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Sweet foods and those rich in other carbohydrates fire off feel-good chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and other relaxing endorphins in the brain. The effects of these chemicals may make a person more likely to seek them out repeatedly.

Satisfying cravings can become a habit, and it may be easy to eat sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods without thinking about the consequences.

Once a person kicks the habit, for example by following a restrictive diet, the cravings usually end soon afterward.

The strategies below can help with managing food cravings.

1. Drinking water

The body can misinterpret thirst for hunger, and drinking water may help to curb food cravings.

The body can misinterpret signals from the brain, and what feels like a food craving may be a sign of thirst.

Some people benefit from drinking water as soon as a food craving hits. Drinking more water may also help people who are dieting to lose weight.

Authors of a study from 2014 examined overweight female participants who drank an extra 1.5 liters of water per day.

The study found the participants who drank water weighed less, had less body fat, and reported more significant appetite reduction than matched participants who did not drink the water.

Results of a study from 2013 indicated that drinking 2 cups of water before meals while following a calorie-restricted diet, helped middle-aged and older people with obesity to lose weight.

When a food craving strikes, try drinking a large glass of water and waiting a few minutes. If the craving goes away, the body may just have been thirsty.

2. Exercise

In 2015, researchers published the results of an investigation into the effects of quick exercise sessions on cravings for chocolate in people who were overweight.

They found that brisk, 15-minute walks were more effective at reducing cravings than sitting passively.

The next time a craving hits, it may help to try taking a quick walk or using the stairs instead of the elevator.

3. Mental games

One way to differentiate between cravings and real hunger is to ask questions, such as:

Would I eat a piece of fruit?

This exercise is called the fruit test. If a person cannot tell whether they are really hungry or just craving a sugary sweet, asking themselves whether they would eat a piece of whole fruit can help.

If the answer is yes, the body is likely hungry, and if the answer is no, a person may be having a craving.

Is it worth it in the long term?

Visualizing the long-term consequences of snacking or otherwise indulging can help some people to curb cravings.

These consequences may include:

• difficulty losing weight
• health risks
• feeling reduced levels of energy and happiness throughout the day

This exercise can also help a person to see the big picture and remember why they are dieting or trying to restrict their intake of certain foods.

4. Reduce stress

Stress-relieving exercises, such as tai chi, may reduce hunger cravings.

Stress can play a role in hunger cravings, and long-term stressors can cause some people to crave foods that are sugary or more calorie-dense.

Finding ways to reduce stress may help to eliminate cravings.

Simple means of reducing stress, such as taking regular breaks from work, or even taking a few deep breaths, can help the body to refocus and calm the mind.

It may also help to try mindful stress-relieving practices, such as:

• breathing exercises
• guided meditation
• yoga
• tai chi

5. Avoid hunger

Many people who are dieting cut back on calories, but calorie restriction can pose challenges and lead to more frequent feelings of hunger.

If a person feels hungry all the time, making certain dietary changes may help to curb sugar and carb cravings.

Some people recommend structuring the diet by setting specific times for meals each day. This can help to retrain the body and brain, and communicate that there are times to eat and times not to.

If a person cannot sit down for set meals, they are more likely to snack throughout the day. In this case, it is important to have healthful snacks on hand. This may also make a trip to the convenience store, fast food restaurant, or vending machine less tempting.

6. Eat more protein

Increasing the amount of protein in the diet may reduce the number of cravings and keep the body satisfied for longer after eating.

Many people find that eating more protein helps to keep hunger pangs and cravings to a minimum.

Protein may help the body to feel more satisfied for longer.

According to findings published in the research journal Obesity, overweight males who increased their dietary protein intake to represent at least 25 percent of their total calorie intake reported a significant reduction in food cravings.

Protein may be especially helpful at breakfast. Research published in Nutrition Journal studied the effects of eating breakfast on cravings in teenage females who were overweight or obese and who usually skipped breakfast.

They found that eating breakfast resulted in fewer cravings for sweet or savory foods. Those who ate breakfast with a high protein content had fewer cravings for savory foods.

The authors considered the protein content to be high when the meal contained 35 grams of protein from certain sources.

7. Plan times to indulge

Completely ignoring cravings can have negative consequences, so it may be a good idea to plan times to eat otherwise restricted foods. This may look like a cheat day or an after-work treat, depending on a person's dietary needs.

Sticking to a restrictive diet and ignoring cravings may be easier if a person has a planned indulgence to look forward to.

8. Try a stick of gum

Some people find that reaching for a piece of sugar-free gum helps them to avoid food cravings when they strike.

Authors of a study from 2015 concluded that chewing gum may reduce appetite and cravings, and they attributed these effects to the process of chewing.

Gum may be a more healthful alternative to sugary or high-calorie snacks.

Takeaway

Any of the strategies above, or a combination, may help to reduce cravings for foods rich in sugars and other types of carbohydrate. However, it may still be a good idea to speak with a professional.

A dietician or personal trainer can help a person to develop a healthful diet plan that reduces cravings and associated stress.

Ultimately, a person will see the best results if they make dietary changes that they can maintain in the long term.

In this article, we look at what type 2 diabetes is and describe its symptoms, causes, and risk factors in children.

We also explore how a doctor diagnoses and treats the condition, ways to help prevent it and the complications that it can cause.

What is type 2 diabetes?

In a child with type 2 diabetes, the body is either resistant to insulin or it cannot produce enough.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of blood sugar, or glucose.

The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that helps to control the amount of sugar in the blood.

In a person with type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin, or it does not respond to the hormone appropriately, and this is called insulin resistance.

In the past, the medical community called type 2 diabetes either adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes. However, the condition is affecting an increasing number of children and adolescents, as rates of obesity continue to rise.

According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, doctors in the United States diagnosed around 5,300 children and adolescents aged 10–19 years with type 2 diabetes between 2011 and 2012.

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term illness that can lead to serious complications if a person does not receive treatment. At the moment, there is no cure.

Symptoms

Type 2 diabetes often has a slow, gradual onset. Because of this, it can be difficult to detect in children.

General signs and symptoms of both types of diabetes are similar. Children and adults may experience:

• Increased urination. When there is an excess of sugar in the blood, the kidneys have to work harder to absorb and filter it. This can result in increased urination.
• Increased thirst. Increased urination can cause dehydration. A person may feel especially thirsty and need to drink more than usual.
• Fatigue. When the body is less able to use blood sugar properly, this can cause fatigue, as can many issues that may be common in people with diabetes, such as dehydration.
• Blurred vision. High blood sugar levels can draw fluid from the lenses of the eyes, making it more difficult to focus.
• Darkened skin. Insulin resistance can cause certain areas of skin to darken. The medical term for this is acanthosis nigricans, and it often affects the armpits and the back of the neck.
• Wounds healing slowly. High blood sugar levels can lead to longer healing times for sores and skin infections.

Causes and risk factors

Obesity causes insulin resistance, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, including children. The condition is more likely to develop in adults and children who are overweight or obese.

Obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance. This occurs when organs and tissues do not respond appropriately to insulin and do not absorb enough sugar from the blood.

Insulin resistance results in high blood sugar levels, a lower tolerance for glucose, more inflammation, and an overproduction of glucose in the liver.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity affected 13.7 million children and adolescents aged 2–19 years between 2015 and 2016 in the U.S.

Authors of a study from 2017 found that children and adults below the age of 25 who fell into the body mass index ranges for obesity were four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those in the normal ranges.

Other risk factors for type 2 diabetes in children include:

• having a parent or sibling with the condition, because it has a genetic component
• being of Asian, Pacific Islander, African, Native American, or Latino descent
• having signs of insulin resistance, such as acanthosis nigricans

Diagnosis

To diagnose type 2 diabetes, a doctor will ask about the child's symptoms, and they may take a blood sample to check glucose levels. The doctor may also use a simple urine test to screen for sugar in the urine.

In the U.S., possible blood tests include:

• Fasting blood glucose. Doctors take this test in the morning when the child has an empty stomach. The medical community considers a person with a fasting blood glucose of greater than 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) to have diabetes.
• Glycated hemoglobin (A1C). This checks the amount of glucose attached to red blood cells over time. Doctors consider a person to have diabetes if their A1C measurement is greater than 6.5 percent, or 48 millimoles per mole.
• Random blood glucose. A doctor asks for this test at a random time during the day. The medical community considers someone to have diabetes if their random blood glucose level is higher than 200 mg/dl.

For a reliable diagnosis, a medical professional should perform these tests on two separate occasions.

To confirm a diagnosis, a doctor may also request multiple tests, or they may check other factors, such as glucose tolerance.

Treatment

Treatment for type 2 diabetes is generally similar in children and adults.

The most important treatments are often lifestyle interventions, which include weight management, dietary changes, and exercise.

A doctor may also prescribe include insulin or other medications that help the body respond better to insulin. The child may also need to regularly monitor their blood glucose levels.

The doctor will tailor the treatment plan according to the child's age, needs, and the severity of the condition.

It is important for parents and caregivers to communicate the treatment plan to the child's caretakers, teachers, coaches, and anyone else who supervises the child away from home.

Prevention

Exercising for at least 60 minutes each day will help children maintain a healthy weight.

Prevention of type 2 diabetes largely involves developing healthful lifestyle habits, such as:

Maintaining a healthy weight

Ensuring that weight stays at a healthful level can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. A doctor or dietician can advise about healthy weight ranges for children and recommend programs for losing weight, if necessary.

Eating a well-balanced diet

A child's diet should contain limited amounts of added sugars and simple carbohydrates. Breads and pastries made with white flour may be problematic, and the diet should instead include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This will lower the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Exercising

Exercise is essential in maintaining a healthy weight and overall health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that children aged 5—17 years get at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity every day. Encourage kids to play outside and engage in sports, and limit time spent in front of a screen. This may mean cutting back on video games, television, and similar devices.

Complications

Children with type 2 diabetes are at risk for potentially serious complications, including heart disease and stroke.

Other complications and associated conditions can include:

Outlook

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in children, as rates of childhood obesity continue to climb.

The condition can be difficult to detect and diagnose in children, and doctors are not yet sure of the long-term effects of having it at a young age.

Focusing on healthful lifestyle habits involving, for example, a well-balanced diet and plenty of physical activity, can help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes in children.

How do shifting meal times impact your weight loss efforts?

Intermittent fasting is a form of diet that allows people to lose weight by "prompting" the body to switch to burning fats, so as to convert them into energy.

Besides inducing weight loss, various models of intermittent fasting have been hailed for bringing additional health benefits.

One type of fasting diet is time-restricted eating, in which the dieters only eat for a specific number of hours every day.

Recently, researchers — led by Dr. Jonathan Johnston, from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom — decided to conduct a study starting from the time-restricted eating model.

The difference? Some of the study participants were asked to deviate from the times at which they would normally have their daily meals.

The researchers did this to see how disrupting time patterns when it comes to eating can impact a person's weight, as well as other health factors, such as biomarkers for diabetes and heart disease.

They report their findings in a paper now published in the Journal of Nutritional Science.

Changing meal times may help

The research team worked with an initial cohort of 16 participants, of which 13 successfully followed through with the study, which lasted for a period of 10 weeks.

Dr. Johnston and colleagues split the participants into two groups. People in the first group were asked to have breakfast 90 minutes later than they normally would and have dinner 90 minutes earlier than usual.

Participants in the second group acted as controls, and they kept having their meals at the same times as they would normally do so.

Otherwise, there were no dietary restrictions, and everyone followed their normal diets — as long as they did so only between designated times.

At the start of the intervention, as well as throughout the study, the researchers collected blood samples from each participant. At the end of the study, the volunteers filled in a questionnaire, offering feedback about how well they fared over the 10 weeks.

Dr. Johnston and his team found that the participants in the first group, who modified their breakfast and dinner times by 1.5 hours, lost more than twice as much excess body fat, on average, than those following their regular meal times.

Moreover, the researchers noticed that the participants in the experimental group actually tended to eat less food at meal times than their counterparts in the control group.

The volunteers who took part in the intervention observed this themselves, reporting that they ate less because of decreased appetite, fewer opportunities to eat, or reduced snacking in the evening.

However, it remains unclear whether these participants fasting for a longer time also affected how much body fat they lost.

"Although this study is small, it has provided us with invaluable insight into how slight alterations to our meal times can have benefits to our bodies," notes Dr. Johnston.

"Reduction in body fat lessens our chances of developing obesity and related diseases, so is vital in improving our overall health," he adds.

Implementation may call for flexibility

The researchers were also interested in learning whether such adjustments to meal times would be acceptable in the long run, and whether they could fit seamlessly into individuals' daily schedules.

As it turns out, the shift may not be so easy to incorporate. Of all of the participants, 57 percent declared that they would be unable to continue eating according to the experimental schedule beyond the time frame of the study, since the changed times clashed with their regular day-to-day commitments.

At the same time, however, 43 percent of the participants admitted that they would be happy to consider carrying on with the time-restricted eating diet if the meal times would be a little more flexible.

"[A]s we have seen with these participants, fasting diets are difficult to follow and may not always be compatible with family and social life," admits Dr. Johnston, adding:

"We therefore need to make sure they are flexible and conducive to real life, as the potential benefits of such diets are clear to see."

He explains that the findings of the recent study will allow him and his colleagues to conduct "larger, more comprehensive studies of time-restricted feeding" in the future.

People with RA who exercise may find that they have less pain that those who do not. Exercise can reduce painful symptoms, improve joint function and flexibility, increase range of motion, and boost mood.

It is best to seek medical advice before starting any exercise program and to work with a doctor and a physical therapist to develop a tailored exercise plan.

Best exercises for RA pain

The following types of exercise may help relieve the pain, joint stiffness, and other symptoms that RA can cause:

1. Stretching

Walking can help with joint health.

Stretching can help improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and increase range of motion. Stretching daily, ideally in the morning, is important for relieving RA symptoms.

The ideal stretching routine will be different for each person and will depend on which joints are affected and what symptoms occur. However, stretches often involve slowly and gently moving the joints of the knees, hands, and elbows.

A typical stretching routine may consist of:

• Warming up by walking in place or pumping the arms while sitting or standing for 3–5 minutes.
• Holding each stretch for 10–20 seconds before releasing it.
• Repeating each stretch 2–3 times. Using a yoga strap may help people maintain proper form while stretching.

Many people will find it beneficial to work with a physical therapist who understands RA to learn the correct way to perform the stretches that meet their personal needs.

2. Walking

Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that can help with aerobic conditioning, heart and joint health, and mood.

It is essential to wear proper shoes and stay hydrated, even if the walking is not strenuous. It is often sensible to walk slowly initially and then increase the pace when possible.

3. Flowing movements, such as tai chi and yoga

Both tai chi and yoga combine deep breathing, flowing movements, gentle poses, and meditation. They increase flexibility, balance, and range of motion while also reducing stress.

It is possible to buy DVDs of tai chi or yoga workouts that are specifically for people with RA.

4. Pilates

Pilates is a low-impact activity that stabilizes the joints and strengthens the muscles around them. People new to Pilates should begin with a routine that uses a mat rather than a machine to build muscle strength safely.

5. Water exercises

Water helps support body weight, which means that water exercises do not impact heavily on the joints.

Swimming, water aerobics, and other gentle water exercises can increase flexibility, range of motion, strength, and aerobic conditioning. They can also reduce joint stress and stiffness.

6. Cycling

As RA increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is vital to keep the heart as healthy as possible. Riding a stationary bike can be a safe way to get the joints moving and improve cardiovascular fitness.

In addition to improving aerobic conditioning, cycling can reduce stiffness, increase range of motion and leg strength, and build endurance.

7. Strength training

Strengthening the muscles around the affected joints can help increase strength while reducing pain and other RA symptoms.

Using a resistance band is one of the best ways to challenge the body and build muscle over time. A physical therapist who works with people with RA should be able to offer guidance on suitable exercises.

8. Hand exercises

RA can sometimes lead to limited use of the hands. Bending the wrists up and down, slowly curling the fingers, spreading the fingers wide on a table, and squeezing a stress ball can all help increase strength and flexibility in the hands.

9. Gardening

As well as being a form of exercise, gardening offers the benefit of improving mood. People should be gentle with their body, work slowly, and avoid overstraining the muscles and joints.

Tips for exercising with RA

The tips below may improve safety and comfort when exercising with RA:

Be consistent

People need to exercise consistently to achieve meaningful results. It is important to keep at it and practice regularly. Some days may be less comfortable than others, but it is possible to adjust the intensity accordingly.

Accessorize for comfort and protection

Use a slip-resistant yoga mat to reduce the risk of injury.

The following methods can help people exercise more comfortably with less risk of injury:

• Choosing proper shoes that provide the right protection and balance.
• Using a slip-resistant yoga mat.
• Wearing comfortable clothes that wick sweat away quickly.

Listening to music can provide motivation and help pass time when exercising.

Seek variety

RA symptoms can vary daily, and they tend to come in waves. People often experience flares and periods of remission.

Doing a variety of exercises and mixing up the daily routine can help people avoid overworking one set of muscles or particular joints.

For example, a person doing morning stretches each day may choose to add strength training twice a week, a water workout once a week, and yoga or tai chi twice a week, symptoms permitting. This variety should prevent any overuse injuries, which can aggravate symptoms and counter the benefits of the exercise.

Adjust exercises according to symptoms

On days when symptoms are more severe, people can reduce the intensity of the exercise. For example, they could place a resistance band around the forearms instead of holding it in the hands.

Alternatively, they can try a different type of exercise or exercise for a shorter time.

On days when cycling or swimming seems too much, switching this type of activity to a leisurely stroll or some stretching will still be beneficial.

Listen to the body

It is important for people with RA to remain as physically active as possible. However, it is equally crucial to avoid discomfort or injuries.

It is vital to choose the right pace and listen to the body. If exercise causes discomfort or a flare, it is best to reduce the session. For example, do 10 minutes instead of 30. People should also take time off when necessary.

Pay attention to small things

Most exercises focus on large muscle groups. It is essential to make time for smaller parts of the body, such as the hands and fingers. Creating a daily routine out of these focused exercises can help.

Work with a physical therapist

Working with a physical therapist who specializes in RA can be helpful in developing a safe and appropriate exercise routine. This collaboration can be particularly beneficial for people with a new RA diagnosis or those who are experiencing a severe flare.

Exercises to avoid

People with RA should avoid strenuous exercise or any exercises that cause pain. These may include high-impact exercises that put excessive strain on the joints.

However, there are no specific exercises that everyone with RA should avoid. Each person is different, and an activity that causes pain for one person may not have the same effect on another person.

What is right for someone will depend on their situation and health condition. However, everyone is likely to benefit from paying close attention to their body and working with a doctor or physical therapist for guidance.

Outlook

Exercise is usually very helpful for people with RA. It offers a range of benefits, which include relieving symptoms, improving joint function, building strength, increasing flexibility, helping daily functioning, improving aerobic fitness, and boosting mood. It can reduce RA flares and make the symptoms of this condition easier to manage.

It is a good idea to work with a doctor and physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise program for the best possible results.

Cardio exercise and strength training impact our metabolic hormones in different ways.

The research has deepened our understanding of how different forms of exercise affect the body.

A significant finding is that endurance exercise increases a metabolic hormone called fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), whereas strength training decreases another called fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19).

The effects of various forms of exercise on better-known hormones such as insulin and adrenalin are already well-understood, says senior study author Christoffer Clemmensen, who is working as an associate professor in the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research in Copenhagen.

The new insight from their findings, he explains, is "that strength training and cardio exercise affect FGF hormones differently."

The study — which features in the Journal of Clinical Investigation: Insight — also confirmed some known effects of other metabolic substances.

Metabolism and exercise

The word metabolism comes from the Greek phrase for "to change," but we use it to refer to all the processes that extract and use energy to sustain life.

These range from breathing, digestion, and temperature regulation to muscle contraction, keeping the brain and nerves working, and getting rid of waste through feces and urine.

Metabolism changes over the lifespan. As we get older, we burn fewer calories and our digestion alters. We also lose lean muscle and — unless we take care of our diet and exercise regularly — gain weight.

Eating too much and having a lifestyle that is mostly sedentary can hasten these age-related changes.

To protect against this, experts advise us to follow guidelines on how to eat a healthful diet and remain physically active.

In the United States, the physical activity guidelines for adults advise a combination of muscle-strengthening and aerobic, or endurance, exercise.

Exercise and metabolic hormones

However, while there is a lot of evidence outlining the various benefits of exercise on health, "the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood," Clemmensen and his colleagues note in their study paper.

So, they investigated this further by examining the impact of two forms of exercise on metabolic hormones, which are the chemical messengers that regulate the processes of metabolism.

They recruited 10 healthy young men and randomly split them into two groups. In one group, the men did cardio training first, and then strength training about a week later. In the other group, the men did the strength training first and then the cardio.

All the exercise sessions lasted for about an hour and were intensive. In the cardio session, the men cycled at 70 percent maximum intake of oxygen. In the strength training session, they put all major muscle groups through a regime comprising five different exercises repeated between five and 10 times.

During the 3-hour recovery period following each exercise session, the researchers took blood samples from each man immediately after exercise and then at intervals thereafter.

They used the blood samples to measure changes in levels of: blood sugar, lactic acid, several hormones, and bile acid.

Different effects on metabolic hormones

The results showed that blood levels of FGF21 rose significantly during the cardio or endurance sessions, but not in the strength training sessions.

The effect of cardio on FGF21 was so marked that the researchers believe that it warrants further investigation. Of particular interest is whether the hormone is directly involved in the health-promoting effects of cardio exercise.

The results also showed that levels of FGF19 fell slightly after strength training. This was a surprise to the researchers who were expecting it to rise, since animal studies suggest that the metabolic hormone helps with muscle growth.

FGFs are active in many different biological processes, in addition to helping regulate metabolism. These include, for example, cell growth, embryonic development, tissue repair, and tumor formation.

FGF21 is produced in several organs and is active in weight loss, glucose control, and reducing inflammation.

In fact, researchers have proposed that FGF21 has potential as a drug for treating "metabolic complications such as diabetes and fatty liver disease."

FGF19, which is produced in the gut, is described as an "atypical" member of the FGF family. As a hormone, it helps regulate bile acid production and metabolism of glucose and lipids.

Animal studies have shown that, as well as helping with muscle growth, FGF19 can aid weight loss, reduce fats and glucose levels in the liver, and improve use of insulin.

The team now plans to further investigate the links between metabolic hormones and exercise. One limitation of the new study was that it only looked at changes in the 3 hours following the exercise session. It is still not clear what happens in the longer-term.

"FGF21's potential as a drug against diabetes, obesity, and similar metabolic disorders is currently being tested, so the fact that we are able to increase the production ourselves through training is interesting."

Christoffer Clemmensen

We're a colorful and curious bunch in the MNT editorial office.

When it comes to the Medical News Today editorial office, however, this stereotype couldn't be further from the truth.

Our editorial office was first established in the United Kingdom a little over 5 years ago.

The team has grown more than fourfold in that time, and while there have been many changes, one thing remains the same: our culture.

From day 1, it was clear that the MNT team is something special. It abounds with wonderfully unique people, with interests ranging from rapping to paragliding. We all have different skillsets, and we all have very different tastes in music (cue the great ABBA debate).

However, there are some things that run throughout the team. "I love working with people who are so passionate about what they do, super hard-working, and determined to do the job well, but who also have an excellent sense of humor and can have fun," one colleague commented.

"Empathy is always a priority," said another, "and I can't stress enough how much this contributes to sustaining a great work environment."

It's no secret that a happy team is a productive one. We're so happy to be part of a team with one distinct aim: to provide you, our readers, with reliable and actionable health content.

It seems that you like what we're doing. July was a record-breaking month for MNT; more than 35 million of you came to our site. What is more, MNT have moved up the ranks to become the 7th biggest health website worldwide!

This month, our article about how to lose weight without diet or exercise proved popular, and you were keen to learn about the health benefits of cranberry juice, as well as which foods can help reduce anxiety.

Our report on a study about an existing drug that could prevent Alzheimer's disease piqued your scientific curiosity in August, as did our feature on the latest research on the health benefits of vitamin D.

You were also interested in our article on a study that links the keto diet to diabetes, and our story on how probiotics could be linked to "brain fog" and bloating caught your eye.

As always, we're open to article suggestions. Is there a health topic you'd like to learn more about? Get in touch and we'll get on the case! You can also reach out to us via Facebook, and you can keep up with the latest medical research by following us on Twitter and Pinterest.

You'll hear more from me and the rest of the weirdly wonderful MNT team next month.

Have a happy and healthful September!

Honor Whiteman, Managing Editor

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