HHS, FDA, and USDA Address Chronic Disease Epidemic Brought About by Ultra-Processed Foods
The joint effort is a collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The initiative is aimed at addressing the 'growing concerns around ultra-processed foods and the current epidemic of diet-related chronic disease that is plaguing America.'
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Politico
14 minutes ago
- Politico
Senate appropriators defend the NIH
WASHINGTON WATCH Senate appropriators came out hard in support of the National Institutes of Health on Thursday, giving the agency a $400 million funding boost for the 2026 fiscal year. How so: The Senate Appropriations Committee upped the agency's budget to $48.7 billion in the 2026 funding bill that cleared the panel with a 26-3 vote Thursday. If the bill becomes law, it would increase cancer research by $150 million; Alzheimer's research by $100 million and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, research by $25 million. The NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Office of Research on Women's Health would each get a $30 million boost. Research on maternal mortality, diabetes and rare diseases would also see an increase, among others. Why it matters: The funding boost is a rebuke from both Republicans and Democrats to the Trump administration's demand to decrease the NIH funding in the next fiscal year by as much as 40 percent, or $18 billion. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the legislation 'prioritizes funding to help make Americans healthier and supports life-saving medical research.' Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the top Democrat on the panel, said the budget increase was a message to 'the scientists wondering if there will even be an NIH by the end of this administration. This committee's resounding message is: 'Yes, Congress has your back.'' Murray urged scientists to continue their research in the U.S. despite the efforts of other countries to lure them away. The appropriators also adopted an amendment Thursday that would limit the Trump administration's control over NIH research funding. An amendment in the bill's manager's package limits the administration's plan to shift funding for most NIH grants from a multiyear schedule to an upfront single-year payment. The amendment states that no funds appropriated in the fiscal 2026 spending bill can be used to increase the proportion of grants fully funded in the first year of the award, compared with fiscal 2024. The NIH can only increase that proportion of forward-funded grants if the agency ensures it isn't cutting grants to do so. What's next: The bill is cleared for floor action. But congressional leaders haven't started bipartisan negotiations toward overall government funding totals, increasing the odds that lawmakers will again resort to a stopgap funding patch before the next fiscal year starts on Oct. 1. WELCOME TO FUTURE PULSE This is where we explore the ideas and innovators shaping health care. Peacock feathers have reflective structures that can amplify light into a laser beam, Science reports. Share any thoughts, news, tips and feedback with Carmen Paun at cpaun@ Ruth Reader at rreader@ or Erin Schumaker at eschumaker@ Want to share a tip securely? Message us on Signal: CarmenP.82, RuthReader.02 or ErinSchumaker.01. MORNING MONEY: CAPITAL RISK — POLITICO's flagship financial newsletter has a new Friday edition built for the economic era we're living in: one shaped by political volatility, disruption and a wave of policy decisions with sector-wide consequences. Each week, Morning Money: Capital Risk brings sharp reporting and analysis on how political risk is moving markets and how investors are adapting. Want to know how health care regulation, tariffs, or court rulings could ripple through the economy? Start here. WORLD VIEW A draft United Nations plan to make the world healthier no longer includes several targets cracking down on sugary drinks, trans fats and tobacco to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases globally. Struck down: A target of 80 percent of countries taxing sugary drinks at levels recommended by the World Health Organization by 2030, POLITICO's Rory O'Neill reports. That goal was a pillar of the initial draft, which will take the form of a nonbinding political declaration world leaders are expected to endorse at a Sept. 25 meeting in New York, on the margins of the U.N. General Assembly. The latest version has also dropped commitments to eliminate trans fats and aims instead to reduce them to the 'lowest level possible.' It also requires front-of-pack labels with nutritional information. A requirement for health warnings on tobacco packaging to be graphic and accompanied by elements that make it unattractive to consumers is also gone. The new draft has softer language on tobacco advertising, requiring countries to restrict it instead of eliminate it. 'Make no mistake, the Declaration in its current form is a backslide,' said Alison Cox, director of policy and advocacy at the NCD Alliance, in a statement. The alliance is a Switzerland-based civil society group working to promote chronic disease prevention. Why it matters: World leaders aim to reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes by 2030 through prevention and treatment and to improve mental health and well-being globally. Noncommunicable diseases killed 18 million people under age 70 in 2021, according to the WHO. Most deaths were in low- and middle-income countries. The aims align with the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again agenda, but it's unclear how much the U.S. is involved in drafting the final text. HHS did not respond to a request for comment. What's next: Negotiators are meeting this week in New York to discuss the text.
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
I'm a doctor — 3 toxic items in your bedroom that you should throw out ASAP, follow my 2-year rule
Forget the monster in your closet — the real nightmare in your bedroom is lurking in plain sight. A Harvard-trained doctor is sounding the alarm, warning that everyday items in your sleeping quarters may be teeming with chemicals, critters and other hidden hazards. In a recent Instagram video, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist, revealed the three 'toxic bedroom items' you should ditch before they wreck your health. 4 Dr. Saurabh Sethi is warning about the potential dangers of holding onto three common bedroom items. Saurabh Sethi / Instagram Pillow problems First up: old pillows. 'Pillows accumulate dust mites, sweat and allergens over time,' Sethi explained. This can turn them into breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors and even skin infections. Moisture — from spills, saliva, sweat, humidity or wet hair — can also cause mold and mildew to grow, which not only stinks but poses serious health risks, especially for those with respiratory issues. But it's not just the gross stuff to worry about. Pillow filling breaks down over time, making older pillows flat, lumpy and uncomfortable. That can trigger neck pain, headaches and restless nights. 'If yours is over one to two years old, it is probably time to replace it,' Sethi advised. Chances are, many of us are overdue. In one survey, nearly two-thirds of more than 100 respondents admitted to using pillows older than two years. 4 Synthetic pillows and memory foam pillows typically last 1-2 years. Satjawat – No spritz here You should probably toss that synthetic air freshener, too. Nearly three-quarters of Americans use them weekly, but despite their popularity, research suggests many odor eliminators may actually pollute your indoor air — and pose serious health risks. 'In one of the studies, 86% of air fresheners tested contained phthalates, which are chemicals associated with reproductive harm and asthma,' Sethi warned. Many also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, benzene and toluene, which can irritate your respiratory system and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. 4 While intended to improve the smell of a room, some air fresheners can release chemicals that may negetively impact air quality. Marevgenna – For some people, the strong scents can spark headaches or migraines. Others may break out in rashes or experience itching and redness from allergic skin reactions. In the long term, some studies suggest prolonged exposure to synthetic fragrances could increase the risk of chronic illness and even cancer. Check your bed Sethi also wants you to take a hard look at your mattress. 'A mattress that is more than 7 to 10 years old can lower sleep quality and cause chronic back pain,' he said. 4 Back pain is one of the top complaints Americans bring to their doctors. Satjawat – Just like pillows, old mattresses collect dead skin cells, dust, moisture, mites and other allergens over time — polluting your bedroom air and potentially triggering health issues. They also lose their shape and support, often sagging or forming lumps that leave you stiff, sore, and anything but well-rested. Even the coils inside can become squeaky and creaky over time. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience at first, it can quickly become a sleep saboteur. More Americans are likely dealing with these issues than you might think. In one study, researchers found that the average mattress in the US isn't replaced until it's 13.9 years old — nearly four years past the recommended lifespan. In another survey, 18% of respondents said they were sleeping on a mattress that was ten years old or older. That kind of wear and tear may be taking a serious toll. Nationwide, about a third of Americans — roughly 84 million people — aren't getting the recommended seven hours of sleep per night for optimal health and wellness. At the same time, nearly 16 million adults — around 8% of the US population — suffer from chronic back pain that interferes with daily life.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
A doctor explains what people should know about the ‘cortisol cocktail' that's gone viral on TikTok
(CNN) — If you've spent time on TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are the 'cortisol cocktail' trending as the latest wellness hack has appeared in your feed. This colorful, nonalcoholic drink typically contains a mix of coconut water, citrus juice and certain salts. Also called an 'adrenal cocktail,' it has amassed millions of views, with influencers claiming it can lower stress hormones, boost energy and balance your body's adrenal function. Almost half of Americans (49%) report frequent bouts of stress, and the number of people in the United States who are feeling stressed has been rising for the past two decades, according to a 2024 Gallup survey. In these uncertain times, a stress-relieving tonic feels just right as a soothing balm, but does it actually live up to the health claims? What is cortisol and its relationship to stress? What nutrients are in these drinks and how are they purported to influence cortisol? Do they work? Who should be wary of trying this concoction? To guide us through these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore's health commissioner. CNN: What is cortisol and its relationship to stress? Dr. Leana Wen: Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are organs located above the kidneys. The hormone plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including regulating metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep-wake cycles and immune responses. Cortisol is sometimes called the 'stress hormone' because its levels naturally rise when our bodies perceive a threat or stressful situation. This reaction is part of the body's 'fight-or-flight' response, helping people stay alert and react quickly when needed. Those temporary increases in cortisol are a helpful evolutionary adaptation. Problems can arise when cortisol levels stay elevated for prolonged periods of time, which can happen when someone is under chronic stress. Persistently elevated cortisol is linked to problems such as poor sleep, anxiety, high blood pressure and even weakened immunity. There are a number of medical conditions that can lead to abnormally high or low cortisol levels. Taking high doses of steroid medications or adrenal gland tumors are examples of conditions that can cause excess cortisol. Addison's disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, is when the adrenal gland stops its usual function. This condition, and problems with the pituitary gland in the brain, could result in low cortisol levels. CNN: What is in these 'cortisol cocktail' drinks, and how are they purported to influence cortisol? Wen: Recipes vary, but they tend to have a combination of coconut water, juice (usually orange or some other citrus fruit) and some salts (commonly sea salt and/or magnesium). Sparkling water is often added to taste. Contrary to what the name may suggest, it typically does not contain any alcohol. Each of the primary ingredients is supposed to play a role in supporting adrenal function and lowering stress. Coconut water is high in potassium, which helps maintain proper fluid and electrolyte balance. Citrus juice offers vitamin C, which plays a role in adrenal gland function. Salt and magnesium are supposed to replenish minerals depleted by stress. Moreover, some researchers believe that magnesium itself may help reduce feelings of anxiety or stress. Because of this, some versions of the cortisol cocktail include magnesium powder and/or cream of tartar, which has a high concentration of magnesium along with potassium and other salts. CNN: Is there evidence that this drink actually lowers cortisol and reduces stress? Wen: There is no scientific evidence that this drink has the effects it purports. While it's true that nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C and magnesium are important for healthy adrenal function, they are typically obtained in adequate amounts through a balanced diet. Bananas are the classic food high in potassium, but many others are packed with this mineral, too, such as raisins, apricots and tuna. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries and peppers. And magnesium is also in many foods, including beans, peanut butter and leafy green vegetables. True deficiencies in these nutrients can cause health problems, but such deficiencies are uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals. More importantly, there is no evidence that consuming extra amounts beyond what the body needs will provide additional benefits or that it will meaningfully lower cortisol levels. CNN: What about the claim that the drink can treat a condition that influencers call 'adrenal fatigue'? Wen: The claim that some influencers have promoted on social media is that there is a condition of 'adrenal fatigue' in which stress is overwhelming adrenal glands and people end up feeling tired, anxious and unable to cope with daily life. However, the symptoms could stem from a variety of causes, including poor sleep, mental health conditions, and undiagnosed diseases such as anemia, hypothyroidism and diabetes. Importantly, there is no recognized medical diagnosis of adrenal fatigue. Outside of cases in which there are specific diseases causing adrenal insufficiency, there is no evidence that somehow the adrenal glands get overwhelmed and lose their ability to function. The symptoms often attributed to adrenal fatigue are real, but they are better explained by other, well‑studied causes. One risk I see is that people might rely on this so-called remedy instead of seeking medical evaluation for the real issues behind their fatigue or stress. CNN: What about all the people on the internet who claim that they have had positive health outcomes as a result of this drink? Wen: It may be that some individuals were not getting enough fluids or electrolytes before, and the additional hydration from the drink helped them feel more energized or clearheaded. There is also the placebo effect to consider: When people expect a certain treatment to work, they may genuinely feel better simply because they believe they are doing something beneficial for their health. The ritual of making and drinking this drink could itself reinforce this sense of control and care, which can have real psychological benefits even if the drink's ingredients have no direct impact on cortisol. CNN: Who should be wary of trying this so-called tonic? Wen: People who should be cautious include individuals with chronic medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes. Certain individuals with kidney disease need to be especially wary of food containing high amounts of potassium. Those with heart failure may be advised to restrict their fluid intake. The sugar in fruit juice may also be problematic for some people with diabetes. Individuals interested in this drink should check with their doctor before adding this or any influencer-promoted wellness product to their diet. They should ask if any of their medications might interact with the drink's ingredients. And if they are experiencing symptoms — such as fatigue, anxiety or trouble sleeping — that prompted them to try this cocktail, they should discuss these concerns with their doctor to determine whether further evaluation is needed. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
