07/16/25 - #435

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Study Finds Mediterranean or Plant-based Diets May Help Reduce Risk of Chronic Constipation in Middle- and Older-age Adults

  • Weight Loss May 'Rejuvenate' Fat Tissues, Clearing Away Aged Cells

  • Cannabis Use Doubles the Risk of Dying From Heart Disease, Researchers Warn

  • Women With ADHD Three Times More Likely to Experience Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Researchers Also Found That Women Who Had ADHD and a Clinical Diagnosis of Depression or Anxiety Had an Even Greater Risk of PMDD

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Study Finds Mediterranean or Plant-based Diets May Help Reduce Risk of Chronic Constipation in Middle- and Older-age Adults

As people get older, many start having problems with chronic constipation. It can be uncomfortable and affect daily life. A new study shows that what you eat may help prevent it.

Researchers from Mass General Brigham studied over 96,000 adults for several years. They looked at five common diets: Mediterranean, plant-based, low-carb, Western, and inflammatory. The goal was to see which diets were linked to a lower risk of constipation.

The study found that people who followed a Mediterranean or plant-based diet were less likely to develop chronic constipation. These diets include a lot of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil.

On the other hand, people who followed a Western or inflammatory diet were more likely to have constipation. These diets often include processed foods, red meat, and sugar. Low-carb diets didn’t show a clear effect.

Dr. Kyle Staller, a senior author of the study, said, “We always thought fiber was the main reason diets help with constipation. But our study shows that even without focusing on fiber, healthy diets still help.”

Chronic constipation was defined as having symptoms for at least 12 weeks in one year. The researchers used data from large health studies of nurses and other health workers.

This is one of the first studies to show that certain diets may prevent constipation, not just treat it.

For middle-aged and older adults, eating more plant-based or Mediterranean meals may support better digestion and improve quality of life.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss May 'Rejuvenate' Fat Tissues, Clearing Away Aged Cells

A new study shows that losing weight may do more than just help you look better. It may also refresh your fat tissue and improve how it works.

Researchers studied people with obesity before and after weight-loss surgery. On average, they lost about 55 pounds. The researchers looked at fat taken from under the skin of the belly and found that some fat cells became healthier after weight loss. These changes suggest that fat tissue can be “rejuvenated.”

Fat is not just stored energy. It’s full of different types of cells that send signals to the body. Some of these cells, especially in people with obesity, act like damaged or “old” cells. These cells can cause inflammation and harm the body. After weight loss, many of these damaged cells were cleared out, making the fat tissue work better.

The study also found that fat cells handled fatty molecules in a healthier way after weight loss. Instead of letting harmful fats build up in organs like the liver, fat cells recycled the fats, which may protect the body from disease.

However, not all the damage from obesity went away. Some harmful immune cells stayed in the fat tissue. This shows that the body may remember past obesity, even after weight loss.

Experts say that health improvements can happen with even small amounts of weight loss. The goal shouldn’t just be to lose weight—but to improve how the body works.

HEALTH

Cannabis Use Doubles the Risk of Dying From Heart Disease, Researchers Warn

A new study has found that using cannabis may double your risk of dying from heart disease. The warning comes as cannabis becomes more popular and stronger than it was in the past.

Researchers looked at data from 24 studies between 2016 and 2023. Most people in the studies were between the ages of 19 and 59. Cannabis users were more likely to be younger and male. The study found that people who use cannabis or synthetic cannabinoids had twice the risk of dying from heart problems compared to non-users.

The risks didn’t stop there. Cannabis users also had a 20% higher risk of stroke and a 29% higher risk of heart attacks or other heart conditions where blood flow is blocked.

Experts say more research is needed. Most of the studies were observational, meaning they cannot prove cannabis directly causes heart disease. But the findings still raise concerns.

Cannabis today comes in many forms—smoked, eaten in edibles, or used as concentrates. Some types have very high levels of THC, the chemical that causes the “high.”

As cannabis becomes easier to access in many parts of the world, experts are urging people to be cautious. They recommend putting health warnings on cannabis products and protecting people from secondhand smoke.

While more research is needed, this study adds to growing evidence that cannabis may carry real heart health risks, especially for people over 45.

Women With ADHD Three Times More Likely to Experience Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Researchers Also Found That Women Who Had ADHD and a Clinical Diagnosis of Depression or Anxiety Had an Even Greater Risk of PMDD

A new study shows that women with ADHD are about three times more likely to have PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), a serious form of PMS. PMDD causes strong mood swings, anxiety, sadness, anger, and sleep problems in the days before a woman’s period.

Researchers surveyed 715 women ages 18 to 34 in the UK. About 31% of women with diagnosed ADHD had PMDD. Around 41% of women who had ADHD symptoms—but no formal diagnosis—also showed signs of PMDD. In comparison, only 9% of women without ADHD had PMDD.

The study also found that women with both ADHD and depression or anxiety were at even greater risk. They reported more intense symptoms, like feeling overwhelmed, sad, or unable to enjoy daily life.

PMDD can have a big effect on women’s mental health. In severe cases, it may even lead to suicidal thoughts. While PMDD can be treated, it must first be diagnosed. Doctors don’t always screen for it, especially in women with ADHD.

This study relied on women’s memory of how they felt during their cycles, which may not be exact. Still, the results show a clear link between ADHD and PMDD. More research is needed to understand why this happens and how best to treat it.

If you have ADHD and notice your mood changes before your period, talk to your doctor. You may be dealing with PMDD, and getting help can improve how you feel and function each month.

✢ 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.