NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HEALTH

DO PETS HELP YOUR HEALTH?

In this week’s Health newsletter, we discover starchy foods that help you LOSE weight; show exactly how walking helps your back; learn the best proteins to eat ... and examine whether a pet makes you healthier. Plus, scroll down for a new Nat Geo quiz!

BEAT ‘DEAD BUTT’ AND A BAD BACK—MOVE!

A team of researchers in Australia recently found that regular walking may not only alleviate lower back pain, but also help prevent the pain from returning.

PHOTOGRAPH BY GOLLHARDT & WIELAND, LAIF/REDUX

Over 600 million people have back problems. What can both alleviate current back problems and prevent recurrence? You can probably guess. But how exactly? Here’s what researchers found.

WALK WITH US

Do it right: Here are the best techniques for walking
Identify the pain: What are trigger points, and how can you relieve the pain
Don’t like to walk? Here are workouts that will help
Also: The best shoes for back pain in 2024

A STARCH THAT HELPS YOUR GUT?

Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate that is able to pass through your stomach and small intestines, where it will eventually be fermented in the large intestines to benefit your intestinal flora. Whole grain foods, such as brown rice, are a good source of resistant starch.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TIM GRAHAM, GETTY IMAGES

They told you starchy foods = carbs = weight gain. Think again. These “resistant starches” work on your intestinal system to help you lose weight. Which foods? Pick from the choices below:

A. French fries
B. Green bananas
C. Oats
D. B and C
E: None of the above

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

GOOD READS

Roughly 100 countries around the world set a blood alcohol content limit at .05g/100 ml of blood, or lower. In the U.S., the limit is .08.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN COLETTI, GETTY IMAGES

Is America’s legal alcohol limit for driving too high?

8 unsettling things alcohol does to your body

These are the best ways to get your protein

Your body ages in two rapid bursts. Must it?

Can taping your mouth really help you sleep better?

Can't recognize a person? Face blindness is more common than you think.

WHY DO BIG DOGS DIE YOUNG?

Alt text: Until his death in 2023, Brittany Davis' Great Dane Zeus (pictured on a couch with Davis) held the title of world's tallest dog, according to the Guinness World Records. Research shows that larger dogs live shorter lives and are at greater risk for health conditions like cancer.

PHOTOGRAPH BY © GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS LIMITED

Zeus was a great Great Dane. The pet (pictured above) grew to become the world’s tallest dog. But he lasted only four years. Why such a short life?

SIZE MATTERS

IN OTHER NEWS

How the Virgin Mary became the world’s most powerful women

Wombats have buns of steel—and poop in cubes. Why?

Why killer whales are keeping researchers up at night

Today’s Soundtrack: Todo se transforma, Jorge Drexler

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by David Beard. We’re always trying to make this newsletter better; let me know of any ideas or suggestions you have. It’s a big world—catch you next week!

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