Just One Cigarette Can Take 20 Minutes off Your Life

Just One Cigarette Can Take 20 Minutes off Your Life

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For centuries, the use of tobacco and smoking has been a part of our culture and other cultures around the world. Even up until the mid 1960s, smoking cigarettes was allowed in nearly every public space; hospitals, school buildings, bars, and restaurants included. It wasn't until the 1970s and '80s that the health consequences became more apparent, with illnesses such as gum disease and lung cancer being directly linked to smoking.

And while we know that regular cigarette use is dangerous for our health and the health of those around us, new research found that it may also have a direct link to a shorter life span. 

According to a study from the University College London, smoking a single cigarette takes about 20 minutes off a person’s life, on average. That means if you smoke one pack of 20 cigarettes, you'll lose nearly seven hours off of your life. Add three more packs and you'll lose over a day. 

Most data comes to the same conclusion—the harm caused by smoking is generally cumulative. Therefore, the sooner you stop regularly smoking, the longer you'll live. 

Related: 'Forever Chemicals' Found in This Common Wearable Tech

To put it into perspective, the analysis concluded that if a person who smokes 10 cigarettes per day quits smoking on Jan. 1, 2025, they could prevent the loss of a full day of life by Jan. 8. In addition, if they stopped smoking for 20 days from Jan. 1 to Feb. 20, they could boost their life expectancy by a week. If they didn't smoke from Jan. 1 to Aug. 5, they would gain a whole week and if they stopped for a year they would gain back 50 days of life. 

"Most smokers realize that smoking could shorten their life but not the impact of each cigarette they smoke," the study's authors said. "Britain has some of the best data available worldwide to estimate the average loss of life per cigarette smoked, which is approximately 20 minutes: 17 for men and 22 for women."

Aside from obesity, smoking cigarettes is one of the main causes of death worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in five people die each year from cigarette use. That's more than 480,000 deaths annually, including deaths from secondhand smoke. Not to mention, cigarettes are known to cause heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

If you've been hesitant to stop smoking, this could be the sign you need to start 2025 fresh. 

Body

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January 1, 2025 at 10:17AM

Navigating the Signs of Starvation Mode: Recognising the Symptoms and Taking Action

Navigating the Signs of Starvation Mode: Recognising the Symptoms and Taking Action

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Calorie cutting is a common strategy in the quest for weight loss. Yet, there is a fine line between effective calorie reduction and pushing your body into starvation mode. It is a state that can hamper your fitness goals and endanger your health. Starvation mode is a term that people often use in dieting communities. It signifies your body’s natural reaction to prolonged calorie restriction. As we explore what this means, we aim to decode the concept of starvation mode. We will provide you with a solid understanding backed by science, not just anecdotal evidence.

This article explores the real effects of excessive calorie restriction, known medically as adaptive thermogenesis. By recognising the signs of starvation mode, you can adjust your diet strategies to promote healthy, sustainable weight loss without hitting frustrating plateaus or jeopardising your well-being. This article aims to equip you with knowledge and techniques to navigate the delicate balance of calorie intake. With this, you can ensure that your weight loss journey is both effective and healthy.

What is Starvation Mode?

Starvation mode is the body’s involuntary response to prolonged calorie restriction. It is a phase where your body adjusts by reducing metabolic rate to conserve energy. This adaptation, scientifically referred to as adaptive thermogenesis, makes weight loss increasingly challenging. Additionally, it can lead to a series of adverse physical and psychological effects. People often misunderstand the term “starvation mode.” Remember, it does not mean your body is actually starving. Instead, your body is reacting as if it might be due to a significant and sustained decrease in calorie intake.

When you drastically reduce calorie intake, your body senses potential starvation and shifts gears to preserve its fat stores. This evolutionary mechanism protects against famine. Consequently, the body begins to slow down its metabolic processes to conserve energy, reducing the amount of calories it burns through everyday activities. This can lead to a weight loss plateau, where despite consuming fewer calories, weight loss stalls.

Beyond just adversely affecting weight loss, entering starvation mode affects hormonal balance. This hormonal balance can increase hunger and cravings, making it even harder to maintain a calorie-restricted diet. It is also vital to note that this response is not just about energy conservation. It also involves significant changes in how the body processes the food you consume, how it generates energy from fat and muscles, and how it regulates essential bodily functions to survive an apparent crisis.

Signs and Symptoms of Starvation Mode

Understanding the physiological cues of starvation mode is crucial for anyone trying to manage or prevent it, especially during weight loss. Below, we explain each sign, explaining its biological basis and how it feels:

1. Lethargy

One of the first signs of starvation mode is a notable drop in energy levels. Lethargy in starvation mode results from your body conserving energy due to reduced calorie intake. As calorie consumption drops, your body minimises energy output to essential functions. That leaves you feeling unusually tired and weak.

Research suggests that reduced caloric intake significantly lowers basal metabolic rate (BMR), which can make one feel lethargic. It happens because of decreased energy production.

2. Constant Hunger

You might notice a persistent feeling of hunger because you are eating less. Persistent hunger during calorie restriction is your body’s response to what it perceives as a food shortage. This response is due to an increase in the hormone ghrelin, known as the “hunger hormone.” 

Studies show that ghrelin levels rise dramatically during prolonged calorie restriction. It enhances the feeling of hunger as a signal to encourage eating and restore energy balance.

3. Constipation

Reduced food intake leads to less material moving through your digestive system. It often leads to slow intestinal activity and can cause constipation. What compounds this effect is a decrease in motilin during periods of low food intake. Motilin is a gastrointestinal hormone that stimulates intestinal movements during periods of low food intake. 

Research shows that reduced motilin levels lead to slowed gastrointestinal transit or constipation.

4. Mood Swings or Irritability

Calorie restriction impacts brain function due to fluctuating blood sugar levels, which can lead to mood swings or irritability. A study notes that blood glucose variability can significantly affect the central nervous system’s functioning. It can potentially lead to mood disturbances and irritability as the brain struggles to maintain stable energy levels.

5. Depression

The link between severe calorie restriction and depression is well-documented. It happens because of a deficiency in essential nutrients that support neurotransmitter functions. Some of these nutrients are omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids. Nutritional inadequacies can alter brain chemistry. Hence, they can potentially lead to depression. 

Research highlights how dietary insufficiencies significantly correlate with poor mental health outcomes, including depression.

6. Feeling Cold

Feeling cold is a direct consequence of the body lowering its basal metabolic rate in response to reduced calorie intake. This process makes the body conserve energy by reducing heat production. As the body conserves energy, it reduces peripheral blood flow and lowers body temperature, making you feel unusually cold. Studies show that calorie restriction can decrease thyroid hormone levels, which play a crucial role in regulating body temperature.

7. Sleep Issues

Starvation mode can disrupt your sleep pattern. This disruption is partly due to changes in the secretion of leptin and ghrelin. These are hormones that regulate hunger and satiety but also influence sleep cycles. A study shows that alterations in these hormones due to dietary restriction can lead to difficulties in both falling asleep and staying asleep.

8. Missing Periods

In women, severe calorie restriction can lead to a disruption in the menstrual cycle, known as amenorrhea. Amenorrhea in the context of calorie restriction is often due to the body prioritising its limited energy resources away from reproductive functions. The condition occurs due to low levels of leptin resulting from decreased body fat, which is critical for regulating the reproductive system. Studies outline that reduced leptin levels can directly impact menstrual cycles, leading to amenorrhea.

9. Hair Loss

Hair loss can occur during starvation mode due to inadequate intake of proteins and essential fatty acids, which are vital for hair health. A calorie-deficient diet lacks sufficient nutrients to support follicle strength and growth. Hence, it leads to increased hair fall. Research shows that severe calorie restriction without adequate protein intake often results in visible hair loss.

Each of these symptoms reflects a critical survival mechanism the body uses in response to perceived starvation. Recognising these signs can help adjust diet plans to prevent the body from entering this protective mode. It can support healthier and more sustainable weight loss methods.

How to Get Out of Starvation Mode

Getting out of starvation mode requires a strategic approach to regaining your metabolism and encouraging healthy weight loss. Here is how you can gently guide your body out of this conservation state by adopting nourishing habits that support metabolic health.

1. Reintroduce Calories Gradually

Rather than a sudden increase in caloric intake, which can shock the body, gradually increase your calorie consumption. It helps reset your metabolic rate without causing additional stress to your body. Begin by adding an additional 100-200 calories to your daily intake each week until you reach a healthy, sustainable caloric level.

2. Incorporate Balanced Meals

Focus on balanced meals that include a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Balanced nutrition will help stabilise blood sugar levels and provide a steady source of energy. It will also reduce the body’s need to conserve as aggressively.

3. Prioritise Protein

Including adequate protein in your diet can help counteract muscle loss associated with calorie restriction. Protein is also crucial for satiety. Hence, it helps you feel fuller for longer, which can naturally help manage calorie intake.

4. Regular, Nutritious Snacking

Eating small, nutrient-dense snacks between meals can help maintain consistent energy levels and prevent significant drops in blood sugar, which signal the body to enter conservation mode.

5. Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration is essential for optimal metabolic function. Water transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, helping the body burn fat more efficiently.

6. Strength Training

Incorporating strength training into your routine helps build muscle mass, which naturally increases your basal metabolic rate (BMR). Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. Hence, increasing muscle mass can help you exit starvation mode by enhancing your daily energy expenditure.

7. Sleep Well

Ensuring you get enough restful sleep is crucial. Sleep deprivation can disrupt hormone levels, particularly those related to hunger and stress, which can worsen starvation mode.

8. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can lead to cortisol spikes, which influence hunger hormones and can contribute to fat storage. Managing stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, or simple breathing exercises can help maintain hormonal balance and support overall metabolic health.

HealthifyMe Note

While calorie reduction is a fundamental aspect of weight loss, extreme restrictions can lead your body into starvation mode. It is an adaptive response that can derail your efforts. As nutritionists, we advocate for a balanced approach to dieting. It is crucial to not just focus on the scale but also to nourish your body adequately. We encourage you to consult with a professional to create a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs without pushing your body into conservation mode. Remember, effective weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint, and maintaining your health should always come first.

The Final Word

Finding your way out of starvation mode is about more than just adjusting calorie intake. You must create a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. By understanding the signs and implementing strategic dietary changes, you can support your body’s metabolic processes. Furthermore, you can achieve long-term success in your weight loss journey. Remember, the goal is to fuel your body with what it needs to work—starving is not the solution.

If you want to optimise your dietary habits and avoid the pitfalls of starvation mode, consider consulting with the experts at HealthifyMe. Our tailored health plans ensure balanced nutrition that supports your health goals without compromising your metabolic health. 

Visit the HealthifyMe Store today or talk to one of our nutritionists to commence a smarter, healthier weight loss journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is starvation mode?

A: Starvation mode, or adaptive thermogenesis, is how your body responds to prolonged calorie restriction by lowering the metabolic rate to conserve energy. It is a survival mechanism that can make further weight loss challenging.

Q: How do I know if I’m in starvation mode?

A: Signs of starvation mode include persistent hunger despite eating less, weight loss plateaus, fatigue, mood changes, feeling cold and sleep disturbances. For women, starvation mode can also lead to missed menstrual periods.

Q: Can starvation mode be reversed?

A: Yes, you can reverse starvation mode by strategically increasing calorie intake, balancing nutrients, incorporating strength training, and managing stress and sleep. These simple strategies can guide your body back to a normal metabolic rate.

Q: Is starvation mode permanent?

A: No, starvation mode is not permanent. With appropriate dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes, you can restore your body’s metabolism to its optimal state.

Q: How quickly can I get out of starvation mode?

A: The time it takes to reverse starvation mode varies depending on the degree of calorie restriction and individual metabolic differences. However, gradual changes are advisable for sustainable results.

Q: Does starvation mode stop weight loss completely?

A: While it can significantly slow down weight loss due to reduced metabolic rate, it doesn’t completely stop it. You can overcome this plateau by revising your calorie intake and exercise regimen.

Q: What are the best foods to eat to exit starvation mode?

A: Foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, such as lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and vegetables, are ideal for restoring metabolic balance and exiting starvation mode.

Research Sources

1. Metabolic slowing with massive weight loss despite preservation of fat-free mass

2. Adaptive thermogenesis in humans

3. Impact of energy intake and exercise on resting metabolic rate

4. Ghrelin by Science Direct

5. Clinical Research on the Relation Between Body Mass Index, Motilin and Slow Transit Constipation

6. Glycemic Variability and CNS Inflammation: Reviewing the Connection.

7. Dietary Nutrient Deficiencies and Risk of Depression (Review Article 2018–2023).

8. Thyroid Hormone Regulation of Metabolism

9. Nocturnal levels of ghrelin and leptin and sleep in chronic insomnia

10. Menstruation during and after caloric restriction: The 1944–1945 Dutch famine.

11. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use

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December 20, 2024 at 06:55AM

New Technology Uncovers DNA Secrets Behind Disease and Evolution

New Technology Uncovers DNA Secrets Behind Disease and Evolution

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New research adds to our understanding of the function of the human genome. An international team of researchers has made significant progress in understanding how gene expression is regulated across the human genome. In a recent study, they conducted a comprehensive analysis of cis-regulatory elements (CREs)—DNA sequences that control gene transcription. This research provides valuable [...]





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January 18, 2025 at 08:12AM

Neuroscience study identifies role of melanin-concentrating hormone neurons in non-hunger-driven eating

Neuroscience study identifies role of melanin-concentrating hormone neurons in non-hunger-driven eating

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Researchers have uncovered new insights into how a specific group of brain cells, melanin-concentrating hormone neurons, influence food-related behaviors. Published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the study demonstrated that these neurons enhance the rewarding value of food consumption. Interestingly, their activation does not cause animals to eat more food overall, suggesting a separation between the mechanisms driving food reward and those driving food consumption.

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons are a specialized group of brain cells located in regions such as the lateral hypothalamus and zona incerta. As their name suggests, these neurons produce the neuropeptide called melanin-concentrating hormone—a chemical messenger that helps regulate behaviors like eating, sleeping, and experiencing pleasure or reward. What makes MCH neurons particularly intriguing is that they send signals to many different parts of the brain.

Previous research has shown that altering the activity of these neurons can affect energy balance, with studies linking their activation to increased food consumption and weight gain in rodents. However, their exact role in non-hunger-driven, or non-homeostatic, feeding behaviors—such as eating for pleasure—remains unclear.

“I’ve always been interested in the reasons people (or animals) choose to do what they do, whether that be working, relaxing, eating, sleeping, etc,” said Katherine Furman, a PhD student at the Michigan Neuroscience Institute at the University of Michigan.

“When I learned of MCH neurons, which seem to have involvement in a lot of those behaviors, I was very interested in how this neuron population is able to have all of those roles. With this research, we’ve been able to take a set of neurons which seems to have many different functions, and narrow down a pretty specific role for just one subpopulation of those neurons. Getting at the ‘why do we do what we do’ question in this way has been very exciting for me.”

To investigate how MCH neurons contribute to food-related behaviors, the researchers focused on understanding their role in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region heavily involved in processing reward. To achieve this, they used genetically modified mice that allowed for precise control of MCH neurons. They employed optogenetics, a technique that uses light to activate or inhibit specific neurons, enabling them to directly study the effects of these neurons on behavior.

The study involved two key experimental setups. In the first, the researchers observed how optogenetic activation of MCH neurons affected food consumption in a controlled environment. Mice were housed in cages equipped with automated feeders that tracked how much food they consumed during periods of light-based activation.

The second setup involved an optogenetics-reinforced consumption assay, which gave mice the opportunity to choose between different combinations of food and neuron activation. For example, the mice could nose-poke to access a food pellet, optogenetic stimulation of the neurons, or a combination of both. This allowed the researchers to assess not just how much the mice ate but also how much they valued the reward associated with food.

The researchers found that optogenetic activation of MCH neurons in the nucleus accumbens did not lead to an increase in overall food consumption, challenging previous assumptions that these neurons directly drive feeding. Instead, the activation made food more rewarding when paired with stimulation, as the mice consistently chose ports that provided both food and neuron activation. This suggests that MCH neurons in the nucleus accumbens enhance the perceived value of food without necessarily promoting eating.

“I was surprised that we didn’t see an increase in feeding across our optogenetic activation experiments,” explained Christian Burgess, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan and senior author of the study. “Much of the early work investigating the function of MCH peptide, and the neurons that release it, suggested that they had a strong role in promoting food intake.”

“A few more recent studies using newer tools, like optogenetics and chemogenetics, activated the whole population of MCH neurons and showed no increases in food intake, or even a decrease. My initial hypothesis was that the nucleus accumbens projection MCH neurons would drive strong baseline food intake, but that did not end up being the case.”

Interestingly, the researchers also found that stimulating these neurons had no impact on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, even though MCH neurons in other brain regions are known to increase this type of sleep. This highlights the idea that different projections of MCH neurons serve distinct functions, depending on where in the brain they are activated. For example, neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens specifically influenced reward-related behaviors without affecting sleep or basic feeding drives.

“This is important because it separates the behavioral role of those nucleus accumbens-projecting MCH neurons from the MCH neurons projecting elsewhere, which don’t serve the same role,” Furman told PsyPost. “Isolating a set of neurons that can attribute reward value to food has interesting implications for patients struggling with eating disorders or obesity. If pharmaceutical developers are able to use these findings to develop clinical treatments that help people regulate their food intake, this could help lead to better treatments.”

The study also uncovered differences in how male and female mice responded to the activation of MCH neurons. In particular, male mice exhibited more pronounced effects from MCH neuron activation compared to females.

“When looking at animals’ choices of which foods to eat, I was surprised when we analyzed the data separately for male and female mice: it appears as though there might be a different relationship between nucleus accumbens-projecting MCH neurons and food intake, based on the sex of the animal,” Furman explained. “This isn’t something we fully understand yet, and the next set of experiments I’m going to do are planning to investigate that a little bit more.”

While the study provides important insights, it also has limitations. “Optogenetics, the experimental technique we use to artificially activate MCH neurons in this study, is just that – an artificial type of activation,” Furman noted. “This technique is very useful experimentally, in order to see what happens when we strongly activate (or inhibit) a genetically defined population of neurons. But it may not do a good job of replicating what the natural activity pattern of these cells looks like.”

“It may be more like using a jackhammer to accomplish a task that really only needs a small twist from a screwdriver. So while this work certainly informs our understanding of what MCH neurons can do, it may not be a good representation of what they do do.”

One promising avenue for future research is exploring how MCH neurons interact with other brain regions and neurotransmitter systems. Although this study focused on their role in the nucleus accumbens, MCH neurons project widely throughout the brain, suggesting they may influence multiple systems.

“MCH neurons project broadly throughout the brain and have been implicated in many important behaviors, including feeding, sleep, reward, learning, and anxiety,” Burgess explained. “These neurons also release a number of neurotransmitters aside from MCH peptide. We aim to identify how MCH neurons regulate these disparate behaviors: through which efferent projections? Release of which transmitters? Which postsynaptic neurons? Using modern systems neuroscience approaches and creative behavioral paradigms we hope to be able to answer these questions in the lab.”

This line of research could lead to more effective treatments for disorders involving non-homeostatic feeding, such as obesity and eating disorders.

“My personal involvement with this work will come to an end when I graduate and defend my PhD dissertation,” Furman said. “So although I won’t be personally involved for much longer, I’d love to see this work lead to a better understanding of how the brain decides when to eat, and which foods we choose to engage with. We already know that there’s reasons to eat other than hunger; things like taste, desire, availability, and cravings. It’s this non-hunger-related type of eating that seems dysregulated in patients with eating disorders or obesity. So developing a better field-wide understanding of that phenomenon will be crucial in the coming years.”

“I will be graduating and defending my PhD this summer!” she added. “If anyone reading this is looking for a new hire in science writing and communication, with an expertise in neuroscience, they should reach out to me.”

The study, “Melanin concentrating hormone projections to the nucleus accumbens enhance the reward value of food consumption and do not induce feeding or REM sleep,” was authored by Katherine L. Furman, Lorelei Baron, Hannah C. Lyons, Timothy Cha, Jack R. Evans, Jayeeta Manna, Limei Zhu, Joanna Mattis, and Christian R. Burgess.

via PsyPost – Psychology News https://ift.tt/cnyChoP

January 17, 2025 at 08:06AM

Neuroscience study identifies role of melanin-concentrating hormone neurons in non-hunger-driven eating

Neuroscience study identifies role of melanin-concentrating hormone neurons in non-hunger-driven eating

https://ift.tt/Rsdk0zO

Researchers have uncovered new insights into how a specific group of brain cells, melanin-concentrating hormone neurons, influence food-related behaviors. Published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the study demonstrated that these neurons enhance the rewarding value of food consumption. Interestingly, their activation does not cause animals to eat more food overall, suggesting a separation between the mechanisms driving food reward and those driving food consumption.

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons are a specialized group of brain cells located in regions such as the lateral hypothalamus and zona incerta. As their name suggests, these neurons produce the neuropeptide called melanin-concentrating hormone—a chemical messenger that helps regulate behaviors like eating, sleeping, and experiencing pleasure or reward. What makes MCH neurons particularly intriguing is that they send signals to many different parts of the brain.

Previous research has shown that altering the activity of these neurons can affect energy balance, with studies linking their activation to increased food consumption and weight gain in rodents. However, their exact role in non-hunger-driven, or non-homeostatic, feeding behaviors—such as eating for pleasure—remains unclear.

“I’ve always been interested in the reasons people (or animals) choose to do what they do, whether that be working, relaxing, eating, sleeping, etc,” said Katherine Furman, a PhD student at the Michigan Neuroscience Institute at the University of Michigan.

“When I learned of MCH neurons, which seem to have involvement in a lot of those behaviors, I was very interested in how this neuron population is able to have all of those roles. With this research, we’ve been able to take a set of neurons which seems to have many different functions, and narrow down a pretty specific role for just one subpopulation of those neurons. Getting at the ‘why do we do what we do’ question in this way has been very exciting for me.”

To investigate how MCH neurons contribute to food-related behaviors, the researchers focused on understanding their role in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region heavily involved in processing reward. To achieve this, they used genetically modified mice that allowed for precise control of MCH neurons. They employed optogenetics, a technique that uses light to activate or inhibit specific neurons, enabling them to directly study the effects of these neurons on behavior.

The study involved two key experimental setups. In the first, the researchers observed how optogenetic activation of MCH neurons affected food consumption in a controlled environment. Mice were housed in cages equipped with automated feeders that tracked how much food they consumed during periods of light-based activation.

The second setup involved an optogenetics-reinforced consumption assay, which gave mice the opportunity to choose between different combinations of food and neuron activation. For example, the mice could nose-poke to access a food pellet, optogenetic stimulation of the neurons, or a combination of both. This allowed the researchers to assess not just how much the mice ate but also how much they valued the reward associated with food.

The researchers found that optogenetic activation of MCH neurons in the nucleus accumbens did not lead to an increase in overall food consumption, challenging previous assumptions that these neurons directly drive feeding. Instead, the activation made food more rewarding when paired with stimulation, as the mice consistently chose ports that provided both food and neuron activation. This suggests that MCH neurons in the nucleus accumbens enhance the perceived value of food without necessarily promoting eating.

“I was surprised that we didn’t see an increase in feeding across our optogenetic activation experiments,” explained Christian Burgess, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan and senior author of the study. “Much of the early work investigating the function of MCH peptide, and the neurons that release it, suggested that they had a strong role in promoting food intake.”

“A few more recent studies using newer tools, like optogenetics and chemogenetics, activated the whole population of MCH neurons and showed no increases in food intake, or even a decrease. My initial hypothesis was that the nucleus accumbens projection MCH neurons would drive strong baseline food intake, but that did not end up being the case.”

Interestingly, the researchers also found that stimulating these neurons had no impact on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, even though MCH neurons in other brain regions are known to increase this type of sleep. This highlights the idea that different projections of MCH neurons serve distinct functions, depending on where in the brain they are activated. For example, neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens specifically influenced reward-related behaviors without affecting sleep or basic feeding drives.

“This is important because it separates the behavioral role of those nucleus accumbens-projecting MCH neurons from the MCH neurons projecting elsewhere, which don’t serve the same role,” Furman told PsyPost. “Isolating a set of neurons that can attribute reward value to food has interesting implications for patients struggling with eating disorders or obesity. If pharmaceutical developers are able to use these findings to develop clinical treatments that help people regulate their food intake, this could help lead to better treatments.”

The study also uncovered differences in how male and female mice responded to the activation of MCH neurons. In particular, male mice exhibited more pronounced effects from MCH neuron activation compared to females.

“When looking at animals’ choices of which foods to eat, I was surprised when we analyzed the data separately for male and female mice: it appears as though there might be a different relationship between nucleus accumbens-projecting MCH neurons and food intake, based on the sex of the animal,” Furman explained. “This isn’t something we fully understand yet, and the next set of experiments I’m going to do are planning to investigate that a little bit more.”

While the study provides important insights, it also has limitations. “Optogenetics, the experimental technique we use to artificially activate MCH neurons in this study, is just that – an artificial type of activation,” Furman noted. “This technique is very useful experimentally, in order to see what happens when we strongly activate (or inhibit) a genetically defined population of neurons. But it may not do a good job of replicating what the natural activity pattern of these cells looks like.”

“It may be more like using a jackhammer to accomplish a task that really only needs a small twist from a screwdriver. So while this work certainly informs our understanding of what MCH neurons can do, it may not be a good representation of what they do do.”

One promising avenue for future research is exploring how MCH neurons interact with other brain regions and neurotransmitter systems. Although this study focused on their role in the nucleus accumbens, MCH neurons project widely throughout the brain, suggesting they may influence multiple systems.

“MCH neurons project broadly throughout the brain and have been implicated in many important behaviors, including feeding, sleep, reward, learning, and anxiety,” Burgess explained. “These neurons also release a number of neurotransmitters aside from MCH peptide. We aim to identify how MCH neurons regulate these disparate behaviors: through which efferent projections? Release of which transmitters? Which postsynaptic neurons? Using modern systems neuroscience approaches and creative behavioral paradigms we hope to be able to answer these questions in the lab.”

This line of research could lead to more effective treatments for disorders involving non-homeostatic feeding, such as obesity and eating disorders.

“My personal involvement with this work will come to an end when I graduate and defend my PhD dissertation,” Furman said. “So although I won’t be personally involved for much longer, I’d love to see this work lead to a better understanding of how the brain decides when to eat, and which foods we choose to engage with. We already know that there’s reasons to eat other than hunger; things like taste, desire, availability, and cravings. It’s this non-hunger-related type of eating that seems dysregulated in patients with eating disorders or obesity. So developing a better field-wide understanding of that phenomenon will be crucial in the coming years.”

“I will be graduating and defending my PhD this summer!” she added. “If anyone reading this is looking for a new hire in science writing and communication, with an expertise in neuroscience, they should reach out to me.”

The study, “Melanin concentrating hormone projections to the nucleus accumbens enhance the reward value of food consumption and do not induce feeding or REM sleep,” was authored by Katherine L. Furman, Lorelei Baron, Hannah C. Lyons, Timothy Cha, Jack R. Evans, Jayeeta Manna, Limei Zhu, Joanna Mattis, and Christian R. Burgess.

via PsyPost – Psychology News https://ift.tt/cnyChoP

January 17, 2025 at 08:06AM

DNA motors can switch direction, reshaping genetic understanding

DNA motors can switch direction, reshaping genetic understanding

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Scientists from Delft, Vienna, and Lausanne discovered that the protein machines that shape our DNA can switch direction. Until now, researchers believed that these so-called SMC motors that make loops into DNA could move in one direction only. The discovery, which is published in Cell, is key to understanding how these motors shape our genome and regulate our genes.





via Phys.org https://phys.org/

January 16, 2025 at 11:06AM

Can Caffeine Lower Your Magnesium Levels? Here's What You Need To Know

Can Caffeine Lower Your Magnesium Levels? Here's What You Need To Know

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Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in over 60 plants. It can provide energy and alertness and act as a diuretic, helping the body eliminate fluids and certain electrolytes through urine.

Magnesium is an electrolyte and mineral found in certain foods, medications, and supplements. It's necessary for several body functions, including energy production, bone health, and muscle and nerve health.

Caffeine's diuretic nature may lower magnesium levels in the body, which can lead to unwanted side effects or complications.

Whenever you eat, drink, or take medication, your body breaks down the product (usually in the intestines) and moves the nutrients into your blood. From there, the important nutrients are used wherever the body needs them.

Caffeine is a diuretic that helps the body eliminate fluids and certain electrolytes and minerals through urine. Your body loses about 1.17 milliliters of water for every milligram of caffeine consumed. Diuretics may be useful in certain conditions, but there are risks associated with using them often.

Your kidneys regulate the magnesium in your body by keeping what it needs (or reabsorbing) and removing what is unnecessary through your urine. Diuretics cause your kidneys to eliminate more magnesium and reabsorb less. This can lead to low magnesium levels, also called hypomagnesemia or magnesium deficiency. Caffeine may also affect how well your intestines absorb and use magnesium, potentially lowering magnesium levels.

There is conflicting data on whether magnesium loss gets better or worse if you regularly consume caffeine. Some researchers believe your body gets used to regular caffeine consumption, so you do not lose as much fluid. Others believe that regularly consuming caffeine makes you more likely to experience fluid and magnesium absorption issues.

More research is needed to understand how caffeine affects magnesium levels. No studies have been completed in recent years that directly evaluate the interaction.

For most people, consuming no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine is considered safe. However, the effects of caffeine can vary based on a person's sensitivity to caffeine and how quickly it is eliminated from their body. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 1,200 milligrams of caffeine can cause dangerous effects, like seizures.

When you think about caffeine, you usually think of drinks like coffee, tea, and soda. Caffeine can also be found in other products, including protein bars, ice cream, gum, and medications or supplements.

The amount of caffeine in drinks varies on the product. For example:

• An 8 ounce (oz) cup of coffee usually contains 95-200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine
• An 8 oz (1 cup) energy drink usually contains 70-100 mg of caffeine
• An 8 oz cup of tea usually contains 14-60 mg of caffeine
• A 12 oz can of soda usually contains 35-45 mg of caffeine

The FDA's recommended daily intake in adults for magnesium is:

• Males 19-30 years old: 400 mg
• Females 19-30 years old: 310 mg
• Males 31 years and older: 420 mg
• Females 31 years and older: 320 mg

The recommended daily allowance for magnesium is higher for people who are pregnant:

• Pregnant person 19-30 years old: 350 mg
• Pregnant person 31-50 years old: 360 mg

The recommended daily intake of magnesium includes magnesium from dietary and food sources.

Low magnesium levels are common, with researchers estimating that nearly half of people in the U.S. consume less magnesium from their diet than they should. However, not everyone experiences symptoms of magnesium deficiency.

Effects of low magnesium levels include:

• Arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)
• Fatigue (feeling tired)
• Higher stress or anxiety levels
  
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting
  
• Muscle cramps or spasms
• Seizures
• Weakness

Severely low magnesium can also cause other electrolytes to get low, like calcium and potassium.

Talk with your healthcare provider if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. They can evaluate your medical history, lab values, and other factors to understand and correct the cause.

Other things that can lower your magnesium level include:

• Poor diet or malnutrition
• Fluid loss, such as excessive sweating or diarrhea
• Malabsorption (difficulty absorbing or digesting nutrients from food)
• Excessive urination
• Using alcohol
• Certain medications, like diuretics, laxatives, and certain chemotherapies

Discuss which medical conditions or medications may affect your magnesium levels with your healthcare provider.

There are numerous ways that you can improve magnesium absorption, such as consuming magnesium-rich foods, taking magnesium supplements, and maintaining a well-balanced diet.

The first step to improving your magnesium absorption is to ensure that your diet is full of magnesium-rich foods. Dietary sources of magnesium include:

• Green leafy vegetables, like spinach
• Whole grains
• Nuts and legumes
• Seeds, like pumpkin and chia seeds

If you are unable to obtain enough magnesium from your diet, you can also take magnesium supplements. Magnesium supplements are available in a variety of forms, such as magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium glycinate.

Each type of magnesium has benefits and downsides, depending on your health conditions and treatment goals. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine which magnesium supplement would be best for you.

Low amounts of other essential vitamins and nutrients may also affect magnesium levels. Consuming a well-balanced diet promotes better mineral absorption overall.

Ways to balance your caffeine intake and magnesium levels include:

• Limit your caffeine intake: Limiting your caffeine consumption can help keep your magnesium levels normal. You can also consider switching to less caffeine or decaffeinated products. Keep in mind that decaf does not always mean caffeine-free.
• Stay hydrated: Coffee's diuretic effect can lead to dehydration, lowering magnesium even more. Staying hydrated can help you avoid dehydration and its further negative effects.
• Improve your magnesium intake: Whether through supplements or diet, maintaining adequate magnesium intake can help your levels.

Due to its diuretic nature, caffeine may affect the absorption and use of magnesium, lowering magnesium levels in your body. Low magnesium levels can lead to unwanted complications, such as muscle cramps or seizures.

More research is needed to understand how caffeine affects magnesium levels. No studies have been completed in recent years that directly evaluate the interaction.

Talk with your healthcare provider if you want to understand how your caffeine intake may affect your magnesium levels.

via Health

January 18, 2025 at 12:20PM

I Drank a Gallon of Water Every Day for a Week and Noticed 5 Life-Changing Effects

I Drank a Gallon of Water Every Day for a Week and Noticed 5 Life-Changing Effects

https://ift.tt/JBpq7dN

The 30-day gallon water challenge has been a buzzed-about trend for a while now and is still floating around TikTok, with people around the globe documenting their experience. The challenge is pretty straightforward: Drink a gallon of water a day for an entire month and enjoy the benefits, from better skin to improved sleep. Drinking water is vital for our overall well-being and plays a main role in several key ways, like helping our body eliminate waste, regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients to cells, and protecting organs and tissues. Plus, drinking water makes you feel hydrated and boosts energy levels. Eat This, Not That! spoke with three people who recently finished the 30-day gallon water challenge, and here's what happened.

Just remember: Drinking a gallon of water daily may not be suitable for everyone. Consult a healthcare provider before starting this challenge, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or belong to a vulnerable age group. Results may vary, and excessive water intake without balancing electrolytes can cause health issues.

Personal Challenge

Everyone takes the challenge for different reasons, and Samuel Davis, the owner and CEO of London Gardeners, took it as a personal goal to "boost my energy and enhance concentration." He especially wanted to feel a better version of himself during the peak of his gardening business in spring. However, he didn't realize how often he'd need to be near the restroom.

"I forgot to drink enough-especially when I was involved with projects or meetings.  I also got surprised by how many bathroom trips that could be expected," he says.

While there were some road bumps along the month, he did the challenge; he enjoyed the outcome. "Staying hydrated is quite literally a simple game-changer when it comes to productivity and all-around well-being, but it does tend to cut both ways. This experiment reminded me of how small changes can actually have quite a big impact."

RELATED: I Tried the Keto Diet for 30 Days and Here's Why I Won't Do It Again

Learning How to Consume So Much Water

One of the biggest difficulties for Daniel Vasquez, the owner of Dynamic Auto Movers, was learning how to incorporate so much water into his schedule throughout the day.

"The hardest part was deciding when to have it, not how much," he says. "I hadn't expected my whole day to center around water!" He explains, "I learned the hard way that you need to space things out appropriately. If I didn't, I'd feel bloated and have to use restrooms every 20 minutes, which slowed my productivity. Pacing myself, drinking one glass per hour rather than attempting to swallow it all at once helped."

Luke Seddon, owner and CEO of H2 Catering Equipment, agreed that finding time in his daily schedule to drink a gallon of water was a huge challenge. "Drinking a gallon water needs attention all the time, which frequently interrupted my daily activities, especially at meetings or while traveling to meet clients," he says.  "It is not just drinking the water but also making sure you can easily step away when you need to."

To help him get through a gallon of water a day, Seddon set an alarm for every two hours, which reminded him to drink. He also carried a water bottle around him everywhere he went and refilled as needed.

Higher Energy Levels

Davis hoped the 30-day gallon of water challenge would increase his energy, and it did.

"I realized that I had much more energy than usual, specifically in the late afternoons when I really feel like sleeping," he explains. "Moreover, my skin appeared much more hydrated than before."

Better Digestion

The most significant change for Davis was better digestion.

"The first thing I noticed about my water-drinking schedule was a change in digestion; I felt less bloated, and the best part was that I was more regular," he says. "It also curbed my hunger to some extent, making me less snappy throughout the day."

Appetite Control

For Vasquez, the most noticeable change was a major decrease in his appetite.

"One startling difference was how much it reduced my appetite," he says, which included no more midday cravings. "I hadn't expected water to have such an effect on my appetite, but it did." He adds, "By keeping full, I naturally began to eat fewer quantities without trying. That's an underappreciated advantage of the gallon problem that people must discuss more."

Clear-Headed

What changed for Seddon was his ability to focus in a way he didn't before. "I absolutely concentrated much better and was generally energetic throughout the day," he says. "Hydration definitely made thoughts clearer, so decision-making was faster, but kept me alert without the use of caffeine to get me going at specific points in the day."

How to Incorporate a Gallon of Water in Your Day

It's not easy to drink so much water a day. Between meetings, deadlines, and other priorities, it's tough to fit in countless bathroom breaks and remembering to drink often enough to finish a gallon. But Davis figured out a system that worked for him and shared the following tips:

Start Early: Before breakfast, begin your day with a full glass of water. That sets the tone for the day and gets you off to the right start.

Break It Down: Shooting for four 32-ounce bottles is much more attainable than going for that big old gallon. It feels like so much less.

Add Some Flavor: A lemon or cucumber slice in your water makes it come alive when it's hot outside. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet.

Sign up for our newsletter!

The post I Drank a Gallon of Water Every Day for a Week and Noticed 5 Life-Changing Effects appeared first on Eat This Not That.

via Eat This Not That https://ift.tt/SfKzeyX

January 14, 2025 at 01:52PM

I Drank a Gallon of Water Every Day for a Week and Noticed 5 Life-Changing Effects

I Drank a Gallon of Water Every Day for a Week and Noticed 5 Life-Changing Effects

https://ift.tt/JBpq7dN

The 30-day gallon water challenge has been a buzzed-about trend for a while now and is still floating around TikTok, with people around the globe documenting their experience. The challenge is pretty straightforward: Drink a gallon of water a day for an entire month and enjoy the benefits, from better skin to improved sleep. Drinking water is vital for our overall well-being and plays a main role in several key ways, like helping our body eliminate waste, regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients to cells, and protecting organs and tissues. Plus, drinking water makes you feel hydrated and boosts energy levels. Eat This, Not That! spoke with three people who recently finished the 30-day gallon water challenge, and here's what happened.

Just remember: Drinking a gallon of water daily may not be suitable for everyone. Consult a healthcare provider before starting this challenge, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or belong to a vulnerable age group. Results may vary, and excessive water intake without balancing electrolytes can cause health issues.

Personal Challenge

Everyone takes the challenge for different reasons, and Samuel Davis, the owner and CEO of London Gardeners, took it as a personal goal to "boost my energy and enhance concentration." He especially wanted to feel a better version of himself during the peak of his gardening business in spring. However, he didn't realize how often he'd need to be near the restroom.

"I forgot to drink enough-especially when I was involved with projects or meetings.  I also got surprised by how many bathroom trips that could be expected," he says.

While there were some road bumps along the month, he did the challenge; he enjoyed the outcome. "Staying hydrated is quite literally a simple game-changer when it comes to productivity and all-around well-being, but it does tend to cut both ways. This experiment reminded me of how small changes can actually have quite a big impact."

RELATED: I Tried the Keto Diet for 30 Days and Here's Why I Won't Do It Again

Learning How to Consume So Much Water

One of the biggest difficulties for Daniel Vasquez, the owner of Dynamic Auto Movers, was learning how to incorporate so much water into his schedule throughout the day.

"The hardest part was deciding when to have it, not how much," he says. "I hadn't expected my whole day to center around water!" He explains, "I learned the hard way that you need to space things out appropriately. If I didn't, I'd feel bloated and have to use restrooms every 20 minutes, which slowed my productivity. Pacing myself, drinking one glass per hour rather than attempting to swallow it all at once helped."

Luke Seddon, owner and CEO of H2 Catering Equipment, agreed that finding time in his daily schedule to drink a gallon of water was a huge challenge. "Drinking a gallon water needs attention all the time, which frequently interrupted my daily activities, especially at meetings or while traveling to meet clients," he says.  "It is not just drinking the water but also making sure you can easily step away when you need to."

To help him get through a gallon of water a day, Seddon set an alarm for every two hours, which reminded him to drink. He also carried a water bottle around him everywhere he went and refilled as needed.

Higher Energy Levels

Davis hoped the 30-day gallon of water challenge would increase his energy, and it did.

"I realized that I had much more energy than usual, specifically in the late afternoons when I really feel like sleeping," he explains. "Moreover, my skin appeared much more hydrated than before."

Better Digestion

The most significant change for Davis was better digestion.

"The first thing I noticed about my water-drinking schedule was a change in digestion; I felt less bloated, and the best part was that I was more regular," he says. "It also curbed my hunger to some extent, making me less snappy throughout the day."

Appetite Control

For Vasquez, the most noticeable change was a major decrease in his appetite.

"One startling difference was how much it reduced my appetite," he says, which included no more midday cravings. "I hadn't expected water to have such an effect on my appetite, but it did." He adds, "By keeping full, I naturally began to eat fewer quantities without trying. That's an underappreciated advantage of the gallon problem that people must discuss more."

Clear-Headed

What changed for Seddon was his ability to focus in a way he didn't before. "I absolutely concentrated much better and was generally energetic throughout the day," he says. "Hydration definitely made thoughts clearer, so decision-making was faster, but kept me alert without the use of caffeine to get me going at specific points in the day."

How to Incorporate a Gallon of Water in Your Day

It's not easy to drink so much water a day. Between meetings, deadlines, and other priorities, it's tough to fit in countless bathroom breaks and remembering to drink often enough to finish a gallon. But Davis figured out a system that worked for him and shared the following tips:

Start Early: Before breakfast, begin your day with a full glass of water. That sets the tone for the day and gets you off to the right start.

Break It Down: Shooting for four 32-ounce bottles is much more attainable than going for that big old gallon. It feels like so much less.

Add Some Flavor: A lemon or cucumber slice in your water makes it come alive when it's hot outside. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet.

Sign up for our newsletter!

The post I Drank a Gallon of Water Every Day for a Week and Noticed 5 Life-Changing Effects appeared first on Eat This Not That.

via Eat This Not That https://ift.tt/SfKzeyX

January 14, 2025 at 01:52PM

The Fascinating Backstory Behind Red Dye No. 3

The Fascinating Backstory Behind Red Dye No. 3

https://ift.tt/xBwlLOK

BY NOW, YOU'VE probably seen the news about the FDA revoking authorization for the use of Red Dye No. 3, or erythrosine, in the United States.

There’s an absolute frenzy about this "cancer-causing chemical" on social media, which is a win for anti-food-dye advocates and the advocacy groupp Centre for Science in the Public Interest, which spearheaded a two-year long fight for this ban. Come January 2027 (yes, two years from now), food manufacturers must remove Red Dye No. 3 from all of their products, according to the FDA.

But what even is Red Dye No. 3? Is it dangerous? Like, if you used to gobble up maraschino cherries as a kid, do you now have cancer?

As a dietitian, I assure you that Red No. 3 is far more complex.

What Even Is Red Dye No. 3?

In the U.S., Red Dye No. 3 is a synthetic coloring used in candy, medications, and baked goods. You probably know it best from the hue it gives bright-red decorating icing, Valentine's Day sweets, and, yes, maraschino cherries.

Why Was Red Dye No. 3 Banned?

Actually, the dye was already banned for use in U.S. cosmetics as of 1990. Back then, the FDA reportedly considered banning the dye in foods too, but chose not to (more on why soon). The basis of both bans is the Delaney Clause, a federal law that was enacted in 1958. This law prohibits any ingredients that have been found to cause cancer in either humans or animals, regardless of dose, to be used in food or cosmetics in the U.S.

Which brings us to the research behind the effects of Red Dye No. 3. (It's controversial.) Both the cosmetic and food bans of Red Dye No. 3 are the result of a single study published in 1987. In the study, male rats fed a diet where the dye made up four percent of the diet had higher rates of thyroid cancer than female rats, or rats whose diet had no dye in their food. (Mice in the group that received the dye also weighed significantly less before the beginning of the experiment than those in the control group.)

Now what's interesting is that the mechanism that caused the cancer in the experimental rats does not even exist in humans, which may be why human studies involving Red Dye No. 3 have failed to produce similar results. This is the reason why the FDA did not move to ban the dye in food thirty years ago.

Also know that there are other claims being made about Red Dye No., such as its supposed effect of causing hyperactivity in children. There is no conclusive evidence that supports this assertion. (I read this stuff for a living.)

Yes, it's true that California banned Red Dye No. 3 in foods in 2023, and that they dye has already been unauthorized for use in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. In Canada, however, Health Canada has determined that "dietary exposure to ... Red No. 3 does not pose a health risk to the general Canadian population at the levels set out in the List of Permitted Food Colours."

Is Red Dye No. 3 Dangerous?

The safety of Red Dye No. 3 is not something that the average person needs to be concerned with, unless their diet is comprised mainly of maraschino cherries, red decorating icing, and Valentine’s Day heart candy. The majority of people consume a very small amount of Red Dye No. 3 overall. (And nothing close to the four percent of their overall diet like the rats did in that 1987 study.)

Sure, we as a society can live without Red Dye No. 3. But we also need to be aware that advocacy groups often overstate the health risks of additives and substances such as food dyes. Many of these entities, including the Environmental Working Group, create their own "safe intake levels" of different ingredients that are far below the levels that have been scientifically proven to be safe.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN award-winning nutrition expert and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Health Shots, agrees.

"Although the FDA has agreed to ban Red Dye No. 3 due to the Delaney Clause, research hasn’t linked it to cancer in humans," Amidor says. "It appears that consumer advocacy groups are using the clause to demonize food unnecessarily. These groups don’t seem to consider the full body of scientific evidence in these cases."

The danger of unwarranted hysteria about "chemicals" is that it creates anxiety and fear around foods that are safe to eat. It’s important to consider the source of the information you receive online and in traditional media.

What Should You Do About Red Dye No. 3 Now?

Um, avoid the hysteria?

As a dietitian, I'm seeing a trend of demonizing single ingredients and linking them— without adequate science—to poor health outcomes or chronic diseases like cancer. This is an oversimplification of a complex situation.

It’s important to understand that one food ingredient is not unlikely to cause cancer or other health issues on its own. The totality of your diet, as well as lifestyle, and genetics, are also contributing factors in many cases.

It’s far-fetched to claim that a red dye that most of us eat in tiny amounts only occasionally is carcinogenic, especially when the only "proof" of a linkage between the two is a small, thirty-year old study in rats who were fed more than any of us would ever consume as humans.

If you’re worried about additives in food, or even if you’re not, the best way to eat is to include as many whole and minimally processed foods in your diet as you can.

So there's no need to toss any food in your kitchen that contains Red Dye No. 3 right this moment.

And maybe you should brace yourself, too. Although used for the same purpose as Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40 is also under scrutiny by advocacy organizations for its prevalence in our food supply and its alleged health effects.

Body

via Latest Content - Men's Health https://ift.tt/XBnkdmY

January 17, 2025 at 11:25AM

The Fascinating Backstory Behind Red Dye No. 3

The Fascinating Backstory Behind Red Dye No. 3

https://ift.tt/xBwlLOK

BY NOW, YOU'VE probably seen the news about the FDA revoking authorization for the use of Red Dye No. 3, or erythrosine, in the United States.

There’s an absolute frenzy about this "cancer-causing chemical" on social media, which is a win for anti-food-dye advocates and the advocacy groupp Centre for Science in the Public Interest, which spearheaded a two-year long fight for this ban. Come January 2027 (yes, two years from now), food manufacturers must remove Red Dye No. 3 from all of their products, according to the FDA.

But what even is Red Dye No. 3? Is it dangerous? Like, if you used to gobble up maraschino cherries as a kid, do you now have cancer?

As a dietitian, I assure you that Red No. 3 is far more complex.

What Even Is Red Dye No. 3?

In the U.S., Red Dye No. 3 is a synthetic coloring used in candy, medications, and baked goods. You probably know it best from the hue it gives bright-red decorating icing, Valentine's Day sweets, and, yes, maraschino cherries.

Why Was Red Dye No. 3 Banned?

Actually, the dye was already banned for use in U.S. cosmetics as of 1990. Back then, the FDA reportedly considered banning the dye in foods too, but chose not to (more on why soon). The basis of both bans is the Delaney Clause, a federal law that was enacted in 1958. This law prohibits any ingredients that have been found to cause cancer in either humans or animals, regardless of dose, to be used in food or cosmetics in the U.S.

Which brings us to the research behind the effects of Red Dye No. 3. (It's controversial.) Both the cosmetic and food bans of Red Dye No. 3 are the result of a single study published in 1987. In the study, male rats fed a diet where the dye made up four percent of the diet had higher rates of thyroid cancer than female rats, or rats whose diet had no dye in their food. (Mice in the group that received the dye also weighed significantly less before the beginning of the experiment than those in the control group.)

Now what's interesting is that the mechanism that caused the cancer in the experimental rats does not even exist in humans, which may be why human studies involving Red Dye No. 3 have failed to produce similar results. This is the reason why the FDA did not move to ban the dye in food thirty years ago.

Also know that there are other claims being made about Red Dye No., such as its supposed effect of causing hyperactivity in children. There is no conclusive evidence that supports this assertion. (I read this stuff for a living.)

Yes, it's true that California banned Red Dye No. 3 in foods in 2023, and that they dye has already been unauthorized for use in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. In Canada, however, Health Canada has determined that "dietary exposure to ... Red No. 3 does not pose a health risk to the general Canadian population at the levels set out in the List of Permitted Food Colours."

Is Red Dye No. 3 Dangerous?

The safety of Red Dye No. 3 is not something that the average person needs to be concerned with, unless their diet is comprised mainly of maraschino cherries, red decorating icing, and Valentine’s Day heart candy. The majority of people consume a very small amount of Red Dye No. 3 overall. (And nothing close to the four percent of their overall diet like the rats did in that 1987 study.)

Sure, we as a society can live without Red Dye No. 3. But we also need to be aware that advocacy groups often overstate the health risks of additives and substances such as food dyes. Many of these entities, including the Environmental Working Group, create their own "safe intake levels" of different ingredients that are far below the levels that have been scientifically proven to be safe.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN award-winning nutrition expert and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Health Shots, agrees.

"Although the FDA has agreed to ban Red Dye No. 3 due to the Delaney Clause, research hasn’t linked it to cancer in humans," Amidor says. "It appears that consumer advocacy groups are using the clause to demonize food unnecessarily. These groups don’t seem to consider the full body of scientific evidence in these cases."

The danger of unwarranted hysteria about "chemicals" is that it creates anxiety and fear around foods that are safe to eat. It’s important to consider the source of the information you receive online and in traditional media.

What Should You Do About Red Dye No. 3 Now?

Um, avoid the hysteria?

As a dietitian, I'm seeing a trend of demonizing single ingredients and linking them— without adequate science—to poor health outcomes or chronic diseases like cancer. This is an oversimplification of a complex situation.

It’s important to understand that one food ingredient is not unlikely to cause cancer or other health issues on its own. The totality of your diet, as well as lifestyle, and genetics, are also contributing factors in many cases.

It’s far-fetched to claim that a red dye that most of us eat in tiny amounts only occasionally is carcinogenic, especially when the only "proof" of a linkage between the two is a small, thirty-year old study in rats who were fed more than any of us would ever consume as humans.

If you’re worried about additives in food, or even if you’re not, the best way to eat is to include as many whole and minimally processed foods in your diet as you can.

So there's no need to toss any food in your kitchen that contains Red Dye No. 3 right this moment.

And maybe you should brace yourself, too. Although used for the same purpose as Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40 is also under scrutiny by advocacy organizations for its prevalence in our food supply and its alleged health effects.

Body

via Latest Content - Men's Health https://ift.tt/XBnkdmY

January 17, 2025 at 11:25AM

Balancefrom kettlebell set walmart sale january 2025

Balancefrom kettlebell set walmart sale january 2025

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We couldn’t extract the content of this article. Here is the URL so you can access it:
https://www.thestreet.com/deals/balancefrom-kettlebell-set-walmart-sale-january-2025

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January 17, 2025 at 12:57PM