04/16/24 - #109

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Brains of Older Adults Boosted in Just 12 Weeks by Daily Fiber Supplement

  • Weight Loss Life Hack

  • Researchers Identifies Molecular Alterations in Brain Tissue and Blood of People Who Committed Suicide, After They Reviewed and Reanalyzed a Large Amount of Data Available in the Literature Regarding Molecular Alterations Found in Postmortem Examination of Blood and Brain Tissue From Suicides

  • The Nature and Impact of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms and Proposal of the Discriminatory Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms Scale (DAWSS)

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Brains of Older Adults Boosted in Just 12 Weeks by Daily Fiber Supplement

Did you know that something as simple as eating more fiber can make your brain work better? Scientists have discovered this amazing fact, especially for older adults. But, what's surprising is that most people aren't getting enough fiber in their diet.

Fiber is a part of plants that our body doesn't digest. It travels through our stomach and helps with lots of important things. For example, it keeps our blood sugar level steady, makes us feel full so we don't overeat, and helps everything move smoothly through our intestines. Besides, eating lots of fiber is good for our heart and can even help prevent some diseases.

A recent study focused on older people over 60. These folks took a fiber supplement every day for 12 weeks, did some physical exercises, and had protein. What's really exciting is that by the end of the study, these people showed improved brain function. This improvement is because fiber helps the good bacteria in our gut. Those bacteria are like tiny helpers for our brain.

The participants in the study did better on brain tests, which means they could think clearer and remember things better. Scientists are thrilled because this discovery could help lots of older adults keep their minds sharp.

The best part? Getting more fiber is easy, affordable, and safe. It could be a straightforward way to help our brains stay healthy as we get older. So, why not add more fiber to our meals and snacks? It's a smart move for our brains!

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Life Hack

Battling belly fat isn't just about eating less—it's also about handling stress, drinking more water, and even improving how you sit! Here are quick, easy changes you can make to help flatten your belly:

1. Hearty Breakfast: Begin with oats mixed with scrambled egg. This combo fills you up more, helping you eat less later.

2. Bloat-Busting Salad: Make a salad with dandelion leaf and fennel to fight bloating. It helps get rid of extra water and salt in your body, making your stomach look slimmer.

3. Drink More Water: Follow the "10 gulp rule" every time you drink water. This means taking 10 big sips before putting the bottle down. It keeps you well-hydrated and helps reduce puffiness.

4. Reduce Stress: Stress makes your belly fat worse. Try this: stand up and tense all your muscles for five seconds, then relax. Do it three times to help lower stress.

5. The Vacuum Exercise: This special exercise works deep belly muscles. Take a deep breath, exhale all the air, and pull your belly in. Hold this to tighten your core.

These simple steps can really change how your belly looks and feels over time. It's about making small changes that add up to big results. Start today and see the difference for yourself!

HEALTH

Researchers Identifies Molecular Alterations in Brain Tissue and Blood of People Who Committed Suicide, After They Reviewed and Reanalyzed a Large Amount of Data Available in the Literature Regarding Molecular Alterations Found in Postmortem Examination of Blood and Brain Tissue From Suicides

Scientists in Brazil have made an exciting discovery, published on March 13, 2024, in Psychiatry Research. They found special changes in the brain and blood of people who have taken their own lives. This research could help us better understand why some people feel so hopeless and find ways to prevent suicide.

Every year, over 700,000 people around the world decide to end their lives, with young adults facing a particularly high risk. Figuring out who might be at risk has been tough. Until now, doctors mostly had to talk to people and hope they could tell who needed help.

The researchers, led by Manuella Kaster and Daniel Martins-de-Souza, looked at lots of studies. They focused on what was happening inside the brains and blood of those who had died by suicide, looking at genes, proteins, and more.

They discovered signs, or "markers," that could warn us if someone might be thinking about suicide. This is important because many people who commit suicide had seen a doctor before, but the danger wasn't spotted.

One key area they looked at was the prefrontal cortex, part of the brain that helps us control our feelings and make decisions. Changes here might make young people more vulnerable.

The goal of this study is clear: to take every sign of suicide seriously and to find new ways to help people before it's too late. Understanding these changes could lead to better treatments and save lives.

The Nature and Impact of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms and Proposal of the Discriminatory Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms Scale (DAWSS)

Stopping antidepressants can be tough. Researchers Joanna Moncrieff, John Read, and Mark Abie Horowitz studied this and found out that when people stop their medicine, they might feel really bad. Some feel even worse than before they started the medicine.

They talked to over a thousand people, mostly women, who shared their experiences. Many said they felt weird things like electric shocks or dizziness, which they didn't feel before taking the medicine. Also, these feelings didn't go away quickly for many. For about 40% of them, these bad feelings lasted more than two years, making it hard for them to work, be with friends, or enjoy family time.

The researchers came up with a new way to figure out these feelings called the DAWSS. It lists the 15 most common bad feelings people have when they stop their antidepressants. This list can help doctors understand what's happening better.

It's important for people who want to stop taking antidepressants to know about these possible hard times. They should talk to their doctor for help and not try to do it alone. This study helps everyone understand that stopping antidepressants can be a big deal and that support and care are very important.

✢ 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.