08/19/24 - #198

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Study Finds Omega-3 Supplements May Counteract the Genetic Predisposition to High Cholesterol

  • Weight Loss Surgery May Reduce the Risk of Developing Heart Failure for People Living With Obesity by Improving Blood Flow Through Their Heart Muscle. Six Months After Surgery, Patients Had Lost an Average of 29 kg, and 13 of the 17 Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Before Surgery Were in Remission

  • FDA Approves Blood Test for Colon Cancer Detection

  • Following the Mediterranean Diet Versus the Traditional Western Diet Might Make You Feel Like You’re Under Less Stress: Findings Suggest That People Can Lower Their Perception of How Much Stress They Can Tolerate by Following a Mediterranean Diet

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Study Finds Omega-3 Supplements May Counteract the Genetic Predisposition to High Cholesterol

Fish oil, a common supplement, might help those at risk of high cholesterol due to their genes. This comes from a recent study at the University of Georgia.

The research looked at genetic data from over 441,000 people. It aimed to see how likely they are to have high cholesterol. They looked at LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, and HDL, the "good" cholesterol.

The findings were important. Omega-3 supplements, like fish oil, lowered LDL and triglycerides. Their genes would suggest otherwise. This means that fish oil can help fight the effects of having high cholesterol in your family.

"Fish oil supplements might improve your cholesterol more than your genes would," said Kaixiong Ye, a UGA assistant professor. "This could be a new way for people with a family history of high cholesterol to manage their health."

High cholesterol can lead to serious problems like hardening of the arteries and a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Since over 86 million American adults have high cholesterol, the findings of this study are very important.

The study also showed that fish oil helps increase HDL cholesterol, which is good for your heart health.

For those genetically at risk for high cholesterol, adding fish oil to their routine could be a key to better health.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Surgery May Reduce the Risk of Developing Heart Failure for People Living With Obesity by Improving Blood Flow Through Their Heart Muscle. Six Months After Surgery, Patients Had Lost an Average of 29 kg, and 13 of the 17 Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Before Surgery Were in Remission

A UCL study found that weight loss surgery might lower heart failure risk in obese people. It may improve blood flow to the heart.

Obese people are more likely to have heart failure. This is often due to poor blood flow in their heart's tiny vessels. A recent study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, suggests that weight loss surgery may partly reverse these issues. It was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Imaging.

The research included heart scans of 27 patients both before and six months after undergoing bariatric surgery. Initially, these patients had a median body mass index (BMI) of 44 kg/m^2, indicating severe obesity. They had thicker heart walls and lower blood flow. This, a sign of a strained heart, was worse than in average-weight people.

Six months post-surgery, things looked different. Patients dropped an average of 29 kg (about 64 lbs), and remarkably, 13 of the 17 patients who had type 2 diabetes were in remission. The follow-up scans showed improved heart blood flow, cholesterol, and liver fat. They also showed lower blood pressure.

"These results suggest bariatric surgery can improve health by reducing weight," said Dr. George Joy of UCL. This research shows a link between obesity and heart disease. It highlights the need for accessible weight loss treatments and support for healthy lifestyles for all.

HEALTH

FDA Approves Blood Test for Colon Cancer Detection

The FDA has given the green light to a new blood test called Shield, made by Guardant Health, Inc. This test is for adults 45 and older to help find colorectal cancer early. The Shield test has shown promising results, detecting cancer in 83% of people who have it but don't show symptoms.

This test is now available by prescription and is expected to be covered by Medicare for those who are eligible. It comes at a crucial time as more younger people are getting colon cancer in the U.S.

The Shield test is easy and comfortable compared to a colonoscopy, which is still the best method for catching colon cancer early. Colonoscopies can find and remove growths that could turn into cancer later. Dr. Jon LaPook, a CBS News medical expert, says that colonoscopies are very important for saving lives.

However, the Shield test isn't perfect. It's not as good at finding very early cancer or growths that aren't cancer yet. It also might say someone has cancer when they don't about 10% of the time.

Despite these issues, the test is a big step forward in fighting a disease that is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and the second in women under 50. Dr. LaPook encourages everyone to talk to their doctors and get screened. Don't let embarrassment stop you from taking care of your health.

Following the Mediterranean Diet Versus the Traditional Western Diet Might Make You Feel Like You’re Under Less Stress: Findings Suggest That People Can Lower Their Perception of How Much Stress They Can Tolerate by Following a Mediterranean Diet

Feeling stressed out? Changing what you eat could help. A new study from Binghamton University shows that a Mediterranean diet might reduce stress. This is better than the typical Western diet.

The study, led by Lina Begdache from the health and wellness department, found that people eating Mediterranean-style felt they had less stress. "This diet helps reduce bad stress and increase good feelings," says Begdache.

The Mediterranean diet includes lots of plants and healthy fats and avoids processed foods and sugars found in the Western diet. It's good for your body and might also make you feel calmer.

The research team asked over 1,500 people about their diets and how stressed they felt. They discovered that those who ate foods like vegetables, fruits, and fish felt less stressed. However, those who ate more processed foods felt more stressed.

This study shows a clear link between what you eat and how stressed you might feel. It adds new information to what we already know, which mostly looked at how being stressed can make you eat worse.

Begdache and her team are still studying how different foods affect our brains and feelings. They hope to learn more about why the Mediterranean diet can help keep us calm and healthy.

✢ 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.