06/24/25 - #419

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • You Probably Don't Need Foods With Added Protein, Nutritionists Say

  • Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Higher Risk of Eye Damage in Diabetic Patients. Study Finds Medicines Such as Ozempic Associated With Greater Risk of Developing Age-related Macular Degeneration. Patients Who Had Been Taking GLP-1 RAs for More Than 30 Months Had More Than Three Times the Risk

  • Doctors Find Parkinson's Markers by Looking Inside Ears | Analysis of Ear Wax to Detect Parkinson's Disease Would Be a Cheap, Non-invasive Way to Detect the Condition in Its Early Stages

  • A Study of Microplastics in U.S. Coastal Waters Found That Residents of Counties Adjacent to the Most Heavily Microplastic-polluted Waters Had Significantly Higher Rates of Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Artery Disease, and Stroke Compared to Similar Counties With Low Microplastic Pollution

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

You Probably Don't Need Foods With Added Protein, Nutritionists Say

Protein is an important part of a healthy diet. It helps build and repair muscles, skin, and bones. But many experts say most adults already get enough protein just by eating regular meals.

Food companies are now selling more items with added protein—like shakes, pancakes, and snacks. But nutritionists say these products are not usually necessary. “Adding protein to foods mostly helps companies make money,” said Dr. Federica Amati, a nutrition expert at Imperial College London.

The average adult needs about 50 to 60 grams of protein a day, depending on weight and health. That’s equal to eating protein-rich foods at each meal. Most people in the U.S. and U.K. already eat more than enough.

Protein comes from many foods. Animal sources include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy. Plant sources include beans, peas, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds. While animal proteins are easier for the body to absorb, plant proteins also give you fiber, which is good for digestion.

Experts suggest eating a little protein at each meal instead of loading it all into one. This helps maintain muscle strength, especially as we age.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you likely don’t need protein-added products. If your goal is to gain muscle, eating right and lifting weights is better than buying high-protein snacks. As Dr. Amati said, “A protein bar won’t build strength—exercise will.”

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Higher Risk of Eye Damage in Diabetic Patients. Study Finds Medicines Such as Ozempic Associated With Greater Risk of Developing Age-related Macular Degeneration. Patients Who Had Been Taking GLP-1 RAs for More Than 30 Months Had More Than Three Times the Risk

A new study suggests that popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic may increase the risk of eye problems in older adults with diabetes.

Researchers in Canada studied over 1 million people with diabetes. They focused on more than 46,000 patients who were taking medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic or lixisenatide. These drugs are used to lower blood sugar and help with weight loss.

The study found that people who took these drugs for at least six months were twice as likely to develop a serious eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD can lead to vision loss. People who took the drugs for more than 30 months had more than three times the risk. The risk was even higher in older patients and those who had a stroke.

The study did not prove the drugs caused the eye disease, but it showed a strong connection. Experts say more research is needed, especially to see if people using these drugs only for weight loss face the same risk.

The maker of Ozempic says its trials have not shown this side effect. Health officials are reviewing the findings and will act if needed.

Doctors say the drugs can still help many people, but older patients and those with health issues should be extra careful. If you take one of these medicines, talk to your doctor. You may need regular eye exams to help protect your vision.

Always weigh the benefits and risks before starting any new medication.

HEALTH

Doctors Find Parkinson's Markers by Looking Inside Ears | Analysis of Ear Wax to Detect Parkinson's Disease Would Be a Cheap, Non-invasive Way to Detect the Condition in Its Early Stages

Doctors may have found a simple way to help spot Parkinson’s disease early—by looking at what’s inside your ears. A new study shows that ear wax might hold key signs of the condition. This test could be a low-cost and painless way to find Parkinson’s before major symptoms appear.

Today, diagnosing Parkinson’s is difficult. Doctors often look at movement and memory problems, but these can be hard to measure and sometimes lead to mistakes. Imaging scans can help rule out other issues, but they don’t confirm Parkinson’s. Often, doctors wait to see how people respond to medication.

Scientists are working on better ways to detect the disease earlier. In 2021, researchers found clues in oily skin secretions called sebum. But since our skin is exposed to the air, those results can be affected by the environment.

Ear wax, on the other hand, is more protected and may give a clearer picture. In the new study, researchers tested ear wax from over 200 people, including more than 100 with Parkinson’s. They found that four key chemicals were much lower in those with the disease. A computer trained on the data could tell who had Parkinson’s with 94% accuracy.

Experts say more studies are needed before this test can be used by doctors. But it offers real hope for finding Parkinson’s sooner—possibly helping people get the care they need earlier in life.

A Study of Microplastics in U.S. Coastal Waters Found That Residents of Counties Adjacent to the Most Heavily Microplastic-polluted Waters Had Significantly Higher Rates of Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Artery Disease, and Stroke Compared to Similar Counties With Low Microplastic Pollution

A new study shows that people living near U.S. coastal waters with lots of microplastic pollution have higher rates of serious health problems. These include Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Researchers looked at 152 coastal counties. People living near the most polluted waters were found to have:

  • 18% more Type 2 diabetes

  • 7% more heart disease

  • 9% more strokes

Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces from things like food wrappers, clothes, and beauty products. They can end up in the ocean, the air, and the water we drink. We can take them in through breathing, drinking, or eating—especially seafood.

Even after accounting for age, income, and access to healthcare, the link between polluted waters and disease stayed strong. The highest risks were found in counties along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.

The study did not prove that microplastics directly cause these health problems. But the findings are strong enough to raise concern. Doctors say more research is needed to find out how microplastics affect our bodies and how much is too much.

Experts also say plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue. It may also be a growing health problem for people everywhere—whether or not they live near the coast.

This study is a warning: the plastic waste we throw away may be harming us in return. Reducing plastic use and pollution could help protect both the planet and our health.

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.