FDA clears first blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease
The test is for those aged 55 and older who are already exhibiting signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
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Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
I'm a doctor. Here are 11 science-backed tips to help you eat healthier.
I've only rarely met patients who can go from zero to 100 when it comes to a dietary change. So many people are used to eating highly processed, low-fiber meals, and their palates are accustomed to it. That's why I recommend making small healthy changes gradually, until you create a new habit and lifestyle that you're actually comfortable with. Here are 11 science-backed tips for eating healthier that I've discussed in my previous columns. Have a question about healthy eating? Send it to me here, and I may answer it in a future story. It's a myth that you 'lose' all the benefits of fiber when you blend fruits and veggies. When you make a smoothie, you're just blending the fibers down into smaller pieces that pass more easily through your stomach — you're not destroying the cell walls. A winning smoothie will contain a mixture of protein (such as from Greek yogurt), a serving of fruit (such as a small banana or half a cup of berries) and a blended veggie (such as kale or spinach) for fiber. Other additions, such as chia seeds and nut butters, can offer a nutritional boost. But be mindful of possible excess sugars. It's easy to go overboard on fruits, rapidly raising the glycemic index, and many also skimp on the fiber, which we all never get enough of. Fruits themselves in moderation (aim for four servings per day) are great for health, due to their micronutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Fruit juice seems like a natural extension of this, but without the whole fruit, including peel and pulp, you actually lose many of those benefits and get a quick glucose spike that stresses your pancreas. Think about it this way: You probably wouldn't eat three apples in a row, but you could easily drink the equivalent amount of sugar in one serving of apple juice. It's a myth that you 'lose' all the benefits of fiber when you blend fruits and veggies. When you make a smoothie, you're just blending the fibers down into smaller pieces that pass more easily through your stomach — you're not destroying the cell walls. A winning smoothie will contain a mixture of protein (such as from Greek yogurt), a serving of fruit (such as a small banana or half a cup of berries) and a blended veggie (such as kale or spinach) for fiber. Other additions, such as chia seeds and nut butters, can offer a nutritional boost. But be mindful of possible excess sugars. It's easy to go overboard on fruits, rapidly raising the glycemic index, and many also skimp on the fiber, which we all never get enough of. Fruits themselves in moderation (aim for four servings per day) are great for health, due to their micronutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Fruit juice seems like a natural extension of this, but without the whole fruit, including peel and pulp, you actually lose many of those benefits and get a quick glucose spike that stresses your pancreas. Think about it this way: You probably wouldn't eat three apples in a row, but you could easily drink the equivalent amount of sugar in one serving of apple juice. In numerous population-level and randomized controlled trials, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. In fact, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, which is rich in legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by about 18 percent. The Mediterranean diet also features healthier animal proteins by including yogurt, fish and chicken while de-emphasizing red meat. A study of over 500,000 European adults found that 100 to 200 grams of fatty or lean fish consumed weekly reduced colorectal cancer risk by 7 percent. So how about trying this easy salmon recipe that involves minimal prep? In numerous population-level and randomized controlled trials, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. In fact, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, which is rich in legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by about 18 percent. The Mediterranean diet also features healthier animal proteins by including yogurt, fish and chicken while de-emphasizing red meat. A study of over 500,000 European adults found that 100 to 200 grams of fatty or lean fish consumed weekly reduced colorectal cancer risk by 7 percent. So how about trying this easy salmon recipe that involves minimal prep? The recommended daily fiber intake for adults is 22 to 34 grams. But the vast majority of us are not meeting this threshold. We should all be eating a fiber-rich diet. This time-tested recommendation remains one of the strongest-studied ways to promote and preserve a healthy microbiome and improve your overall health. Eating a low-fiber diet leads to the loss of major categories of bacteria — and once certain groups are lost, they can be lost for good, even if you try to ramp up fiber intake later. So the time to act is now. The more diverse your diet, the more diverse your microbiome, and the healthier you are. So choose a variety of high-fiber plants, nuts and fermented foods to feed your microbiome the nutrient buffet it deserves. The recommended daily fiber intake for adults is 22 to 34 grams. But the vast majority of us are not meeting this threshold. We should all be eating a fiber-rich diet. This time-tested recommendation remains one of the strongest-studied ways to promote and preserve a healthy microbiome and improve your overall health. Eating a low-fiber diet leads to the loss of major categories of bacteria — and once certain groups are lost, they can be lost for good, even if you try to ramp up fiber intake later. So the time to act is now. The more diverse your diet, the more diverse your microbiome, and the healthier you are. So choose a variety of high-fiber plants, nuts and fermented foods to feed your microbiome the nutrient buffet it deserves. Eating a typical Western diet — meaning high in fat and low in fiber — has been shown to induce more than double the amount of bacterial toxins in the blood compared with a more balanced diet. Studies have also found that emulsifiers, a common food additive to prolong shelf life, and artificial sweeteners in ultra-processed foods may compromise the gut barrier. Not coincidentally, ultra-processed food consumption is linked to symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain and constipation often seen in irritable bowel syndrome. Eating a typical Western diet — meaning high in fat and low in fiber — has been shown to induce more than double the amount of bacterial toxins in the blood compared with a more balanced diet. Studies have also found that emulsifiers, a common food additive to prolong shelf life, and artificial sweeteners in ultra-processed foods may compromise the gut barrier. Not coincidentally, ultra-processed food consumption is linked to symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain and constipation often seen in irritable bowel syndrome. Many of us are eating some form of a grain, such as rice or bread, at multiple meals every week. Refined grains such as white rice and breads made from white flour are low in fiber and other minerals. Instead, try swapping these out for whole grains. In addition to being heart healthy, whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa and farro, are rich in fiber, helping you stay regular. The higher dietary fiber found in whole grains can also reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. For example, one meta-analysis found that three servings daily of whole grains is associated with a 17 percent colorectal cancer risk reduction. Many of us are eating some form of a grain, such as rice or bread, at multiple meals every week. Refined grains such as white rice and breads made from white flour are low in fiber and other minerals. Instead, try swapping these out for whole grains. In addition to being heart healthy, whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa and farro, are rich in fiber, helping you stay regular. The higher dietary fiber found in whole grains can also reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. For example, one meta-analysis found that three servings daily of whole grains is associated with a 17 percent colorectal cancer risk reduction. A 2021 analysis of the Nurses' Health Study II, a landmark study of nearly 100,000 nurses in the United States whose lifestyle habits and other medical conditions were followed over decades, found that each serving of a sugar-sweetened beverage consumed per day during adolescence was associated with a 32 percent increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer. Higher intake in adulthood was also linked to an increased risk. A 2021 analysis of the Nurses' Health Study II, a landmark study of nearly 100,000 nurses in the United States whose lifestyle habits and other medical conditions were followed over decades, found that each serving of a sugar-sweetened beverage consumed per day during adolescence was associated with a 32 percent increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer. Higher intake in adulthood was also linked to an increased risk. Dairy products are some of our main sources of calcium and vitamin D. My recommendation? Try eating plain Greek yogurt at breakfast. Greek yogurt can help you avoid hunger with half the carbohydrates and twice the protein of regular yogurt. But it's best to avoid flavors that have added sugar. Instead, boost the flavor profile of plain Greek yogurt with nuts, seeds and fresh fruits. Whether you should opt for low- or nonfat depends on how much you're eating and your overall daily intake of saturated fat, which should be less than 10 percent (and ideally less than 6 percent) of your daily caloric intake. I've seen some individual servings of Greek yogurt that contain as high as 27 percent of the recommended daily value, so it's always important to read the nutritional label. Dairy products are some of our main sources of calcium and vitamin D. My recommendation? Try eating plain Greek yogurt at breakfast. Greek yogurt can help you avoid hunger with half the carbohydrates and twice the protein of regular yogurt. But it's best to avoid flavors that have added sugar. Instead, boost the flavor profile of plain Greek yogurt with nuts, seeds and fresh fruits. Whether you should opt for low- or nonfat depends on how much you're eating and your overall daily intake of saturated fat, which should be less than 10 percent (and ideally less than 6 percent) of your daily caloric intake. I've seen some individual servings of Greek yogurt that contain as high as 27 percent of the recommended daily value, so it's always important to read the nutritional label. Eggs have gotten a bad rap over the years, mainly because of concerns about cholesterol concentrated in their yolks. Moderation is still key: While people with heart disease or high cholesterol need to consider how eggs add to their overall daily cholesterol intake, a study of about half a million Chinese adults suggested that eating one egg a day might decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. When cooked in a healthy way (not fried in animal fat such as butter or bacon grease), eggs can be a solid choice and a good source of protein: One egg contains about six grams of protein. Eggs have gotten a bad rap over the years, mainly because of concerns about cholesterol concentrated in their yolks. Moderation is still key: While people with heart disease or high cholesterol need to consider how eggs add to their overall daily cholesterol intake, a study of about half a million Chinese adults suggested that eating one egg a day might decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. When cooked in a healthy way (not fried in animal fat such as butter or bacon grease), eggs can be a solid choice and a good source of protein: One egg contains about six grams of protein. While I love breakfast sausage as much as the next person, I've cut down profoundly in the past five years as data has crystallized about the detrimental role processed and red meat play in our gut health. Many of us know how bad processed meats are for our arteries, but bacon, smoked sausages and cured hams may raise the risk of colorectal cancer, which has been rising among younger people. I wish I could tell you plant-based meat substitutes were the way to go, but it's not so straightforward. While these are probably a move in the right direction, many of these are ultra-processed and some data suggest they are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. While I love breakfast sausage as much as the next person, I've cut down profoundly in the past five years as data has crystallized about the detrimental role processed and red meat play in our gut health. Many of us know how bad processed meats are for our arteries, but bacon, smoked sausages and cured hams may raise the risk of colorectal cancer, which has been rising among younger people. I wish I could tell you plant-based meat substitutes were the way to go, but it's not so straightforward. While these are probably a move in the right direction, many of these are ultra-processed and some data suggest they are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. My patients often struggle with the advice to cut back on alcohol. That is partly because we're fighting against old dogma that says wine is 'good' for you. While past studies found there may be a small protective effect against cardiovascular disease with light alcohol consumption, a major 2023 meta-analysis debunked this entire idea, and no study has ever shown that these people also have a reduced risk of cancer. Because even drinking as infrequently as fewer than one standard drink per day raises the risk of cancer, researchers from the World Health Organization now advise there is no 'safe amount of alcohol consumption.' My patients often struggle with the advice to cut back on alcohol. That is partly because we're fighting against old dogma that says wine is 'good' for you. While past studies found there may be a small protective effect against cardiovascular disease with light alcohol consumption, a major 2023 meta-analysis debunked this entire idea, and no study has ever shown that these people also have a reduced risk of cancer. Because even drinking as infrequently as fewer than one standard drink per day raises the risk of cancer, researchers from the World Health Organization now advise there is no 'safe amount of alcohol consumption.' You don't need to cut out sweets entirely. In fact, a classic study from researchers at Northwestern University in 1975 found that people who ate a more restrictive diet were more likely to go overboard when given a chance at sweets than people who didn't diet. So I recommend trying smaller, less frequent portions of your favorite sweets (fun fact: dark chocolate is a surprisingly healthier choice compared with milk chocolate). You can also practice mindful eating to savor the experience. And don't swap out real sugar with sugar substitutes. Some sugar substitutes are far sweeter than sugar, which won't exactly help address your sugar cravings. And according to the World Health Organization, not only do these not help with weight loss if that's your goal, but they can lead to other health problems. (Of course, these considerations are different for people with diabetes.) You don't need to cut out sweets entirely. In fact, a classic study from researchers at Northwestern University in 1975 found that people who ate a more restrictive diet were more likely to go overboard when given a chance at sweets than people who didn't diet. So I recommend trying smaller, less frequent portions of your favorite sweets (fun fact: dark chocolate is a surprisingly healthier choice compared with milk chocolate). You can also practice mindful eating to savor the experience. And don't swap out real sugar with sugar substitutes. Some sugar substitutes are far sweeter than sugar, which won't exactly help address your sugar cravings. And according to the World Health Organization, not only do these not help with weight loss if that's your goal, but they can lead to other health problems. (Of course, these considerations are different for people with diabetes.)
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
10 cases of rare illness linked to Botox from Mass. spa, officials warn
A 'growing cluster' of botulism cases related to Botox injections at a spa in Milton is under investigation by Massachusetts health officials. As of Saturday, there were 10 cases of suspected iatrogenic botulism linked with procedures performed at Rodrigo Beauty located at 464 Granite Avenue in Milton. State health officials describe iatrogenic botulism as a rare but serious illness caused by Botox spreading beyond the injection site, potentially leading to life-threatening symptoms. Anyone who received Botox injections at Rodrigo Beauty between May 1 and June 4 of this year is 'strongly urged' to contact the state public health department at 617-983-6800 or their local board of health immediately, even if they are not currently experiencing symptoms. Anyone who had Botox injections at the Milton spa and is experiencing symptoms should go to the nearest emergency department, health officials said. 'Early recognition and treatment can significantly improve outcomes,' officials said in a statement on Saturday. Symptoms can include blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, or breathing difficulties following Botox injections, health officials said. A spa representative could not be reached for comment on Sunday morning. Mass. school employee stole food, supplies for his Cape Cod snack shack, authorities say These beaches in Massachusetts are closed on Sunday, June 8 Swim portion of Springfield's Ironman 70.3 canceled due to Connecticut River pollution Mass. State Lottery winner: Cape Cod man wins $120,000 'Keno' prize A disabled veteran is accusing a Holyoke city councilor of taking his home. Did he? Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Give Your Kidneys Some Love With These 13 Superfoods
Your kidneys are vital to your overall health. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in seven adults in the United States has chronic kidney disease. Your kidneys work around the clock to filter out waste and excess fluid, helping to prevent serious health problems like heart disease, infections, anemia, depression and even loss of appetite. Your diet and gut health also play a major role in your wellness, especially when it comes to keeping your kidneys healthy. There are 13 superfoods you should keep in mind when considering natural ways to give your kidney health a boost. Read more: 6 Important Blood Tests You May Need for Your Overall Health Best Meal Delivery Services See at Cnet This nutrient-dense vegetable is low in both potassium and sodium while packing in fiber, vitamins C and K and more. Plus, cabbage is versatile. You can use it in salads and slaws, but you can also use it as a wrap for tacos, sandwiches and more. Fish delivers protein, and when you choose a fatty fish like tuna, salmon or trout, you're also getting omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats may help reduce fat levels (triglycerides) in the blood and may also lower blood pressure, according to the National Kidney Foundation. If you have CKD, you may need to keep an eye on the phosphorus and potassium levels of the fish you choose. The National Kidney Foundation has a chart you can use to determine levels in specific types of fish. Although, it's best to consult with your doctor. Like cabbage, bell peppers pack in lots of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They deliver antioxidants too. You can slice them and eat them with dips or roast them and add them to dinner. Cranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections. These usually stay in your bladder, they can travel up to your kidney, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, regularly consuming cranberries can help you avoid this unwelcome situation. Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and they can boost your heart and digestive health. It turns out, these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table. We've talked about some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. The question is: What foods help repair kidneys? Blueberries deliver. With high levels of antioxidants and loads of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are all-around healthy. They can also help to reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the issues that can come with CKD. There are plenty of reasons to turn to dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and minerals, plus immunity-boosting benefits. Be advised that greens can come with a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these to your diet. Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost your overall wellness. A study from Harvard University found that olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer. Beyond all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed olive oil that's virgin or extra virgin. Another antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting food, garlic also contains a specific compound called allicin. For people with CKD, allicin — an active compound found in garlic — worked just as effectively to help protect kidney health as a prescription drug. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic has to make the list. Plus, it's an excellent way to add flavor when you're skimping on salt. From the same family as garlic, onions give you another excellent and salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you saute them in olive oil). Onions also deliver important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper. They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Cauliflower brings the crunch, paired with plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, a big help when your kidneys aren't doing their best filtration work. Cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, though, so while it makes the list of foods good for kidneys, people with CKD may want to moderate their intake. Egg whites are specifically recommended for people with kidney problems. They give you a way to increase your protein levels -- which can be important with later-stage CKD, especially if you're on dialysis. Arugula is packed with nutrients your body needs like magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C and K. Plus, it's antioxidant-rich and has glucosinolates, which can help your body protect itself against a range of cancer types. You can eat arugula raw (it's a great salad base), but you can also sprinkle it over whatever you're whipping up. It's great on pizzas, in omelets and with pasta, for example. Apples deliver the cancer-fighting quercetin and fiber that can help to keep your cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels. They've got plenty of antioxidants. Better yet, they're easy to work into your diet. Leave a bowl of apples on your counter and you'll have a kidney-healthy, grab-and-go snack whenever you need one.
