National Geographic | Mind, Body, Wonder

This week: Why vitamin C isn't as helpful as you think; 6 key indicators of good health; the strange illness that has doubled since COVID; new science on inflammation; why the new COVID shot is a game-changer; how much water you really need to drink.

PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA HALE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

It's time to bust some myths about vitamin C

During cold and flu season, plenty of us load up on pills, powders, and gummies to keep the sniffles at bay. But is it worth it—and can you overdo it? We break down the real benefits of vitamin C, which claims are exaggerated, and how much your body actually needs.

THE REAL BENEFITS OF VITAMIN C

PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHIEU PALEY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

The complicated truth about vitamin D

How much do we need for optimal health? What levels constitute a deficiency? What benefits—if any—do supplements provide, particularly for young and otherwise healthy people?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID PLUNKERT / COMMISSIONED BY GRAPHICS DEPARTMENT

Want to live longer? Here are 6 indicators that you'll get there.

In the United States, about 40 percent of premature deaths—defined as occurring before age 75—are related to behaviors we can change. By making healthy lifestyle choices, you can self-engineer genetic alterations to prevent disease and boost longevity. Here's what you really need to focus on for your health.

6 INDICATORS OF GOOD HEALTH

Read more on how to live healthier, longer:

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The Mediterranean diet has stood the test of time for a reason: It works

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Want to keep your memory sharp? Here's what science recommends.

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Not all fat is created equal. This 'good fat' could keep us youthful.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAGALI DRUSCOVICH, REUTERS/REDUX

What is POTS? This strange disorder has doubled since the pandemic

Millions of people now live with this debilitating disorder, which can be triggered by viral illnesses like COVID-19. And many say the recommended treatment has backfired. "They don’t teach us about [this] in medical school."

COVID IS BACK: Here's the latest guidance on how to test, how long to isolate, and more +

PHOTOGRAPH BY ZOWY VOETEN, GETTY IMAGES

Why the new COVID shot is a game-changer (and why the term 'booster' is obsolete)

The latest vaccine formula is available in local pharmacies now. Here's why it matters—and everything you need to know about it.

SHOULD YOU GET IT WITH A FLU SHOT?

OMEGA-3S AND INFLAMMATION

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIKA LARSEN, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

A recent study—the first of its kind—shows that the nutrients found in walnuts, seeds, and certain types of seafood can reduce inflammation and improve declining lung function. Here's what Omega-3s are—and which foods are the best sources.

THE BEST SOURCES OF OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

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The end of inflammation? New approach could treat dozens of diseases.

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Can air pollution cause inflammation? Scientists are starting to unravel the connection.

DOES THIS PHOTO DISGUST YOU?

PHOTOGRAPH BY GEORGE GRALL, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

If your answer was yes, you may have trypophobia—or a fear of small holes. But is it a true phobia or an idiosyncrasy? Here's a look at why trypophobia exists—and why people develop phobias in the first place.

AN ANATOMY OF FEAR

WHAT IS STIFF PERSON SYNDROME?

PHOTOGRAPH BY ED KASHI, VII/REDUX

Most people had never heard of stiff person syndrome until late last year, when singer Celine Dion announced her diagnosis. We don't know what causes this rare neurological and autoimmune disorder—but we do know that it is thought to affect just 1 or 2 people in a million—two-thirds of them women.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR

READ MORE TOP STORIES FROM NAT GEO

PHOTOGRAPH BY WILLIAM DANIELS

Are you drinking water all wrong? It turns out hydration isn't so simple. Do we really need to down a gallon a day to stay healthy? And does your water need minerals, alkalinity, or salt to really hydrate you?

Meet Henry VIII's most underrated wife—the queen who survived

Scientists knew this drug was useless—but you've been using it for decades

Bras are older than you think—much older

Sequoyah, the U.S. state that almost existed

Inside the Irish 'hell caves' where Halloween was born

Cage-free or free-range? Here's what those egg labels really mean

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