Good morning. In today’s edition:

• A Study Found That Taking Two Blackcurrant Supplement Capsules a Day Either Prevented the Loss of, or Even Increased, Whole-body Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

• I Don't Think I'll Ever Lose Weight

• Laughter May Be as Effective as Drops for Dry Eyes: Study Finds Laughter Exercise Shows Significant Improvements in Non-invasive Tear Break Up Time, Meibomian Gland Function, and Mental Health Score

• A Review of Serious Adverse Events Linked With GLP-1 Agonists in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity Treatment

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

A Study Found That Taking Two Blackcurrant Supplement Capsules a Day Either Prevented the Loss of, or Even Increased, Whole-body Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

As we get older, our bones can become weaker and more likely to break. This is a big problem for women after menopause, who lose bone strength faster than men their age.

Professor Ock Chun from the University of Connecticut has been studying blackcurrants, a type of sour berry. They may help keep bones strong. Her latest research shows that taking two blackcurrant capsules daily can stop bones from getting weaker. In some cases, it can even make them stronger.

The study involved 40 women between 45 and 60 years old. They took blackcurrant powder capsules for six months. A Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry study showed that women who took two daily capsules maintained or even increased their bone density.

The research also looked at changes in the gut and immune system, which help maintain bone health. They found lower levels of certain proteins that break down bones. This is good as it means less bone loss.

They also noticed more of a gut bacteria called Ruminococcus 2 in women taking the capsules. This bacteria helps break down food into energy, showing how diet and bone health are connected.

This study is important for women who are nearing or have passed menopause. Blackcurrant supplements may be a good alternative to osteoporosis drugs. They often have side effects. More research will help understand exactly how blackcurrant helps bone health.

Source: today.uconn.edu

WEIGHT LOSS

I Don't Think I'll Ever Lose Weight

Many people feel stuck when it comes to losing weight. It can seem like no matter what they try, nothing works. But often, the real issue is that they either never start or quit too early because they don’t see results. Losing weight is hard, but it’s not impossible. With the right strategy, anyone can succeed.

The first thing to understand is that losing weight goes against how your body naturally works. Your body doesn’t want to lose fat; it wants to keep it. So, if you try to lose weight by starving yourself or cutting too many calories, your body fights back by slowing your metabolism, making it even harder to lose weight.

A better approach is to focus on eating the right kinds of food and sticking to just two or three meals a day with no snacking in between. Every time you eat, your body releases insulin, a hormone that makes it harder to burn fat. By eating less often, you can keep insulin levels low and encourage your body to burn fat.

To keep your cravings in check, try eating more vegetables, especially ones high in potassium. Potassium helps reduce sugar cravings and balances your insulin levels. Also, make sure to include healthy fats like avocado, coconut oil, and nuts in your meals, which will help you feel satisfied and avoid overeating.

The key is consistency and preparation. With a solid plan, you can stop dieting and start living healthier.

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC

HEALTH

Laughter May Be as Effective as Drops for Dry Eyes: Study Finds Laughter Exercise Shows Significant Improvements in Non-invasive Tear Break-Up Time, Meibomian Gland Function, and Mental Health Score

Do you have dry, scratchy eyes? Laughing might be the simple cure you need, says a new study from The BMJ. Researchers suggest that a good laugh may help with dry eye disease. It affects about 360 million people worldwide.

In the study, researchers from China and the UK looked at how laughing exercises could help people with dry eyes, usually a very uncomfortable condition. While eye drops are a common treatment, this study suggests a fun alternative.

The research included 283 people, split into two groups. One group did laughter exercises, while the other used regular eye drops four times a day. The laughter group practiced saying phrases like "Hee hee hee, hah hah hah," following a video and using an app to make sure they did it right.

After eight weeks, those who did the laughter exercises had less eye discomfort than those who used drops. They also had better tear stability and healthier meibomian glands, which keep tears from drying up too quickly. Plus, the laughter group felt better mentally.

The study shows that laughing not only matches the effectiveness of eye drops in treating dry eye symptoms but also boosts mental health with no bad side effects. It presents laughter as a safe, cheap, and green way to handle dry eye symptoms at home.

Source: eurekalert.org

A Review of Serious Adverse Events Linked With GLP-1 Agonists in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity Treatment

GLP-1 agonists are medications used by many adults to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. These drugs help control blood sugar levels and assist in weight loss. Many use these medications. But, serious side effects raise concerns. So, they are under closer scrutiny.

In the last decade, researchers have studied the serious side effects of GLP-1 agonists. They reviewed many studies, including case reports and trials. These came from well-known medical databases like PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 22 articles were closely examined to better understand the risks associated with these medications.

The findings from these studies highlighted a range of potential severe side effects. These included severe allergic reactions, heart attacks, and stomach pain. Also, mental health issues and thyroid disorders. Some studies reported risks. Others found no links. So, there are mixed conclusions about the drugs' safety.

Given the uncertain evidence, we must research GLP-1 agonists. We need to understand their safety profile. It’s crucial for both patients using these medications and their healthcare providers to stay informed about potential risks.

Those taking GLP-1 agonists must discuss any concerns with their provider. They should report any unusual symptoms. Being well-informed and cautious helps you manage your health. It also minimizes risks.

Source: link.springer.com

✢ 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.