James Witts
Recent articles by James Witts
10 easy habits to build muscle, boost testosterone and improve your memory
From boosting testosterone and strengthening bones, here's how you can defy ageing for longer.
What are the worst pub drinks and snacks for adding belly fat? We rate the most popular options from the bar...
There's nothing like a cold drink on a hot day - but which is the healthiest choice? James Witts takes a look
Gout levels are rising. Here are 5 surprising foods that can cause a painful episode of the "disease of kings"
Red meat and seafood are generally accepted as foods to avoid during a gout flare up, but are there any surprising culprits too?
How fast do you really need to walk to beat belly fat? Scientists weigh in
Are you walking fast enough? How speeding up can tackle obesity and decrease mortality risk
What happens to your body if you stop exercising? Here are the real effects of detraining on our health and longevity
Sports expert James Witts shares what goes on in the body during "detraining", including the impact on cardiovascular fitness and VO2max.
Do I need extra magnesium, and will it help me recover more quickly after exercise?
NHS guidelines state that men need 300mg of magnesium a day, women 270mg. But to achieve this, do you need to take a supplement?
The wettest year in history? 2026 might be rainy, but it has nothing on these historic drenchings
Leave the house and you’ll suffer a drenching. Yep, rain is incessant around the UK. But it’s nothing compared to the Carnian Pluvial Event. Or the Severn surge of 1607. Or…
Why your inner ears won’t stop itching (and why cotton buds aren’t the answer)
Death, taxes and itchy inner ears – the three certainties of life. But what’s behind your tickly lughole?
Why are trainers hung over power lines?
The image of shoes slung over telephones lines is one we’re all familiar with – it’s the topic of many an urban myth. But why does it actually happen?
The curious case of the dog poo bag in the tree: a very modern countryside mystery explained
Why do we bag up dog poo and stick it in a tree? The surprisingly complex psychology behind this phenomenon turns out to be less about laziness – and more about humans’ brain psychology
I see caffeine supplements are all the rage in sport. Why? Is there more to it than marketing?
With caffeine gums, gels, liquids and capsules now dominating the supplement market (and the sidelines of football pitches), we investigate whether they ACTUALLY do what they promise
This one neurological hack could boost your athletic performance – and it’s easier than you might think
Summoning the power of placebo could ease the pain when exercising – here's how
Has there been a dementia vaccine under our noses all along?
A Welsh vaccination rollout has revealed powerful protective effects, offering fresh clues about how vaccines may help delay or even reduce dementia
Here’s why you need to master the afternoon power nap – and how to maximise its benefits
Struggle to get through the afternoon? Boost your memory, improve alertness and complete tasks quicker with a post-lunch nap
Hidden caves, swallowed cars and a ‘Heavenly Pit’: The terrifying rise of sinkholes and what you need to know
Sinkholes are appearing with alarming frequency across the UK and beyond,. As extreme weather, shifting water tables and human activity destabilise the ground beneath us, experts warn that no street is entirely immune to sudden collapse.
This ‘Franken-Veg’ is becoming the UK’s favourite – now athletes are now using it to boost performance
Broccolini, aka Tenderstem broccoli, has been rising in popularity for some time – but how does it compare to good old fashioned broccoli?
These key food groups will help you fight dangerously high levels of cholesterol and belly fat
While we all need cholesterol in our bodies, high amounts can be dangerous. Here's how to reduce your levels
You’re probably ageing your brain prematurely every single night — without even realising it. Here's how to stop...
You might think you’re getting by just fine on six hours of sleep, but your brain strongly disagrees.
Ultra-processed foods are everywhere – including in your healthy snacks. Here’s how to stop them killing your health
They’re marketed as healthy and convenient — but ultra-processed foods could be doing far more harm than you think.
Why fat in the brain could be a secret trigger for Alzheimer’s - and how to reduce dementia risk
New research suggests fatty build-up in the brain may fuel dementia…
Ultra-distance running could cause cancer warn experts
Is ultra-distance running healthy?
Sweeteners vs sugar: Is the ‘healthy’ swap harming your brain and accelerating mental decline?
Are sweeteners actually better for me than sugar
We're sleep experts and this is how firm your mattress should be to banish lower-back pain and ensure a good night’s sleep
The debate between a soft vs firm mattress is often heated – so we thought we'd finally put it to rest, according to science
This diet could help prevent dementia, say scientists
A recent 15-year dietary study from Sweden could change the way you eat and how you age…
