05/16/24 - #131

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Higher Consumption of Total Soy Foods, Tofu, and Soymilk Was Associated With a Reduced Risk of Cancer, Particularly Gastrointestinal and Gynecological Cancers

  • Are You Losing Weight the Slow Way?

  • 'Surprisingly' High Number of Adults, Even Those as Young as 20, at Risk of Heart Syndrome

  • Young People With Diabetes May Have a Significantly Higher Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease Later in Life, According to a New Study by Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Higher Consumption of Total Soy Foods, Tofu, and Soymilk Was Associated With a Reduced Risk of Cancer, Particularly Gastrointestinal and Gynecological Cancers

Recent research shows that eating more soy foods, especially tofu and soymilk, might help lower the chance of getting cancer. This finding focuses mainly on stomach and female reproductive cancers.

The study looked at the eating habits and health of many people. It found that those who ate a lot of soy foods had a 31% lower chance of getting cancer. Specifically, eating more tofu reduced cancer risk by 22%, and drinking more soymilk reduced it by 25%.

The benefits of soy were especially clear for cancers of the stomach and intestines, as well as cancers like ovarian and breast cancer. However, other soy products like fermented soy and miso soup didn’t show the same benefits.

This research shows that adding foods like tofu and soymilk to your diet could be good for your health. This is especially true for older adults, who are at greater risk for these cancers. Tofu and soymilk are helpful probably because they have a lot of isoflavones. These are natural chemicals that can stop tumors from growing and kill cancer cells.

While these findings are promising, more studies are needed to fully understand how soy affects cancer risk. Always talk to a doctor or a health expert before making big changes to your diet.

WEIGHT LOSS

Are You Losing Weight the Slow Way?

Many people find their weight loss journey is very slow. It's important to know the difference between not losing weight at all and losing it slowly.

If you're not losing weight, there might be something wrong with your health, like issues with your thyroid, adrenal glands, or kidneys. This means you need to see a doctor and might have to change your weight loss plan a lot.

However, if you are losing weight slowly, you don't need big changes. Instead, focus on improving what you already do. Pay attention to the food you eat. Make sure you're eating good-quality proteins and fats, and avoid bad fats like soy oil or corn oil. Also, watch out for too much processed food.

You might need to adjust how much you eat. Some people need smaller meals because their metabolism is slow. Also, how often you eat can affect your weight loss. Eating fewer times a day might help because eating often can raise your insulin levels, which can stop you from losing weight. For some, eating just one big meal a day might work.

Also, think about other health issues that could be slowing down your weight loss, like poor sleep, digestion problems, or hormonal imbalances. Fixing these can also help.

Remember, even slow progress is progress. Being patient and making small adjustments can help you reach your weight loss goals.

HEALTH

'Surprisingly' High Number of Adults, Even Those as Young as 20, at Risk of Heart Syndrome

A recent study reveals that almost 90% of adults over 20 in the U.S. might develop heart disease. This information is from new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It shows that even younger adults are at risk.

The study introduces a condition called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. This syndrome connects heart disease with obesity, diabetes, and kidney problems. It is measured in stages from zero (no risk) to four (severe heart disease with other health issues).

Researchers looked at data from over 10,000 people in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dr. Rahul Aggarwal was surprised by the results. Nearly half the people had moderate risk due to issues like high blood sugar and high blood pressure.

Obesity is a major factor; 40% of Americans are obese, and 32% are overweight. These conditions often lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol, raising the risk of heart disease.

Age did not offer as much protection as expected. Only 18% of people aged 20 to 44 had no risk factors. Dr. Aggarwal highlighted the need for early detection. He stressed the need for aggressive treatment to avoid serious problems, like heart attacks and strokes.

Experts suggest that reducing obesity rates could significantly lower the risk of advancing CKM. The study stresses the need for better diets. It also stresses the need for more exercise. These things improve heart health and life quality.

Young People With Diabetes May Have a Significantly Higher Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease Later in Life, According to a New Study by Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals that diabetes in young people might raise their risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease later. Researchers found early signs of brain diseases. These are usually seen in older adults. They found them in young people with diabetes.

Allison Shapiro, PhD, MPH, led the study. She works at the Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center. It included about 80 young adults who were tested through blood samples and brain scans. Results showed that those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in their youth had higher levels of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.

"Early signs of Alzheimer’s in these young people are concerning. This is especially true as obesity and diabetes become more common among youth," said Dr. Shapiro.

Usually, studies linking diabetes and Alzheimer’s focus on adults over 40, who are more likely to develop dementia. However, this study looks at a younger group, suggesting that problems related to brain health might start earlier than we thought.

These findings are important. They show that obesity and diabetes can lead to health issues. These issues can cause young people to get diseases usually seen in older adults, like Alzheimer's. The study shows the need for more research. It also shows the need for early brain health checks for young people with diabetes. These checks can help us understand and manage these risks.

✢ 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.