03/04/25 - #339

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Eating a High Fat, Low Carbohydrate Diet Could Help to Manage Symptoms in Patients With Bipolar Disorder, a Study Suggests

  • Can’t Lose Weight

  • How Rising Health Care Claim Denials Are Hurting Americans

  • Serious Mental Illness Common in Chronic Kidney Disease. Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Are 56 Percent More Likely to Suffer From Serious Mental Illnesses Such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder or Major Depression Compared to the General Population

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Eating a High Fat, Low Carbohydrate Diet Could Help to Manage Symptoms in Patients With Bipolar Disorder, a Study Suggests

A recent study suggests that a diet high in fats and low in carbs, known as the ketogenic diet, might help people with bipolar disorder feel better. This diet includes foods like salmon, avocado, and nuts. It cuts down on carbs like bread and rice, making the body use fats for energy in a process called ketosis.

The study followed 27 patients with bipolar disorder who tried this diet for six to eight weeks. Twenty of them finished the study, proving that the diet was safe and doable. Most participants kept a steady level of ketosis, shown by positive tests for ketones—chemicals made when the body burns fat.

Results showed improvements in mood, energy, and anxiety levels. Brain scans showed less activity in brain areas linked to bipolar disorder. This helps explain why the diet might be effective.

The diet also improved overall health. Many participants lost weight. They also had better blood pressure and body mass index. This is important because people with bipolar disorder often face higher risks of diabetes and heart disease.

Dr. Iain Campbell, the lead researcher, emphasized the need for more research. He noted that exploring diets like the ketogenic as treatments for severe mental illnesses is promising. This study opens the door for bigger trials to confirm the role of diet in managing mental health.

WEIGHT LOSS

Can’t Lose Weight

Let’s talk about a common frustration: not being able to shed those extra pounds, no matter what you try. Many of us want to lose weight to feel better, but here’s the catch—this approach might be the very thing holding you back.

It’s all about flipping the script. Instead of losing weight to get healthy, you should get healthy to lose weight. Sounds simple, right? It’s a subtle shift in thinking but makes all the difference.

When I ask someone why they can’t lose weight, I often hear about low energy, high stress, cravings, or bloating. These issues can make losing weight feel nearly impossible. That’s why focusing on feeling healthy first is so crucial.

Feeling healthy means more than just being free of illness. It involves having plenty of energy, managing stress well, and not being bogged down by cravings or discomfort. When you prioritize these aspects of health, weight loss can naturally follow as a happy side effect.

So, if you’re stuck in a weight loss rut, don’t despair. Start by assessing your overall health. How’s your energy? Are you sleeping well? Can you handle stress? Address these points, and you may find that the weight starts to come off without as much struggle.

Remember, the goal is to feel vibrant and full of life. When you focus on health first, weight loss isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself.

HEALTH

How Rising Health Care Claim Denials Are Hurting Americans

Many Americans are having trouble with health insurance companies. They often deny claims for medical treatments. This issue got more attention after the tragic event with the CEO of UnitedHealthcare last December. Since then, there's been a big discussion about the problems people face with their insurance, like delays and denials.

For example, Shelby Kinsey, a 22-year-old from Texas, needed a special medicine for her ALS, a tough disease to treat. Her doctors believed the best medicine for her was called Qalsody. However, her insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, initially said the treatment wasn't necessary and refused to pay for it. It took three tries and help from a medical expert to finally get it approved.

This kind of situation is common. Many people find it hard to get their treatments approved by insurance. The Affordable Care Act tried to help by making insurance companies explain why they deny treatments and allowing people to appeal denials. However, not all rules are followed properly.

Studies show that a lot of claims get denied. For instance, in 2023, 73 million claims were denied. Not many people know they can appeal these denials, and very few actually do it. When they do appeal, about half the time, the insurance company still says no.

It's clear that more needs to be done to make sure insurance companies treat people fairly and help them get the medical care they need.

Serious Mental Illness Common in Chronic Kidney Disease. Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Are 56 Percent More Likely to Suffer From Serious Mental Illnesses Such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder or Major Depression Compared to the General Population

A new study finds that people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often face serious mental illnesses. These include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Karolinska Institutet conducted the study. It found that people with CKD have a 56% greater chance of facing mental health issues than others.

Researchers looked at data from almost 33,000 patients with CKD in Sweden. They found that 7.3 percent of these patients also have serious mental health issues.

Nanbo Zhu, a researcher at Karolinska, said that patients with kidney disease and mental illness face extra health challenges. They lose kidney function faster and have a higher chance of dying early. Zhu emphasized that better mental health care is key for these patients. It can greatly enhance their overall health.

The study also found that people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are often not given renal replacement therapies. These treatments are important because they can save lives.

Healthcare workers need to be more aware of serious mental illnesses in patients with kidney problems. This awareness can help them provide better care.

Zheng Chang, the lead researcher, pointed out that many studies look at common issues. These include depression and anxiety. However, it’s important to also consider more serious mental illnesses.

The researchers will continue to study how well current mental health medicines work for people with both CKD and severe mental illnesses.

✢ 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.