Team Metabolic Health

Key Points

• Pfizer said its experimental drug for a common, life-threatening condition that causes cancer patients to lose their appetite and weight showed positive results in a midstage trial.
• Patients with the condition, called cancer cachexia, who took Pfizer’s treatment saw improvements in body weight, muscle mass, quality of life and physical function.
• The results could pave the way for the drug, a monoclonal antibody called ponsegromab, to become the first treatment approved specifically for cancer cachexia. 

Kena Betancur | Corbis News | Getty Images

Pfizer’s experimental drug for a common, life-threatening condition that causes cancer patients to lose their appetite and weight showed positive results in a midstage trial, the drugmaker said Saturday. 

Patients with the condition, called cancer cachexia, who took Pfizer’s treatment saw improvements in body weight, muscle mass, quality of life and physical function, according to the drugmaker. The results could pave the way for the drug, a monoclonal antibody called ponsegromab, to become the first treatment approved in the U.S. specifically for cancer cachexia. 

The condition affects about 9 million people worldwide, and 80% of cancer patients suffering from it are expected to die within one year of diagnosis, according to the company.

Patients with cancer cachexia don’t eat enough food to meet their body’s energy needs, causing significant fat and muscle loss and leaving them weak, fatigued and, in some cases, unable to perform daily activities. Cancer cachexia is currently defined as a loss of 5% or more body weight over the past six months in cancer patients, along with symptoms such as fatigue, according to the National Cancer Institute.

The symptoms of the condition can make cancer treatments less effective and contribute to lower survival rates, Pfizer said. 

“We would see ponsegromab fitting into the treatment of cancer patients, really addressing that unmet need in cachexia, and through that, improving their wellness, their ability to care for themselves, and we would also hope their ability to tolerate more treatment,” Charlotte Allerton, Pfizer’s head of discovery and early development, told CNBC in an interview. 

Pfizer has not disclosed the estimated revenue opportunity of the drug, which could potentially be approved for different uses.

The company presented the data Saturday at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2024 Congress, a cancer research conference held in Barcelona, Spain. The results were also published in The New England Journal of Medicine. 

The phase two trial followed 187 people with non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer or colorectal cancer and high levels of a key driver of cachexia called growth differentiation factor 15, or GDF-15. It is a protein that binds to a certain receptor in the brain and has an impact on appetite, according to Allerton. 

After 12 weeks, patients who took the highest dose of ponsegromab — 400 milligrams — saw a 5.6% increase in weight compared with those who received a placebo. Patients who took a 200-milligram or 100-milligram dose of the drug saw a roughly 3.5% and 2% increase in body weight, respectively, compared with the placebo group. 

Allerton said a work group of experts defines a weight gain of greater than 5% as a “clinically meaningful difference in cancer patients with cachexia.” She added that the drug’s effect on other measures of wellness, such as increased appetite and physical activity, is “really what offers us the encouragement.” 

Pfizer said it did not observe any significant side effects with the drug. Treatment-related side effects occurred in 8.9% of people taking a placebo and 7.7% of those who took Pfizer’s treatment, the company said. 

The company said it is discussing late-stage development plans for the drug with regulators, and aims to start studies in 2025 that can be used to file for approval. Pfizer is also studying ponsegromab in a phase two trial in patients with heart failure, who can also suffer from cachexia.

Pfizer’s drug works by reducing the levels of GDF-15. Pfizer believes this can improve appetite and enable patients to maintain and gain weight. 

“For most of us, we have low levels of GDF-15 in our tissues when we’re healthy, but we really do see this up regulation of GDF-15 in more of these chronic conditions, and in this case, cancer,” Allerton said.

Credit: CNBC

Team Metabolic Health

As a celebrity, always looking your best is essential.  Whether this is achieved naturally through the help of a trainer or intense diets, staying in shape is a part of their high-profile careers.  But, in recent times, there has been a shift in these regimes.  In addition to hiring the most sought-after fitness gurus or tapping into beauty treatments, the latest trend that has circulated amongst the rich and famous is Ozempic.

Is Ozempic Becoming The New Botox? Hollywood’s Latest Quick Fix Medication Taking Over The Industry

Initially created to treat symptoms of type 2 diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels, this drug is now known to tackle weight loss quickly.  Decades ago, Botox took first place as the “miracle treatment” in Hollywood.  With just a few injections, the medication can smooth out wrinkles and prevent the side effects of aging.  As a result, many people appeared flawless and younger.  However, Ozempic might be taking its place as a quick-fix treatment but with a different goal.  Of course, this doesn’t seem to bother celebrities now calling this drug the best-kept weight loss secret.

Remember when Botox was an easy fix and the industry’s biggest secret?  The craze continued for quite a while, as no one seemed to be aging anymore, but they also didn’t reveal how they were achieving the look.  This same secretive culture is slowly forming around Ozempic, with some celebs turning to the injectable for rapid weight loss.  However, only a few are willing to open up about their usage, such as Tracy Morgan and Macy Gray.

Even though these medications are typically used as a shortcut, there are still risks that come along with using them.  Despite Botox being safe in controlled doses, Ozempic isn’t a cosmetic treatment.  As previously stated, the medication’s primary use is to manage diabetes, and using it without a proper prescription can lead to serious health complications, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Last year, Ozempic manufacturers were sued for such side effects. Additionally, since Ozempic has become such a popular drug, the increasing demand is reportedly leading to shortages for individuals who need the medication.

Nonetheless, there’s no denying the appeal of these fast-acting medications, especially in industries where appearance means everything.  But, as the excitement surrounding Ozempic continues to grow, there’s also an increase in conversations about the importance of using prescriptions safely.  To avoid long-term complications, it is best to consult with a health professional before using.

Credit: balleralert.com

Team Metabolic Health

The alarming link between hypertension, diabetes and stroke you can’t afford to ignore!

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted, either by a blocked blood vessel or a ruptured artery, leading to the death of brain cells due to oxygen deprivation. This neurological disorder can have profound consequences, including hemiplegia, difficulty speaking, depression and dementia.

Are you at risk for stroke: Learn warning signs, causes and path to effective rehabilitation (Photo by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Mahendra JV, HOD and Consultant – Department of Neurology at Ramaiah Institute of Neurosciences in Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, shared, “The risk of stroke increases significantly with age, particularly after 55, and is exacerbated by conditions such as high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, coronary artery disease and high cholesterol.”

He revealed, “While we cannot alter factors like age and genetics, managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes, along with adopting a healthier lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Rehabilitation plays a critical role in recovery, with approaches like constraint-induced movement therapy, robotics, and fitness training showing promise in restoring motor functions.”

He highlighted, “Occupational therapy is vital for helping survivors regain the ability to perform daily tasks. Ongoing research into innovative therapies, including virtual reality, and drug augmentation, holds the potential to further enhance recovery outcomes. Understanding the causes and symptoms of stroke, as well as the importance of timely rehabilitation is the key to improving patient outcomes and reducing the global impact of this debilitating condition.”

Dr Khushbu Goel, Head and Consultant – Stroke Care Programme and Management and Neurology at Manipal Hospital in New Delhi’s Dwarka, echoed, “Stoke is a brain attack caused by a disruption in the blood supply, which prevents brain tissues from receiving enough oxygen and nutrients.”

There are major 2 types of stroke- Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke –

• An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. This prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.
• Another type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts and causes bleeding in the brain
• Medical risk factors
• High blood pressure
• Cigarette smoking
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, heart defects, heart infection or irregular heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation
• Personal or family history of stroke, heart attack or transient ischemic attack

Other factors associated with a higher risk of stroke include:

Age- People age 55 or older have a higher risk of stroke than younger people.

Sex- Men have a higher risk of stroke than women. Women are usually older when they have strokes, and they’re more likely to die of strokes than men.

Lifestyle risk factors:

1. Being overweight or obese.
2. Physical inactivity.
3. Heavy or binge drinking.
4. Use of illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

Symptoms of stroke are:

1. Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying. A person having a stroke may be confused, slur words, or may not be able to understand speech.
2. Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the face, arm or leg. This often affects just one side of the body. The person can try to raise both arms over the head. If one arm begins to fall, it may be a sign of a stroke. Also, one side of the mouth may droop when trying to smile.
3. Problems seeing in one or both eyes. The person may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes. Or the person may see double.
4. Sudden onset imbalance can also be a symptom of stroke

What is stroke rehabilitation?

Stroke rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to help individuals recover and regain independence following a stroke. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical, occupational, and speech therapies, aimed at restoring function and improving quality of life. Rehabilitation focuses on strengthening muscles, improving coordination and enhancing mobility through exercises and activities tailored to the patient’s specific needs. It also addresses cognitive and emotional challenges, helping patients relearn skills such as speaking, swallowing and daily activities.

Speech therapy focuses on helping patients who have difficulties with speaking or understanding language, addressing challenges in communication that may arise after a stroke. Physical therapy is centered on exercises designed to help patients regain movement and coordination skills that may have been affected by the stroke, promoting strength, balance and mobility.

Credit: Hindustan Times

Team Metabolic Health

Claims on social media suggest it can. We asked experts for the sober truth.

“Cheers,” a woman says in a video on TikTok as she raises a shot glass filled with liquor to the camera. She tips it back, grimaces and then sticks out her tongue in disgust.

“It’s medicinal, it’s medicinal,” she reminds herself.

The reason for the shot was a recent meal, which she worried may have given her food poisoning, she said. And she had read in a study that because “alcohol is a sterilizer,” it can protect against food-borne illness.

Pix Credit: Derek Brahney

But can it really?

There may be an ounce of truth to the notion that drinking alcohol around the time you eat contaminated food can reduce the chances of food poisoning, experts said. But the evidence to support the claim is limited. And depending on how much you drink, alcohol could hurt your immune system more than it might help. Here’s what we know.

What the Research Suggests

Several small studies on food-borne illness outbreaks have indeed found that consuming alcohol was associated with protection from food poisoning, but they all have limitations.

In the study cited in the TikTok video, which was published in 2002, researchers described a salmonella outbreak that began at a 120-person banquet in Spain. At least 47 people became ill with vomiting or diarrhea, along with stomach cramps, fever or headache, after consuming contaminated tuna sandwiches and potato salad. The researchers found that those who reported having three or more drinks at the celebration were 46 percent less likely to become ill than those who didn’t drink; and those who had up to three drinks were 27 percent less likely to develop symptoms.

Likewise, in a 1992 study of a 61-person outbreak of hepatitis A from raw oysters in Florida, researchers found that those who reported drinking wine, whiskey or cocktails with the oysters were 90 percent less likely to get sick than those who did not drink. Those who consumed beer, however, did not seem to be protected — the researchers hypothesized this was perhaps because beer has a lower alcohol concentration than the other beverages.

These studies support the theory that alcohol might interrupt the pathogens in people’s guts before they can cause illness, said Donald Schaffner, a professor of food science at Rutgers University. This is plausible, he said, since alcohol can kill bacteria and inactivate some viruses; that’s why it’s used in hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants.

But these small, decades-old studies can only show correlations between drinking and fewer illnesses; they can’t prove that alcohol prevented food poisoning, said Matthew Moore, an associate professor of food science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

He recommended taking those findings “with a serious grain of salt.”

It’s possible, for example, that some of the people who didn’t drink in those studies were abstaining for health reasons, which could have explained why they were more susceptible to food poisoning.

Researchers have not directly tested how drinking might influence food poisoning risk in a clinical trial, which could control for differences between people who do and don’t drink, Dr. Moore said. And in at least one outbreak of 33 people sickened with hepatitis E from shellfish on a cruise, researchers came to a different conclusion: Only those who drank alcohol were infected while the abstainers remained healthy.

Alcohol Might Weaken Your Immune System

Your chance of getting sick from contaminated food can depend on various factors, including your health, the amount of pathogen present, the type of food and how much of it you ate, said Craig Hedberg, an epidemiologist and food safety expert at the University of Minnesota. How alcohol plays into that is not well researched in humans, he said. But in a 2001 study, scientists found that although red and white wine killed salmonella in petri dishes, feeding it to mice did nothing to protect them when they consumed the bacteria.

If you drink too much, it’s also possible that alcohol might make your intestine more susceptible to infections, said Dr. Gyongyi Szabo, a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Research from Dr. Szabo and her colleagues has suggested that binge drinking — defined as four to five or more drinks in about two hours for most adults — can cause inflammation and signs of “leakiness” in the gut lining, which can allow bacteria and toxins to more easily enter the blood.

It’s also clear that heavy, chronic drinking can reduce your immune system’s ability to fight infections, she said. Research has shown, for example, that people with alcohol use disorder are more susceptible to illness or even death from certain food-borne infections like listeria and vibrio.

And alcohol can cause dehydration, which may worsen food poisoning symptoms and prolong recovery time, experts said.

How to Protect Yourself From Food Poisoning

Drinking alcohol is an unproven and potentially risky approach to preventing food poisoning, experts said.

“It would be better just to not eat the dodgy food to begin with,” Dr. Schaffner said — though he acknowledged that it’s often not possible to tell if a particular food is contaminated.

A good way to stay safe is to pay attention to food recalls, Dr. Schaffner said. And in the kitchen, use proper food safety techniques. Those include washing your hands often; avoiding cross contamination from raw meat, poultry and fish by keeping those items separate from other foods; cooking all foods to proper temperatures; and avoiding leaving perishable foods at room temperature for more than two hours.

These strategies are especially important for people who are most susceptible to severe illness from food-borne pathogens, including those with weakened immune systems, or those who are pregnant, younger than 5 or older than 65.

Dr. Moore acknowledged that the proven ways to prevent food poisoning are “kind of boring.”

But they’re effective, he said, and that’s what matters.

Credit: The New York Times

Team Metabolic Health

Tirzepatide, a once-weekly GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, is a medicine used for weight reduction in adults with obesity.

A new analysis of the SURMOUNT clinical trials reveals that the medicine, administered as a once-weekly injection, leads to significant weight reduction.

Across all doses and trials, women lost up to 24.6% of their body weight compared to 18.1% in men, indicating a potential sex-based difference with regard to drug response.

Obesity is the most common chronic health condition globally, affecting around 650 million adults.

It leads to serious issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, which increase health risks and healthcare costs.

Scientists have found different weight loss results in people taking tirzepatide. NurPhoto/Getty Images

Recent studies have shown that drugs targeting specific hormones involved in energy balance, such as GLP-1, can help people lose weight effectively and safely.

Another hormone, GIP, also plays a role in controlling weight, and a combination treatment that targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors may be even more effective.

Tirzepatide is a new medication that works on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors and is already approved for treating type 2 diabetes.

Early research showed that it helped mice lose more weight compared to treatments that only target GLP-1. In studies with people who have type 2 diabetes, it also showed promising results for weight loss.

For example, the SURMOUNT-1 (SM-1) trial looked at how well tirzepatide works for weight loss in people with obesity or overweight who do not have diabetes.

To further explore potential differences in how men and women respond to the treatment, researchers conducted a post-hoc analysis of the SURMOUNT (SM) program, which included four clinical trials (SM-1 to SM-4).

Their analysis shows that a weekly injection of tirzepatide results in substantial weight loss for both men and women, with women experiencing greater reductions in weight.

Their findings, presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Madrid (September 9-13), compared tirzepatide to a placebo over 72 to 88 weeks in 4,677 adults (2,999 women and 1,678 men) with obesity.

Lead author, Luis-Emilio García-Pérez, MD, PhD, MBA, explained the key findings to Medical News Today:

“This was a post-hoc sub-group data analysis of the SURMOUNT-1, SURMOUNT-2, SURMOUNT-3 and SURMOUNT-4 phase 3 trials that showed tirzepatide injections (5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg) significantly reduced body weight compared to placebo regardless of sex, with greater body weight reduction associated with tirzepatide in females compared to males.”

— Luis-Emilio García-Pérez, MD

Impact of lead-in phases and sex on weight loss outcomes

While the SM-1 and SM-2 trials involved randomization immediately after a screening period, SM-3 had a 12-week lead-in phase with intensive lifestyle changes, and SM-4 had a 36-week lead-in with open-label tripeptide treatment.

In this analysis, body weight changes were evaluated in participants who had received at least one dose of tirzepatide (5, 10, or 15 mg) or placebo.

The study used a mixed model to assess differences in average weight change over time (from baseline to the end of the study: 72 weeks for SM-1 to SM-3 and 88 weeks for SM-4).

Logistic regression was used to evaluate whether male and female participants differed in achieving specific weight loss milestones, including reductions of 5%, 10%, and 15% of their body weight.

Across the four trials, women made up 51% to 71% of participants.

And at the start of the trials, women weighed less than men on average. For instance, in SM-1, the average weight of female participants was 99.8 kg, compared to 115.2 kg for men.

However, both men and women had similar body mass index (BMI) levels, indicating similar levels of obesity.

Sex-based variations in weight loss results

In terms of weight loss, the estimated reduction in body weight for those taking tirzepatide was significantly greater than for those on placebo, regardless of sex.

Women saw a greater percentage of weight loss than men across all doses.

For example, women lost up to 24.6% of their body weight, while men lost up to 18.1%. This difference was statistically significant in all studies.

When looking at specific weight loss thresholds, both men and women were far more likely to achieve reductions of 5%, 10%, and 15% body weight with tirzepatide compared to placebo.

However, in most trials, there was no significant difference between men and women in reaching these thresholds.

An exception was observed in the SM-3 trial, where women were more likely than men to achieve the 5% and 10% weight reduction goals.

The safety outcomes were generally similar for both men and women, though women reported higher rates of nausea and vomiting compared to men.

“The analysis showed that weight reduction happens consistently regardless of sex, however, tirzepatide was associated with greater weight loss in women than in men. Prevalence of obesity and treatment outcomes may differ between males and females as a result of physiological, sociocultural and environmental factors.”
— Luis-Emilio García-Pérez, MD

However, he added that “the results of this post hoc analysis have to be interpreted with caution as they are hypothesis-generating only.”

“The potential mechanisms of this finding need further research,” Dr. García-Pérez explained.

Findings could lead to more personalized treatment plans

Mark A. Anton, MD, medical director at Slimz Weightloss, not involved in this research, said that this research on body weight reduction with tirzepatide is promising and aligns with our clinical observations.”

“The findings could provide deeper insights into the efficacy of tirzepatide across different demographics, potentially allowing for more personalized treatment plans,” Anton explained.

“These findings could mean more tailored and effective weight loss solutions, enhancing the overall success rates and improving long-term health outcomes,” he added.

Mir B. Ali, MD, board certified bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, who was also not involved in the research, noted that “this is an interesting study comparing weight loss in males versus females.”

“This is somewhat contrary to what I see in surgical weight loss patients; to me this study demonstrates that females are more responsive to these medications, though both males and females showed significant benefits,” Ali added.

“These findings may help prescribing providers set more realistic expectations based on gender for patients seeking these medications. It would be helpful to see more research in this area and make a consideration for changing dosing based on gender.”

— Mir B. Ali, MD

View the original article on Medical News Today

Credit: aol.com

Team Metabolic Health

Sara McGinnis was nine months pregnant with her second child and something felt off. Her body was swollen. She was tired and dizzy.

Her husband, Bradley McGinnis, said she had told her doctor and nurses about her symptoms and even went to the emergency room when they worsened. But, Bradley said, what his wife was told in response was, “‘It’s summertime and you’re pregnant.’ That haunts me.”

Two days later, Sara had a massive stroke followed by a seizure. It happened on the way to the hospital, where she was headed again due to a splitting headache.

In August, Mary Collins and daughter Rory were both still recovering after Collins experienced severe high blood pressure in her pregnancy, which led to Rory’s premature delivery. Pix: Thom Bridge for KFF Health News

Sara, from Kalispell, Mont., never met her son, Owen, who survived through an emergency delivery and has her oval eyes and thick dark hair. She died the day after he was born.

Sara had eclampsia, a stroke in pregnancy caused by persistent high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure makes the heart work in overdrive, which can damage organs.

Sara died in 2018. Today, more pregnant women are being diagnosed with dangerously high blood pressure, a finding that could save their lives. Recent studies show the rates of newly developed and chronic maternal high blood pressure have roughly doubled since 2007. Researchers say the jump in cases is likely due in part to more testing that discovers the conditions.

But that’s not the whole story. Data shows that the overall maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is also climbing, with high blood pressure one of the leading causes.

A new threshold

Medical experts are trying to stem the tide. In 2022, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists lowered the threshold for when doctors should treat pregnant and postpartum patients for high blood pressure. And federal agencies offer training in best practices for screening and care. Federal data shows that maternal deaths from high blood pressure declined in Alaska and West Virginia after implementation of those guidelines. But applying those standards to everyday care takes time, and hospitals are still working to incorporate practices that might have saved Sara’s life.

Mary Collins does not have some of the risk factors for preeclampsia, such as being over 35 or being overweight. Doctors and researchers are not sure of all the reasons that high blood pressure during pregnancy is becoming more common. Pix: Thom Bridge for KFF Health News

In Montana, which last year became one of 35 states to implement the federal patient safety guidelines, more than two-thirds of hospitals provided patients with timely care, said Annie Glover, a senior research scientist with the Montana Perinatal Quality Collaborative. Starting in 2022, just over half of hospitals met that threshold.

“It just takes some time in a hospital to implement a change,” Glover said.

“A natural stress test”

High blood pressure can damage a person’s eyes, lungs, kidneys, or heart, with consequences long after pregnancy. Preeclampsia — consistent high blood pressure in pregnancy — can also lead to a heart attack. The problem can develop from inherited or lifestyle factors: For example, being overweight predisposes people to high blood pressure. So does older age, and more people are having babies later in life.

Black and Indigenous people are far more likely to develop and die from high blood pressure in pregnancy than the general population.

“Pregnancy is a natural stress test,” said Natalie Cameron, a physician and an epidemiologist with Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, who has studied the rise in high blood pressure diagnoses. “It’s unmasking this risk that was there all the time.”

But pregnant people who don’t fit the typical risk profile are also getting sick, and Cameron said more research is needed to understand why.

Mary Collins, 31, of Helena, Mont., developed high blood pressure while pregnant this year. Halfway through her pregnancy, Collins still hiked and attended strength training classes. Yet, she felt sluggish and was gaining weight too rapidly while her baby’s growth slowed drastically.

Collins said she was diagnosed with preeclampsia after she asked an obstetrician about her symptoms. Just before that, she said, the doctor had said all was going well as he checked her baby’s development.

“He pulled up my blood pressure readings, did a physical assessment, and just looked at me,” Collins said. “He was like, ‘Actually, I’ll take back what I said. I can easily guarantee that you’ll be diagnosed with preeclampsia during this pregnancy, and you should buy life flight insurance.’”

Indeed, Collins was airlifted to Missoula, Mont., for the delivery and her daughter, Rory, was born two months early. The baby had to spend 45 days in a neonatal intensive care unit. Both Rory, now about 3 months old, and Collins are still recovering.

The typical cure for preeclampsia is delivering the baby. Medication can help prevent seizures and speed up the baby’s growth to shorten pregnancy if the health of the mother or fetus warrants a premature delivery. In rare cases, preeclampsia can develop soon after delivery, a condition researchers still don’t fully understand.

Wanda Nicholson, chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of experts in disease prevention, said steady monitoring is needed during and after a pregnancy to truly protect patients. Blood pressure “can change in a matter of days, or in a 24-hour period,” Nicholson said.

And symptoms aren’t always clear-cut.

That was the case for Emma Trotter. Days after she had her first child in 2020 in San Francisco, she felt her heartbeat slow. Trotter said she called her doctor and a nurse helpline and both told her she could go to an emergency room if she was worried but advised her that it wasn’t needed. So she stayed home.

In 2022, about four days after she delivered her second child, her heart slowed again. That time, the care team in her new home of Missoula checked her vitals. Her blood pressure was so high the nurse thought the monitor was broken.

“You could have a stroke at any second,” Trotter recalled her midwife telling her before sending her to the hospital.

Trotter was due to have her third child in September, and her doctors planned to send her and the new baby home with a blood pressure monitor.

Measuring the problem

More monitoring could help with complex maternal health problems, said Stephanie Leonard, an epidemiologist at Stanford University School of Medicine who studies high blood pressure in pregnancy.

“Blood pressure is one component that we could really have an impact on,” she said. “It’s measurable. It’s treatable.”

More monitoring has long been the goal. In 2015, the federal Health Resources and Services Administration worked with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to roll out best practices to make birth safer, including a specific guide to scan for and treat high blood pressure. Last year, the federal government boosted funding for such efforts to expand implementation of those guides.

“So much of the disparity in this space is about women’s voices not being heard,” said Carole Johnson, head of the health resources agency.

Mary Collins and her daughter, Rory. Despite years of federal efforts to make birth safer, hospitals are still trying to match screening and treatment for preeclampsia with best practices. Pix: Thom Bridge for KFF Health News

The Montana Perinatal Quality Collaborative spent a year providing that high blood pressure training to hospitals across the state. In doing so, Melissa Wolf, the head of women’s services at Bozeman Health, said her hospital system learned that doctors’ use of its treatment plan for high blood pressure in pregnancy was “hit or miss.” Even how nurses checked pregnant patients’ blood pressure varied.

“We just assumed everyone knew how to take a blood pressure,” Wolf said.

Now, Bozeman Health is tracking treatment with the goal that any pregnant person with high blood pressure receives appropriate care within an hour. Posters dot the hospitals’ clinic walls and bathroom doors listing the warning signs for preeclampsia. Patients are discharged with a list of red flags to watch for.

Katlin Tonkin is one of the nurses training Montana medical providers on how to make birth safer. She knows how important it is from experience: In 2018, Tonkin was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia when she was 36 weeks pregnant, weeks after she had developed symptoms. Her emergency delivery came too late and her son Dawson, who hadn’t been getting enough oxygen, died soon after his birth.

Tonkin has since had two more sons, both born healthy, and she keeps photos of Dawson, taken during his short life, throughout her family’s home.

Credit: npr.org

Team Metabolic Health

Social media users are claiming that drinking baking soda in water is a magic weight loss hack, but experts aren’t so sure.

Another day, another allegedly magical weight loss hack touted by social media users.

Online platforms are brimming with claims about quick and easy ways to lose weight, and the latest involves diluting baking soda in water and drinking it.

On TikTok, social media users claim that drinking sodium bicarbonate — baking soda — daily has helped reduce their appetite, shed unwanted pounds, and reduce cellulite.

But much like other social media weight loss trends, experts say any hack that seems too good to be true, probably is.

Image by New Africa via Shutterstock

Does drinking baking soda for weight loss work?

Social media users claim that baking soda aids weight loss by helping the body break down fat due to its alkaline nature and ability to neutralize stomach acids. The theory is that by increasing the body’s pH levels and making it more alkaline, fat storage efficiency and metabolism are enhanced by influencing enzyme activity and insulin sensitivity.

But there is no evidence to suggest that it can actually impact body fat in any way.

“Drinking baking soda in water for weight loss is a popular claim on TikTok, but there is limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness,” says Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com.

While baking soda’s alkaline nature may temporarily increase feelings of fullness, Routhenstein says it does not directly lead to weight loss.

Naysha Isom, M.D., a board-certified physician specializing in preventive health and sustainable weight loss, likewise tells Healthnews that this claim remains entirely theoretical.

“Unlike controlled laboratory conditions, the human body tightly regulates its pH, making it unlikely that consuming baking soda would significantly impact weight loss,” she says. “This concept isn’t any different than drinking commercially available alkaline water found in most grocery stores.”

Plus, she says ingesting baking soda can cause temporary water retention, bloating, and gas, which some may mistake for appetite suppression. But these perceived feelings of fullness are not actually a sustainable method to suppress one’s appetite, she says.

Is drinking baking soda harmful?

In addition to the lack of evidence supporting baking soda’s ability to promote weight loss, Routhenstein and Isom say this trend also presents health risks.

“People should take extreme caution with online weight loss trends, especially if they have heart disease, are taking certain medications, or have medical conditions, as these claims often lack scientific validation, may interact with prescribed medications, and may overlook individual health conditions,” Routhenstein says. “Potential negative health issues from doing this include electrolyte imbalances, high blood pressure, and digestive problems due to its high sodium content.”

Baking soda’s high sodium content can also reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs, she says — such as ACE inhibitors and diuretics — by increasing blood pressure or causing fluid retention.

Sodium bicarbonate can also impact the efficacy of blood thinners by altering the body’s acid-base balance and potentially leading to increased bleeding risk, Routhenstein explains.

And excessive sodium intake from baking soda can negatively affect heart health by increasing blood pressure and straining the cardiovascular system, she adds.

Using baking soda with other antacids or proton pump inhibitors can also lead to excessive alkalinity, potentially causing metabolic alkalosis or diminishing the effectiveness of the other antacids.

Anyone who consumes too much baking soda can potentially disturb their body’s pH balance, leading to metabolic alkalosis, Isom adds. Symptoms of metabolic alkalosis include nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, and confusion.

Overconsuming it can also disrupt essential electrolyte levels, she says, including potassium, calcium, and chloride — which are critical for proper muscle, heart, kidney, and brain function.

“Online weight loss trends often promise quick fixes and are enticing due to their perceived affordability, convenience, and availability of products or supplies,” Isom concludes. “However, these trends seldom deliver sustainable results.”

Credit: healthnews.com

Team Metabolic Health

While both animal and plant-based milks benefit gut health, animal milk shows superior support for beneficial bacteria, raising important questions for dietary choices.

Review: Substitutive Effects of Milk vs. Vegetable Milk on the Human Gut Microbiota and Implications for Human Health

In a recent review published in the journal Nutrients, researchers explored how both animal milk and plant-based milk alternatives affect gut microbiota.

Their findings suggest that while both types of milk can promote gut health, animal milk generally supports a richer and more diverse microbiota, with specific components offering targeted benefits, while plant-based substitutes also contribute positively but may sometimes encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in certain contexts.

Milk and Gut Health

Milk is a vital source of nutrition for mammals, especially during infancy. It provides essential energy and nutrients needed for growth and development. Humans are unique in continuing to consume milk into adulthood.

Milk is known for being high in calcium, vitamins, and proteins, which offer anti-inflammatory benefits. These components have been linked to the prevention of diseases such as cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, and diabetes.

Despite its many benefits, milk consumption has declined in some regions. This trend is driven by factors such as lactose intolerance, allergies, ethical concerns, and the popularity of plant-based milk alternatives.

These substitutes, made from ingredients like soy, almonds, and oats, are marketed as healthier and more sustainable. However, the research on their impact on gut microbiota remains limited, and the results vary depending on the type of milk and individual factors.

Gut microbiota plays a critical role in overall health, affecting immunity, metabolism, and even brain function. While specific components in animal milk, such as proteins and fats, have been shown to support gut health, plant-based alternatives have also been found to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. However, some evidence suggests that certain plant-based milk alternatives might, in some cases, foster the growth of less beneficial bacteria, though this typically occurs in low proportions.

Animal-Based Milk

Animal-based milk, particularly from cows, is considered a functional food due to its bioactive molecules, including proteins, fats, and oligosaccharides. These compounds have been shown to have positive effects on gut health.

Mare milk, with its similarities to human milk, is particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies, supporting the growth of beneficial gut microbes while being gentle on the digestive system.

For example, studies have found that animal milk promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Additionally, components such as whey proteins and lactose support gut health by acting as prebiotics, fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria while potentially offering antimicrobial effects.

Cow milk has been particularly noted for its ability to promote beneficial microbes and reduce harmful bacteria such as Clostridium. Its oligosaccharides, in combination with whey proteins, have been found to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which improve gut health by boosting satiety and immune function.

Mare milk, which shares some similarities with human milk, has also been found to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This makes it particularly useful for individuals with allergies or hyperlipidemia.

Goat milk, another animal-based option, contains oligosaccharides that act as prebiotics, increasing SCFA production and improving gut barrier function. It also promotes beneficial bacteria, although in some cases, it has been linked to promoting the growth of Helicobacter, a bacterium associated with gastric issues.

Camel milk, known for its rich immunomodulatory proteins and antibodies, has also shown benefits for gut health. It increases beneficial bacteria while reducing harmful bacteria like Shigella and Escherichia. Its ability to boost SCFA production further enhances its positive impact on gut health and immune responses.

Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives

Plant-based milk alternatives have become increasingly popular due to their perceived health and environmental benefits. These beverages, made from ingredients like soy, almonds, and oats, have distinct nutritional profiles compared to dairy milk.

Generally lower in protein and fat, plant-based alternatives are often rich in unsaturated fats and carbohydrates. They are also free from lactose and cholesterol, making them suitable for those with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. In addition, these beverages contain antioxidants and phytosterols, which help reduce oxidative stress in the body.

While plant-based milk can positively impact gut health, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, there are some concerns. Soy milk, for instance, has been found to increase beneficial bacteria while reducing harmful ones like Proteobacteria.

However, some studies have shown that certain plant-based milk alternatives might encourage the growth of bacteria such as Fusobacterium and Salmonella, albeit typically in low and manageable levels.

Conclusions

The consumption of plant-based milk substitutes is on the rise globally, particularly in regions like Europe. Although these beverages can replicate some nutrients found in animal milk, significant differences remain in their protein and fat content.

Plant-based milk is also lactose- and cholesterol-free, which makes it suitable for individuals with specific dietary restrictions. While research on their impact on gut microbiota is still emerging, most findings suggest that both animal and plant-based milk can contribute positively to gut health, though with different effects and implications.

The study noted the importance of milk for gut health while highlighting certain points of concern. While animal milk appears to offer greater overall benefits for gut health, plant-based alternatives still provide some positive effects.

It is essential, however, to consider individual nutritional needs and preferences when recommending one type of milk over another, particularly given the variability in gut microbiota responses. Future studies will help clarify how both types of milk impact gut microbiota, ultimately guiding dietary choices based on personal health needs.

Credit: news-medical.net

Team Metabolic Health

Two studies have shown for the first time that breastfeeding after treatment for breast cancer does not increase a woman’s recurrence risk. And, as other studies at the meeting showed, immunotherapy continues to improve hopes for long-term survival for people with various types of cancer.

Breastfeeding found to be safe after breast cancer treatment

Breastfeeding is safe for women who have been treated for breast cancer, two large studies, opens new tab have shown for the first time.

Even cancer survivors at higher genetic risk do not face an increased risk of recurrence or development of new breast cancers if they choose to breastfeed, researchers reported at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) meeting in Barcelona.

One study of nearly 5,000 young breast cancer survivors carrying a high-risk BRCA gene mutation identified 474 who subsequently gave birth, one in four of whom breastfed their baby. Just under half were unable to breastfeed because both breasts had been removed to reduce future cancer risk. After a median follow-up of seven years from giving birth, there was no difference in the number of breast cancer recurrences, new breast cancers or overall survival in women who breastfed compared to those who did not.

“With this new information, we can debunk the myth that breastfeeding is neither possible nor safe for breast cancer survivors,” Dr. Fedro Alessandro Peccatori of the European Institute of Oncology IRCCS in Milan, who worked on the study, said in a statement. “They can have a normal pregnancy and relationship with their baby, including breastfeeding.”

A second study included 518 women who temporarily interrupted their breast cancer treatment to have a baby. Of those, 317 had at least one baby and 62% of them breastfed. At two years from the first live birth, the proportion of women with breast cancer recurrence or new breast cancer was similar in those who breastfed (3.6%) and those who did not (3.1%).

Other recent studies have shown that neither assisted-reproduction treatments nor pregnancy itself are associated with increased risk of recurrence or new cases of breast cancer.

Immunotherapy improves outcomes in gynecological cancers

Adding Merck’s (MRK.N), opens new tab immunotherapy drug Keytruda to current standard treatments for gynecological cancers can provide meaningful benefits for certain patients, researchers reported at the ESMO 2024 meeting in Barcelona.

In a late-stage trial, opens new tab in women with high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer, adding Keytruda to chemoradiotherapy achieved a three-year overall survival rate of 82.6%, compared to 74.8% in patients who received chemoradiotherapy plus a placebo.

“The benefit in terms of improved overall survival should change our practice as soon as possible,” said Dr. Isabelle Ray-Coquard, president of the Group d’Investigateurs National Evaluation des Cancers de l’Ovaire (GINECO) based in Lyon, France, who was not involved in the research.

“Immunotherapy plus chemoradiotherapy provides a new standard of care for patients with high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer,” Ray-Coquard said in an ESMO statement.

A second late-stage trial, opens new tab in women with newly diagnosed high-risk endometrial cancer found that adding Keytruda to chemotherapy after surgery did not improve disease-free survival for everyone, but it did show a meaningful disease-free survival benefit for patients whose tumors showed a genetic abnormality known as deficient mismatch repair (dMMR).

“Although this trial is not positive in the study population as a whole, it gives us important information indicating that patients with endometrial dMMR tumors are more sensitive and reactive to immunotherapy,” Dr. Elene Mariamidze of the Georgian School of Oncology in Tbilisi, who was not involved in the study, said in the ESMO statement.

Immunotherapy helpful in skin, breast, bladder cancers

Immunotherapy can also prolong survival in patients with advanced melanoma, hard-to-treat breast cancer and advanced bladder cancer, researchers reported at ESMO 2024 in Barcelona.

“The main message from all of these studies is that immunotherapy continues to keep its promise and hope of long-term survival for many patients with different types of cancer,” Dr. Alessandra Curioni-Fontecedro, director of oncology at the Hospital of Fribourg, Switzerland, who was not involved in the study, said in a statement.

In one late-stage trial, opens new tab involving patients with advanced melanoma, half of the participants received immunotherapy with a combination of Opdivo and Yervoy, both from Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY.N), opens new tab. More than half of those were still alive six years later. A good initial response to the treatment – that is, no disease progression for at least three years – predicted a good long-term outcome: 96% of such patients were still alive at 10 years.

“The results from this trial do confirm the potential for cure with immunotherapy in patients with advanced melanoma,” Dr. Marco Donia of the Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, who was not involved in the research, said in a statement.

“For patients who show no disease progression beyond three years, these longer-term results demonstrate that most of them never progress,” Donia added. “The melanoma-specific survival is very high in this group of patients.”

Immunotherapy also boosted survival in patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancers, which fail to respond to commonly used breast cancer treatments. Overall survival at five years was 86.6% with Keytruda plus chemotherapy before surgery and continued immunotherapy after surgery, compared to 81.2% with chemo and surgery alone, the study, opens new tab found.

“We had thought that breast cancer may not be sensitive to immunotherapy alone but giving it in combination with chemotherapy before surgery and then further afterwards improves overall survival in many patients,” Curioni-Fontecedro said.

A similar improvement in overall survival with giving immunotherapy before surgery was seen in a late-stage study, opens new tab of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Patients treated with Astra Zeneca’s (AZN.L), opens new tab Imfinzi plus chemotherapy before radical cystectomy followed by continued Imfinzi had significantly longer event-free survival and overall survival compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone.

Credit: Reuters

Team Metabolic Health

Hong Kong, Cancun and Las Vegas are the most sleep-disruptive cities, a new study of 30 cities says.

A relaxed vacation can suddenly go awry when city noise interrupts a restful sleep. Hong Kong, according to a new study, is the most sleep-disruptive destination, largely because of high noise levels.

The study, done by Australian mattress company Onebed, determined that Hong Kong also had the highest percentage of negative online reviews concerning sleep quality at its four-star hotels. Thirty cities, including five in the United States, were analyzed in the study and were ranked based on average noise levels in decibels, negative reviews about sleep quality in four-star hotels, air quality data, tourist numbers and nightclub operating hours.

Cancun ranks as the second-most sleep disruptive destination because of high noise levels and the city’s extensive nightlife.

Hong Kong ranks No. 1 as the most sleep-disruptive city, largely because of high noise levels, according to a new study that analyzed 30 cities worldwide. (Photo by Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)

Ranking No. 3, Las Vegas is America’s most sleep-disruptive city, according to the study. More than 40 million annual tourists visit Las Vegas — a larger total than any of the top 10 cities on the sleep-disruptive list. Vegas also has high noise levels and nightlife until 4 a.m., the study says.

Other noisy cities rounding out the top 10 are No. 4 Shanghai, China, followed, consecutively, by Istanbul, Turkey; Marrakech, Morocco; Cairo, Egypt; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Paris, France, and Rome, Italy.

Of the other U.S. cities included in the 30-city study, New York ranks No. 13. Los Angeles No. 18, San Francisco No. 25 and Orlando No. 26.

Bali, Indonesia, ranks as the best city among the 30 analyzed to get a good night’s sleep without noise disruption. Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Vienna, Austria, are also good bets for a good night’s sleep, according to the study.

Credit: Forbes

Team Metabolic Health

The superfood is packed with fibre, healthy fats, magnesium and vitamins C, E, and K

Eating two or more servings of avocado every week reduces the risk of heart disease by a fifth, according to a recent study from the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAMA). The research, which looked at the diets of more than 110,000 people, found eating one of the green fruits a week (the equivalent of two servings) appears to slash the risks of coronary heart disease by 21% compared to people who do not eat avocado.

Aside from being delicious, avocados also contain dietary fibre, healthy monounsaturated fats and other key vitamins and minerals, including magnesium and vitamins C, E, and K. Dr Lorena Pacheco, lead author from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in Boston, US, says: “Our study provides further evidence that the intake of plant-sourced unsaturated fats can improve diet quality and is an important component in cardiovascular disease prevention.”

A woman picking up an avocado from the product aisle at the supermarket

Here are eight ways to get more avocado – without a slice of toast in sight.

1. In your favourite green smoothie bowl

Smoothie bowls may be less trendy now than they were five years ago, but they still remain a popular breakfast option, particularly in the spring and summer. Adding avocado to your blender will help you thicken your bowl, particularly if you also use frozen bananas. Mix blueberries, spinach and raspberries for a sweet and tangy start to the day.

2. As a tasty guacamole

Guacamole has it’s roots in Central America. In Mexico, avocados grow in abundance, and the Aztecs were said to eat it combined with spices. These days, the tasty dip is more often used to top popular Tex Mex dishes like enchiladas and nachos.

However, if made simply and fresh at home (by mashing up ripe avocadoes with garlic, lime, black pepper and chilies) guacamole with tortilla chips or crudités makes an excellent snack and is an easy way to get those vital vitamins in.

3. In a creamy pasta sauce

Yep, a creamy pasta without the cream. Adding avocado to a blender with tasty ingredients like basil, chilli, lemon juice and black pepper, and combining until a creamy sauce will make an easy topping for your pasta of choice. Add a little bit of Grana Padano and you have a quick and healthy midweek meal.

4. In a chocolate mousse

You read that right. Avocado makes a great substitute for eggs in a chocolate mousse – which can make an indulgent pudding vegan. You can’t taste the avocado when it is paired with high cocoa dark chocolate and some of your favourite dairy-free milk. This dessert is a lush final course for a dinner party and can be made in under ten minutes, because it turns out that avocados and blenders go hand in hand.

5. Stuff them

You may be used to stuffing a pepper, a sweet potato or a mushroom, but you can also stuff an avocado. Take out the stone (carefully – apparently injuries from removing them are on the rise), and add couscous, rice, beans, cheese, cooked prawns, whatever you like.

5. In banana muffins

Because it’s high in fat, thick and creamy, avocado is a great addition to a muffin, particularly with banana. It’ll make an excellent breakfast or snack and paired with chocolate chips is a sure-fire hit with kids and grown ups alike. No need for butter and oil, the avocado is doing all the work.

7. Bake them

A great alternative brunch to the usual avocado toast (delicious but becoming rather overdone). Take the stone out of your avocado, crack an egg in the hole, top with cheese or herbs and bake it. This will be delicious with a hollandaise sauce and some sourdough or a zesty Pico de Gallo (Mexican tomato salsa).

8. Drink them

In the 19th century, French colonisers brought the avocado to Thailand and it can be seen on menus now in a very sweet capacity. Sinh Tố Bơ is a cold drink, much like a milkshake, made with condensed milk, coconut milk and ice. It has a beautiful green colour, milkshake-like texture and a nutty taste. The name translates to ‘butter fruit smoothie’ and is a very accurate description.

The bad news is that avocados are on the more expensive end of fruit and veg items. Prices have reported just surged to a 24-year high, a rise that has been put down to inflation pressures and Covid-related supply problems in Mexico, as reported in the Daily Mail.

But if you want to get your hands on them at a slightly lower cost, check out the reduced aisle in your local supermarket for those on the turn (perfect for throwing in a blender).

Credit: mylondon.news

Team Metabolic Health

Researchers uncover clonal hematopoiesis as a new cardiovascular risk factor, suggesting colchicine as a possible treatment option.

A significant discovery has emerged in the field of cardiovascular health. Researchers have identified a new risk factor for heart disease that could reshape how we understand and treat atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaques in arteries. This discovery centers on a condition called clonal hematopoiesis, which occurs when certain blood-forming stem cells acquire genetic mutations, leading to their rapid proliferation. Although clonal hematopoiesis has long been associated with blood cancers, it is now being recognized as a key contributor to cardiovascular risk.

What is Clonal Hematopoiesis?

Clonal hematopoiesis refers to the process by which specific blood-forming stem cells acquire mutations in their DNA and begin to multiply at an abnormal rate. These mutated cells, originating in the bone marrow or bloodstream, are not passed down genetically but occur in somatic cells, meaning they arise spontaneously during an individual’s lifetime. As people age, especially in older adults, these mutations can accumulate, and clonal hematopoiesis is often discovered incidentally during routine medical examinations.

In many cases, clonal hematopoiesis does not lead to immediate health problems. However, it has been linked to an increased risk of blood-related disorders, such as leukaemia. Now, researchers are uncovering how this condition also contributes to cardiovascular disease.

Linking Clonal Hematopoiesis to Atherosclerosis

A study published in Nature Medicine in August 2024 revealed clonal hematopoiesis as a new risk factor for atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaques build up inside the arteries, leading to blockages that can cause heart attacks and strokes. Traditionally, well-known risk factors for atherosclerosis have included high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. However, this new research shows that clonal hematopoiesis, particularly when associated with mutations in genes like TET2, plays a crucial role in the development of this condition.

Dr José J. Fuster, a leading researcher at the Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research, was at the forefront of this study. He explained how clonal hematopoiesis creates a unique population of blood cells with a different genetic makeup from the rest of the body’s blood cells. This altered genetic profile can impair the function of the blood cells, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks.

The Direction of Causality: Clonal Hematopoiesis First

Earlier research had raised questions about whether clonal hematopoiesis directly contributed to atherosclerosis or if the reverse was true—that atherosclerosis led to clonal hematopoiesis. However, the Nature Medicine study used longitudinal data from healthy middle-aged individuals to clarify this relationship. According to Dr. Fuster, the findings confirmed that clonal hematopoiesis is a driver of atherosclerosis rather than a consequence of it. Those participants who had mutations linked to clonal hematopoiesis at the beginning of the study were more likely to develop atherosclerosis over time.

Dr Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist not involved in the study, reinforced these conclusions. He pointed out that the research shows clonal hematopoiesis increases the risk of atherosclerosis, but the reverse does not hold true. However, he emphasized that further research is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms behind this link.

New Treatment Possibilities with Colchicine

In addition to identifying clonal hematopoiesis as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, a second study published in the European Heart Journal offered potential treatment strategies for individuals with this condition. This research highlighted the drug colchicine, a medication traditionally used to treat gout and inflammation, as a promising option for people with clonal hematopoiesis who carry mutations in the TET2 gene.

Colchicine is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which have been harnessed to manage conditions like pericarditis and gout. Researchers now suggest that it could be included in personalized treatment plans to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with clonal hematopoiesis. Given the role of inflammation in the progression of atherosclerosis, colchicine’s ability to dampen the body’s inflammatory response might slow down or even prevent the development of plaques in arteries.

A New Era in Cardiovascular Care

This discovery of clonal hematopoiesis as a cardiovascular risk factor is a breakthrough that opens up new avenues for both diagnosis and treatment. It also underscores the complex relationship between genetics and cardiovascular disease. While traditional risk factors such as lifestyle choices and metabolic conditions remain critical, understanding genetic mutations like those seen in clonal hematopoiesis could lead to more targeted therapies and earlier interventions.

With further research, clinicians may be able to identify individuals at high risk for atherosclerosis based on the presence of these genetic mutations and tailor treatment plans accordingly. The potential use of colchicine as a preventive measure marks an exciting step forward in addressing this newly recognized cardiovascular risk factor.

In the future, genetic screening for clonal hematopoiesis might become a routine part of cardiovascular risk assessments, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes in individuals who would otherwise go undiagnosed until it’s too late.

Credit: onlymyhealth.com

Team Metabolic Health

The new trend of rawdogging — doing something without special preparation or distractions — is now gaining traction in nutrition. An expert says practicing mindful eating can have health benefits, including weight loss.

The term “rawdogging,” which was initially used to describe sex without a condom, is no longer inappropriate in public discourse. Social media users are now promoting “rawdogging flights” that involve using no entertainment, food, or water, while others “raw dog” their exercise routines.

There is no strict definition of “rawdogging,” and it sounds much like good old mindfulness, which is a practice rooted in Buddhism and is the quality of being present and fully engaged with whatever you are doing at the moment.

Now, a dietitian has recently called for rawdogging meals, which refers to eating without being distracted by a smartphone or a TV and focusing on chewing and taste.

However, it is easier said than done, as 24% of Americans report always watching television while eating dinner at home. Another survey found that 15.6% of people in the United States use smartphones or tablets at the table during everyday family dinners. But is it worth trying?

Image by Healthnews

The benefits of mindful eating

Kasey Benavides, a registered dietitian, says eating without distractions has many health benefits, like feeling more satisfied after meals, and plays a role in gut health.

After all, digestion is a top-down process with the first two stops being your mind and your mouth. Mindful eating helps us in both of these areas by first, priming us to be in a more relaxed state before a meal and second, naturally leading us to chew each bite more.

Benavides

There is some evidence suggesting that eating mindfully can help with eating disorders. For example, a 2023 study in women with obesity found that the participants who practiced mindful eating saw greater reductions in uncontrolled and emotional eating compared to those involved in moderate energy restriction.

In women with obesity and binge eating disorder, the eight-week mindful eating program not only improved binge eating episodes and eating habits but also reduced weight, body mass index, and waist circumference. However, more long-term data is needed.

‘Rawdogging meals’ for weight loss

Benavides says mindful eating can lead to weight loss because it helps to pay attention to food, which, as a result, feels more satisfying. Meanwhile, accidental overeating, even if it is just by a few bites, is often enough to plateau weight loss efforts.

“When you pay attention to your food, you’ll not only find yourself enjoying it more, but you’ll also find it’s easier to stop at initial signs of fullness,” she tells Healthnews.

People are especially distracted when eating desserts: they may be focusing on a conversation, a TV show, or feeling guilty about eating it.

Benavides adds, “If you’ve ever found yourself standing over a tray of cookies eating one after the other, try sitting down next time and pay close attention to the exact things about the cookie that you’re loving. Chances are, you’ll feel that satisfaction and find it easier to stop after one.”

How to practice mindful eating

According to the American Heart Association, incorporating these steps into your daily eating routine can help eating mindfully:

Ponder: Check in with yourself about your hunger before you eat — you may actually be thirsty.

Appraisal: Take a moment to take in. How does it smell? Do you really want it?

Slow: Slow down so your brain can keep up with your stomach. Put your fork down between bites and focus on the flavor.

Savor: Take a moment to savor the satisfaction of each bite — the taste, texture, everything.

Stop: Don’t keep eating when you’re full.

Practicing “rawdogging” meals — AKA mindful eating — in a fast-paced environment can be difficult; however, once it is learned, it can help you enjoy food more while losing weight.

Credit: healthnews.com

Team Metabolic Healh

Chances are heart disease doesn’t cross your mind very often. Until you hear that you—or a loved one—are at risk for the disease, it may not factor too much into your day-to-day life.

But heart disease is actually the leading cause of death worldwide1. And for women approaching their 50s, it’s particularly relevant since women who have gone through menopause are more likely to struggle with their heart health than women who haven’t (even if they’re the same age). 

Image by Ivan Gener/Stocksy

Low levels of sex hormones (primarily estrogen) during postmenopause are linked to numerous heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight gain. But your habits can counter these shifts.

According to new research, postmenopausal women should prioritize five key health factors to lower their heart disease risk. 

It’s not just one thing: how a healthy lifestyle can support heart health

Researchers of a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association set out to see how these five general lifestyle factors affect the risk for any type of heart disease: 

Waist circumference (a way to identify abdominal fat accumulation)

• Cigarette smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Diet quality
• Leisure-time physical activity

They collected data on each of these factors for over 40,000 women ranging from 50 to 79 years old who had a healthy body weight, had no history of heart disease, and weren’t on menopause hormone therapy. Their lifestyle practices were ranked (individually and collectively) as low risk or high risk for heart disease. 

Not surprisingly, having healthier behaviors across the board—like having a smaller waist circumference, not smoking, not drinking in excess, and eating healthfully—were linked to a significantly lower risk of heart disease including strokes and heart attacks. 

Why are we so excited about a study that seems to state the obvious?

Well, women as a whole are underrepresented in scientific research, especially when it comes to heart health. So a large-scale study like this that focuses solely on women is a huge win.

And menopause isn’t an overtly known risk factor for heart disease. For women who are entering their postmenopause years (decades really) in good health, this study shows that it is still imperative to prioritize habits that support maintaining a healthy weight. Especially since the physiological changes of menopause may make things like weight and cholesterol management more challenging than before. 

How to support your heart health during (and before) menopause

Let’s dive a little deeper into specific recommendations that fall into those five broad categories. (The benefits of not smoking cigarettes are vast and well documented, so we won’t focus on that one now.) 

Strength train to build muscle

Undesirable changes (aka the favor of fat storage and muscle loss) in body composition commonly follow the menopause transition. Strength training and actively working to build and maintain muscle is an essential component of metabolic and heart health—which are closely intertwined. 

A large study of over 12,000 people (men and women) around 47 years of age found that participating in strength training even once a week or for less than an hour weekly was linked to a 40 to 70% lower likelihood of heart disease—even in the absence of cardio exercise.

While some resistance training is better than none, more is better than some. It’s generally recommended to get two or three days of strength training in a week to work all major muscle groups (like chest, abs, back, legs, etc.). 

Focus on fiber

Fiber, especially soluble fiber, plays a vital role in lowering high cholesterol levels. A large analysis of over 22 studies shows that people who eat a lot of fiber have a 20% lower likelihood of developing heart disease5 compared to low-fiber consumers. 

But most people aren’t getting the fiber they need. The National Academies recommends that women consume at least 25 grams of fiber daily. So make sure to eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains, and opt for a high-quality fiber supplement (that can offer up to 7 grams of fiber per serving) if you need extra support. Here are our top fiber picks vetted by a nutrition Ph.D.

Eat more omega-3 fats

Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fat found primarily in seafood like salmon, sardines, anchovies, and herring. Multiple studies show that people who eat fish multiple times a week have half the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and almost a third of the risk of dying from a heart attack as people who don’t eat fish. 

Omega-3s support cardiovascular health by promoting healthy levels of fat in the blood6 (triglycerides)and healthy blood pressure levels and fighting inflammation.

But less than 90% of Americans get the weekly recommended servings of fish (a minimum of two 3.5 servings). If you fall into that category, a high-quality fish oil supplement (here are our favorites) can help you get the amount of omega-3s needed for cardiovascular benefits7 (which is generally considered to be at least 1,000 milligrams daily). Here’s our detailed list of the best omega-3 supplements.

Get more quality sleep

Anywhere from 35% to 60% of women in postmenopause8 experience sleep disturbances and conditions like insomnia and sleep apnea8. This is partially attributed to those low sex hormone levels triggering night sweats. 

Not getting enough sleep—typically less than six hours a night—and sleeping poorly can greatly increase the risk of coronary heart disease9. Poor sleep can also make weight management more challenging by increasing body fat levels10. Here, we dive into expert-backed ways to help you fall (and stay) asleep.   

If you choose to partake, only drink alcohol in moderation

For women, moderate alcohol consumption is considered no more than one drink daily. Occasional drinking is actually linked to improved heart-health outcomes for some11, whereas excessive consumption and binge drinking are associated with poorer heart health. 

There’s no reason to add alcohol to your routine if you don’t currently drink. But if you do, consider limiting yourself to the recommended one drink or less per day. 

The takeaway

After menopause, women have a higher risk of heart disease and associated risk factors like high cholesterol and excess weight. A new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association reinforces the necessity of taking a holistic approach to preventing chronic disease. While habits like strength training, sleeping well, and eating fiber and omega-3s are important for women at every life stage, they are habits that are worth picking up—even 50+ years into life. 

Credit: mindbodygreen.com

Team Metabolic Health

‘Calories in, calories out’ includes what’s eaten and digested as well how those absorbed calories are burned through metabolism.

Is the adage “calories in, calories out” true? The short answer is yes, but the full story is more nuanced.

From the moment food touches your tongue to the time it leaves your body, your digestive system and gut microbiome work to extract its nutrients. Enzymes in your mouth, stomach and small intestine break down food for absorption, while microbes in your large intestine digest the leftovers.

Jannis Brandt via Unsplash

“Calories in, calories out” refers to the concept that weight change is determined by the balance between the calories you consume and calories you expend. This includes not only the number of calories you eat due to appetite and absorb via digestion, but also how well those absorbed calories are burned through metabolism.

Recent research indicates that a significant factor influencing people’s variable appetites, digestion and metabolism are biologically active leftover components of food, known as bioactives. These bioactives play a key role in regulating the body’s metabolic control centres: your brain’s appetite centre, the hypothalamus; your gut’s digestive bioreactor, the microbiome; and your cells’ metabolic powerhouses, the mitochondria.

I’m a gastroenterologist who has spent the past 20 years studying the gut microbiome’s role in metabolic disease. I’ll share how dietary bioactives help to explain why some people can eat more but gain less, and I’ll offer some dietary tools to improve metabolism.

Appetite and digestion

Research has shown that consuming whole foods still “packaged” in their original fibers and polyphenols – the cellular wrappers and colorful compounds in plants that confer many of their health benefits – leads to more calories lost through stool, when compared with processed foods that have been “predigested” by factories into simple carbs, refined fats and additives.

This is one way calorie-free factors influence the “calories in, calories out” equation, which can be beneficial in a society where calorie intake often exceeds needs. Eating more whole foods and less processed foods simply lets you eat more because more of those unprocessed calories go out the other end unused.

Fiber and polyphenols also help regulate your appetite and calorie intake through the brain. Your microbiome transforms these leftover bioactives into metabolites – molecular byproducts of digestion – that naturally decrease your appetite. These metabolites regulate the same gut hormones that first inspired the popular weight loss drugs Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro, controlling appetite through your brain’s satiety center, the hypothalamus.

Processed foods lack these bioactives and are further formulated with salt, sugar, fat and additives to be hyperpalatable, causing you to crave them and eat more.

Mitochondrial maestros

A full accounting of calories also depends on how effectively your body burns them to power your movement, thoughts, immunity and other functions – a process largely orchestrated by your mitochondria.

Healthy people typically have high-capacity mitochondria that easily process calories to fuel cellular functions. People with metabolic diseases have mitochondria that don’t work as well, contributing to bigger appetites, less muscle and increased fat storage.

They also have less of a mitochondria-rich type of fat called brown fat. Rather than storing calories, this fat burns them to produce heat. Less brown fat may help explain why some people with obesity can have lower body temperatures than those who aren’t obese, and why there has been a decline in average body temperature in the US since the industrial revolution.

Healthy mitochondria that burn more calories might also help explain why some people can eat more without gaining weight. But this raises the question: Why do some people have healthier mitochondria than others?

Your mitochondrial health is ultimately influenced by many factors, including those usually associated with overall well-being: regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management and healthy eating.

Metabolic ‘lights’

The latest nutrition research is revealing the roles that previously underappreciated dietary factors play in mitochondrial health. Beyond the essential macronutrients – fat, protein and carbohydrates – and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, other leftover factors in food, including fibers, polyphenols, bioactive fats and fermentation products, are also key for metabolism.

Unlike a Western diet, which often lacks these bioactives, traditional diets such as the Mediterranean and Okinawan diets are rich in foods – nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fermented foods – replete with these factors. Many bioactives pass undigested through the small intestine to the large intestine, where the microbiome converts them into activated metabolites. These metabolites are then absorbed, influencing the number of mitochondria in cells and how they function.

At the most fundamental level of cell biology, metabolites turn on and off molecular switches in your genes through a process called epigenetics that can affect both you and your offspring. When the metabolic “lights” are turned on, they enliven the mitochondria responsible for a faster metabolism, effectively increasing the calories you use.

Microbiome gap

A healthy microbiome produces a full range of beneficial metabolites that support calorie-burning brown fat, muscle endurance and metabolic health. But not everyone has a microbiome capable of converting bioactives into their active metabolites.

Long-term consumption of processed foods, low in bioactives and high in salt and additives, can impair the microbiome’s ability to produce the metabolites needed for optimal mitochondrial health. Overuse of antibiotics, high stress and lack of exercise can also adversely affect microbiome and mitochondrial health.

This creates a double nutrition gap: a lack of healthy diet and a deficiency in the microbes to convert its bioactives. As a result, well-studied nutritional approaches such as the Mediterranean diet might be less effective in some people with an impaired microbiome, potentially leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and negatively affecting metabolic health.

In these cases, nutrition research is exploring the potential health benefits of various low-carb diets that may bypass the need for a healthy microbiome. While the higher protein in these diets can reduce the microbiome’s production of beneficial metabolites, the lower carbs stimulate the body’s production of ketones. One ketone, beta-hydroxybutyrate, may function similarly to the microbiome metabolite butyrate in regulating mitochondria.

Emerging microbiome-targeting approaches might also prove helpful for improving your metabolic health: butyrate and other postbiotics to provide preformed microbiome metabolites, personalized nutrition to tailor your diet to your microbiome, intermittent fasting to help repair your microbiome, and the future possibility of live bacterial therapies to restore microbiome health.

Fat to fuel

For most people, restoring the microbiome through traditional diets such as the Mediterranean diet remains biologically achievable, but it is not always practical due to challenges such as time, cost and taste preferences. In the end, maintaining metabolic health comes back to the deceptively simple healthy lifestyle pillars of exercise, sleep, stress management and nutritious diet.

Some simple tips and tools can nonetheless help make nutritious diet choices easier. Mnemonics such as the 4 F’s of food – fibers, polyphenols, unsaturated fats and ferments – can help you focus on foods that best support your microbiome and mitochondria with “leftovers.” Bioactive-powered calculators and apps can also aid in selecting foods to control your appetite, digestion and metabolism to rebalance your calorie “ins and outs”.

Christopher Damman is Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Washington.

This article was first published on The Conversation.