The Family Institute

Tackling Inflammation to Fight Age-Related Ailments

December 29, 2019

Specialists in the biology of aging have identified a rarely recognized yet universal condition that is a major contributor to a wide range of common health-robbing ailments, from heart disease, diabetes and cancer to arthritis, depression and Alzheimer’s disease. That condition is chronic inflammation, a kind of low-grade irritant that can undermine the well-being of virtually every bodily system.

But modern medical science is now gradually closing in on what might realistically enable people to live longer, healthier lives — if they are willing to sacrifice some popular hedonistic pleasures.

Source: Tackling Inflammation to Fight Age-Related Ailments – The New York Times

The Challenge of Going Off Psychiatric Drugs

April 8, 2019

Millions of Americans have taken antidepressants for many years. What happens when it’s time to stop?

Source: The Challenge of Going Off Psychiatric Drugs | The New Yorker

How to Quit Antidepressants: Very Slowly, Doctors Say 

March 9, 2019

Mustering solid evidence, two researchers have denounced the standard psychiatric guidelines for how best to wean patients from depression medications. Patients who very gradually reduced their daily dose of antidepressants over time, after years of use, were less likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. 

Patients who very gradually reduced their daily dose of antidepressants over time, after years of use, were less likely to experience withdrawal symptoms.

Source: How to Quit Antidepressants: Very Slowly, Doctors Say – The New York Times

Does Marijuana Use Cause Schizophrenia?

March 9, 2019

As the drug becomes more popular, concerns have been raised that its use can lead to psychotic disorders. Here’s what scientists know for sure, and what they don’t. 

Cannabis plants in a lab at Niagara College in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario. As marijuana use becomes more widespread and varied, some people worry that its more potent versions can cause or exacerbate mental illness.CreditCreditCarlos Osorio/Reuters

Source: Does Marijuana Use Cause Schizophrenia? – The New York Times

When Adolescents Give Up Pot, Their Cognition Quickly Improves

November 1, 2018

Researchers are particularly concerned with marijuana use among the young because THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, most sharply affects the parts of the brain that develop during adolescence.

Source: Study: Laying Off Pot Improved Teens’ Learning : Shots – Health News : NPR

A diet guru explains why you should eat dinner at 2pm

October 14, 2018

We focus nearly obsessively on the question of what to eat. Should I eat avocados or steak? Should I eat quinoa or pasta? Should I eat more fat? Should I eat less fat? Should I eat less protein? Should I eat more protein? Let’s face it, the answer changes every few years, according to whom you ask.

But an equally important question lies almost completely unanswered. What effect does meal timing have on obesity and other metabolic parameters? Quite a lot, it turns out. Having a well defined fasting period is likely very important. The strategy of eTRF, and intermittent fasting more generally now gives exhausted dieters a new hope.

Source: Jason Fung explains why intermittent fasting and ADF diets work — Quartz

How to Talk About Money 

October 8, 2018

At some point, you’re going to have to have a conversation about money — with a spouse, a roommate, your kids, your aging parents — but did anyone ever teach you how to talk about money? So, here we will help you have this difficult conversation.

Source: How to Talk About Money –  The New York Times

When is stress good for you? How stress works in the human body, to make or break us

March 4, 2018

The subtle flows and toxic hits of stress get under the skin, making and breaking the body and brain over a lifetime.

Source: How stress works in the human body, to make or break us | Aeon Essays