Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Zero Calorie Sweetener Linked to Blood Clots and Risk of Heart Disease, Study Finds

• Ozempic Weight Loss: Jabs Could Slow Ageing, Researchers Say

• Scientists Find Humans Age Dramatically in Two Bursts – at 44, Then 60 | US Findings Suggesting Ageing is Not a Slow and Steady Process Could Explain Spikes in Health Issues at Certain Ages

• Modern Parenting is So Stressful That the U.S. Issued a Health Advisory. Parents Say It's Overdue

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Zero Calorie Sweetener Linked to Blood Clots and Risk of Heart Disease, Study Finds

A new study warns that erythritol, a zero-calorie sweetener in many diet foods, may raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It's in sugar-free sodas and keto ice creams. This happens because it makes blood clot more easily.

Dr. Stanley Hazen led the study at the Cleveland Clinic. His team gave 10 healthy people a drink with erythritol and found their blood started clotting more than usual. This is concerning because clots can block blood vessels and cause severe health issues like heart attacks or strokes. A group of 10 drank something sugary and had no problem. This shows erythritol's unique risks.

The study was small, but it showed that even one drink with erythritol could significantly increase clotting. This is important. Erythritol replaces sugar and bulks up "natural" sweeteners. It is a key ingredient in many keto products.

The Calorie Control Council, an industry group, urges caution with these findings. They note the study used high amounts of erythritol. However, Dr. Hazen noted that people often consume multiple servings, which could lead to high erythritol levels.

Dr. Andrew Freeman, who was not involved in the study, found the results very interesting. He called for more research to confirm the findings and assess the safety of erythritol.

Source: amp.cnn.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Ozempic Weight Loss: Jabs Could Slow Ageing, Researchers Say

Researchers have found that a drug called Ozempic, usually used for diabetes and obesity, might also help slow down aging. At a recent medical conference, Professor Harlan Krumholz of Yale said Ozempic can do more than we thought. It might help treat heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's, and even cancer.

Over 17,600 people aged 45 and older were part of a study where they were given either Ozempic or a fake drug (placebo) for more than three years. These people were overweight or had heart disease but did not have diabetes. Ozempic users had a lower risk of dying from any cause, including heart problems and COVID-19, than placebo users.

The study also found that Ozempic helped improve heart health and reduce body inflammation, even if the people didn't lose weight. This means Ozempic could help people live longer and healthier lives, regardless of weight loss.

Dr. Benjamin Scirica from Harvard Medical School said that being overweight can raise the risk of dying from various causes. But, treatments like Ozempic can reduce these risks. Experts remind us that Ozempic isn't a substitute for healthy eating and exercise. It should only be used under a doctor's care. It can cause side effects like nausea and upset stomach.

Source: bbc.com

HEALTH

Scientists Find Humans Age Dramatically in Two Bursts – at 44, Then 60 | US Findings Suggesting Ageing is Not a Slow and Steady Process Could Explain Spikes in Health Issues at Certain Ages

Have you recently noticed more wrinkles or new aches? This might not just be a random change. Research from the U.S. reveals that aging doesn’t happen slowly but in big jumps, especially around the ages of 44 and 60. These findings help explain why certain health problems like joint pain and heart issues often appear as we get older.

In a detailed study, scientists followed 108 people ranging from 25 to 75 years old. They found two major times when aging speeds up. “Our bodies don’t just change little by little," said Michael Snyder, a genetics expert at Stanford University. "There are big, sudden changes.”

The study looked at thousands of molecules by taking samples like blood and swabs from volunteers. Results showed that the biggest shifts in our bodies happen in mid-40s and early 60s. These changes affect men and women alike, pointing to factors beyond menopause.

The first big change affects our heart health and how we process things like caffeine and alcohol. The second change impacts our immune system, how we handle sugar, and our kidneys. Both times also influence how our skin and muscles age.

Knowing when these changes occur could help us better prepare, like by exercising more to fight muscle loss. Snyder believes in adjusting our lifestyles while we’re healthy to manage aging better. This research offers a new way to look at aging, aiming to make our later years healthier.

Source: theguardian.com

Modern Parenting is So Stressful That the U.S. Issued a Health Advisory. Parents Say It's Overdue

Parenting today is harder than ever, which is why the U.S. Surgeon General has issued a health advisory. This warning points out that the stress from parenting is hurting parents' mental health.

Parents are dealing with old problems like making sure kids are safe and managing money. But now, there are new challenges. These include social media, a growing mental health crisis among kids, and high daycare costs. This mix of old and new problems is causing parents to feel guilty and stressed. This only makes things worse.

A 2023 study by the American Psychological Association shows that almost half of parents with kids under 18 feel very stressed. This stress makes it hard for them to handle daily tasks, and some even feel numb.

One big reason for this stress is the pressure from social media. Parents see pictures of perfect families and feel like they can't measure up. This is especially tough on moms, who often feel depressed when they compare themselves to others online.

The advisory is a big deal because it shows how serious the problem of parenting stress is. It's a call for everyone to realize and help with the struggles parents face. Parents need better support to manage both the everyday tasks and the pressure to be perfect that they see online.

Source: cbc.ca

✢ 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.