12/22/25 - #548

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Orange Juice Found to Affect Thousands of Genes in Immune Cells

• Dry Fasting Causes 3x More Fat Loss

• FDA Says It May Relax Warning Label Rule for Dietary Supplements

• The US Has Released an ‘America First Global Health Strategy.’ Health Experts Warn It is Risky

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Orange Juice Found to Affect Thousands of Genes in Immune Cells

New research shows that drinking orange juice every day may be good for your heart and immune system. In a recent study, adults drank 2 cups (500 ml) of pure orange juice daily for two months. After that, thousands of genes in their immune cells changed how they worked.

Many of the changed genes were linked to lower blood pressure, less inflammation, and better sugar control. These are all important for heart health.

One reason for this is a natural compound in oranges called hesperidin. It may help relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and protect the heart. Orange juice also helped lower genes that are active during stress and illness.

Other studies support these results. In one study, orange juice lowered “bad” LDL cholesterol and insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes. It also helped raise “good” HDL cholesterol and lowered blood pressure.

Some changes were different depending on body type. Overweight people saw more changes in fat metabolism, while thinner people had more changes in inflammation-related genes.

Orange juice may also help gut bacteria grow. These bacteria make compounds that reduce inflammation and support healthy blood pressure.

Experts say these small changes add up over time and may lower the risk of heart problems.

Drinking orange juice in moderation can be a simple way to support your health—just make sure to choose 100% juice with no added sugar.

Source: euronews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Dry Fasting Causes 3x More Fat Loss

Dry fasting—where you eat and drink nothing for a period of time—may sound extreme, but new research suggests it can help your body burn more fat. In fact, some experts say just one day of dry fasting may equal three days of regular fasting with water.

The idea comes from how the body burns fat for fuel. When your body burns fat, it also makes water as a byproduct. This could explain why, in one study, animals that dry fasted made more water than those that drank it. And they also lost more fat.

Short-term dry fasting (about 12 hours, sometimes up to 20) may offer health benefits like lower blood sugar, better heart health, and even fewer cravings. But it’s not for everyone—and it must be done carefully. Experts suggest starting with water fasting first and switching to a low-carb or keto-style diet before trying dry fasting. This helps the body get used to burning fat.

If you try dry fasting, stay cool and avoid sweating. Don’t exercise heavily or spend too much time outside. And when you start eating again, reintroduce liquids like broth slowly.

Some say water companies pushed the idea that constant hydration is always best—but your body may know better. If you’re not thirsty, you may not need to drink right away.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before trying any new diet or fasting plan.

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC

HEALTH

FDA Says It May Relax Warning Label Rule for Dietary Supplements

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may soon change how warning labels appear on dietary supplements. Right now, every time a product says something like “helps memory” or “supports heart health,” it must also show a warning. The warning says the FDA has not checked the claim and that the product is not meant to treat or cure any disease.

The new rule would let companies include this warning just once on the label, instead of repeating it every time a health claim is made. The FDA says this change could make labels less crowded and save money.

But some health experts are worried. Dr. Pieter Cohen from Harvard Medical School says the warning might become too easy to miss. He warns this could be the first step toward weaker rules that protect consumers.

Unlike prescription drugs, the FDA does not review supplements before they are sold. That means some products may contain wrong amounts or even unlisted ingredients. In one study, 9 out of 10 melatonin gummies had incorrect labels.

More than 75% of Americans take supplements like vitamins, herbs, or minerals. With around 100,000 products on the market, clear warnings can help people make safer choices.

The FDA has not said when the rule might change. But for now, it won’t enforce the old rule while it reviews the issue.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.

Source: nbcnews.com

The US Has Released an ‘America First Global Health Strategy.’ Health Experts Warn It is Risky

The U.S. government has introduced a new plan called the “America First Global Health Strategy.” It changes how the U.S. gives health aid to other countries. Instead of working with global organizations, the U.S. will now make one-on-one deals with individual countries. Officials say this will cut costs and help countries build stronger health systems on their own.

But many health experts are worried. They say this strategy may hurt the world’s most fragile health systems. Earlier this year, the U.S. cut billions of dollars in aid with little warning. Some groups had to stop offering services like vaccines or maternal care.

Critics say that while it’s good to reduce waste and promote local control, the fast rollout of this new plan could put lives at risk. Some countries may not be ready to handle health services alone. There are also fears that poor and remote communities will be left behind.

Another concern is that some of the aid money will go to U.S. companies, not directly to health workers or hospitals. For example, $150 million is set aside for a U.S. drone company to deliver medicine in Africa.

There’s also debate over data-sharing rules that could benefit drug companies more than patients.

While a few pilot programs have started in countries like Kenya and Nigeria, experts warn the plan’s narrow focus—mainly on diseases like HIV and malaria—leaves out other vital areas like vaccines, nutrition, and child health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice.

Source: edition.cnn.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.