How does fiber make the stomach feel 'light'? Fiber is a type of carbohydrate—existing in both soluble and insoluble forms—that can help alleviate constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Fiber is a carbohydrate that our digestive system cannot fully digest; consequently, it mostly passes through the digestive tract and is eliminated from the body. This characteristic allows fiber to play a crucial role in the health of the stomach and intestines. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber mixes with water to form a gel-like substance. It can help slow down digestion, regulate blood sugar levels , and assist in managing cholesterol. Foods such as oats , barley, apples, oranges, beans, and peas contain soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, does not dissolve in water. It adds bulk to the stool and helps it move smoothly through the intestines. Wheat bran , whole grains, certain vegetables, fruit skins, and nuts contain this type of...
The little engine that keeps your body young: Mitochondria: How to keep them healthy? Although it is still a matter of research whether mitochondria are the main cause of aging , experts say that human behavior has been proven to affect their health. What is beneficial for these small parts of our cells, it benefits the entire body. Regular exercise has been proven to improve the functioning of mitochondria. In a very important study, researchers biopsied human thigh muscles. After an eight-week training program, they found more and healthier mitochondria in the muscle cells than before. Although both endurance and resistance training were effective for this, the greatest benefits were obtained when they were combined. Daria Mauchly-Rozen , a professor of chemical and systems biology at Stanford University and author of the book “ The Life Machines: How Taking Care of Your Mitochondria Can Transform Your Health ,” sheds light on this issue. “Exercise causes a little bit of dam...