08/29/25 - #467

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • More Shrimp Recalled Due to Possible Radioactive Contamination, FDA  Says

  • Ultra-processed Foods: Why They Make Losing Weight So Tough

  • A Type of HPV Can Cause Skin Cancer in People With Weakened Immune Systems, Report Finds

  • Landmark 14-year Study Found Artificially Sweetened Drinks Raise Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes by More Than a Third, Significantly Higher Than Those With Sugar. It Challenges Long-standing Perception Diet Drinks Are a Healthier Alternative and Suggests They May Carry Their Own Metabolic Risks

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

More Shrimp Recalled Due to Possible Radioactive Contamination, FDA  Says

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a recall of frozen shrimp due to possible radioactive contamination.

This new recall includes shrimp products sold by Southwind Foods, based in California. The affected shrimp were sold in nine states between July 17 and August 8. Brand names include Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, and First Street. The products are both raw and cooked, and all are frozen.

The concern is possible contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive material. This type of radiation can be dangerous in large amounts. However, the FDA says no illnesses have been reported so far, and no shrimp that tested positive for radiation has entered the U.S. food supply.

Earlier this week, shrimp sold under the Great Value brand at Walmart was also recalled for the same reason. Both sets of shrimp were packaged in Indonesia by a company called BMS Foods. The FDA says this company’s products may have been handled in unsafe conditions.

Because of these concerns, BMS Foods is no longer allowed to export shrimp to the U.S. until it fixes the issues.

The FDA says it is still investigating and working with stores to remove any affected products from shelves.

If you recently bought frozen shrimp from any of the listed brands, check your freezer and do not eat it. You can return the product to the store for a refund or contact Southwind Foods for more information.

WEIGHT LOSS

Ultra-processed Foods: Why They Make Losing Weight So Tough

When David Bones joined a study at University College London, he changed one big thing—he cut out ultra-processed foods. That means foods with ingredients you wouldn’t find in your own kitchen, like chemicals or additives. Out went things like sliced bread, sugary cereals, and frozen ready meals. In just 8 weeks, he lost weight and felt sharper, both mentally and physically.

Susie, another participant, had a similar experience. She thought her diet was healthy—until she started reading food labels more carefully. Once she switched to mostly home-cooked meals with simple ingredients, she lost 5 kilograms (about 11 pounds) in 8 weeks. “I feel great,” she said. “I feel more in control of what I eat.”

In the study, both groups were given more food than they needed. But the people eating ultra-processed food lost just 1% of their body weight. Those on a minimally processed diet lost twice as much—and most of it was fat, not muscle.

18 months later, both David and Susie are still doing well. Susie admits it’s hard to avoid ultra-processed foods all the time, especially with family or when out with friends. But by keeping them to a minimum, she’s maintained her weight loss and feels better overall.

One other finding? Ultra-processed foods triggered more cravings, making it harder to stop eating—even though the science isn’t yet clear on their full impact on health like blood pressure or cholesterol.

Bottom line: The less processed your food, the easier it may be to lose weight and feel good.

HEALTH

A Type of HPV Can Cause Skin Cancer in People With Weakened Immune Systems, Report Finds

Doctors have found a new reason to watch for skin cancer—especially in people with weak immune systems.

A recent case report from the National Institutes of Health found that a type of human papillomavirus (HPV), called beta HPV, may directly cause skin cancer in rare cases. This type of HPV is common on our skin and usually harmless. Most of us carry it without ever knowing.

But in one woman with a weak immune system, the virus acted differently. She had a rare condition that made her T-cells (a type of immune cell) unable to fight the virus. As a result, the beta HPV entered her skin cells and caused 43 cancerous spots on her body. These were a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

Doctors removed the cancers and gave her immunotherapy, but the cancer kept coming back. Eventually, she got a stem cell transplant to rebuild her immune system. Three years later, her cancer hasn’t returned.

Experts say this doesn’t mean everyone with beta HPV is at risk. Most people’s immune systems keep the virus in check. But in people with weakened immunity—like transplant patients or those with certain health conditions—beta HPV may pose more danger than once thought.

Sun protection still matters most for skin cancer prevention. But doctors may now keep a closer eye on HPV in vulnerable patients.

🧴 Tip: Wear sunscreen and see your doctor for unusual skin changes.

Landmark 14-year Study Found Artificially Sweetened Drinks Raise Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes by More Than a Third, Significantly Higher Than Those With Sugar. It Challenges Long-standing Perception Diet Drinks Are a Healthier Alternative and Suggests They May Carry Their Own Metabolic Risks

Many people choose diet soda to avoid sugar. But a major new study suggests that these drinks may not be as safe as we thought.

Researchers followed over 36,000 people for nearly 14 years. They found that drinking just one can of diet soda a day raised the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 38%. That’s even higher than the 23% increased risk seen in people who drank one sugary soda daily.

This study challenges the idea that artificially sweetened drinks are a healthier option. Experts say the sweeteners—like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose—may affect the body in harmful ways. Some may upset the gut microbiome, which helps control blood sugar. Others might confuse the body into reacting as if sugar is present, causing insulin spikes.

Interestingly, when researchers adjusted for weight gain, the link between sugary drinks and diabetes became weaker. But the connection between diet drinks and diabetes stayed strong. That means weight alone doesn’t explain the risk.

This isn’t the first study to warn about artificial sweeteners. Past research has linked them to changes in gut bacteria and poor blood sugar control—even in just two weeks.

Experts now believe that these “sugar-free” drinks may cause their own health problems. They are calling for more research and stronger public health guidelines.

So if you’re trying to cut back on sugar, water, tea, or coffee without sweeteners may be your safest bet.

Always check with your doctor before making big changes to your diet.

✢ 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.