05/29/24 - #140

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • A New Study Finds Regular Use of Fish Oil Supplements May Increase, Not Reduce, the Risk of First-time Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation Among People in Good Cardiovascular Health

  • Study in Mice Found That a Continuous Long-term Ketogenic Diet May Induce Senescence, or Aged, Cells in Normal Tissues, With Effects on Heart and Kidney Function in Particular

  • Night-time Heat Significantly Increases the Risk of Stroke. Researchers Collected Data on Around 11,000 Strokes Over 15 Years. The Analysis Shows That Extreme Heat at Night Increases the Risk of Stroke by Seven Percent

  • New Research Reveals How Early Life Adversity Triggers Early Puberty and Late-life Anxiety

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

A New Study Finds Regular Use of Fish Oil Supplements May Increase, Not Reduce, the Risk of First-time Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation Among People in Good Cardiovascular Health

Many people over 60 take fish oil supplements, thinking they protect the heart. But a recent study suggests these pills might be harmful for those who are otherwise healthy.

The research looked at over 415,000 people from ages 40 to 69 in a big health study in the UK. They were followed for about 12 years. The results showed that those who took fish oil regularly and didn’t already have heart disease had a 13% higher chance of getting atrial fibrillation. This is a type of irregular heartbeat. They also had a 5% higher chance of having a stroke.

Dr. Andrew Freeman, a heart doctor not involved in the study, said that fish oil pills are not recommended by heart health guidelines. He mentioned that these pills often have quality issues and can be contaminated with harmful metals like mercury.

However, the study also found some good news for people with heart problems. Fish oil seemed to help them by lowering the chances of their condition getting worse.

Experts, such as Dr. Richard Isaacson, suggest getting omega-3s, good fats, from foods like sardines and wild-caught salmon. If you still want to take supplements, he recommends prescription fish oil because it's purer and better quality.

Before you start any new supplement, it’s best to talk to a doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.

WEIGHT LOSS

Study in Mice Found That a Continuous Long-term Ketogenic Diet May Induce Senescence, or Aged, Cells in Normal Tissues, With Effects on Heart and Kidney Function in Particular

Researchers from UT Health San Antonio have found that staying on a keto diet for a long time might not be good for your heart and kidneys. A keto diet is low in carbs and high in fats, helping many with weight loss and diabetes. However, if you don't take breaks from this diet, it might cause problems.

The study, led by Dr. David Gius and published on May 17, 2024, shows that older cells can build up in your body if you stay on the keto diet all the time. These aged cells are especially bad for your heart and kidneys. But, if you take breaks from the diet, these problems don’t happen.

The study used mice to find this out, and the results are important because 13 million Americans are on a keto diet. Dr. Gius says, "It’s important to pause your keto diet from time to time to avoid these risky old cells."

This research tells us that even though the keto diet can be helpful, it's best to mix in some regular eating days to keep your body healthy. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of the diet without harming your organs.

It's all about balance. Making sure to take breaks in your diet can help you stay healthy while still enjoying the benefits of keto.

HEALTH

Night-time Heat Significantly Increases the Risk of Stroke. Researchers Collected Data on Around 11,000 Strokes Over 15 Years. The Analysis Shows That Extreme Heat at Night Increases the Risk of Stroke by Seven Percent

Recent studies by Helmholtz Munich and Augsburg University Hospital show that hot nights can raise the risk of strokes. As the Earth gets warmer, nights where temperatures are very high are becoming more common. These "tropical nights" are particularly dangerous because they raise the chances of having a stroke by seven percent.

Researchers looked at health data from the past 15 years, which included about 11,000 stroke cases. They found that extreme night heat is especially risky for older people and women. They often have strokes with mild symptoms during these warm nights.

Dr. Alexandra Schneider, who leads the study, stresses the need for quick action. She says, "Night-time temperatures are rising faster than daytime temperatures. It's key to understand and cut health risks.""

The study also shows how crucial it is for cities to plan better and for hospitals to prepare for more stroke cases during hot nights. Between 2006 and 2012, there were only a few extra strokes each year because of hot nights. But from 2013 to 2020, that number jumped to 33 extra cases each year.

This significant rise shows that climate change is making public health worse. Researchers are working on strategies to help cities and hospitals. They aim to handle this issue better. They want to ensure there are enough hospital staff ready during hot nights. This planning is essential. It protects people from the harm of rising night temperatures.

New Research Reveals How Early Life Adversity Triggers Early Puberty and Late-life Anxiety

Researchers at Northeastern University found that stress in early life can cause children to enter puberty sooner. It might also lead to more anxiety when they're older. Heather Brenhouse led the study. She says this new understanding could help doctors better support kids in the future.

Traditionally, puberty starts between ages 8 and 10 for girls in the U.S., but it's happening earlier now. Starting puberty too soon can lead to health problems like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and emotional issues later on.

The team discovered that stress affects brain cells. These cells normally delay puberty by controlling hormone release. When children experience a lot of stress, this part stops working properly, leading to early puberty.

The researchers also found a link. It is between early puberty and higher chances of anxiety or other mental troubles in adults. "Early puberty is crucial because it's tied to mental health problems later," Brenhouse said.

Lauren Granata worked with Brenhouse. She was initially surprised that stress causes early puberty. Stress usually lowers chances of reproduction. Their studies with rats showed that poor care from the mother can trigger earlier puberty. This finding helps us understand something new. Not just human children, but animals can show these effects.

This work sheds light on how stress early in life can speed up puberty. It can also influence mental health. It suggests possible ways to help those affected by these challenges.

✢ 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.