Religious fasting can change metabolism in older adults, but effects vary by fasting type, duration, individual health, and how fasting is practiced alongside medications and nutrition. Multiple studies report fasting lowers blood glucose and insulin, increases fat use and ketones,…
Is religious faith linked to a lower risk of substance abuse? Research from large studies shows a connection between strong religious involvement and fewer cases of substance abuse, though it is not a simple cause-and-effect relationship. For more details, see…
Can group prayer circles help hospital patients recover faster? Research so far gives a mixed picture: some studies report small benefits in psychological well being, coping, and treatment adherence, while rigorous trials of remote intercessory prayer show little or no…
Religion and spirituality can both lower and raise caregiver stress, depending on how beliefs, practices, and community resources interact with the caregiver’s situation and culture[2][3]. Religious involvement often reduces caregiver stress by providing social support, meaning, coping tools, and healthier…
Does spirituality reduce loneliness in seniors? Many studies and reviews indicate that spirituality and religious involvement can reduce loneliness in older adults by increasing social connections, providing emotional support, and giving a sense of meaning and purpose[1][2]. Spiritual practices often…
Fasting can trigger headaches and migraine attacks in many people, most likely through a combination of low blood sugar, dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, and changes in routine or stress levels[2][6]. Why fasting can cause headaches – Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) during…
Religion shapes coping after grief and loss by offering rituals, community support, and a sense of meaning that helps people process their pain. For many, faith provides comfort through shared practices and beliefs about life after death. When someone loses…
Can forgiveness practices improve heart health? Yes. Research links forgiveness and related practices to lower stress responses, reduced inflammation, and improved cardiovascular markers that together suggest forgiveness can benefit heart health[2][3]. How forgiveness may affect the heart – Stress reduction:…
Regular church attendance is associated with better social well being for many people, largely because it builds regular social ties, mutual support, a sense of belonging, and shared purpose; multiple studies link declines in churchgoing to worse mental health and…
Is there evidence that prayer helps stroke recovery? Many people wonder about this after a loved one has a stroke, hoping for ways to speed up healing. Stroke recovery can take months or even years, involving physical therapy, healthy habits,…