03/26/25 - #355

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • You Can’t Boost Your Immune System With Supplements, Says Functional Medicine Expert—here’s What You Can Do

  • Novo Nordisk's Next-gen Obesity Drug CagriSema Had Investors Excited. Now They're Not So Sure

  • Americas at Risk of Losing Measles Elimination Status, U.N. Agency Warns

  • Yes, a White Noise Machine Can Actually Help You Sleep Better — Experts Explain Why

…and lots more. Have a great day!

These cannabis gummies keep selling out in 2025

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Mood is an online dispensary that has invented a “joint within a gummy” that’s extremely potent yet federally-legal. Their gummies are formulated to tap into the human body’s endocannabinoid system.

Although this system was discovered in the 1990’s, farmers and scientists at Mood were among the first to figure out how to tap into it with cannabis gummies. Just 1 of their rapid onset THC gummies can get you feeling right within 5 minutes!

FOOD & NUTRITION

You Can’t Boost Your Immune System With Supplements, Says Functional Medicine Expert—here’s What You Can Do

Taking supplements like zinc or vitamin pills won't really boost your immune system. Jeffrey Bland, an expert in functional medicine, says that many believe taking vitamins boosts their immune system. However, that's not how it works. Supplements don’t boost your immune function like vaccines do. Instead, they help fill any nutritional gaps you may have.

Instead of relying on supplements to boost your immunity, Bland suggests focusing on rejuvenating your body. Our immune cells refresh every four months. Bland poses an interesting question: "Do you want the new cells to be as good as, better than, or worse than your current ones?"

Here are five effective ways to rejuvenate your immune system according to Bland:

  1. Eat a Mediterranean Diet: Incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables, olive oil, and lean meats and fish into your diet. This eating style is packed with nutrients that help your body function optimally.

  2. Sleep Well: Quality sleep is crucial. It helps your body repair itself and build strong new cells.

  3. Exercise Regularly: Engaging in simple activities like dancing, walking, or aerobics every day can greatly benefit your health.

  4. Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated helps your body function smoothly and removes toxins.

  5. Keep Good Relationships: Positive social interactions can lift your mood and health. They also help strengthen your immune system.

By following these tips from Bland, you can improve your immune health significantly. Choose these healthy lifestyle choices over supplements for a stronger body.

WEIGHT LOSS

Novo Nordisk's Next-gen Obesity Drug CagriSema Had Investors Excited. Now They're Not So Sure

Novo Nordisk's new weight loss drug, CagriSema, was exciting for investors at first. But after recent tests, people are less sure about it. The drug aims to be a leading option for obesity treatment. However, it didn’t help people lose as much weight as expected. This caused Novo Nordisk’s stock price to drop significantly.

A recent study showed that CagriSema helped patients with type 2 diabetes lose around 15.7% of their body weight in 68 weeks. This result was lower than expected. Earlier studies showed better results in patients without diabetes. However, they were still not as good as expected. Some investors now doubt if CagriSema is better than other similar drugs.

Experts have mixed feelings. While patients mostly handled the drug well, with only mild side effects that went away over time, the results didn’t impress everyone. Emily Field from Barclays and Soren Lontoft from Sydbank both mentioned that the focus on short-term results might be hiding the drug's long-term benefits.

There’s still hope, though. Novo Nordisk plans more trials that might show CagriSema's strengths with different doses over longer times. Also, as obesity drugs keep getting better at also helping with related health issues, the competition grows. The market for these drugs could be worth $100 billion by 2030. For Novo Nordisk, the journey with CagriSema is just beginning, and future studies might change investors' minds.

HEALTH

Americas at Risk of Losing Measles Elimination Status, U.N. Agency Warns

Measles outbreaks in the Americas are putting the region at risk of losing its status as a place free from measles. This warning comes from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). The number of measles cases has gone up significantly this year, mostly in the U.S. and Canada.

When a region has no local spread of measles for a year, it's called "measles elimination." The Americas achieved this first in the world in 2016. But now, this achievement is in danger.

The main problem is that not enough people have gotten the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Also, more people traveling and diseases like dengue, which can look like measles, are making things worse.

The U.S. has managed to keep its elimination status before, even with big outbreaks. However, a recent large outbreak in Texas has caused over 158 cases and sadly, the death of a child last month. This has led to increased efforts from health officials to control the situation.

Canada is facing similar problems with measles spreading between provinces. Both countries need to work hard to make sure more people get vaccinated and keep measles away. Protecting this public health victory is crucial for everyone's safety.

Yes, a White Noise Machine Can Actually Help You Sleep Better — Experts Explain Why

Do you ever have trouble sleeping at night? You're not alone. The Cleveland Clinic says that one in three adults around the world have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

Many people try different ways to sleep better, and experts often recommend using a white noise machine. This could be especially helpful if you find it hard to relax or if you live in a place with lots of noise. We talked to sleep experts to learn how these machines can help you sleep better.

How Do White Noise Machines Work? White noise machines play steady, calming sounds like the sound of a stream or the wind. This helps cover up sudden noises like sirens or dogs barking that can wake you up at night.

Natalie Dautovich from the National Sleep Foundation says a good sleep space is dark, quiet, and cool. She explains that white noise helps block out sounds that disturb your sleep. “It keeps your sleep deep by hiding noises like rain or the TV from another room,” says Dautovich.

Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a Sleep Scientist, agrees and says our sense of hearing affects how we relax. "For those who can't stop thinking at bedtime, the steady sound of a white noise machine can help calm them down," Robbins notes.

Using a white noise machine might be just what you need for a peaceful night's sleep, so you feel refreshed in the morning.

✢ 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.