05/15/24 - #130

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Processed Meats Most Strongly Linked to a Higher Risk of Death Among Ultra-processed Foods

  • Weight Loss is Hard

  • After 40 Years of Smoking, She Survived Lung Cancer Thanks to New Treatments

  • Men Who Spend Fewer Hours Sleeping Might Be Worse in Wayfinding Tasks, Study Suggests. The Association Disappeared When Men Who Reported Sleeping Fewer Than 6 or More Than 9 Hours Per Night Were Excluded From the Analysis

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Processed Meats Most Strongly Linked to a Higher Risk of Death Among Ultra-processed Foods

A recent study in The BMJ reveals that processed meats and seafood might raise the risk of dying early more than other ultra-processed foods. The research tracked the diets of over 100,000 healthcare workers in the U.S. for 34 years. It found that ultra-processed foods raise the risk of early death. Ready-to-eat meats are especially harmful.

The study showed no direct link between ultra-processed foods and deaths from cancer or heart problems. It suggests that the overall quality of a person's diet might explain the risks linked to these foods. The researchers pointed out that not all ultra-processed foods are bad for everyone. You don't need to avoid them entirely.

The research was reviewed by experts from the University of Auckland who warned against oversimplifying what we eat. They reminded us that just because a food isn't ultra-processed doesn't automatically make it healthy.

The study is based on observation and can't prove cause and effect. But, it does show a strong link between eating lots of processed meats and a higher chance of dying sooner. The study was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Its large size and detailed information make its findings reliable.

The study suggests cutting certain ultra-processed foods. This is key for those looking to stay healthy. The main targets are processed meats. This simple change could help improve your health over time.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss is Hard

Losing weight can be tough, especially when myths about dieting and healthy eating confuse us. Many of us stick to familiar but unhealthy foods because we're overwhelmed by too much conflicting diet advice. This often leads us to just order a pizza instead.

A big challenge in eating healthier is avoiding ultra-processed foods. These are the items you find in the middle of the grocery store, like frozen meals, snack bars, and sugary treats. These foods are made to make us crave more because they have a mix of ingredients and additives that keep us coming back. Cutting these from your diet can make a big difference in losing weight.

There are also myths that make healthy eating seem harder than it is. One myth is that healthy eaters always enjoy their food. The truth is, choosing nutritious foods can sometimes feel like a chore. However, making healthier choices can make you feel better the next day.

Another myth is that healthy eating takes too much work. It does take some effort, but small changes can lead to big results. For example, choosing a salad over a burger at a restaurant is a simple step towards better health without losing convenience or taste.

Healthy eating doesn't mean giving up your favorite treats forever. It's about making those treats special, not everyday snacks. By changing your habits a little at a time, you'll find it easier to make healthy choices without feeling like you're missing out.

HEALTH

After 40 Years of Smoking, She Survived Lung Cancer Thanks to New Treatments

Denise Lee, a retired lawyer from Fremont, California, started smoking when she was 14 and didn't stop until she was in her mid-50s. For many years, she smoked up to 2.5 packs a day. She never thought about lung cancer. Then, one day, a billboard with an African American woman caught her eye.

This led her to get a low-dose CT scan, which found a dangerous tumor in her lung. Denise was scared, remembering her father who died of cancer. However, she fought through her fear and underwent surgery and new treatments, including something called immunotherapy. Now, six years later, she is completely free of cancer.

These days, there are new ways to treat lung cancer that are much better at targeting the disease without harming the rest of the body. Doctors now use treatments that attack specific parts of cancer cells, which helps more people survive lung cancer than ever before.

Although lung cancer is still the deadliest cancer in the U.S., these new treatments are making a big difference. People like Denise are living proof that getting screened early can save lives. She encourages everyone who might be at risk to get screened every year.

Denise is thankful for the new treatments that saved her life. She's grateful she got screened when she did, allowing her to catch the cancer early and treat it effectively.

Men Who Spend Fewer Hours Sleeping Might Be Worse in Wayfinding Tasks, Study Suggests. The Association Disappeared When Men Who Reported Sleeping Fewer Than 6 or More Than 9 Hours Per Night Were Excluded From the Analysis

A recent study using the mobile game "Sea Hero Quest" found that men who don't sleep enough often have a harder time finding their way in the game. This problem doesn't seem to affect women in the same way.

Scientists from Scientific Reports looked at 766 U.S. adults. They found that, when they excluded men who slept less than 6 hours or more than 9 hours a night, the sleep-related navigation issues disappeared. The study used the game to see how well participants could navigate a virtual ocean world.

Good sleep is essential for our health. It helps our brains store memories, keeps our emotions stable, and helps us solve problems. Not sleeping well can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and feeling depressed.

The research showed that women tend to sleep a bit longer than men and wake up more during the night. However, their ability to navigate was not affected by how much they slept.

The findings suggest that getting the right amount of sleep is crucial, especially for men, if they want to be good at finding their way. This study could lead to more research. It would explore how new sleep habits might improve navigation skills. It would also help us understand why people differ in their wayfinding abilities.

This study highlights how important a good night's sleep is for performing well in tasks that require good direction sense.

✢ 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.