RJ Hamster
Should we rethink tattoo ink?
| November 30, 2025PRESENTED BYmbg staffers swear by these natural fit running shoesMorning! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! This time of year can feel overwhelming for many—schedules packed with holiday parties, to-do lists that feel like marathons—so I hope over the next month you can take time out of your day to care for yourself. Even if it’s just reading this newsletter. We promise to keep it packed with tips that help you feel your healthiest. What are you doing to care for yourself during the holiday season? Reply to this email and let me know!— Alexandra Engler, senior directorShould we rethink tattoo ink?Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but tattoo ink doesn’t just stay skin-deep. In a new study, researchers analyzed tissue samples from tattooed individuals and found ink nanoparticlesaccumulated in lymph nodes over time.¹The study observed that this accumulation was linked to localized structural changes and immune cell activation—specifically involving macrophages. This could theoretically lead to chronic low-grade inflammation.Pigment composition played a role: inks with titanium dioxide and certain organic pigments were more likely to trigger immune cell engagement.An important caveat? Risks may accumulate over very long timeframes, and many individuals with tattoos have no known adverse outcomes.More research is needed and researchers say this doesn’t necessarily mean immediate health risks, but this study suggests it would be a good idea to know about the ingredients in tattoo ink and gain a greater understanding of its impact on the immune system. +A much-needed boostDon’t forget your immune system relies on thisWhy you should always have ginger aroundThese carbs play a surprising role in immune healthPRESENTED BYIs your running shoe shape & fit wrong?One of the most pervasive myths about running is that pinched toes and aching feet are just part of the deal. The truth is that these are signs your running shoe is all wrong. Altra’s signature fit is designed to keep your feet in a natural position for comfort, balance, and strength. The Altra Fit features:Room for your toes: Narrow toe boxes can increase the risk of physical stress by limiting natural toe splay and changing gait mechanics.² Altra’s roomy toe box means the toes have room to naturally spread out, providing a stable foundation to run on.Zero-to-low drop heal: Research shows that this helps keep the foot in a more natural position, encourage better form, reduce strain on several joints, and improves energy efficiency.³Altra builds shoes around how your feet are actually shaped and how they’re meant to move. Lace up a pair and you’ll experience runs that feel freer, smoother, and more sustainable.Shop nowIf you do one thing… learn a new languageLearning another language isn’t just handy when you travel, it has serious health benefits. Past research has shown it supports cognitive function in people of all ages. A massive new study found its benefits go beyond the brain.⁴Speaking more than one language can slow the biological processes of aging and protect against age-related decline.Multilingual participants were 50% less likely to show signs of biological aging compared to those who speak only oneThe data came from over 85K people across 27 countries, making it one of the largest studies on the subject.Want to feel younger and have the ability to strike up a conversation with someone new? This may be one of the most rewarding ways to support long-term health. + Other habits that slow agingThis workout is linked to longer telomeres3 rituals to slow brain shrinkageThe diet protocol that keeps you youngPost holiday movement ideasCredit:Tamara Muth-King / ContributorA 5-minute core challenge you can do anywhereA quick hack to move more without overthinking itWe love snacking — especially when it’s exercising snackingDo this for 3 minutes a day to help you live longerThe running shoes our CEO wears & endorses“I wear Altra Running shoes. Their unique Altra Fit keeps your feet in a natural position, giving you balance, stability, and all-day comfort.” — mindbodygreen co-founder & CEO Jason WachobShop nowAsk an R.D.: What are the 3 best foods for immune health?While resting, staying hydrated, and time are key factors in recovery, what you eat may help speed things along. These are 3 foods to have on rotation this winter. Kimchi: Fermented veggies give your gut microbiome the good bacteria it needs to thrive.Since so much of your immune system lives in the gut, a healthier microbiome can mean a more balanced, resilient immune response.Oranges or grapefruit: Yes, the vitamin C from citrus is good for your immunity (it helps immune cells communicate and clear excess inflammation).Regular intake is linked to shorter, less intense colds.Garlic: This sulfur-rich veggie helps stimulate white blood cells and improve resistance to infections.To maximize benefits (from the compound allicin), cut or mince raw garlic and let it sit for several minutes. Eat raw or cook lightly.+Stay healthyAn orange a day keeps this awayWhy you should say yes to sauerkrautThe health benefits of garlic– mindbodygreen editor & author of mbg’s newsletter Functional Food, Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDNThat’s it for the long game—we hope you’re geared up for the week ahead of you.Want more from mindbodygreen? Find us here:✍️The latest articles on mindbodygreen📱️Join 1M+ others on Instagram and TikTok🎧️Listen to The mindbodygreen Podcast for health deep dives🛍️Support your well-being with supplements & personal care🌱Enroll in our best-in-class Functional Nutrition course📚Become a board-certified health coach todayCredential Check Alexandra EnglerSenior Director Emma Engler, M.S.Expert ReviewForwarded this email? CLICK HERE to subscribe for free!Citations1 PNAS2 Bioengineering3 Journal of Sports Science & Medicine4 Nature Aging Just a heads-up: Everything in this newsletter is for general info only—not medical advice. We always recommend checking in with a healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Our product picks and reviews reflect our editors’ opinions unless we say otherwise. We sometimes link to other sites, but we’re not responsible for their content.*These statements haven’t been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.© 2024 mindbodygreen, All rights reserved. 2980 McFarlane Road, Miami, FL 33133 UNSUBSCRIBE |
Alexandra EnglerSenior Director