03/15/24 - #88

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Daily Fiber Supplement Improves Older Adults' Brain Function in Just 12 Weeks

  • Study Suggests That Long-term Increases in Circulating Caffeine May Reduce Bodyweight and the Risk of Osteoarthrosis and Osteoarthritis

  • Sitting for Long Hours Without Breaks Increases Risk of Death. A New Study Found That Older Women Who Sat for 11.7 Hours or More Per Day Increased Their Risk of Death by 30%, Regardless of Whether They Exercised Vigorously

  • Those Who Report Having Poor Oral Health Are as Likely to Have Negative Long-term Systemic Health Outcomes (Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Osteoporosis) and Increased All-cause Mortality

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Daily Fiber Supplement Improves Older Adults' Brain Function in Just 12 Weeks

Are you over 60 and want to keep your mind sharp? Scientists have found a simple trick: taking a fiber supplement every day.

In a study, older adults who took a fiber supplement for 12 weeks did better on memory tests. These tests can show early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, which many older people worry about.

The study didn't find that these supplements helped with muscle strength, but they did see that people's brains worked better. This is exciting because it's an easy and cheap way to help our brains as we get older.

Researchers at King’s College London did this study with 72 people. They made sure the study was fair by not telling anyone who was getting the real supplement or just a pretend one. They checked on everyone with videos and online quizzes.

The best part? The fiber made good bacteria grow in the gut, which helped the brain. The people who took the fiber were quicker and remembered things better. This is important for everyday things like not tripping or reacting fast enough to stop accidents.

This fiber supplement is easy to get and doesn’t cost much. Plus, you don't need to visit a doctor to take part in studies like this one in the future. It's a simple way to help keep your brain healthy as you get older.

WEIGHT LOSS

Study Suggests That Long-term Increases in Circulating Caffeine May Reduce Bodyweight and the Risk of Osteoarthrosis and Osteoarthritis

Have you ever thought your morning coffee or tea could help you stay slim and keep your joints healthy? A new study has some exciting news: more caffeine in the blood over a long time might make people weigh less. It also lowers their chance of getting joint diseases like osteoarthritis.

Scientists looked into how our bodies handle caffeine, not just how much coffee or tea we drink. They found that people who naturally have more caffeine floating in their blood are less likely to be overweight and have joint issues. The cool part? About one-third of this health bonus comes from caffeine helping people keep their weight down.

Researchers dug deeper. They found that caffeine might fight inflammation. It also changes how our body processes fats and sugars in a good way. These changes could be why caffeine is linked to healthier joints and lower weight.

But, before you start drinking more coffee or tea to up your caffeine, the study's authors say we need more research. They want to make sure that adding more caffeine to our lives is truly beneficial without any hidden downsides.

So, next time you enjoy your favorite caffeinated drink, think about how it might not just wake you up but also be doing your body some good. Just remember, everything in moderation!

HEALTH

Sitting for Long Hours Without Breaks Increases Risk of Death. A New Study Found That Older Women Who Sat for 11.7 Hours or More Per Day Increased Their Risk of Death by 30%, Regardless of Whether They Exercised Vigorously

Guess what? Standing up and moving around every 20 minutes could help you live longer. A new study shows that older women who sit for more than 11.7 hours a day might have a 30% higher chance of dying sooner, even if they exercise.

Researchers looked at 6,489 older women, tracking their sitting and moving around. They found out that sitting too much is bad for your health. It makes your blood flow slow down and your muscles use less energy. Even exercising doesn't cancel out the bad effects of sitting a lot.

The study says the risk gets higher if you sit for about 11 hours a day, especially if you sit for more than 30 minutes at a time. The advice is simple: try to stand up and move a bit every hour. It might sound hard, but even just standing up helps.

The study also wonders if all sitting is bad, even when doing things like learning something new while sitting. More research is needed to figure that out.

In today's world, it's easy to sit for hours watching TV or scrolling through your phone. But, we're not made to sit all day. Standing up more often could help us live healthier and maybe even longer lives.

Those Who Report Having Poor Oral Health Are as Likely to Have Negative Long-term Systemic Health Outcomes (Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Osteoporosis) and Increased All-cause Mortality

Guess what? Taking good care of your teeth can do more than just keep your smile bright. A study from Tufts University says that people who think their teeth are in bad shape could face the same health problems as those with gum disease. This includes serious stuff like heart disease, diabetes, and weak bones.

Researchers looked at health data from two big studies. They found out that not being happy with your oral health can lead to the same health risks as having gum disease. Also, not going to the dentist or not flossing could make it more likely for you to get really sick or even die sooner.

So, what's the takeaway? Going to the dentist is super important, not just for avoiding cavities but for your overall health too. The study showed that many people don't see a dentist yearly, and this was linked to worse health.

Next time you think about skipping your dental visit, remember it's not just about your teeth but your whole body's health. This study shows us how everything in our body is connected, and taking care of our teeth is a big deal. Let's not forget to brush, floss, and see the dentist to keep our whole selves healthy.

✢ 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.