Good morning. In today’s edition:

• What Are Your Best Tips for Fiber Intake?

• I’ve Lost 100lbs!

• Scientist Behind Alzheimer’s Drug in Late-stage Trials is Indicted on Charges of Research Fraud

• Cardiologist Reveals Top Tips for Lowering Your Blood Pressure, Cholesterol

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

What Are Your Best Tips for Fiber Intake?

When you want to add more fiber to your diet, it's important to choose where it comes from. Many people think grains are the best source, but vegetables are actually a better choice.

Fiber is like food for the tiny bacteria in your gut. These bacteria help keep your digestive system healthy. However, grains can cause problems. They have gluten, which can be tough on your stomach and cause inflammation. Grains also make your blood sugar rise quickly because of their high glycemic index, and they have phytic acid, which can stop your body from absorbing important vitamins and minerals.

Vegetables are a great alternative. They don’t cause your blood sugar to spike because they have a low glycemic index. They are also full of nutrients, making them good for your overall health.

Sometimes, big organizations like the American Heart Association suggest eating grains with every meal. But it’s important to think about why they might say that. Companies like Frito-Lay, Kellogg's, and Quaker Oats give them money, which might influence their advice.

So, next time you’re looking to increase your fiber, go for vegetables instead of grains. This choice is better for your gut and your overall health.

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC

WEIGHT LOSS

I’ve Lost 100lbs!

Carrie Newman from Huntington, West Virginia, has an amazing story. On New Year's Day 2021, she weighed 250 pounds and decided it was time for a big change. She wanted to feel better and knew she needed to focus on her health.

Carrie started by walking more every day, drinking plenty of water, and watching her calories. A few months later, she found a Facebook group called "Start Today." This group, linked to the "Today" show, gave her new exercise ideas and lots of support.

By sticking with her plan and getting help from this online community, Carrie has now lost over 100 pounds in 20 months. More than just losing weight, Carrie feels healthier and happier. Her knees and back don't hurt anymore, she handles stress better, and she sleeps well.

Carrie changed her diet slowly. She stopped drinking soda and eating fast food, then started to count calories and cook healthier meals. When she felt stuck and couldn't lose more weight, she began strength training, which helped a lot.

Her family played a big part in her success. They went on hikes and walks with her, making sure she got her steps in every day. Carrie's story shows that with small steps, support from others, and a lot of hard work, big health improvements are possible.

Source: TODAY

HEALTH

Scientist Behind Alzheimer’s Drug in Late-stage Trials is Indicted on Charges of Research Fraud

This was a shocking revelation for scientists and doctors. Hoau-Yan Wang, a neuroscientist working on a promising Alzheimer's drug, has been indicted on many fraud counts. The Justice Department announced this indictment. It has cast a shadow over the late-stage trials of simufilam, a candidate Alzheimer's drug.

Wang teaches at the City University of New York. He is accused of faking research images and data to get big federal grants. The grants total about $16 million and are from the National Institutes of Health. They allegedly manipulated data. They did this to strengthen evidence for the drug's effectiveness. This was during its early development with Cassava Sciences, a drug company.

The charges against Wang include one count of fraud against the United States, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of making false statements. The allegations highlight a growing issue. It is about manipulating images in research. This issue is in the scientific community. It is like recent scandals at other prestigious institutions.

Despite the serious charges, Cassava Sciences clarified that Wang had no role in the Phase 3 clinical trials of simufilam. These trials recently involved 735 patients. The company and the City University of New York have pledged full cooperation with the ongoing federal investigation.

As the trial proceeds, the impact on Cassava's stock prices and the future of simufilam are uncertain. This leaves many to ponder the honesty of science and its implications for medicine.

Source: nbcnews.com

Cardiologist Reveals Top Tips for Lowering Your Blood Pressure, Cholesterol

Heart disease is the main cause of death in the U.S., but a third of these deaths can be prevented. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are big risks for heart disease, affecting about half of all Americans. The good news is you can greatly reduce these risks with some lifestyle changes.

Dr. Stephanie Saucier, a heart doctor, shared simple ways to manage these health risks with Newsweek. For high blood pressure, she suggests:

• Healthy Eating: Eat less salt (under 1500 mg a day) and fewer sweet drinks (under 450 calories a week). This can lower your blood pressure by up to 11 mmHg.

• Exercise: Do moderate activities like walking or cycling for 150 minutes a week. This can lower your blood pressure by 5-8 mmHg. Losing weight also helps—each kilogram lost can drop your blood pressure by 1 mmHg.

However, sometimes changing your lifestyle isn’t enough. Dr. Saucier says it's important to talk to your doctor about medicines that can help keep your blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg.

For cholesterol, eat foods rich in fiber and low in fats, like fruits and whole grains. Daily activities like walking or swimming are also important.

If diet and exercise don’t work well enough, your doctor might suggest medication, especially if you've had heart problems before.

Remember, avoiding tobacco and too much alcohol helps, and knowing your family health history is also important.

Source: newsweek.com

✢ 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.