Through Rainmatter, we have been trying to figure out how we can support teams that are helping people make healthy choices.
And since some of us are actively tracking the health space, we will share some of the interesting articles, blog posts, and threads that we come across the internet. Please do add to this thread, and we will give it a read 
A large new study has discovered that just 11 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic activity per day could reduce your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or premature death.
The Liver Institute team worked with Neogen Labs, an independent food and drug testing lab, to examine some of the most popular/well-known protein supplements sold in India. Here is their analysis:
https://twitter.com/theliverdr/status/1629670100595888128?s=20
According to an alarming report by the World Obesity Federation, the economic impact of overweight and obesity is projected to surpass $4 trillion by the year 2035. This means that the rising rates of obesity are not only affecting the health of the global population but also leading to increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity, resulting in a huge burden on the global economy.
The report reveals that, in addition to the already existing healthcare costs, the economic impact of overweight and obesity is also felt in areas such as transportation, human capital, and social welfare. For instance, healthcare costs associated with overweight and obesity account for a significant portion of the economic burden, with obesity-related illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer costing billions of dollars annually. Furthermore, overweight and obesity lead to reduced productivity in the workplace, as they can cause physical and mental health issues such as fatigue, depression, and decreased cognitive function.
The report highlights the urgent need for action to address this issue, as failure to act could have serious consequences for the world economy. The World Obesity Federation recommends a range of measures including implementing policies to increase physical activity and healthy eating, as well as improving access to weight management services. Although there have been some positive developments in recent years, such as the introduction of sugar taxes and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, more needs to be done to combat this growing problem.
In conclusion, the economic impact of overweight and obesity is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed with urgency. Governments, healthcare professionals, and individuals must work together to find solutions to this issue, and preventative measures must be implemented to reduce the burden on the global economy. It is only through concerted efforts that we can hope to tackle this problem and create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
Erythritol has a high link to heart attacks among its users, according to a recent study on this sugar substitute. There seems to be a lot of buzz on the accuracy of the study, but it’s best to start looking for other alternatives and limit its consumption. Here are a few threads.
https://twitter.com/CNN/status/1630383266069901312?t=0oMAqP5pnTy2jastLcBgRg&s=19
https://twitter.com/theliverdr/status/1630544112721207296?t=vExQvCEMiB83bI7Syh6bdQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/davidasinclair/status/1630643586814607361?s=46&t=yy4c5FovcV9PYMndBjWbwg
This cohort study looked up erythritol levels in the blood but not the dietary intake of erythritol.
Firstly, erythritol is a compound produced naturally by our body as part of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), a component of cellular metabolism. And patients who are diabetic, obese, or have heart disease observe a metabolic dysfunction called Syndrome X and their bodies produce more erythritol because of this. Coincidentally, the subjects this study has been conducted on are majorly unhealthy, with over 75% having Coronary artery disease. Clearly, erythritol hasn’t caused the diseases but the disease activated PPP more because of which erythritol has increased as a byproduct.
The conclusion drawn by the media was a plain misrepresentation. Check this video of Dr. Layne Norton explaining it.
Here’s another study that suggests that erythritol intake has no adverse effects on blood sugar levels, in fact, improves insulin sensitivity.
The article starts by providing some background information on erythritol and its properties. Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a low-calorie sweetener. It is known for its low glycemic index, meaning it does not raise blood sugar levels, and its low calorie count, making it an attractive alternative to sugar for people who want to lose weight or control their blood sugar levels.
However, some recent studies have suggested that erythritol may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The article examines these studies in detail and provides a critical analysis of their methodology and findings.
One study cited in the article is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that investigated the effect of erythritol on cardiovascular risk factors. The meta-analysis concluded that erythritol supplementation did not significantly affect blood pressure, blood lipids, or markers of inflammation. However, the authors of the meta-analysis noted that the quality of the evidence was low, and further research is needed.
Another study cited in the article is a randomized controlled trial that investigated the effect of erythritol on endothelial function, a measure of blood vessel health. The study found that erythritol supplementation did not significantly improve endothelial function in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the study had a small sample size and was not designed to investigate the effect of erythritol on cardiovascular disease.
The article concludes that the evidence linking erythritol to cardiovascular disease is weak and inconclusive. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential health risks of erythritol, the article argues that the current evidence does not support the claims that erythritol is harmful to cardiovascular health.
Overall, the article provides a balanced and nuanced analysis of the available evidence on erythritol and cardiovascular risk, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
Context- Ozempic is usually administered to diabetics but this manages hunger and acts as an appetite suppressant too. This is now a weight loss drug and that’s why there’s so many people who want it even though they (non-diabetics) don’t need it.
Those who use this also reported a reduced interest in drinking and clinical trials show a weight loss of around 15%. Few studies show development of thyroid tumors but there isn’t enough evidence as it was conducted on rodents and their long-term effects on humans are unknown.
With proper with diet and exercise this isn’t really necessary, however if you’re looking for a super fast & easy way to shed the weight, this is considered a temporary fix but only for however long you take them. You stop taking them and your appetite returns, and the weight piles up.
A nice summary on how the health status of our population.
Legumes are quick to prepare, simple to store, and contain more iron than meat.
The lentil is currently fighting climate change once more from the front lines. They are a ready-made solution with a successful track record that can grow in arid regions with little water where many other crops perish while improving the soil. When coupled with several grains, lentils, the edible seed of a legume plant, provide a complete protein that is comparable to meat. They also contain the majority of the essential amino acids, as well as iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B.
Americans only consume 8 pounds of lentils annually, compared to the more than 20 pounds consumed annually by Indians and Spaniards. Black “beluga” lentils, spotted, dark green French Puy, and giant, lighter green Laird are becoming more well-known as Americans broaden their knowledge of lentils beyond the varieties most people are familiar with. The American public’s interest in chickpeas and the pulse family is attributed to hummus, which also caused the area planted in chickpeas to increase from almost nothing in 1995 to almost 1,200 square miles by 2017.
The pandemic-related shutdown of a large portion of the United States in March 2020 gave pulses another boost. The demand for lentils was exceptionally high and hasn’t decreased much since.
By 2050, the EAT-Lancet Commission suggested that we increase the consumption of legumes by twofold.
This article discusses the potential of a new drug to mimic the effects of exercise on bone and muscle. The drug, called SR9009, is a synthetic REV-ERB agonist that has shown promising results in increasing muscle mass and bone strength in mice. Researchers are optimistic that SR9009 might help treat conditions like osteoporosis and muscle wasting in humans. However, the drug’s safety and efficacy in human subjects have not yet been established. As such, further research and clinical trials are necessary before SR9009 can be considered a viable alternative or supplement to regular exercise.
People who had higher scores for sleep health – based on regularity, satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency and duration – during a 12-month weight loss program were more likely to follow the caloric intake and exercise components of the program in comparison to peers who scored lower for sleep health.
Summary: Researchers have found that an artificial sweetener called sucralose may have a dampening effect on the immune system. The researchers conducted experiments in both cell cultures and mice. They found that sucralose reduced the activity of immune cells called macrophages, which are important for fighting off infections and other foreign substances in the body.
The researchers also found that sucralose was able to reduce the levels of certain signalling molecules that are important for immune cell activation. These findings suggest that sucralose may make individuals more susceptible to infections or other immune-related disorders.
However, it’s important to note that the study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting. Further research is needed to determine the exact effects of sucralose on the immune system in humans. Additionally, regulatory agencies, including the FDA, consider sucralose safe for human consumption. Nonetheless, as with any food additive, moderation is always advised.
Milk Consumption reduces in Younger Generations- A recent study found that younger generations are consuming less milk than ever before. According to the study, milk consumption has decreased by 37% among Gen Z and 23% among millennials since 2010. This is primarily due to a shift towards alternative milk products like soy, almond, and oat milk, as well as worries about the environmental impact and animal welfare problems associated with dairy farming. Milk consumption is declining, which has serious implications for the dairy industry and could have a knock-on impact on other industries that depend on dairy, such as cheese and ice cream production.
Semaglutide: Is It Safe for Weight Loss?
Concerns about Semaglutide, a drug authorised by the FDA for weight loss in June 2021. While clinical trials have yielded promising outcomes, there are concerns about its long-term safety and potential side effects. The article examines Semaglutide’s mechanisms of action, benefits, and drawbacks, as well as insights from experts in the field. It also emphasizes the significance of carefully weighing the risks and benefits before choosing to use the drug for weight reduction.
The following podcast discusses the necessary habits for becoming an agile, vital, and long-lasting human being. Dr. Kelly Starrett, a coach and physical therapist, is interviewed by the host about the significance of mobility, movement, and strength training. Dr. Starrett emphasizes the importance of people focusing on developing fundamental movements and reducing sedentary time in order to improve their general physical health.
The ten tests that they talk about are:
The Air Squat Test
The Front Rack Test
The Overhead Squat Test
The Shoulder Range of Motion Test
The Hip Range of Motion Test
The Ankle Range of Motion Test
The Wrist Range of Motion Test
The Core Strength Test
The Glute Strength Test
The Single Leg Balance Test
Dr. Starrett explains how these tests can be used by individuals to determine their physical strengths and weaknesses and work on improving them through targeted exercises and mobility work.