07/22/24 - #178

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Switching From a Diet High in Saturated Animal Fats to One Rich in Plant-based Unsaturated Fats Affects the Fat Composition in the Blood, Which in Turn Influences Long-term Disease Risk

  • Diet and Exercise in Women With Obesity Can Prevent Abnormal Heart Development in Their Children, Offering Benefits Such as Reduced Thickening of Heart Walls, Normal Heart Weight, and a Lower Risk of Elevated Heart Rates

  • Many Tattoo Ink and Permanent Makeup Products Contaminated With Bacteria, FDA Finds

  • Ozempic's Popularity Leads to Shortages for People With Type 2 Diabetes

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Switching From a Diet High in Saturated Animal Fats to One Rich in Plant-based Unsaturated Fats Affects the Fat Composition in the Blood, Which in Turn Influences Long-term Disease Risk

It's not just about how much fat you eat, but the type of fat that really counts. As we grow older, choosing the right kinds of fats in our diet can make a big difference in our health, especially for our hearts and preventing diabetes.

Health experts suggest eating more unsaturated fats, which come from plants, and less saturated fats, which are found in animal products like butter and meat. Studies show that changing the type of fat you eat can help lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

One major study found that people who switched from animal fats to plant-based fats had a much lower risk of heart problems. The chance of getting heart disease dropped by 32% and diabetes by 26% when people made this change.

You don't have to stop eating all your favorite foods at once. Starting with small steps can lead to big health benefits. Try cooking with olive oil instead of butter or choose snacks like nuts or avocados that have good fats.

Remember, the quality of fat matters as much as the amount. Making these simple changes in what you eat can help you live longer and better. Choosing healthier fats is an easy way to take care of your heart and stay healthy as you age.

WEIGHT LOSS

Diet and Exercise in Women With Obesity Can Prevent Abnormal Heart Development in Their Children, Offering Benefits Such as Reduced Thickening of Heart Walls, Normal Heart Weight, and a Lower Risk of Elevated Heart Rates

Obesity rates are climbing worldwide, and the impact is evident even during pregnancy. In England and Wales, over half of women at antenatal clinics are found to be overweight or obese. This trend has significant repercussions, particularly on the cardiovascular health of future generations.

The study was led by Dr. Samuel Burden at King’s College. It shows that small changes to the lives of obese women before or during pregnancy could greatly improve their children's heart health. Such changes include diet and exercise. The research is detailed in the International Journal of Obesity. It reviewed many studies to find the effects of these interventions.

The findings are promising. They suggest that eating well and exercising during pregnancy can prevent heart problems in children. These issues often show as thick heart walls or a heavy heart. Both signal future heart problems.

Dr. Burden and his team found that children born to mothers who had adopted these healthier choices had normal heart weights. They were also less likely to develop high heart rates, a sign of stress on the heart.

These insights could lead to new public health strategies. They would aim to reduce heart disease by focusing on maternal health. More research is needed to confirm these findings into adulthood. But, the early evidence suggests a big benefit for future generations from the healthy choices of expectant mothers.

HEALTH

Many Tattoo Ink and Permanent Makeup Products Contaminated With Bacteria, FDA Finds

A recent study by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that many tattoo and permanent makeup products are not as clean as they should be. The study appeared in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology. It found that almost half of the permanent makeup inks and about a quarter of tattoo inks had bacteria. This was even true for products that were labeled as "sterile."

Researchers from the FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research tested inks from 14 makers. The makers were from places like the U.S., France, and China. They found bacteria in 16 out of 49 products that claimed to be germ-free.

The FDA has been aware of this problem for a while, recalling contaminated inks 18 times since 2003 and asking ink makers last year to improve safety. Still, the recent findings show that contamination remains a big problem. This is especially true for permanent makeup inks.

The study also said that both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were found in these products. Some bacteria were linked to acne and infections near implants. Others could cause urinary tract infections.

The FDA hasn't shared which brands are affected but has a webpage that lists past recalls of tattoo inks. The results show that we need better cleaning. We also need truthful labels to keep consumers safe.

Ozempic's Popularity Leads to Shortages for People With Type 2 Diabetes

Ozempic, a drug mainly used for Type 2 diabetes, is now in short supply because it's also being used by people wanting to lose weight. This has caused problems for those who really need it for their health.

Jim Cox, who has Type 2 diabetes, found himself in trouble when he couldn't get his usual diabetes medicine, Trulicity, because the pharmacy ran out. He was told to keep checking if the medicine was back in stock. Meanwhile, he had to use his remaining medicine sparingly. "There are people who need this medicine to stay healthy," Cox said. Not getting enough can cause serious health issues like kidney and eye problems.

A company called Ro has made an online tool to help people find where these medicines are available. Since its launch, they have received thousands of reports from people who couldn't get their medicine.

Experts like Rena Conti from Boston University think the drug companies should have been ready for this high demand. They were advertising these drugs a lot. Some ads even talked about weight loss benefits, which attracted more people.

There's an ongoing discussion about who should get these medicines first. Some doctors worry that people who need them for weight loss are being treated unfairly.

Drug makers are trying to make more medicine fast. People hope this will fix the shortages soon. Meanwhile, it's important to use these drugs wisely and prioritize those who need them most.

✢ 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.