06/26/24 - #160

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Common Low-calorie Sweetener Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke, Study Finds

  • The 'hidden' Benefits of Coffee - Including Weight Loss and Lower Cancer Risk

  • Walking Regularly Cut the Recurrence of Low Back Pain in Half, a New Study Found

  • Regular Snoring Could Be Bad for Your Heart People, Particularly Overweight Middle-aged Men, Who Regularly Snore at Night Are More Likely to Have Elevated Blood Pressure and Uncontrolled Hypertension. Snoring is a Common Occurrence, Affecting a Large Percentage of the Population

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Common Low-calorie Sweetener Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke, Study Finds

A recent study has found that xylitol, a common sweetener in sugar-free products like gum and toothpaste, might be linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. This sweetener is used to replace sugar because it has fewer calories.

Dr. Stanley Hazen from the Cleveland Clinic led the study. He found that xylitol causes blood levels to rise significantly, much more than regular sugar does. This increase can lead to dangerous blood clots which may cause heart attacks or strokes.

The study also shows that even a small amount of xylitol can change how blood platelets work. Platelets help your blood clot, but if they work too much, it can be harmful. Dr. Andrew Freeman is a heart doctor. He believes these findings are concerning. He suggests drinking water or unsweetened tea or coffee instead.

Carla Saunders is from the Calorie Control Council. She argues that xylitol has been considered safe for many years based on lots of research. However, Dr. Hazen's new findings suggest we should be careful with how much xylitol we consume.

Xylitol tastes as sweet as sugar but with fewer calories. It's found in many foods like candy and syrup and is often seen as a healthy alternative.

This study highlights the importance of being cautious about using sugar substitutes, especially for people who might have heart issues or diabetes. It suggests that eating a balanced diet and being careful with food choices is crucial.

WEIGHT LOSS

The 'hidden' Benefits of Coffee - Including Weight Loss and Lower Cancer Risk

Many people love coffee for the morning energy it gives, but it does more than just wake you up. Coffee is full of good stuff that can help you stay healthy, like improving your gut health, helping your memory, and even making you live longer.

Experts say it's important to drink coffee in moderation. How coffee affects you can be different for everyone. Some might feel jittery or have trouble sleeping, while others feel fine. Trying different amounts can help you figure out what works best for you.

Coffee is also good for your gut because it has fiber and prebiotics that feed the good bacteria there.

Studies show that certain things in coffee can even stop cancer cells from growing. This is great news for helping to prevent some types of cancer.

If you're trying to lose weight, coffee can be helpful. It can make you feel less hungry and boost your metabolism, which can help you keep off extra weight.

Coffee can also make you feel happier. People who drink a few cups every day have a lower chance of feeling depressed.

Decaf coffee has many of the same benefits because it still has the healthy parts of the coffee bean, even without the caffeine.

In the end, how you enjoy your coffee—hot, cold, black, or with milk—depends on what you like and what's best for your body. Coffee can be a healthy part of your diet.

HEALTH

Walking Regularly Cut the Recurrence of Low Back Pain in Half, a New Study Found

Low back pain is common. It affects millions globally. It often returns even after it seems to have healed. A new study, however, offers a simple, cost-effective way to keep the pain at bay: walking.

The research was led by Mark Hancock, a physiotherapy professor at Macquarie University. It found that those who started a regular walking routine after low back pain had far fewer painful episodes. The study was detailed in The Lancet journal. It involved 701 adults. They were monitored for six months. Participants in the walking group enjoyed nearly double the pain-free days compared to those who did not walk.

Walking isn't just easy but also accessible. "Walking is a low-cost, widely accessible and simple exercise that almost anyone can engage in," said Hancock. The study subjects walked for 30 minutes at least five times a week, gradually increasing their pace. They also got education on managing back pain from physiotherapists. It helped them stay active without fear of hurting their backs again.

This walking program not only reduced the frequency of back pain but also decreased the need for medical visits and time off work by half. Unlike more intensive interventions, which require equipment and supervision, walking is something most people can do on their own. This makes it an ideal option for widespread use.

So, for those looking to prevent the recurrence of low back pain, regular walking might just be the step in the right direction.

Regular Snoring Could Be Bad for Your Heart People, Particularly Overweight Middle-aged Men, Who Regularly Snore at Night Are More Likely to Have Elevated Blood Pressure and Uncontrolled Hypertension. Snoring is a Common Occurrence, Affecting a Large Percentage of the Population

If you're a middle-aged man who snores a lot, it's important to know that snoring might be more than just a noise problem. Recent research shows that regular snoring can be linked to high blood pressure, which is bad for your heart.

In a big study with more than 12,000 people, scientists found that those who snore more often are likely to have higher blood pressure. They used special sensors under the mattress to watch snoring patterns and check blood pressure over many months. The results showed that people who snored a lot at night had worse blood pressure than those who snored less.

This research is different. It used real measurements from devices, not just asking people if they snore. Asking can be wrong. The study points out that overweight men in their middle ages are especially at risk.

The link between lots of snoring and high blood pressure means it's important to take snoring seriously. If you or someone you know snores often, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor. Managing snoring might help control blood pressure and lower the risk of heart problems.

Snoring might seem small, but it could have big effects on heart health. Talking to a healthcare provider about snoring can be an important step in taking care of your heart.

✢ 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.