04/11/24 - #106

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Families Cutting Back on Healthy Food Risks Widening Health Inequalities

  • Easy Way to Lose Weight

  • New Research Finds That Those With Essential Tremor May Be Significantly More Likely to Develop Dementia

  • A Low-fat Vegan Diet Rich in Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, and Beans Reduces Insulin Needs and Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Glycemic Control in People With Type 1 Diabetes. The Study Also Found That a Vegan Diet Led to Improvements in Cholesterol Levels, Kidney Function, and Weight

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Families Cutting Back on Healthy Food Risks Widening Health Inequalities

In the UK, many families are finding it hard to buy healthy food like fruits, veggies, and fish. This problem is getting worse, especially with the election coming up and everyone talking about how to make the country healthier. Experts say we need to help families with less money eat better to stop health problems from getting worse.

Sadly, people who don't have a lot of money are getting sick more often because they can't afford good food. They are more likely to have health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The latest reports show that families struggling with money are buying less healthy food. This is not a small issue; it affects 8 million adults and 3 million kids!

Because healthy food costs more, people with less money have to buy cheaper food that isn't as good for them. Now, with prices going up, it's even harder for these families to eat healthily.

With an election year coming, it's really important for leaders to think about making healthy food more affordable. They could make sure families have enough money to buy good food and make school meals free for more kids. This would help everyone have a chance to eat well and stay healthy.

Making sure everyone can afford healthy food is a big step towards fixing this problem and making sure all families can be healthy and happy.

WEIGHT LOSS

Easy Way to Lose Weight

Looking to lose weight without the headache? Here's a simpler way to do it. Forget the old "calories in, calories out" idea. It's more about the type of calories you eat and when you eat them.

First, know this: cutting calories too much can make your metabolism slow down. That means it gets harder to keep weight off over time. Not all calories are the same, either. Foods with lots of carbs make you store fat, not burn it.

So, what should you do? Two things: eat fewer carbs and try intermittent fasting. This means eating less often and cutting back on carb-rich foods. This combo makes your body burn fat for energy, helping you lose weight and feel better.

Don't forget about exercise. Walking is surprisingly effective. It's not too hard, but it helps burn fat, especially if you walk for more than 30 minutes at a time. Try to walk for an hour or so each day. It's good for your mind, too, and it helps you stress less, which is also great for weight loss.

In short, for effective weight loss, eat fewer carbs, don't snack all the time, and start walking more. Stick with it, and you'll see results. It's all about making small changes that you can keep up in the long run.

HEALTH

New Research Finds That Those With Essential Tremor May Be Significantly More Likely to Develop Dementia

A new study has important news for people who have essential tremor, a condition that makes over 7 million Americans shake in parts like their arms and hands. This research says that these people might be three times more likely to get dementia. Dementia is a brain condition that makes it hard to remember things and think clearly. Alzheimer's is one kind of dementia.

Dr. Elan D. Louis led the study. He and his team followed 222 older people, around 79 years old, for five years. They found out that those with essential tremor were more likely to develop dementia than people who don't have this condition. But, their risk was not as high as those with Parkinson's disease, another condition that causes shaking.

This discovery is especially important for people with essential tremor and their families. It tells them that they have a higher chance of getting dementia. Even though not everyone with essential tremor will get dementia, knowing about the risk is helpful for planning ahead.

The study shows why more research is needed. Understanding more about the link between essential tremor and dementia could help find ways to lower the risk of getting dementia for people with this condition.

A Low-fat Vegan Diet Rich in Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, and Beans Reduces Insulin Needs and Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Glycemic Control in People With Type 1 Diabetes. The Study Also Found That a Vegan Diet Led to Improvements in Cholesterol Levels, Kidney Function, and Weight

A new study shows that eating a low-fat vegan diet, which means lots of fruits, veggies, grains, and beans, can help people with type 1 diabetes use less insulin and have better blood sugar control. This study is a big deal because it's the first time researchers looked at how this diet affects people with type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes happens when the body's immune system attacks parts of the pancreas, making it hard to make insulin. Insulin helps our bodies use sugar for energy. Without enough insulin, sugar stays in the blood, which can cause problems over time.

In the study, 58 adults with type 1 diabetes tried two different eating plans. One group ate the vegan diet with no limits on calories or carbs. The other group had a diet that controlled portions and calories, especially for those who needed to lose weight.

The people eating vegan needed 28% less insulin and lost about 11 pounds. They also got better at using insulin in their bodies, which helps with blood sugar control. Plus, their cholesterol levels improved, which is great for the heart.

This finding is exciting because it shows that changing what you eat might help control diabetes and protect your heart, all without needing more medicine. It's a simple, powerful way to take charge of your health.

✢ 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.