01/09/25 - #301

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• You’re Being Lied to About “Ultra-processed” Foods

• How to Quickly Lose Weight?

• FDA Says Decongestant in Many Cold Medicines Doesn’t Work. So What Does?

• A Study of Young, Healthy Women Found That They Tend to Display Stronger Depression-like Patterns of Cognitive Processing When Actively Taking Oral Contraceptives. This Effect Was Particularly Pronounced Among Women With Generally Higher Levels of Depressive Symptoms

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

You’re Being Lied to About “Ultra-processed” Foods

Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about "ultra-processed" foods, especially vegan items like plant-based meats. But the scary headlines might not be telling the whole truth.

Journalist Marina Bolotnikova looked into a study that caused a lot of this worry. The study did say that certain plant-based, ultra-processed foods could increase health risks. However, the vegan meats discussed in the news were barely part of the study. These items, such as Beyond Meat products, made up just 0.2 percent of what was actually studied.

The main focus was on other foods like packaged breads and pastries. This shows that sometimes, what we read in the news doesn't fully match the truth of the research. The term "ultra-processed" is so broad that it can confuse us more than help us understand what’s healthy.

Experts think that the fear about ultra-processed foods connects to bigger worries about how modern food is made and how it affects our health. It’s true that some heavily processed foods are not good for us, but not all processed foods should be avoided.

For example, tofu and tempeh, which have been used in cooking for centuries, were wrongly labeled as ultra-processed in the study. These foods are actually quite natural and healthy.

The lesson here? Be careful about food processing, but also be skeptical of alarming headlines. It's important to really understand what you're eating and choose wisely based on facts, not fear.

Source: vox.com

WEIGHT LOSS

How to Quickly Lose Weight?

Trying to lose weight but finding it tough? Sometimes, success in shedding pounds isn't just about trying hard—it's about smart strategies. It's like when you learn to play an instrument or a sport; the right methods make a big difference.

Tip 1: Pick Healthy Fats The keto diet is popular for cutting carbs, but the type of fats you eat matters a lot. Avoid processed oils like corn and soy oils found in many fast foods and snacks. These fats are bad for your health and can make you gain weight. Instead, eat good fats from foods like wild fish and grass-fed beef.

Tip 2: Have a Big Salad Daily Eating a large salad every day is great for your health. Salads are full of nutrients and help your stomach's health because they contain natural good bacteria. Use olive oil on your salad instead of store-bought dressings to keep it healthy.

Tip 3: Try Intermittent Fasting and Exercise Mix the keto diet with intermittent fasting, like eating only one meal a day. This helps your body burn fat better. Also, exercise regularly by walking every day and doing intense workouts a few times a week. These activities reduce stress, help you sleep better, and speed up your metabolism.

By focusing on the right eating habits and combining them with proper exercise, you can lose weight effectively. Remember, it's about being healthier to help you lose weight naturally.

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC

HEALTH

FDA Says Decongestant in Many Cold Medicines Doesn’t Work. So What Does?

Big changes are coming to the cold medicine section at your local drugstore. The FDA plans to remove phenylephrine from many OTC cold medicines, like Sudafed and Dayquil. It's a common decongestant. Experts say it doesn't really clear up a stuffy nose.

Researchers, including some from the University of Florida, have been skeptical about phenylephrine for a long time. Recent studies have shown that it's no more effective than a sugar pill for nasal congestion. This has led the FDA to start the process of banning it from cold medicine ingredients.

So, what can you use instead? Luckily, there are still options. Pseudoephedrine, another decongestant, is available behind the pharmacy counter. You don't need a prescription, but you will need to show a photo ID to buy it. There are also various nasal sprays and saline solutions available over the counter.

Doctors suggest using nasal steroids like Flonase and Nasacort for long-lasting relief. They need to be used every day to work well. For quick relief, antihistamine sprays might help.

The FDA's move comes with concerns that higher doses of phenylephrine could be risky, like causing high blood pressure. As the FDA reviews public comments, phenylephrine products will remain available. But, better alternatives are now preferred for nasal congestion.

Source: apnews.com

A Study of Young, Healthy Women Found That They Tend to Display Stronger Depression-like Patterns of Cognitive Processing When Actively Taking Oral Contraceptives. This Effect Was Particularly Pronounced Among Women With Generally Higher Levels of Depressive Symptoms

A recent study found that young, healthy women might feel more depressed when taking birth control pills. This is especially true for those who are already a bit down. This research, shared in Frontiers in Psychology, looked at 53 women aged 18-26 who either studied or worked at a university.

Birth control pills help prevent pregnancy by using hormones like estrogen and progestin. These hormones stop eggs from being released, make it harder for sperm to reach an egg, and keep the egg from attaching to the womb.

These pills are great for preventing pregnancy. They can also make periods more regular and less painful. But, they come with some risks. They can increase the chance of blood clots and change hormonal balances, which might affect how someone feels.

In the study, the women took tests during the times they were taking hormones and when they weren't. The tests showed they felt more negative moods off hormones. But, on hormones, their brains processed emotions more like depression.

These results show that birth control pills can affect moods in complicated ways. It's important for more studies to be done to really understand how these pills can make people feel. This study helps us see that there's more to learn about the side effects of birth control on mental health.

Source: psypost.org

✢ 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.