NATURAL SELECTION

Ancient history or modern medicine? Here’s what the science has to say...

GROUND LIVING

As in eschewing chairs and beds for sitting and sleeping on the floor. A study in The BMJ observed fewer musculoskeletal problems within floor-sleeping cultures – but this finding has yet to be, ahem, grounded with firm science.

HUMAN CONTACT

A litany of studies connect close relationships to good health. And, as well as releasing oxytocin, which facilitates bonding, skin-to-skin touch prompts your vagus nerve to drop your heart rate and blood pressure. Live alone? Get a pet.

HOUSEPLANTS

Keep them alive and they may return the favour: See NASA’S 1989 cleanair study for the most effective indoor foliage for removing ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and xylene. Plants can also cultivate productivity.

HANGING OUT

It’s promoted for spinal decompression, shoulder function and honouring your tree-climbing roots. But Dr Pontzer believes that two million years of anatomical changes have made us less capable than our ape relatives, so the argument is weak.

USING THE SQUATTY POTTY

Ohio State researchers testing ‘defecation postural modification devices’ asked medical residents to log their… you know. Almost all reported less straining and faster movements when using one. Don’t pooh-pooh.