06/13/24 - #151

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Low-calorie Sweetener Xylitol Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke, Study Says

  • New Bariatric Surgery Technique Leads to Drastic Weight Loss for Texas Man

  • WHO Confirms First Fatal Human Case of Bird Flu A(H5N2)

  • Up All Night? You May Have Actually Been Asleep

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Low-calorie Sweetener Xylitol Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke, Study Says

A new study found that xylitol, a common low-calorie sweetener in sugar-free gum and diet foods, might double the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even death for those who eat a lot of it.

Dr. Stanley Hazen from the Cleveland Clinic explained that xylitol raises certain blood levels by 1,000 times. This is higher than the levels sugar raises. This is a big change for our bodies, mainly caused by modern processed foods.

Previous research in 2023 also showed that another sweetener called erythritol could cause similar health problems. Both sweeteners seem to make blood clot more easily, which can lead to dangerous heart and brain issues. Dr. Matthew Tomey, a heart doctor who did not take part in this study, says these results are important but don't prove for sure that xylitol is to blame.

Despite these concerns, Carla Saunders of the Calorie Control Council argues that xylitol is safe, based on many years of research. However, Dr. Andrew Freeman suggests being careful. He recommends choosing simpler drinks, like water or unsweetened tea.

Xylitol is as sweet as sugar but has fewer calories. This makes it popular among diabetics and those on low-carb diets. But, this study suggests that those sweeteners may not be risk-free. This is especially true for those already at risk of heart problems.

Xylitol is usually safe. But, this new research suggests we might need to be more cautious. This is especially true for those at higher risk of heart disease. Further research is needed to understand these risks better.

WEIGHT LOSS

New Bariatric Surgery Technique Leads to Drastic Weight Loss for Texas Man

Kenneth Yerrid is 50. He is from Melissa, Texas. He is celebrating a big milestone in his weight loss journey. Just three months post-surgery, he’s already halfway to his goal of losing 90 pounds. Yerrid’s success comes from a new bariatric surgery technique. It uses magnets, making the procedure less invasive and allowing for a quicker recovery.

This new method was first done in Texas. It was done at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano by Dr. Chad Carlton. It uses the Levita Magnetic Surgical System®. This FDA-approved technology reduces the need for large incisions. They traditionally cause much pain and longer recovery. "This technique allowed us to avoid a painful incision below the breastbone. That led to less pain and better looks," Dr. Carlton said.

The magnetic surgical system isn’t just about cosmetic and comfort benefits. It directly tackles metabolic diseases by modifying the stomach size and rerouting the food pathway, which helps control appetite and improve conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

For Yerrid, the results extend beyond weight loss. His blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1C levels have significantly improved. “I've made fantastic improvements in my quality of life. I feel fulfilled and like I’ve turned back the clock,” Yerrid shared enthusiastically.

Yerrid keeps moving towards his weight loss goal. His story is a promising example of how new medical techniques can help patients and quality of life.

HEALTH

WHO Confirms First Fatal Human Case of Bird Flu A(H5N2)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first human death from the A(H5N2) bird flu. This marks a big health concern. The 59-year-old was from the State of Mexico. He passed away in Mexico City on April 24. He had suffered symptoms including fever, breathlessness, and nausea. Notably, this case is the first global report of a human infected with this specific subtype of bird flu.

Despite the severity of this case, WHO has reassured that the risk to the general population remains low. However, the source of the virus in this case is a mystery. The deceased had no direct contact with poultry or wildlife. But, they did have other health issues, such as chronic kidney disease and diabetes.

This incident in Mexico is distinct from the recent H5N1 bird flu cases in the United States, which have affected dairy farm workers. Scientists are watching closely for signs. The virus may be adapting to spread between humans more easily. This would make it a greater threat.

Mexican health authorities are watchful. They are monitoring the situation closely. They have confirmed no evidence of the virus spreading between people. The health and agricultural sectors are on high alert. They know the infections are serious and that prevention is vital to public health.

Up All Night? You May Have Actually Been Asleep

Have you ever felt like you didn’t sleep at all, even though you were in bed all night? Well, studies at sleep clinics have some surprising news. Even when you think you haven't slept, tests might show you actually did.

This issue is often called subjective insomnia. It means you feel like you’re not sleeping, but sleep tests—using a method called polysomnography—say otherwise. Unlike typical insomnia, where people find it hard to fall asleep, those with subjective insomnia don’t even know they are sleeping.

Recent research has started to solve this puzzle. Scientists like Aurélie Stephan found that some people have something called interrupted REM sleep. REM sleep is a deep sleep stage where the brain usually shuts off from daily thoughts. However, in interrupted REM, the brain stays partly active, making people think about daily stuff like adding items to a shopping list.

This kind of sleep doesn’t feel restful and lacks the vivid dreams that help you feel refreshed. More importantly, this sleep problem is linked to higher chances of stress and anxiety issues. Knowing more about how this happens can help in treating it better.

Today, doctors are looking into new ways to help people with this kind of sleep issue. Knowing that their sleep is really different can already make some feel better. With new treatments being researched, there's hope for those who lie awake, wondering if they've really slept.

✢ 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.