Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Study Supports the Safety of Soy Foods, Finding That Eating Them 'Had No Effect on Key Markers of Estrogen-related Cancers'

• Obesity’s Effects on Relationships and Health Appear to Be Reduced in Areas With Higher Prevalence. In Regions Where Obesity Prevalence Was Low, Obese People Were More Likely to Be Single. Conversely, in US countries With High Obesity Prevalence, Obese People Were Slightly Less Likely to Be Single

• Teens Do Not Typically Turn to Electronic Nicotine Vapes to Curb Smoking Habits, but Instead to Alleviate Boredom, Relax, and Experiment, According to University of Michigan Research Published in Pediatrics

• Depression Can Increase the Likelihood of Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea). This Strong Link Was Identified After Analyzing Approximately 600,000 Cases From Europe and 8,000 From East Asia

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Study Supports the Safety of Soy Foods, Finding That Eating Them 'Had No Effect on Key Markers of Estrogen-related Cancers'

Soy foods like tofu have been used since ancient times in China. Some people worry soy might cause cancer, especially after menopause. They fear it despite its long history and health benefits. A new study from the University of Toronto brings good news: soy is safe.

The study looked at results from 40 different trials with over 3,000 people. Researchers found that soy foods did not impact markers that indicate a risk for cancers linked to estrogen. This means soy is safe to eat and might even be used as a therapy, possibly as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Groups like the Canadian Cardiovascular Society recommend soy for its protein. Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also support it as a healthy food. However, past studies in animals suggested risks that made people cautious. These early studies used very high doses of isoflavones, a compound in soy that is similar to estrogen. Scientists now know that humans process these compounds differently than animals. This decreases the risk.

Gabrielle Viscardi, a PhD student and dietitian at the University of Toronto, explains that isoflavones are like estrogen. But, they don't work the same in our bodies. They can help our hearts without affecting the reproductive system.

Experts now say eating up to three servings of soy foods daily can protect against several types of cancer. This study offers important reassurance for soy lovers worried about health risks.

Source: nationalpost.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Obesity’s Effects on Relationships and Health Appear to Be Reduced in Areas With Higher Prevalence. In Regions Where Obesity Prevalence Was Low, Obese People Were More Likely to Be Single. Conversely, in US countries With High Obesity Prevalence, Obese People Were Slightly Less Likely to Be Single

A new study shows that, in areas with high obesity, you may face fewer weight-related issues. Researchers found that in areas with more obesity, there's less stigma and better health for the obese than in places with fewer obese people.

Obesity affects one in four adults in Europe and one in three in the U.S. It is a major health issue. It causes heart disease and social problems, like trouble finding a job or maintaining relationships.

The study looked at data from over 3.4 million people in the U.S. and the U.K. It found that in U.S. counties with fewer obese people, those who are obese tend to be single more often and report worse health. However, in places with more obese people, these issues aren't as common.

This suggests that, if common, obesity may seem less unusual. This could reduce discrimination and improve life for those affected. The study noted that, despite better relationships and health, it's tough for obese people to find jobs, no matter where they live.

Jana Berkessel, one of the researchers, believes that showing more body sizes in media could help reduce obesity-related problems. This study suggests new ways to tackle obesity. It considers local cultural attitudes.

Source: psypost.org

HEALTH

Teens Do Not Typically Turn to Electronic Nicotine Vapes to Curb Smoking Habits, but Instead to Alleviate Boredom, Relax, and Experiment, According to University of Michigan Research Published in Pediatrics

A new study from the University of Michigan found that most teenagers use vapes not to stop smoking but to have fun, relax, or try something new. The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, looked at why teens decide to vape.

Surveys of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders show that relaxing is a big reason why teens vape, especially daily vapers. Over 70% of these frequent vapers said they vape to relax. Being bored and curious are also popular reasons.

Megan Patrick, who led the study, said this. If we know why teens vape, we can stop them from starting. "Our study shows that in the last ten years, more teens vape to relax instead of just trying it out," she noted. Adding help for stress in programs that try to prevent vaping is important because many teens use vaping as a way to deal with pressure.

The research found worrying trends. Many teens feel addicted to nicotine. Some use vapes to control their weight. This suggests that doctors should check for stress and anxiety when they screen teens for nicotine use.

This study helps us understand how teen vaping habits are changing and what might help them avoid nicotine addiction. The University of Michigan continues to track these trends to better protect young people's health.

Source: news.umich.edu

Depression Can Increase the Likelihood of Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea). This Strong Link Was Identified After Analyzing Approximately 600,000 Cases From Europe and 8,000 From East Asia

Depression affects more than just your mood. It can cause physical pain, like severe menstrual cramps, known as dysmenorrhea. Researchers studied health data from 608,000 people in Europe and East Asia. They found a strong link between depression and menstrual pain.

The team, led by Shuhe Liu of Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and the University of Liverpool, used a method called Mendelian randomization. This approach helped them find that depression might cause menstrual pain, not the other way around.

They also found that poor sleep, a problem for the depressed, might worsen menstrual pain. Liu suggests that better sleep could help with depression and menstrual pain. But, more studies are needed to understand these links.

This research shows the need to consider mental health in treating menstrual pain. Liu stresses that we should check mental health in those with severe menstrual cramps. This would allow for more targeted and effective treatments.

The findings help reduce the stigma around mental health and menstrual issues. They show the complex links between our brain and body. With ongoing research and teamwork, scientists like Liu hope to improve treatments for those affected by these issues.

This study shows that joint research can reveal the link between depression and menstrual pain. It may lead to better patient care.

Source: news.liverpool.ac.uk

✢ 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.