Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Ultra-processed Foods Linked to Early Death Risk: Study

• Ozempic Maker Novo Nordisk Says It Will Study Drug’s Effects on Alcohol Consumption but Isn’t Focused on Addiction

• Researchers Have Detected Significant Concentrations of Microplastics in the Testicular Tissue of Both Humans and Dogs, Adding to Growing Concern About Their Possible Effect on Human Reproductive Health

• In a Study of 78 Patients, Researchers Observed That the "Cuddle Hormone" Oxytocin, When Administered as a Nasal Spray, Can Help Alleviate Loneliness and Its Potentially Serious Consequences in the Future

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Ultra-processed Foods Linked to Early Death Risk: Study

Eating ultra-processed foods might shorten your life, according to a recent 30-year study. The research, which was published in the BMJ journal, looked at the eating habits of 115,000 people. It found that diets high in ultra-processed foods are linked to a higher chance of dying early.

So, what exactly are ultra-processed foods? They're the kind of ready-to-eat or quick-heat meals that are low in nutrients but high in calories. These foods are packed with added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats, and they lack much-needed fiber. More worryingly, they often contain additives and substances that could be harmful.

The study showed strong links between certain products. These include ready-to-eat meats, poultry, and seafood. They are linked to higher risks of death. Other items, like sodas and ice creams, also had strong associations with higher mortality. The same was true for processed breakfast foods.

Interestingly, not all processed foods are as harmful. Foods like cereals or whole grain products are less risky because they contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Mingyang Song is the lead study author. He emphasized that these findings are concerning. The overall diet pattern is still the key factor for health. He advises choosing foods with fewer additives and paying attention to nutritional content.

This study is a wake-up call. Ultra-processed foods make up over half of adults' daily energy intake in the U.S. It's a reminder to be mindful of what we eat. We should aim for a balanced diet with fewer processed items.

Source: thehill.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Ozempic Maker Novo Nordisk Says It Will Study Drug’s Effects on Alcohol Consumption but Isn’t Focused on Addiction

Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic, is starting a study to see how the drug affects drinking alcohol. The main ingredient, semaglutide, is used for weight loss and diabetes. Some people, like Cheri Ferguson, noticed they didn't want to drink alcohol as much when they used the drug.

The study isn't mainly about stopping addiction. Instead, it focuses on liver disease linked to drinking too much alcohol. The goal is to see if the drug can improve liver health and lessen liver damage. However, they will also check if people drink less alcohol while on the drug.

Researchers who study addiction are excited about this study. They think it might lead to new ways to help people with drinking problems. Even though the study isn't directly looking at treating alcohol addiction, the results could be helpful.

The CEO of Novo Nordisk mentioned that Ozempic reduces food cravings. This might also cut alcohol cravings. This idea has some support from early studies in animals.

The drug industry hasn't been interested in making addiction drugs. They haven't made much money. But with millions of Americans needing help for alcohol problems, more treatments are badly needed.

The trial will test other new drugs and aims to include about 240 people. It starts this month and will help doctors learn more about treating conditions caused by alcohol. Researchers are hopeful this could lead to new discoveries.

Source: edition.cnn.com

HEALTH

Researchers Have Detected Significant Concentrations of Microplastics in the Testicular Tissue of Both Humans and Dogs, Adding to Growing Concern About Their Possible Effect on Human Reproductive Health

Scientists at the University of New Mexico have found a lot of tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, in the testicular tissue of both people and dogs. This study, led by Dr. Xiaozhong "John" Yu, is making people worry about how these plastics might affect human reproductive health.

The team published their research in the journal Toxicological Sciences. They found 12 types of microplastics in the testes of 47 dogs and 23 men. "Every sample we looked at had microplastics," Dr. Yu explained. This shows how common microplastics are around us.

The study also found that certain plastics were linked to a lower sperm count in dogs. While they couldn't test sperm count in humans due to how the samples were stored, the results still show a possible risk. Humans had about three times more microplastics in their tissue than dogs.

The most common plastic found was polyethylene, used to make plastic bags and bottles. Another plastic, PVC, is often used in plumbing. It was linked to lower sperm counts due to its harmful chemicals.

Dr. Yu’s findings are a wake-up call to study more about how microplastics might harm our health. He advises not to panic but to be more aware and consider changing our habits to lower our exposure to plastics.

Source: hsc.unm.edu

In a Study of 78 Patients, Researchers Observed That the "Cuddle Hormone" Oxytocin, When Administered as a Nasal Spray, Can Help Alleviate Loneliness and Its Potentially Serious Consequences in the Future

Loneliness is not just a feeling; it can lead to serious health problems like depression and heart disease. Researchers, led by Dr. Jana Lieberz from the University Hospital Bonn and Prof. Dr. Dirk Scheele, are studying a special hormone. It is called oxytocin. It is often called the "cuddle hormone." They want to see if it can help.

In their study, 78 people who felt lonely were given oxytocin through a nasal spray. They were part of an experiment that included researchers from several universities. The group also had five weekly therapy sessions. Some people got oxytocin, and others got a placebo, which is a spray with no active ingredients.

The results were promising. Those who received oxytocin felt less lonely right after the sessions. Although it didn't change their overall loneliness or life quality in the long run, it did help them feel more connected to others in the group during therapy.

Dr. Lieberz explained that oxytocin might be particularly useful at the start of therapy. It can make patients feel better and more connected, which might encourage them to stick with therapy when it gets tough.

While oxytocin isn't a complete solution for loneliness, this study shows it can help during therapy sessions. More research is needed to find the best way to use oxytocin to help people feel less lonely over time.

Source: uni-bonn.de

✢ 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.