11/07/25 - #517

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Some Protein Powders, Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead and Other Metals, Consumer Reports Finds

• Maintaining Weight Loss After Ozempic: Tips and Tricks

• Two Toxic Chemicals Can Form When the Main Ingredient in Most E-cigarette Fluids is Heated, and That These Compounds Can Harm Human Lung Cells

• Common Viral Infections Like Flu and Shingles Can Raise Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke, Analysis Finds

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Some Protein Powders, Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead and Other Metals, Consumer Reports Finds

If you drink protein shakes to stay healthy, a new report from Consumer Reports says some may have too much lead.

Experts tested 23 protein powders and shakes. These included dairy, beef, and plant-based products. Over two-thirds had more lead in one serving than what experts say is safe—about 0.5 micrograms per day.

Plant-based powders had the highest lead levels. On average, they had nine times more lead than dairy-based powders and twice as much as beef-based ones.

Lead is a harmful metal that can stay in the body for years. Too much lead can raise the risk of serious health problems. Two powders, Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Mass Gainer and Huel’s Black Edition, had the highest lead levels and were labeled “products to avoid.”

The companies said their products meet safety rules. They also said trace amounts of lead can be found in natural foods. But experts are still concerned. Dr. Pieter Cohen from Harvard Medical School said it’s “alarming” that heavy metals in supplements are still a problem.

Some powders also had unsafe levels of cadmium and arsenic. These metals are linked to cancer.

Unlike medicines, the FDA does not check supplements before they’re sold. Consumer Reports is asking the FDA to set strong rules to protect the public.

If you use protein shakes, look for ones that are tested by third-party labs. Smaller serving sizes may also be safer.

Disclaimer: Talk to your doctor before using any supplement.

Source: cbsnews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Maintaining Weight Loss After Ozempic: Tips and Tricks

Ozempic is a medicine that helps people lose weight by lowering hunger and slowing digestion. But after stopping the drug, it can be hard to keep the weight off unless you make some changes.

One big issue is muscle loss. Some people lose not just fat, but also a lot of muscle. This slows down your metabolism and makes it easier to gain weight again. To help prevent this, you need to eat enough protein. Good sources include eggs, fish, and lean red meat. Most adults need at least 67 grams of protein per day, depending on body size.

Exercise is also very important—especially strength training. It helps you keep your muscles strong and boosts your metabolism. As we get older, our hormone levels drop, which can make it harder to hold on to muscle. That’s why both protein and exercise matter.

Your body also needs healthy fats to make hormones. So don’t skip foods like eggs and fatty fish that have cholesterol. Cutting out all fat may hurt your hormone balance.

To stay at a healthy weight after Ozempic, try a low-carb or keto diet. Eating fewer meals, like with intermittent fasting, may also help keep your appetite and insulin levels low.

The key is not just losing weight—but staying strong, keeping muscle, and building healthy habits.

Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before changing your diet, exercise, or medications. What works for one person may not be right for another.

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC

HEALTH

Two Toxic Chemicals Can Form When the Main Ingredient in Most E-cigarette Fluids is Heated, and That These Compounds Can Harm Human Lung Cells

A new study from the University of California, Riverside, found that heating e-cigarette fluid can create two harmful chemicals: methylglyoxal and acetaldehyde. These can damage human lung cells—even in small amounts.

Both chemicals come from propylene glycol, a common ingredient in most vaping liquids. When the liquid is heated, it breaks down and forms these toxins. Scientists tested these chemicals on lab-grown human airway cells. They found that both caused damage, but methylglyoxal was more harmful, even at lower levels.

This chemical hurt the cells' mitochondria, which are responsible for making energy. It also weakened the structure that helps cells hold their shape. These signs suggest stress and damage that could lead to long-term lung problems.

“Even small amounts of these chemicals can hurt the lungs,” said lead researcher Prue Talbot.

Acetaldehyde is already known to be in cigarette smoke and has been studied more in the past. But this research shows that methylglyoxal might be even more toxic.

One surprising finding: smaller, lower-powered e-cigarette devices—which many people think are safer—may actually create more methylglyoxal.

Because most e-cigarettes use propylene glycol, these results are important for almost all vapers. The study also showed that even short-term exposure to these chemicals can affect how cells make energy and repair damage.

Researchers hope this work will lead to safer products and more public awareness.

Disclaimer: Talk to a doctor before using or quitting e-cigarettes or other tobacco products.

Source: news.ucr.edu

Common Viral Infections Like Flu and Shingles Can Raise Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke, Analysis Finds

A new study shows that common viruses—like the flu, shingles, and COVID-19—may raise your risk of heart attack or stroke. Researchers looked at 155 past studies and found a clear link between viral infections and heart problems, both right after infection and in the long term.

For example, people who got the flu were up to six times more likely to have a heart attack in the month that followed. Those who had COVID-19 were almost twice as likely to develop heart disease or stroke compared to people who didn’t get the virus.

Even viruses like HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles were tied to long-term heart risks. The reason? Some viruses trigger a strong immune response that causes inflammation and stress. This can lead to blood clots or damage to the heart. Others may attack heart tissue directly.

Experts say vaccines can help. Vaccines reduce the severity of the illness, which may lower the risk of heart problems. For healthy adults, vaccines contain only parts of a virus or a weakened form, so they don’t cause the same harmful effects.

If you're over 45—or have heart disease risk factors—getting vaccines for the flu, COVID-19, or shingles may protect more than you think.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.

Source: edition.cnn.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.