Tattoos may cause permanent changes to the immune system and affect how the body responds to vaccines, according to research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

An international research team found that tattoo ink travels through the lymphatic system and accumulates in lymph nodes, often within minutes of being applied. More concerning, the ink appears to remain there for life — even if the tattoo is later removed.

In experiments on mice, researchers observed chronic inflammation in lymph nodes, the death of macrophages (white blood cells critical to immune function), and altered responses to vaccinations. Notably, tattooed mice showed a weaker response to COVID-19 vaccines but a stronger response to influenza vaccines, suggesting the effects vary depending on vaccine type.

Scientists first noticed the immune effects accidentally while working with mice that had been tattooed for unrelated experiments. They then conducted focused research using standard commercial inks in black, red, and green.

The team described their work as the most extensive study to date on tattoo ink’s effect on immune response. With at least one in five people globally now having a tattoo, researchers say the findings raise significant public health questions.

“Our results are crucial in informing toxicology programs, policymakers, and the general public regarding the potential risk of the tattooing practice associated with an altered immune response,” the authors wrote.

The study adds to growing concerns about tattoo safety. Recent research published in BMC Public Health found that people with large tattoos may face three times the risk of developing lymphoma compared to those without tattoos.

Researchers are calling for further study to inform regulatory frameworks around tattoo ink safety, though they acknowledge that tattooing shows no signs of slowing down as a cultural practice.

Foto de Collins Lesulie en Unsplash

I have noticed something remarkable over the past few months: many of my financially comfortable friends have reached their breaking point with health insurance.

It is not hard to understand why. In many cases, they are getting hit with huge increases, and those with families are facing renewal premiums of $3-4K/month.

Never before have I heard so many people talking about self-insurance. The thinking goes like this: Rather than spending $30-$50K on health care insurance, just put that money in an account and pay cash for medical bills. Over the years, even if a huge emergency arises, there will be money in the account to pay for it.

Self-insuring is appealing for many reasons:

• There is no doubt that cash payers get better prices than those paying through insurance. That sounds insane, but it is true regardless.
• Health insurance covers many things we may never want/need. This drives up the price. And on the flip side, it does not cover many things that we would like it to cover (like supplements!).
• The risk of a serious health event is modest, especially for young, healthy people.

For many, the decision of whether to have or not have insurance is unfortunately made for them because they simply can’t afford it. But if you can afford it, I am not going to encourage you to self-insure (go without health insurance) unless you have a lot (millions of dollars) of disposable cash. Here is why:

• Even young and healthy people have health emergencies, including cancer, heart attacks, car wrecks, and other accidents. While the risk is low, it is not insignificant. As a rule of thumb, you could plan on about a 10% chance per household member of having a significant health emergency in the next 10 years.
• These events can easily cost in the millions of dollars and are real debts that can/will destroy your financial life, affecting your ability to get loans and possibly driving you into bankruptcy.
• Generally speaking, health insurance premiums are subsidized for those with lower incomes and offer tax advantages for those with higher incomes. When you figure out the actual cost, while still expensive, health insurance is a bit more palatable.

Please don’t ever forget what health insurance is for. It is not primarily about paying for routine office visits. It is rather about protecting you from financial ruin in the case of a health crisis. And, if you are reading this, you have the risk of a health crisis.

If you want to protect yourself but simply cannot afford traditional health insurance, a middle ground exists: health-sharing plans. While they are not technically insurance, these plans do have a long history of paying large claims, and they cost a fraction of the cost.

There are many of these health sharing plans on the market right now. I don’t know enough about any of them to recommend particular ones, but you can find them easily online.

Foto de Towfiqu barbhuiya en Unsplash

I am not anti-alcohol. I live and operate in communities where alcohol is prominent, and I probably consume 1-2 drinks in a typical week.

In fact, I lean toward the belief that alcohol has many positive benefits related to community. Alcohol has been a social lubricant for thousands of years.

On the other hand, I want to make two quick points about alcohol. First, since the beginning of the world, it’s probably never been more hip not to drink alcohol. No one should feel pressure to drink, at least in the USA, because a considerable percentage of the population does not drink.

Second, there has never been a better time to get quality non-alcoholic beverages. In other words, you can sip fancy cocktails that are non-alcoholic with your friends. You can buy non-alcoholic wine and beer. Here in Atlanta, we actually have non-alcoholic bars and non-alcoholic “liquor” stores.

With that in mind, I want to talk about a recent study, which, for some unknown reason, the Department of Health and Human Services recently decided not to publish.

A draft of the report, known as the Alcohol Intake and Health Study, was published for public comment in January and is available online.

Here are some pretty shocking conclusions.

Major Health Risks Begin at One Drink Daily

Researchers discovered that consuming just one alcoholic drink per day increases the risk of developing multiple cancers—including breast, liver, colorectal, pharyngeal, and esophageal cancer—as well as liver cirrhosis. The study linked alcohol to over 200 health conditions ranging from mental health disorders to heart disease and digestive diseases.

While one drink daily slightly reduced stroke risk, this modest benefit was negated by occasional consumption of more than one drink. The risks escalate dramatically: people drinking more than seven drinks weekly face a 1-in-1,000 risk of alcohol-related death, jumping to 1-in-100 for those consuming nine or more drinks weekly.

Perhaps most striking, men who increase from one to two drinks daily face a 40-fold increase in mortality risk from alcohol-related diseases.

Two Types of Health Impact

Alcohol affects health through immediate effects—hangovers, workplace fatigue, drunk-driving dangers, and injuries—and long-term consequences, including chronic disease development. Beyond disease, alcohol influences brain function, mood, digestion, and energy levels.

Industry Influence

While this study was suppressed, the government selected a competing study to inform US advisory guidelines on alcohol. It aligns with current guidelines (one drink daily for women, two for men).

Some panelists behind this alternative report have financial ties to the alcohol industry, raising concerns about industry influence.

In other words, the fox is likely in charge of watching the hen house.

Path Forward

The suppression of the report is unfortunate. People deserve access to rigorous scientific information to make informed decisions about alcohol consumption.

However, we are all personally responsible for our health, regardless of what information (or misinformation) comes from the government.

Those wanting to reduce drinking can gradually cut back (fewer drinks per occasion or fewer drinking days), pay attention to alcohol-by-volume percentages in beverages, or switch to non-alcoholic alternatives.

The good news? There has never been a favorable time to do so.

Foto de Sérgio Alves Santos en Unsplash

A large study looked at 17 different research trials with over 1,300 adults who had knee arthritis. The study found that turmeric supplements, especially special types that the body absorbs better, can reduce knee pain.

Three Types Tested

Researchers tested three kinds of turmeric:

Regular turmeric extract – the standard type found in many stores
Enhanced turmeric – special forms mixed with black pepper or made into tiny particles that the body absorbs better
Water-based turmeric – a different part of the turmeric plant that dissolves in water

The enhanced turmeric worked best, reducing pain by 30% – enough for people to really notice the difference. Regular turmeric helped some, but not as much. All three types helped when people rated their pain on a scale.

Why Turmeric Works

Turmeric fights inflammation in the body, similar to how ibuprofen works but through natural pathways. The main problem with regular turmeric is that our bodies can’t absorb it well. That’s why scientists created special versions; adding black pepper helps it get into the bloodstream, and making it into tiny particles helps the intestines absorb it better.

Compared to Regular Pain Pills

Other studies show turmeric works as well as common pain medications like ibuprofen for arthritis pain. The big advantage is that turmeric causes fewer stomach problems and other side effects that often come with long-term use of pain pills.

What This Means for You

If you have knee arthritis, turmeric might help, but the type matters. Look for supplements that say “enhanced absorption” or contain black pepper (piperine). These special formulas work much better than regular turmeric powder or basic supplements.

While more research is needed, the evidence suggests that the right kind of turmeric supplement could be a safer option than taking pain pills every day, especially since arthritis is a long-term condition that needs ongoing treatment.

New research from McGill University offers hope for aging brains, revealing that targeted mental exercises can actually reverse some cognitive decline associated with aging. The groundbreaking 10-week study found that daily mental workouts can boost levels of a crucial brain chemical that typically decreases as we age, effectively turning back the brain’s clock by approximately a decade.

The study focused on acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for attention and memory that naturally declines about 2.5% per decade with aging. Researchers worked with 92 healthy adults over 65, dividing them into two groups. Half played casual computer games like solitaire or Candy Crush, while the other half used BrainHQ, a scientifically designed program targeting memory, speed, and attention. Those using the structured cognitive training program experienced a 2.3% increase in acetylcholine levels in key brain areas after just 30 minutes of daily practice over 10 weeks.

While lead neurologist Étienne de Villers-Sidani acknowledges the increase isn’t dramatic, it’s significant given the typical age-related decline. The boost occurred not only in attention-related brain regions but also in the hippocampus, crucial for memory formation. Remarkably, participants playing casual games showed no such improvement, highlighting the importance of targeted cognitive challenges.

The study’s implications extend beyond laboratory findings to practical strategies anyone can implement. Mental exercises function like physical workouts for the brain, strengthening cognitive abilities and potentially slowing decline. Several accessible activities can provide these benefits:

Jigsaw puzzles engage multiple brain regions simultaneously, preserving visuospatial reasoning while providing relaxation and a sense of accomplishment. Whether tackling a 100-piece or 1,000-piece puzzle, the activity challenges perception and problem-solving skills.

Card games like bridge, poker, or UNO sharpen thinking through strategic planning and decision-making. Research shows they improve self-control, attention, task-switching abilities, verbal fluency, and memory across age groups.

Vocabulary building stimulates brain areas processing visual and auditory information. Simply learning one new word daily, understanding its meaning, and using it five times creates meaningful neural stimulation.

Dancing combines physical movement with cognitive challenge, requiring coordination and memory for steps. The CDC notes that dancing increases processing speed and mental flexibility while providing cardiovascular benefits.

Learning new skills creates the most comprehensive brain workout. A 2023 study found older adults who learned multiple skills simultaneously improved their cognitive function to levels comparable to middle-aged adults. Whether painting, playing an instrument, or learning a language, new hobbies build stronger neural connections.

The key distinction lies in the type of mental activity. While casual games provide entertainment, structured cognitive training that progressively challenges specific mental functions yields measurable neurological benefits. The research suggests that dedicating just 30 minutes daily to targeted mental exercises could help maintain or even improve cognitive function as we age.

This breakthrough offers a proactive approach to brain health, demonstrating that cognitive decline isn’t inevitable. Through consistent mental exercise, we can potentially preserve our memory, attention, and thinking skills well into our later years, maintaining independence and quality of life.

Websites Offering Brain-Boosting Games (For Free!)

Your mouth is more than just a gateway for food—it’s a window into your body’s overall health. Research reveals that what happens in your mouth doesn’t stay there. Poor oral health contributes to serious conditions throughout your body, while good oral hygiene serves as powerful preventive medicine.

The Oral-Systemic Link

Your mouth harbors over 700 species of bacteria. Without proper hygiene, harmful bacteria multiply rapidly, creating infections that spread beyond teeth and gums. When gum disease develops, it creates small wounds in gum tissue, providing direct access for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Once there, these bacteria and inflammatory proteins travel to distant organs, potentially triggering or worsening various health conditions.

Major Health Conditions Linked to Poor Oral Health

Enfermedades cardiovasculares: People with moderate to severe gum disease face up to 20% higher risk of heart disease. Oral bacteria have been found in arterial plaques, and some can cause blood clots, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.

Diabetes: This relationship is bidirectional—diabetes increases susceptibility to gum disease, while serious gum infections impair blood sugar control. Treating gum disease in diabetics can improve glycemic control and potentially reduce medication needs.

Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from infected teeth and gums can be inhaled into the lungs, causing pneumonia or worsening conditions like COPD, particularly in elderly or immunocompromised individuals.

Pregnancy Complications: Women with periodontal disease face a significantly higher risk of delivering preterm, low-birth-weight babies. Inflammatory compounds and bacteria can reach the placenta, potentially triggering premature labor.

Cognitive Decline: Adults with tooth loss and gum disease face a higher risk of dementia. Oral bacteria have been detected in Alzheimer’s patients’ brains, and chronic inflammation may contribute to neuronal damage.

Other Conditions: Poor oral health is also linked to rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, kidney disease, and osteoporosis.

The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene reduces systemic inflammation, decreases bacterial load on your immune system, and can improve blood sugar control. It may lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, reduce pregnancy complications, and help preserve cognitive function. Good oral health also maintains proper nutrition by preserving your ability to chew effectively.

The Bottom Line

Oral health is inseparable from overall health. Most oral diseases are preventable through simple daily actions and regular professional care. The economic impact is significant too—preventive care costs far less than treating advanced disease or systemic complications.

Your oral hygiene routine isn’t just about preventing cavities—it’s a vital investment in your entire body’s well-being. Every positive step toward better oral hygiene is a step toward better overall health.

Essential Oral Hygiene Tips: Your Daily Guide to Better Health Daily Care Routine

Daily Care

• Brushing: Brush at least twice daily for two full minutes using a soft-bristled brush. Pay special attention to the gumline where bacteria accumulate.
• Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth where brushes can’t reach. This is crucial—gum disease often starts between teeth.
• Mouthwash: Consider antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria, but don’t use it as a replacement for brushing and flossing.

Professional Care

• Schedule dental cleanings and check-ups. (Whether you want to follow dentist recommendations for 2X/year is up to you, but do this on a regular schedule.)
• Get annual X-rays to detect hidden problems early.
• Seek immediate care for bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth.

Warning signs

• Bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath or taste
• Receding gums or teeth appearing longer
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Mouth sores lasting over two weeks
• Jaw pain or clicking

Other tips

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or after illness
• Use an electric toothbrush for more effective plaque removal
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals to stimulate saliva
• Don’t brush immediately after consuming acidic foods—wait 30 minutes
• Consider a water flosser if traditional flossing is difficult
• Use a tongue scraper to reduce bacteria and freshen breath
• Remember: Prevention costs far less than treatment. These simple daily habits are investments in both your oral and overall health.

Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has become a popular health supplement, with scientists studying its possible benefits for the brain and body. This white, fluffy mushroom contains special compounds that show promise in research studies.

Brain and Memory Benefits

The most studied benefit of lion’s mane is how it might help the brain. Research shows that lion’s mane mushrooms can reduce memory problems in mice and protect brain cells from damage linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The mushroom helps the brain through special compounds called hericenones and erinacines. These compounds help produce nerve growth factor (NGF), which keeps brain cells healthy and helps new ones grow.

Studies in people are still limited but look promising. One study gave people with mild Alzheimer’s disease 1 gram of lion’s mane daily for about a year. These people showed better scores on memory tests compared to those who took a placebo. Another small study in healthy young adults found that taking lion’s mane for 28 days helped them think faster and feel less stressed compared to people who took a placebo.

Mood and Mental Health

Lion’s mane might also help with mood and anxiety. Studies found that women going through menopause felt less depressed and anxious after taking lion’s mane for 4 weeks. Similar improvements in depression, anxiety, and sleep problems were seen in overweight adults who took the supplement for 8 weeks. These mood improvements were linked to changes in brain chemicals that affect how we feel.

Digestive and Immune System Help

Lion’s mane can reduce swelling in the intestines and may help people with digestive problems like ulcerative colitis. One study found that people with this condition felt better and had improved quality of life after taking a supplement with lion’s mane for 3 weeks.

Animal studies show that lion’s mane can strengthen the immune system in the gut. In one study, mice given lion’s mane lived almost four times longer after being exposed to dangerous bacteria.

Safety and How Much to Take

Since there haven’t been many long-term human studies, there’s no standard dose for lion’s mane. Different studies have used amounts ranging from 750 milligrams to 3 grams per day. Some people may experience side effects like allergic reactions, breathing problems, skin rashes, upset stomach, or headaches.

While early research on lion’s mane looks encouraging, especially for brain health and mood, we need more large-scale human studies to know for sure how well it works and how much people should take.

Foto de Damir Omerović en Unsplash