Coming up in our program today, a secret weapon for managing menopause. Next, simple steps to reduce that persistent ringing in your ears. And last, peanut butter versus almond butter, which is healthier. Welcome to Health Channel News.
So starting off, an article in National Geographic reports that cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is gaining attention for its role in managing menopause symptoms, and it’s not just for mental health. CBT is a type of talk therapy where you work with a therapist to change negative or unhelpful thoughts. It’s often chosen because it works quickly and usually takes fewer sessions than other therapies.
New research from McMaster University shows that CBT helps with symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and low libido. This form of talk therapy focuses on changing how we think about these symptoms. Women often feel anxiety when they experience hot flashes. CBT helps them manage that anxiety, which can in turn reduce how often these symptoms occur. The McMaster University research shows that CBT is effective for improving overall wellbeing during menopause. By helping women shift their thoughts around body image and self-perception, CBT can boost confidence.
This increased confidence can lead to improved communication and more positive emotional and physical relationships. According to a clinical health psychologist at McMaster University, CBT is one treatment option that’s proven to be helpful. It helps women actively participate in their health and wellness without the side effects of hormone therapies. Researchers at McMaster have found significant improvements in women’s lives after just a few sessions of CBT. This is good news for women looking for non-drug options to manage their menopause symptoms.
Next up, this report comes from The Times, where experts have shared insights on managing tinnitus, a common condition affecting millions of people. It is often described as a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, which can be quite distressing, but as leading specialists explain, there are ways to manage and reduce its impact. An audiologist quoted in the article explains a hearing test is a crucial first step to see if there is any hearing loss that may be linked to your tinnitus. In some cases, hearing aids can make a big difference by not only improving hearing but also by making tinnitus less noticeable.
Sound therapy is another popular option. This involves using devices that create background noise like white noise or nature sounds. These sounds can distract from the ringing and help retrain the brain to focus less on the irritation. Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is also effective. It helps people change their perception of the noise in their ears, reducing its emotional impact. CBT teaches coping strategies to deal with the anxiety and stress that it often brings.
A neurologist adds that many people learn to live with the condition through something called habituation. He says most people with tinnitus find that they don’t notice it most of the time, much like the background noise of an air conditioner. However, for some, this process takes longer, and professional help may be needed. A clinical scientist explains that it is often worse in quiet settings like when you’re trying to sleep. Adding background sounds such as a fan or soft music can help ease the discomfort. For those looking for more information and support, experts recommend reaching out to a GP or audiologist.
Our last story. If you are a fan of nut butters, you’ve probably wondered which one is better for your health, almond or peanut. Well, according to today.com, while both are packed with protein and healthy fats, almond butter may have a slight edge in terms of nutrition. Nut butters have become a staple in many households, and with so many options on the market, it’s important to know which one can give you the most nutritional bang for your buck.
Almond butter has more fiber, which can help with digestion and heart health. It’s also richer in key vitamins and minerals like magnesium, vitamin E, calcium, and iron, giving it a boost over peanut butter. One dietician explains that these extra nutrients make almond butter a stronger choice for overall health. She says almond butter has slightly more magnesium and vitamin E than peanut butter, giving it a slight edge. Peanut butter, however, still offers more protein per serving, but it also has a higher saturated fat content, which is something to consider when choosing between the two.
There has been some concern about aflatoxins in peanut butter. These are toxins produced by a fungus found on peanut crops. However, as the article notes, the National Cancer Institute says the risk is low thanks to regular FDA testing. In the end, both spreads are nutritious. If you’re looking for extra fiber and certain nutrients, almond butter might be the way to go. Just remember, choose nut butters without added sugar or oils to keep them as healthy as possible.
Those were our top stories for today. As always, thank you so much for joining us on Health Channel News.
