04/09/25 - #365

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Chewing Gum Releases Microplastics Into Your Mouth, Scientists Warn

  • Is It Harder to Lose Weight in Your 40s?

  • How Lifting Weights Can Slow Brain Aging and Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease

  • While It May Seem Obvious, Your Bedtime Wind-down Ritual Might Be Costing You Sleep. Study Found That an Hour of Phone Use in Bed Increases Risk of Insomnia by 59% and Shaves 24 Minutes Off Your Night's Sleep. Social Media Was Not the Driving Force - Any Phone Use Had the Same Impact

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Chewing Gum Releases Microplastics Into Your Mouth, Scientists Warn

Scientists at UCLA found that chewing gum releases small plastic particles into your mouth. These particles, called microplastics, are so small that you can swallow them. They have been found in various body parts, including the brain and liver.

The research tested ten different gum brands. Both natural and synthetic gums release many microplastic particles when chewed. This can be hundreds to thousands of particles. However, there was no big difference in the amount of plastics released between natural and synthetic gums.

Professor Sanjay Mohanty, the study leader, says the goal is to share info, not scare anyone. Scientists haven't proven that microplastics harm health. However, the study shows how common plastics are in our daily lives.

Most microplastics come out in the first few minutes of chewing. To reduce exposure to these particles, it’s better to chew the same piece of gum longer instead of starting a new one.

The study also highlights an environmental concern. Gum contributes to pollution if not thrown away properly. Professor Mohanty asks everyone to throw away their gum properly. This helps protect the environment.

Microplastics can sound alarming. However, experts like Professor Oliver Jones believe they likely pass through the body without harm. Yet, knowing what we consume and how it affects our environment is important.

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WEIGHT LOSS

Is It Harder to Lose Weight in Your 40s?

Many people find it harder to lose weight as they get into their 40s. If you're struggling, you're not alone. Dr. Mindy, a health expert, points out that this often happens because of changes in your hormones as you get older. She says the main issue is the decrease in estrogen, a hormone that helps control your weight.

Estrogen helps your body respond well to insulin, which controls blood sugar levels. When you have less estrogen, your body might resist insulin, leading to weight gain. But there's good news! Dr. Mindy recommends trying intermittent fasting to manage these changes. This means you might stop eating for 13 to 15 hours each day to help your body adjust better to the lower levels of estrogen.

Fasting like this isn't just about losing weight. It's also about helping your body handle hormones better as you get older, especially during your 40s and beyond. While exercise is still important, it might not be as effective on its own for losing weight during this time because other hormones, like testosterone, also decrease. This can make you feel less motivated to exercise.

Dr. Mindy encourages not to be too hard on yourself because of these natural changes. Instead, using fasting as a tool can really help. So, yes, it might be tougher to lose weight after 40, but with the right approach, it's definitely possible.

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HEALTH

How Lifting Weights Can Slow Brain Aging and Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease

A recent study from São Paulo, Brazil, brings good news for older adults concerned about brain health. Lifting weights can help protect against dementia. Researchers found that it improves memory and shields brain areas related to Alzheimer’s disease.

The study involved 44 older adults who were beginning to show signs of memory loss. Over six months, those who did weight training showed positive changes in memory and brain structure. On the other hand, those who didn’t exercise saw their condition worsen.

Strength training offers many benefits. It builds muscle, reduces fat, and boosts overall health. Now, it’s also seen as important for keeping the brain healthy. Exercising twice a week showed that even small amounts of activity can help protect key brain areas. These include the hippocampus and precuneus, which are impacted by Alzheimer’s.

Tests and MRI scans were used to measure the effects, and the results were promising. Exercise benefits both the body and mind. It’s a cheaper, easier way to combat dementia than costly medications.

Marcio Balthazar, a study researcher, highlighted the value of exercise in health care. He said weight training might help prevent memory issues and improve memory. It could also lower the risk of dementia.

This study shows we need more research. It will help us understand how strength training can prevent or slow brain aging. It’s hopeful news for anyone looking to keep their brain sharp as they age.

While It May Seem Obvious, Your Bedtime Wind-down Ritual Might Be Costing You Sleep. Study Found That an Hour of Phone Use in Bed Increases Risk of Insomnia by 59% and Shaves 24 Minutes Off Your Night's Sleep. Social Media Was Not the Driving Force - Any Phone Use Had the Same Impact

Do you use your phone in bed before sleeping? A new study says this might be why you're not sleeping well.

Researchers at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that using your phone for one hour before bed can increase insomnia risk by 59%. It can also reduce your sleep time by 24 minutes each night. It doesn’t matter if it's social media or something else; any phone use has the same effect.

Dr. Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland, who led the study, mentioned that how long you're on your phone matters more than what you're doing on it. The time spent on screens takes away from the time you should be relaxing and getting ready to sleep.

This problem isn’t just for young people; it affects adults too and can influence mental health and how well you do at work or school.

Experts believe that the light from screens and the alerts from apps keep your brain too active when you should be calming down to sleep. If you want to sleep better, try not using your phone for about an hour before bed. If you must use it, turning off notifications can help you not get disturbed.

While the study didn't cover all reasons why sleep might be poor, like mental health or diet, it shows how important it is to avoid screens before bedtime. Changing this one habit could greatly improve your sleep.

✢ 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.