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Why do I get so anxious after drinking? Here’s the science behind ‘hangxiety’

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/blair-aitken-1510537">Blair Aitken</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-rothman-2231560">Rebecca Rothman</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> You had a great night out, but the next morning, anxiety hits: your heart races, and you replay every conversation from the night before in your head. This feeling, known as hangover anxiety or “<a href="https://adf.org.au/insights/what-is-hangxiety/">hangxiety</a>”, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hup.2623">affects around 22%</a> of social drinkers. While for some people, it’s mild nerves, for others, it’s a wave of anxiety that feels impossible to ride out. The “Sunday scaries” may make you feel panicked, filled with dread and unable to relax. Hangover anxiety can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Here’s why it happens, and what you can do about it. <h2>What does alcohol do to our brains?</h2> A hangover is the body’s way of recovering after drinking alcohol, bringing with it a range of symptoms. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/23/5691">Dehydration and disrupted sleep</a> play a large part in the pounding headaches and nausea many of us know too well after a big night out. But hangovers aren’t just physical – there’s a strong mental side too. Alcohol is a nervous system depressant, meaning it alters how certain chemical messengers (or neurotransmitters) behave in the brain. Alcohol relaxes you by increasing <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22857-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-gaba">gamma-aminobutyric acid</a> (GABA), the neurotransmitter that makes you feel calm and lowers inhibitions. It decreases <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22839-glutamate">glutamate</a> and this also slows down your thoughts and helps ease you into a more relaxed state. Together, this interaction affects your mood, emotions and alertness. This is why when we drink, we often feel more sociable, carefree and willing to let our guard down. As the effects of the alcohol wear off, your brain works to rebalance these chemicals by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886918305762">reducing GABA and increasing glutamate</a>. This shift has the opposite effect of the night before, causing your brain to become more excitable and overstimulated, which can lead to feelings of anxiety. So why do some people get hangxiety, while others don’t? There isn’t one clear answer to this question, as several factors can play a role in whether someone experiences hangover-related anxiety. <h2>Genes play a role</h2> For some, a hangover is simply a matter of how much they drank or how hydrated they are. But genetics may also play a significant role. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.12699">Research</a> shows your genes can explain almost half the reason why you wake up feeling hungover, while your friend might not. Because genes influence how your body processes alcohol, some people may experience more intense hangover symptoms, such as headaches or dehydration. These stronger physical effects can, in turn, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/hup.2623">trigger anxiety during a hangover</a>, making you more susceptible to “hangxiety.” <h2>Do you remember what you said last night?</h2> But one of the most common culprits for feeling anxious the next day is often <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0091450915604988">what you do while drinking</a>. Let’s say you’ve had a big night out and you can’t quite recall a conversation you had or something you did. Maybe you acted in ways that you now regret or feel embarrassed about. You might fixate on these thoughts and get trapped in a cycle of worrying and rumination. This cycle can be hard to break and can make you feel more anxious. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107619">Research</a> suggests people who already struggle with feelings of anxiety in their day-to-day lives are especially vulnerable to hangxiety. Some people drink alcohol to unwind after a stressful day or to make themselves feel more comfortable at social events. This often leads to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9756407">heavier consumption</a>, which can make hangover symptoms more severe. It can also begin a cycle of drinking to feel better, making hangxiety even harder to escape. <h2>Preventing hangover anxiety</h2> The best way to prevent hangxiety is to limit your alcohol consumption. The <a href="https://adf.org.au/reducing-risk/alcohol/alcohol-guidelines">Australian guidelines</a> recommend having no more than ten standard drinks per week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. Generally, the more you drink, the more intense your hangover symptoms might be, and the worse you are likely to feel. Mixing other drugs with alcohol can also increase the risk of hangxiety. This is especially true for party drugs, such as ecstasy or MDMA, that give you a temporary high but can lead to anxiety as they wear off and you are <a href="https://adf.org.au/insights/drug-comedowns">coming down</a>. If you do wake up feeling anxious: <ul> <li> focus on the physical recovery to help ease the mental strain </li> <li> drink plenty of water, eat a light meal and allow yourself time to rest </li> <li> try <a href="https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness/mindfulness-101">mindfulness meditation</a> or deep breathing exercises, especially if anxiety keeps you awake or your mind races </li> <li> consider journalling. This can help re-frame anxious thoughts, put your feelings into perspective and encourage self-compassion </li> <li> talk to a close friend. This can provide a safe space to express concerns and feel less isolated. </li> </ul> Hangxiety is an unwelcome guest after a night out. Understanding why hangxiety happens – and how you can manage it – can make the morning after a little less daunting, and help keep those anxious thoughts at bay.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/240991/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/blair-aitken-1510537">Blair Aitken</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychopharmacology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-rothman-2231560">Rebecca Rothman</a>, PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology, School of Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-i-get-so-anxious-after-drinking-heres-the-science-behind-hangxiety-240991">original article</a>. </div>

Mind

What is methanol? How does it get into drinks and cause harm?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-musgrave-1808">Ian Musgrave</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-21/bianca-jones-dead-laos-methanol-poisoning/104630384">has died</a> and her friend Holly Bowles remains severely ill in hospital in Thailand, after experiencing suspected methanol poisoning while they were travelling in Laos. The pair are reportedly among <a href="https://x.com/Smartraveller/status/1858850858227954118">several foreign nationals</a> who became ill after unknowingly consuming alcoholic drinks containing methanol in the south-east Asian country. So what is methanol, and how does it make people sick? <h2>Methanol versus ethanol</h2> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol">Methanol</a> is an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_(chemistry)">alcohol</a>, like the familiar <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol">ethanol</a> we consume in alcoholic beverages. Like ethanol, methanol is a colourless, flammable liquid. It has a smell similar to ethanol as well. But the two have different chemical structures. Methanol is composed of only one carbon atom, while ethanol has two. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=300&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=300&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=300&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=377&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=377&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=377&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Models of methanol and ethanol depicted with balls and sticks." /><figcaption>Methanol (left) and ethanol (right) have differing chemical structures. Wikimedia Commons, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></figcaption></figure> That one carbon atom makes all the difference. It means methanol is processed differently in our bodies and is much more toxic than ethanol. Methanol is used in a <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methanol">variety of industrial and household products</a>, such as windshield cleaning fluids, antifreeze and fuel. It’s not safe for human consumption. <h2>What makes methanol toxic?</h2> The difference is in how methanol is metabolised, or broken down in our bodies. Ethanol is metabolised into a chemical compound called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is toxic, but is rapidly converted to acetate (also known as acetic acid, found in vinegar). Generating an acid may sound bad, but acetate actually <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6699882/">produces energy and makes important molecules</a> in the body. By contrast, methanol is metabolised into <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde">formaldehyde</a> (a chemical used in <a href="https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/hazardous-chemical/priority-chemicals/formaldehyde">industrial glues</a> and for embalming corpses, for example) and then to <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Formic-Acid">formic acid</a> (the chemical in some ant bites that makes them hurt so much). Unlike acetate, which the body uses, formic acid <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1665561/">poisons the mitochondria</a>, the powerhouses of the cells. As a result, a person exposed to methanol can go into severe <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482121/">metabolic acidosis</a>, which is when too much acid builds up in the body. Methanol poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The acidosis then causes depression of the central nervous system which can cause people with methanol poisoning to fall unconscious and go into a coma, as well as retinal damage leading to vision loss. This is because the retinas are full of active mitochondria and sensitive to them being damaged. Death is not inevitable if only a small amount of methanol has been consumed, and rapid treatment will greatly reduce damage. However, permanent vision damage can occur even at <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482121/">non-lethal doses</a> if treatment is not administered quickly. <h2>What does treatment involve?</h2> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482121/">Treatment</a> is mainly supportive care, such as intubation and mechanical ventilation to help the patient to breathe. But it can also involve drugs such as <a href="https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01213">fomepizole</a> (which inhibits the generation of toxic formic acid) and dialysis to remove methanol and its metabolites from the body. <h2>How does methanol get into alcoholic drinks?</h2> Methanol can turn up in any alcoholic beverage, but it’s most likely in beverages with higher alcohol content, such as spirits, and traditionally brewed drinks, such as fruit wines. Methanol can get into alcoholic beverages in a number of ways. Sometimes it’s added <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8303512/">deliberately and illegally</a> during or after manufacturing as a cheaper way to increase the alcohol content in a drink. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5028366/">Traditional brewing methods</a> can also inadvertently generate methanol as well as ethanol and produce toxic levels of methanol depending on the microbes and the types of plant materials used in the fermentation process. We don’t yet know how the Australian teenagers came to be poisoned in this tragedy. But it is a good idea when travelling (particularly in areas with traditionally fremented drinks, such as south-east Asia, the Indian subcontinent and parts of Africa) to always be careful. The Australian government’s <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/safety/partying#methanol">Smartraveller website</a> advises that to avoid methanol poisoning you should be careful drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits, drink only at reputable licensed premises and avoid home-made alcoholic drinks. Drinking only mass-produced commercial brews can be safer, though understandably people often want to try locally made drinks as part of their adventure.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/244151/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-musgrave-1808">Ian Musgrave</a>, Senior lecturer in Pharmacology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-methanol-how-does-it-get-into-drinks-and-cause-harm-244151">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Matcha is having a moment. What are the health benefits of this green tea drink?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250">Evangeline Mantzioris</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Matcha has experienced a surge in popularity in recent months, leading to reports of <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/sydney-eating-out/global-matcha-shortage-hits-australia-as-skyrocketing-popularity-rivals-coffee-20241101-p5kn6v.html">global shortages</a> and price increases. If you haven’t been caught up in the craze, matcha is a powdered version of green tea. On a cafe menu you might see a hot or iced matcha latte, or even a matcha-flavoured cake or pastry. A quick google brings up <a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/tea/matcha-tea/matcha-recipes">countless recipes</a> incorporating matcha, both sweet and savoury. Retailers and cafe owners <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/sydney-eating-out/global-matcha-shortage-hits-australia-as-skyrocketing-popularity-rivals-coffee-20241101-p5kn6v.html">have suggested</a> the main reasons for matcha’s popularity include its “instagrammable” looks and its purported health benefits. But what are the health benefits of matcha? Here’s what the evidence says. <h2>First, what is matcha?</h2> <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/1/85">Matcha</a> is a finely ground powder of green tea leaves, which come from the plant Camellia sinensis. This is the same plant used to make green and black tea. However, the <a href="https://naokimatcha.com/blogs/articles/how-matcha-is-made-in-japan">production process</a> differentiates matcha from green and black tea. For matcha, the tea plant is grown in shade. Once the leaves are harvested, they’re steamed and dried and the stems are removed. Then the leaves are carefully ground at controlled temperatures to form the powder. The <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6571865/">production process</a> for green tea is simpler. The leaves are picked from the unshaded plants, heated and then dried. We then steep the dried leaves in hot water to get tea (whereas with matcha the whole leaf is consumed). With black tea, after the leaves are picked they’re exposed to air, which leads to oxidation. This makes the leaves black and gives the tea a different flavour. <h2>A source of phytonutrients</h2> Phytonutrients are <a href="https://theconversation.com/phytonutrients-can-boost-your-health-here-are-4-and-where-to-find-them-including-in-your-next-cup-of-coffee-132100">chemical compounds found in plants</a> which have a range of benefits for human health. Matcha contains several. Chlorophyll gives plants such as Camellia sinensis their green colour. There’s some evidence chlorophyll may have <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/7/1533">health benefits</a> – including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-obesity effects – due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules that harm our cells. Theanine has been shown to <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3900/91/1/32">improve sleep</a> and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11130-019-00771-5?crsi=662497574&cicada_org_src=healthwebmagazine.com&cicada_org_mdm=direct">reduce stress and anxiety</a>. The only <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/theanine">other known</a> dietary source of theanine is mushrooms. Caffeine is a phytonutrient we know well. Aside from increasing alertness, caffeine has also demonstrated <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2022.2074362?casa_token=ADALIs6M3iAAAAAA%3AXpY35se0zLddAEIbZAaeCcDaNWm94s2WJaDHfXDRvVZgYq_xTxsCFuvtrtNXMXAL9uNIvLlYzO30aA#abstract">antioxidant effects</a> and some protection against a range of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. However, too much caffeine can have negative side effects. Interestingly, shading the plants while growing appears to <a href="https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/jsfa.9112?casa_token=KxVD9i9p4BsAAAAA:OwGTauXFHAndyJkam8WuXrmGQ2k1kaSRu5pOqJOrhSyRSeWkDwdrI23qaD5WVH1HGqZLFdsjP9ZTvolw">change the nutritional composition</a> of the leaf and may lead to higher levels of these phytonutrients in matcha compared to green tea. Another compound worth mentioning is called catechins, of which there are several different types. Matcha powder similarly has <a href="https://theconversation.com/matcha-tea-what-the-current-evidence-says-about-its-health-benefits-202782">more catechins</a> than green tea. They are strong antioxidants, which <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s41702-020-0057-8">have been shown</a> to have protective effects against bacteria, viruses, allergies, inflammation and cancer. Catechins <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/catechin#:%7E:text=Catechin%20is%20naturally%20present%20in,containing%20many%20catechins%20%5B130%2C131%5D.">are also found</a> in apples, blueberries and strawberries. <h2>What are the actual health benefits?</h2> So we know matcha contains a variety of phytonutrients, but does this translate to noticeable health benefits? A review published in 2023 identified only <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665927122002180">five experimental studies</a> that have given matcha to people. These studies gave participants about 2–4g of matcha per day (equivalent to 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder), compared to a placebo, as either a capsule, in tea or in foods. Matcha decreased stress and anxiety, and improved memory and cognitive function. There was no effect on mood. A <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0309287">more recent study</a> showed 2g of matcha in older people aged 60 to 85 improved sleep quality. However, in <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/17/2907">younger people</a> aged 27 to 64 in another study, matcha had little effect on sleep. A <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11130-022-00998-9">study in people with obesity</a> found no difference in the weight loss observed between the matcha group and the control group. This study did not randomise participants, and people knew which group they had been placed in. It could be hypothesised that given you consume all of the leaf, and given levels of some phytonutrients may be higher due to the growing conditions, matcha may have more nutritional benefits than green tea. But to my knowledge there has been no direct comparison of health outcomes from green tea compared to matcha. <h2>There’s lots of evidence for green tea</h2> While to date a limited number of studies have looked at matcha, and none compared matcha and green tea, there’s quite a bit of research on the health benefits of drinking green tea. A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711317300867?casa_token=dpbAEQQ7Is4AAAAA:U6aggqZM_G0KJ8hkhx0TGSvQywr4utlgKzwUnUj9x5t9eWd-FKENjbTvUv6s4TBTaPYrob-qQkk">systematic review of 21 studies</a> on green tea has shown similar benefits to matcha for improvements in memory, plus evidence for mood improvement. There’s also evidence green tea provides other health benefits. Systematic reviews have shown green tea leads to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.6697?casa_token=1eAbmeGillYAAAAA%3ABNGBB6EuRFXIDWHgsa7E798wfC0MQK2r3yOmAlFzR2sxyD9Xt837VoCel0l6Tsh3RRO19t-YUm1GqO7Y">weight loss in people with obesity</a>, lower levels of <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12937-020-00557-5">certain types of cholesterol</a>, and <a href="https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/02070/Effect_of_green_tea_supplementation_on_blood.36.aspx/1000">reduced blood pressure</a>. Green tea may also <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-020-00710-7">lower the risk of certain types of cancer</a>. So, if you can’t get your hands on matcha at the moment, drinking green tea may be a good way to get your caffeine hit. Although the evidence on green tea provides us with some hints about the health benefits of matcha, we can’t be certain they would be the same. Nonetheless, if your local coffee shop has a good supply of matcha, there’s nothing to suggest you shouldn’t keep enjoying matcha drinks. However, it may be best to leave the matcha croissant or cronut for special occasions. When matcha is added to foods with high levels of added sugar, salt and saturated fat, any health benefits that could be attributed to the matcha may be negated.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/242775/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250">Evangeline Mantzioris</a>, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/matcha-is-having-a-moment-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-this-green-tea-drink-242775">original article</a>. </div>

Food & Wine

Don’t like drinking plain water? 10 healthy ideas for staying hydrated this summer

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-ball-14718">Lauren Ball</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-burch-438717">Emily Burch</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> Have you heard the saying “water is life?” Well, it’s true. Water is an <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/water/">essential nutrient</a>. Our body cannot produce sufficient water to live, so we need to consume water through food and fluids to survive. Maintaining hydration is one of the most fundamental components of good health. But lots of people don’t like drinking plain water much. The good news is there are many other healthy ways to help you stay hydrated. <h2>Why hydration is important</h2> Water is vital for many aspects of body functioning. About half our blood is “blood plasma”, which is over 90% water. Blood plasma is essential for carrying energy, nutrients and oxygen to the cells in the body that need it most. Water helps to remove waste products via the kidneys. It also helps keep joints lubricated, the digestive system functioning, the body’s temperature controlled and skin plump and strong. If you don’t consume enough water, you may experience symptoms of dehydration such as headaches, dizziness, tiredness, low concentration, constipation and a dry mouth. Being severely dehydrated increases the risk of <a href="https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones">kidney stones</a> and <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/urinary-tract-infection-uti">urinary tract infections</a>. If you feel thirsty, it means your body is already <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9013-dehydration#:%7E:text=If%20you're%20thirsty%2C%20you,life%2Dthreatening%20illnesses%20like%20heatstroke.">mildly dehydrated</a>, so make sure you pay attention to what your body is telling you. <h2>How much fluid do you need?</h2> The amount of fluid we need changes as we age. Relative to our body weight, our needs decrease. So, a newborn baby has higher fluid needs (per kilogram body weight) than their parent, and older adults have lower fluid needs than younger adults. Fluid requirements are related to metabolic needs and vary from person-to-person. The normal turnover of water in adults is approximately 4% of total body weight per day. So, for example, if you weigh 70 kilograms, you’ll lose about 2.5 to 3 litres of water a day (not including sweating). This means you will need to consume that amount of water from food and drinks to maintain your hydration. Eight cups (or two litres) a day is often <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/09/21/1124371309/busting-common-hydration-water-myths?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20221016&utm_term=7386723&utm_campaign=health&utm_id=31926817&orgid=&utm_att1=">mentioned</a> as the amount of water we should aim for and a nice way to track your intake. But it doesn’t account for individual variation based on age, gender, body size and activity levels. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it dehydrates the body by promoting water loss through urine. This fluid loss is a key factor that contributes to the severity of a hangover. Always have a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks to help stay hydrated. Caffeinated drinks (like tea and coffee) only have a mild diuretic effect. For most healthy adults, it’s okay to consume up to 400 mg of caffeine a day – that’s about four cups of coffee or eight cups of tea. If you drink more than this, it may impact your hydration levels. To check your specific requirements, check out the Australian <a href="https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/water">guidelines</a> for fluid intake. <h2>People who should take extra care</h2> Some people are at greater risk of the harmful health effects from dehydration and need to pay special attention to their fluid intake. The highest priority groups are babies, young kids, pregnant women, and older adults. These groups are at greater risk for many reasons, including relatively higher water needs per kilo of body weight, reduced ability to detect and respond to symptoms of dehydration, and barriers to consuming fluids regularly. Family and friends can play an important role in <a href="https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/hydration-for-elderly-people-and-the-dangers-of-dehydration">supporting loved ones</a> to maintain hydration, especially during warm weather. <h2>Ten ideas for keeping fluids up this summer</h2> <ol> <li> Download a water reminder app on your phone This will help keep you on track during the day and give you digital “high fives” when you hit your water goals. </li> <li> Add sugar-free flavouring Try a sugar-free fruit infusion in your water to make it more appealing. Prepare a jug in the refrigerator and infuse it overnight so it’s chilled for you the next day. Fill it up and take it everywhere with you! </li> <li> Add some fresh fruit Add some slices of lime, lemon, berries, pineapple or orange to your water bottle for some natural flavouring. If the bottle is kept in a fridge, the fruit will stay fresh for about three days. </li> <li> Make a jug of iced tea (not the bottled stuff) There are many great sugar-free recipes online. Tea contributes to fluid intake too. For green and black teas, brew in boiling water then cool overnight on the bench before refrigerating. Fruit teas can be made using cold water immediately. </li> <li> Add a dash of cordial to your water A small amount of cordial in your water is a healthier alternative to drinking a sugar-sweetened soft drink or fruit juice. Diet cordials have less added sugar again. </li> <li> Make a fruit ‘slushie’ Combine fresh fruit, ice and water at home in the morning and sip to increase your fluid intake for the day. </li> <li> Buy a soda maker for your home Some people find plain water tastes better with bubbles. Sparkling mineral water is great too, as long as there is no added sugar or sweeteners. </li> <li> Before you eat anything, have a glass of water Make it a rule with yourself to have a glass of water before every snack or meal. </li> <li> Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content. Some of the best include berries, oranges, grapes, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, spinach and melons. Keep a container full of cut-up fruit to snack on in your fridge. </li> <li> Use a water bottle Take it with you during the day and keep it by your bed overnight. </li> </ol> <h2>A tip on water bottles</h2> Water bottles are everywhere and sometimes seem to offer <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/emotional-support-water-bottle-girlies-tiktok-trend">emotional support</a> as well as hydration. Having a water bottle you enjoy using can go a long way in helping you keep up your fluids during the day. Pay attention to the material of the water bottle and use one that helps you form good habits. Some people prefer metal water bottles as they can keep water cooler for longer (others feel like they are camping). Some prefer glass bottles because the water isn’t affected by any flavours from the container (others fear breaking the glass). Consider the practical aspects, too: Will it fit in your bag? Will it be light enough to carry with you? Can you “chug” on it when you’re exceptionally thirsty? Does the lid require screwing? How durable is it in preventing leaks? Do some <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/7842071/best-water-bottles-hydration">homework</a> on your water bottle, an essential accessory! <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-ball-14718">Lauren Ball</a>, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-burch-438717">Emily Burch</a>, Dietitian and Researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-like-drinking-plain-water-10-healthy-ideas-for-staying-hydrated-this-summer-191859">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Kyle Sandilands throws drink at Ben Fordham live on-air

Kyle Sandilands and Ben Fordham have clashed during a live interview. The radio rivals joined John Laws' on his 2SM show on Wednesday, for one of Laws' final shows before he retires when things got heated. The trio had been chatting about various topics for 15 minutes when the conversation turned to the US election. After Sandilands gave his opinion on Trump's strong performance, Fordham sarcastically responded with: “Of all the experts on American politics, what an honour for John Laws to have Kyle Sandilands commenting on it this morning.” The comment sparked an immediate reaction from the KIIS FM host, who retaliated with: “I’ll throw this water in your face, b***h." "I don’t care who you think you are.” “Well go on, do it!” Fordham challenged him. The 2GB host pushed him over the edge when he said: “You talk tough to the paparazzi …” and was cut off when Sandilands threw a tall glass of water over his face and chest. “Oh my lord!” a shocked Fordham said. “There you go,” Sandilands told him. “Don’t push a Brisbane boy.” Laws seemed rather amused by the chaos, and as Fordham tried to dry himself off, he took another cheeky dig at Sandilands. “Kyle’s wet too, but that’s perspiration,” he said. The interview went on for another 15 minutes and towards the end of the chat Laws apologised to Fordham saying: “I’m sorry you’re wet." “I bet you’ve never said that before,” quipped Sandilands. To make matters worse for Fordham, the NSW premier, Chris Minns was waiting just outside the studio doors. “I’ve got all this water all over me, it looks like I’ve wet myself, and now I’m going to go outside and there are VIPs out there,” Fordham said. “Embarrassing.” On Thursday morning, the KIIS FM radio host reflected on the on-air clash, claiming that he was the one who invited Fordham to appear with him on Laws' radio show. “I shouldn’t have invited him, I’ll never invite him anywhere again,” he said. “He just carried on like a carnival person,” Sandilands continued. “He kept yelling and he kept interfering.” In response, Fordham reportedly told news.com.au, “Kyle knows he’s boring on his own. That’s why he roped me in to join him.” Images: 2SM/ news.com.au

Music

Major twist in probe into water polo coach's death

A probe into the tragic death of a water polo coach at St Andrew's Cathedral School has revealed an astonishing twist in the investigation. Lilie James, 21, was found dead inside a gymnasium bathroom at the Sydney school on October 25th last year, as police issued a warrant for Paul Thijssen's arrest in connection to her death. A school staffer let police officers into the building at Town Hall Square, where Lilie's "unrecognisable" body was found, left with "serious head injuries". In the days after Lilie's death, police established a second crime scene at The Gap in Sydney's east where they recovered Thijssen's body. Now, as a probe into her death continues, insiders have revealed to Daily Mail Australia that St Andrews Cathedral School principal Dr Julie McGonigle has been told the school will not be considered an "interested party" at the coronial inquiry into the deaths. The exclusion comes despite teachers and students having intimate knowledge and involvement with Ms James and school hockey coach Thijssen prior to the murder, and school staff having assisted in the discovery of the horrific crime scene. School principal Dr McGonigle revealed in her latest Head of School Newsletter that "at this stage, the State Coroner does not consider St Andrew's Cathedral School to have sufficient interest in this matter to be considered an interested party, pursuant to the Coroners Act". The inquest into the deaths of Lilie Anne James and Paul Thomas Stephan Thijssen will be held over three days from March 18th next year. Image credits: Facebook

Legal

"Green cordial" water in Sydney harbour baffles residents

A bay in Sydney Harbour has turned neon green, with authorities currently investigating the cause. Locals were baffled when they saw the bay along Hipwood Street in Kirribilli, near Milsons Park, turn bright green at about 3pm on Wednesday, with many calling the incident "unusual". Firefighters said they were "alerted to a large spill of fluorescent green material flowing into the harbour". One local described the water as "green cordial" and said it resembled "radioactive stuff you see in superhero movies". NSW Fire and Rescue then conducted several tests and said the water is not toxic and is currently not harming the environment. The Fire and Rescue team are now trying to flush out the green substance, and said that the incoming rain should help turn the water colour back to normal. Another resident told 9News that they had seen green water in a stormwater drain at Anderson Park, along Clark Road, on Tuesday, before the green colour spread to the bay on Wednesday. Later in the afternoon, a North Sydney Council spokeswoman confirmed that were no major pollutants in the green water: “At this stage our engineers believe the substance is likely to be fluorescein, which is used as a dye for plumbing works. Fluorescein is a non-toxic substance and breaks down with UV light. The green colour is a feature that makes it easy to trace.” Green water was also spotted in Neutral Bay on Wednesday according to another local. Image: Nine

Travel Trouble

Crowds, water guns and protests: could ‘slow tourism’ be the answer to an overtourism backlash?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-errmann-1360032">Amy Errmann</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a> With overtourism in the spotlight as the travel industry continues to rebound after the pandemic, popular destinations around the world are feeling the strain. Bali is overwhelmed by <a href="https://thebalisun.com/concerns-increasing-about-impact-of-trash-and-traffic-on-bali-tourists/">waste and traffic</a>, Australia’s sacred sites have suffered <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50151344">environmental damage</a>, New York is facing rising rents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/23/new-york-airbnb-crackdown-rules-housing">due to short-term rentals</a>, and Singapore’s scenic spots are becoming <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/overtourism-locals-tourists-sustainable-tourism-stb-focus-4517681">clogged with crowds</a>. Frustrated locals are pushing back – from <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/barcelona-locals-spray-tourists-with-water-guns-during-protest-over-housing-costs/FUFHXKO5X5F5NNPSU6ELNVGSIA/">spraying water at tourists </a> in Barcelona to <a href="https://adventure.com/venice-locals-squatting-against-overtourism-photography/">organising protests in Venice</a>. As the northern hemisphere high season ends, Aotearoa New Zealand is preparing for an influx of visitors ahead of its summer tourism season. And much like those other <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/world/europe/greece-cruise-ships-tourists-islands.html">tourist hotspots</a>, the government is looking at how to manage the negative effects of tourism on local communities and the environment. This includes tripling the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/04/new-zealand-to-nearly-triple-tourist-tax-for-international-visitors">international tourist tax</a> from NZ$35 to $100. The aim of the increase is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/11/new-zealand-tourism-minister-makes-pitch-to-the-rich-as-he-spurns-10-a-day-travellers">attract tourists</a> who are more mindful of their impact and willing to contribute to its mitigation, while also <a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-nz-now-pay-up-the-risks-and-rewards-of-raising-the-foreign-tourist-tax-232138">reducing visitor numbers</a> to protect the country’s unique landscapes and cultures. But are there other ways the tourism industry can evolve to ensure benefits for both travellers and the communities they are visiting? So called “slow travel” could be the answer. <h2>Hunting the perfect photo</h2> Overtourism isn’t just about too many people in one place. It’s also about how people travel. <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/social-media-tourism-effect-scn-wellness/index.html">Instagram-famous</a> landmarks draw massive crowds, <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/406195/visitors-ignore-ban-continue-to-visit-mermaid-pools-in-northland-hapu">disrupting local life</a> and sometimes even <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/vermot-town-famous-for-fall-foliage-bans-instagram-tourists-from-streets/BHKEYKKUTNHORFT6QCZ5TW333A/#google_vignette">leading to closures</a>. Travellers often pack their itineraries with as many sights as possible, racing from one place to another in a frenzy to capture the perfect photo. This hurried approach not only creates <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-06-19/barcelona-bhutan-places-that-limit-tourist-numbers">congestion</a> but also limits <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-02859-z">meaningful engagement with the destination</a>. And it’s not just a numbers game. The way tourists behave also plays a critical role. A <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018690535/tropical-trash-the-impact-of-holidaying-in-the-pacific">2019 report</a> from the United Nations raised concerns about trash from tourists in developing small island states, including the Pacific Islands. According to the report, a tourist visiting these communities produced about 7kg of waste a day, compared to about 2.5kg produced by a local. The issue is not necessarily about travelling less, but about <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211973623000284">travelling more responsibly</a>. The tourism industry needs to be encouraging travel habits that allow both visitors and locals to enjoy tourism without compromising the integrity of the destination. <h2>The rise of slow travel</h2> Mindfulness – being fully present in the moment – has gained popularity since the 1970s. The concept has influenced a number of sectors, including <a href="https://slowfoodauckland.co.nz/">slow food</a>, <a href="https://ourwayoflife.co.nz/slow-fashion-101-what-to-buy-and-what-to-avoid-to-reduce-your-clothing-footprint/">slow fashion</a>, and now <a href="https://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/wanaka-stories/how-to-be-a-slow-mindful-traveler-in-wanaka/">slow travel</a>. It’s about <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-63569-4_44#:%7E:text=Slow%20travel%2C%20mindful%20travel%2C%20or,spiritual%20well%2Dbeing%20of%20people">experiencing destinations</a> at a relaxed pace, focusing on deeper connections with local cultures and sustainability. This often means <a href="https://guestnewzealand.com/about-us/eco-travels-new-zealand/">staying longer in fewer places</a> and choosing eco-friendly transport. Understanding slow travel and mindfulness is important because they create <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogersands/2024/06/08/the-beauty-of-slow-travel/">richer, more memorable experiences</a>. Fast, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">hectic travel</a> often leaves little positive impact. Slow immersive travel, on the other hand, fosters lasting memories and reduces overtourism, pollution and cultural damage. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00913367.2024.2325144">Research</a> shows when we consciously immerse ourselves in our surroundings we can have more meaningful experiences. Surprisingly, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">even luxury travel</a> – often dismissed as wasteful – can encourage respect and mindfulness for those who invest financially and mentally in their journey, unlike cheaper, mainstream tourism. Activities such as “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666957921000197">forest bathing</a>”, <a href="https://www.visitutah.com/articles/mindful-hiking">hiking</a> or engaging with <a href="https://www.outofyourcomfortzone.net/a-guide-to-slow-travel-immersing-yourself-in-local-cultures/">local cultures</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723984/">boost wellbeing and meaning</a>, going beyond just “taking a photo for likes”. This mindful approach can <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738321001419">change our behaviour on a personal level</a>. By focusing attention on fewer experiences, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00913367.2024.2325144">travellers can heighten</a> their sense of awe and appreciation, making the travel more memorable. This idea is evident in “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/002216786200200102?casa_token=PrIQTkCMjx0AAAAA:wtswfg0cuEuQec0zVg-Mbf9MuXYoqhQkWbaQCGdjxWkYUpVOwBu8Op5jC6V4nOghnow3xpwN3fDn">peak experiences</a>”. Disney, for example, creates <a href="https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/docam/vol9/iss2/6/">emotionally-charged moments</a> that stick in visitors’ minds. Other experiences, such as “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14614448211072808">digital detoxes</a>” or <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article-abstract/45/6/1142/4999270">pilgrimages</a> can leave a contemplative impression. By concentrating on a single aspect of a visit, it <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738320300797?casa_token=Np4PXLk5RqsAAAAA:Q3440A-lsf-XTAWuboPPbIcnvBAhk8nnIoWyF-gynHkSPmyPaykzfpBhTLbFDBHZEX0bbtZJgQ">becomes special and memorable</a>. Even in busy places like Disneyland, focusing on one unique element can make the experience feel slower and more meaningful. <h2>The sustainability of tourism</h2> In the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">Faroe Islands</a>, slow travel helps protect local traditions and landscapes by encouraging thoughtful visitor behaviour, such as using local guides to minimise environmental impact. New Zealand can leverage its natural beauty to offer similar immersive experiences. <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/travel-well-what-is-mindful-hiking-walking-for-wellbeing-boost/67MYS6ZSNXC7ZH6OTZ2DLBGFL4/">Tramping</a> (hiking), for example, can promote a mindful connection with the environment. But even here, there needs to be a focus on balancing tourism with preservation. Popular spots, such as the Department of Conservation huts and the Te Araroa Trail, are <a href="https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/te-araroa-trail-shows-pressure/">already becoming crowded</a>. It is essential to educate visitors on <a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/outdoor-activities/tramping-tips-to-prevent-spreading-pests-and-diseases/biosecurity-considerations-walking-and-tramping/">responsible practices</a> – such as cleaning equipment – to ensure they understand their <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/heritage-and-visitor-strategy#:%7E:text=The%20natural%2C%20cultural%20and%20historic,wellbeing%2C%20enabling%20communities%20to%20thrive.">role in protecting nature</a>. Travel that fosters a deeper appreciation for local cultures and environments benefits both visitors and the destinations they explore. The challenge is finding the right balance – encouraging meaningful travel experiences while still ensuring accessibility for all.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/238316/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-errmann-1360032">Amy Errmann</a>, Senior Lecturer, Marketing & International Business, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/crowds-water-guns-and-protests-could-slow-tourism-be-the-answer-to-an-overtourism-backlash-238316">original article</a>. </div>

Travel Trouble

Rare coin hidden for decades to fetch eye-watering sum

Three sisters from the US who inherited a dime coin kept it in a bank vault for more than 40 years, and while they know it had some value, they didn't know just how much until a few years ago. The rare coin, struck by the US Mint in San Francisco in 1975, could be worth more than $US500,000 ($748,000), according to Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections, the auction house selling the coin. What makes the coin depicting President Franklin D. Roosevelt so valuable is that it is just one of two coins missing the "S" mint mark for San Francisco. The other dime sold for $US682,000 (over $1 million) at a 2019 auction and then again months later to a private collector. While avid coin collectors have known about the existence of these two extraordinarily rare coins, their whereabouts had remained a mystery since the late 1970s. “They were hidden for decades,” Russell said. “Most major collectors and dealers have never seen one.” The three sisters from Ohio, who want to remain anonymous, inherited one of the two dimes after the recent death of their of their brother, Russell said. They told Russell that their brother and mother bought the first error coin discovered in 1978 for $27,225, which would amount to roughly $135,000 today. Their parents, who ran a dairy farm, saw the coin as a financial safety net, and it was only until last year that one of the sisters saw the coin first-hand. Russell also said that their brother had reached out to him about seven years ago and told him about the coin, but he too kept it a secret. When Russell told one of the sisters about the potential value of the coin, she told him: “is that really possible?”. The coin, known as the “1975 ‘no S’ proof dime,” will be displayed at a coin show beginning on Wednesday in Tampa, Florida, and before <a href="https://www.greatcollections.com/Coin/1655587" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the auction</a> closes late next month, Russell said. The current highest bidder has offered $US250,000 ($374,000). Images: Great Collections/ Professional Coin Grading Services

Money & Banking

Is still water better for you than sparkling water?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christian-moro-121754">Christian Moro</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/charlotte-phelps-1187658">Charlotte Phelps</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> Still or sparkling? It’s a question you’ll commonly hear in a café or restaurant and you probably have a preference. But is there any difference for your health? If you love the fizz, here’s why you don’t have to pass on the sparkling water. <h2>What makes my water sparkle?</h2> This article specifically focuses on comparing still filtered water to carbonated filtered water (called “sparkling water” or “unflavoured seltzer”). Soda water, mineral water, tonic water and flavoured water are similar, but not the same product. The bubbles in sparkling water are created by adding carbon dioxide to filtered water. It reacts to produce carbonic acid, which makes sparkling water more acidic (a pH of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5747581/">about 3.5</a>) than still (closer to neutral, with a pH around 6.5-8.5). <h2>Which drink is healthiest?</h2> Water is the best way to hydrate our bodies. Research shows when it comes to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26702122/">hydration</a>, still and sparkling water are <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnsv/58/5/58_333/_article">equally effective</a>. Some people believe water is healthier when it comes from a sealed bottle. But in Australia, tap water is <a href="https://www.waterquality.gov.au/guidelines/drinking-water">monitored very carefully</a>. Unlike bottled water, it also has the added benefit of fluoride, which can help protect young children against <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0002-8177(14)60225-7">tooth decay</a> and cavities. Sparkling or still water is always <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30354445/">better</a> than artificially sweetened flavoured drinks or juices. <h2>Isn’t soda water bad for my teeth and bones?</h2> There’s no evidence sparkling water damages your bones. While drinking a lot of soft drinks is linked to increased <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7071508/">fractures</a>, this is largely due to their association with higher rates of obesity. Sparkling water is more acidic than still water, and acidity can soften the teeth’s <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35635779/">enamel</a>. Usually this is not something to be too worried about, unless it is mixed with sugar or citrus, which has much higher levels of acidity and can harm teeth. However, if you grind your teeth often, the softening could enhance the <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-grinding#risk-factors-for-tooth-grinding">damage it causes</a>. If you’re undertaking a home whitening process, sparkling water <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39123328/">might discolour</a> your teeth. In most other cases, it would take a lot of sparkling water to pass by the teeth, for a long period of time, to cause any noticeable damage. <h2>How does drinking water affect digestion?</h2> There is a <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/digestion/faq-20058348">misconception</a> drinking water (of any kind) with a meal is bad for digestion. While theoretically water could dilute stomach acid (which breaks down food), the practice of drinking it doesn’t appear <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11045127/">to have any negative effect</a>. Your digestive system simply adapts to the consistency of the meal. Some people do find that carbonated beverages cause some stomach upset. This is due to the build-up of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939475309000787">gases</a>, which can cause bloating, cramping and discomfort. For people with an <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-44916-8">overactive bladder</a>, the acidity might also aggravate the <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpcell.00441.2022">urinary</a> system. Interestingly, the fizzy “<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34399552/">buzz</a>” you feel in your mouth from sparkling water fades the more you drink it. <h2>Is cold water harder to digest?</h2> You’ve chosen still or sparkling water. What about its temperature? There are surprisingly few studies about the effect of drinking cold water compared to room temperature. There is some evidence colder water (at two degrees Celsius) might inhibit <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7000532/">gastric contractions</a> and slow down digestion. Ice water may constrict blood vessels and cause <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0306362383900642">cramping</a>. However other research suggests drinking cold water might temporarily boost <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/88/12/6015/2661518">metabolism</a>, as the body needs to expend energy to warm it up to body temperature. This effect is minimal and unlikely to lead to significant <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/91/9/3598/2656772">weight loss</a>. <h2>Which water wins?</h2> The bottom line is water is essential, hydrates us and has countless other <a href="https://news.com.au/lifestyle/health/diet/fewer-than-25-per-cent-simple-question-most-aussies-cant-answer/news-story/04693f23f03d9e8b6483cf34b47d9fcb">health benefits</a>. Water, with carbonated bubbles or without, will always be the healthiest drink to choose. And if you’re concerned about any impact to teeth enamel, one trick is to follow sparkling water with a glass of still. This helps rinse the teeth and return your mouth’s acidity back to normal.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237125/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christian-moro-121754">Christian Moro</a>, Associate Professor of Science & Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/charlotte-phelps-1187658">Charlotte Phelps</a>, Senior Teaching Fellow, Medical Program, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-still-water-better-for-you-than-sparkling-water-237125">original article</a>. </div>

Food & Wine

The eye-watering salaries of The Voice Australia judges revealed

The Voice Australia has revamped the lineup of the judges for the 2024 season, with American music icons Adam Lambert and LeAnn Rimes joining Aussies Guy Sebastian and Kate Miller-Heidke. As the new American talent joins the show, Seven are reportedly paying big buck for the international stars after their salaries were leaked by <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/exclusive-the-voice-australia-coaches-salaries-leaked-amid-pay-row-230921307.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a>. According to the publication, an alleged source claims that Adam and LeAnn "are believed to be receiving between $750,000 and $1.2 million" for the single season of the show. Meanwhile, Kate Miller-Heidke "is believed to be receiving upwards of $500,000" for her first season on the show. Veteran judge Guy Sebastian allegedly started on $750,000 per season in 2019, "but this is believed to now be worth $1 million". These new judges are getting "considerably less" than outgoing coaches Rita Ora and Jason Derulo, Yahoo alleges. According to a production insider, the reason for the switch-up of judges was the star's pay cheques, and a desire from producers to keep costs down. The insider said the program has been wanting a change in judges lineup for a quite some time, adding that salary increases are necessary to keep returning stars on the show and the price tag for the former crop was "too expensive". "The company line was that Jessica, Rita and Jason were all too busy, but I don't think anyone is too busy to pick up these sorts of pay cheques. It certainly did have a lot to do with keeping the costs down." Image credits: Seven

The eye-watering cost of Karl Stefanovic's "highly secret" 50th birthday bash

Karl Stefanovic had a "highly secretive" birthday party in Saint-Tropez. France, according to Women's Day. The Today host, who was in Paris to cover the Olympic games earlier this month, reportedly booked out an entire hotel for his 50th birthday bash. A source claimed that his party cost a staggering $200,000, with A-listers James Packer and Anthony Bell among the guests. "He'd be thinking you only turn 50 once so let's do this properly and go big!" the insider claimed. "Much like the $50,000 he dropped for (wife) Jasmine's 40th earlier this year, and the rumoured $10,000 birthday parties they have hosted for their four-year-old daughter Harper," they continued. "And then there was their $700,000 lavish Mexican nuptials - Karl has never done anything half-baked!" The party was allegedly 1970s themed, with Stefanovic's wife also showing off her new designer dresses. This comes after it was initially reported that Stefanovic was set to cancel his planned 50th birthday bash in Paris. Earlier this year, the Today host was reported to have spent a whopping $50,000 on his wife's lavish birthday celebrations in Noosa, according to the publication. Jasmine's entire look alone was worth an eye-watering $5,575, with her gown from Zimmermann costing $1,950. The party reportedly lasted for about two days, with a "recovery shindig" allegedly worth $10,000 also taking place. A close friend of the couple said at the time that "Karl is an old romantic" and was more than happy to treat his wife to a lavish birthday. Images: Instagram

Money & Banking

Simon Baker charged with drink driving offences

The Mentalist star Simon Baker has been charged with two drink driving related offences. The 55-year-old is set to appear in Mullumbimby Local court next month in northern NSW, and he was charged with “attempt to drive while under influence of alcohol – first offence” and “drive vehicle under influence of alcohol – first offence”. He was granted bail with no conditions. The Hollywood actor has been nominated for a TV Week Logie Award on Sunday night for his leading role in the Netflix adaptation of Australian author Trent Dalton's Boy Swallows Universe. The hit Netflix series has been nominated for 11 awards - the most of any other actor or show. The actor earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Famefor his portrayal of Patrick Jane in The Mentalist between 2008 and 2015. He has also won multiple AACTA awards and been nominated for Emmy and Golden Globe awards. Baker's career began in Aussie soaps like E Street, A Country Practice and Home and Away. He has also featured in movies including LA Confidential, The Devil Wears Prada, and earlier in his career featured in the original Heartbreak High. The actor split with his wife Rebecca Rigg in 2021 following 23 years of marriage, and the pair have three children and own a property together in Nashua, near Byron Bay. Images: Jean Cummings/THA/ Shutterstock editorial

Legal

Kyle Sandilands finally reveals new eye-watering salary

Kyle Sandilands has stunned listeners after candidly revealing his eye-watering salary live on air. Much speculation has swirled about the KIIS FM radio hosts' salaries after Kyle and Jackie O signed a new 10-year contract with the network, which was rumoured to cost $100 million. This figure would mean that Kyle and Jackie O would see an annual salary of $10 million, but Kyle revealed they are actually getting paid more than that. “I can’t live with the lie, it’s underreported," Kyle admitted on Friday morning. "It’s actually about another $50 million each,” he said, which means the pair will take home $15 million a year each. As Jackie protested at Kyle revealing their personal negotiations, Kyle continued, “I’m just saying, let’s cut through the bulls**t. And we get that because we’re good [at radio].” The new contract, which is said to be the biggest deal in Australian media history, will take The Kyle and Jackie O Show hosts to December 2034. The duo also have a clause in their contract that allows them to broadcast the show “anywhere on earth” at the drop of a hat. After revealing his astonishing salary on air, Kyle and his team began discussing the salaries of other popular radio stars in Australia. The show’s reporter Cooper Johns claimed that Hamish Blake and Andy Lee both make $4 million a year, while Brendan 'Fev' Fevola makes $1.2 million a year for his show on Fox FM in Melbourne. Meanwhile, 2GB’s Sydney breakfast host Ray Hadley is believed to be on a $3.5 million salary, WSFM’s Amanda Keller is reportedly on $2.5 million, and Carrie Bickmore is said to be making $1.5 million a year. Image credits: KIIS FM

Money & Banking

Cheeky diet soft drink getting you through the work day? Here’s what that may mean for your health

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-ball-14718">Lauren Ball</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-burch-438717">Emily Burch</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/southern-cross-university-1160">Southern Cross University</a> Many people are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230225/">drinking less</a> sugary soft drink than in the past. This is a great win for public health, given the <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2749350">recognised risks</a> of diets high in sugar-sweetened drinks. But over time, intake of diet soft drinks has <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230225/">grown</a>. In fact, it’s so high that these products are now regularly <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412020319188">detected in wastewater</a>. So what does the research say about how your health is affected in the long term if you drink them often? <h2>What makes diet soft drinks sweet?</h2> The World Health Organization (WHO) <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/04-03-2015-who-calls-on-countries-to-reduce-sugars-intake-among-adults-and-children">advises</a> people “reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake. A further reduction to below 5% or roughly 25 grams (six teaspoons) per day would provide additional health benefits.” But most regular soft drinks contain <a href="https://www.actiononsugar.org/surveys/2014/sugar-sweetened-beverages/">a lot of sugar</a>. A regular 335 millilitre can of original Coca-Cola contains at least <a href="https://www.coca-cola.com/ng/en/about-us/faq/how-much-sugar-is-in-cocacola-original-taste">seven</a> teaspoons of added sugar. Diet soft drinks are designed to taste similar to regular soft drinks but without the sugar. Instead of sugar, diet soft drinks contain artificial or natural sweeteners. The artificial sweeteners include aspartame, saccharin and sucralose. The natural sweeteners include stevia and monk fruit extract, which come from plant sources. Many artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar so less is needed to provide the same burst of sweetness. Diet soft drinks are marketed as healthier alternatives to regular soft drinks, particularly for people who want to reduce their sugar intake or manage their weight. But while surveys of Australian <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551593/">adults</a> and <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/adolescents-knowledge-and-beliefs-regarding-health-risks-of-soda-and-diet-soda-consumption/32F3E0FD6727F18F04C63F0390595131">adolescents</a> show most people understand the benefits of reducing their sugar intake, they often aren’t as aware about how diet drinks may affect health more broadly. <h2>What does the research say about aspartame?</h2> The artificial sweeteners in soft drinks are considered safe for consumption by food authorities, including in the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/aspartame-and-other-sweeteners-food">US</a> and <a href="https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/additives/aspartame">Australia</a>. However, some <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4899993/">researchers</a> have raised concern about the long-term risks of consumption. People who drink diet soft drinks regularly and often are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446768/">more likely</a> to develop certain metabolic conditions (such as diabetes and heart disease) than those who don’t drink diet soft drinks. The link was found even after accounting for other dietary and lifestyle factors (such as physical activity). In 2023, the WHO announced reports had found aspartame – the main sweetener used in diet soft drinks – was “<a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/14-07-2023-aspartame-hazard-and-risk-assessment-results-released">possibly carcinogenic to humans</a>” (carcinogenic means cancer-causing). Importantly though, the report noted there is not enough current scientific evidence to be truly confident aspartame may increase the risk of cancer and emphasised it’s safe to consume occasionally. <h2>Will diet soft drinks help manage weight?</h2> Despite the word “diet” in the name, diet soft drinks are not strongly linked with weight management. In 2022, the WHO conducted a <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/15-05-2023-who-advises-not-to-use-non-sugar-sweeteners-for-weight-control-in-newly-released-guideline">systematic review</a> (where researchers look at all available evidence on a topic) on whether the use of artificial sweeteners is beneficial for weight management. Overall, the randomised controlled trials they looked at suggested slightly more weight loss in people who used artificial sweeteners. But the observational studies (where no intervention occurs and participants are monitored over time) found people who consume high amounts of artificial sweeteners tended to have an increased risk of higher body mass index and a 76% increased likelihood of having obesity. In other words, artificial sweeteners may not directly help manage weight over the long term. This resulted in the WHO <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/15-05-2023-who-advises-not-to-use-non-sugar-sweeteners-for-weight-control-in-newly-released-guideline">advising</a> artificial sweeteners should not be used to manage weight. <a href="http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(16)30296-0">Studies</a> in animals have suggested consuming high levels of artificial sweeteners can signal to the brain it is being starved of fuel, which can lead to more eating. However, the evidence for this happening in humans is still unproven. <h2>What about inflammation and dental issues?</h2> There is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10817473/">some early evidence</a> artificial sweeteners may irritate the lining of the digestive system, causing inflammation and increasing the likelihood of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and other symptoms often associated with irritable bowel syndrome. However, this study noted more research is needed. High amounts of diet soft drinks have <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-17223-0">also been</a> linked with liver disease, which is based on inflammation. The consumption of diet soft drinks is also <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40368-019-00458-0#:%7E:text=Diet%20soft%20drinks%20often%20have,2006">associated</a> with dental erosion. Many soft drinks contain phosphoric and citric acid, which can damage your tooth enamel and contribute to dental erosion. <h2>Moderation is key</h2> As with many aspects of nutrition, moderation is key with diet soft drinks. Drinking diet soft drinks occasionally is unlikely to harm your health, but frequent or excessive intake may increase health risks in the longer term. Plain water, infused water, sparkling water, herbal teas or milks remain the best options for hydration.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/233438/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-ball-14718">Lauren Ball</a>, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-burch-438717">Emily Burch</a>, Accredited Practising Dietitian and Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/southern-cross-university-1160">Southern Cross University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/cheeky-diet-soft-drink-getting-you-through-the-work-day-heres-what-that-may-mean-for-your-health-233438">original article</a>. </div>

Food & Wine

Just 15 centimetres of water can float a car – but we are failing to educate drivers about the dangers of floodwaters

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-peden-1136424">Amy Peden</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kyra-hamilton-331594">Kyra Hamilton</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> Every year in Australia, people driving into floodwaters drown and many more are <a href="https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/disaster-tabs-header/flood/">rescued</a>. Do you know what to do when there’s water on the road? We searched all state and territory learner and driver handbooks for information about floodwaters, including signage. Our findings, published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437524000860?via%3Dihub">Journal of Safety Research</a>, are disturbing. Across half of Australia’s states and territories, the driver handbook ignores flooding. That’s a missed opportunity, considering the handbook contains road rules and provides advice on how to navigate safely. While some states fail to provide any flood-related information, others give detailed practical guidance. Only the New South Wales handbook includes explanation of the meaning and purpose of flood signage. This is despite almost all states and territories experiencing vehicle-related flood <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jfr3.12616">deaths</a>, including <a href="https://currents.plos.org/disasters/article/causal-pathways-of-flood-related-river-drowning-deaths-in-australia/">drowning</a>, between 2001 and 2017. It’s a major problem that is only going to get worse as the climate changes. So our research shows driver education needs to come up to speed, fast. <h2>Why do people drive into floodwaters?</h2> Our previous <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212420918301869">research</a> revealed motorists can feel compelled to drive into floodwaters for a range of reasons. These include time pressures such as being late for work or school, or needing to get home to family or pets. Sometimes they feel pressured by their passengers, or motorists behind them on the road, urging them to cross. People also report having been encouraged or instructed as learners to drive into floodwaters. Past experience as a passenger also influences a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847823000475">learner driver’s</a> future willingness to drive into floodwaters. So the views of significant others, such as their supervising driver, strongly influence decisions around driving into floodwaters. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZtlXpDBjU1Q?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Avoid driving into floodwaters, for life’s sake.</figcaption></figure> <h2>What we did and what we found</h2> We assessed all publicly available, government-issued learner and driver handbooks (12 documents) across all six Australian states and two territories. We also looked for flood-related signage. We used a method for reviewing online material through a systematic search including in-document key words and imagery. Four jurisdictions provided no information on flooding in the handbook. In the ACT, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, drivers need to look elsewhere for information on floodwaters and driving safety. Only one jurisdiction provided information on flood signage such as depth markers and “road subject to flooding”. Hats off to the <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-11/Road-User-Handbook-English.pdf">NSW Road User Handbook</a>, which warns: <blockquote> Floodwater is extremely dangerous. Find another way or wait until the road is clear. It’s safer to turn around than to drive in floodwater. </blockquote> For the states and territories that did provide information on floodwaters in the handbook, the content varied. NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory warned against entering floodwaters in a vehicle. They highlighted the dangers and financial penalties associated with driving on closed roads. In the NT and Western Australia, handbooks provided practical information on when and how to cross floodwaters safely, such as how to gauge safe water depth based on vehicle size, and to avoid fast-flowing water. Although well-intentioned, judgements around what constitutes fast-flowing water are subjective and hard for any driver to assess, let alone learner drivers. Even drivers of larger vehicles such as four-wheel drives are regularly involved in flood-related <a href="https://currents.plos.org/disasters/article/causal-pathways-of-flood-related-river-drowning-deaths-in-australia/">vehicle drowning fatalities</a>. Just <a href="https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/campaigns/15-to-float">45cm</a> of water can float a large 4WD, and considerably less for smaller vehicles. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t4ilUbMXZAQ?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>A small car can float in just 15cm of water.</figcaption></figure> Handbooks represent valuable sources of safety information, particularly for new drivers who must learn important road rules to progress from one licence to another. Such graduated driver licensing schemes reduce road traffic injury, particularly among <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437523000385">young people</a>. However, many of these handbooks fail to provide consistent, practical evidence-based information about flooding. There is an opportunity here to support safer driving behaviours. <h2>Safety tips for all drivers</h2> We encourage drivers to follow these safety tips: <ul> <li>avoid driving into floodwaters</li> <li>identify alternative routes, so you have a <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-roads-become-rivers-forming-a-plan-b-can-stop-people-driving-into-floodwaters-183036">plan B</a></li> <li>familiarise yourself, and any learner drivers in the household or under your care, with the meaning and purpose of flood signage</li> <li>understand the legal consequences of crossing a road closed sign</li> <li>discuss the dangers of driving into floodwaters with learner drivers and help them formulate their own plan B</li> <li>model safe driving for all passengers, including children.</li> </ul> <h2>Time to lift our game</h2> Driving into floodwaters remains the main cause of <a href="https://currents.plos.org/disasters/article/causal-pathways-of-flood-related-river-drowning-deaths-in-australia/">flood-related drowning</a> in Australia. For our emergency service personnel, driver behaviour, including people ignoring road closed signs, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/hpja.181">significantly complicates</a> the already dangerous act of performing a flood rescue. Extreme weather and flooding are likely to become more frequent and intense in the future. That means the chance of being faced with a flooded road is growing. So information about driving during floods is vital for all, from the newly licensed to the experienced driver. We hope our research will encourage all states and territories to include provide practical, evidence-based advice on floods in driver handbooks as soon as possible.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/233116/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-peden-1136424">Amy Peden</a>, NHMRC Research Fellow, School of Population Health & co-founder UNSW Beach Safety Research Group, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kyra-hamilton-331594">Kyra Hamilton</a>, Associate Professor in Applied Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/just-15-centimetres-of-water-can-float-a-car-but-we-are-failing-to-educate-drivers-about-the-dangers-of-floodwaters-233116">original article</a>. </div>

Travel Trouble

Can you drink your fruit and vegetables? How does juice compare to the whole food?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-beckett-22673">Emma Beckett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Do you struggle to eat your fruits and vegetables? You are not alone. Less than 5% of Australians eat the recommended serves of fresh produce <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/dietary-behaviour/latest-release">each day</a> (with 44% eating enough fruit but only 6% eating the recommended vegetables). Adults <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/five-food-groups">should aim to eat</a> at least five serves of vegetables (or roughly 375 grams) and two serves of fruit (about 300 grams) each day. Fruits and vegetables help keep us healthy because they have lots of nutrients (vitamins, minerals and fibre) and health-promoting bioactive compounds (substances not technically essential but which have health benefits) without having many calories. So, if you are having trouble <a href="https://theconversation.com/want-your-child-to-eat-more-veggies-talk-to-them-about-eating-the-rainbow-195563">eating the rainbow</a>, you might be wondering – is it OK to drink your fruits and vegetables instead in a juice or smoothie? Like everything in nutrition, the answer is all about context. <h2>It might help overcome barriers</h2> Common reasons for not eating enough fruits and vegetables are <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1747-0080.12735">preferences, habits, perishability, cost, availability, time and poor cooking skills</a>. Drinking your fruits and vegetables in juices or smoothies can help overcome some of these barriers. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2009.01760.x">Juicing or blending</a> can help disguise tastes you don’t like, like bitterness in vegetables. And it can blitz imperfections such as bruises or soft spots. Preparation doesn’t take much skill or time, particularly if you just have to pour store-bought juice from the bottle. Treating for food safety and shipping time does change the make up of juices slightly, but unsweetened juices still remain significant sources of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12403253/">nutrients</a> and <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/00070701111140089/full/html?fullSc=1">beneficial bioactives</a>. Juicing can <a href="https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/nutrit/nuz031/30096176/nuz031.pdf">extend shelf life</a> and reduce the cost of nutrients. In fact, when researchers looked at the density of nutrients relative to the costs of common foods, <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/11/5771">fruit juice was the top performer</a>. <h2>So, drinking my fruits and veggies counts as a serve, right?</h2> How juice is positioned in healthy eating recommendations is a bit confusing. The <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/five-food-groups/fruit">Australian Dietary Guidelines</a> include 100% fruit juice with fruit but vegetable juice isn’t mentioned. This is likely because vegetable juices weren’t as common in 2013 when the guidelines were last revised. <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/five-food-groups/fruit">The guidelines</a> also warn against having juice too often or in too high amounts. This appears to be based on the logic that juice is similar, but not quite as good as, whole fruit. Juice has lower levels of fibre compared to fruits, with fibre important for gut health, heart health and promoting feelings of fullness. Juice and smoothies also release the sugar from the fruit’s other structures, making them “free”. The <a href="https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241549028">World Health Organization recommends</a> we limit free sugars for good health. But fruit and vegetables are more than just the sum of their parts. When we take a “<a href="https://hal.science/hal-01630639/">reductionist</a>” approach to nutrition, foods and drinks are judged based on assumptions made about limited features such as sugar content or specific vitamins. But these features might not have the impact we logically assume because of the complexity of foods and people. When humans eat varied and complex diets, we don’t necessarily need to be concerned that some foods are lower in fibre than others. Juice can retain the nutrients and bioactive compounds of fruit and vegetables and even add more because parts of the fruit we don’t normally eat, like the skin, can be included. <h2>So, it is healthy then?</h2> A recent <a href="https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/advance-article/doi/10.1093/nutrit/nuae036/7659479?login=false">umbrella review of meta-analyses</a> (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8977198/">a type of research</a> that combines data from multiple studies of multiple outcomes into one paper looked at the relationship between 100% juice and a range of health outcomes. Most of the evidence showed juice had a neutral impact on health (meaning no impact) or a positive one. Pure 100% juice was linked to improved heart health and inflammatory markers and wasn’t clearly linked to weight gain, multiple cancer types or metabolic markers (such as blood sugar levels). Some health risks linked to drinking juice were <a href="https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/advance-article/doi/10.1093/nutrit/nuae036/7659479?login=false">reported</a>: death from heart disease, prostate cancer and diabetes risk. But the risks were all reported in <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/what-are-observational-studies#:%7E:text=Observational%20studies%20are%20research%20studies,over%20a%20period%20of%20time.">observational studies</a>, where researchers look at data from groups of people collected over time. These are not controlled and do not record consumption in the moment. So other drinks people think of as 100% fruit juice (such as sugar-sweetened juices or cordials) might accidentally be counted as 100% fruit juice. These types of studies are not good at showing the direct causes of illness or death. <h2>What about my teeth?</h2> The common belief juice damages teeth might not stack up. Studies that show juice damages teeth often <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00190/full">lump 100% juice in with sweetened drinks</a>. Or they use model systems like fake mouths that <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00190/full">don’t match</a> how people drinks juice in real life. Some <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00190/full">use extreme scenarios</a> like sipping on large volumes of drink frequently over long periods of time. Juice is acidic and does contain sugars, but it is possible proper oral hygiene, including <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0300571207000152?via%3Dihub">rinsing, cleaning</a> and using straws can mitigate these risks. Again, reducing juice to its acid level misses the rest of the story, including the nutrients and bioactives contained in juice that are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352385919300210#:%7E:text=Research%20has%20also%20confirmed%20that,prevention%20of%20oral%20inflammatory%20disorders.">beneficial to oral health</a>. <h2>So, what should I do?</h2> Comparing whole fruit (a food) to juice (a drink) can be problematic. They serve different culinary purposes, so aren’t really interchangeable. The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommends <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-guide-healthy-eating">water as the preferred beverage</a> but this assumes you are getting all your essential nutrients from eating. Where juice fits in your diet depends on what you are eating and what other drinks it is replacing. Juice might replace water in the context of a “perfect” diet. Or juice might replace <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/substitution-of-pure-fruit-juice-for-fruit-and-sugarsweetened-beverages-and-cardiometabolic-risk-in-epicnl-a-prospective-cohort-study/B7314F1198109712DE0F2E44D919A6A7">alcohol or sugary soft drinks</a> and make the relative benefits look very different. <h2>On balance</h2> Whether you want to eat your fruits and vegetables or drink them comes down to what works for you, how it fits into the context of your diet and your life. Smoothies and juices aren’t a silver bullet, and there is no evidence they work as a “cleanse” or <a href="https://theconversation.com/lemon-water-wont-detox-or-energise-you-but-it-may-affect-your-body-in-other-ways-180035">detox</a>. But, with society’s low levels of fruit and vegetable eating, having the option to access nutrients and bioactives in a cheap, easy and tasty way shouldn’t be discouraged either.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/205222/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-beckett-22673">Emma Beckett</a>, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Innovation - School of Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-you-drink-your-fruit-and-vegetables-how-does-juice-compare-to-the-whole-food-205222">original article</a>. </div>

Food & Wine

Why doesn’t water help with spicy food? What about milk or beer?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/daniel-eldridge-1494633">Daniel Eldridge</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> Spicy foods taste spicy because they contain a family of compounds called capsaicinoids. Capsaicin is the major culprit. It’s found in chillies, jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and is even the active ingredient in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31334983/">pepper spray</a>. Capsaicin doesn’t actually physically heat up your mouth. The burning sensation comes from receptors in the mouth reacting to capsaicin and sending a signal to the brain that something is very hot. That’s why the “hot” chilli sensation feels so real – we even respond by sweating. To alleviate the heat, you need to remove the capsaicin from your mouth. So why doesn’t drinking water help make that spicy feeling go away? And what would work better instead? <h2>Water-loving and water-hating molecules</h2> To help us choose what might wash the capsaicin away most effectively, it’s helpful to know that capsaicin is a hydrophobic molecule. That means it hates being in contact with water and will not easily mix with it. Look what happens when you try to mix hydrophobic sand with water. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8cj9CpHW7w?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> On the other hand, hydrophilic molecules love water and are very happy to mix with it. You’ve likely seen this before. You can easily dissolve hydrophilic sugar in water, but it’s hard to wash away hydrophobic oils from your pan using tap water alone. If you try to wash hydrophobic capsaicin away with water, it won’t be very effective, because hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances don’t mix. Going for iced water will be even less effective, as hydrophobic capsaicin is even less soluble in water at lower temperatures. You may get a temporary sense of relief while the cold liquid is in your mouth, but as soon as you swallow it, you’ll be back where you started. Instead, a good choice would be to consume something that is also hydrophobic. This is because of an old-but-true adage in chemistry that “like dissolves like”. The idea is that generally, hydrophobic substances will not dissolve in something hydrophilic – like water – but will dissolve in something that is also hydrophobic, as this video shows: <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s5yfs-Pr_y8?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>My mouth is on fire. What should I drink instead of water?</h2> A swig of oil would likely be effective, but is perhaps not so palatable. Milk makes for an ideal choice for two reasons. The first is that milk contains hydrophobic fats, which the capsaicin will more easily dissolve in, allowing it to be washed away. The second is that dairy products contain a protein called casein. Casein is an emulsifier, a substance that helps oils and water mix, as in this video: <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S4XeQhZRLDE?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Casein plays a large role in keeping the fat mixed throughout your glass of milk, and it also has a strong affinity for capsaicin. It will readily wrap up and encapsulate capsaicin molecules and assist in carrying them away from the receptor. This relieves the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36510373/">burning sensation</a>. <h2>OK but I hate drinking milk. What else can I try?</h2> What about raita? This dish, commonly served with Indian curries, is made primarily from yoghurt. So aside from being its own culinary experience, raita is rich in fats, and therefore contains plenty of hydrophobic material. It also contains casein, which will again help lock up and remove the capsaicin. Ice cream would also work, as it contains both casein and large amounts of hydrophobic substances. Some studies have also shown that consuming <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9328490/">drinks with large amounts of sugar</a> can relieve spiciness. What about reaching for that ice cold beer? This is commonly suggested as a suitable approach to stop the burning. At first glance, this may seem a good idea because capsaicin is highly soluble in alcohol. However, most beers only contain between 4–6% alcohol. The bulk of the liquid in beer is water, which is hydrophilic and cannot wash away capsaicin. The small amount of alcohol in your beer would make it slightly more effective, but not to any great degree. Your curry and beer may taste great together, but that’s likely the only benefit. In truth, an alcoholic beverage is not going to help much unless you go for something with a much, much higher alcohol content, which comes with its own problems.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/226624/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/daniel-eldridge-1494633">Daniel Eldridge</a>, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-doesnt-water-help-with-spicy-food-what-about-milk-or-beer-226624">original article</a>. </div>

Food & Wine

"Why is the water so salty?" and other priceless questions from clueless tourists

In the heart of the stunning intersection where the Daintree Rainforest kisses the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g499639-d1045292-Reviews-Ocean_Safari-Cape_Tribulation_Daintree_Region_Queensland.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ocean Safari</a> – a top-notch, eco-certified tour company. Brooke Nikola, one of their delightful tour guides, has been guiding wide-eyed adventurers through this paradise for years. With thousands of tourists coming from all corners of the globe, she’s accumulated a treasure trove of amusing anecdotes that could rival the size of the reef itself. Let’s dive right into the deep end with some classic moments <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/australian-holidays/queensland/hilarious-comments-from-clueless-tourists/news-story/ad90a419cbf4fed9d454d3edef0cb096" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per news.com.au</a>. One sunny day, while marvelling at the endless blue expanse, a curious tourist asked Brooke, “Why does the water taste so salty?” “Well, it’s the ocean,” Brooke gently reminded them. Ah, the wonders of seawater – still a mystery to some. Then there was the time aboard the Ocean Safari vessel, cruising serenely over the waves, when a perplexed guest inquired, “How far above sea level are we?” And who could forget the would-be scientist who attempted to bottle the stunning blue ocean water, only to be baffled when it turned out clear. We can only imagine Brooke explaining the tricky science of light refraction and how the ocean's mesmerising blue doesn't quite fit into a bottle. No doubt their holiday turned into an impromptu science lesson. The complaints Brooke hears are just as priceless. One guest, dripping after a snorkelling session, grumbled, “Ugh, snorkelling makes me so wet.” Then there was the revelation about the rainforest. As rain drizzled through the lush canopy, a bewildered tourist remarked, “It’s so rainy in the rainforest!” Who knew that rain would be part of the rainforest experience? Certainly not that guest! Geography can be tricky, especially in a place as uniquely named as Cape Tribulation. As tourists boarded the Ocean Safari vessel from Cape Tribulation beach, one asked where the Daintree Rainforest was – oblivious to the verdant scenery they had driven through for the past hour. Brooke had to kindly point out that they had been in it this whole time. Another classic came from a guest who thought Cape Tribulation was an island. They earnestly asked, “So, how big is the whole island?” To which Brooke replied, “It’s pretty big. So big, in fact, it’s known as Australia!” Through all of these delightful moments, no doubt Brooke remained a fountain of patience and good humour. So, next time you find yourself at Cape Tribulation, remember to bring your sense of wonder – and a good laugh. Because as Brooke can tell you, the Great Barrier Reef is full of surprises, both above and below the water! Images: Ocean Safari / Instagram

Travel Trouble

Belated tributes for iconic Sylvania Waters star

One of Australia's first ever reality TV star has died, but her death went unreported for over a year. Noeline Donaher, the star of Sylvania Waters, died on May 2023, with Australian pop culture producer Matt Fulton bringing attention to her death by sharing a Facebook post written by Donaher’s son, Mick, on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Holy c*** — Noeline Donaher DID pass away May 2023, and there wasn’t a blip in any news/media,” Fulton wrote on X. “How did we miss this news? I had to do a deep dive to find the info. It really was not reported anywhere," the pop culture producer added. The Facebook post announcing her death was shared on May 30 2023 and read: “Dad has asked me to share with you all the sad news that Noeline Donaher, his partner of over 40yrs, recently passed away." “Noeline absolutely loved Appendix J racing ... Together they raced everything from a couple of Valiants to a Lotus Cortina ... More importantly she made lots of great friends over the years and had many laughs/memorable times at tracks all around Australia, including Tasmania and WA! “I’m just with (her husband) Laurie today and going through some old pics on the wall and in albums so thought I’d share a few of them with you all and say THANKS, on their behalf, to the Appendix J Old Boys for many years of fun, friendship and great memories.” Sylvania Waters which aired for 12 episodes in 1992 caused a lot of controversy at the time, because of its unique concept. The show followed the Donahers as they went about their lives in their home in the titular south Sydney suburb of Sylvania Waters. At the time, some critics and viewers criticised how the reality TV show depicted the family, saying that it showed all Aussies – as “materialistic, argumentative and heavy-drinking”, according to the SMH. When the series aired in the UK, The Daily Telegraph Mirror dubbed the show “a vicious putdown tailor-made for British audiences” and many viewers were shocked at the antics of the Australian family. Viewers of the show were stunned to learn that her death went unreported, and many shared their condolences on X. “Vale the original Kath Day-Knight,” wrote one follower, referring to Sylvania Waters influence on another beloved show, Kath and Kim. “One of the world’s first reality TV series, and one that put Sylvania Waters on the map," added another. “Get me a bourbon, Laurie,” wrote a third, citing one of her iconic lines. “Sad. I grew up around the corner and went to school with their kids,” added a fourth. Images: X

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Can you drink your fruit and vegetables? How does juice compare to the whole food?

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"Why is the water so salty?" and other priceless questions from clueless tourists

Belated tributes for iconic Sylvania Waters star

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