06/03/25 - #404

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Vegan Diet Eases Hot Flashes by 92% in Menopausal Women, Study Finds | the Menopause Society Highlights Plant-based Diets Rich in Soy as Effective for Managing Hot Flashes and Lowering Heart Disease and Cancer Risks

  • Weight Loss Drugs Could Slash Cancer Risks by 41% Compared to Surgery

  • Ultrasonic Cigarettes, or U-cigarettes, Marketed as a Less Harmful Alternative to Traditional E-cigarettes, May Pose Significant Health Risks Due to the Presence of Harmful Metals in Their Liquids and Aerosols

  • High Caffeine Intake Linked to Greater Psychological Distress in People With Depression | Researchers Also Found That Certain Genetic Differences Are Associated With How Much Caffeine People Drink and How Sensitive They Are to Its Effects

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Vegan Diet Eases Hot Flashes by 92% in Menopausal Women, Study Finds | the Menopause Society Highlights Plant-based Diets Rich in Soy as Effective for Managing Hot Flashes and Lowering Heart Disease and Cancer Risks

A new study shows that a vegan diet with soybeans can greatly reduce hot flashes in women after menopause. In the study, 84 women followed different diets for 12 weeks. Half of them ate a low-fat vegan diet with soybeans each day. The other half kept their regular diet.

By the end of the study, the vegan group had 92% fewer severe hot flashes. They also lost an average of 8 pounds. The other group had only small changes in hot flashes and weight.

The big change came from cutting out animal foods, like meat and dairy, especially the processed ones. Replacing these with plant-based foods—even some that were processed—led to better results. This means it’s not just about how processed the food is, but where it comes from. Plant foods helped more than animal foods.

Soybeans may help balance hormones in the body. The diet also lowered something called “AGEs,” which are harmful compounds found in many animal foods. Lowering AGEs may help with hot flashes and support better health.

This diet may also protect against heart disease and some cancers, which are common concerns after menopause.

The results are promising, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before making major diet changes.

In short, eating more plant foods and less meat—especially with soybeans—may be a simple way to ease hot flashes and improve health for women in midlife.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Drugs Could Slash Cancer Risks by 41% Compared to Surgery

New research shows that weight loss drugs may lower the risk of cancer caused by obesity by 41%—possibly even more than surgery.

The study looked at over 6,000 people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Some had weight loss surgery, and others took drugs like Saxenda or Trulicity. These drugs help people feel full longer, making it easier to eat less and lose weight.

Obesity can lead to at least 13 types of cancer. That’s why doctors are looking for better ways to treat it. In the years after treatment, people who had surgery and people who took the drugs had similar cancer rates. But when researchers adjusted for the extra weight loss from surgery, the drugs came out 41% better at lowering cancer risk.

Experts think this may be because the drugs reduce inflammation in the body. Newer drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro may work even better.

Still, the study has limits. It was based on past medical records, not a trial where people were randomly given either surgery or drugs. Only 298 people in the study got cancer, so the results may change in a larger group.

Some doctors say we need more research to be sure. Big trials coming soon may give better answers.

Even so, this study gives hope. Weight loss drugs may do more than help people lose weight—they could also help prevent serious diseases like cancer.

HEALTH

Ultrasonic Cigarettes, or U-cigarettes, Marketed as a Less Harmful Alternative to Traditional E-cigarettes, May Pose Significant Health Risks Due to the Presence of Harmful Metals in Their Liquids and Aerosols

A new study from the University of California, Riverside, warns that ultrasonic cigarettes—or “u-cigarettes”—may be harmful to your health. These devices are advertised as safer than regular e-cigarettes, but researchers found they may still carry serious risks.

U-cigarettes use sound waves, not heat, to turn liquid into vapor. This liquid often contains nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals like propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin. The study tested brands like SURGE and found harmful metals in the liquid and the vapor users breathe in.

Researchers discovered 16 different metals, including arsenic, nickel, copper, and zinc. Some metals, like zinc and selenium, are helpful in small amounts but dangerous when inhaled. Others, like arsenic and nickel, are known to cause cancer and lung disease. These metals can enter deep into the lungs and stay in the body for a long time.

The study found that u-cigarettes often had more metal than regular e-cigarettes. These metals aren’t needed for the device to work. They likely come from poor manufacturing practices.

Experts say users should be careful and not assume new vaping products are safe. Even low amounts of metals can build up over time and harm your health.

The best choice is to avoid vaping if you don’t already use it. For those who do, it’s important to understand the risks and know what’s in your device. Just because something is new doesn’t mean it’s safer. More research and stronger rules are needed to protect people.

High Caffeine Intake Linked to Greater Psychological Distress in People With Depression | Researchers Also Found That Certain Genetic Differences Are Associated With How Much Caffeine People Drink and How Sensitive They Are to Its Effects

A new study from the University of Queensland found that people with depression who drink a lot of caffeine may feel more stressed. Researchers looked at over 11,000 adults with depression. People who drank six or more caffeinated drinks a day had higher stress levels than those who drank less.

Caffeine is in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. It can help people feel awake. But too much caffeine can cause anxiety, especially in people who are sensitive to it.

The study did not find a strong link between caffeine and poor sleep. People who said caffeine hurt their sleep often drank less. This may mean they cut back when they noticed problems.

The study also looked at genes. Some people have genes that help them break down caffeine quickly. These people may drink more to feel the effects. Others are more sensitive to caffeine and drink less.

The study showed a link between high caffeine use and stress but did not prove that caffeine causes stress. It’s also possible that people with depression drink more caffeine to fight tiredness. More research is needed to understand this better.

If you have depression and feel anxious or have trouble sleeping, try cutting back on caffeine. Some people may feel better with less.

This study is a reminder that how much caffeine we drink—and how our bodies react to it—can affect how we feel, especially for people with mental health concerns.

✢ 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.