05/22/25 - #396

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Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • High Levels of Arsenic and Cadmium Found in Rice Sold in Stores Across U.S., Report Finds

  • Key Differences Between Mounjaro and Wegovy as Both Go Head-to-head in Weight Loss Trial

  • Why Doctors Say the Viral ‘Fart Walk’ Trend is Actually Good for You

  • Diabetes Deaths Fall to Lowest Levels in Years, in Early CDC Figures

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

High Levels of Arsenic and Cadmium Found in Rice Sold in Stores Across U.S., Report Finds

A new report has found harmful metals in rice sold in stores across the U.S. The group Healthy Babies, Bright Futures tested 145 rice samples and found arsenic in all of them. One in four had arsenic levels above the limit set for baby rice cereal by the FDA. But there is no legal limit for regular rice eaten by families.

The report also found other toxic metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury. On average, the levels of all metals ranged from 63 to 188 parts per billion (ppb). One sample had more than 240 ppb.

The group tested 105 rice brands from 20 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Some types of rice had less arsenic. These include white rice from California, jasmine rice from Thailand, and basmati rice from India. Brown rice, white rice from the Southeast U.S., and arborio rice from Italy had higher levels.

They also tested other grains like quinoa, barley, and couscous. These had much lower levels of toxic metals.

The USA Rice Federation said rice is safe and they are working with the FDA. But experts say inorganic arsenic is harmful and may cause cancer. It is more dangerous than the natural form of arsenic found in some foods.

To lower your risk, try cooking rice in extra water and draining it. Or switch to grains with lower metal levels.

Being aware of what you eat can help protect your health and your family’s.

WEIGHT LOSS

Key Differences Between Mounjaro and Wegovy as Both Go Head-to-head in Weight Loss Trial

Two popular weight loss drugs, Mounjaro and Wegovy, are helping people lose weight by making them feel full faster. Both are weekly shots and work by copying a hormone that controls hunger. But a recent study shows that one may work better than the other.

In the study, 750 adults with obesity took either Mounjaro or Wegovy for 72 weeks. People on Mounjaro lost more weight. About 32% of them lost at least 25% of their body weight. Only 16% of Wegovy users lost that much. Mounjaro users also lost more inches around the waist and had better blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

The difference comes down to the ingredients. Wegovy has semaglutide. Mounjaro has tirzepatide, which affects two hunger hormones instead of one. This may be why it works better for some people.

Both drugs can cause side effects like nausea, constipation, or tiredness. Some people also notice sagging skin after losing weight quickly. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor first.

While Mounjaro showed better results in this study, Wegovy still helps many people lose weight. Your doctor can help decide which one is best for you, based on your health and weight goals.

Mounjaro may be a better option for people with a higher weight or type 2 diabetes. But always get medical advice before starting either drug.

Weight loss isn’t the same for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another.

HEALTH

Why Doctors Say the Viral ‘Fart Walk’ Trend is Actually Good for You

The “fart walk” started as a joke online, but doctors say it has real health benefits.

It was made popular by 70-year-old cookbook author Mairlyn Smith, who posted a video saying a short walk after dinner can help you feel better and age well. The name “fart walk” caught attention, and now millions of people have seen the trend on social media.

While the name is funny, walking after meals is not new. Many cultures have done it for centuries. Now, science supports it too.

Doctors say walking after eating helps with digestion. It moves food through your body and can reduce gas, bloating, and heartburn. Even a 5- to 10-minute walk can help your stomach work better.

Walking also helps control blood sugar. After meals, sugar levels in the blood can rise. A short walk helps lower those levels, which is good for people at risk of diabetes.

Dr. Max Brondfield from UCSF says movement keeps the digestive system working smoothly. Dr. Christopher Damman from the University of Washington says the body handles food better when you move.

Doctors recommend walking within 60 minutes after eating, when the body is still breaking down food.

Regular walking can also lower the risk of heart disease, dementia, and even some cancers.

Of course, walking isn’t the only thing that matters. A healthy diet, sleep, and stress management are also important.

Still, taking a “fart walk” is an easy, free way to feel better after a meal—and your body will thank you.

Diabetes Deaths Fall to Lowest Levels in Years, in Early CDC Figures

The number of people dying from diabetes in the U.S. has dropped to its lowest point in years, according to early data from the CDC.

In 2024, there were 26.4 diabetes deaths for every 100,000 people. This is down from a high of 31.1 in 2021. That year, diabetes was the eighth leading cause of death.

Experts say the COVID-19 pandemic made things worse for people with diabetes. The virus was more dangerous for those with health problems. Many also had trouble seeing doctors or staying active during lockdowns. These issues made it harder to manage diabetes.

Dr. Christopher Holliday from the CDC said that while things have improved since 2021, death rates from diabetes are still higher than before the pandemic.

In 2019, about 87,000 people died from diabetes. That number rose to over 103,000 in 2021. In 2024, it dropped to about 94,000.

Before the pandemic, diabetes deaths were going down, even though more people had the disease. New medicines like Ozempic and Mounjaro may be helping.

Nearly 1 in 10 adults had diagnosed diabetes in 2023.

Experts say that counting diabetes deaths is tricky. Sometimes, diabetes is not listed as the main cause of death, even if it played a role. Many people with diabetes die from heart disease, which may be listed instead.

Doctors decide how to record causes of death, and this can affect the numbers.

Still, the drop in deaths is a good sign.

✢ 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.