Good morning. In today’s edition:

• 'Too Much of a Good Thing': Intermittent Fasting May Help Heal Cells but Increases Cancer Risk

• Ozempic Works Differently Than Previously Thought, Study Reveals

• Severe COVID-19 Infection Might Cause Changes in Brain Metabolism, Study Finds

• Researchers Have Unveiled How Just 10 Minutes of Daily Mindfulness Practice Can Improve Well-being, Ease Depression and Anxiety, and Help People to Be More Motivated to Improve Their Lifestyle – Including Healthier Exercise, Eating, and Sleeping Habits

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

'Too Much of a Good Thing': Intermittent Fasting May Help Heal Cells but Increases Cancer Risk

Intermittent fasting has become a popular diet choice because of its health benefits. However, a new study suggests there might be a downside to it, particularly an increased risk of cancer.

MIT researchers studied how fasting affects mice at a cellular level. They found that fasting helps regenerate intestinal stem cells. These are vital for renewing the intestine's lining. This lining fully replaces itself every five to ten days.

The study involved three groups of mice. The first group fasted for 24 hours, the second fasted and then ate as much as they wanted for the next 24 hours, and the third group ate normally all the time. Fasting activates pathways that boost cell regeneration when the mice resume eating.

Shinya Imada, a researcher at MIT, noted, "When fasting, cells use fat for energy to survive. When they eat again, these cells work hard to rebuild and refresh the intestine."

However, there's a risk. Cancerous changes during this regeneration phase could occur. These active stem cells might then speed up the growth of early-stage intestinal tumors. Omer Yilmaz, a biology professor at MIT, explained, "Increased stem cell activity is good for regeneration. But, too much activity over time might lead to polyps and cancer.""

This study shows that diets like fasting can have complex effects on health, sometimes helping in one way but posing risks in another.

Source: euronews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Ozempic Works Differently Than Previously Thought, Study Reveals

For a long time, weight loss drugs like Ozempic were thought to work by making people feel full so they would eat less. But a new study has found that there’s more to it than that.

These drugs, called GLP-1 analogs, help people feel full longer after meals. However, recent research shows that these drugs also boost metabolism. This means they help the body burn more energy, which can lead to weight loss.

The study lasted for 24 weeks and involved participants taking GLP-1 analogs daily. The results showed that not only did participants lose weight, but their metabolism rates also increased. Those who started with slower metabolisms saw the most improvement.

Professor Donal O'Shea, the lead researcher, said, "It seemed too simple to say these treatments just made people eat less. Our study shows the process is more complex." He explained that understanding obesity treatment involves more than just diet and exercise.

The trial, led by scientists at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin, found that the drugs cause nausea and bloating. They must be taken continuously to keep their benefits.

They were developed for type 2 diabetes. They improve insulin response. Their weight loss effect is a bonus. This discovery suggests these drugs affect appetite and energy use. They offer a better way to manage obesity.

Source: newsweek.com

HEALTH

Severe COVID-19 Infection Might Cause Changes in Brain Metabolism, Study Finds

A study in Serbia has found that severe COVID-19 might lead to changes in brain health. This research, in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, studied COVID-19 survivors. They had recovered from severe cases of the disease. The study found changes in their brain chemicals.

Researchers focused on two important brain chemicals: creatine and N-acetylaspartate. People who had severe COVID-19 had lower levels of these chemicals. The study also showed changes in choline and creatine levels. This suggests changes in brain cell health.

COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has affected millions of people globally. Some have mild symptoms, but others have severe problems. "Long COVID" refers to long-term effects. They include tiredness, difficulty breathing, and mental fog.

The study used a safe tool, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to scan brain chemicals. It focused on parts of the brain that handle emotions and memory.

The participants had recovered from COVID-19 six to twelve months before. They were grouped by the severity of their symptoms. They reported issues like headaches, memory problems, and trouble focusing.

The results showed big changes in brain chemicals in those who had more severe symptoms. These changes could lead to brain conditions like dementia later.

This study helps us understand how severe COVID-19 might affect brain health. It also looks at the potential long-term effects on survivors.

Source: psypost.org

Researchers Have Unveiled How Just 10 Minutes of Daily Mindfulness Practice Can Improve Well-being, Ease Depression and Anxiety, and Help People to Be More Motivated to Improve Their Lifestyle – Including Healthier Exercise, Eating, and Sleeping Habits

A new study from the Universities of Bath and Southampton shows that just 10 minutes of mindfulness a day can improve your mood. It can also reduce stress and promote healthier living.

The British Journal of Health Psychology published the research. It involved 1247 people from 91 countries. Participants used a free app, Medito, for daily mindfulness. Others listened to Alice in Wonderland as a control.

Those who practiced mindfulness felt 19.2% less depressed and 12.6% less anxious than those who did not. They also felt 6.9% happier overall and were more motivated to take care of their health.

A month after the mindfulness practice ended, many felt its benefits. They continued to experience better mental health and maintained healthier habits.

Participants said mindfulness made them more aware and patient. It helped them enjoy the present moments of life. They described the practice as "helpful, insightful, and motivational."

Lead researcher Masha Remskar said that short, daily mindfulness sessions are an easy, powerful way to boost mental health and promote healthier living. The study shows a simple app can help. It adds useful psychological exercises to daily life, making them accessible to many.

This study shows that mindfulness helps mental health. It may also help people keep healthy habits. These include regular exercise and better sleep.

Source: bath.ac.uk

✢ 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.