Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Coffee, Eggs and White Rice Linked to Higher Levels of PFAS in Human Body

• BMI Out, Body Fat in: Diagnosing Obesity Needs a Change to Take Into Account of How Body Fat is Distributed | Study Proposes Modernizing Obesity Diagnosis and Treatment to Take Account of All the Latest Developments in the Field, Including New Obesity Medications

• Smoking a Key Lifestyle Factor Linked to Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults: Smoking Lifestyles Had Cognitive Scores That Declined Up to 85% More Over 10 Years Than Non-smoking Lifestyles, Study From 14 European Countries Finds

• Sleep Studies Provide a Lot of Important Information but Aren’t Very Patient-friendly | Researchers Redesigned the Process, Eliminating the Multitudes of Wires Normally Used While Producing Results That Are on Par With the Current Gold-standard Method

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Coffee, Eggs and White Rice Linked to Higher Levels of PFAS in Human Body

Recent research shows that eating more coffee, eggs, white rice, and some meats might lead to higher levels of harmful chemicals. These chemicals are called PFAS. These chemicals are linked to serious health problems like cancer and liver disease.

PFAS are called "forever chemicals." They don't break down naturally. They can build up in our bodies over time. They are used in many products to keep water and stains away.

The study looked at the diets of 3,000 pregnant women and found that those who ate more white rice, coffee, and eggs had more PFAS in their blood and breast milk. Red meat and seafood also showed higher levels of PFAS, likely because of pollution in the water or soil.

The researchers think that PFAS in rice might come from polluted water used in farming or from planting in contaminated soil. For coffee drinkers, the water for brewing and the coffee beans might be sources of PFAS. Backyard chicken eggs might have more PFAS because the chickens are exposed to contaminated soil or feed.

This study highlights the need to watch and control PFAS in the environment and our food. It suggests eating a variety of foods, including more fruits, whole grains, and fiber, to help reduce the amount of PFAS in our bodies.

The findings show how important it is to manage our environment better to keep our food and health safe.

Source: theguardian.com

WEIGHT LOSS

BMI Out, Body Fat in: Diagnosing Obesity Needs a Change to Take Into Account of How Body Fat is Distributed | Study Proposes Modernizing Obesity Diagnosis and Treatment to Take Account of All the Latest Developments in the Field, Including New Obesity Medications

International researchers are suggesting a big shift. We need to change how we diagnose and treat obesity. Currently, the body mass index (BMI) is the standard method, but it might not be the best indicator for everyone. Experts from the University of Padova, Italy argue in a study published in Nature Medicine. They say that how body fat is spread should be crucial in diagnosing obesity.

Traditionally, a BMI of 30 or higher signals obesity. However, this overlooks body fat distribution. It's particularly abdominal fat. It can be a major health risk, even in people with a lower BMI. For example, excessive belly fat is linked to serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

The new approach proposed could mean more people qualifying for obesity treatments even if their BMI is below 30. The experts suggest focusing on the waist-to-height ratio. They also suggest looking for medical or psychological conditions. These conditions could get better with obesity treatment. This approach recognizes the complexities of obesity as a multifactorial, chronic disease.

The new guidelines also stress the need for a full treatment plan. The plan should include dietary changes, exercise, and possibly new obesity drugs. This view is holistic. It aims to update obesity management with the latest science and treatments. It will ensure more people get the help they need. They won't be limited by outdated measures.

Source: scimex.org

HEALTH

Smoking a Key Lifestyle Factor Linked to Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults: Smoking Lifestyles Had Cognitive Scores That Declined Up to 85% More Over 10 Years Than Non-smoking Lifestyles, Study From 14 European Countries Finds

A new study from University College London has found that smoking can speed up how fast older adults lose their thinking skills. The research was published in Nature Communications. It looked at data from over 32,000 people who are 50 years old or older from 14 different European countries. The data was collected over ten years.

The study shows that people who smoke may see their brain power decline up to 85% faster over a decade compared to those who don't smoke. Researchers checked the participants' memory and speaking skills. They grouped them by their habits, like whether they smoked or exercised. They also looked at how much time they spent with friends and family and how much alcohol they drank.

Smokers who lived healthy in other ways had similar rates of brain aging. They exercised, drank in moderation, and were socially active. This suggests that even though smoking is harmful, other healthy habits might help protect the brain.

Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg from UCL pointed out, "Our results show that not smoking is really important for keeping your mind sharp. But quitting smoking is hard. But, staying active, drinking little, and seeing friends can still help protect your brain."

The study can't prove smoking causes faster brain aging. But, it shows that our choices can greatly affect our mental health as we age.

Source: eurekalert.org

Sleep Studies Provide a Lot of Important Information but Aren’t Very Patient-friendly | Researchers Redesigned the Process, Eliminating the Multitudes of Wires Normally Used While Producing Results That Are on Par With the Current Gold-standard Method

Ever had a sleep study? If so, you probably remember being covered in wires and trying to sleep in a strange bed. It's not the best way to get a good night's sleep. But good news is here. Researchers at the University of Houston have made a big change that could make sleep studies much easier for patients while still giving reliable results.

Traditional sleep studies, called polysomnography (PSG), are important for finding sleep problems like sleep apnea and narcolepsy. They measure brain, muscle, heart, and breathing activity. But it's a lot to deal with—imagine sleeping while hooked up to many machines.

The new method from Houston uses way fewer wires. It mainly uses one type of heart data, called electrocardiography (ECG). This simpler method, named 'cardiosomnography' or CSG, has been tested a lot and works just as well as the old way with many wires.

This is exciting because it could make sleep studies cheaper and easier to do at home. More people could get tested and treated for sleep problems without having to spend a night away from their own bed.

Making sleep studies simpler and more friendly for patients is a big step forward. It means better sleep health without the hassle of a night full of wires.

Source: newatlas.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.