Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Drinking Diet Sodas and Aspartame-sweetened Beverages Daily During Pregnancy Linked to Autism in Male Offspring

• The Next Big Weight-loss Drug is a Huge Leap Forward From Ozempic

• Individuals With Higher Anxiety Sensitivity Tend to Be Less Physically Active

• The Connection Between Anxiety and Stomach Problems

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Drinking Diet Sodas and Aspartame-sweetened Beverages Daily During Pregnancy Linked to Autism in Male Offspring

Researchers from The University of Texas did a study and found something interesting. Moms who drank diet sodas or drinks with aspartame daily during pregnancy or while breastfeeding might have a higher chance of having boys with autism.

The team looked at boys with and without autism. They found that the moms of boys with autism were three times more likely to have drunk these drinks daily. However, this link wasn't seen with girls.

But there's a big thing to remember: just because there's a connection doesn't mean the drinks caused the autism. Think of it like this: if lots of people with umbrellas are seen on rainy days, it doesn't mean umbrellas cause rain.

Even before this study, some believed that aspartame, a sweetener in many diet drinks, might cause health problems. Some animal tests showed health issues in baby animals when their moms had aspartame.

So, what's the takeaway? If you're expecting a baby or breastfeeding, maybe think about choosing a different drink for now. It's good to be cautious until we know more.

Source: news.uthscsa.edu

WEIGHT LOSS

The Next Big Weight-loss Drug is a Huge Leap Forward From Ozempic

Have you ever wished for a magic pill to help with weight loss? Scientists might have found something close. There's a new drug called tirzepatide that's making waves. Originally made for diabetes, this drug is showing promise for helping people lose weight.

Here's the scoop: In a recent study, people who took tirzepatide once a week lost about 24% of their body weight in a little over a year and a half. To compare, another drug called Ozempic only helped people lose 15% in the same time.

So, how does tirzepatide work? It acts like a natural hormone in our bodies. This hormone helps us feel full and not so hungry. In the study, before getting the drug, people tried to lose weight with just diet and exercise. They managed to lose 7%. But after taking tirzepatide, they lost another 18.4%. People who didn't take the drug even gained a bit of weight back.

Some experts think tirzepatide could work as well as weight-loss surgery without the surgery part. That's impressive!

However, there's a catch. Right now, doctors can only give tirzepatide to diabetes patients. But the company making it, Eli Lilly, is working to get it approved for weight loss by next year. Fingers crossed!

Source: insider.com

HEALTH

Individuals With Higher Anxiety Sensitivity Tend to Be Less Physically Active

Recent research has shown that people who are more sensitive to anxiety often exercise less. If you've ever felt a racing heart or short breath and got worried, that's called "anxiety sensitivity." For some, these feelings can be scary, making them avoid activities that bring on these sensations.

We know that exercise is good for us. It helps our bodies and minds stay healthy. But what if feeling anxious stops someone from being active?

Professor Sherry H. Stewart from Dalhousie University has studied this for many years. She says that people who are very sensitive to anxiety often avoid things that make their heart race or cause them to sweat. This includes exercise.

After looking at 43 different studies with over 10,000 people, the results were clear. People with high anxiety sensitivity tended to exercise less, especially if the exercise was very hard or fast. But simpler exercises, like walking, didn't show the same pattern.

Chris DeWolfe, who worked on the study, believes that exercise can help reduce these anxiety feelings. So, even if you're someone who gets anxious easily, starting with light exercises can make a difference.

It's important to remember that this study just shows a connection, not a cause. Still, if anxiety is holding you back from being active, know that you're not alone, and small steps can help. It's always a good idea to talk to a professional if anxiety is affecting your life.

Source: psypost.org

The Connection Between Anxiety and Stomach Problems

Ever wonder if your stomach issues and anxiety are related? They could be. Take Paul's story, for example. He has GERD, where stomach acid irritates the food pipe, causing a burning sensation that's sometimes mistaken for heart attack symptoms. This discomfort often leads to anxiety, especially at night, making it hard to sleep.

This isn't just coincidence. There's a two-way street between your gut and your brain. If you have a condition like GERD, it can not only cause anxiety but also make it worse. What’s happening in your gut can affect how you feel mentally.

Treating the stomach issue is key. The usual anxiety medications can upset your stomach, so it's smart to address the digestive problem first. Plus, our gut is home to microbes that help keep us healthy. When these tiny organisms are out of balance, it can impact our mood and anxiety levels.

So, what can you do? Improving your diet is a great start. Cutting back on sugar and processed foods can improve gut health, which in turn, might reduce anxiety without needing extra medication.

Remember, those stomach aches might be more than just a nuisance—they could be the root of your anxiety. It's important to get digestive issues checked out and treated. Not only will your stomach thank you, but your mind will too.

Source: Dr. Tracey Marks

✢ 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.