Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Egg Consumption Linked to Slower Cognitive Decline in Women

• Nearly Three-Quarters of U.S. Adults Are Now Overweight or Obese, According to a Sweeping New Study Published in the Lancet. The Study Documented How More People Are Becoming Overweight or Obese at Younger Ages Than in the Past

• McDonald’s E. Coli Updates: Number of States With Outbreak Grows to 13

• Early Life Stress Predicts Negative Emotionality and Inflammation in Alcohol Use Disorder | Study Reveals That Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder Who Experienced Significant Stress or Trauma During Childhood Often Face More Intense Emotional Difficulties and Elevated Inflammation as Adults

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Egg Consumption Linked to Slower Cognitive Decline in Women

A study from the University of California San Diego found that eating eggs might help older women slow down the loss of certain thinking skills. This study looked at 890 adults, aged 55 and older, over four years. It showed that while men didn't see a noticeable change, women who ate more eggs didn't lose their ability to think of words as quickly. This skill is part of what we call memory.

Eggs have a lot of cholesterol but also have important nutrients like protein, amino acids, and vitamins that help the brain. One of these nutrients, choline, is important for brain signals and memory. Other nutrients in eggs, like lutein and zeaxanthin, protect brain cells because they fight off damage from aging.

The study's results are good news. They suggest that eating eggs does not harm brain health in men or women. In fact, eggs could be good for keeping the brain working well, especially in older women.

The researchers say that the helpful effects of eggs on the brain are small but important. They hope more studies will look at how eggs help the brain as people get older. They also want to use brain scans in future studies to better understand how eggs affect the brain. This could show us new ways to keep our minds sharp as we age.

Source: mdpi.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Nearly Three-Quarters of U.S. Adults Are Now Overweight or Obese, According to a Sweeping New Study Published in the Lancet. The Study Documented How More People Are Becoming Overweight or Obese at Younger Ages Than in the Past

A recent study published in The Lancet shows that about 75% of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese. This number has grown since 1990, when just over half of adults were in this category. The problem is now starting to affect younger people more than before.

The study looks at the rise of obesity over 30 years. It points out the health risks of being overweight, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. These issues can shorten lives and increase medical costs.

The situation is also worrying for children, with more than one-third of them being overweight or obese. If this trend doesn't change, up to 260 million people could be affected by 2050.

Among teens and young adults, the number of those overweight has nearly doubled since 1990. This puts them at risk of developing serious health problems early in their lives.

Researchers are calling for big changes in health policies and more funding to fight this growing issue. They stress that obesity isn't just about overeating or lack of exercise. It also involves genetics and one's environment.

To really tackle obesity, the study suggests improving access to healthy food, changing how unhealthy foods are advertised, and making sure treatments for obesity are covered by insurance. Without major efforts, the health and economic costs of obesity will continue to rise.

Source: nytimes.com

HEALTH

McDonald’s E. Coli Updates: Number of States With Outbreak Grows to 13

The E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s has grown, now affecting 13 states with 75 people reported sick. This number is up from an initial 49 cases. The illness has been tied to eating Quarter Pounders, specifically the slivered onions on them. McDonald’s has stopped serving Quarter Pounders in the impacted areas for safety.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people affected range from 18 to 88 years old. The sickness started showing up between September 27 and October 10. Of those who got sick, 22 needed hospital care, and two suffered from a severe kidney issue. Sadly, one older person in Colorado has died from the illness.

The CDC suggests that the real number of sick people might be higher than what’s reported. Currently, the most cases are in Colorado, with other cases spread across states like Montana, Nebraska, and Utah.

After suspecting onions might be the cause, other fast food chains like Burger King and Taco Bell have also removed onions from some locations as a precaution.

As the situation is investigated further, McDonald’s is working to make sure this doesn’t happen again. They stress that safety is a top priority. People who think they might have E. coli symptoms, like bad stomach cramps or diarrhea, should see a doctor. E. coli can be very serious, but most people get better within a week.

Source: nbcchicago.com

Early Life Stress Predicts Negative Emotionality and Inflammation in Alcohol Use Disorder | Study Reveals That Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder Who Experienced Significant Stress or Trauma During Childhood Often Face More Intense Emotional Difficulties and Elevated Inflammation as Adults

UCLA researchers found that adults with tough childhoods face bigger emotional challenges. They also have higher inflammation if they struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). They studied 163 adults in treatment for AUD. They checked their early life stress with a special questionnaire.

Participants were grouped based on how much childhood stress they had: none, moderate, or high. The study measured their emotions and checked for inflammation. It used a blood marker called C-reactive protein.

Results showed that those with a lot of childhood stress felt more sadness, guilt, and anxiety. They also had higher inflammation, which can lead to serious health issues like heart disease.

The study found, unexpectedly, that childhood stress didn't increase a desire for alcohol. This means while early tough times impact feelings and health, they don’t necessarily make people crave alcohol more.

These findings matter. They help doctors treating AUD. They may need to focus on patients' emotional and physical health, especially if they had a tough childhood.

The study suggests that more personalized treatments might help them. It also calls for more research on how childhood stresses affect health. It also seeks to tailor treatments to each person's needs. This is a step toward better, more focused help for people with alcohol use disorder.

Source: psypost.org

✢ 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.