Background: The impact of medical intervention on a patient’s quality of life (QoL) is more and more important. Treatment success is defined not only in terms of the success of the procedure performed but also with regard to its impact on different areas of the patient’s life. The aim of the study was to assess the QoL of patients after cataract surgery and identify factors that affect it. Methods: Between January and March 2018, a survey was carried out among 100 patients who had undergone cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation at the ‘Spektrum’ Clinical Ophthalmology Centre in Wrocław. The World Health Organization Quality of Life—BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and Illness Acceptance Scale (AIS) were used. Results: Most respondents (67%) rated their overall health as very good. The median score on the AIS was 34 (31.5–39), indicating a high level of illness acceptance. There was no statistically significant relationship (p > 0.05) between sex and QoL nor between the level of illness acceptance and QoL. We found no statistically significant relationships between place of residence and QoL (p > 0.05) nor between place of residence and AIS. Conclusions: The respondents reported the highest QoL scores for the environment domain and the lowest QoL scores for the social relationships domain. QoL had a positive impact on illness acceptance among the study patients. Younger patients (aged 50 or under) reported significantly higher scores for all the domains of QoL. Being employed was found to be associated with better QoL and greater illness acceptance.

Introduction and purpose: The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms inhabiting our intestines, is pivotal for human health. This intricate microbial ecosystem influences various aspects of health, including digestion, metabolism, immune function and even mental well-being. Comprehending connections between physical activity and gut microbiota is vital for public health advocacy, particularly amidst the rise of sedentary lifestyle. The nature of modern lifestyles contributes to decreased physical activity, exacerbating the health consequences associated with a disrupted gut microbiota. In conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota have been observed. These changes, often referred to as dysbiosis, are characterized by a decrease in microbial diversity and shifts in the relative abundance of certain bacterial taxa. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of professional and amateur physical activity on gut microbiota. Description of the state of knowledge: Recent research reveals a significant link between physical activity and the gut microbiota, hinting at its potential health implications. Studies indicate that exercise may promote greater microbial diversity in the gut, contributing to improved metabolic balance and reduced inflammation. Summary: Exercise can modulate the composition and diversity of gut microbes, promoting a more beneficial profile associated with enhanced metabolic health and immune function. Ongoing research in this area could guide the development of exercise plans that enhance not just physical fitness but also gut health and overall well-being.

Introduction: Depression stands as a primary contributor to disability, prompting extensive exploration of treatment and prevention strategies. Recognizing the limitations of conventional approaches, the significance of effective non-pharmacological therapies, like psychotherapy, in managing mental health disorders is increasingly acknowledged. There's a growing interest in mindfulness-based interventions such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). These interventions, which prioritize present-moment awareness and acceptance, target depression's mechanisms, such as rumination, while cultivating coping strategies and resilience. Mindfulness, with its comprehensive approach and capacity for self-regulation, emerges as pivotal in addressing psychiatric conditions. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of MBCT and MBSR's effectiveness in treating depression and preventing relapses. Description of the state of knowledge: MBCT and MBSR exhibit promising potential in effectively managing and preventing depression. Moreover, they alleviate anxiety, emotional exhaustion, stress and psychological distress, while fostering improved coping with rumination, memory disturbances and emotional regulation. Summary: Research indicates that incorporating MBCT and MBSR could offer a hopeful avenue for managing and alleviating the symptoms of depression and mental disorders, by addressing underlying factors which play a pivotal role in their development. To corroborate these encouraging results, additional randomized, large-scale, placebo-controlled trials are essential.

Introduction and purpose: The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms inhabiting our intestines, is pivotal for human health. This intricate microbial ecosystem influences various aspects of health, including digestion, metabolism, immune function and even mental well-being. Comprehending connections between physical activity and gut microbiota is vital for public health advocacy, particularly amidst the rise of sedentary lifestyle. The nature of modern lifestyles contributes to decreased physical activity, exacerbating the health consequences associated with a disrupted gut microbiota. In conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota have been observed. These changes, often referred to as dysbiosis, are characterized by a decrease in microbial diversity and shifts in the relative abundance of certain bacterial taxa. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of professional and amateur physical activity on gut microbiota. Description of the state of knowledge: Recent research reveals a significant link between physical activity and the gut microbiota, hinting at its potential health implications. Studies indicate that exercise may promote greater microbial diversity in the gut, contributing to improved metabolic balance and reduced inflammation. Summary: Exercise can modulate the composition and diversity of gut microbes, promoting a more beneficial profile associated with enhanced metabolic health and immune function. Ongoing research in this area could guide the development of exercise plans that enhance not just physical fitness but also gut health and overall well-being.

Introduction: Green tea has been a meaningful element of various cultures among the world for ages and its benefits for human health are widely known. Discovery of its ingredients facilitated the profound research of their positive role and mechanisms of action. One of them – l-theanine - seems to have a multidirectional influence on human health. Methods and materials: A review of chosen literature from PubMed database, GoogleScholar database between the years 2000-2023 was conducted using the following keywords: “theanine”, “theanine cognition”, “theanine brain activity”, “theanine neural activity”, “theanine neuroprotection”, “theanine stress”, “theanine cancer”, “theanine immunity”, “theanine safety”, “theanine caffeine”, “theanine metabolism” Aim of study: Review of current knowledge on l-theanine, its benefits for health, mechanisms of action, possible applications in clinical use and safety. Results: L-theanine has a profitable influence on cognitive performance, stress management, neuroprotection, immunity and exhibits anti-cancer properties while having virtually no detrimental side effects. Conclusions: Further research on application of l-theanine in clinical use is necessary as studies carried out on humans included only a limited number of participants.

Introduction: In today's fast-paced life, an increasing number of people are experiencing chronic stress, which negatively impacts our mental and physical health, leading to troublesome conditions such as primary headaches. Faced with this challenge, more individuals are turning their attention to mindfulness techniques as an effective tool for stress management. In light of this, mindfulness, focusing on the awareness of the present moment, emerges as a promising method for preventing and alleviating stress-induced headaches and the resulting aftermath. Purpose: Offer a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the efficacy of mindfulness training, particularly Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), in the prevention and relief of primary headaches and their associated consequences. Description of the state of knowledge: MBSR demonstrates the potential for effectively coping with stress-induced headaches and their subsequent effects, including disability related to headaches. This category of pain includes conditions like migraine and tension-type headaches. In the clinical trials conducted thus far participants in the MBSR program show noticeable improvement in headache-related disability, self-efficacy, quality of life, catastrophic pain, and depression scores. Summary: Studies suggest that integrating mindfulness training could present a promising strategy for preventing and reducing the severity of primary headaches and their consequences, by mitigating stress, a crucial factor influencing the onset of these headaches. To validate these promising findings, further randomized, large-scale, placebo-controlled studies are required.