Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Study: High Seafood Diet May Increase Risk of Exposure to 'Forever Chemicals'

• ‘Ozempic Babies’: Reports of Surprise Pregnancies Raise New Questions About Weight Loss Drugs

• People Who Read a Lot of FIction Tend to Have Small but Meaningful Cognitive Benefits, Particularly for Verbal Skills, Empathy, and the Ability to Understand Others’ Perspectives., Study Finds

• New Research Suggests Psilocybin is Safe and Has Similar Side Effects to Traditional Antidepressants

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Study: High Seafood Diet May Increase Risk of Exposure to 'Forever Chemicals'

A new study from Dartmouth College found that people who eat a lot of seafood might be at a higher risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals called PFAS. These chemicals can cause serious health problems, including cancer and liver issues.

Researchers looked at the eating habits of 1,829 people in New Hampshire. Those who ate the most seafood had the highest levels of PFAS in their bodies. PFAS are chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or in humans, which is why they're called "forever chemicals."

The study found that shrimp and lobster had higher levels of PFAS. This is because they live on the ocean floor where these chemicals can build up. Larger fish might also have PFAS because they eat smaller fish that are contaminated.

Even with these findings, the researchers do not suggest stopping eating seafood altogether. Seafood is an important source of protein and healthy fats. However, they recommend stricter rules on how much seafood people should eat to lower the risk of PFAS exposure. This is especially important for people living near the coast, like in New England.

These new guidelines have a simple goal. They aim to help people enjoy the health benefits of seafood. They want to do this without exposing people to too much risk from PFAS. As more research is done, it's important for everyone to stay informed and consider how much seafood they eat based on the latest safety advice.

Source: upi.com

WEIGHT LOSS

‘Ozempic Babies’: Reports of Surprise Pregnancies Raise New Questions About Weight Loss Drugs

Catera Bentley from Steele, Alabama, struggled to become a mom due to a health condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But after taking a weight loss drug called Mounjaro, she unexpectedly got pregnant.

This surprising effect has been noticed by many other women, and people are now calling it the "Ozempic babies" phenomenon. These women were using drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. The drugs are usually given to help with weight loss and diabetes. The drugs work by copying body hormones. These hormones control hunger and insulin levels. They help people lose a lot of weight.

Doctors think that losing weight with these drugs might help women with PCOS. They have trouble with their menstrual cycles. It would improve their chances of getting pregnant. However, there’s a risk that these drugs could make birth control pills work less effectively.

The sudden pregnancies have sparked new concerns. The concerns are about whether these drugs are safe to use during pregnancy. They weren't tested on pregnant women in clinical trials. As more women share their stories, experts are urging for more research to understand the effects on mothers and their babies.

Dr. Jody Dushay suggests that women should stop taking these drugs two months before trying to get pregnant. This is what the drug guidelines recommend. Meanwhile, drug companies are starting studies. They will gather more safety information about these drugs during pregnancy.

Source: edition.cnn.com

HEALTH

People Who Read a Lot of Fiction Tend to Have Small but Meaningful Cognitive Benefits, Particularly for Verbal Skills, Empathy, and the Ability to Understand Others’ Perspectives., Study Finds

Do you enjoy reading novels and stories? A new study is from the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. It suggests that reading fiction can help sharpen your brain. This is especially true for skills like talking, empathy, and understanding others' views.

The research was led by Lena Wimmer, who wanted to explore how fiction affects our brains. Her team used two main methods to gather and analyze data from many different studies, giving stronger results.

The first part of the research looked at what happens right after people read fiction. It showed that people who read stories were better at understanding others' feelings. This was compared to those who watched TV or did activities that didn’t involve reading.

The second part looked at long-term benefits. It found that people who have been reading fiction for many years are better at using words and solving problems. They were also better at these skills than people who mostly read nonfiction.

The study suggests that reading fiction might quickly improve certain brain skills. These skills include empathy. Other benefits, like word use and problem-solving, might develop more slowly.

For adults over 45, picking up a novel could be more than just fun. It could also make your brain stronger and help you connect better with others. The researchers believe more studies are needed to understand this better.

Source: psypost.org

New Research Suggests Psilocybin is Safe and Has Similar Side Effects to Traditional Antidepressants

Researchers have been studying "magic mushrooms," or psilocybin. They see it as a new way to help people who don't improve with standard depression drugs. Many wondered if it was safe.

A new report from the University of Georgia, published in JAMA Network Open, says that the side effects of psilocybin are a lot like those of common antidepressants. People who took it had headaches, felt sick, anxious, dizzy, and had higher blood pressure for a short time—usually these problems went away in a day or two.

Joshua Caballero is a professor and the study's senior author. He said, "The side effects are like those of usual antidepressants. Both drugs affect serotonin, a brain chemical. It's good news, especially since the benefits of psilocybin can last for months after taking it just once or twice."

Magic mushrooms have been used in spiritual practices for a long time, and studies have looked at their benefits since the 1950s. But in the U.S., they are still considered a high-risk drug.

Caballero advises careful use and professional supervision to avoid risks. "Our findings are hopeful. But, we still need to learn about the long-term effects and rare serious side effects," he said.

As more states relax rules on psilocybin, it's important to know these side effects. They are key for safe and effective treatment for those with hard-to-treat depression.

Source: news.uga.edu

✢ 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.