03/13/24 - #86

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • "Frequent" Cannabis Use Linked to Heart Attacks and Strokes

  • Researchers Find Simpler Alternative to Intermittent Fasting, This Novel Method Consist in a Short-term Isoleucine Deprivation, and It Has Shown Remarkable Results in Fruit Flies and "Does Not Require Drastic Reductions in Overall Food Intake"

  • New Research Finds Microplastics in All Human Placenta Samples Tested. Researchers Found the Most Prevalent Polymer in Placental Tissue Was Polyethylene, Which is Used to Make Plastic Bags and Bottles. It Accounted for 54% of the Total Plastics

  • More Intense Exercise Reduces Post-concussion Anxiety in Teens. Experts Estimate Around 20% of Adolescents Have Been Diagnosed With at Least One Concussion in Their Lifetime

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

"Frequent" Cannabis Use Linked to Heart Attacks and Strokes

A big study with over 430,000 people in the U.S. found that using weed a lot could increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Even if someone doesn't smoke cigarettes or have other heart risks, using weed still might be harmful to their heart.

Nowadays, weed is legal in 24 states and Washington D.C. for fun. But, even with more people using it, not everyone knows it could be bad for their heart. The study looked at health data from 2016 to 2020. It showed that no matter how you use weed—by smoking, eating, or vaping—it might lead to heart issues. People who use weed every day have a 25% higher chance of getting a heart attack and a 42% higher chance of having a stroke than those who don't use it at all.

Experts are saying we need to talk more about the risks of using weed, especially with doctors. They found that daily weed use is linked to more heart attacks, strokes, and other heart problems. With more places making weed legal and easier to get, it's important for everyone to know about these risks. This study reminds us that weed might not be as safe as some people think, and it's something to consider seriously.

WEIGHT LOSS

Researchers Find Simpler Alternative to Intermittent Fasting, This Novel Method Consist in a Short-term Isoleucine Deprivation, and It Has Shown Remarkable Results in Fruit Flies and "Does Not Require Drastic Reductions in Overall Food Intake"

Scientists at Monash University found a cool diet tip that could help people live longer and healthier without eating less. They say to avoid skipping meals, like in fasting. Instead, just avoid one nutrient, called isoleucine, for a little while. This idea helped fruit flies in their study live longer and stronger.

The main researcher is Tahila Fulton. She says this new way is easier than fasting. You don't have to cut back on all food, just isoleucine every now and then. This could be a big deal for anyone wanting a simpler way to boost their health.

Before, studies showed eating less of all proteins made you healthier, but it was hard because you had to do it for a long time. But Fulton's team found that not eating isoleucine for short times made older fruit flies live longer. The flies did not change their whole diet.

They tried this by changing the flies' diet at different ages and then checking how well they did against bad toxins. Turns out, just a little break from isoleucine made the flies live much longer.

This research could change how we think about diet and living a long life. It shows small changes in what we eat, like skipping isoleucine sometimes, can make a big difference in our health. It's an exciting discovery that suggests eating smarter, not less, might be the key to staying healthy.

HEALTH

New Research Finds Microplastics in All Human Placenta Samples Tested. Researchers Found the Most Prevalent Polymer in Placental Tissue Was Polyethylene, Which is Used to Make Plastic Bags and Bottles. It Accounted for 54% of the Total Plastics

Scientists at the University of New Mexico have made a surprising discovery. Tiny bits of plastic, called microplastics, are in every human placenta they checked. These tiny plastics come from things we use every day, like plastic bags and water bottles.

The study looked at 62 placentas and found plastics in all of them. The most common type was from a plastic used to make shopping bags. To find these plastics, the scientists used special tools and methods. They treated the placenta tissues with chemicals and then heated them up to see the plastics.

Finding plastics in placentas is worrying because it shows how much plastic is around us. Even though plastics take a very long time to break down, they end up in our water, air, and food. This could be why some health problems are becoming more common.

Plastics can last up to 300 years before they fully break down. So, the plastic waste from a long time ago is still affecting us today. The study's lead researcher, Dr. Matthew Campen, is concerned about how this might impact our health, especially since the amount of plastic around us is only going to increase.

This discovery is important because it shows we need to think about how much plastic we use. It's a problem that won't go away quickly, but understanding it better is the first step in finding solutions.

More Intense Exercise Reduces Post-concussion Anxiety in Teens. Experts Estimate Around 20% of Adolescents Have Been Diagnosed With at Least One Concussion in Their Lifetime

Did you know that many teens get a bump on the head called a concussion? It can make them feel really anxious. But, there's good news! A study found that moving more could help teens feel less worried while they get better.

Some experts used to say that after a concussion, teens should rest a lot and not move much. However, researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine discovered that being active actually helps. Katherine Smulligan, who helped with the study, said that people who exercise usually feel happier. They found this is true for teens with concussions too.

The study looked at teens who started exercising again after their injury. They noticed these teens didn't feel as anxious. But, it's not just any exercise; it has to be the kind that gets your heart going.

David Howell, another expert, mentioned that sitting around too much could make teens feel even worse. They might get more anxious or have trouble sleeping. So, getting back to exercise, safely, is key.

This study is part of a bigger project to figure out the best way to help teens heal after a concussion, including their mental health. It's a reminder that moving and staying active can be really good for you, even when you're recovering from an injury.

✢ 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.