healthy living – Lacto Bacto

High-Dose Flu Vaccines Lower the Risk of Developing Dementia

SimaApril 4, 2026April 4, 2026Leave a comment

The risk of developing dementia increases as a person ages. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) the risk of dementia was 4% by the time a person is 75, and 20% by age 85, and even higher after 85 years of age. Thus the interest in ways to prevent the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

One way to lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease is getting vaccinated, including the shingles and flu vaccines, after the age of 60. A recent study found that getting vaccinated with high dose flu vaccines in adults 65 years and older (instead of standard dose) reduces the odds of developing Alzheimer's disease even more.

A possible reason for the protective effect of the flu vaccine, especially the high-dose vaccine, is that vaccination strengthens immune defenses and reduces inflammation. Inflammation is thought to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Excerpts from CIDRAP: High-dose flu vaccine tied to lower Alzheimer’s risk in older adults

Receiving a high-dose flu vaccine is associated with a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease than a standard-dose vaccine in adults aged 65 and older, according to a large observational study published in Neurology. The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking vaccination, and possibly immune system activity, to reduced dementia risk. ...continue reading "High-Dose Flu Vaccines Lower the Risk of Developing Dementia"

Measles Can Be Deadly

SimaApril 3, 2026April 4, 2026Leave a comment

In the year 2000 the United States had a "measles elimination status" meaning measles had been eliminated in the US, but that's now over. So far in 2026 there have been 1671 measles infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this past week alone there were almost 100 new cases, almost all in Utah.

Measles infections (which are bad enough) can have very serious complications, including death. According to the CDC these include severe ear infections (leading to hearing loss), severe diarrhea, pneumonia (can cause death), encephalitis (brain swelling) resulting in permanent brain damage, complications during pregnancy, and even the rare fatal condition subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) that can occur years later (typically 4 to 8 years later).

Scary facts about measles (from the CDC): about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the US who get measles is hospitalized, about 1 child out of every 1000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (brain swelling), and nearly 1 to 3 of every 1000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.

Yeah, the measles vaccine works, but only if you get vaccinated. By the way, a measles infection is especially deadly to babies because they are still too young to get vaccinated - which normally occurs at 12 to 15 months of age,

Excerpts from rom CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy): US nears 1,700 measles cases, with 73 new infections in Utah

US measles cases climbed by almost 100 in the past week, reaching 1,671 infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its weekly update. The vast majority of the 96 new cases are in Utah. ...continue reading "Measles Can Be Deadly"

Smokeless Fuels Produce More Ultrafine Particles That Get Into Lungs

SimaMarch 27, 2026March 27, 2026Leave a comment

Another example of unintended consequences: a recent study found that smokeless or low-smoke fuels actually produce more ultrafine particles, which can wind up embedded deep in the lungs and even cross the blood-brain barrier. Thus having health effects, such as lung inflammation.

On the other hand, it has long been known that regular smoke from burning wood or coal contains larger particles, which also have health effects (respiratory and cardiovascular effects).

Ultrafine particles are less than 100 nm (nanometer) in diameter. Truly tiny.

Excerpts from The Guardian: ‘Smokeless’ fuels produce more ultrafine particles that get embedded in lungs, study shows

New research has found that burning “smokeless” or low-smoke fuels may be causing new air pollution hazards on streets and in homes.

These fuels are sold as alternatives to burning coal, wood and peat at home, but tests reveal their smoke contains large quantities of tiny ultrafine particles, smaller than the wavelength of light, that can deposit themselves deep in our lungs. ...continue reading "Smokeless Fuels Produce More Ultrafine Particles That Get Into Lungs"

Many Baby and Toddler Foods Are Ultra-Processed

SimaMarch 26, 2026March 27, 2026Leave a comment

Yogurt with ultra-processed ingredients Credit: Wikipedia

There is concern in the United States about the increasing rates of colon cancer in young persons. Currently it is the leading cause of cancer in persons under 50 years. Some possible causes being examined are ultra-processed foods (over 50% of calories eaten daily by Americans), low fiber intake, and microplastics.

This is why the results of a recent study are especially concerning: about 71% of baby and toddler foods sold in the United States are ultra-processed. Snack sized packages and pouches were especially likely to having ultra-processed ingredients, as well as high levels of sugar and sodium (salt).

How to recognize 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. [Good book about this topic: Ultra-Processed People]

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. Natural flavors are laboratory concoctions, even if they are "organic".

Excerpts from Food and Wine: Nearly 3 in 4 Packaged Baby-Food Products Sold in the US Are Ultra-Processed, Study Finds

A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that 71% of baby and toddler foods sold in major U.S. grocery stores are ultra-processed.
Researchers identified more than 100 different additives in these products, with general additives, flavor enhancers, and thickeners among the most common.

...continue reading "Many Baby and Toddler Foods Are Ultra-Processed"

Global Warming Is Now Accelerating

SimaMarch 26, 2026March 27, 2026Leave a comment

The past few years have been the hottest globally since records have been kept, and have broken temperature records. And the pace of global warming is accelerating! The rate has surged so much that it is nearly double what it was in the 1970s. Yikes!

This means climate change is speeding up. Temperatures, storms, droughts, wildfires, and so on. Carbon dioxide levels are at the highest level in about 2 million years. All of this has been predicted by climate change models. So no - it is not just normal swings in climate. In fact, scientists feel we're close to Earth's tipping points (e.g, Atlantic Ocean currents weakening and slowing down.)

It is past time for governments to address this issue. But will they?

From YaleEnvironment360: Global Warming Is Accelerating, Study Shows

The Earth is warming at the fastest rate on record as emissions hit new highs and critical carbon sinks break down.

From Science Daily: Scientists detect a sudden acceleration in global warming

Global warming has been increasing at a faster pace since about 2015, according to a new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). By adjusting global temperature records to remove known natural influences, researchers were able to identify a statistically significant rise in the rate of warming for the first time. ...continue reading "Global Warming Is Now Accelerating"

Eating Wild Blueberries Has Health Benefits

SimaMarch 20, 2026March 20, 2026Leave a comment

Some foods appear to have especially powerful health benefits. Berries are very beneficial, especially blueberries. (Or at least they have been studied more than other berries.) A recent study found that frequent or daily consumption of wild blueberries is especially beneficial for cardiometabolic health, including vascular health.

Blueberries contain lots of fiber, polyphenols (which have powerful effects on vascular health), antioxidants, flavonoids (anthocyanins), and micronutrients. Wild blueberries have more of all these compared to farmed blueberries. Blueberries are especially beneficial for vascular health because they reduce inflammation and vascular dysfunction.

Bottom line: Researchers suggest eating daily half a cup to one cup blueberries, especially wild blueberries, for health benefits, such as lowering inflammation. (Less is good also - better to eat some than none)

Medical Xpress: Studies suggest Maine wild blueberries support gut and heart health

Wild blueberries—the iconic Maine crop dotting hillsides, decorating sweatshirts and adding personality to local menus—is more than a cultural symbol. More than 20 years of preclinical and clinical studies suggest that regularly consuming wild blueberries supports gut and heart health and may reduce risk factors associated with chronic disease. ...continue reading "Eating Wild Blueberries Has Health Benefits"

Sometimes Getting A Tattoo Can Result in Eye Problems

SimaMarch 20, 2026March 20, 2026Leave a comment

Tattoos are incredibly popular throughout the world. One rare, but very concerning result from getting a tattoo is tattoo-associated uveitis. This is an inflammation of the eye, which can even cause permanent vision loss.

The most common health complications of tattoos are local inflammations, infections, allergic reactions at the site of the tattoo, and other inflammatory immune responses. Uveitis is a rare inflammatory response, which is consistently associated with long-term inflammation at the tattoo site (meaning that the inflammation has spread to the eye).

A recent review of studies found that tattoo-associated uveitis was associated with black ink and larger tattoos. Uveitis treatments included: 70.5% of individuals were treated with corticosteroids (with 50% needing long-term treatment), immunosuppressants (38.6%), and 16% had removal of the tattoo by excision. 16% also needed intraocular pressure management.

Different countries have different regulations regarding tattoo inks, with the European Union having stricter regulations than other countries. While the following article discusses tattoo-associated uveitis cases in Australia, it also occurs in the United States.

Bottom line: Monitor tattoos to see if there is long-term inflammation (swelling, redness).

Excerpts from The Conversation: What’s the link between tattoos and vision loss? 2 optometrists explain

Getting a tattoo can be a thrilling, albeit painful, experience.

About one-third of Australians have a tattoo, with many getting inked as a rite of passage. However, a small but increasing number of Australians are being diagnosed with a rare tattoo-related eye condition. It’s known as tattoo-associated uveitis and can cause permanent vision loss. ...continue reading "Sometimes Getting A Tattoo Can Result in Eye Problems"

Fixing Indoor Mold Problems Results In Fewer Asthma ER Visits

SimaMarch 18, 2026March 20, 2026Leave a comment

Mold exposure can be a trigger for respiratory ailments, including sinusitis and asthma. A recent study conducted in New York City's public housing found that fixing mold problems in apartments led to a big decrease in emergency visits for severe asthma attacks. Duh!...of course...

They found an average of nine fewer asthma-related emergency department visits per 1000 residents per year, or nearly 2800 fewer emergency department visits per year overall. Residents in nearby housing (apartments) not part of NY City's Housing Authority was the comparison group.

It makes sense that when the trigger for an asthma attack is removed, that there are fewer asthma attacks resulting in emergency room visits. But at least now the results have been quantified in a study. (NOTE: the study did not look at incidence of sinusitis, but one would expect the same type of results - if prolonged mold exposure triggers sinusitis, then cleaning it up prevents sinusitis).

From Medscape: Fix Mold, Reduce Asthma ED Visits?

An effort to remediate mold in public housing in New York City (NYC) was associated with thousands fewer emergency department visits for asthma per year, according to research presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)2026 Annual Meeting. ...continue reading "Fixing Indoor Mold Problems Results In Fewer Asthma ER Visits"

Microplastics Found In Higher Levels In Prostate Cancer Tumors

SimaMarch 5, 2026March 6, 2026Leave a comment

Microplastics are turning up everywhere in our environment, including us. A recent small study found microplastics in 90% of human prostate cancer tumors, and at much higher levels than in nearby healthy tissue.

The tumor samples contained about 2.5 times more plastic than nearby healthy prostate tissue. This led the researchers to suggest that microplastic exposure may be a risk factor for prostate cancer. This is because chronic inflammation is considered a risk factor for the development of cancer.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (smaller than 5 millimeters) that occur as plastics get worn down, degrade, or get heated. They get into the air, water, soil, and throughout the environment. The particles are so small that after they are inhaled or ingested (in our food and water), they travel to the lungs, blood, and organs. The health effects of plastic particles in our bodies are still mainly unknown, but so far studies are finding oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

From Science Daily: Microplastics found in 90% of prostate cancer tumors, study reveals

A new study has found tiny plastic particles in nine out of 10 men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Researchers also discovered that these microplastics were present at higher concentrations in cancerous tumors than in nearby noncancerous prostate tissue. ...continue reading "Microplastics Found In Higher Levels In Prostate Cancer Tumors"

Tires Are A Source Of Microplastics In Urban Air

SimaMarch 5, 2026March 6, 2026Leave a comment

There is much concern over the amounts of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment, especially since they are turning up wherever we look. Including inside human bodies (e.g., the brain, blood, lungs, our bones), with mainly unknown health effects. A recent study found that an important source of microplastics and nanoplastics in urban air (in heavy traffic areas) comes from vehicle tires.

This occurs from tire abrasion - tires get worn down when vehicles are driven and also when braking occurs, and the tire abrasion particles get released into the air. In this study, they accounted for about 65% of the total plastic particles in the air in a heavy traffic area in Leipzig, Germany. Microplastics are smaller than 5 mm, and nanoparticles are even smaller (smaller than 1 micrometer).

According to the researchers, residents spending 24 hours a day in the high traffic area would inhale approximately 2.1 micrograms of plastic particulates per day, which is about 0.7 milligrams per year. So far it other studies find that this can result in oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory reactions in the lungs.

From Phys.org: Microplastics and nanoplastics in urban air originate mainly from tire abrasion, research reveals

Although plastic particles in the air are increasingly coming into focus, knowledge about their distribution and effects is still limited. Chemical analyses from Leipzig now provide details from Germany for the first time: Around 4% of the particulate matter consists of plastic. Around two-thirds of this comes from tire abrasion. ...continue reading "Tires Are A Source Of Microplastics In Urban Air"