"What is keto diet?" is Georgia's most Googled health question in 2017 (so far).
That's according to a CNN analysis of Google Trends data on health-related "what" and "why" questions searched around the globe this year.
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In Georgia, folks also asked Dr. Google about everything, from yawns to opioids. They also wanted to know why they're always so tired.
And now, we want to answer some of those burning questions.
Q: What is keto diet?
A: The ketogenic diet (or keto diet) is a restrictive low-carb diet that involves reducing the number of calories you get from carbohydrates (foods including breads, sugar and fruits) and greatly increasing the calories you get from fats, the AJC previously reported. When your body doesn't get enough carbs to use for energy, it looks to stored fat and protein to supplement what you're eating, a process called ketosis.
» RELATED: What you need to know before starting the keto diet
Q: Why are yawns contagious?
A: There are multiple theories out there that seek to answer this question, but ultimately, contagious yawning is still a mystery to scientists.
Previous research has noted yawning could be a sign of empathy, showing that you're attuned to other people's emotions. Other studies have claimed links to age, suggesting that the younger you are the more likely you are to yawn after seeing someone else yawn. Some scientists have also said it's just something our brains are wired to do. According to Mental Floss, "parts of the amygdala—a brain area associated with fear and heightened attention—light up in response to images of yawning."
» RELATED: Yawning is more contagious for the young, study says
Q: Why am I always tired?
A: According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one-third of healthy teens, adults and older individuals report feeling sleepy or fatigued on a regular basis. And there are plenty of factors involved.
Here are some reasons why you're always feeling so tired, according to experts at Health.com:
• You skip your workout when you’re tired.
• You don’t drink enough water.
• You don’t consume enough iron.
• You’re a perfectionist, which makes you work harder and longer than you need to.
• You make mountains out of molehills.
• You skip out on breakfast.
• You primarily eat junk food.
• You’re a people-pleaser and have trouble saying “no.”
• You have a cluttered workspace.
• You work during vacation.
• You drink a glass or two of wine before bed.
• You check your e-mails at bedtime.
• You depend on caffeine to get you through the day.
• You stay up too late on weekends.
» RELATED: Study: People may not want to hang out with you if you look tired
Q: What is an opioid?
A: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioids are a class of drugs that bind to opioid receptors on cells in the brain and throughout the body, cells that may control your digestion, pain and other functions.
» RELATED: Georgia among the top states with opioid overdose deaths
Your body already contains some opioid chemicals (like endorphins), which help relieve pain and give you that positive feeling after exercise. But when opioid drugs attach to the cell receptors in the brain, they can dull your perception of pain even more, which is why some opioid drugs are prescribed by physicians for patients with severe injuries.
Misuse of opioids starts when prescription opioid drugs or illegal opioids (like heroin) are used to feel euphoric. The misuse of opioids can lead to addiction and can be potentially fatal.
» RELATED: US gun death rate up for second straight year, drug deaths rising faster than ever
In 2016, for every 100,000 residents, almost 20 died in drug overdose, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heroin and other opioids are leading the deadly epidemic.
In October, President Donald Trump declared the opioid epidemic a "public health emergency."
Q: What is atorvastatin used for?
A: The drug atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol as well as to lower risk of heart complications, including stroke or heart attack, in people with Type 2 diabetes or coronary heart disease.
» RELATED: Dietitian's four favorite foods are high in good fats
According to Drugs.com, atorvastatin belongs to a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." It essentially reduces the "bad" cholesterol and increases the "good" cholesterol in the body.
Explore more of Georgia's top questions of 2017 at trends.google.com.
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