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Author: Sima

Published on Leave a comment on The Sugar Substitute Erythritol And the Brain’s Blood Vessels

Once again artificial sweeteners are in the news, and not in a good way. New research found that the sugar substitute erythritol, at a concentration typically found in an artificially sweetened beverage, has harmful effects on the small blood vessels of the brain.

Erythritol crosses the blood brain barrier and interacts with the brain's cerebrovasculature (the blood vessels in the brain, including the arteries, veins, and capillaries that supply blood and nutrients to the brain tissue). This study focused on the smallest blood vessels (microvascular) in the brain. And yes, found that the amount or erythritol in 1 diet beverage has adverse effects at a cellular level on these blood vessels.

This study was done in a lab setting (and not directly on humans), but research results match up with other studies on erythritol. Other studies already found that erythritol increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease, strokes, as well as blood clot formation. This study's results give an explanation for why there is a increased risk of these brain vascular (blood vessel) events happening.

Erythritol is found in some beverages advertised as low or zero calorie (e.g., Monster Zero energy drinks, Blue Sky Zero Sugar soda, Red Bull Zero) and in some low calorie foods (e.g., Halo Top low-calorie ice cream). Read ingredient lists on labels!

From Medical Xpress: Major sugar substitute found to impair brain blood vessel cell function, posing potential stroke risk

Erythritol may impair cellular functions essential to maintaining brain blood vessel health, according to researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder. Findings suggest that erythritol increases oxidative stress, disrupts nitric oxide signaling, raises vasoconstrictive peptide production, and diminishes clot-dissolving capacity in human brain microvascular endothelial cells. ...continue reading "The Sugar Substitute Erythritol And the Brain’s Blood Vessels"

Published on Leave a comment on Woman Dies After Using Contaminated Water For Nasal Rinses
Naegleria fowleri Credit: CDC

Saline nasal rinses have become very popular, usually to ease symptoms of nasal congestion during colds, allergies, or sinus infections. It is very important to only use boiled (and cooled), commercially bottled, sterile, or distilled water for nasal rinses to make sure any harmful microbes and organisms in the water are killed. One person in Texas ignored this advice and paid with her life.

The woman used nonboiled water from the RV faucet (in her RV vehicle), which was unfortunately contaminated with the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This amoeba traveled to her brain and caused primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), also known as Naegleriasis. Which is almost always fatal. In her case, she died within 8 days from the first symptoms.

Authorities were unable to determine if the amoeba was in the RV campsite drinking system or if it was picked up in another site when filling up her RV's water. But, they did point out that drinking water contaminated with Naegleria fowleri does not cause problems. It is only a problem when rinsing contaminated water into the nasal passages and sinuses - the amoeba can then travel to the brain.

As the CDC points out on its web-site (also see page on safe nasal rinsing):

"Germs such as the amebas Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba can grow in public and private water tanks and pipes. They can also grow in the pipes and water heaters in some homes and buildings.

Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba can pose a serious risk to your health if they are in the water you use to rinse your sinuses or nasal passages. If the amebas go up the nose and to the brain, they can cause nearly always fatal brain infections. Although rare, people have died from rinsing their sinuses with tap water containing Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba."

From CIDRAP (The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the Univ. of Minnesota): Woman dies from brain ameba after flushing nose with RV water

A previously healthy 71-year-old woman in Texas died within 2 weeks of using tap water from a recreational vehicle (RV) for nasal irrigation. She was diagnosed as having primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) a rare, often fatal brain infection caused by the ameba Naegleria fowleri, according to a report yesterday in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. ...continue reading "Woman Dies After Using Contaminated Water For Nasal Rinses"

Published on Leave a comment on Recovery From Physical and Mental Symptoms of COVID May Take Months
Credit: NIAID

Most of us have had at least one COVID infection, with many having had the virus several times. Some recover quickly, but for others recovery is slow. But how long does it usually take to fully recover from symptoms?

A new study reported that it takes about 3 months to recover from COVID-19 physical symptoms, but 9 months for many to return to how they felt mentally before they became ill with the virus.

To repeat, in this study of 1096 persons who had COVID and 371 persons who did not become infected with COVID (as measured by a FDA approved SARS-CoV-2 test) − it took about 3 months to fully recover physically from COVID, but 9 months mentally. The mental symptom recovery showed gradual improvement over time. But even at a year about 1 in 5 had not fully recovered from the mental symptoms, which may be indicative of long COVID.

People participating in the study were surveyed about physical functioning, fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, cognitive function, and sleep. This was not a long COVID study. It was a look at how persons who had a COVID infection recover from COVID symptoms over time (they were followed for 1 year).

From Discover: Mental Recovery From COVID-19 Symptoms Can Take Up to 9 Months

Some infections are tougher to recover from than others. Take COVID-19 infections, for instance. According to a new study in Open Forum Infectious Diseases, people with COVID and COVID-like symptoms typically take around nine months to recover from their infections mentally, and around three months to recover from their infections physically, suggesting that mental recovery is a particularly lengthy process that requires more study and more medical attention. ...continue reading "Recovery From Physical and Mental Symptoms of COVID May Take Months"

Published on Leave a comment on Pesticide Industry Doesn’t Want To Disclose Pesticide Harms Or Allow Lawsuits

The following news should concern everyone. So far 2 states (North Dakota and Georgia) have passed laws protecting pesticide companies from lawsuits, referred to as "immunity from litigation".

What this means is that if a harm is not on the pesticide label, then people can't sue about other not mentioned or hidden harms. This is even if the companies deliberately hid harms that occur to people using or exposed to the products - referred to as "failure to warn".

Yikes! What is on the pesticide labels (and registered with the EPA) typically are short-term harms from acute exposure (that is, short-term intense exposure), such as rashes, eye irritation, headaches. Potential long-term health harms from chronic or multiple exposures, such as cancer (e.g., non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), birth defects, fertility issues, neurological harms (e.g., Parkinson's disease) are generally not on the labels.

By the way, the harms that are listed on labels are what the pesticide companies themselves tell the EPA. The EPA does NOT conduct its own research. All of this is a strategy by pesticide companies to avoid having to pay out settlements. They want to deny victims (people harmed by pesticides) access to courts to hold corporations accountable for harms caused by their products.

What makes this legislation especially frightening is that "immunity from legislation" sets a dangerous precedent for claims against any manufacturers of products with toxic ingredients. With the passage of this legislation, do you think pesticide companies will feel any duty to reveal harms from their products? Hah!

This legislation is moving forward in a number of other states (e.g., North Carolina Iowa, Missouri). If it's in your state, do your best to oppose and stop legislation that will shield pesticide manufacturers from being sued by people who were harmed by their products. Ordinary people and consumer groups do NOT support this legislation. Of course not.

The following are several articles that discuss this issue, including opinions of farmers (they want to be able to sue manufacturers of pesticides, if harmed).

From Beyond Pesticides: Industry Effort to Quash Lawsuits for Failure to Disclose Hazards Defeated in 9 States, Eyes on North Carolina

Hub for status of failure-to-warn, from Beyond Pesticides: Failure-to-Warn and status details for each state: Failure-to-warn resources and bills

Article describing views of farmers injured by pesticides from Investigate Midwest: Pesticide manufacturers ask lawmakers for immunity from lawsuits by sick farmers 

Another article (from Feb. 2025) describing views of farmers: Farmers ‘very worried’ as US pesticide firms push to bar cancer diagnoses lawsuits

Published on Leave a comment on Herpes Simplex Virus and Alzheimer’s Disease

Over the past decade there has been as increasing amount of research suggesting that the herpes virus (cold sores!) is implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. (here, here, here).

A recent study suggests the same possibility - herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) has a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. And treating cold sores with antiviral therapy (antiherpetic medications) results in a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease - thus the antivirals are protective.

The researchers found that having herpes virus type 2 (genital herpes) and varicella zoster virus (chicken pox, shingles) also resulted in increased risk of later developing Alzheimer's disease. But infection with cytomegalovirus was not.

From Medical Xpress: Cold sore viral infection implicated in development of  Alzheimer's disease

Symptomatic infection with the virus responsible for cold sores around the mouth–herpes simplex 1, or HSV-1 for short—may have a key role in the development of Alzheimer's disease, suggests a large US study published in BMJ Open. ...continue reading "Herpes Simplex Virus and Alzheimer’s Disease"

Published on Leave a comment on Exercise, Insulin, and the Brain

Studies find that exercise or physical activity improves the functioning of the brain, including memory and overall cognition. In a recent study, almost two weeks of exercise by older adults improved brain insulin signaling - that is, it improved the abilities of insulin to act on the brain by increasing "neuronal extracellular vesicles".

The study found these beneficial effects on a group of sedentary adults (average age 60) with prediabetes, who are at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

The participants exercised twelve times (60 minutes per day) by using a stationary bicycle (cycle ergometry exercise) over a 13 day period. So quick and simple, but it resulted in health benefits for the brain.

From Science Daily: Exercise improves brain function, possibly reducing dementia risk

A study led by scientists at Rutgers University-New Brunswick has shown that specialized cells involved in how the body responds to insulin are activated in the brain after exercise, suggesting that physical activity may directly improve brain function. ...continue reading "Exercise, Insulin, and the Brain"

Published on Leave a comment on Exercise Boosts Brain Function At All Ages

Exercise boosts brain function at all ages. This means that for both young and old, it is worth it to get out and engage in physical activity.

A large study reviewed other studies (for a total of 258,279 persons) on effects of exercise on brain functioning. They found that exercise, even light exercise, boosts brain function (specifically general cognition and executive function) and memory. Executive function refers to mental processes (executive functioning skills) that help you solve problems, make plans, set and carry out goals, and manage emotions.

The researchers concluded that most forms of exercise appear effective, including light-intensity activities, and even yoga, Tai Chi, and walking. The positive effects were found at all ages, and in all groups studied. There seemed to be an especially strong effect in persons with ADHD

From Science Daily: Exercise of any kind boosts brainpower at any age

Whether it's an early morning jog, or a touch of Tai Chi, groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia shows that any form of exercise can significantly boost brain function and memory across children, adults, and older adults. ...continue reading "Exercise Boosts Brain Function At All Ages"

Published on Leave a comment on Dairy Products and A Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Many people (even health professionals) are still under the impression that dairy products made from milk are unhealthy. NOT TRUE. Consuming dairy products, especially whole milk products, is associated with a number of health benefits.

Recent research adds to the growing body of research finding that higher intake of dairy products is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as colon cancer). One big review found a 20% decrease in colon cancer with higher dairy product consumption, and an 18% decrease in colon cancer specifically with higher milk consumption.

The researchers discussed studies that found that with each 400 g (about 1 3/4 cups) of dairy foods that people consumed daily, there was a 13% reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

It's more than the calcium found in the dairy products (there is research already finding that calcium in foods is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer). And it's more than dairy products that are fermented (e.g., yogurts). It's high fat milk products (whole milk) that have the highest association. But currently it's unclear why.

Excerpts from Medscape: Does Higher Dairy Intake Reduce CRC Risk?

Two recent studies have added to the growing body of research suggesting consuming more dairy reduces a person’s risk of getting colorectal cancer. ...continue reading "Dairy Products and A Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer"

Published on Leave a comment on Lead and Heavy Metal Contamination In Toothpaste
Tooth Credit: Wikipedia

We are all encouraged to brush our teeth daily with a toothpaste containing fluoride. We assume that the toothpaste is safe and free from dangerous chemicals and heavy metals, such as lead, but it turns out that our assumptions are wrong.

A consumer group had independent lab analyses done of 51 toothpaste brands. They found toxic heavy metals in most toothpaste brands, even those marketed as green and pure. The presence of heavy metals such as lead was detected in 90%, arsenic in 65%, mercury in 47%, and cadmium in 35% of the toothpaste brands.

However, none of the brands tested had levels exceeding current FDA guidelines: the lead limit for fluoride free toothpaste is 10,000 ppb and 20,000 ppb for fluoride toothpastes. But Washington state recently enacted much lower lead level limits of 1000 ppb (and some brands exceeded those levels).

The toothpaste brands containing heavy metals (at varying levels) included Crest, Sensodyne, Tom's of Maine, Dr Bronner;s, Davids, and others. [Note: Arm and Hammer was not tested]. It is thought that the heavy metals (especially lead) was from ingredients added to many toothpaste brands: hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate and bentonite clay.

The work was funded by The Lead Safe Mama, LLC (LSM) team. This group has been conducting independent, community-funded, scientific testing of consumer goods since 2009. Since March 2024 they have been conducting independent laboratory testing of foods, supplement, cosmetics, and personal care items.

From The Guardian: Toothpaste widely contaminated with lead and other metals, US research finds

Toothpaste can be widely contaminated with lead and other dangerous heavy metals, new research shows. ...continue reading "Lead and Heavy Metal Contamination In Toothpaste"

Published on Leave a comment on Regular Exercise In Winter Months Keeps Vitamin D Levels Up

Typically, our vitamin D levels drop in the winter months when we don't get as much sun exposure. After all, it is called the sunshine vitamin. However, a new study found that regular moderate-intensity exercise kept vitamin D levels up in the winter, even without vitamin D supplements or weight loss.

Good reason to exercise - prevent the usual seasonal decline in vitamin D. How much exercise? In the study, overweight adults had four indoor cardiovascular exercise sessions per week for 10 weeks: two treadmill walks, one longer steady-state bike ride, and one high-intensity interval bike session

From Science Daily: Exercise the key to maintaining Vitamin D levels in winter

The sun may be shining now, and our vitamin D levels are getting a natural boost but it wasn't long ago we were in the depths of winter, when sunlight was scarce and vitamin D was in short supply. ...continue reading "Regular Exercise In Winter Months Keeps Vitamin D Levels Up"