12/31/25 - #555

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Aspartame, Artificial Sweetener, Decreases Fat Deposits in Mice at a Cost of Mild Cardiac Hypertrophy and Reduced Cognitive Performance. Long-term Exposure to Artificial Sweeteners May Have Detrimental Impact on Organ Function Even at Low Doses (~ to One-sixth Recommended Max Human Daily Intake)

• The Next Ozempic is Already Being Sold Underground

• Cannabis Products With More THC Slightly Reduce Pain but Cause More Side Effects Such as Dizziness, Sedation and Nausea, Study Finds: While Products Higher in CBD Than THC Have Almost No Benefit in Reducing Pain

• A Recent Review Explored Mindfulness, Its Dimensions, and Its Integration With Psychological Wellbeing, Showing That It Can Enhance Outcomes—such as Autonomy, Self-acceptance, Personal Growth, and Relationships—by Reducing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Aspartame, Artificial Sweetener, Decreases Fat Deposits in Mice at a Cost of Mild Cardiac Hypertrophy and Reduced Cognitive Performance. Long-term Exposure to Artificial Sweeteners May Have Detrimental Impact on Organ Function Even at Low Doses (~ to One-sixth Recommended Max Human Daily Intake)

A new study in mice shows that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, may help reduce body fat—but it might also harm the heart and brain.

In the study, mice were given a small amount of aspartame—similar to one-sixth of the highest safe dose for humans. After one year, the mice weighed less and had 20% less body fat. However, they also showed signs of heart problems, including weaker heart function and slight thickening of the heart muscle.

Brain tests also raised concerns. Mice on aspartame did worse in maze tests that measure memory and learning. Brain scans showed changes in how their brains used sugar, and some brain chemicals were different after several months.

There were no changes in blood sugar or insulin. But over time, aspartame seemed to affect how the brain and body used energy.

These effects happened even though the dose was far below the current safety limits. The sweetener was only given three days every two weeks, showing that even small, occasional use could have effects over time.

While this study was in mice, the results support other research linking artificial sweeteners to health problems in people. More research is needed, especially in humans, but this study raises concerns about long-term use of aspartame—even in low amounts.

Disclaimer: This summary is based on animal research. It does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making changes to your diet.

Source: sciencedirect.com

WEIGHT LOSS

The Next Ozempic is Already Being Sold Underground

A new weight-loss drug, called retatrutide, is being used by some people—even though it isn’t approved yet. It’s often nicknamed “GLP-3” on the underground market. This name isn’t real, but it sounds like GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which are already used to treat obesity.

Retatrutide is being studied by the drug company Eli Lilly. Early results are surprising. In one study, people taking retatrutide lost an average of 71 pounds, or about 29% of their body weight. That’s about twice as much as the weight loss seen with Ozempic. Some people even stopped taking the drug because they lost too much weight.

Because it’s not approved yet, doctors can’t prescribe it, and pharmacies don’t sell it. But some people are still getting it through unofficial sources, like online sellers or friends. This is risky. The FDA has not yet reviewed the safety of retatrutide, and no one knows for sure what side effects it may have. Taking it without medical guidance could be dangerous.

Scientists were amazed when the first study results were shared. The audience at a major medical meeting even clapped during the presentation—something that rarely happens. That shows how excited researchers are about this drug. But excitement isn’t the same as approval.

Bottom line: Retatrutide may be the strongest weight-loss drug yet, but it’s not available legally. Using it now comes with serious risks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always talk to your doctor before taking any medication.

Source: theatlantic.com

HEALTH

Cannabis Products With More THC Slightly Reduce Pain but Cause More Side Effects Such as Dizziness, Sedation and Nausea, Study Finds: While Products Higher in CBD Than THC Have Almost No Benefit in Reducing Pain

A new study shows that cannabis products with more THC—the part that makes you feel “high”—can slightly reduce pain. But they also come with more side effects, like feeling dizzy, sleepy, or sick to your stomach.

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University looked at many studies. They found that THC-only pills, like dronabinol and nabilone, helped reduce pain just a little—only about half a point on a 10-point pain scale. These pills are already approved to treat nausea from cancer treatment and weight loss in people with HIV.

On the other hand, products with mostly CBD—the part of cannabis that doesn’t make you high—did not help with pain at all. This may surprise many people, since CBD is often sold as a natural way to manage pain.

The study also pointed out that cannabis products are not all the same. They can have different amounts of THC and CBD, depending on how they’re made. This makes it hard to know what effect a product will have.

Doctors don’t all agree on using cannabis for pain. Some say it’s okay when nothing else works. Others don’t recommend it, especially for people with long-term pain.

The researchers say more studies are needed to better understand which products help, which don’t, and what the long-term effects might be.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before using cannabis products.

Source: eurekalert.org

A Recent Review Explored Mindfulness, Its Dimensions, and Its Integration With Psychological Wellbeing, Showing That It Can Enhance Outcomes—such as Autonomy, Self-acceptance, Personal Growth, and Relationships—by Reducing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

A new research review shows that mindfulness can help improve mental health. Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment without judging it. This simple practice may lower stress, anxiety, and depression.

The review looked at studies from 2010 to 2024. It found that mindfulness can lead to better self-control, self-acceptance, personal growth, and stronger relationships. People who practiced mindfulness felt more in charge of their lives and had better focus and mood.

Mindfulness is now used in schools, hospitals, and workplaces. Big companies like Google and Aetna offer mindfulness programs to help workers feel less stressed and more productive. These programs include things like breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga.

Mindfulness is not only about sitting still. It also means being more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This can help you stay calm during hard times and make better choices. Experts say it can also improve memory, problem-solving, and emotional control.

The study suggests that even a few minutes of mindfulness each day can make a difference. However, more research is needed to see how long these benefits last over time.

If you’re looking for a simple way to feel better and think more clearly, mindfulness may help. It’s easy to try and doesn’t cost anything.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and not medical advice. Please talk to a doctor or health professional before starting any new health routine.

Source: sciencedirect.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.