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Category: healthy living

Published on Leave a comment on Flame Retardant Levels In the Body Go Down When Old Sofas Are Replaced
Upholstered sofa Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Worried about being exposed for years to sofas filled with flame retardants? The dust from the foam in these sofas release flame retardants into the air, which then get into people's bodies. Flame retardants are linked to all sorts of health problems (cancer risk, hormone disruption, and neurodevelopmental effects). But finally, there is some good news.

A recent study found that just one year after getting rid of old flame retardant filled sofas and chairs (and replacing them with flame retardant-free furniture) resulted in a huge decline in flame retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the body. The levels of PBDEs declined in half in 1.4 years.

The use of use of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in foam products (e.g., the foam in upholstered furniture) is also declining in upholstered furniture, but the levels in the study participants didn't decline as much. This is perhaps because OPFRs are still used today in many other products (e.g., as a plasticizer, a coating for electronic devices, in car furnishings).

Bottom line: When buying new sofas and upholstered chairs, look for flame-retardant free furniture. A label commonly on the bottom of the furniture will tell you if they contain flame retardant chemicals or not. [NOTE: Upholstered furniture made between 1970 and 2014 probably contains flame retardants.] Also, wash hands before eating. Vacuum with a HEPA filter.

From Medical Xpress: Swapping old sofas and chairs reduces body levels of harmful flame retardants

New research led by the California Department of Public Health and partners has found that replacing foam-containing furniture made before 2014 would cut in half levels of certain harmful flame retardants in people's bodies in just over a year.

Published in Environmental Pollution, the study is the first to show measurable health benefits from California's 2014 furniture flammability standard update, which made it possible for manufacturers to comply without adding chemical flame retardants. ...continue reading "Flame Retardant Levels In the Body Go Down When Old Sofas Are Replaced"

Published on Leave a comment on Male Sperm Counts Continue to Decline
Human sperm Credit: Wikipedia

When looking at the research, it is striking that so many chemicals that we are exposed to daily are harming us. Health harms include an increase in certain cancers (e.g., brain cancer and leukemia from certain pesticides) and reproductive effects. This can be seen clearly when research shows that sperm counts are declining globally 2.64% per year since 2000.

A recent report from HEAL (Health and Environmental Alliance in the European Union) found that along with this, infertility rates, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer are increasing. This is alarming!

HEAL’s report (author Dr. Cannarella) details alarming indications of catastrophe in male reproductive health: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, crashing sperm counts, infertility, and numerous developmental problems including cryptorchidism, urogenital malformations, and hypospadias. The report highlights pesticides, microplastics, phthalates, bisphenols, PFAS and heavy metals as the likely environmental sources of the crisis. There is evidence that all of these endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) adversely affect male reproductive function.

Excerpts from the latest research on the drop in sperm counts globally and declines in male reproductive health, the science report from HEAL: Chemical pollution and men’s health: A hidden crisis in Europe

A 2023 meta-analysis by Levine et al. showed that global sperm counts declined by 52% between 1973 and 2018. European countries showed similar or even steeper declines, especially in Western and Southern Europe. ...continue reading "Male Sperm Counts Continue to Decline"

Published on Leave a comment on Some Foods May Protect Us From the Harms of Too Much Sitting

We all know sitting too much is not good for our health. But for many of us, it's our reality - sit all day at work, and then come home and relax by sitting all evening. But there is some good news. A recent study found that eating foods rich in flavanols, such as cocoa,  may protect our blood vessels from the harms of too much sitting.

While the research occurred in young healthy men (with either high or low levels of fitness), all had detrimental effects in their vascular health (blood flow) after several hours of sitting. Drinking a flavanol rich cocoa drink at the beginning of a 2 hour sitting time prevented the decrease in blood flow ("sitting-induced vascular dysfunction") in both upper and lower limbs.

The researchers did point out though, that some exercise every hour, even 5 minutes of walking or climbing stairs, would have the same effect.

Flavanols are naturally occurring polyphenols found in various fruits (e.g., blueberries, apples, grapes), green and black tea, matcha, nuts, red wine, and cocoa beans. They have previously been linked to cardiovascular benefits, including support for the vascular system during psychological stress. Eating diverse flavanoid rich foods is best because there are so many types of flavanols.

From Science Daily: Cocoa and tea may protect your heart from the hidden damage of sitting

New findings from the University of Birmingham suggest that regularly eating foods rich in flavanols, including tea, berries, apples, and cocoa, may help protect men's blood vessels from the negative effects that occur during long periods of sitting. ...continue reading "Some Foods May Protect Us From the Harms of Too Much Sitting"

Published on Leave a comment on The Foods You Eat and Their Link to Constipation

For years it has been known that increasing the amount of fiber (and drinking enough fluids) in a person's  diet helps to prevent constipation. A recent large multi-year study of 96,000 adults confirmed this: Mediterranean and plant-based diets prevented constipation, and Western and inflammatory diets (low fiber, high ultra-processed foods) raised constipation risk.

Vegetables, cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli), legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), and fruits were all associated with reduced risks for constipation. High vegetable and nut consumption was especially good for preventing constipation. Additionally, a low carbohydrate diet showed a slight increased risk for constipation. Eating a diet rich in cereal fibers (e.g., white bread, low fiber breakfast cereals) and ultra-processed foods was linked to constipation.

Besides reducing constipation, many studies show that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, such as the Mediterranean diet, is protective for cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., heart disease, heart attack, strokes, kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes), cancer, and even early death. This type of diet is high in fiber, has positive effects on the gut microbiome, and reduces chronic inflammation.

From Science Daily: What 96,000 adults taught scientists about preventing constipation

Chronic constipation becomes more common with age. Researchers from Mass General Brigham conducted a new study examining whether five widely followed diets could help prevent chronic constipation in middle- and older-age adults. The team monitored more than 96,000 participants for several years to see how long-term eating habits influenced the likelihood of developing this persistent gastrointestinal issue. Their analysis showed that people who routinely ate a Mediterranean or plant-based diet experienced a lower incidence of constipation. The findings appear in Gastroenterology. ...continue reading "The Foods You Eat and Their Link to Constipation"

Published on Leave a comment on Ultra-Processed Foods and Colon Polyps

Ultra-processed foods are linked to many health harms, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A recent large study of women found that they are also linked to colon adenomas (polyps) - which are precursors to colorectal cancer. The more ultra-processed foods in the diet, the higher the risk of polyps (adenomas).

There was a 45% greater risk of polyps in the group eating the most ultra-processed foods (about 10 servings per day), when compared to those eating the fewest ultra-processed foods (about 3 servings per day).

The researchers point out that the rise in the rates of colorectal cancer has occurred with the rise of ultra-processed food consumption. Currently, more than 50% of the diet of Americans consists of ultra-processed foods.

Other researchers suggest that there may be other contributing factors to the rise in colorectal cancer, such as low fiber in the diet (typical Western diet), and microplastics in the environment, which are found in our food, water, and beverages.

Bottom line: Eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. This will increase the amount of fiber in your diet, and lower your intake of ultra-processed foods. Read ingredient labels and if there is something that normally is not found in a person's kitchen, then it is ultra-processed.

Examples of ingredients found in ultra-processed foods: emulsifiers, carrageenan, mono- and diglycerides, soy lecithin, polysorbate, cellulose, colors, titanium dioxide, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dextrose, whey protein, nitrates, artificial flavors, natural flavors, colors, etc.

From Medical Xpress: Ultra-processed foods tied to higher rates of early-onset colorectal cancer precursors in adults

Colorectal cancer used to be associated with old age, but diagnoses have become increasingly common in adults aged 50 or younger particularly in high-income countries like the United States. The reason for this trend is unclear, but a new study led by Mass General Brigham researchers, as part of the Cancer Grand Challenges PROSPECT team, suggests an important link to ultra-processed foods that merits closer investigation. ...continue reading "Ultra-Processed Foods and Colon Polyps"

Published on Leave a comment on Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Human Health All Sorts Of Ways
Credit: Wikipedia

The list of health harms from ultra-processed foods just keep growing. Unfortunately, most Americans get the majority of their calories from ultra-processed foods. A recent series of studies found that ultra-processed foods harm every one of our major organs. They increase the risk of many chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity ) and early death.

How do you know a food is ultra-processed? Look at the ingredient list and if there is something that normally is not found in a person's kitchen, then it is ultra-processed. Examples of such ingredients are: emulsifiers, carrageenan, mono- and diglycerides, soy lecithin, polysorbate, cellulose, colors, titanium dioxide, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dextrose, whey protein, nitrates, flavors (artificial and natural), colors, etc. (Yes, natural flavors are laboratory concoctions.)

Ultra-processed foods are food products manufactured with all sorts of ingredients (additives) that have been added to extend shelf-life or manipulate the taste, flavor, or appearance. Ultra-processed foods are "formulations of ingredients" that result from a series of industrial processes (thus "ultra-processed").

Bottom line: Read labels! Try to avoid foods with ingredients not normally found in your kitchen. Try to eat as many whole foods and minimally processed foods as possible.

Excerpts from The Guardian: Ultra-processed food linked to harm in every major human organ, study finds

Ultra-processed food (UPF) is linked to harm in every major organ system of the human body and poses a seismic threat to global health, according to the world’s largest review.UPF is also rapidly displacing fresh food in the diets of children and adults on every continent, and is associated with an increased risk of a dozen health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression.

...continue reading "Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Human Health All Sorts Of Ways"

Published on Leave a comment on Lone Star Tick Bites and Red Meat Allergies
Lone Star Tick Credit: Wikimedia Commons

For years scientists have been watching the spread of the Lone Star Tick moving progressively northward from southeastern states.  One health condition that can be caused by the Lone Star Tick is an allergy to red meat, called the alpha-gal allergy syndrome.

It was recently revealed that the first known death from the alpha-gal syndrome occurred in a healthy 47 year old New Jersey man who consumed a hamburger at a barbecue in 2024 - he died from a fatal anaphylactic reaction a few hours later. Earlier that summer he had been bitten by small Lone Star Tick larvae on his legs, but at the time he thought they were only chigger (small mites) bites.

The symptoms of the allergy are pretty incredible: eat some red meat (beef, pork, or venison) and a few hours later have severe allergy symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, itching, hives, swelling, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhea. The allergy is to the sugar molecule commonly called alpha-gal which is found in red meat, dairy, and some medications (such as the cancer drug cetuximab).

Once a person has this allergy there is no cure, vaccine, or treatment other than avoiding red meat (and in more severe cases dairy foods), treating the allergy symptoms, and carrying an EpiPen (just in case). Many cases start to improve within six months to a few years.

Martha's Vineyard has been exploding with cases of alpha-gal syndrome (lots of lone star ticks on the island) to the point that restaurants are offering alpha-gal safe foods (vegetarian and vegan food) on their menus.

From Medical Xpress: First death linked to 'meat allergy' spread by ticks

A healthy 47-year-old man from New Jersey died abruptly four hours after consuming beef. The cause of his death had been a mystery until UVA Health's Thomas Platts-Mills, MD, Ph.D., investigated. A world-renowned allergist, Platts-Mills discovered the allergy and remains the foremost expert on it. ...continue reading "Lone Star Tick Bites and Red Meat Allergies"

Published on Leave a comment on Daily Coffee May Reduce Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter Risk

Good news for coffee drinkers. A recent study found that drinking coffee daily significantly lowers the risk of atrial fibrillation. By up to 39% in those who already have atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter! In other words, coffee consumption is protective.

In the well done study, participants (who already had atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter) assigned to the coffee group drank at least 1 cup of caffeinated coffee or an espresso shot daily for 6 months. And the other study group avoided all coffee and caffeinated drinks for 6 months. The results surprised the researchers because it went against medical knowledge, which said to avoid coffee in those with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

That's right - go ahead and enjoy your coffee! It's beneficial!

From Science Daily: Surprising heart study finds daily coffee may cut AFib risk by 39%

New research suggests that drinking coffee may actually help protect against atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to beat too quickly and irregularly, sometimes leading to stroke or heart failure. ...continue reading "Daily Coffee May Reduce Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter Risk"

Published on Leave a comment on Our Pets Are Early Warning Systems For Pollutants

The NY Times recently published a nice article on how our pets are sensitive to the same pollutants in the environment as humans, and can act as early warning systems or sentinels. This is because they respond faster and are more sensitive than humans to many pollutants - whether in the air (air pollution), in household dust, water, or on the ground and lawns.

Since they live shorter lives than us, negative effects, such as cancers, show up faster in pets than in humans. For example, they get the same cancers as us from lawn pesticides us, but years faster. A recent study found that on days with an increase in air pollution (from fine particulate matter) pet dogs and cats significantly increase veterinary visits.

Do go read the whole article. Excerpts from NY Times: In a Toxic World, Pets Could Be Vital Health Watchdogs

On a frigid February night in 2023, a freight train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. For days, the train’s hazardous contents spilled into the surrounding soil, water and air. It was an environmental and public health catastrophe, and efforts are underway to monitor the long-term health effects on the people of East Palestine.

But one team of scientists is focused on a different group of local residents: the dogs. After the derailment, the researchers recruited dog owners in and around East Palestine, asking them to attach chemical-absorbing silicone tags to their pets’ collars. ...continue reading "Our Pets Are Early Warning Systems For Pollutants"

Published on Leave a comment on Certain Types Of Fiber May Lower the Risk of Developing Crohn’s Disease

A problem with the Western diet that most of us eat is that it is low in fiber. A diet low in fiber and large amounts of ultraprocessed foods is suspected to play a role in the increasing incidence of intestinal bowel diseases (IBD) in the US and Canada.

A recent study, which was presented at the United European Gastroenterology Week 2025 found that a diet rich in fermentable fiber (specifically inulin and beta-glucan) may lower the risk of developing Crohn's disease. Each fiber type was associated with a 30% lower risk of developing Crohn's disease.

On the other hand, a lower intake of these fibers was linked to impaired intestinal permeability and inflammation.

Beta-glucan is a fiber found in cereal grains such as oats, barley, rye, sorghum, wheat, and mushrooms, seaweed, and yeast. It is a soluble fiber associated with a number of additional health benefits, such as decreasing inflammation, improve blood sugar management, and lowers cholesterol levels.

Inulin is a prebiotic fiber found in some plant foods, such as garlic, leeks, onions, asparagus, chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, dandelion greens, apples, and bananas.

There are different fibers in different foods - so a variety of fiber foods is optimal for our health. Fiber is found in whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.

From Medscape: Fermentable Fiber May Lower Crohn’s Disease Risk

Increased intake of two fermentable fibers, inulin and beta-glucan, was associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing Crohn’s disease (CD) among first-degree relatives of patients with the condition. ...continue reading "Certain Types Of Fiber May Lower the Risk of Developing Crohn’s Disease"