Who does not enjoy staying young? Especially when you can do it with just tweaking your diet a little! A recent study published in Nature Publishing Group Aging, reveals that a nutrient-rich diet, similar to the Mediterranean style plays an important role in slowing brain aging.

The study used blood biomarker analysis, brain imaging and cognitive assessments to conclude that specific nutrients like fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamin E, and choline, are essential to support healthy brain function and delay cognitive decline.

How Was The Study Conducted?

This was a cross-sectional study which involved 100 adults between the ages of 65 and 75. The participants were healthy and showed no evidence of cognitive impairment and they underwent several tests, including MRIs, mental tests and blood work. The researchers studied 139 variables of brain health, including brain metabolism, function, and structure.

ALSO READ: Longevity Diets: What to Eat to Live Past 100

Nutrients The Protect The Brain

Fatty Acids: Vaccenic, gondoic, alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, eicosadienoic, and lignoceric acids, commonly found in plants, dairy, and oily fish, contribute to neuron maintenance.

Antioxidants and Carotenoids: Cis-lutein, trans-lutein, and zeaxanthin are essential for neutralizing free radicals and protecting the brain from oxidative stress.

Vitamin E: This antioxidant helps safeguard brain cells, with research suggesting its role in preventing dementias like Alzheimer's disease.

Choline: A vital nutrient for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for memory and attention.

The Science Behind Mediterranean Diet and Brain Health

Experts affirm that these nutrients (mentioned above) are commonly found in the Mediterranean diet and are known for their neuroprotective properties. The Mediterranean diet has positive effects on brain, and there is enough evidence to prove that too. It is because the fatty acids maintain neurons, while the antioxidants combat oxidative stress, which then preserves brain function.

Choline, which is found in egg yolks are also essential for acetylcholine production, which supports cognitive functions such as memory and focus. There are certain nutrients which one can find in egg yolks that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Further, they also support cell membrane integrity and improve brain blood flow, which in turn enhances neuroplasticity. These are all crucial for healthy aging.

ALSO READ: What Is The Green Mediterranean Diet?

There are also additional benefits too, for instance, omega-3 fatty acids also reduce heart disease risks, whereas antioxidants like vitamin C and E also boost immune system. The Mediterranean diet in all, also manages arthritis and metabolic syndrome.

Ingredients You Can In Your Diet To Boost Brain Health

Fatty Fish: These include Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout are rich in omega-3s.

Leafy Greens: These include spinach, kale, broccoli. These are packed with carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin.

Nuts and Seeds: They are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and vitamin E. You can include almonds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds in your diet.

Eggs and Liver: They are a great source of choline, which can be helpful for brain function.

Colorful vegetables and fruits: Peppers, tomatoes, and oranges are rich in anti-oxidants and vitamin C.

Water Stacking, a new term , a new trend comes up, after we have already reached the peak of "maxxing". If you have been keeping up with social media wellness trend, then you must be aware of the water stacking trend. For the uninitiated, this is a viral #WaterTok trend which started on the social media platform TikTok, that involves elevating plain water with various supplements, electrolytes, collagen, and flavoring the enhance hydration. For those who struggle to drink water and keep themselves hydrated, this is a trend which could help them stay on top of their hydration game.

Who Created Water Stacking Trend?

The trend was created by food scientist and content creator Jeffrey Ma. Ma says stacked water is a combination of different functional ingredients and juices added to water that enhances the hydration experience. Ma has worked in natural product industry for more than a decade and this is how he has come up with this idea that lets you get all your nutrients, simply through water.

In an interview with Vogue, he says, "It really came from me being lazy and wanting to mix everything into one tasty all-in-one drink." How did he come up with the ingredients, you ask? This is his answer: "I'm in my mid-30s and once you get past your 20s, it feels like there are more preventative supplements to think about (collagen for skin, joints and hair; vitamin C for immunity; fiber; protein; creatine; probiotics; electrolytes), while also trying to eat enough fruit and drink enough water each day. At the same time, I was working out a lot for Hyrox (a fitness competition), running, playing pickleball, and doing HIIT, so I genuinely needed daily electrolytes."

Read: Why The Social Media Trend Of Parents Shaving Children's Facial Hair Could Go Wrong

How To Make Your Own Stacked Water?

Think of it as a detox drink. You can customize your drink as per your needs. A bottle of stacked water does not have to be the same for everyone. Yours might include the nutrients you need, whereas someone else could have a completely different set of ingredient. The aim is to ensure that you get all your nutrients and the tasty water will make it easier for you to stay hydrated.

Jeffrey Ma on his Instagram (@heyjeffreyhouse) shared how people can use ingredients to make their own stacked water:

• Blended carrot
• 2 tsp Collagen peptides
• Lime or orange juice
• 1 Yakult
• 1 scoop creatine (optional)
• ½ tsp sea salt for electrolytes
• ½ tsp vanilla
• Lots of ice
• Just mix everything, and your stacked water is ready

You can customize your drink using chia seeds to add more fiber or chopped fruits to give it a little texture. The best part? It suits best for a summertime drink!

Note: Please consult your nutritionist and doctor before adding any extra supplements or nutrients to your daily water intake. Health and Me Does NOT promote a user-generated content as a substitute for medically verified hydration techniques.

David Protein Bars is facing a lawsuit that alleged that the company misrepresented the calorie and fat contents. It is a challenge for a company which is known for catering health-conscious customers.

The complaint was filed on January 23 in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. Three individuals who bought David bars claimed that the protein bars contained "way more" calories and fat than the label noted.

As per CBS News, independent and third-party testing used a method called Atwater factors. The result showed that the number of calories exceeded the amount listed on the label as much as by 83 per cent.

Fat Content In David Protein Bars

The lawsuit alleged that David Protein underestimated the fat content, as the testing revealed that the fat content exceeded by as much as 400 per cent.

As per the David Protein's website and the product label, the bar is supposed to contain 150 calories, 28 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar. The lawsuit also stated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines that dictate that a product is misbranded if the "nutrient content of the composite is greater than 20% in excess of the value for that nutrient declared on the label."

The lawsuit names Linus Technologies as the primary defendant. The nutrition-focused company was founded by entrepreneur Peter Rahal in 2023, according to market intelligence platform Tracxn. It operates under the brand name David Protein.

Neither Linus Technologies nor David Protein immediately responded to requests for comment as reported by CBS News. However, on Wednesday the company posted a statement on Instagram that said, “No one is getting Regina Georged,” referencing the film Mean Girls, where the character Cady Heron tricks Regina George into eating a protein bar that leads to weight gain.

After the lawsuit was filed in January, Rahal told Vanity Fair that the company stands by the accuracy of its product labeling and plans to strongly contest the claim.

The David Protein bar was launched in 2024. According to Forbes, its name is inspired by Michelangelo’s famous 16th-century sculpture David.

The bars are sold in several flavors, including chocolate chip cookie and fudge brownie. A pack of 12 bars retails for $39, which works out to about $3.25 per bar.

Clear Information On Labels

FDA last year announced that in the coming next few years, food manufacturers have to put nutritional labels on the front of packaged foods. This proposal by FDA comes in the content of chronic diseases and the need for combating the same. The front-of-package labels are required for "most packaged foods", said the announcement.

Read: FDA Wants Nutrition Labels Of Saturated Fat, Sodium, And Added Sugar On Food Packaging

This announcement makes it easier for the customer to read the nutrition box that could otherwise go unnoticed, with many thinking that they are consuming something healthy. In most cases nutrition boxes are placed behind the packaging, and many ignore the content and thus continue to consume products with the presumption that it is healthy.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious, long-term condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood effectively, while placing immense strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to heart disease and chronic inflammation.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), for CKD patients, food becomes more than just an energy source; health is determined not only by foods but also by their quality.

There is no universal diet for people with CKD. In its early stages, dietary restrictions may be minimal. But as the disease progresses, patients often need to adjust their dietary choices and intake.

Experts advise people with CKD to work closely with a healthcare professional or dietitian. Nutritional needs can shift as kidney function changes and personalized guidance ensures that patients receive adequate calories while avoiding foods that strain the kidneys.

1. Salt And Sodium

Doctors recommend reducing sodium intake as the most effective way to lower the pressure on these organs while preventing fluid buildup in the body. Additionally, cooking meals from scratch using natural alternatives like fresh herbs and spices provides flavor while significantly reducing systemic strain and helps maintain stable fluid levels.

2. Protein

Balancing protein intake is a delicate decision for those with CKD. While protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, its metabolism creates a waste product called urea. When kidneys are functioning well, they easily flush this nitrogen-based waste from the blood. However, in patients with kidney disease, this process becomes significantly impaired.

As a result, it puts an unnecessary burden on the remaining functional units of the kidney accelerate further damage. Therefore, shifting toward plant-based proteins, which are typically easier for the body to process than the high-phosphate proteins, is a good choice.

It is important to note, though, that this approach is not best for those undergoing dialysis treatment, as they require increased protein to compensate for the significant amount lost during the treatment process.

3. Potassium

Potassium plays a vital role in helping muscles and nerves function properly but can become a serious health risk when damaged kidneys are unable to remove the excess from the blood. This messes up with electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm, which may lead to dangerous heart palpitations or even sudden cardiac arrest.

Moreover, potassium is hidden in many healthy-looking foods like bananas and potatoes; patients must be extremely cautious with their dietary choices. That's why it's good to consult a doctor who may recommend specific preparation techniques, such as leaching or boiling vegetables in large amounts of water, to pull the potassium out before eating. Managing intake through careful food selection and modified cooking methods is a fundamental step in preventing life-threatening complications.

4. Phosphorus

As a result, phosphorus levels in the blood skyrocket, and the body begins to pull calcium out of the bones to compensate leading to osteoporosis.

Furthermore, this excess mineral buildup can settle in the blood vessels, causing them to stiffen and increasing the risk of heart disease. Therefore, patients need to prioritize fresh foods and carefully check ingredient labels for hidden additives to protect both their skeletal and cardiovascular systems.

5. Daily Fluid Intake

6. Heart-healthy Fats

The heart and the kidneys have an interconnected relationship. While the kidneys clean the blood from waste, the heart circulates that blood to the body. However, in CKD patients kidney fail to do so, the heart would be working too hard, leading to chronic inflammation with toxins in the blood.

That's why dieticians suggest not eating saturated fat foods such as butter, fried food and fatty meats, creating blockages called cholesterol in blood vessels, making it harder to let blood flow freely. whereas heart-healthy foods such as fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil help in smooth blood flow.

7. Eat Enough Calories

Additionally, inadequate nutrition causes extreme fatigue, weakened immunity and fatal nutrient imbalances. Dietitians encourage patients to obtain energy from nutritious foods so the body maintains strength while coping with the disease.