08/12/25 - #454

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Americans Get More Than Half Their Calories From Ultra-processed Foods, CDC Report Says

• A Byproduct Produced When Tryptophan is Metabolized by Gut Bacteria Could Become a Natural Obesity Treatment, a New Study in Rats Found. It Opens the Door to a Natural, Side-effect-free Alternative to GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic

• Prescription Fluoride Faces FDA Scrutiny Despite Widespread Support From Providers and the Public

• Using Portable High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Purifiers at Home Can Significantly Lower Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in Adults With Elevated Baseline Readings — Even in Areas With Relatively Low Overall Air Pollution Levels

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Americans Get More Than Half Their Calories From Ultra-processed Foods, CDC Report Says

Americans get more than half their calories from ultra-processed foods, a new CDC report finds. These foods are tasty and cheap, but often pack sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats while offering little fiber. The report used diet data from August 2021 to August 2023.

Overall, about 55% of calories came from ultra-processed foods. For adults, it was about 53%. For kids, it climbed to nearly 62%. Top sources included burgers and sandwiches, sweet baked goods, snacks, pizza, and sugary drinks. Young children and adults over 60 ate fewer of these foods. Low-income adults ate more than higher-income adults.

There’s one bright spot: intake seems to have dipped over the past decade. Adults were at about 56% in 2013–2014, and kids were near 66% in 2017–2018. Experts aren’t sure why, but awareness could be part of it.

Why does this matter? Many studies link ultra-processed foods to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In a head-to-head feeding study, people ate more and gained weight on ultra-processed meals, even when calories and nutrients were matched. A new clinical trial also found people lost twice as much weight on minimally processed foods.

Ultra-processed foods are defined by the NOVA system as items high in additives and low in whole ingredients. U.S. agencies are working on a clearer definition. For now, aim for simple swaps: plain oats instead of instant packets, home-cooked meals, and water over soda. Most days, keep it simple.

Source: yahoo.com

WEIGHT LOSS

A Byproduct Produced When Tryptophan is Metabolized by Gut Bacteria Could Become a Natural Obesity Treatment, a New Study in Rats Found. It Opens the Door to a Natural, Side-effect-free Alternative to GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic

Scientists may have found a gut-based way to spark the body’s own GLP-1, the hormone behind drugs like Ozempic. In a new study, researchers looked at tryptophan, an amino acid we get from food. When gut bacteria break down tryptophan, they make byproducts like indole. The team found these byproducts may help rebuild special gut cells that make GLP-1 and control appetite.

First, the scientists fed rats a high-fat diet to cause obesity. In these rats, the number of hormone-secreting gut cells, called enteroendocrine cells, fell by about 60%. The researchers then tested indole in lab-grown human gut “organoids.” Indole raised markers of these cells, suggesting it promotes their growth. A common probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus, boosted the same markers when it was grown with tryptophan. When the team blocked a cell switch called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), the benefits disappeared. That points to an AhR-based pathway.

The promise: a natural, microbiome-driven way to restore GLP-1 without drug side effects like nausea. The caution: this work was done in rats and in organoids from colon tissue. We still don’t know if the same results will hold in people or in the small intestine. More studies are needed to test weight and blood sugar outcomes.

What you can do now: focus on a diet with fiber and protein, and discuss probiotics with your clinician if you’re interested. Do not stop or change medicines without medical advice. Human trials will tell us whether tryptophan-metabolizing bacteria can truly aid weight and metabolic health.

Source: newatlas.com

HEALTH

Prescription Fluoride Faces FDA Scrutiny Despite Widespread Support From Providers and the Public

The US Food and Drug Administration may remove prescription fluoride supplements for children. The move comes as Utah and Florida stopped adding fluoride to public water, and other states are debating it.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. For decades, water fluoridation has been viewed as a major public health success. In places without fluoridated water, doctors often prescribe fluoride drops or tablets for babies and children.

Demand can change fast. After Utah changed its water policy this spring, fluoride prescriptions rose about 30% within months, from roughly 1% of people to 1.3%, based on health records.

Safety is at the center of the debate. A federal toxicology review tied high fluoride exposure to lower IQ in children. Supporters note those levels are much higher than typical US use. They warn that banning supplements could raise cavity rates, especially in low-income families.

An FDA-related nonprofit held a public meeting to weigh risks and benefits. The new head of the FDA’s drug center said decisions must balance risk with clear evidence. Major groups, including the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, urged keeping supplements while research continues.

Fluoride policy is often local. Where water is not fluoridated, prescription rates are far higher. Some communities are expanding access to keep options open.

For now, the focus is on choice, safety, and protecting kids’ teeth—while respecting risks and aiming for fairness.

Source: edition.cnn.com

Using Portable High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Purifiers at Home Can Significantly Lower Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in Adults With Elevated Baseline Readings — Even in Areas With Relatively Low Overall Air Pollution Levels

A new clinical trial points to a simple home step for heart health: use a portable HEPA air purifier. Published August 6 in JACC, it found that adults with higher starting blood pressure lowered their top number after one month of filtration.

Traffic particles can seep indoors and inflame blood vessels. In a randomized crossover study of 154 adults living near highways, participants had one month of real HEPA filtration, a one-month washout, and one month with a sham unit. Among those with systolic pressure above 120 mm Hg, filtration reduced systolic pressure by an average of 2.8 mm Hg. During the sham month, it rose by 0.2 mm Hg, a net 3.0-point benefit. There was no significant change in diastolic pressure or among people with normal systolic pressure.

Even small drops can lower risk over time. PM2.5 can harm health even below current standards, so indoor protection may also help. Still, a purifier is one tool, not a cure-all.

If your BP runs high, consider a true HEPA purifier in your bedroom and living area. Run it regularly and replace filters on schedule. Stay on your treatment plan and ask your clinician if a purifier fits.

Caveats: The study mostly involved higher-income white adults, excluded people on blood pressure drugs, and did not include hotter months.

Source: today.uconn.edu

✢ 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.