Latest news with #LanceteBioMedicine
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why you're struggling to stay awake during the day - and how to feel more alert
For millions of people, fighting to stay awake at their desk, on the commute home, or even mid-conversation is a daily struggle. Now, scientists believe the reason why some people are far more prone to overwhelming drowsiness may be due to their diet and hormones. Researchers have identified seven metabolites, which are naturally occurring chemicals in the blood, that appear to influence a person's risk of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS). EDS, also known as hypersomnia, affects around one in four Britons, and is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. A new study, emerging from Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the US, suggested that diet and hormones may affect hypersomnia. The findings, published in Lancet eBioMedicine, used blood samples from more than 6,000 people who took part in a long-term health study, alongside questionnaires assessing how often participants fell asleep during the day. Seven metabolites were associated with EDS, with three additional metabolites found to vary by sex, the study found. These include tyramine, which is present in fermented and overripe foods. This was linked to increased drowsiness, particularly in men. Foods high in tyramine: Aged cheeses Cured and smoked meats Fermented foods Overripe fruits Pickled foods Red wine The researchers also found that sex steroid metabolites, such as progesterone, were associated with sleep-related processes, including melatonin production. On the other hand, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, commonly found in Mediterranean-style diets, were linked to a lower risk of excessive sleepiness, according to the research. Foods high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna Shellfish Walnuts Flaxseeds Eggs Poultry Whole-grain breads and cereals Dr Tariq Faquih, the study's lead author, said: 'Our study suggests diet and genetics may play an important role in EDS. As we learn what's happening biologically, we are beginning to understand how and why EDS occurs, the early signs that someone might have it, and what we can do to help patients.' The researchers said the results point to potential treatment targets for EDS, suggesting dietary changes and new medications may be possible. According to the NHS, hypersomnia is different from simply feeling tired. People with the condition may regularly nap during the day, fall asleep without warning, or still sleep for long hours at night. It can sometimes be linked to conditions such as narcolepsy, sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, depression, or chronic fatigue syndrome. The NHS advises improving sleep habits by going to bed at the same time each night, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, creating a peaceful sleep environment and avoiding late-night working.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Are you sleepy all the time? The 10 surprising foods that could be making it worse – and it's bad news for cheese lovers
Plus, foods to help you snooze better - and five other sleeping hacks NODDING OFF Are you sleepy all the time? The 10 surprising foods that could be making it worse – and it's bad news for cheese lovers CONSTANTLY sleepy throughout the day? What you eat may have something to do with it, scientists say. Researchers from Mass General Brigham linked key metabolites - molecules found in the blood that influenced by diet and hormones - to daytime drowsiness. 1 Aged cheese like cheddar contains tyramine, which could disrupt sleep and make you sleepy during the day Credit: Getty One of these was tyramine, a molecule found in fermented and overripe foods, like cheddar cheese and Parmesan, salami, pickles, soy sauce, tofu and some types of beer. It's not the first time cheese has been linked to poor sleep - researchers from the University of Montreal recently found that dairy could bring on bad dreams. The new study, led by investigators from Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, looked into factors behing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) - a condition causing people to nap repeatedly during the day. They identified seven metabolites which they said were linked to EDS. The findings - published in Lancet eBioMedicine - suggest that excessive sleepiness is caused by internal body processes, such as hormone levels, as well as external factors such as diet. Lead author Tariq Faquih, a postdoctoral fellow in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women's Hospital, said: 'Our study suggests diet and genetics may play an important role in EDS. 'As we learn what's happening biologically, we are beginning to understand how and why EDS occurs, the early signs that someone might have it, and what we can do to help patients.' Researchers collected data on 877 metabolites, using blood samples from 6,000 participants. The team also used data from a questionnaire that assessed how often people dozed off during the day. They identified seven metabolites associated with EDS, as well as an additional three metabolites that varied by sex. I spent three days at a sleep retreat - these are the top 7 things I learnt Tyramine was associated with increased daytime sleepiness, especially in men. Meanwhile, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in oily fish, nuts and seeds, were associated with lower risk of EDS. According to Benenden Health, "tyramine causes the adrenal gland to release the 'fight or flight' hormone, which increases alertness for a number of hours". Foods high in tyramine include: Aged cheeses like cheddar, feta, blue, Swiss, Parmesan, provolone, Camembert, brie, Edam and Gruyere Alcohol such as draft or artisan beer or wine Cured meat and processed meat, such as salami, sausage, bacon, mortadella and pepperoni Yeast-extract spreads, such as Marmite and Vegemite Fermented sauces such as soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, miso, Worcestershire sauce and teriyaki sauce Pickled or salt-dried foods like fish Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, tofu Dried or overripe fruits, such as raisins and overripe bananas or avocados Foods that have not been properly stored or are past their 'best-before' date Coffee Researchers said their results suggest dietary changes or medications may help treat EDS. But they noted that their study had some limitations, including difficulty in interpreting exact values of metabolites and using a sleep questionnaire instead of bringing participants into a sleep lab for tests. The team suggested conducting a clinical trial to see if dietary changes or supplements can help reduce daytime sleepiness. They also identified some unknown metabolites that they plan to explore further. 'Conducting a clinical trial would be a big next step and could help us understand if omega-3s and omega-6s obtained from diet could help lower risk of EDS,' Dr Faquih said.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists reveal stunning death toll linked to products we use every day: 'A tremendous danger to human health'
A new report linked the 356,000 global deaths due to heart disease in 2018 to exposure to a chemical found in common plastic items. Researchers from New York University Langone Health conducted an analysis that focused on the chemical di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, or DEHP, which is used in food containers, medical equipment, and other soft, flexible plastic products. The researchers analyzed population surveys from 200 countries and territories, which contained data about urine samples contaminated with byproducts left by DEHP. "Exposure has been shown in other studies to prompt an overactive immune response (inflammation) in the heart's arteries, which over time is associated with increased risk of heart attack or stroke," they said. Results from the study, published in the journal Lancet eBioMedicine, estimate that DEHP exposure accounted for 356,238 deaths, over 13% of the world's mortality from heart disease in women and men between the ages of 55 and 64 in 2018. About three-fourths of that death toll came from East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific, likely because they are in a manufacturing boom in plastic production and don't have as many regulations as other regions. "By highlighting the connection between phthalates and a leading cause of death across the world, our findings add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health," said Sara Hyman, lead author and associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. The study didn't include other age groups or look at other phthalates. Because of this, senior author Leonardo Trasande believes the death rate connected to DEHP could be much higher. Phthalates are often digested when they break down into microplastics. Experts have warned that this causes a range of health issues, including fertility issues, obesity, diabetes, and some cancers. According to CNN, the chemicals are "often called 'everywhere chemicals' because they are so common." Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Unfortunately, you can come in contact with these chemicals in many ways, including food and drinks that come in contact with plastic and the air you breathe. "Our results underscore the urgent need for global regulations to reduce exposure to these toxins," said Dr. Trasande. While regulations are catching up, you can use less plastic to limit your exposure to these toxic chemicals. For example, ditch the plastic water bottles for a cute reusable bottle. It will help keep you and your family safe and healthy. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
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Business Standard
06-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Is plastic killing us? India tops heart deaths from toxic plastic use
A global study links common household plastics to over 100,000 heart-related deaths in India, revealing an urgent public health crisis hiding in plain sight Barkha Mathur New Delhi You may think plastic is just a packaging problem. But a new study has revealed that plastic items used regularly at home are actually making people in India sick, and in many cases, even killing us. Published in The Lancet eBioMedicine, the research titled 'Phthalate exposure from plastics and cardiovascular disease: Global estimates of attributable mortality and years life lost' has found a significant link between exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and heart diseases. What is DEHP and why is it so harmful to your heart? The chemical DEHP, used to soften plastics, has been directly linked to inflammation in the heart's arteries, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes over time. The research, conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Health, has found that phthalates in plastic were linked to over 100,000 deaths in India in 2018 alone. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Common household plastics pose silent health dangers DEHP is prevalent in numerous household items, including food containers, medical equipment, toys, shampoos, and lotions. Researchers found that plastic isn't just clogging drains and piling up in landfills, it is leaching harmful chemicals into our food, water, and air, silently damaging our health. These chemicals have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses. India tops global deaths from plastic chemical exposure Researchers analysed urine samples and environmental data from more than 200 countries and territories. Their findings revealed that in 2018, exposure to DEHP, a common plasticiser, was linked to approximately 356,238 deaths from heart disease among individuals aged 55 to 64, representing over 13 per cent of global heart disease fatalities in this age group. India recorded the highest number of deaths, with an estimated 103,587 fatalities, followed by Indonesia (52,219) and China (33,858). Why India is especially vulnerable to plastic toxicity India's booming plastics industry, high use of DEHP, and weaker regulations have created the perfect storm. Poor waste management means plastic isn't just polluting the land, it's entering our food and lungs. While countries like Canada, Japan, Australia, and the US started limiting DEHP as early as 2008, India and China acted much later. China has since banned many types of plastic waste, and India recently introduced DEHP rules for food packaging, but these changes are still new. It is because India lacks robust waste management systems. Much of our plastic waste is dumped, burned, or left to degrade into microplastics that enter our bodies through the air we breathe and the food we eat. 'India's relatively low plastic use doesn't protect it due to poor regulation and mismanaged waste,' the authors say. Everyday plastic chemicals linked to chronic health risks The study identifies several harmful substances commonly found in plastic products: Phthalates – disrupt hormones and reproductive health Bisphenols (BPA) – linked to obesity, infertility, cancer PFAS – 'forever chemicals' that harm the immune system Flame retardants and heavy metals – impair brain development DEHP -linked deaths carry huge global economic cost DEHP exposure isn't just deadly, it's expensive. The global cost of deaths linked to DEHP is estimated between $510 billion and $3.7 trillion, straining healthcare systems and national economies. How to reduce plastic exposure at home You can't avoid phthalates entirely, but here are steps to reduce exposure: Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers: Heating plastic can cause phthalates and other harmful chemicals to leach into your food. Use safer food storage materials: Opt for glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers instead of plastic. Choose fragrance-free products: Select fragrance-free personal care and cleaning items, as synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates. Avoid air fresheners: Many air fresheners contain phthalates, so it's best to steer clear of them. Check plastic recycling codes: Avoid plastics labeled with recycling codes: 3 (PVC), 6 (Polystyrene), 7 (Other/mixed). These are more likely to contain phthalates. 'There's an urgent need to look at plastic's full life cycle, not just where it ends up, but how it affects human bodies,' the study concludes. Plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental issue, it's a public health emergency. The sooner we realise that plastic is harming not just the planet, but also our bodies, the better chance we have at fixing it.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Heart disease death risk raised by common household products, study finds
Chemicals found in plastics have been linked to a multitude of health risks — and now heart disease mortality has been added to the list. In an analysis of population surveys, researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that daily exposure to chemicals in common household items could have been a factor in more than 356,000 heart disease deaths in 2018 alone. That number equates to more than 13% of heart disease-related deaths worldwide for people between 55 and 64 years of age. Study Finds Evidence Of Microplastics In Brains And Other Organs The study, which was published in the journal Lancet eBioMedicine on April 29, explored the risks of chemicals called phthalates, which are found in cosmetics, detergents, solvents, plastic pipes, bug repellents and other products, according to an NYU press release. In this research, the focus was a specific type of phthalate called di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which is used to make softer, more flexible plastics like food containers and medical equipment, the release stated. Read On The Fox News App DEHP has been linked to inflammation in the arteries of the heart, making people more susceptible to heart attack or stroke. Chewing Gum May Release Thousands Of Microplastics Into The Saliva, Study Says To determine levels of DEHP exposure, the researchers analyzed dozens of population surveys spanning 200 countries and territories. Mortality data was obtained from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a research group in the U.S. that collects medical information worldwide to identify trends in public health. "By highlighting the connection between phthalates and a leading cause of death across the world, our findings add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health," said study lead author Sara Hyman, BS, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, in the release. The regions with the highest heart disease death tolls linked to phthalates include the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific. "Our results underscore the urgent need for global regulations to reduce exposure to these toxins, especially in areas most affected by rapid industrialization and plastic consumption," said senior study author Dr. Trasande, the Jim G. Hendrick, MD, professor of pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, in the release. Inflammation is a known cause of coronary artery disease, according to Dr. Jasdeep Dalawari, an Illinois-based interventional cardiologist and regional chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company. Blood Pressure And Dementia Risk Share Surprising Link, Study Suggests "Our bodies release chemicals and hormones that give directions to the artery to open, close or change diameter," Dalawari, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "This study suggests that microplastics may interfere with those internal signals, so the artery doesn't perform the way it should." "Microplastics are widely present in a variety of products we use every day, and it's crucial to understand their long-term effects on human health," he added. Renato Apolito, M.D., medical director of cardiac catheterization at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, agreed that manmade plastic products have long been known and suspected to be health risks. This Odd Dental Habit Could Spark Heart Health Risks, Experts Warn "These often use highly engineered chemicals where the goal is not quality and safety, but instead cost-effectiveness and convenience," Apolito, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. The doctor shared that he stopped using non-stick pans long ago, and mostly uses glass storage and avoids eating and drinking from plastic containers. Apolito noted, however, that the "longitudinal and observational" nature of the study comes with limitations. "It is generally used to see if there's any correlation between exposure and health risk, which is then used to study the topic further in a more controlled fashion," Apolito, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "It cannot control for unidentified variations in lifestyles among the people followed." Senior author Trasande also pointed out the potential limitations. The analysis does not establish that DEHP caused heart disease and that higher death risks did not take into account other types of phthalates, he stated. The study also did not include death rates in other age groups, the doctor pointed out, which means the overall death toll is "likely much higher." Looking ahead, the researchers plan to investigate how reducing phthalate exposure affects mortality rates. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter They will also measure the chemical's potential role in other health concerns. "These studies are typically what are used to study the next step of elucidating cause and effect," Apolito said. "This can lead to the FDA and other policymakers banning or outlawing the use of such products." The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health. Dalawari suggested that the researchers may want to look at other contributing factors, including air pollution, which has proven to be a "novel non-traditional risk factor" for coronary disease. For more Health articles, visit "The intersection of pollution, regulation and genetic predisposition provides a complex landscape, and further research is necessary to unravel these connections, paving the way for more informed public health policies and preventive measures," he article source: Heart disease death risk raised by common household products, study finds
