Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Why is Bread and Carbs Seen as Evil Now if People Have Been Eating Carbs for Thousands of Years Without Major Health Issue?

• Recently I Learned About “Food Noise,” and It Blows My Mind

• Florida Surgeon General Rejects FDA Guidance, Urges People Under 65 Not to Get Covid Booster

• 5 Ways to Lower High Blood Pressure Without Medication

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Why is Bread and Carbs Seen as Evil Now if People Have Been Eating Carbs for Thousands of Years Without Major Health Issue?

Bread has always been a popular food. Long ago, people ate it just like we do today. But have you ever wondered why some say old bread was healthier than the bread we eat now? Let's dive in.

In the past, bread was simple. It had a few natural ingredients. But these days, many breads have extra stuff added. These extras keep the bread from going bad quickly when it's in stores. The downside? Some of these additions might upset our stomachs.

Another big difference is the wheat. Wheat is what most bread is made of. Over time, this wheat has changed. It's not the same as the wheat our grandparents or their grandparents used. Because of this, some believe today's bread might not be as healthy.

Now, think about what we eat with our bread. In the old days, bread might be eaten with fresh fruits or nuts. Today, we might eat bread with chips or drink a sugary soda. This combo isn't the best for our health.

But there's good news! Not all bread today is bad. Some breads, like Ezekiel bread and sourdough, are better for us. They have less of the extra stuff. There are also breads made from almond or coconut flour for those who want or need something different. Some people even use lettuce instead of bread for wraps!

So, while bread has changed over time, if we choose wisely, it can still be a tasty and healthy choice.

Source: Dr. Nick Zyrowski

WEIGHT LOSS

Recently I Learned About “Food Noise,” and It Blows My Mind

Have you ever thought about food non-stop? Even when you're not hungry? That's called “food noise.” It's like a radio in your brain that's always talking about snacks, meals, and cravings. Some people can't turn it off and it bothers them a lot.

There are new medicines like Wegovy and Ozempic that are helping people lower this noise. Kathleen from Mississippi and her friends, Casey and Nancy, tried these. They said it’s like a switch was flipped off. Suddenly, they didn’t think about food all the time anymore. They felt free!

But what causes this "food noise"? Dr. Karla Lester, a doctor who knows a lot about weight and food issues, says food noise is when your brain keeps wanting food even if you don’t need it. It's different from being really hungry. Things like too much sugar or seeing yummy food can make the noise louder.

Some medicines can help lower the noise. They make you feel full or help your stomach work better. But if you don't want medicine, Dr. Lester says to eat balanced meals. Start the day with good food, like protein, to quiet the noise.

In short, “food noise” is like a food radio in our brains. But with the right help or choices, we can turn down the volume!

Source: PBS Newshour

HEALTH

Florida Surgeon General Rejects FDA Guidance, Urges People Under 65 Not to Get Covid Booster

Florida's Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, recently gave some surprising advice. He told healthy adults under 65 not to get the new Covid-19 booster shot. This advice is different from what big health groups, like the CDC and FDA, are saying.

Why is this a big deal? Well, Covid-19 has already caused a lot of sadness by taking over 1 million lives in the U.S. Dr. Ladapo thinks that many people have some protection against the virus already. But, he has been known to have different views on vaccines before.

Some experts disagree with Dr. Ladapo. Daniel Salmon, a vaccine expert, thinks Dr. Ladapo is only sharing some facts to make his point. Another expert, Jason Salemi, said that even if you're under 65 and healthy, you can still get very sick from Covid-19.

The CDC and FDA recently said "yes" to two new vaccine boosters for almost everyone. These shots use something called mRNA. Dr. Ladapo is unsure if they're safe.

Florida's Governor, Ron DeSantis, has also made headlines with his decisions on Covid. He opened Florida sooner than most places and didn't always agree with common health advice.

If you're wondering about the booster, it's a good idea to talk to your own doctor. They can help you understand what's best for you.

Source: politico.com

5 Ways to Lower High Blood Pressure Without Medication

Dealing with high blood pressure? Here are five easy changes to help manage it without medication:

Stay Active: Moving is great for the heart. Whether it's walking, dancing, or gardening, aim for 30 minutes of activity daily. It's not about intensity; just find something you enjoy.

Watch Your Weight: Even a small weight loss can help your heart. If losing weight is challenging, try not to gain more. Maintaining your current weight can still benefit your heart.

Quit Smoking: Each cigarette can raise your blood pressure. By stopping, you'll be doing your heart a huge favor. It's a step toward a healthier you.

Limit Salt: Too much salt can increase blood pressure. Opt for home-cooked meals and experiment with herbs and spices for flavor. It’s both healthy and delicious.

Eat Potassium-rich Foods: Foods like bananas, oranges, and sweet potatoes contain potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. But if you have kidney issues, check with your doctor first.

Remember, always chat with your doctor before making big health changes. Taking small steps can lead to a happier, healthier heart!

Source: The Cooking Doc

✢ 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.