07/18/24 - #176

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • A Study That Included Individuals With Mild to Moderate Acne, Following the Mediterranean Diet and Taking Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Led to Significant Reductions in Inflammatory and Non-inflammatory Skin Lesions, as Well as Improved Quality of Life

  • Diabetes Drug Beats Ozempic in Weight Loss Trial as It's Dubbed 'Significantly More Effective'

  • Half of US Cancer Deaths Avoidable, 'Alarming' Study Says

  • Anxious, Depressed, and Lonely Adolescents Are More Likely to Be Overdependent on Their Smartphones | Girls Were More Likely to Develop This Overdependence Than Boys

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

A Study That Included Individuals With Mild to Moderate Acne, Following the Mediterranean Diet and Taking Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Led to Significant Reductions in Inflammatory and Non-inflammatory Skin Lesions, as Well as Improved Quality of Life

The study lasted 16 weeks. It had 60 participants. It showed promising results for those with mild to moderate acne. The study tested a diet and supplements. They were tested on improving skin health and quality of life.

Participants in the study followed a Mediterranean diet. This diet is known for its rich plant-based foods and healthy fats. They also supplemented their diet with omega-3 fatty acids from algae. The omega-3 supplements target nutritional deficits. They contain DHA and EPA. These deficits were seen in these patients.

The findings were significant. Most participants started with low omega-3 levels. But, these levels improved throughout the study. Both inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions, such as pimples and blackheads, reduced noticeably. A few reported worsened appearances. But, the skin and self-esteem of participants improved.

Interestingly, certain foods were identified that could potentially aggravate acne. The study noted a decrease in the consumption of cow’s milk and dairy products, which are often linked to acne severity. Participants also reported feeling better physically and emotionally. This suggests a better quality of life.

The study shows that diet affects skin health. It stresses the potential of omega-3s for managing acne. Acne is a common skin condition. Conventional treatments are important. But, adding nutritional strategies could be valuable for managing acne.

WEIGHT LOSS

Diabetes Drug Beats Ozempic in Weight Loss Trial as It's Dubbed 'Significantly More Effective'

A new diabetes drug, tirzepatide, is better than Ozempic at helping people lose weight. Both drugs work by copying a hormone that your body makes when you eat, which helps produce more insulin. This is especially helpful for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers studied 18,386 people, half of whom had Type 2 diabetes. They found that 82% of the people who took tirzepatide lost a lot of weight, more than those who took Ozempic. Specifically, people using tirzepatide were twice as likely to lose 10% of their weight compared to those on Ozempic.

Despite these exciting results, experts say we should be careful. The UK’s health authority, NICE, reminds everyone that these drugs can affect other medicines you might be taking. They recommend talking to a doctor before starting any new drug.

This new finding could help with the Ozempic shortage. Ozempic has become popular not just among diabetics but also with weight-loss-seeking celebrities. However, this popularity has led to fake Ozempic being sold, which can be dangerous. Health officials warn against buying these drugs online.

More research is needed, but tirzepatide could be a stronger option for managing weight. Always check with your doctor before making any changes to your medication.

HEALTH

Half of US Cancer Deaths Avoidable, 'Alarming' Study Says

A recent study revealed a worrying fact. Four in ten cancer cases and half of all adult cancer deaths in the United States could be avoided. This shows a critical need. We need better access to preventive care and more effective interventions.

Each year, around 1.8 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer, and approximately 600,000 succumb to the disease. Smoking, excessive body weight, poor diet, and lack of physical activity raise the risk of developing cancer.

The study used data from the American Cancer Society. It shows that many of these cancer cases are linked to avoidable risks. In 2019 alone, over 713,000 cancer cases and more than 262,000 cancer deaths could have been prevented if these risk factors had been addressed.

Smoking remains the largest preventable cause, responsible for over half of the cancers in men and about 40% in women that could be avoided. Smoking is one. Excess weight, drinking, and UV exposure are others. All are major causes of preventable cancer.

The research emphasizes the importance of quitting smoking. It also suggests improving screenings for finding lung cancer early. Early treatment is more effective. Also, there is a stark reminder of the need for fair access to health care. Everyone must have the chance to take steps to prevent cancer. This study serves as a wake-up call to prioritize health and make lifestyle changes that could save lives.

Anxious, Depressed, and Lonely Adolescents Are More Likely to Be Overdependent on Their Smartphones | Girls Were More Likely to Develop This Overdependence Than Boys

A recent study in South Korea shows that teenagers who feel anxious, sad, or lonely often use their smartphones too much. This issue is more common in girls than boys.

Smartphones are a big part of life for teens, helping them connect with friends and manage their social lives. However, using them too much can cause problems. The study found that about one in four people between the ages of 3 and 69 in South Korea rely too much on their smartphones, and this number is going up.

Relying too much on smartphones can lead to fewer face-to-face chats. It can also lower productivity and worsen mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It can also cause physical problems like tired eyes, bad sleep, and poor posture.

The study looked at answers from over 53,000 students. It found that older teens and those from poorer families rely too much on their phones. About 30% of girls and 21% of boys showed signs of this problem.

The findings suggest that it's important to help teens not only use their phones less but also to deal with feelings like anxiety and loneliness that make them turn to their devices. While smartphones are helpful, we need to watch out for how they affect our health and happiness.

✢ 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.