03/06/25 - #341

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Citrus Fruits Reduce Depression Risk by 22% by Supporting Healthy Bacteria in the Gut

  • Just Hit 100 Pounds Weight Loss

  • How the FDA's Approval for Food Additives Works, and Why Experts Say a Loophole Allows Companies to Bypass It

  • Dementia: Some Antidepressants May Speed Up Decline, Neuroscientists Warn

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Citrus Fruits Reduce Depression Risk by 22% by Supporting Healthy Bacteria in the Gut

Feeling down? It might be time to grab an orange or a lemon! Recent research highlights that citrus fruits are not just tasty—they're also good for your mental health. Eating these fruits regularly might lower your risk of depression by a surprising 22%.

Here's how it works: citrus fruits help the good bacteria in your gut thrive. A healthy gut means a happier you. This discovery was made by scientists who looked closely at the diets of tens of thousands of people over many years. They found that those who often ate citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits were less likely to feel depressed.

What's special about citrus? These fruits seem to boost levels of helpful bacteria in your gut, particularly a type called Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. This bacteria is a friend to your brain, fighting off inflammation and promoting good health.

Even if you eat other fruits or veggies, the study found that the anti-depression benefits really stand out with citrus. So, maybe adding a daily orange or a few lemons to your diet could brighten your mood significantly.

Besides citrus, other foods can also uplift your mood. Leafy greens, berries, nuts, and seeds are all great choices that support mental health. Remember, a balanced lifestyle helps keep depression away. This includes regular exercise, good sleep, and staying connected with others.

Next time you're at the grocery store, think about buying some citrus. It's a simple, natural way to boost your mood!

WEIGHT LOSS

Just Hit 100 Pounds Weight Loss

Ashley and Brendan always enjoyed being active outdoors. But during the pandemic, they stayed home more and started eating unhealthy snacks. By early 2023, they were at their heaviest—Brendan weighed 260 pounds and Ashley 225. They tried different diets but nothing worked until they won a trip to Maui. Feeling embarrassed about how they looked, they knew they needed to change.

They started eating better, focusing on whole foods and cutting out snacks. This new diet helped them see results fast. They also joined a gym before their trip. Ashley focused on strength training, and Brendan fell in love with pickleball, a fun sport that helped him meet new people and stay fit.

In just seven months, they lost 115 pounds together and felt great. Their new way of eating meant shopping for fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, skipping the junk food aisles. Playing pickleball and going to the gym became activities they enjoyed together, which also made their relationship stronger.

Their journey shows that making simple, steady changes and supporting each other can lead to big health improvements. Ashley and Brendan's story is a powerful example of how setting small goals and sticking to them can truly change your life for the better.

HEALTH

How the FDA's Approval for Food Additives Works, and Why Experts Say a Loophole Allows Companies to Bypass It

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is very important because it checks if our food is safe. It watches over about 80% of all the food we eat in the United States, including the safety of ingredients added to our food.

Usually, if a company wants to put a new ingredient in food, they must ask the FDA first. This starts a long process where scientists check if the ingredient is safe and people can give their opinions.

But, some experts have found a big problem. They say that companies have added thousands of ingredients without letting the FDA know. Jennifer Pomeranz, a public health professor, says we don't even know how many because the FDA hasn't been told.

Melanie Benesh from the Environmental Working Group explains that companies are using a shortcut. They get their own scientists or hire others to say an ingredient is safe. This way, they don't have to go through the FDA's usual checks. From 2000 to 2021, over 750 new ingredients were added like this.

Still, some people say this shortcut is okay. Carla Saunders, who works with the food additive industry, believes that the tests for these ingredients are just as good as the regular ones.

This issue makes us wonder if we can really trust that all ingredients in our food are safe.

Dementia: Some Antidepressants May Speed Up Decline, Neuroscientists Warn

A study from Sweden shows that some antidepressants may speed up thinking decline in people with dementia. Researchers studied more than 18,000 patients. They found that those on SSRIs, a type of antidepressant, showed quicker declines in cognitive functions.

SSRIs are drugs that boost serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps control mood. They are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms like sadness, anxiety, and sleep issues in people with dementia. These medications help with symptoms. However, the study shows they might harm memory and thinking skills, especially at higher doses.

Professor Sara Garcia Ptacek led the study. She noted that drugs like escitalopram, citalopram, and sertraline were linked to the fastest declines. The effects were more pronounced in men than in women.

Other experts, like Dr. Prasad Nishtala from the University of Bath and Dr. Emma Anderson from University College London, advise taking these findings with caution. The study may have some biases. More research with better methods is needed to confirm these results.

Understanding the effects of antidepressants on dementia is crucial. It helps doctors pick the right medications. This aims to improve patients' quality of life while managing risks. The goal of ongoing research is to offer personalized care for each patient’s unique needs.

✢ 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.