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What Happens to Your Brain When You Constantly Watch Reels or Shorts?

When was the last time you went an entire day without watching a single Reel or Short on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram? Answering this question might be difficult because short-form videos have become a part of our daily lives.

Many joke about how they started watching a YouTube Short at 11 PM, only to realize it was 3 AM before they stopped. A Facebook Reel can be up to three minutes long, an Instagram Reel lasts 90 seconds, and a YouTube Short is no more than a minute. These short videos can be highly addictive—once you start watching, it’s hard to stop.

But do you know what happens to your brain when you constantly watch Reels or Shorts?

Recent research from Chinese scientists reveals how this habit impacts our brain, mental health, and behavior.

How Short Videos Affect the Brain

1. Increased Envy and Addiction People who are prone to envy are more likely to develop an addiction to Reels and Shorts. They often watch them repeatedly to distract themselves from negative emotions or to compare their lives with others.

2. Changes in Brain Function Watching too many short videos can alter the brain, particularly the areas responsible for emotional control and decision-making. While it doesn’t physically damage the brain, it does influence how it functions.

3. Genetic Factors Researchers have identified certain genes linked to addiction to short videos. This suggests that the tendency to get hooked on these videos may be partially genetic.

4. Higher Risk for Teens Some genes are more active during adolescence, making teenagers more susceptible to Reel or Shorts addiction.

How Short Videos Rewire the Brain

1. Changing the Brain’s Reward System Short videos that feature rapid scene changes or trigger emotional responses activate the brain’s reward system. Over time, the brain craves more of these instant rewards, leading to increased video-watching addiction.

2. Decreased Attention Span The prefrontal cortex, which helps with planning and self-control, may become less effective with excessive short-video consumption. This can make it harder to focus or control video-watching habits.

3. Shift in Information Processing The brain gradually adapts to consuming fragmented, bite-sized content, making it difficult to focus on long-form information or process complex topics.

4. Emotional Regulation Issues Many people watch Reels or Shorts to escape feelings of sadness or jealousy. While this may offer short-term relief, it can worsen negative emotions in the long run.

Final Thoughts

While short videos have some benefits, excessive viewing can lead to behavioral changes. However, not everyone is affected in the same way. Personal traits and usage habits play a role in determining the impact. More research is needed, but it’s important to stay aware—especially for teenagers.

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Dietitian or Nutritionist: Whom to Consult and When?

You often hear people around you saying, “Dude, I’m gaining weight,” or “I’m too skinny and can’t put on weight.” To tackle such issues, expert advice is essential. But should you consult a dietitian or a nutritionist? Many people get confused between these two terms.

In different countries, the terms dietitian and nutritionist are used differently. In the United States, a dietitian is a certified expert in food and nutrition. They provide medical nutrition therapy and professional dietary counseling. In some states, dietitians can also call themselves nutritionists. However, the meaning of these terms isn’t always the same everywhere.

>> Read more

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Quinoa and Chickpea Salad 😋

👩‍🍳 Recipe:

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Is Bedwetting After Age 5 a Sign of Illness?

Many children, even after turning five, still struggle to hold their urine during sleep. Bedwetting is a significant milestone in child development, as it reflects a child’s ability to communicate their need to use the bathroom or hold their bladder when necessary. Most children learn to control their bladder during the day earlier, and they typically master overnight bladder control between the ages of three and four. Girls generally learn this skill slightly earlier than boys. However, it is not uncommon for some children, even after reaching five years of age, to wet the bed while sleeping. This can happen at any time, day or night, but it is more often seen at night and is referred to as nocturnal enuresis. This issue tends to be more common in boys, and in many cases, it is found that several members of the family have experienced this as well. Typically, it is not considered a serious medical condition, although there are various reasons behind bedwetting at night.

If a child over five years old consistently wets the bed at least twice a week during sleep for three consecutive months, it is diagnosed as nocturnal enuresis. This condition is generally divided into two categories. Some children never develop the ability to hold their urine at night, and this is referred to as primary nocturnal enuresis. Others may have been dry for six months or more but start wetting the bed again, which is known as secondary nocturnal enuresis.

Several factors can cause nocturnal enuresis, including urinary tract infections, physical abnormalities, diabetes, kidney problems, neurological issues, psychological stress, genetic factors, constipation, or the side effects of certain medications. Delayed development may also contribute to the condition.

Parents are often very anxious and embarrassed about this issue, and it can also affect a child’s self-esteem. However, with a few behavioral changes and medical treatment, this issue can usually be addressed. The first step is to check if the bedwetting is due to a urinary tract infection, diabetes, kidney problems, psychological issues, or the effect of any medication. Parents should be reassured and encouraged to keep track of when the child wets the bed, possibly using a chart or diary. When a child does not wet the bed, small rewards can be given to encourage them.

It is essential to ensure that the child consumes most of their daily water intake during the day, limiting fluids after evening. Excessive drinks, such as sodas, coffee, tea, and sugary beverages, should be minimized. The child should also be encouraged to use the bathroom before bedtime, and an alarm can be set to wake the child up for a bathroom break after three to four hours of sleep. If the child has constipation, it should be addressed, and deworming medications may be necessary. Encouraging regular bathroom habits is key.

If, despite these efforts, the bedwetting continues, medication may be needed, as per the advice of a healthcare professional.

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Sugar-Free vs. No-Added Sugar: Which One Is Healthier?

One of the key principles of a healthy diet is avoiding or minimizing sugar intake. There’s no need to reiterate why sugar is harmful to health—it’s often referred to as a silent killer. When preparing food at home, you likely monitor how much sugar you add. But when shopping at supermarkets or grocery stores, it's essential to understand how much sugar is present in packaged products.

Some products are labeled sugar-free, while others display a no-added sugar label. What’s the difference between the two?

➡️ Read more

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5 Incredible Benefits of Eating Just One Tablespoon of Pumpkin Seeds Daily

Crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds can bring astonishing changes to your body with just one tablespoon a day. Packed with essential nutrients, these tiny powerhouses support everything from heart health to brain function. If you're looking for an affordable yet powerful addition to your diet, here’s why you should eat a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds daily.

1. Great for Heart Health Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure and keeps the heart functioning properly. They also contain antioxidants and healthy fats that lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). As a result, they reduce the risk of heart disease and improve cardiovascular health.

2. Supports Better Sleep If you struggle with sleep, pumpkin seeds might be the natural remedy you need. They contain tryptophan, an amino acid that aids in the production of serotonin and melatonin—two essential hormones for restful sleep. Eating a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds before bed can improve sleep quality and help maintain a consistent sleep cycle. Additionally, their magnesium content relaxes muscles and nerves, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep.

3. Boosts Brain Function

These tiny superfoods are packed with zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants that enhance memory and concentration. Zinc plays a crucial role in nerve signal transmission and brain development. A 2024 study suggests that regular consumption of pumpkin seeds may improve focus and reduce the risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s.

4. Strengthens Immunity Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc and vitamin E—two vital nutrients that enhance immune function and protect against infections. Zinc aids in wound healing and fights off colds, while vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation and keeps your immune system strong.

5. Supports Digestion and Gut Health Good digestion is the foundation of overall well-being, and pumpkin seeds can help maintain a healthy gut. Their high fiber content improves digestion, prevents constipation, and balances gut bacteria. A March 2024 study also found that pumpkin seeds have natural anti-parasitic properties, which help eliminate harmful bacteria and improve digestive health.

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Why You Should Get Tested for Diabetes After 40, Even Without Symptoms

Diabetes is a disease that can silently cause severe damage to the body. In many cases, it is only detected after a major health event like a stroke or heart attack, revealing that the person had uncontrolled diabetes all along—without even knowing it. This happens because many people experience no significant symptoms.

Seemingly minor issues, often overlooked, can actually be early signs of diabetes. Today, we’re shedding light on one such symptom.

Everyone Over 40 Should Get Tested for Diabetes Annually

Even if you have no symptoms, it is essential to get tested for diabetes once a year after turning 40. That said, diabetes can develop before this age as well, so while 40 is a general benchmark, people of all ages should stay alert to recurring symptoms.

Dr. Tasnova Mahin, Associate Consultant in the Medicine Department at Square Hospital Limited, Bangladesh, emphasizes that certain warning signs should never be ignored.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes

Frequent hunger

Increased urination

Persistent thirst

Sudden weight loss

Many people are aware that these could indicate diabetes, but fewer know that frequent itching can also be a sign of the disease. This itching can occur anywhere on the body, including around the urinary tract, causing significant discomfort.

Why Does Diabetes Cause Itching?

Diabetes weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, including skin infections that cause itching. Besides infections, diabetes can lead to nerve damage, affecting the skin’s sensory nerves. This can create an itching sensation even when there is no visible cause.

Additionally, frequent urination can lead to dehydration, resulting in dry, itchy skin. Women with diabetes also face an increased risk of yeast infections, which can cause itching in the vaginal area.

What Should You Do?

If you frequently experience itching, consult a doctor. A medical evaluation will determine the underlying cause. Keep in mind that diabetes cannot always be diagnosed with just a simple finger-prick test; multiple blood tests, including those from a vein, may be necessary.

Furthermore, itching can be caused by other conditions such as liver disorders or skin diseases. This is why you should never self-diagnose—seeking medical advice is crucial.