04/21/25 - #373

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Countries Which Consume More Plant-based Proteins (Chickpeas, Tofu and Peas) Have Longer Adult Life Expectancies. For Under-5s, Animal-based Proteins and Fats (Meat, Eggs and Dairy) Lowered Rates of Infant Mortality. For Adults, the Reverse Was True, Plant-based Proteins Increased Life Expectancy

  • Pfizer Scraps Daily Weight Loss Pill After Liver Injury in One Patient

  • Whooping Cough Cases Soar by 1,500% Leaving Two Dead and Health Experts Concerned It Could Be Next Outbreak

  • A Study Suggests That Increasing the Ratio of Dietary Potassium to Sodium May Be More Effective in Lowering Blood Pressure Than Merely Reducing Sodium Intake. Researchers Have Also Developed a Mathematical Model That Successfully Identifies How This Potassium-to-sodium Ratio Affects the Body

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Countries Which Consume More Plant-based Proteins (Chickpeas, Tofu and Peas) Have Longer Adult Life Expectancies. For Under-5s, Animal-based Proteins and Fats (Meat, Eggs and Dairy) Lowered Rates of Infant Mortality. For Adults, the Reverse Was True, Plant-based Proteins Increased Life Expectancy

A new study shows that adults in countries that eat more plant-based proteins—like chickpeas, tofu, and peas—tend to live longer. Researchers from the University of Sydney looked at health and food data from 101 countries over 60 years.

They found a clear pattern. In adults, diets higher in plant proteins were linked to longer life. But for children under age 5, the results were different. Animal-based proteins and fats—like meat, eggs, and dairy—were linked to lower death rates in young children.

So, while animal foods are important for babies and toddlers, plant-based foods may be better for adults later in life.

Eating a lot of animal protein, especially processed meat, can cause health issues. These include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. On the other hand, plant-based proteins like beans, nuts, and whole grains are linked to lower risk of disease and longer life.

The researchers made sure to adjust the data to account for country size and income. Even after this, the results stayed the same. Countries such as India have longer life expectancies. This is because people there eat more plant protein. In contrast, the U.S. consumes more animal protein.

This study supports what we’ve seen in long-living areas like Okinawa, Japan and Ikaria, Greece—places where people eat mostly plant-based foods.

The takeaway: Plant-based proteins boost adult health and may increase longevity. In contrast, animal proteins are better for early childhood.

WEIGHT LOSS

Pfizer Scraps Daily Weight Loss Pill After Liver Injury in One Patient

Pfizer will stop developing its daily weight loss pill, danuglipron. This decision follows one case of possible liver damage in a clinical trial. The person had high liver enzyme levels, a potential warning sign. However, they showed no symptoms. Their levels returned to normal soon after stopping the drug.

Danuglipron is a type of GLP-1 drug, which helps control appetite and blood sugar. These drugs are popular for weight loss and are often given by weekly injection. Pfizer was trying to create a simpler, once-a-day pill.

This is not the first time Pfizer has had trouble with danuglipron. In 2023, they dropped a twice-a-day version of the same pill after people had trouble tolerating it.

Pfizer decided to stop the danuglipron program. This choice came after they reviewed recent studies, safety data, and feedback from health regulators. The rate of liver enzyme increases in trials was similar to other GLP-1 drugs already approved.

Pfizer is not giving up on weight loss drugs. It is still working on other pills, including one that blocks a different gut hormone (GIPR), which may be easier on the body.

GLP-1 drugs are big business, with some experts saying the market could grow to over $150 billion by the early 2030s. Pfizer is still racing to catch up with leaders like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.

HEALTH

Whooping Cough Cases Soar by 1,500% Leaving Two Dead and Health Experts Concerned It Could Be Next Outbreak

Health officials are raising the alarm as whooping cough cases in the U.S. have jumped by over 1,500% since 2021. Two babies in Louisiana have died in the past six months, the first deaths from the disease there since 2018.

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious illness caused by bacteria. It spreads easily through coughing or sneezing. It’s especially dangerous for babies under one year old, who may struggle to breathe or need hospital care.

So far in 2025, states like Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Michigan have reported sharp increases. The national number rose from about 7,000 cases in 2023 to more than 35,000 in 2024 — the highest in over 10 years.

Experts believe falling vaccination rates are to blame. Many adults and teens may not realize their protection has worn off, putting infants at risk. Most babies catch the infection from family members who don’t know they are sick.

Doctors stress that vaccines are the best protection. While the vaccine’s strength fades over time, regular boosters can help protect the whole family, especially the most vulnerable.

“This is not just about measles anymore,” said one doctor. “We need to pay attention now before it gets worse.”

If you’re unsure about your vaccine status, talk to your doctor. Staying up to date on shots could help stop this disease from spreading further.

A Study Suggests That Increasing the Ratio of Dietary Potassium to Sodium May Be More Effective in Lowering Blood Pressure Than Merely Reducing Sodium Intake. Researchers Have Also Developed a Mathematical Model That Successfully Identifies How This Potassium-to-sodium Ratio Affects the Body

A new study from the University of Waterloo shows that eating more potassium may help lower blood pressure better than just cutting back on salt.

Most people are told to eat less salt if they have high blood pressure. But this study found that the balance between potassium and sodium (salt) in your diet matters more than just cutting salt alone. Potassium and sodium are minerals that help control blood pressure, fluid levels, and muscle movement.

Long ago, people ate a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are high in potassium and low in sodium. Today, many people eat processed foods that are high in sodium and low in potassium. This may be why high blood pressure is so common now, especially in modern countries.

Researchers used a computer model to study how potassium and sodium affect the body. They found that increasing the ratio of potassium to sodium works better for lowering blood pressure than simply reducing sodium. The model showed that men are more likely to have high blood pressure than women. However, they may gain more benefits from eating more potassium.

Good sources of potassium include bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach, and broccoli.

Eat more potassium-rich foods. Cut back on salty snacks and processed meals. This may help manage your blood pressure.

Always talk to your doctor before changing your diet. This is important if you take medication or have kidney issues.

Simple tip: Don’t just cut salt—add more potassium.

✢ 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.