12/04/25 - #536

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• You Probably Don't Need as Much Protein as You Think You Do

• GLP-1 Drugs May Be Associated With an Increased Risk of Chronic Cough, Raising the Need to Study This Mechanism and Longitudinal Cough Dynamics Objectively

• Dementia Now Leading Cause of Death Nationwide, Overtaking Heart Disease

• A Single Stressful Event Can Cause Ongoing Hair Loss. Study Using Mice Found Stress Not Only Causes Hair Follicles to Die, but Can Cause Immune System to Attack Hair Follicles During Future Stressful Events. Bodies May Be Conserving Limited Resources, Sacrificing Hair Follicle Cells When Threatened

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

You Probably Don't Need as Much Protein as You Think You Do

High-protein diets are popular right now. Many people believe eating more protein helps build muscle, lose weight, and stay full longer. While protein is important, most adults don’t need as much as they think.

Marc O’Meara, a senior nutritionist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, says too much protein can harm your kidneys. It also adds extra calories, which may lead to weight gain—not weight loss.

So how much do you need? Take your weight in pounds and multiply it by 0.36 to 0.45. That’s your daily protein range in grams. For example, someone who weighs 150 pounds needs about 54 to 68 grams per day. Athletes and older adults may need a bit more, but not double.

A good rule: the protein on your plate should be about the size of your palm. That’s 20–25 grams. You can reach your goal by eating small amounts of protein throughout the day—like an egg, some beans, a piece of fish, or a handful of nuts.

Plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, nuts, and dairy are great options. They’re full of fiber and vitamins, and easier on your kidneys than some meats.

If you choose bars or shakes, pick ones with simple, real ingredients—not fake sugars or chemicals.

Finally, eat your food in this order: veggies first, then protein, then carbs or sweets. This can help manage blood sugar and help you feel full longer.

Source: news.harvard.edu

WEIGHT LOSS

GLP-1 Drugs May Be Associated With an Increased Risk of Chronic Cough, Raising the Need to Study This Mechanism and Longitudinal Cough Dynamics Objectively

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy help people lose weight and manage type 2 diabetes. But a new study shows these drugs may also raise the risk of chronic (long-lasting) cough.

Researchers looked at over 2 million people. More than 427,000 were taking a GLP-1 drug. The rest were taking other diabetes medicines like DPP-4 inhibitors or sulfonylureas. The study found people using GLP-1 drugs were more likely to develop a new, ongoing cough.

Even after removing people with acid reflux—a common cause of cough—the risk was still higher in those taking GLP-1 drugs. That means the cough may be caused by the drug itself, not just side effects like heartburn.

Doctors believe GLP-1 drugs may affect the vagus nerve, which helps control coughing and other body functions. They may also cause irritation in the throat or lungs. But more research is needed to understand exactly how and why this happens.

This doesn’t mean GLP-1 drugs are unsafe. They are still helpful for many people. But it’s important to watch for new or lasting coughs while using these medications.

If you’re taking a GLP-1 drug and notice a cough that won’t go away, talk to your doctor. They can help figure out what’s causing it and what to do next.

Source: jamanetwork.com

HEALTH

Dementia Now Leading Cause of Death Nationwide, Overtaking Heart Disease

Dementia has become the top cause of death in Australia, passing heart disease for the first time. In 2024, more than 17,500 people died from dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). That’s 1 out of every 10 deaths.

Most of these deaths—95%—were in people over 75. Women made up 62% of dementia deaths. Experts say people are living longer, which raises the risk of dementia.

Dementia was the top cause of death for men over 85. For men aged 75–84, heart disease was still the main cause.

Many people who died from dementia also had other health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or cancer. Dementia can cause problems like trouble swallowing, which can lead to infections or kidney failure.

In big cities and nearby areas, dementia is the leading cause of death. In remote areas, heart disease is still number one.

Dementia Australia says about 433,000 people are living with dementia today. That number may grow to over 1 million by 2065 if no action is taken. They urge more support, early diagnosis, and better public awareness.

The good news? Experts say up to 45% of dementia cases worldwide could be delayed or prevented by changing certain habits—like quitting smoking, staying active, and keeping your brain healthy.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your health.

Source: abc.net.au

A Single Stressful Event Can Cause Ongoing Hair Loss. Study Using Mice Found Stress Not Only Causes Hair Follicles to Die, but Can Cause Immune System to Attack Hair Follicles During Future Stressful Events. Bodies May Be Conserving Limited Resources, Sacrificing Hair Follicle Cells When Threatened

Stress doesn’t just affect your mood. A new study in mice shows it may also lead to long-term hair loss—even after the stress is gone.

Researchers found that a single stressful event can kill certain hair cells that help grow new hair. These cells, called HF-TACs, are very active and use a lot of energy. When stress hits, the body may “sacrifice” these cells to save energy for more important needs, like fighting or fleeing.

But there’s more. After these hair cells die, the immune system may get confused. It may treat the leftover cell parts as dangerous. This can cause the immune system to create special “memory” cells that may attack hair follicles again during future stress, illness, or injury.

This could help explain why some people lose hair after stressful times—and why it may keep happening.

Hair loss caused by stress is different from normal shedding. In this case, the body may create an immune reaction, similar to what’s seen in autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata.

The study helps show how stress can affect your body both right away and over time. While more research is needed, it’s a strong reminder that stress management is important—not just for mental health, but also for physical health.

Bottom line: One major stress event might not just cause short-term hair loss. It could also train your immune system to keep attacking your hair—long after the stress is over.

Source: cell.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.