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Psyllium husk is being touted as nature's Ozempic
10 months ago
- Psyllium husk is being touted as 'nature’s Ozempic' for weight loss, but experts warn this comparison is misleading.
- Psyllium husk is the outer covering of Plantago ovata seeds, commonly used in laxatives like Metamucil.
- It is a rich source of soluble fiber, which forms a gel when mixed with water, aiding digestion and cholesterol reduction.
- Benefits include managing constipation, diarrhea, lowering LDL cholesterol, and helping regulate blood sugar levels.
- Only 5% of Americans and 9% of UK adults meet daily fiber recommendations; psyllium provides ~7g per tablespoon.
- Risks include choking or gastrointestinal obstruction if not consumed with enough water (~500ml per 20g fiber).
- Not suitable for people with swallowing difficulties, bowel strictures, or severe gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease.
- May interact with certain medications; consult a doctor before use.
- Overconsumption can cause digestive discomfort; experts advise holistic lifestyle changes over reliance on single ingredients.
- Other fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains offer similar benefits.
Brainwash '72 [video]
10 months ago
- A quit-smoking 'brainwashing' tape found on a Umatic tape with a McDonald's label.
- Features a mysterious stranger walking through the desert with a surprising reveal.
- Content warning: includes footage of an operation which may be unsettling.
- Possibly used by a McDonald's franchisee to discourage staff from smoking.
- Technical process: Umatic tape played on Sony VP-7040, processed through various devices, and converted to MPEG-2.
Stress is wrecking your health: how can science help?
10 months ago
- George Slavich shares a personal story about the sudden death of his father and the stress it caused, highlighting the lack of attention to stress in clinical care.
- Decades of research show that chronic stress contributes to serious health issues like heart disease, cancer, and suicide, and stress levels have increased globally due to events like the 2007-2009 recession and COVID-19 pandemic.
- Stress triggers a fight-or-flight response, but modern stressors like traffic and cyberbullying don't align with this evolutionary adaptation, leading to health problems when stress becomes prolonged.
- Current stress assessments rely on self-reported symptoms and physiological measures like cortisol levels, but these can be influenced by factors like exercise or caffeine, making accurate measurement challenging.
- Emerging tools, including wearables and at-home tests, are improving stress assessment by tracking a wide range of biomarkers, such as heart rate variability, gene expression, and inflammatory markers.
- Effective interventions for stress include cognitive behavioral therapy, breathing exercises, social support, and medications like beta blockers, but personalized approaches are needed due to individual differences in stress responses.
- Early-life trauma and imbalances in the microbiome can predispose individuals to maladaptive stress responses later in life, emphasizing the need for tailored treatments.
Woman takes 10x dose of turmeric, gets hospitalized for liver damage
10 months ago
- A 57-year-old woman suffered severe liver damage after taking high doses of turmeric supplements.
- She took 2,250 mg daily, over 10 times the WHO's recommended dose of 204 mg for her weight.
- Symptoms included stomach pain, nausea, fatigue, and dark urine, leading to hospitalization.
- Blood tests showed liver enzyme levels 60 times above normal, indicating severe liver damage.
- Her doctor warned she was close to liver failure, potentially requiring a transplant.
- Turmeric, while generally safe in food, has become a leading herbal cause of liver injuries in the US due to high supplement doses.
Gut microbes could protect us from toxic 'forever chemicals'
10 months ago
- Certain gut microbes can absorb PFAS, potentially protecting humans from their harmful effects.
- PFAS are linked to health issues like decreased fertility, developmental delays, and increased cancer risk.
- University of Cambridge researchers found gut bacteria that accumulate and excrete PFAS in mice.
- These bacteria removed 25% to 74% of PFAS within minutes of exposure.
- The findings suggest probiotics could be developed to enhance PFAS removal from the body.
- PFAS are widespread in everyday products and persist in the environment and human bodies.
- A startup, Cambiotics, is working on probiotics to remove PFAS from the body.
- Recommendations to reduce PFAS exposure include avoiding PFAS-coated pans and using water filters.
- The study was published in Nature Microbiology and funded by major health research organizations.
Rapid bursts of ageing are causing us to rethink how we grow old
10 months ago
- Aging may not be a gradual process but occurs in sudden bursts, particularly around ages 40, 60, and 80.
- Research on fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) revealed a 'Smurf' state indicating rapid aging and imminent death due to gut permeability.
- Humans experience similar rapid aging phases, with significant biological changes in blood cell production, immune function, and organ health at key ages.
- Molecular studies show abrupt shifts in protein levels at ages 34, 60, and 78, correlating with increased risks of diseases like cardiovascular conditions and Alzheimer's.
- Skin aging also follows distinct phases with tipping points around ages 30, 50, and 65.
- Lifestyle factors, accumulated molecular damage, and genetic repair mechanisms may influence these aging tipping points.
- Potential interventions, such as diet, exercise, and future 'anti-transition agents,' could delay these aging phases.
- Ongoing research aims to classify aging stages for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Inequality, decay of democratic institutions linked to accelerated ageing
10 months ago
- Social inequality and weak democratic institutions are linked to faster ageing.
- High levels of air pollution and education levels also impact ageing rates.
- Medical risk factors for faster ageing include high blood pressure, hearing impairment, and heart disease.
- Protective factors against ageing include education, physical activity, and cognitive abilities.
- Egypt and South Africa showed the fastest ageing, while European countries had the slowest.
- The study involved 161,981 participants from 40 countries across four continents.
- Political polarization and uncertainty contribute to despair, accelerating ageing.
- The study was published in Nature Medicine.
US ice cream makers say they'll stop using artificial dyes by 2028
10 months ago
- US ice cream makers, representing 90% of the supply, pledge to remove artificial dyes by 2028.
- Seven petroleum-based dyes (Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6) will be eliminated.
- The move follows calls from the Trump administration and recent commitments by Nestle, Kraft Heinz, and General Mills.
- Health experts caution that removing dyes doesn't make ice cream healthy; moderation is still advised due to sugars and saturated fats.
- FDA Commissioner hints at upcoming dietary guidelines challenging the link between saturated fat and heart disease.
- Health advocates cite potential neurobehavioral issues in children from artificial dyes, though FDA maintains approved dyes are safe.
- New natural color additives, like gardenia blue, are being approved for use in foods.
- FDA encourages faster removal of Red 3, banned in January, though compliance remains voluntary.
- Critics argue voluntary actions may not guarantee compliance, calling for stricter regulations.
Erythritol linked to brain cell damage and stroke risk
9 months ago
- Erythritol, a popular sugar substitute, may harm brain blood vessel cells, increasing stroke risk.
- Research shows erythritol promotes blood vessel constriction, clotting, and inflammation.
- Higher erythritol levels in the blood are linked to increased heart attack and stroke risks.
- Even small amounts of erythritol can reduce nitric oxide and increase endothelin-1, affecting blood vessel function.
- Erythritol-treated cells showed reduced clot-busting ability and increased production of damaging free radicals.
- Consumers are advised to check labels for erythritol or 'sugar alcohol' and monitor intake.
Landmark study flips decades of cholesterol panic aimed at eggs
9 months ago
- Groundbreaking clinical trial finds eggs may be less harmful and potentially more beneficial than previously thought.
- Study shows that a high-cholesterol, low-saturated-fat diet with two eggs a day lowers LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk.
- Eggs are high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat, challenging outdated dietary advice.
- Randomized controlled trial involved 61 healthy adults trying three different diets over five weeks.
- Egg diet (600 mg/day cholesterol, 6% saturated fat) significantly lowered LDL cholesterol compared to control.
- Saturated fat, not dietary cholesterol, appears to be the main driver of LDL cholesterol elevation.
- Egg diet increased levels of beneficial carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) linked to brain and eye health.
- Historical 'nutrient reductionism' led to the villainization of eggs despite limited scientific evidence.
- Egg yolks contain healthy fats and essential nutrients, debunking past misconceptions.
- Current dietary guidelines allow for moderate egg consumption due to their nutritional benefits.
'My dad started spying on my mum' – the drugs causing sexual urges
9 months ago
- Sarah discovered her father, James, was spying on her mother due to extreme side effects of Ropinirole, a Parkinson's medication.
- James exhibited obsessive and coercive sexual behavior, leading to family separation and allegations of assault in a care home.
- The BBC has identified 50 cases where dopamine agonists caused dramatic behavioral changes, including compulsive gambling and sexual urges.
- Warnings about these side effects were not adequately communicated to patients until 2007, and current labels remain vague.
- Dopamine agonists mimic dopamine, overstimulating pleasure and reward systems, leading to impulsive and risky behaviors.
- Studies on Rotigotine, another dopamine agonist, were allegedly influenced by its manufacturer, UCB, raising concerns about impartiality.
- Dopamine agonists were prescribed 1.5 million times in England last year, with Aripiprazole linked to similar impulsive behaviors.
- The MHRA has no plans to update warnings, despite calls for clearer communication about risks.
Maintaining Weight Loss
9 months ago
- Weight loss maintenance requires different skills than the initial weight loss phase.
- Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) includes Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), Thermic Effect of Feeding (TEF), Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (EAT), and Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT).
- Metabolic adaptation and adaptive thermogenesis can affect BMR during weight loss, but these changes are not necessarily permanent.
- Physical activity, especially resistance training and moderate-to-vigorous activity, is crucial for maintaining weight loss.
- Consistent and quality sleep helps regulate appetite and supports weight maintenance.
- Self-monitoring through logging and habit-building aids in long-term weight maintenance.
- High protein intake and nutrient-dense foods are key strategies for sustainable weight maintenance.
- Demographic, behavioral, psychological, and social factors all influence weight maintenance success.
Why Exercise Is a Miracle Drug
9 months ago
- Exercise is considered the most effective medical invention, surpassing any drug, according to Euan Ashley, chair of medicine at Stanford University.
- Research shows exercise benefits nearly every tissue and molecular system in the body, including muscles, heart, liver, and immune system.
- A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that structured exercise programs significantly improved survival rates and reduced cancer recurrence in colon cancer patients.
- Exercise is described as a modern adaptation to simulate the physical stress of ancestral lifestyles, offering unmatched health benefits.
- USAID's global health programs have saved approximately 90 million lives in low-income countries, with interventions like HIV/AIDS treatment and malaria prevention.
- Global health spending represents a small fraction of the U.S. budget but has a profound impact, saving lives at minimal cost to wealthy nations.
- The article advocates for increased physical activity, emphasizing that even simple movements can provide significant health benefits, especially for aging populations.
After using ChatGPT, man swaps his salt for sodium bromide–and suffers psychosis
9 months ago
- A 60-year-old man eliminated chlorine from his diet, replacing sodium chloride with sodium bromide based on ChatGPT advice.
- After three months, he exhibited paranoia, extreme thirst, and micronutrient deficiencies, leading to hospitalization.
- Doctors diagnosed him with bromism, a condition caused by excess bromine, impairing nerve function and causing mental and skin issues.
- Historically, bromine-containing salts were used as sedatives, leading to 8–10% of psychiatric admissions in the US a century ago.
The mystery of Alice in Wonderland syndrome
9 months ago
- Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) causes distortions in perception, affecting how individuals see their own bodies and the world around them.
- Symptoms include visual distortions like objects or body parts appearing to change size, faces morphing, and altered perception of time and sound.
- The syndrome is named after Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland', inspired by the character's size-changing experiences, possibly reflecting Carroll's own perceptual distortions.
- AIWS can be triggered by various conditions, including migraines, epilepsy, infections, and even certain medications or illicit substances.
- Diagnosis is challenging, often leading to delayed recognition, with some patients going years without understanding their symptoms.
- Research suggests AIWS may involve dysfunction in the brain's temporo-parietal-occipital junction, affecting sensory integration.
- The condition, while often harmless, can be distressing and impact daily life, requiring coping mechanisms for those affected.
- Treatment varies based on underlying causes, with some cases resolving over time, while others may recur or require medication.
What Determines Your Basal Metabolic Rate?
9 months ago
- Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the energy your body burns at rest to maintain basic functions.
- BMR is influenced by body composition and the metabolic rates of different tissues.
- Muscle burns 13 Calories/kg, while fat burns 4.5 Calories/kg, making muscle gain and fat loss less impactful on BMR than expected.
- High-metabolic-rate organs (heart, kidneys, brain, liver) account for over 50% of BMR despite being less than 5% of body mass.
- Granular body composition, including organ size, significantly affects BMR, with slight variations causing large differences.
- Standard BMR equations can under- or overestimate by 300-400 Calories due to inaccuracies in predicting high-metabolic-rate tissue mass.
- MRI-based assessments improve BMR accuracy by better estimating organ masses.
- BMR per unit of fat-free mass decreases as fat-free mass increases, due to a higher proportion of low-metabolic-rate tissues.
- Future articles will explore how age, sex, and athleticism affect BMR, and how to refine BMR prediction equations.
Coffee Is Mostly Safe, Study Finds, but Some Contaminants Remain
9 months ago
- Coffee is generally safe with most contaminants below EU safety limits.
- Glyphosate, a herbicide linked to health issues, was found in traces.
- Phthalates, linked to reproductive problems, were found in coffee packaging.
- Organic coffees had lower contaminants but still contained AMPA, a glyphosate byproduct.
- Heavy metal levels in coffee vary by region, with Africa having the lowest.
- Acrylamide, a chemical formed during roasting, was found in all samples but is not toxic in small amounts.
- Darker and lighter roasts have lower acrylamide levels compared to medium roasts.
- Choosing coffee based on roast type and origin can minimize exposure to contaminants.
Is moderate drinking healthy? Scientists say the idea is outdated
8 months ago
- Stanford Medicine experts debunk the myth that moderate drinking is beneficial for health, citing new research linking alcohol to increased cancer risk.
- Recent studies show that even moderate alcohol consumption can lead to higher death rates, particularly from cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- Alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a compound that damages DNA and increases cancer risk, especially in the digestive tract and breast tissue.
- Genetic factors, such as the ALDH2 variant in East Asian populations, significantly increase the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
- Public health recommendations are shifting, with some countries advising no more than two drinks per week, and experts advocating for warning labels on alcohol products.
- Experts emphasize that the safest level of alcohol consumption is none, urging individuals to make informed decisions based on personal health risks.
The ROI of Exercise
8 months ago
- Regular exercise (4 days a week) is a key part of the author's morning routine, providing vitality and mental clarity.
- A thought experiment calculates the ROI of exercise, assuming it expands lifespan by 3-10 years, with a conservative estimate of 10 years for regular tennis players.
- Lifetime exercisers might see even greater benefits, but the study uses a 1:10 ROI (1 year of exercise for 10 extra years of life).
- Exercise offers additional benefits like better sleep, strength, cognitive function, community access, and reduced pain, enhancing quality of life at every stage.
- The time commitment (3 hours/week) is comparable to watching a few Netflix episodes, making it a manageable and highly rewarding investment.
Are Saunas Good for You?
8 months ago
- Finland is the sauna capital with one sauna per 1.6 people.
- Sauna popularity is growing in Britain, with public saunas more than doubling in the past year.
- The evidence for sauna health benefits is promising but still incomplete.

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#health

Psyllium husk is being touted as nature's Ozempic

Brainwash '72 [video]

Stress is wrecking your health: how can science help?

Woman takes 10x dose of turmeric, gets hospitalized for liver damage

Gut microbes could protect us from toxic 'forever chemicals'

Rapid bursts of ageing are causing us to rethink how we grow old

Inequality, decay of democratic institutions linked to accelerated ageing

US ice cream makers say they'll stop using artificial dyes by 2028

Erythritol linked to brain cell damage and stroke risk

Landmark study flips decades of cholesterol panic aimed at eggs

'My dad started spying on my mum' – the drugs causing sexual urges

Maintaining Weight Loss

Why Exercise Is a Miracle Drug

After using ChatGPT, man swaps his salt for sodium bromide–and suffers psychosis

The mystery of Alice in Wonderland syndrome

What Determines Your Basal Metabolic Rate?

Coffee Is Mostly Safe, Study Finds, but Some Contaminants Remain

Is moderate drinking healthy? Scientists say the idea is outdated

The ROI of Exercise

Are Saunas Good for You?