10/30/25 - #511

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead

• Study Links Obesity-driven Fatty Acids to Breast Cancer, Warns Against High-fat Diets Like Keto

• Any Amount of Alcohol Use Can Increase Your Risk for Dementia, Study Finds

• Study Uses Measurable Metrics of Health Over Time to Create a More Quantitative View of How Stress Early in Life Affects Health. Findings Show Strong Link Between Higher Stress in Children and Adverse Health Conditions for Them Later in Life

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead

Protein powders and shakes are popular with adults trying to stay healthy, build muscle, or lose weight. But a new report from Consumer Reports (CR) found that many of these products contain too much lead.

CR tested 23 protein powders and drinks. Over two-thirds had more lead in one serving than CR says is safe for a full day. Some had over 10 times the safe amount.

Plant-based powders were the worst. One had over 1,500% of the daily limit for lead. A few dairy and beef powders also had more lead than experts recommend.

Lead is a toxic metal. It can stay in your body and build up over time. Too much lead may cause high blood pressure, kidney damage, and other health problems. It’s especially dangerous for children and pregnant women, but adults can be affected too.

There are no federal rules for how much lead is allowed in supplements like protein powders. The FDA doesn’t test them before they are sold. That means companies can sell products even if they contain harmful levels of heavy metals.

CR says most people don’t need protein powders at all. Most adults get enough protein from food. If you do use protein supplements, try to use them less often—especially if they’re plant-based.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before using any supplements.

Source: consumerreports.org

WEIGHT LOSS

Study Links Obesity-driven Fatty Acids to Breast Cancer, Warns Against High-fat Diets Like Keto

A new study warns that high-fat diets—like keto—may make a certain type of breast cancer grow faster, especially in women with obesity.

Scientists at the Huntsman Cancer Institute looked at triple-negative breast cancer, a fast-growing form of the disease. In mice, they found that high levels of fat in the blood helped tumors grow. This happened even when blood sugar and insulin levels were normal. The fat alone made the cancer worse.

Dr. Keren Hilgendorf said cancer cells use fat like “building blocks.” When there is more fat, tumors grow more easily. This may explain why breast cancer can be more aggressive in people with obesity.

The good news is that lowering fat in the blood helped slow down tumor growth. Doctors already have medicines that lower fat levels, and this study suggests they may also help fight cancer.

Many people try the keto diet to lose weight. While it can help with weight loss, it’s also very high in fat. The study warns that for people with breast cancer or high cholesterol, this kind of diet might do more harm than good.

If you have breast cancer and want to lose weight, talk to your doctor first. A safer plan may be one that lowers fat and protects your health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not offer medical advice. Please speak with your doctor about any health or diet changes.

Source: healthcare.utah.edu

HEALTH

Any Amount of Alcohol Use Can Increase Your Risk for Dementia, Study Finds

A new study shows that even small amounts of alcohol may raise your risk of dementia.

The research looked at health data from over 500,000 people aged 56 to 72. It also included genetic data from more than 2 million people. The study found that drinking any amount of alcohol—light, moderate, or heavy—may increase the risk of dementia.

Past studies suggested that one or two drinks a week might be safe or even helpful. But this new research says that may not be true. People who drank more often had a higher chance of getting dementia. Even going from one drink a week to three raised the risk by 15%.

The study also found that people who are more likely to drink, based on their genes, had a higher risk of dementia—even if they didn’t drink heavily. This suggests alcohol itself may be the problem.

Doctors say alcohol is harmful to every part of the body, including the brain. It’s also linked to several types of cancer. While a glass of wine now and then may seem harmless, the risks can add up over time.

If you want to cut back, try non-alcoholic drinks, avoid situations where you drink too much, and talk to your doctor. Even short breaks from alcohol, like “Dry January,” can help.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about your health choices.

Source: huffpost.com

Study Uses Measurable Metrics of Health Over Time to Create a More Quantitative View of How Stress Early in Life Affects Health. Findings Show Strong Link Between Higher Stress in Children and Adverse Health Conditions for Them Later in Life

A new study from Duke University shows that stress during childhood can lead to serious health problems as adults. Researchers found that kids who face more stress—like money problems or unstable homes—are more likely to have high blood pressure, weight problems, and inflammation later in life.

The study followed children starting at ages 9 to 11. Instead of asking people to remember their past, the researchers used real health data collected over time. They focused on something called “allostatic load.” This means the damage the body takes from being stressed too often. While short-term stress can help us react in emergencies, long-term stress is harmful.

Researchers used information from the Great Smoky Mountains Study, which began in 1992. They tested for signs like blood pressure, body weight, and inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein.

Lead author Elena Hinz grew up in rural Tennessee and said her childhood experiences made her want to understand stress in kids. She said it’s not good for the body to stay in “fight or flight” mode for too long.

The study also found that poverty plays a big role in childhood stress. Experts say that things like education, job training, and stable housing can help lower stress for families.

Dr. Herman Pontzer said, “Kids need to know dinner will be on the table. That kind of stress doesn’t just affect the mind—it changes how the body works.”

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not offer medical advice.

Source: trinity.duke.edu

✢ 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.