Good morning. In today’s edition:

• What Are the Healthiest Foods?

• 'Ozempic Babies' Are Surprising Women Taking Weight Loss Drugs. Doctors Think They Know Why

• HIV Cure Nearer With Way to "Shock and Kill" Latent Virus

• Considering a "Sleep Divorce"? There Could Be Benefits to Sleeping Alone

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

What Are the Healthiest Foods?

Wondering what the best foods are for staying healthy? Let's keep it simple: good food should make you feel lively, give you energy, and help your body fix itself when it's hurt. Sadly, lots of snacks and meals we see in stores don't do that. They're called ultra-processed foods and they're not really good for us.

So, what should we be eating instead? Here's a quick list:

1. Grass-Fed Beef: It's better for you than regular beef and great for your gut.

2. Wild-Caught Fish: Fish like salmon are full of good fats called omega-3s.

3. Shellfish: Foods like oysters are packed with minerals and healthy fats.

4. Eggs: Choose eggs from chickens that get to run around outside. They're full of nutrients.

5. Fermented Vegetables: Like sauerkraut. They're good for your stomach because they have probiotics.

6. Leafy Greens: Spinach and lettuce are loaded with vitamins.

7. Organ Meats: They might sound yucky, but they're really good for you. If you can't stomach them, try cod liver from a can.

8. Herbs and Spices: Garlic, onion, and cinnamon make your food taste good and are also healthy.

Eating the right foods is about choosing stuff that's full of what your body needs. Next time you're shopping, remember this list and pick foods that are really good for you!

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC

WEIGHT LOSS

'Ozempic Babies' Are Surprising Women Taking Weight Loss Drugs. Doctors Think They Know Why

Women who are taking medicines like Ozempic and Mounjaro to lose weight are getting a big surprise: they're having babies when they didn't plan to! These women are talking about their "Ozempic babies" or "Mounjaro babies" on the internet, sharing stories of unexpected joy.

For example, one lady was taking Ozempic and still using birth control but got pregnant. Another woman was happy her "surprise Ozempic baby" is healthy. Deb, a 32-year-old, took Ozempic to drop some pounds and was surprised to find out she was pregnant, even though she had a hard time getting pregnant before.

Doctors think this is happening for two reasons. First, losing weight can make your body more ready to have a baby. Second, these medicines might make birth control pills not work as well. But, doctors warn not to use these drugs just to try to get pregnant because it could be harmful to the baby.

Some weight loss drugs can slow down your stomach, which means birth control pills might not work right. Doctors say if you're taking these medicines, you might want to use an extra form of birth control to be safe.

So, while these stories of unexpected babies can be happy news, it's important to be careful and talk to your doctor if you think you're pregnant while taking weight loss medicine.

Source: usatoday.com

HEALTH

HIV Cure Nearer With Way to "Shock and Kill" Latent Virus

Scientists have made a big leap towards curing HIV, a virus that attacks the body's defense system. They've discovered a new method using HIV-like particles, which are basically harmless versions of the virus. This breakthrough could change how we treat the disease.

HIV has been a major health issue, affecting over 1.2 million people in the U.S. alone. Although treatments have come a long way, allowing those with HIV to live longer lives, a cure has been elusive. The virus can hide in the body in a "sleeping" state, making it hard to completely get rid of.

The new research shows that these HIV-like particles can "wake up" the hiding virus and help the body's immune system destroy it. This is a big deal because it works even on the virus that's been out of reach with current treatments.

What's exciting is that this method seems to work on all types of HIV, no matter where in the world it comes from. This means it could potentially help everyone with the virus, offering hope for a cure.

Researchers are optimistic, saying this discovery could lead to an affordable cure for all. This is especially important as the world aims to end the HIV pandemic by 2030. While there's still work to be done, this step forward gives many people hope for an HIV-free future.

Source: newsweek.com

Considering a "Sleep Divorce"? There Could Be Benefits to Sleeping Alone

Have you ever heard of a "sleep divorce"? It might sound serious, but it's actually a simple solution for couples who struggle to get a good night's rest together. Instead of sharing a bed, partners choose to sleep separately. While it might seem odd at first, there are some real benefits to consider, especially for those of us over 45.

First off, sleep quality can really make or break your day. If your partner snores, tosses and turns, or has a different sleep schedule, chances are you're not getting the rest you need. Sleeping alone means you can set your own bedtime, keep the room as cool or warm as you like, and enjoy a quiet, undisturbed sleep environment.

Another plus? Your health could improve. Good sleep is linked to lower stress, better mood, and even a stronger immune system. When you sleep well, you're likely to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

Of course, a sleep divorce doesn't mean your relationship is in trouble. In fact, it could actually help. With both partners getting better rest, you might find you're more patient, understanding, and appreciative of each other.

If you're thinking about trying a sleep divorce, talk it over with your partner. It's not about spending time apart but about making the time you spend together even better. Who knows? A little space at night might just bring you closer.

Source: scientificamerican.com

✢ 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.