08/28/25 - #466

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Walmart Shrimp May Have Been Exposed to Radioactive Material, FDA  Says

• I Need to Lose Weight

• As More Young People Get Screened, More Colon Cancer is Being Found Early. Here’s How to Lower Your Risk

• No Evidence That Ketamine Helps With Chronic Pain, Major Review Finds

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Walmart Shrimp May Have Been Exposed to Radioactive Material, FDA  Says

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says some frozen shrimp sold at Walmart may have been exposed to radiation. The shrimp is part of Walmart’s “Great Value” brand and came from an Indonesian company called PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati.

These frozen shrimp products were sold in 13 states, including Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania. The FDA found possible contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive material used in some medical tools. It was found in shipping containers that arrived in cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami.

The FDA says the levels found were low and below the legal limit. However, they warned that even low levels of radiation may be harmful if someone is exposed to other sources at the same time, like from X-rays or CT scans. Repeated exposure to Cesium-137 may increase the risk of cancer.

The FDA is asking people not to eat the shrimp. If you bought raw, frozen shrimp from Walmart and it matches this description, throw it away. Do not cook it, eat it, or serve it to others.

If you already ate the shrimp and are worried, talk to your doctor. Health officials are still looking into the problem.

Walmart and the supplier have not yet made a public comment.

This warning is a good reminder to check for food safety alerts and recalls often.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It does not provide medical advice or replace care from a healthcare provider.

Source: nbcnews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

I Need to Lose Weight

If you're trying to lose weight, it's not just about cutting calories or exercising more. It's about understanding your hormones—especially one called insulin.

Insulin is made by your pancreas and helps your body store fat. When insulin is high, your body holds onto fat and makes it harder to lose weight. To burn fat, you must keep insulin low.

Here’s how:

• Eat fewer carbs: Sugar, bread, pasta, and even alcohol can raise insulin and block fat burning for 24 hours or more. Try to eat under 50 grams of carbs a day—or under 20 grams if you want faster results.

• Skip seed oils: Found in many restaurant foods and salad dressings, seed oils cause insulin resistance and inflammation.

• Don’t eat too often: Eating less frequently (intermittent fasting) gives your insulin a chance to drop.

• Avoid MSG: It may increase hunger and cravings shortly after eating.

Other hormones also play a role:

• Cortisol, the stress hormone, causes belly fat. Lower it by walking, staying active, and taking vitamin B1 and vitamin D.

• Estrogen can cause fat to build up in the lower body. Avoid foods and chemicals that mimic estrogen.

• Testosterone and growth hormone help burn fat. Support these by sleeping well, exercising, and eating foods rich in zinc and healthy fats.

Exercise only contributes to about 15% of weight loss, but it’s key for lowering stress and keeping hormones balanced.

Controlling hormones—not just calories—is the key to lasting fat loss.

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC

HEALTH

As More Young People Get Screened, More Colon Cancer is Being Found Early. Here’s How to Lower Your Risk

More adults under 50 are being diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer. This rise is partly because more people are getting screened earlier. In 2018, health experts lowered the screening age from 50 to 45. By 2023, about one-third of adults aged 45–49 had been screened, up from just 1 in 5 in 2019.

Early screening helps catch cancer before it spreads. This can lead to easier treatment and better outcomes. But even with more screenings, colon cancer is still rising in younger people, and experts don’t fully know why. Some believe modern changes—like processed food, microplastics, and lack of exercise—may play a role.

It’s important to know the warning signs. The most common symptom is rectal bleeding, especially in people under 50. Other signs include stomach pain, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or low appetite. If symptoms last more than a few weeks, see a doctor. And if your concerns are dismissed, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.

You can also lower your risk with lifestyle choices. Stay active, don’t smoke, limit alcohol, and eat a healthy diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Cut back on red and processed meats.

Even if you're under 45, speak up if something feels off. Catching cancer early can save your life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

Source: edition.cnn.com

No Evidence That Ketamine Helps With Chronic Pain, Major Review Finds

Ketamine has become popular in recent years—not just as a medical drug, but as a trendy option for mental health and chronic pain relief. Some clinics even offer it as an alternative to opioids. But a major new study says: not so fast.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales reviewed 67 clinical trials involving over 2,300 people. Their goal was to see if ketamine and similar drugs really help with long-term pain conditions like nerve pain, fibromyalgia, or pain after shingles. The answer? There is no clear proof that ketamine works for chronic pain.

The researchers said the current evidence is too weak to show whether ketamine helps or doesn’t. What they did find were serious side effects. People who got ketamine through an IV often experienced troubling symptoms—such as confusion, paranoia, nausea, and even hallucinations.

While ketamine might work well for short-term pain relief in emergencies, the team warned doctors not to assume it will help long-term. They compared it to how opioids were once used freely before the risks became clear.

One of the lead authors, James McAuley, said, “We need to be careful. Just because a drug helps with short-term pain doesn’t mean it’s safe or helpful for chronic use.”

Bottom line: If you're living with chronic pain, talk to your doctor about proven treatments. Ketamine may not be the answer.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Source: euronews.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.