Breathing better, sitting better, sleeping better and is a keto diet good for your gut? Here are our top ten health stories of the year.
Are you breathing all wrong?
Every day, we breathe in and out around 25,000 times and mostly we don't do it very well, says journalist James Nestor.
Photo: Darius Bashar / Unsplash
Study finds ketogenic diet alters gut microbes in humans
Low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diets have been shown to dramatically impact the microbes residing in the human gut.
Photo: 123RF
Sitting down: why you're doing it all wrong
An indigenous group in Tanzania who kneel and squat - rather than sit - almost never suffer from poor heart health, says anthropologist Herman Pontzer.
Photo: YouTube
Essential oils: more harm than good?
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, but recently we're seeing them used as home remedies, skincare and even recipes. Some experts are concerned.
Photo: 123rf
Shakti Mats: Pain or Gain?
The Shakti Mat looks like a doormat covered in thousands of tiny spikes. Lying on it takes willpower and discipline but the jury is out on its health benefits.
Photo: RNZ/Sara Vui-Talitu
Touching your face: why do we do it and how to stop
We seem to touch our faces more when we feel anxious or when we are concentrating, says behavioural psychologist Dr Sarah Cowie.
Photo: Mati / Pexels
How does cannabis use affect New Zealanders' health?
The risks of developing psychosis after cannabis use are significant for teenagers but if legalised, it would be easier to teach high school students about the risks, says the director of New Zealand's longest-running study.
Photo: wollertz 201/ 123rf
Breaking mad: The insider's guide to conquering anxiety
Children's TV presenter Anna Williamson shares her story and the tools and tricks she used to get through the breakdown in her 20s.
Anna Williamson Photo: Supplied
The secrets of a good night's sleep
Science journalist Michael Mosley shares tips from his book Fast Asleep.
Photo: Damien McFadden
Kiwi blackcurrants berry good for sports performance
Scientists have found a 'small, but significant' improvement in athletic performance connected to consumption of New Zealand blackcurrants.
Photo: Public domain
