Cognitive strain happens when our brain has to handle various mental calculations, read instructions in a difficult-to-read or faint font, decipher a complex language, or when we’re in a negative mood (like when frowning). Effects of Cognitive Strain Cognitive strain triggers the logical part of our brain. Cognitive Ease vs. Cognitive Strain When an experience lessens cognitive strain, the opposite happens. Cognitive ease makes the content seem more familiar, decreases uncertainty, and makes people feel more at ease in their surroundings. It lets users rely on their quick, intuitive thinking. This tends to make people more impulsive and trusting. Embodied…

Quick Look The liver primarily contains the enzyme alanine transaminase (ALT). Healthcare providers include an ALT blood test in liver panels and comprehensive metabolic panels to assess liver health. Elevated ALT levels in the blood may suggest liver damage and/or a liver condition. Other Names Alanine aminotransferase SGPT Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase What is Alanine Transaminase (ALT) test? Healthcare providers use this test to assess liver health because ALT levels can rise when the liver is damaged. Healthcare providers do not rely solely on the ALT blood test for diagnosis since various liver problems can elevate ALT levels. Instead, they often…

When people make decisions, they often lean heavily on the first piece of information they get about a particular issue. In psychology, this is called the anchoring bias or anchoring effect. Discovery of Cognitive Bias Many old-school ideas in economics, philosophy, social science, and psychology assume that people are logical beings who make decisions based on reason. This perspective has been influential in shaping various theories since the mid-20th century. However, experiments suggested that people consistently make judgments that don’t follow the rules of logic and probability theory.  Tversky and Kahneman (1974) discovered that when people estimate probabilities, they don’t…

The Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood to see if your kidneys are working properly. Your age and sex can affect BUN levels. Unusual levels might signal a health issue, such as kidney damage.

The A1C test diagnoses type 1 and type 2 diabetes and monitors blood sugar management for those with diabetes. Higher A1C levels indicate poorer blood sugar control and an increased risk of diabetes complications.

Blood tests called liver function tests identify the cause of symptoms and track liver disease or damage. These tests measure enzyme and protein levels in the blood. Some assess the liver’s ability to produce protein and eliminate bilirubin, a blood waste product. Others measure enzymes released by liver cells due to damage or disease.

Sports, like martial arts, go beyond just fighting. They also help develop discipline and personal qualities. They are often referred to as holistic movement practices, which can be good for mental health. Martial Arts  Martial arts (MA) and combat sports (CS) are athletic activities that follow specific rules. Participants engage in striking, kicking, and/or throwing, aiming to physically overcome their opponent while avoiding being overcome themselves. Even though combat actions can be seen negatively for their violence, martial arts combine aesthetic and philosophical elements. These aspects may align with holistic mind-body disciplines like yoga and qigong, which offer various psychosocial…

Meat substitutes are food products that mimic the aesthetic qualities and/or chemical characteristics of specific types of meat. It is crafted from non-animal protein, closely resembling the appearance and smell of meat. Other Names for meat substitutes are: Meat Substitutes: History Meat substitutes have a long history, with tofu being a part of Asian cultures’ diets for centuries. In the 1960s, soy protein emerged in the US market as a significant meat alternative through products like tofu and tempeh (fermented soybean cake). Early plant-based meat alternatives primarily took the form of patties, nuggets, and crumbles, but their consumption was mainly…

Bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed during the breakdown of red blood cells, passes through the liver and is eventually expelled from the body. Elevated bilirubin levels may suggest various liver or bile duct issues. Increased levels can also result from a higher rate of red blood cell breakdown.

Amylase is an enzyme that aids in breaking down carbohydrates. An excess of amylase suggest a pancreatic disorder or another health condition.