05/12/25 - #388

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Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Kennedy Set to Announce Ban on Artificial Food Dyes

  • Ozempic and Similar Drugs Are Safe and Effective for People With Mental Illness Looking to Lose Weight. There Was No Evidence of Increased Risks of Mental Health Problems Including Suicide, While Patients With or Without a Mental Illness Were Likely to See a Beneficial Impact on Their Mental Health

  • Cold-water Plunges Might Not Speed Post-workout Muscle Recovery, a Study of 30 Young Women Suggests

  • Plastics in Everyday Objects May Disrupt Sleep in Same Way as Caffeine, Study Finds | Findings Show for First Time How Plastic Chemicals Throw Off the Body’s Internal Clock by Up to 17 Minutes

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Kennedy Set to Announce Ban on Artificial Food Dyes

The U.S. government will ban eight artificial food dyes often found in candy, cereal, snacks, and drinks. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the goal is to help people know what they’re eating.

Two dyes—Red No. 2 and Orange B—will be removed in the next few months. Six others, including Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, will be banned by the end of 2026. These dyes are made from petroleum, and some experts say they may cause behavior problems in children. They have also been linked to health issues in animal studies.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to approve four natural dyes soon, so food companies have safer options. Many other countries, like Canada and the U.K., already use natural dyes made from things like carrots or watermelon.

Dr. Peter Lurie, a former FDA official, says these dyes are used to make processed foods look more colorful, especially to kids. He believes we don’t need them at all. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary agrees this ban is not a cure-all, but it’s a strong step toward better health.

Kennedy also plans to review other food additives, especially those used in school meals. Some states, like West Virginia, have already passed their own bans on artificial dyes and preservatives.

The U.S. is now catching up with other countries in removing these chemicals. Experts say it’s an easy change—and a safer one for everyone, especially children.

WEIGHT LOSS

Ozempic and Similar Drugs Are Safe and Effective for People With Mental Illness Looking to Lose Weight. There Was No Evidence of Increased Risks of Mental Health Problems Including Suicide, While Patients With or Without a Mental Illness Were Likely to See a Beneficial Impact on Their Mental Health

A new study shows that Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs are safe for people with mental illness. These drugs help with weight loss and blood sugar control without making mental health worse.

Researchers looked at 36 studies from 19 countries. Some of the people in these studies had mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Many were also taking medications that often cause weight gain. The review showed that people using Ozempic or similar drugs lost weight and had better blood sugar levels.

The study also found no signs of increased mental health risks. There was no rise in depression, suicidal thoughts, or hospital stays for mental illness. In fact, many people said they felt better mentally while taking the drugs. Their mood and quality of life improved.

The drugs studied include Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, and others. These drugs help people feel full longer, which leads to eating less and losing weight. They were first made for diabetes but are now used for weight loss too.

Dr. Sigrid Breit from the University of Bern said these results are important. People with mental illness are more likely to be overweight or have type 2 diabetes. These drugs can help without harming their mental health.

Doctors should still watch patients closely, especially those with mental illness. But this study gives hope to many people who want to lose weight safely while managing mental health.

HEALTH

Cold-water Plunges Might Not Speed Post-workout Muscle Recovery, a Study of 30 Young Women Suggests

Cold-water plunges are growing in popularity, but a new study suggests they may not help muscles recover faster after a workout—at least not for women.

Researchers studied 30 young women who performed a tough exercise called a drop-jump. After the workout, each woman followed one of three recovery routines: a cold-water soak, a hot-water soak, or no soak at all. Two hours later, they repeated the soak. Over the next three days, researchers checked their muscle strength, soreness, swelling, and a blood marker of muscle damage.

The results showed little difference among the three groups. Cold water, hot water, or no water—none of the methods clearly improved recovery. Muscle soreness, swelling, and strength all returned at similar rates.

Most past studies on cold-water plunges have focused on men. This new research, published May 7 in PLOS One, is one of the first to look at women. And while earlier studies on men have shown mixed results, they were also not conclusive.

Experts say there may still be other reasons to take a cold plunge. Some people say it makes them feel more awake or refreshed. These mental benefits might help motivation, even if the muscles don’t recover faster.

So, if you enjoy a cold dip after exercise, it’s not harmful—but don’t count on it to speed up healing.

Always talk to your doctor before trying new recovery methods, especially if you have health concerns.

Plastics in Everyday Objects May Disrupt Sleep in Same Way as Caffeine, Study Finds | Findings Show for First Time How Plastic Chemicals Throw Off the Body’s Internal Clock by Up to 17 Minutes

A new study shows that chemicals in plastic may affect your sleep, much like caffeine does. These chemicals can change your body’s internal clock, also called your circadian rhythm, by up to 17 minutes.

Researchers studied plastic items like medical tubes and water packs. These same types of plastics are also used in food containers, toys, and furniture. They found that certain chemicals in the plastics may affect a part of the brain that controls sleep and wake signals.

This part of the brain uses something called the adenosine receptor. It helps tell your body when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to wake up. Caffeine works by blocking this signal, which keeps you awake. The plastic chemicals don’t block the signal in the same way, but they still cause delays, which may keep you awake longer.

Even though 17 minutes may not seem like a big deal, experts say it is. Our body clocks are very sensitive, and small changes can lead to problems like trouble sleeping, weight gain, and heart disease.

The study was done in a lab using human cells. Scientists plan to test the effects on animals next. They also want to find out which plastic chemicals are causing these effects.

Experts say more research is needed, but this adds to growing concerns about plastic safety. To stay safe, try to limit your use of plastic, especially with food and drink containers.

✢ 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.