Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Why Are Energy Drinks Bad for You?

• What Small Tips Do You Use for Your Weight Loss?

• Taking Antipsychotics During Pregnancy Not Linked to Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders or Learning Difficulties

• The Science Behind Waking Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed: a University of Michigan & Dartmouth Health Study Looked Into the Science of Waking Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed. Study: Unraveling the Interplay of Circadian Rhythm & Sleep Deprivation on Mood: a Real-world Study on First-year Physicians

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Why Are Energy Drinks Bad for You?

Energy drinks might seem like a good idea when you're tired. They promise to wake up your brain and make you perform better. But, the truth is different. These drinks mainly have two things: caffeine and sugar, and both can be bad for you.

For example, a small can of Redbull has a lot of caffeine, the same stuff in coffee but much more. This doesn't feed your cells with energy; it just makes you feel awake for a little while. Then there's the sugar—a single drink can pack in as much sugar as several cookies. This sugar makes your energy spike and then crash, making you feel even more tired and cranky.

Thinking of grabbing an energy drink after exercise? Not so fast. The type of sugar in these drinks doesn't help your muscles; it goes straight to your liver and can turn into belly fat.

What your body really needs for energy is not caffeine or sugar but minerals like potassium and magnesium. They help your muscles work and keep your energy steady. Most energy drinks don't have enough of these good things.

So, next time you're tired and think about an energy drink, remember they might do more harm than good. Better to ask why you're tired—maybe you need more sleep or healthier food—and choose drinks that are good for your body instead.

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC

WEIGHT LOSS

What Small Tips Do You Use for Your Weight Loss?

Losing weight can be tough, especially after 45. But there's a method that could help: intermittent fasting, which is all about timing your meals right. Here are some easy tips to make it work for you:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Magic: Kick off your day with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed in water. It's good for lowering blood sugar and insulin, helping you start to lose weight.

2. Eat Low Carb with Fasting: Mixing a low-carb diet with fasting is like a one-two punch for your body to start burning fat instead of sugar.

3. Fat First, Then Less: Begin with a diet high in fats to keep you full. As you get used to it, cut back on the fats so your body uses its own fat for energy.

4. Work Around the House: Physical activities like gardening or DIY projects are better than gym workouts. They help reduce stress and improve sleep while keeping you busy.

5. Exercise When Hungry: Working out before eating can help you burn more fat. Mix up intense exercises with relaxing walks.

6. Add More Salt: When fasting, you might lose salt, which can make you feel weak. Sprinkle a little extra on your meals to stay energized and sleep well.

7. Follow Your Hunger: Eat only when you're truly hungry. This helps your body adjust to fasting gradually, ensuring you feel great.

With these simple steps, you can help your body burn fat and feel healthier. It's not just about losing weight; it's about feeling better overall.

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC

HEALTH

Taking Antipsychotics During Pregnancy Not Linked to Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders or Learning Difficulties

A big study from the University of New South Wales in Sydney has great news for moms-to-be. They need to take special medicines called antipsychotics. These medicines help people with big worries or who see things that aren't there. Some moms were worried these medicines could make it hard for their babies to learn or speak properly when they grow up. But this new study says there's no need to worry!

Researchers looked at a lot of information from over 213,000 kids in places like Denmark and Sweden. They found that kids whose moms took these medicines while pregnant were just as smart and good at learning as other kids. This means moms can take their needed medicines without being scared it will hurt their baby's brain or learning.

The study is a big deal because it looked at lots of kids and used really careful methods to make sure their information was right. It helps doctors and moms make better choices about medicine during pregnancy.

So, if a mom needs to take medicine for her mental health, this study says it's okay. It won't make her baby have trouble with learning or talking. This is good news because it means moms can take care of their health and not be scared it will harm their baby.

Source: unsw.edu.au

The Science Behind Waking Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed: a University of Michigan & Dartmouth Health Study Looked Into the Science of Waking Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed. Study: Unraveling the Interplay of Circadian Rhythm & Sleep Deprivation on Mood: a Real-world Study on First-year Physicians

Have you ever felt grumpy right after waking up? Researchers from the University of Michigan and Dartmouth Health wanted to understand why this happens. They studied young doctors by checking their sleep and moods with Fitbits. They discovered these doctors felt their worst at 5 a.m. but better by 5 p.m. Not getting enough sleep made their bad moods even worse.

The research found that our moods naturally go up and down during the day. When we don't sleep enough, these mood changes become more intense. So, if you're up all night, you might feel really down in the early morning.

This study shows that our body's internal clock, which tells us when to feel sleepy or awake, also plays a big part in how we feel. The longer we're awake, the more our mood can swing.

Even though the study focused on doctors, it suggests that everyone might experience similar mood patterns. It also points out that gadgets like Fitbits could help keep track of our feelings without needing hard tests.

So, if you wake up feeling not so great, remember it's pretty normal. Our sleep and body's clock work together to affect our mood. As the day goes on, chances are you'll start feeling better.

Source: news.umich.edu

✢ 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.