10/17/25 - #502

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• California Enacts Nation’s First Law to Define and Ban Ultraprocessed Foods

• Why Protein is a Game-changer for Weight Loss

• Scientists Develop First ‘Accurate Blood Test’ to Detect Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• High Youth Death Rates Are an ‘Emerging Crisis’, Global Health Study Warns. Alcohol, Suicide and Injuries Driving Rises Among Teenagers and Young Adults Despite Overall Rates Falling. In North America This Was “Tied Up With the Rise of Anxiety and Depression in Young People, Particularly Women

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

California Enacts Nation’s First Law to Define and Ban Ultraprocessed Foods

California just passed a new law to remove some ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) from public schools. It’s the first law in the U.S. to clearly define what a UPF is and begin phasing them out of school meals.

The “Real Food, Healthy Kids Act” was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. It will affect more than 1 billion meals served to students during the 2025–26 school year. The goal is to get rid of the worst UPFs — foods high in added sugar, salt, fat, dyes, and fake ingredients that may harm health.

Studies show that kids in the U.S. get nearly two-thirds of their calories from UPFs. Some are linked to problems like obesity, diabetes, and liver disease. California’s law won’t ban all UPFs but will target the most harmful ones.

Starting in 2028, food companies must report which UPFs they plan to sell to schools. By 2035, any UPF found to be unsafe must be removed.

There was strong support for the law, even with pushback from the food industry. Only one lawmaker voted against it. Supporters say it shows that people want healthier food for children.

The federal government has talked about making similar rules but has not taken action yet. California hopes to lead the way for other states to follow.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes to your diet.

Source: edition.cnn.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Why Protein is a Game-changer for Weight Loss

If you’re trying to lose weight, protein may be your secret weapon. Many people worry that too much protein might slow down weight loss. But research—and real-world experience—suggests otherwise.

Here’s why: First, your body works hard to break down protein. This process is called the “thermic effect of food.” It means that when you eat protein, your body burns more calories just to digest it. In fact, for every 100 calories of protein you eat, your body uses about 20 calories to process it. That’s more than with carbs or fat.

Second, your body doesn’t store protein the same way it stores fat or sugar. Instead, protein helps build and maintain muscle. And muscle burns more calories—even at rest.

Also, protein helps you feel full longer. People on high-protein diets often say they feel satisfied and are less likely to snack between meals. In many clinics, patients on high-protein, low-carb, moderate-fat diets are allowed to eat until they’re full—and they still lose weight.

And as we age, keeping muscle is key. Protein supports muscle health along with exercise. Since we all eat every day, focusing on quality protein sources is one of the easiest ways to improve your health.

So, don’t be afraid of protein. Choose lean options like fish, poultry, eggs, or plant-based sources like tofu and legumes. Combined with movement and mindful eating, it can be a powerful tool in your weight-loss journey.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor.

Source: KenDBerryMD

HEALTH

Scientists Develop First ‘Accurate Blood Test’ to Detect Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

For years, people with chronic fatigue syndrome (also called ME/CFS) have struggled to get a clear diagnosis. Now, scientists say they’ve developed the first accurate blood test for the condition — a possible breakthrough for many who feel their symptoms are ignored or misunderstood.

ME/CFS is a serious illness that causes extreme tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest. Until now, there was no clear test for it. Doctors often had to rely on symptoms alone, which led to many people being misdiagnosed or left without answers for years.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia and Oxford Biodynamics studied how DNA is folded in the blood of people with ME/CFS. In their study, they found a unique pattern that was only seen in those with the condition — not in healthy people. This allowed them to create a test that was 92% accurate at detecting ME/CFS and 98% accurate at ruling it out in healthy people.

This test could help patients get a faster diagnosis and better care. But some experts warn it’s still early. They say more studies are needed to make sure the test works for all stages of ME/CFS and doesn’t give false results in people with other illnesses that cause fatigue.

The research offers hope — but also a reminder that science moves step by step. If proven reliable, this test could change how we detect and manage ME/CFS in the future.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor.

Source: theguardian.com

High Youth Death Rates Are an ‘Emerging Crisis’, Global Health Study Warns. Alcohol, Suicide and Injuries Driving Rises Among Teenagers and Young Adults Despite Overall Rates Falling. In North America This Was “Tied Up With the Rise of Anxiety and Depression in Young People, Particularly Women

A major global study has revealed a troubling trend: more teens and young adults are dying, even though overall death rates around the world are falling.

The study, published in The Lancet, looked at causes of death in 204 countries. It found that in places like North America, deaths in young people are rising due to suicide, alcohol, and drug use. Experts say this is linked to a sharp rise in anxiety and depression—especially among young women.

The study warns that half of the world’s disease burden is preventable. Risks like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and air pollution are major contributors. In Africa, many deaths in children and young adults are still caused by infections and injuries. For young women there, childbirth, car crashes, and diseases like meningitis are major threats.

Even though people are living longer today—71.5 years for men and 76.3 for women—big differences remain between rich and poor countries. And without continued global health funding, progress in low-income areas could stall or reverse.

Health experts are calling this a wake-up call. They say better mental health support, stronger health systems, and youth-focused care are urgently needed. They also stress that lifestyle education and preventive care—like vaccines and nutrition—must be improved worldwide.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for concerns about mental or physical health.

Source: theguardian.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.