07/03/25 - #426

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Silence on E. Coli Outbreak Highlights How Trump Team’s Changes Undermine Food Safety

  • A Significantly Greater Risk of Hyperuricemia Was Observed Among Individuals With Higher Overall Low-carbohydrate Diet Score (LCDS) (41%) and Animal-rich LCDS (28%) but Not With Plant-rich LCDS. These Positive Associations Were Evident in Overweight Individuals but Not in Non-overweight Individuals

  • These 3 Types of Exercises Boost Brain Health at Any Age, Study Finds

  • New Research Shows a Clear Link Between ADHD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Suggesting Gut Health Could Be a Key Factor in Understanding and Managing ADHD Symptoms

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Silence on E. Coli Outbreak Highlights How Trump Team’s Changes Undermine Food Safety

Last fall, an E. coli outbreak sickened nearly 90 people and killed one. But most people never heard about it. One of the victims was 9-year-old Colton George from Indiana. After eating lettuce from a salad, he got very sick. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. His parents later sued the lettuce grower.

Health officials linked the outbreak to a single farm that grew romaine lettuce. But the FDA never shared the name of the grower or warned the public. Experts say this was a big change from past practice and could put more people at risk.

The decision happened under the Trump administration, which made cuts to food safety programs. Some programs were delayed or canceled. Staff were laid off, including food safety scientists and people who warn the public about dangerous food.

Every year, about 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illness. About 3,000 die. But with fewer inspections and slower warnings, some experts fear that more people will get sick in the future.

The FDA says food safety is still a top priority. But some families, like the Georges, are not convinced.

“They didn’t tell anyone who sold the bad lettuce,” said Colton’s dad, Chris George. “People need to know. This is about my son’s life.”

Colton survived but still has nightmares. His story shows how important it is to protect our food supply—and be honest with the public when something goes wrong.

WEIGHT LOSS

A Significantly Greater Risk of Hyperuricemia Was Observed Among Individuals With Higher Overall Low-carbohydrate Diet Score (LCDS) (41%) and Animal-rich LCDS (28%) but Not With Plant-rich LCDS. These Positive Associations Were Evident in Overweight Individuals but Not in Non-overweight Individuals

A large study from Korea found that people who follow low-carb diets high in animal foods may have a higher risk of hyperuricemia. This condition happens when too much uric acid builds up in the blood. It can lead to gout, a painful type of arthritis, and other health problems.

The study looked at the diets of nearly 34,000 adults. People who ate fewer carbs but more animal foods like red meat and cheese had a 28% higher risk of hyperuricemia. Those with the highest low-carb diet scores overall had a 41% higher risk. But there was no added risk for people who ate more plant-based low-carb diets.

The link was stronger for people who were overweight. In this group, the risk was even higher if their low-carb diets came mostly from animal foods.

Animal foods are high in purines, which the body turns into uric acid. Too much of it can lead to pain and swelling in the joints. On the other hand, plant-based foods like beans, nuts, and vegetables tend to be lower in purines. Some may even help lower uric acid levels.

Low-carb diets are often used for weight loss or better blood sugar control. But this study shows that the type of protein and fat matters. Choosing more plant-based foods may lower the risk of problems like gout.

If you are following a low-carb diet, especially if you are overweight, choosing plant-based options may be the healthier choice.

HEALTH

These 3 Types of Exercises Boost Brain Health at Any Age, Study Finds

A new study shows that staying active is one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy—no matter your age. Even light or moderate exercise can improve memory, focus, and problem-solving.

Researchers looked at over 133 studies with more than 258,000 people. They found that three types of exercise gave the biggest brain benefits: yoga, Tai Chi, and exergames (video games that involve movement).

Yoga combines movement, breathing, and relaxation. It helps reduce stress and supports parts of the brain linked to memory and decision-making. You don’t need to do long sessions—even 20 to 30 minutes, a few times a week, can help.

Tai Chi is a slow-moving martial art. It’s often called “moving meditation” because it connects the mind and body. Tai Chi can boost memory and focus by helping people learn and remember sequences of movements. Practicing 2–3 times a week may offer the best results.

Exergames are video games that get you moving. Examples include Wii Sports, Dance Dance Revolution, or virtual reality games like Beat Saber. These games challenge both the body and the brain—improving coordination, memory, and attention.

The key message? You don’t have to exercise hard or for hours at a time. Light, regular activity—especially if it’s fun—can go a long way in protecting your brain as you age. Choose what you enjoy, and make it part of your routine. Your brain will thank you.

New Research Shows a Clear Link Between ADHD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Suggesting Gut Health Could Be a Key Factor in Understanding and Managing ADHD Symptoms

A new study has found a strong link between ADHD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). People with ADHD were more likely to have IBS than people without ADHD. IBS is a common gut problem that causes pain, gas, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.

The study looked at data from 11 past studies and included nearly 4 million people. It found that people with ADHD were 1.6 times more likely to have IBS. However, the study did not find a strong link between ADHD and other gut problems like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.

Researchers believe the gut and brain are connected. This is called the “gut-brain axis.” The gut contains trillions of bacteria, which help with digestion and may also affect how we think and feel. When this balance is off, it may cause problems in both the brain and the gut.

This finding is important because it may help doctors better understand and treat ADHD. If someone with ADHD also has stomach problems, it may help to look at their gut health. Some experts think that changes in diet, probiotics, or other gut treatments could help reduce ADHD symptoms.

More research is still needed. But if you or a loved one has ADHD and also has stomach issues, it may be worth talking to a doctor. Treating gut health might help improve both digestion and attention problems.

This study shows that the brain and gut may be more connected than we once thought.

✢ 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.