08/08/24 - #191

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Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • It's Not 8 Glasses a Day Anymore. Here's How Much Water You Should Drink Each Day

  • A New Wave of Anti-obesity Drugs is on the Way

  • New Nasal Spray Could Clear Proteins in Brain That Cause Alzheimer's

  • Physical Activity Offsets the Mortality Risk Associated With Excessive Sitting in Adults With Diabetes. It is the First Study to Show That Getting Adequate Exercise Can Counteract the Elevated Risk of Mortality Associated With Sitting for Long Periods of Time Each Day, Even for People With Diabetes

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

It's Not 8 Glasses a Day Anymore. Here's How Much Water You Should Drink Each Day

Drinking eight glasses of water a day is a good start, but you might need more. Water is a big part of your body—it helps regulate your temperature, move nutrients, and get rid of waste. Without enough water, your health could quickly decline.

Crystal Scott, a nutrition expert, compares our bodies to the Earth, which is mostly water. If the Earth’s water levels were too low, it would impact everything. It's similar for our bodies.

Scott says to first check your water intake when looking to improve your health. Drinking enough water can help with your mood, energy levels, and even prevent health issues like kidney stones.

So, how much should you drink? The old rule is eight 8-ounce glasses daily, but this might need adjusting based on your age, how active you are, and the climate you live in.

The National Academies recommend about 125 ounces for men and 91 ounces for women per day. But remember, foods like fruits and vegetables also provide water.

Too much water can be harmful, leading to low blood sodium levels. However, most people need to focus on drinking more.

To see if you’re drinking enough, check the color of your urine. If it's pale yellow or clear, you're hydrated. If it's dark, drink more water.

Want to drink more water? Start slowly and gradually increase your intake to avoid feeling bloated.

WEIGHT LOSS

A New Wave of Anti-obesity Drugs is on the Way

In the 1980s, scientists discovered a special hormone in our stomach called GLP-1. This hormone is good at controlling blood sugar and was first used in diabetes medicines. Surprisingly, it also helps reduce hunger, which can lead to weight loss. This discovery led to the first GLP-1 medicine for weight loss approved in 2014.

The most famous of these medicines is called Ozempic. It helped people lose about 15% of their starting weight. Recently, a new medicine named Zepbound by Eli Lilly has done even better, with some people losing up to 21% of their body weight.

These successful drugs have started a big race among drug companies. They all want to create a new, even better weight loss medicine. These new drugs are exciting because they work well, are easy to use, and have fewer side effects. However, they can be expensive and not always covered by insurance. Plus, there is a shortage, making it hard for everyone who needs them to get them.

The future looks promising, with many new drugs being developed. These might be even more helpful and easier for patients to get. It's a hopeful time for new treatments in the fight against obesity, offering more choices for those looking to manage their weight better.

HEALTH

New Nasal Spray Could Clear Proteins in Brain That Cause Alzheimer's

Researchers in the U.S. and Italy have a promising nasal spray. It targets harmful brain proteins and could treat Alzheimer's. This spray has shown encouraging results in older mice by improving how their brains work.

The spray focuses on tau proteins in the brain. Usually, tau proteins help keep brain cells stable and assist in moving nutrients. In Alzheimer's, these proteins clump and form tangles. They damage brain cells, causing memory loss and confusion.

The new nasal spray uses a special antibody designed to find and stick to these harmful protein clumps. The exciting part is that this spray is given through the nose. It can reach the brain easily, without the usual barriers that block other medicines.

This method was discussed in a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. It is special. It could deliver treatment directly to the brain. It would clear out the bad protein clumps and restore normal brain functions.

Dr. Rakez Kayed, a professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch, is the lead researcher. He said, "This nasal spray method could change the game for treating Alzheimer's and similar diseases." He believes it gives new hope to millions suffering from these tough conditions by possibly improving their brain health.

Physical Activity Offsets the Mortality Risk Associated With Excessive Sitting in Adults With Diabetes. It is the First Study to Show That Getting Adequate Exercise Can Counteract the Elevated Risk of Mortality Associated With Sitting for Long Periods of Time Each Day, Even for People With Diabetes

A new study from Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health has good news for adults with diabetes. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of dying early, especially for those who sit a lot.

The researchers studied health data from 2007 to 2018. It was for adults over 20 with diabetes. They followed these people until 2019, checking how much they sat each day and how much they moved around.

The results showed something important. People with diabetes who exercised for at least 150 minutes each week were less likely to face the serious risks of sitting too much. Those who didn’t move much had higher risks.

"Managing the risk of early death in people with diabetes is vital due to the disease's widespread impact," said Wen Dai, MPH, the study's lead researcher. “Many people with diabetes tend to sit more and move less.”

The study, in the journal Diabetes Care, says activity is crucial. Whether someone is a driver, works in an office, or sits a lot for other reasons, moving enough each week can make a big difference.

This study is the first to show clearly that for people with diabetes, finding time to exercise can counteract the dangers of sitting too much. It's a strong reminder of how important it is to stay active for better health.

✢ 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.