03/08/24 - #83

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Niacin, or Vitamin B3, Supplements Linked to Greater Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes, Possibly Because Too Much of the Vitamin Inflames Blood Vessels

  • Things I Have Noticed While Losing Weight

  • More Than Half the World Faces High Measles Risk, WHO Says

  • Certain Genes Associated With Hypertension Affect Blood Pressure From Early in Life, and They Increase the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease as You Get Older, but if Measures Are Taken, the Risk of Disease Can Be Significantly Reduced

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Niacin, or Vitamin B3, Supplements Linked to Greater Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes, Possibly Because Too Much of the Vitamin Inflames Blood Vessels

Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is a common nutrient that's good for our health. It's found in lots of foods like cereals and bread, and some people also take it as a vitamin pill. But recent research shows that having too much Vitamin B3 in your blood could actually be bad for your heart.

Scientists found this out. It includes a doctor named Stanley Hazen from the Cleveland Clinic. They found that people with lots of Vitamin B3 in their system are more likely to suffer from heart attacks and strokes. This is because too much Vitamin B3 can make the blood vessels swell up, which is not good for the heart.

The research team looked at blood samples from thousands of adults. They noticed that those with high levels of a certain substance, which appears when there's too much niacin, were about 60% more likely to have heart issues. This substance can cause inflammation, a big reason behind heart disease.

Many people have high niacin levels. It's added to many foods we eat every day. Also, taking niacin supplements is becoming more popular. However, this study suggests that taking too much might do more harm than good.

This study mostly looked at people with European backgrounds, so it's not sure if the same risks apply to everyone. But it's a good reminder that even with vitamins, there's such a thing as too much. It's always best to talk to a doctor before starting any new supplement to make sure it's right for you.

WEIGHT LOSS

Things I Have Noticed While Losing Weight

Losing weight feels like a journey full of ups and downs. At the start, it seems easy. Switch to eating better, and the pounds start to drop. But then, something tricky happens. Your body gets used to your new diet, and suddenly, you're not losing weight as quickly. It's frustrating, right?

Here's a bit of science behind it. When we lose fat, we also lose leptin, a hormone that tells our brain we're full. With less fat, our body makes less leptin, making us feel hungrier, especially for foods rich in calories and fat. It's like our brain is trying to make us go back to our old weight.

Despite this challenge, sticking to your weight loss plan is worth it. Losing weight does wonders for your health. For every pound you lose, you take four pounds of pressure off your knees. Imagine the relief your joints feel! Plus, shedding extra weight is good for your heart, blood sugar levels, and even your brain. People who lose weight and keep it off find themselves thinking clearer and having better self-control when it comes to food.

It's not just about fighting off cravings for pizza or donuts in the early days. It's about giving your body and brain time to adjust to a healthier you. With time, those cravings become easier to manage. Losing weight isn't just a physical transformation—it's a mental one too. And like anything worth doing, it gets easier with practice. So, keep going, and you'll find your way to a healthier, happier you.

HEALTH

More Than Half the World Faces High Measles Risk, WHO Says

The World Health Organization (WHO) is sounding the alarm. More than half the world could face dangerous measles outbreaks by the end of this year if we don't act. COVID-19 hit and messed up health systems. It left many kids without their usual vaccines, including the ones that stop measles. Measles is a super easy-to-catch sickness that mainly hits kids under five. Luckily, getting two vaccine shots can beat it, and these vaccines have already saved more than 50 million lives since the year 2000.

Natasha Crowcroft, who knows a lot about measles at WHO, says because of the pandemic, we're not as protected as we should be. Last year, measles cases shot up by 79%, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Governments need to focus. They need to help get vaccinations back on track. But, they are pulled in different directions by economic and other crises. Measles doesn't care if a country is rich or poor; it can cause trouble anywhere.

Back in 2019, lots of countries, even the ones with plenty of money, struggled with measles outbreaks. The WHO is worried we might see a repeat if we don't get more kids the shots they need fast. Vaccines are super important for keeping everyone, especially little kids, safe from measles. Let's not let our guard down and make sure everyone gets their shots.

Certain Genes Associated With Hypertension Affect Blood Pressure From Early in Life, and They Increase the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease as You Get Older, but if Measures Are Taken, the Risk of Disease Can Be Significantly Reduced

Did you know that your family's genes can affect your blood pressure even when you're young? This is important because it can also increase your chance of getting heart disease later in life. But there's good news: if you take care of your blood pressure, you can greatly lower this risk.

Researchers like Karsten Øvretveit found that certain genes can make your blood pressure a bit high from a young age. This might seem okay at first, but it can lead to problems over time.

High blood pressure can cause serious health issues, such as heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown that genes play a big role in this. The researchers used information from a lot of people to see how genes affect blood pressure. They came up with a "genetic risk score" to help understand someone's chance of having high blood pressure because of their genes.

Knowing your risk score can help you and your doctors keep your blood pressure in check. This can lower your risk of heart disease, even if your genes make you more likely to have high blood pressure.

The study tells us that taking steps to manage blood pressure is crucial. It shows that no matter your genes, you can still live a healthy life by looking after your heart.

Remember, your genes don't decide everything. By taking good care of your blood pressure, you can protect your heart no matter what your genes say.

✢ 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.