Running a marathon is not just a test of physical endurance—it’s a mental marathon too. But new research suggests that the brain might be doing more than just helping runners push through the final grueling miles. It may actually tap into its own reserves, breaking down part of itself for emergency energy.

A recent study from Spain has revealed that during extreme endurance efforts like a 26.2-mile race, the brain may temporarily degrade myelin—a fatty, protective layer that insulates nerve fibers—to use as a backup fuel source. In simple terms, under intense physical stress, the brain may begin to “consume” itself.

Myelin is essential for fast and efficient communication between nerve cells. It is critical for motor control, sensory input, and emotional regulation. The study found that when conventional energy sources like glucose run low during a marathon, the body switches to fat for fuel—and this may include myelin.

To explore this phenomenon, researchers scanned the brains of 10 marathon runners—eight men and two women—before and after completing a full marathon. MRI results showed that all participants experienced a reduction in myelin levels, particularly in brain regions responsible for movement, sensation, and emotions.

The good news? This change appears to be temporary. Follow-up scans revealed that the runners’ myelin levels returned to normal within two months after the race.

“Myelin seems to act as an energy reservoir when other brain nutrients are depleted during prolonged physical activity,” said Dr. Pedro Ramos-Cabrer, Ikerbasque research professor at CIC biomaGUNE, a Spanish nonprofit research center. “However, more extensive studies are needed to understand how widespread this effect is and how it may impact brain health in the long term.”

While the study did not assess whether the temporary loss of myelin affected the runners’ cognition or physical performance, researchers caution that extreme endurance training could carry potential risks—especially for individuals genetically predisposed to neurological conditions.

This discovery opens new avenues in brain research. Understanding how myelin regenerates quickly in healthy individuals could eventually help in developing treatments for conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where myelin breakdown leads to lasting damage.

Dr. Carlos Matute, professor of anatomy and human embryology at the University of the Basque Country, highlighted the broader implications: “Studying how the brain recovers from this temporary myelin loss could offer insight into managing demyelinating diseases.”

Although moderate physical activity is well-known to support brain health, researchers suggest that extremely strenuous exercise may need to be approached with caution in certain populations. For now, runners shouldn’t panic. The findings underscore the brain’s remarkable adaptability—but they also highlight the importance of understanding what happens when we push our bodies and minds, to their limits.

Since the Trump administration took over the United States, a lot has changed, especially in the health sector. So, it comes as no surprise that this week, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced plans to urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending the addition of fluoride in community water systems across the country. He also noted that the formation of a task force will be dedicated to examining the risk of water fluoridation.

The same day when these plans were announced, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that it had been reviewing new scientific findings related to potential health risks from fluoride exposure. Although the EPA does not mandate the use of fluoride, it does set the maximum allowable level of fluoride in public drinking water. At this moment, it is at 4 milligrams per liter.

Kennedy, who spoke in Salt Lake City alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin also praised Utah for taking a bold step. Utah in the previous month, became the first US state to ban fluoride in all public water systems. This new law will come into effect on May 7. Republican Governor Spencer Cox also signed the legislation that not only prohibits fluoridation, but also bars local communities from making their own decisions about it.

Kennedy called Utah a “leader in making America healthy again,” though the move has faced fierce criticism from dentists, scientists, and public health advocates nationwide.

What Is Fluoride And Why Is It Added To Water?

As per the CDC, it is a naturally occurring mineral that, when added in small amounts to water, has been proven to prevent tooth decay. CDC also notes that it helps strengthen tooth enamel by replenishing minerals that are worn away by acids in the mouth.

The origin could be traced back to 1950, when the US had endorsed water fluoridation as a major public health achievement. As per the CDC, 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water can be added to reduce dental cavities in children and adults alike.

However, over time, there have been concerns have emerged, including excessive fluoride exposure. There have been studies too that looks at the areas with higher-than-recommended fluoride levels. These findings have linked it to the issues such as thyroid disease, arthritis, and lower IQ in children.

A 2024 review published in Science Direct titled Does fluoride exposure affect thyroid function? A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis notes that exposure to high-fluoride drinking water appears to non-linearly affect thyroid function and increase TSH release in children, starting above a threshold of exposure, and to increase the risk of some thyroid diseases.

Another study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2025, also available on the National Toxicology Program by the US Department of Health and Human Services, finds that higher levels of fluoride exposure, such as drinking water containing more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter, are associated with lower IQ in children.

However, experts caution that many of these studies are inconclusive or based on levels not commonly found in U.S. water systems.

A British grandmother's journey to improve her health and to lose weight led to a devastating, almost life-threatening turn. This happened after she underwent weight-loss surgery in Turkey. The 41-year-old Danielle Peebles's experience drew widespread attention and also sparked renewed concern over the dangers of medical tourism. This also brought attention to those who seed budget bariatric procedures.

What Happened To Her?

Danielle Peebles, who is a mother and also a grandmother from the UK was very clear with what she wanted to do with her body. She wanted to live a healthier life, where she could be more active and so she could spend more active time with her newborn grandson. She had been struggling with obesity for a long time and weighed around 28 stone, which is approximately 177 kilograms. She hoped that once she underwent the bariatric surgery under the National Health Service (NHS), her goal will be achieved. However, the waiting list was as long as seven years.

Being desperate for change and unwilling to wait, she made a decision that ended up changing her life forever. In June 2023, she flew to Turkey for a gastric sleeve procedure, this is a form of weight-loss surgery that reduces the size of stomach. It also helps patients consume less food and lose food more rapidly.

What Went Wrong?

Initially, her surgery seemed to be a success. She reported feeling fine in the days that followed the surgery. She was also hopeful for a transformation ahead. In fact, she lost around 15 stone, which is around 95 kilogram. However, her physical improvement was overshadowed by unexpected and severe medical complications.

Once she returned to the UK, she experienced weakness and discomfort. Her symptoms also deteriorated and she eventually collapsed. She was rushed to Salford Royal Hospital in Greater Manchester. This is when the doctors diagnosed her with nutritional neuropathy. This is a rare but serious neurological condition that is caused by deficiencies, especially essential vitamins, particularly B vitamins.

Paralysis And Pain

This diagnosis shocked her and her family. She had been paralysed form the neck down with intense nerve pain in her feet even at the slightest touch. “I was paralysed from the neck down, apart from the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my feet,” she recalled, as a UK media outlet reported . The ordeal marked a terrifying new chapter in her life, with doctors warning she might never walk again.

Danielle’s condition was the result of severe malnutrition, a known risk following gastric sleeve surgery if proper dietary management and supplements are not maintained. The rapid weight loss, coupled with a lack of medical follow-up, led to critical vitamin deficiencies that damaged her nerves.

Recovery And Rehabilitation

She spent around five months in the hospital and underwent intensive rehabilitation to restore her nerve function. She received the help of a dedicated medical team and also gradually regained monility. She is now able to leave the hospitals using crutches

“It was devastating when I was told I might not walk again. But now, being able to be a mum, a wife, and a nanna — it’s the best thing. I owe a lot to Salford Royal Hospital," she said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that every year on April 7, the World Health Day is observed to draw attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.

History of World Health Day

This day was first proposed to be celebrated at the First Health Assembly in 1948, and ever since, from 1950, it has been observed. It marks the founding anniversary of the WHO, which a global platform that works on urgent health issues as well as promoting awareness. The WHO also addresses critical health concerns across the world and remains free from political influences. It also uses this day to draw international attention on health priorities.

The WHO notes that when diplomats met to form the United Nations in 1945, one of the things they discussed was setting up a global health organization, this is how WHO's Constitution came into being from April 7, 1948. This is the date that we now celebrate every year as World Health Day.

Theme Of World Health Day

Each year, the WHO announces a specific theme for the World Health Day. This is to spotlight a key area of concern in the health sector. This year, the theme for 2025 is "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures".

The WHO on its official X handle posted a collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the authorities of Hera to deliver an Integrated Health Program observing this year's theme:

This year's campaign and the theme focus on collaborating with governments and health bodies to invest in impactful initiatives that can reduce preventable deaths. It also aims to improve long-term well-being of mothers and newborn.

The focus points of the theme are:

Helping every woman and baby survive and thrive: The WHO mentions that based on currently published estimates, close to 300,000 women lose their life due to pregnancy or childbirth each year. Whereas 2 billion babies die in their first month of life and 2 million are stillborn. This means roughly 1 preventable death every 7 seconds.

Listening to women and supporting families: WHO mentions that women and families everywhere need high quality care that supports them physically and emotionally, before, during and after birth. Health systems thus must evolve to manage the health issues that impact maternal and newborn health.

"The health of mothers and babies is the foundation of healthy families and communities, helping ensure hopeful futures for us all," notes WHO.

Significance Of World Health Day

For the last five decades, the World Health Day, which celebrates the founding day of WHO has played an important role in highlighting key health issues. It has focused on various health issues including mental health and well-being, maternal and child health, and the growing impact of climate change on global health.

The campaign also facilitates conversations and discourse around health, which can then promote awareness among people. This day therefore serves as a reminder to unite global efforts and direct attention towards building a healthier and safer communities around the world.