09/08/25 - #473

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• FDA Expands Warning of Radioactive Shrimp as 2 More Brands Are Recalled

• Overweight People Had a 14% Lower Risk of Developing Dementia Compared to Those With Normal Weight, While Obese Participants Had a 19% Lower Risk. However, Those Who Lost Weight From Midlife to Late Life Had an Increased Risk of Dementia. This is the So-called Obesity Paradox

• Doctors Say Medical Misinformation Has Gotten Worse, Survey Finds

• Mouth to Gut Bacteria Migration Explains Why Smoking is Good for Inflamed Bowels | Study Shows That Smoking Produces Metabolites That Encourage Bacteria From the Mouth to Grow in the Large Intestines Where They Trigger an Immune Response in Mice

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

FDA Expands Warning of Radioactive Shrimp as 2 More Brands Are Recalled

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its warning about potentially radioactive shrimp. Two more brands are now being recalled, including nearly 18,000 bags of frozen shrimp sold under the Kroger Mercado name and more than 26,000 packages of cocktail shrimp. These shrimp may be contaminated with a radioactive substance called Cesium-137 (Cs-137).

The affected shrimp were sold in multiple states between July and August under the following brands: Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, and First Street. All were processed by an Indonesian company called PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), which is now under a full import alert by the FDA.

While no shrimp in the U.S. has tested positive for Cs-137 so far, and no illnesses have been reported, the FDA is acting out of caution. Long-term exposure to Cs-137 can damage DNA and raise the risk of cancer. High exposure can cause serious health problems.

The recalled Kroger shrimp was sold in 17 states and is packaged in 2-pound clear bags with a white label and green stripes. The recalled cocktail shrimp was sold at Walmart in 27 states.

The FDA urges people to check their shrimp products for the following UPC and lot codes: • 011110626196, Lot 10662 5139, Best Before 11/19/2027 • 011110626196, Lot 10662 5140, Best Before 11/20/2027

If you have these products, do not eat them. Return them to the store or throw them away.

Source: abcnews.go.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Overweight People Had a 14% Lower Risk of Developing Dementia Compared to Those With Normal Weight, While Obese Participants Had a 19% Lower Risk. However, Those Who Lost Weight From Midlife to Late Life Had an Increased Risk of Dementia. This is the So-called Obesity Paradox

A new study of over 5,000 older adults found something surprising: people who were overweight or obese in later life had a lower risk of dementia compared to those with normal weight. Overweight individuals had a 14% lower risk, and obese individuals had a 19% lower risk.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Researchers found that people who lost weight between midlife (around age 55) and late life (around age 75) had a higher risk of dementia—even if they ended up at a healthy weight later on. In fact, weight loss during this time was linked to a doubling of dementia risk in some groups.

Those who kept a stable weight had the lowest risk of dementia.

This finding helps explain what experts call the “obesity paradox.” While obesity in midlife is a known risk for dementia, in older age, higher weight sometimes appears protective. But this may be because weight loss in older adults—especially unplanned—can be a sign of hidden health problems.

Researchers say it’s not about aiming to gain weight as we age, but rather paying attention to changes. Sudden or steady weight loss in older adulthood should be taken seriously and discussed with a doctor.

The study shows that weight history—not just your weight today—may offer clues about brain health in later life.

This study does not prove that extra weight protects the brain. Instead, weight loss in older age may be a warning sign of underlying health decline.

Source: psypost.org

HEALTH

Doctors Say Medical Misinformation Has Gotten Worse, Survey Finds

Doctors say false health information is getting worse and making their jobs harder. A new survey found that 61% of doctors often see patients who believe untrue medical claims. Most doctors (86%) said this problem has grown over the last five years—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The false information shows up not just online but also in doctor visits. Some patients are now refusing treatments or tests. One doctor said a patient canceled surgery because they didn’t believe COVID-19 was real.

Over half the doctors (57%) said that misinformation affects their ability to give good care. Many said it causes stress and burnout. They feel responsible for helping patients, but it's hard when people don’t trust science or the advice doctors give.

The survey included 1,002 doctors from cities, suburbs, and rural areas. Doctors reported that bad information is spreading about vaccines, supplements, and other treatments.

Experts say health leaders need to do a better job of giving clear and honest facts. Some believe more doctors should speak out on social media, where much of the false information spreads.

Dr. Gary Price, who helped lead the survey, said, “Doctors want to help people. But it’s hard when so many believe things that aren’t true.”

Doctors now spend more time correcting myths instead of focusing on care. Many say the medical system needs to catch up with how fast false claims spread.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not offer medical advice.

Source: yahoo.com

Mouth to Gut Bacteria Migration Explains Why Smoking is Good for Inflamed Bowels | Study Shows That Smoking Produces Metabolites That Encourage Bacteria From the Mouth to Grow in the Large Intestines Where They Trigger an Immune Response in Mice

A new study from Japan may explain why smoking seems to help some people with ulcerative colitis, a disease that causes swelling in the large intestine.

Researchers found that smoking produces certain chemicals, like one called hydroquinone. These chemicals allow mouth bacteria—especially Streptococcus mitis—to survive and grow in the gut. Normally, these bacteria just pass through the digestive system. But in smokers, they stick to the gut lining.

Once these bacteria are in the gut, they change how the immune system works. They increase a type of immune cell called Th1. This helps reduce the type of inflammation seen in ulcerative colitis, which is mostly caused by another kind of cell called Th2.

The scientists tested this in mice. They gave the mice Streptococcus mitis and found it helped lower inflammation, similar to smoking. But in mice with Crohn’s disease—a different bowel condition—the bacteria made things worse. That’s because Crohn’s already involves too many Th1 cells.

While this study helps explain a medical mystery, it does not mean smoking is a good idea. Smoking raises the risk of cancer, heart disease, and many other serious problems.

Instead, the study suggests that future treatments could copy the helpful effects of smoking without the harm. This might include taking special probiotics or prebiotics like hydroquinone.

In short, scientists now better understand how smoking affects gut health—but safer options may be coming soon.

Source: eurekalert.org

✢ 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.