01/06/25 - #298

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Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Supplement Recall Over "Serious or Even Fatal" Poisoning Danger

  • Scientists Say There is No Compelling Evidence to Support the Use of 'Detox' Diets for Weight Loss or Toxin Elimination

  • 'Cancer Ghosting' Can Be More Painful Than Treatment, Survivors Say

  • How Stimulating the Body's Largest Nerve May Relieve Severe Depression

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Supplement Recall Over "Serious or Even Fatal" Poisoning Danger

A Texas company, Motivate Me Ashley, LLC, is recalling its VidaSlim supplements. They may contain yellow oleander, a toxic plant. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found the poison in samples of the products. Yellow oleander can harm the heart, stomach, and nerves. In severe cases, it can even cause death.

The recalled products are VidaSlim Original Root, Root Capsules, Root Plus, and Hot Body Brew in peach and strawberry flavors. These supplements were sold online and through distributors. The recall covers products with expiration dates from December 2024 to December 2025.

This warning is part of an FDA investigation into supplements sold as tejocote root. Tejocote is a natural plant often used for digestion and weight loss, but some products have been found to contain yellow oleander instead.

If you have any of these products, stop using them immediately. The FDA recommends returning them to the store or website where you bought them. For questions, you can call VidaSlim at (210) 334-0664 during business hours or email them at [email protected].

The recall follows a 2023 CDC report about mislabeled tejocote products. In one case, a toddler became seriously ill after eating a weight-loss supplement that contained yellow oleander. Thankfully, the child recovered.

Stay safe by checking your supplements and staying updated on recalls. Your health comes first.

WEIGHT LOSS

Scientists Say There is No Compelling Evidence to Support the Use of 'Detox' Diets for Weight Loss or Toxin Elimination

It’s a new year, and you may feel tempted to try a detox to reset your body or shed holiday weight. But experts say you should think twice. According to scientists, there’s no solid evidence that detox diets help remove toxins or lead to sustainable weight loss.

Detox diets come in many forms. They include juice fasts, cleansing foods, and herbal remedies. But, they often rely on extreme calorie restriction or questionable products. These diets may cause short-term weight loss, but they can also lead to binge eating and rapid weight regain. Worse, they are usually low in nutrients and can even harm your health.

Dr. David Juurlink, a toxicologist, explains that our bodies already have effective systems for eliminating toxins—our liver and kidneys. Most detox diets, he says, don’t even specify what “toxins” they aim to remove because they can’t identify them.

Detox diet studies often lack scientific rigor. Some practices, like coffee enemas or unpasteurized juices, can be risky. Juices high in oxalates, such as spinach or beet-based drinks, can contribute to kidney problems. In rare cases, extreme detox practices can lead to serious health issues, like water intoxication or liver damage.

The truth? A balanced, sustainable diet that works for your lifestyle is the best way to stay healthy. Forget the fads and focus on long-term habits that nourish your body. As Dr. Juurlink puts it, “A severe detox or cleanse isn’t the answer.”

HEALTH

'Cancer Ghosting' Can Be More Painful Than Treatment, Survivors Say

For cancer survivors like Chelsey Gomez, the hardest part of her diagnosis wasn’t the treatments—it was losing people she loved. At 28, Chelsey was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. She expected support but instead watched friends and family, including her younger brother, disappear. This painful experience, called "cancer ghosting," haunts survivors. They feel abandoned and question their self-worth.

Chelsey’s story is one many cancer survivors share. Social worker Carissa Hodgson explains that ghosting often happens because people don’t know how to handle their own fears. They may feel awkward, afraid of saying the wrong thing, or even scared of thinking about illness and death. While survivors feel hurt, ghosting is usually about the other person’s discomfort, not a lack of care.

The emotional toll of cancer ghosting is heavy. Survivors like Ashley Levinson, who battled breast cancer, say it made them feel like a burden. But Ashley found others who supported her, showing how small gestures—like sending a text or offering a meal—can make a big difference.

Experts say showing support doesn’t have to be complicated. Even saying, “I’m thinking of you,” can help survivors feel less alone.

Now 34, Chelsey is cancer-free and uses her art to express her experiences. She often paints ghosts to symbolize people she’s lost and her journey as a survivor. She still hurts from being ghosted. But, she is building new connections. This proves that healing is possible—even after deep loss.

Small actions can mean everything.

How Stimulating the Body's Largest Nerve May Relieve Severe Depression

For some, severe depression doesn’t respond to traditional treatments like medications or therapy. This is known as treatment-resistant depression, and it affects millions. But hope may lie in an innovative approach: vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

The vagus nerve, running from the brain to many vital organs, acts as a two-way communication highway. VNS uses a small device, implanted near the collarbone, to send electrical pulses to this nerve. These signals help regulate brain areas tied to mood.

Nick Fournie, now 62, battled depression for decades. After years of trying medications that didn’t work, he learned about VNS. The treatment changed his life. “I find joy every single day,” he says.

Research supports Nick’s experience. A recent year-long study of 493 adults found that VNS improved many participants' symptoms, daily function, and quality of life. Some saw significant mood improvement after months of use.

However, VNS isn’t perfect. Side effects like hoarseness and shortness of breath can occur. The treatment is also costly—about $25,000—and often not covered by insurance.

Still, for those facing long-term depression, VNS offers new possibilities. It’s not a cure-all but could be a life-changing option for people like Nick.

If you or someone you know has treatment-resistant depression, talk to a doctor about VNS or joining a clinical trial. A brighter future might just be a pulse away.

✢ A Note From Hem Hero

The information in this health newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. The publishers are not responsible for any actions taken by the reader based on the information provided.