04/17/24 - #110

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Researchers Have Found the Yeasts and Bacteria From the Fermented, Kombucha Sweetened Tea, Altered Fat Metabolism, Without Any Other Dietary Changes, Resulting in Lower Fat Stores | Kombucha Tea May Be Able to Deliver the Benefits of Fasting, Without the Fasting Itself

  • Pilot Study Shows Ketogenic Diet Improves Severe Mental Illness. New Research Has Found That a Ketogenic Diet Not Only Restores Metabolic Health in Patients as They Continue Their Medications, but It Further Improves Their Psychiatric Conditions

  • US Officials Warn of Increase in Bacterial Illnesses That Can Lead to Meningitis and Possibly Death

  • Two Nights of Broken Sleep Can Make People Feel Years Older. Volunteers Felt More Than Four Years Older When They Were Restricted to Only Four Hours of Sleep for Two Consecutive Nights, With Some Claiming the Sleepiness Made Them Feel Decades Older

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Researchers Have Found the Yeasts and Bacteria From the Fermented, Kombucha Sweetened Tea, Altered Fat Metabolism, Without Any Other Dietary Changes, Resulting in Lower Fat Stores | Kombucha Tea May Be Able to Deliver the Benefits of Fasting, Without the Fasting Itself

Kombucha tea might just be a secret weapon for those who don't like fasting but want its benefits. Researchers have discovered that the special yeasts and bacteria in kombucha can change how our bodies deal with fat. This happens without having to change what we eat, and it could lead to less body fat.

What's the secret? It's the SCOBY—Symbiotic Cultures of Bacteria and Yeasts. This jelly-like layer floats in kombucha and is full of good microbes, including types that help lower blood pressure.

The team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found these microbes work their magic in a tiny worm called C. elegans. Here, the kombucha microbes helped increase proteins that break down fat and decrease those that build it up. This is important. Too much fat, especially types called triglycerides, can lead to health issues like heart disease.

Their findings show that kombucha makes these worms' bodies act like they are fasting. It does so by by reducing their fat and triglyceride levels, even though their diet hasn't changed. While this study used worms, it hints that kombucha might do the same in humans.

More research is needed to confirm these effects in people. But, this study adds to the good things we hear about kombucha. It can help with blood sugar and reduce inflammation. But the researchers say we should wait for more studies before making any final decisions on kombucha's health benefits.

WEIGHT LOSS

Pilot Study Shows Ketogenic Diet Improves Severe Mental Illness. New Research Has Found That a Ketogenic Diet Not Only Restores Metabolic Health in Patients as They Continue Their Medications, but It Further Improves Their Psychiatric Conditions

A new study by Stanford Medicine suggests that a ketogenic diet could help people with severe mental illnesses. These include schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This diet involves eating fewer carbs and more fats and proteins. It’s good news for those seeking alternatives to their usual medication, which can cause unwanted side effects like weight gain.

The research included 21 adults. They had either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. All of them had health problems from their psychiatric medicines. The participants followed a ketogenic diet for over four months. They focused on whole, natural foods and did not have to count calories. They also got help from a health coach and used resources like keto-friendly meal ideas.

The results were very positive. At the end of the study, none of the participants had metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that can lead to heart disease. They also lost weight, improved their blood pressure, and had better blood sugar and fat levels.

In terms of mental health, participants felt better overall. They slept better, were in a better mood, and enjoyed a higher quality of life. They also improved by 31% on a scale that measures mental illness, with most showing significant improvements.

This study shows that the keto diet can help with physical health problems caused by mental health drugs. It can also improve the symptoms of mental illnesses. This could lead to new ways to treat these conditions, offering hope to many.

HEALTH

US Officials Warn of Increase in Bacterial Illnesses That Can Lead to Meningitis and Possibly Death

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a serious warning about a rise in a rare but dangerous bacterial illness. This illness is caused mainly by a type of bacteria known as serogroup Y. It can cause meningitis, a severe infection of the brain and spinal cord, and even death.

In 2023, there were 422 reported cases in the United States, marking the highest number in a single year since 2014. This year, the numbers continue to rise, with 143 cases already reported. While not all cases last year resulted in meningitis, the illness led to at least 17 deaths. The disease has been most common among adults aged 30 to 60, particularly in Black individuals and those living with HIV.

Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, a stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting. The bacteria can also enter the bloodstream. This causes symptoms like chills, severe fatigue, and a dark purple rash in severe cases. Immediate treatment with antibiotics is crucial, and if left untreated, the disease can be fatal in 10% to 15% of cases. Survivors might face long-term disabilities like deafness or limb amputation.

To combat this, the CDC recommends vaccination. All children should get the meningococcal vaccine when they enter middle school. They need a booster at age 16. Adults are urged to get vaccinated. This is especially true for those at increased risk. It protects against this potentially deadly disease.

Two Nights of Broken Sleep Can Make People Feel Years Older. Volunteers Felt More Than Four Years Older When They Were Restricted to Only Four Hours of Sleep for Two Consecutive Nights, With Some Claiming the Sleepiness Made Them Feel Decades Older

Have you ever felt like a couple of bad nights could age you? A recent study shows that just two nights of limited sleep might make you feel much older. When volunteers slept only four hours per night for two consecutive nights, they reported feeling over four years older. Some even said they felt decades older due to the fatigue.

Researchers in Sweden have discovered that not getting enough sleep doesn't just make you tired; it can make you feel significantly older. This feeling of accelerated aging can lead to less healthy lifestyle choices. People might eat poorly, skip their workouts, and be less social.

Conversely, the study found that when people managed to get a good nine hours of sleep, they felt about three months younger. This highlights the power of sleep to influence how old we feel.

The impact of sleep on our perceived age and vitality is substantial. Dr. Leonie Balter is the lead researcher. She notes that poor sleep might make us feel older. This might make us less likely to do activities that keep us feeling young and lively.

The study involved participants aged 18 to 70. They were asked about their sleep habits and how old they felt. Those who enjoyed good sleep regularly felt nearly six years younger than their actual age.

For anyone looking to keep their youthful vigor, ensuring a good night's sleep might be the secret. So, next time you're planning to burn the midnight oil, remember, a little more sleep could keep you feeling young and spry.

✢ 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.