Longevity isn't just about eating well and exercising, it’s also about the small, daily habits that influence our overall health in unexpected ways. This week, new research has uncovered links between oral hygiene and stroke prevention, the science behind scratching, how dirty phones can make you sick, and how keratin supplements might be affecting your skin. Let’s break it all down and see what it means for your long-term health.
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Flossing Could Reduce Stroke Risk by 22%
You’ve heard it a million times: flossing is good for your teeth. But did you know that it could lower your risk of stroke by a staggering 22%?
A new study has found a direct link between gum health and cardiovascular health. When bacteria from your gums enter your bloodstream, they trigger inflammation, which can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries. This process, known as atherosclerosis, is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
How Poor Oral Hygiene Increases Stroke Risk
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Inflammation – Chronic gum disease (periodontitis) increases inflammation in blood vessels, which can lead to clots and blockages.
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Bacterial Spread – The bacteria found in gum disease can travel from the mouth to the brain, increasing stroke risk.
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High Blood Pressure – Gum infections have been linked to higher blood pressure, another stroke risk factor.
What You Can Do
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Floss daily to remove bacteria that brushing alone can’t reach.
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Use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill harmful microbes.
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Visit your dentist regularly—even if your teeth look fine.
Oral hygiene isn’t just about your smile, it’s a lifelong investment in heart and brain health.
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Why Scratching Feels So Good, And Why It’s Bad for You
We’ve all done it, an itch pops up, we scratch it, and for a brief moment, it feels amazing. But did you know scratching can actually make itching worse?
The Science Behind Scratching
New research shows that when you scratch an itch, your brain releases serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter. The problem? Serotonin heightens sensitivity in nerve endings, making the itch even stronger.
Why Scratching Can Harm Your Skin
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Breaks the skin barrier – Scratching weakens the protective outer layer of your skin, making it easier for bacteria and irritants to get in.
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Increases inflammation – The more you scratch, the more your immune system responds, leading to redness and swelling.
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Can cause long-term damage – Chronic scratching can lead to scarring, pigmentation changes, and even nerve damage.
How to Stop the Itch Without Scratching
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Apply a cold compress – Cooling down the skin reduces inflammation and numbs itching.
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Use anti-itch creams – Look for ingredients like calamine, menthol, or hydrocortisone.
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Stay hydrated – Dry skin is more prone to itching, so keep it moisturised.
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Avoid hot showers – They can strip your skin of its natural oils, making itching worse.
Scratching may feel satisfying in the moment, but soothing your skin the right way will help it heal faster and stay healthier in the long run.
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Your Dirty Phone Could Be Making You Sick
We take our phones everywhere: to the bathroom, the gym, restaurants, and public transport. Yet, most of us rarely clean them. A new study from Indiana University warns that phones are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses and could be making us sick.
How Your Phone Spreads Germs
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Constant touching – We touch our phones hundreds of times a day, transferring bacteria from hands to face.
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Warm environments – Phones heat up, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria and viruses to thrive.
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Cross-contamination – Placing your phone on dirty surfaces (bathrooms, restaurant tables) transfers germs to your hands.
How to Keep Your Phone Germ-Free
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Disinfect your phone daily – Use alcohol wipes or a UV sanitizer.
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Wash your hands regularly – Especially after using public transport or touching shared surfaces.
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Avoid using your phone in the bathroom – It’s a hotspot for germs.
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Use a hands-free option – Reduce face-to-phone contact with earphones or speaker mode.
Cleaning your phone is a simple but powerful way to reduce your exposure to bacteria and viruses, keeping your immune system strong.
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Keratin May Combat Skin Aging
Ageing skin is an inevitable part of life, but research suggests that natural supplements may help slow down the visible effects. A recent study examined the effects of keratin hydrolysate on skin ageing and hydration.
Over the course of 90 days, participants who took the keratin supplement showed:
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Reduction in wrinkle depth – Fine lines became visibly smoother.
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Improved skin moisture levels – Hydration levels were significantly higher.
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Better skin elasticity – The skin appeared firmer and more resilient.
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Decreased roughness – Texture became more even and refined.
The study suggests that keratin hydrolysate may work by enhancing the skin’s natural collagen production and strengthening the skin barrier, making it more resistant to environmental stressors like UV radiation, pollution, and oxidative damage.
How Do Natural Supplements Support Skin Longevity?
Collagen and keratin play critical roles in skin structure and function. As we age, collagen production slows down, leading to sagging, fine lines, and increased dryness. Keratin, another essential protein, helps maintain the strength and elasticity of skin, hair, and nails.
Beyond keratin hydrolysate, other natural compounds have shown promise in skin aging research:
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Hyaluronic Acid – Helps retain moisture, keeping the skin plump and hydrated.
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Vitamin C – A powerful antioxidant that boosts collagen synthesis and fights free radicals.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil and flaxseed, these reduce inflammation and improve skin texture.
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Polyphenols (from Green Tea & Berries) – These help neutralize oxidative stress, which accelerates skin aging.
By combining a well-balanced diet, skincare routine, and targeted supplementation, everyone can improve their skin’s natural defence mechanisms, promoting a more youthful, radiant complexion over time.
