05/01/24 - #120

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Does the Human Body Really Need So Much Protein?

  • I've Lost 20 Lbs

  • Scientists Identify BMP as a Sign of Biological Aging: the Study Concluded Its Accumulation May Be Reversible Through Simple Exercise

  • Single Injection of Ketamine Can Reduce Postpartum Depression by 75%

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Does the Human Body Really Need So Much Protein?

Many people think we need a lot of protein every day. However, Dr. Burg, a health expert with 26 years of experience, believes that's too much. Normally, adults are told to eat about 8 grams of protein for each kilogram they weigh each day. Athletes might even eat up to 300 grams a day.

Dr. Burg thinks we should eat less—about half the usual recommendation. For someone who weighs 193 pounds, this means about 78 grams of protein daily, or 26 grams per meal. This is similar to a small burger patty or four eggs.

Eating too much protein isn't good for several reasons. It can keep you awake at night because protein has phosphorus, which makes you alert. Also, too much protein can turn into sugar in your body, which increases insulin levels and can lead to weight gain. Dr. Burg suggests eating more vegetables because they have calming minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Everyone's needs are different. Young people might handle more protein, while older adults or those with liver issues should eat less. Dr. Burg recommends trying out different amounts of protein to see what feels best for you.

In conclusion, Dr. Burg says not to overdo protein. It's better to eat a balanced amount that fits your body's needs and include plenty of vegetables in your diet.

WEIGHT LOSS

I've Lost 20 Lbs

Billions of dollars are spent each year on weight loss products, but a new diet plan called the Met Flex Diet might change that. Dr. Ian Smith, a famous author, created this plan. It helps people lose up to 20 pounds in six weeks. And, they don't have to give up favorites like pizza, pasta, or even alcohol.

Dr. Smith explains that many people struggle to lose weight. It's not due to a slow metabolism, but to trouble using carbs and fats for energy. His six-week program helps fix this issue, making your body better at using both carbs and fats.

What's unique about this diet is not just what you eat but when you eat. It includes a schedule that mixes days when you eat more carbs with days when you eat more fats. This variety helps keep things interesting and makes the diet easier to stick with.

The plan has already worked for many, including Lisa Davenport and Jill, who both lost a lot of weight and felt healthier overall. Dr. Smith says the key to the diet's success is that it uses normal, affordable foods and even allows for treats like alcohol.

By making small changes in how and what you eat, this diet promises to help you lose weight while still enjoying food. It's designed to be a change you can stick with for life, not just a quick fix.

HEALTH

Scientists Identify BMP as a Sign of Biological Aging: the Study Concluded Its Accumulation May Be Reversible Through Simple Exercise

Scientists have found a new clue about why we age and how we might slow it down. Imagine if we could fight aging just by exercising. That's what a new study led by Professor Riekelt Houtkooper from the Amsterdam University Medical Centre is suggesting.

The research focused on a molecule called BMP that builds up in our bodies as we get older. Too much BMP can make us age faster and even lead to diseases. But here's the good news: the study found that simple exercise can reduce the amount of BMP in our bodies.

In a special experiment, women who didn't exercise much tried different activities. Some just sat, others did a mix of sitting, standing, and walking, and some exercised for an hour a day. After just four days, the women who exercised had less BMP in their muscles.

This discovery is exciting because it shows us that staying active could help keep us young. The study isn't the final answer, and more research is needed, but it opens up a cool possibility: fighting aging might be as simple as moving more.

Professor Houtkooper says the best way to slow aging is by staying active and eating right. So, there might not be a magic pill to stop aging, but exercising and healthy living could be our best bet.

Single Injection of Ketamine Can Reduce Postpartum Depression by 75%

A new study shows that a single shot of a drug called esketamine right after childbirth can greatly cut the risk of postpartum depression by 75%. This discovery could change the way we help new mothers with mental health.

Postpartum depression makes many new mothers feel very sad, worried, and tired after having a baby. Researchers from China and the United States studied 361 mothers who felt depressed during pregnancy.

They published their findings in the BMJ journal. The mothers were divided into two groups. One group got a low-dose shot of esketamine right after giving birth, and the other group got a fake shot. Esketamine is a type of ketamine used to help with anesthesia and depression.

Six weeks later, only about 7% of the mothers who got esketamine had major depression episodes. In contrast, about 25% of the mothers who got the fake shot had depression.

Some mothers had minor side effects like dizziness and seeing double, but these went away in a day. The good results of this study show that esketamine could be a safe, effective, and affordable way to prevent worse depression in new mothers.

Experts are excited about this new treatment. Dr. Rupert McShane is a psychiatrist. He said, "Now we need to find the money for monitoring. It will make sure this treatment can help a lot while keeping risks low."" This research is an important step towards better mental health care for mothers everywhere.

✢ 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.