Healing News

Meditation as Medication

People who meditate regularly may be less sensitive to pain, according to a new study from the University of Manchester in England.

Researchers tested the brain activity of people with varying levels of meditation experience while zapping them with a laser. They found that those who had meditated more were less anxious about the discomfort. “The results suggest that meditation doesn’t change the raw sensory experience of pain, but rather reduces the emotional response that occurs when pain is anticipated,” says Christopher Brown, a lead researcher.

Meditating won’t make pain more pleasant, but it could change your perception of it.

Nix the Nocturnal Noshing

While ice cream at 3 a.m. can be delicious, its long-term effects may be less than appetizing. Researchers at the University of Missouri-Kansas City recently found that indulging in midnight snacks on a regular basis can be detrimental to your smile.

Scientists studied the eating habits of more than 2,000 people. They discovered that those who grazed during the early morning hours lost an average of nearly four more teeth over a period of seven years than those who refrained.

The bottom line? You’re better off savoring snacks and meals during daylight hours.

New Kitchen, New You

Eating in a kitchen or dining room that looks the same day after day could have an adverse effect on your weight. Researchers at Cornell University found that changing your mealtime surroundings can lead to success with weight management, and those changes don’t have to be big to make a difference.

Even using smaller plates, and keeping desserts and serving platters out of reach, can help. “These types of changes are much easier to follow than simply saying you’ll eat smaller meals, substitute fruit for sweets, or give up chocolate and French fries,” says Brian Wansink, the study’s lead researcher.

Don’t Eat What They’re Selling

If Americans consumed a diet composed solely of foods advertised on TV, we’d be in serious nutritional trouble. A new study in The Journal of the American Dietetic Association shows that consuming a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet of nothing but food from TV commercials would give you 25 times the recommended daily amount of sugar and 20 times the recommended amount of fat.

Nutrients such as fiber, iron, calcium and an array of vitamins would be lacking, as well as dairy, fruits and vegetables.

Spice Up Your Diet

If you tend to steer clear of hot and spicy salsas, you may want to rethink your flavor preferences. A study by UCLA researchers has shown that eating foods containing capsaicin, a chemical naturally present in hot peppers, can help burn calories by speeding up your metabolism.

Scientists tested the amount of energy expended after a meal by people who had taken capsaicin supplements and those who received a placebo. The capsaicin group far surpassed the placebo group, and the effect continued for at least several hours.

Shady Sunglasses

When it comes to ultraviolet light protection claims on sunglasses, keep an eye out for imposters. In Australia, a new study has shown that more than 20% of sunglasses made in Europe bore false advertisements on their labels and didn’t meet Australian UV protection standards. On the other hand, the United States doesn’t have any laws governing UV protection on sunglasses, and no scientific studies have been conducted with American-made models.

To ensure that your eyes are getting the best protection possible, look for wrap-around sunglasses sporting at least a UV 400 rating. Even better: Opt for ones that filter blue-wavelength visible light.

Please submit items of interest for Healing News to Candice Yang at cyang@creativeage.com.

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