Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Four Key Nutrients Lacking in Diet of Two-thirds of Adults: "Alarming"

• New Study Backs Simple Weight Loss Strategy That Doesn't Require Drugs

• Autism Study Finds Link With Plastic Exposure During Pregnancy

• Chronic Constipation? New Research Shows Certain Gut Microbes Could Be the Culprit

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Four Key Nutrients Lacking in Diet of Two-thirds of Adults: "Alarming"

Recent research has found a concern. About two-thirds of adults lack enough iodine, vitamin E, calcium, and iron in their diets. This shortage is more widespread than thought. It affects people in all countries and income levels.

The Lancet Global Health published the study. It analyzed data from global dietary surveys and databases. It showed that nutrient deficiencies could limit human potential and health. Iodine is crucial for making thyroid hormones. They regulate metabolism, brain development, and heart health. Yet, 68% of the global population is not getting enough from their diet alone. Foods rich in iodine include cod, seaweed, dairy products, eggs, and shrimp.

Vitamin E is another key nutrient. It protects our cells from damage and supports the immune system. While severe deficiencies are rare, most people are not meeting their daily needs. Sunflower seeds, almonds, and green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are good sources of vitamin E.

Calcium is vital for healthy bones, blood circulation, and muscle function. Despite its importance, 66% of adults do not consume enough calcium-rich foods. Good sources are dairy, oily fish, soybeans, and green leafy veggies, like spinach and kale.

Iron is essential for transporting oxygen in the blood. It is in shellfish, beans, lentils, spinach, and beef. Iron deficiency, common among menstruating women, can lead to fatigue and lightheadedness.

Understanding these nutritional gaps is crucial, as they impact health globally. Eating a mix of these nutrient-rich foods can boost our health.

Source: newsweek.com

WEIGHT LOSS

New Study Backs Simple Weight Loss Strategy That Doesn't Require Drugs

A new study supports the idea that eating more plants, especially raw vegetables, can help you lose weight and keep your heart healthy. A team led by Yani Xu at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University has been studying how diets affect our health.

Their research shows that a plant-based diet helps control weight. It also improves your diet quality. This can prevent metabolic diseases. They looked at 24 studies with over 2,200 people and found that these benefits grow over time. Even though strict vegan diets led to the most weight loss, diets that included dairy and eggs were also effective.

The studies show that eating raw vegetables reduces the risk of obesity and heart problems. This doesn’t mean you need to stop eating meat completely, but reducing meat can have big health benefits.

Raw veggies are full of good fats. They lower bad cholesterol and reduce harmful inflammation. They help protect your heart.

However, it’s important not to go overboard. A diet too heavy in raw plants can lead to a lack of important nutrients like vitamin B12, which is easier to get from animal products. Lack of B12 can cause serious health problems like mouth sores, vision issues, and mood changes.

The takeaway? Eating more vegetables is great for health, but keeping a balanced diet is key.

Source: sciencealert.com

HEALTH

Autism Study Finds Link With Plastic Exposure During Pregnancy

A recent study shows that moms exposed to a plastic chemical, BPA, while pregnant are more likely to have sons diagnosed with autism by age 11. These sons started showing signs of autism as young as 2 years old.

Researchers at The Florey Institute in Melbourne, Australia, studied 70 pairs of mothers and their kids for ten years. They found that BPA, in hard plastics like water bottles and food containers, messes with an important enzyme called aromatase. This enzyme is crucial for boys' development during pregnancy.

Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby, who led the study, mentioned that learning how plastic chemicals during pregnancy impact health helps us understand more about autism. She noted that it's hard to avoid BPA because it's in many products we use every day.

The study also explained why boys and girls are affected differently. Boys face brain development issues. Girls have delays, like late puberty.

Experts, like Dr. Alex Tsompanidis of Cambridge's Autism Centre, say autism has many causes, including genetics. He believes that more studies need to be done to confirm these findings.

This research helps us understand autism. It aims to improve support for those affected. It highlights the importance of diversity in our society.

Source: newsweek.com

Chronic Constipation? New Research Shows Certain Gut Microbes Could Be the Culprit

Have you ever wondered why some people struggle with chronic constipation? Recent research points to tiny organisms in our gut, called methanogens, as a possible cause. These microbes produce methane. It can slow the movement of food and waste through our intestines. Too many methanogens create excess methane. This causes a 'traffic jam' in your digestive system. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms like severe constipation and bloating.

The condition linked to these symptoms is known as Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO). Cedars-Sinai scientists found that high gut methane can slow colon movement. This is crucial for digestion.

Here are some common symptoms of IMO:

• Bloating: 78% of patients frequently experience it.

• Constipation: Affects 51% of patients, often more severe than in those without IMO.

• Abdominal Pain: About 65% experience this discomfort.

• Nausea and Flatulence: These symptoms are less common but still significant.

To diagnose IMO, doctors use breath tests that measure methane levels in your breath. This non-invasive test helps detect the activity of methanogens in the gut.

Treatments often involve diet changes to add more fiber. It can help move things along in the intestines. Probiotics can also balance gut bacteria, and targeted antibiotics may reduce methanogen levels.

Studying these gut microbes can lead to better, personalized treatments. Researchers are learning more. They are finding better ways to manage and possibly cure chronic constipation. This will greatly improve the quality of life for those affected.

Source: wellnesshq.net

✢ 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.