06/04/24 - #144

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Study on Mouse Models With Alzheimer’s Disease Have Found That Urolithin A, a Substance Naturally Occurring in i.a. Pomegranates, Strawberries, and Walnuts Can Improve Memory and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Best Ways to Lose Weight

  • Cardiovascular Disease is Responsible for 40 Percent of Deaths in Europe. The Probability of Dying Young (30–69 Years) From Cardiovascular Disease is Nearly Five Times as High in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Compared to Western Europe

  • Study Finds That Better Sleep is Associated With Lower Loneliness

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Study on Mouse Models With Alzheimer’s Disease Have Found That Urolithin A, a Substance Naturally Occurring in i.a. Pomegranates, Strawberries, and Walnuts Can Improve Memory and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that a natural substance is found in pomegranates, strawberries, and walnuts. It could help improve memory for people with Alzheimer’s disease. This substance is called urolithin A. They tested it on mice and found it might help with memory problems.

Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain and is the most common type of dementia. It makes it hard for people to remember things, think clearly, and take care of themselves. In Denmark, around 50,000 out of 85,000-90,000 people with dementia have Alzheimer’s.

The study's leader is Vilhelm Bohr. He explained that urolithin A helps remove damaged mitochondria in the brain. Mitochondria are tiny parts in our cells. They help make energy but can cause issues if they do not work right. Keeping these mitochondria healthy is important for the brain to work well.

Although this research was only done on mice, the results are promising. The next step is to see if urolithin A works on humans to treat or possibly prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Using natural substances like urolithin A might be safer for treating Alzheimer’s because they have fewer side effects. The researchers are hopeful. This could lead to new ways to help people with Alzheimer’s. It might even prevent the disease from starting.

WEIGHT LOSS

Best Ways to Lose Weight

Losing weight can be tough, especially for those over 45. But understanding some key methods can make it easier and healthier. Here are three effective ways to drop pounds without harming your health.

1. Change How You Eat: Cutting calories might seem like a simple way to lose weight, but it often leads to a slower metabolism and missing important nutrients. Instead, try adjusting the types of food you eat. Diets like the ketogenic and intermittent fasting help fix your metabolism after years of dieting. These methods focus on when and what you eat, reducing cravings and improving your health.

2. Exercise Smartly: Exercise is important, but it shouldn't be the only thing you rely on to lose weight. One woman I knew exercised six hours a day and found it wasn't sustainable. Exercise makes up only about 15% of your weight loss results; the rest comes from your diet. Use exercise to support your diet changes, not as the only tool.

3. Know About Hormones: Hormones greatly affect your weight. Insulin, for example, controls whether your body stores fat or burns it. Eating fewer carbs, especially sugars, can help control insulin levels and turn your body into a fat-burning machine.

The best way to lose weight is by making changes you can stick with over time. Quick fixes might not last. Pay attention to what your body needs and make healthy changes.

HEALTH

Cardiovascular Disease is Responsible for 40 Percent of Deaths in Europe. The Probability of Dying Young (30–69 Years) From Cardiovascular Disease is Nearly Five Times as High in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Compared to Western Europe

In Europe, heart diseases are the main reason for early deaths, causing over 40% of them each year. This adds up to about 10,000 people dying every day from these diseases. A recent WHO report shows that dying from heart disease is almost five times more likely in Eastern Europe and Central Asia than in Western Europe.

One big problem is that people in Europe eat too much salt, which can raise blood pressure and lead to heart problems like heart attacks and strokes. More than one in three adults aged 30 to 79 have high blood pressure. The condition often has no symptoms but can be very dangerous.

Men are more affected, being 2.5 times more likely to die from heart issues than women. The WHO report suggests a plan to help people eat less salt and control high blood pressure better. This includes making rules about how much salt can be in foods, teaching people about the risks of eating too much salt, and improving care for those with high blood pressure.

These steps could prevent many deaths. The goal is to cut down salt eating by 25% by 2030, which could save up to 900,000 lives.

Now is an important time for health leaders in Europe to take strong actions. Lowering salt in the diet is not just about eating better but also about keeping many people healthy and alive.

Study Finds That Better Sleep is Associated With Lower Loneliness

A recent study shared at the SLEEP 2024 meeting in Darien, IL, finds that sleeping well can make people feel less lonely. This effect is especially strong in younger adults. Dr. Joseph Dzierzewski, the main researcher, said, "Loneliness is a big health problem. Our study shows that sleeping well really helps reduce loneliness."

The research involved 2,297 adults. It found that those who slept well were less lonely overall, including feeling less emotionally and socially isolated. While good sleep helped reduce loneliness in all ages, it was more effective for younger people.

Experts recommend at least seven hours of sleep each night for the best health. This is important. A 2023 health advisory warned that many people are feeling lonelier than ever. And this was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Dzierzewski suggested that more studies are needed to find out why younger adults see more benefits from good sleep. The findings support the idea that improving sleep could be a key way to help people feel less lonely, particularly younger ones.

This study will be discussed more at the upcoming SLEEP conference in Houston. It connects how we feel with how well we sleep. It urges everyone, especially health workers, to see sleep as crucial to mental 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.