feature professor of psychiatry Dr. Charles Raison.”
“Circadian rhythms play key roles in metabolic health and ultimately influence body weight, performance, and susceptibility to diseases like diabetes and cancer. Aligning food intake with circadian rhythms can improve many aspects of metabolic health.”
“In this Aliquot, clinical psychologist Dr. Ashley Mason and sleep expert Dr. Matt Walker describe some of the behaviors that can make getting a good night's sleep difficult – and how cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation can provide help.”
“The arrival of a new year is a great opportunity to make health-focused resolutions – promises to ourselves that we're going to live better, healthier, and (hopefully) longer. We all age at different rates, however, so our chronological age – the number of years we've lived – often differs from our biological age.”
“Regulating the amount of light in our environment is crucial for a good night's sleep and a good mood the next day. Habits such as using blue light-emitting electronics close to bedtime can reduce melatonin production by as much as 20 percent, impairing sleep.”
“Diet stands out as low-hanging fruit for influencing our lifespan. Optimizing macronutrient intake, practicing time-restricted eating, and consuming healthful bioactive compounds are critical aspects of a healthy diet. In part II of this two-part Aliquot, Drs.”
“Exercise is a huge driver of how well we age because it induces profound molecular shifts that support immune health and might even protect our telomeres – indicators of aging. Exercise might help forestall certain age-related diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, too.”