05/20/25 - #394

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Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Eating More Fiber Could Lower Levels of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ | Researchers Discovered That Fiber Was Most Effective at Reducing Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid and Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Each of Which Can Remain in the Human Body for Years.

  • Weight Loss Drugs Could Slash Cancer Risks by 41% Compared to Surgery

  • Texas Attorney General Targets Toothpaste Companies Amid Increased Scrutiny of Fluoride

  • Feelings of Frailty Can Set in at 40. Loneliness, Feeling Older Than Your Age and a Negative Attitude to Ageing Are All Associated With Early Stages of Frailty, Even in People as Young as 40. Many People Assume Frailty is Something That Happens When We Get Much Older.

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Eating More Fiber Could Lower Levels of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ | Researchers Discovered That Fiber Was Most Effective at Reducing Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid and Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Each of Which Can Remain in the Human Body for Years.

A new study from Canada found that eating more fiber could help lower the amount of “forever chemicals” in your body. These chemicals, called PFAS, are used in products like food packaging, nonstick pans, and waterproof clothing. They can build up in the body and stay there for many years. Some are linked to health problems like liver damage, cancer, and high cholesterol.

In the study, 72 men with high cholesterol were split into two groups. One group drank a fiber drink made with oat beta-glucan, a type of fiber found in oats. The other group drank a rice-based drink. After four weeks, both groups had lower levels of PFAS in their blood. However, the oat fiber group had bigger drops in two harmful PFAS: PFOA and PFOS.

Experts believe fiber may help by trapping PFAS in the gut, so the body can get rid of them more easily through waste. This is similar to how fiber helps lower cholesterol.

Even though the study was short and only included men, it shows that fiber could be a simple way to help reduce PFAS in the body. More studies are needed to learn how much fiber is best and how long it should be taken.

If you're over 45 and want to stay healthy, eating more fiber-rich foods—like oats, fruits, and vegetables—may help protect you from harmful chemicals and support your overall health.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Drugs Could Slash Cancer Risks by 41% Compared to Surgery

New research shows that weight loss drugs might do more than help people lose weight—they may also lower the risk of certain cancers.

The study looked at nearly 6,400 people with obesity and diabetes. Some had weight loss surgery. Others took GLP-1 drugs like Saxenda or Trulicity. These drugs help people feel full longer, so they eat less.

Over time, both groups had similar cancer rates. But when researchers adjusted for how much weight people lost, they found something surprising: the people who took the drugs had a 41% lower risk of obesity-related cancers than those who had surgery.

Obesity is linked to at least 13 types of cancer. Experts believe that GLP-1 drugs may reduce cancer risk by lowering inflammation in the body—not just by helping with weight loss. Newer drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro may be even more effective.

Still, the study had limits. Only 298 people developed cancer during the study. Also, this was an observational study. That means the researchers looked at medical records instead of running a controlled trial. Stronger studies are still needed.

Experts say more large trials will help confirm these early results. But this study adds to growing evidence that weight loss drugs may offer other health benefits, too. They may also help with conditions like addiction, dementia, and liver problems.

Bottom line: These medicines may do more than help you lose weight—they might help protect you from cancer, too.

HEALTH

Texas Attorney General Targets Toothpaste Companies Amid Increased Scrutiny of Fluoride

Toothpaste with fluoride has been used in the U.S. since the 1970s to help prevent cavities. But now, some people are worried it may not be as safe as once thought.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has started an investigation into two major toothpaste companies—Colgate and Crest. He says they may be wrongly advertising their products to parents and kids. His main concern is that the toothpaste flavors and ads might make children want to swallow too much of it.

Swallowing too much fluoride can be harmful, especially for children. Health groups like the CDC and the American Dental Association (ADA) say kids should only use a small amount—about the size of a grain of rice. Colgate says their toothpaste is safe when used the right way. Crest’s parent company did not reply.

Fluoride is also added to drinking water in many cities. Some groups are now questioning if that’s still a good idea. The U.S. government says it will review the science and may update its advice. In March, Utah banned fluoride in drinking water, and Florida may do the same.

A recent study found that fluoride in toothpaste may be more helpful than fluoride in water. It showed only a small benefit to adding fluoride to tap water.

The ADA still supports fluoride in water and toothpaste. But experts agree: children should not swallow large amounts.

The debate continues, but most dentists say fluoride toothpaste is safe—if used correctly.

Feelings of Frailty Can Set in at 40. Loneliness, Feeling Older Than Your Age and a Negative Attitude to Ageing Are All Associated With Early Stages of Frailty, Even in People as Young as 40. Many People Assume Frailty is Something That Happens When We Get Much Older.

Many people think frailty only happens when we are very old. But new research from Flinders University shows that it can start as early as age 40. The study found that people who feel lonely, think they are older than they are, or have a negative view of aging are more likely to show early signs of frailty.

Frailty is a health condition that causes people to lose strength, feel tired, and have trouble bouncing back after illness. There is a stage before full frailty called “pre-frailty.” It can still be reversed if caught early.

Researchers looked at 321 adults in Australia who were 40 years or older. About 60% were pre-frail, 35% were not frail, and 5% were frail. Those who were pre-frail or frail were more likely to feel lonely or have negative thoughts about getting older.

One of the biggest signs of pre-frailty was loneliness. People without strong social ties were more likely to feel weak or tired. Another sign was feeling older than their real age, even if they were in good health.

Experts say having a better attitude about aging may help. Staying social and active can also make a big difference.

Doctors believe that spotting these signs early can help people stay healthier for longer. Taking steps to stay positive and connected could help slow down frailty and lead to a better quality of life.

The sooner we start, the better we age—mentally, physically, and socially.

✢ 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.