02/28/25 - #337

Author

Health Horizon. Herald Staff
February 28, 2025

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Brewing Tea Removes Lead From Water - Researchers Demonstrated That Brewing Tea Naturally Removes Toxic Heavy Metals Like Lead and Cadmium, Effectively Filtering Dangerous Contaminants Out of Drinks

  • What Worked for Me in My Weight Loss Journey

  • Bird Flu Confirmed in Rats for First Time, USDA  Reports

  • Mindfulness Training May Help With Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Study Finds | Additionally, Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Improved in This Group

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Brewing Tea Removes Lead From Water - Researchers Demonstrated That Brewing Tea Naturally Removes Toxic Heavy Metals Like Lead and Cadmium, Effectively Filtering Dangerous Contaminants Out of Drinks

Did you know that making tea might also clean your water? Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that tea can naturally take out harmful stuff like lead and cadmium from drinking water.

They published their findings in the journal ACS Food Science & Technology. The study looked at different kinds of tea and how to brew them to see which works best at removing these dangerous metals. They found that finely ground black tea leaves work the best. Also, the longer you let the tea sit in the water, the more it cleans.

Not all tea bags are equal, though. Paper tea bags help grab and hold onto these bad metals, but nylon and cotton bags don’t do this.

When tea leaves are in water, they pull in and trap heavy metal particles. This process stops the metals from getting into your drink.

The lead researcher, Vinayak P. Dravid, said they are not suggesting using tea as your main water filter. However, this study shows that drinking tea can help reduce how much heavy metals you might take in from water.

So, next time you make tea, think about how it's not just for taste or warmth. It's also cleaning your water a bit, making it safer to drink. This could be especially helpful for people who drink tea a lot, as it might lower their chance of getting too much heavy metals in their body.

WEIGHT LOSS

What Worked for Me in My Weight Loss Journey

At my heaviest, I weighed 400 pounds. Simple tasks like doing dishes or playing with my kids left me exhausted. Encouraged by my wife, I started making changes after a stark warning from my doctor about my health risks, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

The biggest hurdle? My sugar addiction. I used to consume about 200 grams of sugar daily, but I realized I had to cut back for the sake of my health. By learning to control my portions and understanding my body’s needs, I gradually overcame my cravings.

I embraced physical activity slowly, starting with walking, then swimming, and eventually strength training. The transformation was gradual but impactful. Last summer, I completed my first triathlon and have now lost nearly half my body weight, shedding 230 pounds.

The journey wasn’t just about losing pounds; it was about gaining life. My energy levels soared, and I found new joys in everyday activities. More importantly, I became a role model for my children, showing them the value of health and perseverance.

For anyone struggling with weight, remember, it's not just about the scale. It's about making consistent, manageable changes. Start small, stay persistent, and find what motivates you. Your body—and your future—will thank you for it.

HEALTH

Bird Flu Confirmed in Rats for First Time, USDA  Reports

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported that bird flu, known as H5N1 avian influenza, has been detected in rats for the first time. This discovery took place in Riverside County, California. Recently, bird flu outbreaks have also affected poultry there.

This important finding involved four black rats. It follows reports of the virus in other animals in the country. For example, a harbor seal was found in Massachusetts, and a domestic cat was reported in Oregon. The infection in the cat likely came from eating contaminated raw pet food.

This situation is worrying. It shows that the bird flu virus is spreading to various animals, not just birds. Since the virus first appeared in the U.S. in 2022, about 148 million birds have been killed on farms to stop the virus from spreading, which has caused egg prices to go up.

In response to these challenges, the USDA is working to bring back bird flu experts who were let go due to budget cuts. The agency is making efforts to keep important staff, like veterinarians, to continue fighting the bird flu outbreak.

The virus is appearing in new animals. This makes it crucial to stay alert. We must respond quickly to prevent further spread and protect public health.

Mindfulness Training May Help With Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Study Finds | Additionally, Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Improved in This Group

A new study finds that mindfulness training may help women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can reduce symptoms for up to a year. The study, published in Mindfulness, involved women in an 8-week course. This course focused on mindfulness techniques for those with IBS.

IBS is a common issue that impacts the large intestine. It leads to stomach pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. While the exact causes of IBS are not known, stress and diet are thought to play significant roles. Managing these symptoms usually involves changes in lifestyle and diet.

The study, led by Susan A. Gaylord, compared mindfulness training with a social support group, a common form of help for those with IBS. It included 75 women, with 66 finishing the study by filling out questionnaires months later. They met weekly and had one longer session during the course.

Results showed that six months after the course, women in the mindfulness group felt better than those in the support group. They also felt less pain from their condition and had a better quality of life.

Although the study suggests that mindfulness can be a good way to handle IBS symptoms, it also notes some limitations. For example, participants knew their treatment. This could have changed how they responded.

This study suggests that mindfulness could be a useful tool for those struggling with IBS.

✢ 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.