The Daily News – February 17, 2025

In today’s episode, any form of exercise can help rejuvenate the brain. Next, ultra processed foods may trigger or worsen psoriasis flareups. And lastly, you’re probably cleaning your reusable water bottle wrong. Welcome to the Daily News. First, can just a few moments of movement really boost your brain power well. A fascinating new study reported in medical news today says, yes. Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine found that any form of physical activity, even light movement, like walking to a meeting or doing chores, can improve the speed at which our brains process information. This study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine used realtime data collected from participants through a smartphone app. Over seven days, participants reported their physical activities and completed brain games multiple times a day. So what were the results? Short-term improvements in brain processing speed, equivalent to turning back the clock by four years. Light activities like cleaning or walking, moderate exercises like jogging, and even vigorous activities like hiking, all showed benefits. These include benefits for reaction times in the brain game participants played. Unlike past research that emphasized moderate to vigorous exercise, this study suggests that any activity, even light movement, is good for your brain. In the article, the study’s lead author said, you don’t have to go to the gym to experience all the potential benefits of physical activity. All movement is important. Everyday movement counts as a source of accumulated physical activity that could be credited toward a healthy lifestyle and may have some direct impact on cognitive health. While the short term effects seem linked to increased alertness, longer term benefits of exercise include better cardiovascular health and reduced cognitive decline. The article suggests that the reason this regular physical activity helps the brain is likely by boosting blood flow to the brain’s frontal lobe, enhancing alertness and cognitive readiness. This heightened state of focus and preparation could explain the short-term improvements in brain processing speed observed in this study. So how can you use this research? Researchers recommend incorporating small bursts of movement into your daily routine. Walk to your next meeting. Take the stairs or even do light stretches during your workday. So what’s the takeaway? Movement of any kind is good for your brain and your body. For our next story, could the food on your plate be triggering your psoriasis? New research suggests that ultra processed foods, you know those convenient foods we all know too well might be worsening flareups for some individuals. According to a new study published in Journal of the American Medical Association, dermatology, people with diets high in ultra processed foods or UPS are more likely to report active cases of psoriasis. The research analyzed data from over 18,000 participants in a major study conducted in France, even after accounting. For factors like body mass index, alcohol use, and age, the link between UPS and psoriasis remains strong. So what exactly are ultra processed foods? They’re the packaged and prepared products designed for convenience and flavor, but often loaded with unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives. Think chips, soda sweetened yogurts, and breakfast bars. Dr. Rachel Day, a dermatologist explains how these foods can make psoriasis worse. She says, the low fiber content and additives in ultrapro foods may disrupt gut microbiota, decreasing beneficial bacteria, and increasing gut permeability, also known as leaky gut. This allows compounds to leak into the bloodstream. This triggers immune responses that increase inflammation and make psoriasis worse. And it’s not just about inflammation. U pfs can influence gene expression in people with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis. This can speed up the onset of the condition or worsen existing symptoms. Dr. Day calls this interplay between genetics and diet in often overlooked trigger. However, one dermatologist emphasized the need for further research with validated cases and a closer look at the specific components of UPS that may be causing harm. Despite the limitations of the study, diet matters, over 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. Making the connection between ups, gut health and immune triggers a critical area for future research. So what can you do if you have psoriasis or a family history of it? Consider cutting back on ultra processed foods. Focus on whole nutrient dense options that support your gut and overall health. It’s one more way to take control of your skin and your overall wellbeing. For our last story, reusable water bottles are a fantastic way to stay hydrated and protect the planet. But a big question is, are you cleaning yours properly? Well, new research suggests you might not be, and the consequences can make you sick. Bacteria and mold can build up inside your water bottle if it’s not cleaned regularly. Microbiologist Dr. Primrose Freestone says, some of the bacteria found on reusable bottles like e coli and staphylococcus are the same ones found on toilet seats. But where do these microbes come from? Dr. Freestone explains that they’re transferred from our mouths, hands, and even the environment around us. Without regular cleaning, these microbes can multiply potentially leading to gut issues like diarrhea and vomiting. For vulnerable groups like pregnant women, the elderly and young children, the risks are even greater. Even the type of drink you put in your bottle matters, water is safest, but sugary drinks, protein shakes and juices can feed bacteria and mold increasing the risk of contamination. Interestingly, the research found that carbonated water is less risky because CO2 inhibits the growth of some harmful bacteria. So how do you keep your water bottle safe? It’s simpler than you think. Wash it daily with hot water over 60 degrees Celsius and dish washing liquid or soap. You can also soak it in a vinegar water mix for heavy contamination. Don’t forget to clean the lids, straws and attachments and let your bottle dry thoroughly. It’s recommended to wash your bottle after every use, or at least a few times a week. Our immune systems are built to handle a lot, but a little extra care can go a long way in protecting your health. So the takeaway of the article, reusable bottles are great for you and the environment, but only if they’re clean. So take a moment to give yours the care that it needs. It might just save you from an upset stomach. Those were our top stories for today. Thank you so much for joining us on the Daily News.