Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Are Multivitamins Worth It?

• I Am Obese!

• According to a New Study, the Primary Problem in Obesity is Fructose. It Can Also Be Made in the Body From Carbohydrates, and When It's Metabolized, It Lowers the Active Energy in the Body (Known as ATP) Which Causes Hunger and Food Intake

• How to Stop Bloating Fast / Learn the 5 Causes

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Are Multivitamins Worth It?

As we all try to save money, many wonder if multivitamins are necessary. They're part of a huge $50 billion industry, with 80 million Americans taking them. But are they effective?

Experts reviewed lots of studies and found little proof that vitamins stop diseases like cancer or heart problems. Dr. Peter Cohen of Harvard says, "For most healthy people, there's no reason to take these every day."

Yet, Andrea Wong, who represents a supplements group, argues that multivitamins can be useful. They may help prevent eye problems and keep our memories sharp, and they're good when we don't eat well.

However, Dr. Cohen suggests spending money on healthy food instead if your diet is already balanced. "Supplements are a waste of money for healthy individuals," he states.

Both sides agree that vitamins aren't a quick fix for health. Good habits like eating right, sleeping well, and regular exercise are key. You can't just eat unhealthy snacks, take a vitamin, and be healthy.

If you're going to buy multivitamins, choose a well-known brand with a quality seal like USP. But the best plan is to "eat your fruits and veggies."

In short, talk to your doctor about whether you need a multivitamin. Remember, true health comes from a mix of good daily choices, not just one pill.

Source: TODAY

WEIGHT LOSS

I Am Obese!

When she was just nine years old, Breanna Bond weighed almost 200 pounds, which made everyday things like playing with friends really hard. She was also picked on at school, which hurt her feelings. But Breanna's life changed when her mom helped her take steps to get healthier.

Breanna and her family started walking four miles every day, no matter the weather. They also watched what they ate, keeping their fat intake to no more than 20 grams a day. Breanna didn't just walk; she also spent an hour on the treadmill every day and got involved in sports like basketball and swimming.

All this effort paid off, and Breanna lost 66 pounds. This change was about more than just weight—it was about being able to enjoy sports and keep up with her friends. It was tough at times, and Breanna's parents, Heidi and Dan, had to be firm to make sure they kept up with the new healthy habits every day. But they knew it was important for Breanna's health.

Breanna's story is a lesson for all of us. It shows that with determination, family support, and a plan, you can overcome big challenges like obesity. Her family's advice is to start healthy habits early and stick to them. Sometimes, you have to be strict because it's about taking care of each other. Breanna shows us that with a bit of hard work and a lot of love, big changes are possible.

Source: ABC News

HEALTH

According to a New Study, the Primary Problem in Obesity is Fructose. It Can Also Be Made in the Body From Carbohydrates, and When It's Metabolized, It Lowers the Active Energy in the Body (Known as ATP) Which Causes Hunger and Food Intake

Did you know the sugar called fructose might make us gain weight? This sweet stuff is in lots of foods and could trick our bodies into feeling hungrier.

Here's What's New:

• A study in the "Obesity" journal says fructose can make us want to eat more.

• Dr. Richard Johnson from CU Anschutz tells us fructose might be why we feel hungry.

• Fructose is in things like regular sugar and corn syrup, and our bodies make it from other sugars too.

• When we eat fructose, it uses up energy in our bodies, which makes us want to eat more.

Think about it like this: If your body were a car, fructose would be like a signal that tells you to keep eating even when you don't need to. It's like how bears eat lots of fruit to get ready for hibernation.

This idea brings together different reasons people think we gain weight, and fructose seems to be a big one.

We still need more studies to be sure, but this could help us understand why we sometimes eat too much. Remember, it's not just about how much you eat; what kind of sugar you're eating can make a big difference. So, next time you're about to grab a sweet snack, think about what's in it!

Source: news.cuanschutz.edu

How to Stop Bloating Fast / Learn the 5 Causes

Bloating can make your midsection feel like a tight drum, but don't worry, relief is possible!

Spot the Trigger: Think back to what you ate before the bloat. Junk food, dairy, or new "diet" foods with sugar alcohols might be the culprits. Your body might be sending a signal that it's not happy with something you've eaten.

At-Home Technique: If you're already bloated, try a gentle belly massage. Press lightly below your rib cage on the right for your gallbladder and on the left for your pancreas. This can move gas and ease discomfort.

Stress Factor: Keep in mind, stress inflates your belly by causing inflammation. Taking time to unwind could visibly relax your waistline.

Internal Check: Here's a brief guide:

• Stomach: If indigestion and bloating are partners in crime, your stomach might be low on acid. Sip on some apple cider vinegar in water for a possible fix.

• Gallbladder: Ache on the right side? Bile supplements might be the key.

• Pancreas: Trouble digesting? You may need enzyme supplements.

• Small Intestine: Gas after fiber-rich meals might mean a bacterial imbalance. Cut back on fiber briefly and consider fasting.

• Large Intestine: Constant gas could signal a need for more diverse fiber and probiotics.

Diet Tweaks: A closer look at your overall diet and meal timing can often resolve bloating. Simple changes might be all it takes.

For persistent bloating, it's smart to get a healthcare provider's perspective. They can help pinpoint the issue and flatten your discomfort.

Source: Dr. Eric Berg

✢ 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.