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Tell me what bacteria live in your intestine and I will tell you who your friends are | Health and well-being

January 23, 2025 by usatoday24

Mencius, a Chinese philosopher, wrote a handful of centuries ago that “friendship is one mind in two bodies.” Modern science could add another element: friendship is also a microbiota in two bodies. A study has found that the more people interact, the more similar the composition of the microorganisms living in their intestines becomes, even if they do not live in the same household. The investigation, recently published in the magazine Naturealso ensures that an individual’s microbiome is determined not only by their closest social contacts, but also by the connections of these contacts. That is, the friends of your friends. To know the details of this investigation you have to take a trip to the western heart of the Honduran jungle. It was in this Caribbean country where scientists from Yale University worked for ten years until they recruited a group of 1,787 adults, spread across 18 isolated villages, to donate a sample of their feces. All participants had a traditional diet and practically did not consume antibiotics or other medications. Nicholas Christakis, lead author of the study, explains that they were “very lucky that the participants were helpful and engaged.” The scientists needed to be able to trace each of the volunteers’ contacts with certainty, something that would have been much more complicated to do in cities like Madrid or Barcelona. The towns of Honduras, in this case, were perfect. More information Before continuing to advance with the results of this research, it is worth explaining what the microbiota is and why it is important. Francisco Guarner, director of the Digestive System Research Unit at the Vall d’Hebron General Hospital in Barcelona, has a definition: “It is the bacteria communityviruses and fungi that colonize the digestive tract. We could think of it as another organ of the human body, a set of biological capacities that help the survival of an individual.” Although this organ It lives within us, it functions under its own rules and hierarchies. It is organized in its own way and it is not easy to manipulate it. “It is essential for the digestion of food. It provides us with many enzymes and metabolic pathways that humans do not have,” adds the expert. Thanks to the microbiota we can, for example, digest fiber. They are also essential for the development of a balanced immune system. For decades, science has explored the composition of the microbiota to understand how it is generated in each person. Mireia Vallés Colomer, director of the Microbiome Research Group at Pompeu Fabra University, details that vertical transmission had been, until now, the most likely explanation. “We receive these microorganisms, in large part, from our mothers, through childbirth and breastfeeding. We also share bacteria that our grandmother passed to our mother,” he details. However, the new study ventures that the microbiota changes throughout life, and that those largely responsible for these changes are our social contacts. A horizontal transmission. “We were very surprised by the reach of microbes that networks of people share. In fact, we can predict who your friends are based on how similar the microbes in your stool are to theirs,” says Christakis. Data suggests that people living in the same house share up to 14% of the microbial strains in their intestines. While those who do not live together, but usually spend time together, share 10%. The research has also been able to determine that individuals who live in the same town, but who do not usually interact too frequently, share only 4%. There is, the authors say, a chain of transmission because friends of friends share more strains than would be expected by mere chance. The transmission method There is a question that continues to swirl around this research and that is to understand how strains are transmitted bacteria from one microbiota to the other. “We do not have a conclusive answer about how this transmission occurs,” says Vallés. And he adds: “What is hypothesized is that what reaches the intestine has to pass through the mouth. “Many bacteria in the microbiome don’t tolerate direct contact with oxygen for very long, so close contact is needed, but we don’t know exactly what that looks like.” Guarner, however, details that “the fecal-oral route “It seems to be the most important transmission vector.” That is to say, although we clean ourselves and more or less control our hygiene, in some previous studies it has been detected that the bacteria that are typically found in the intestine also appear on the hands. This is how they then reach the mouth. Some of the bacteria manage to survive this journey from the intestine because they travel in the form of spores, similar to those of fungi. “With this transmission mechanism it does not have to be extremely direct contact, it can be through a towel or clothing,” details Guarner. There is no need to be alarmed. This transfer of microorganisms It is what, in some way, keeps us alive. So much so, that new lines of research on the relationship between microbiota and health suggest that a healthy and fit community of microorganisms has an impact on several aspects of our well-being. Some researchers are trying to establish a direct relationship between the microbiota and non-communicable diseasessuch as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and even depression. Guarner explains: “This is still a bit speculative, but normally what happens is that these types of diseases are associated with a poor microbiome.” Vallés contributes that “it has been observed that people with the so-called ‘modern diseases’ suffer an alteration in the composition of their microbiome.” But it is not that there is a particular bacteria responsible for these diseases, but rather it is the loss of diversity in general that worsens the state of health. In this case, the research opens the door to continue analyzing whether these non-communicable diseases, in fact, do have a transmissibility factor. And if an entire community of people has a weakened microbiota, these diseases could proliferate more easily … Read more

Johann Hari, journalist: “The idea that obesity is a sin is deeply rooted in our culture” | Health and well-being

January 23, 2025 by usatoday24

A couple of days after starting to take Ozempicsays the journalist and writer Johann Hari (Glasgow, 46 years old), he woke up with a strange sensation, unknown to him: he was not hungry. He got out of bed and went out to have breakfast at the bar, the usual breakfast, a chicken sandwich with mayonnaise. He took a couple of bites and couldn’t finish it. It was full. The medicine, belonging to that generation of drugs that have revolutionized The fight against obesity by imitating the effect of a hormone (GLP-1) that tells us when we are full, was restoring a lost perception: that of satiety. Hari tells this and other anecdotes about his experience with these medications in his new book Lose weight at any price. How Ozempic and other drugs are going to revolutionize our diet and our physical and mental health (Península), which reaches bookstores today. In these pages, the journalist, who has been overweight since he was young, embarks on a journey, accompanied by obesity experts and scientists who have participated in the development of the new drugs, for the benefits and risks of these treatments, the uncertainties that surround them and the uncertain scenarios that open in the field of health and beyond it. The journalist attends EL PAÍS by videoconference from London. More information Ask. He has spoken to many scientists. What has impressed you the most about what they have told you? Answer. Which obesity it really does you. Since I was seven years old I knew that being overweight is not good for your health, but I was surprised by the evidence of how serious it is. If you are obese, you are much more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, dementia and cancer. If you are obese by the time you are 18, you are 70% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. And diabetes is the leading preventable cause of blindness in the UK and limb amputation in the US. Q. He assures that these anti-obesity drugs are destined to be the defining medicine of our time, like birth control pills or Prozac at other times in the last century, for example. Why do you say it? R. Because obesity is the biggest cause of death in the Western world. And now we have a medicine that, if you take it, reverses it and puts an end to it. It’s amazing. So all of us who are overweight or obese have a choice, but we have to compare the risks of remaining obese with the risks of these medications and think about it a lot. (These drugs) They are going to have enormous effects. Q. How can they change our lives and our culture? R. The change is enormous. Jefferies Financial, which is a financial consulting firm, made a report for American airlines saying that they may have to spend much less money on jet fuel, because it costs more money to fly with heavier people and that is going to be a much smaller population. Also in Los Angeles there has been an increase in demand for jewelers to change and adjust wedding rings because people have lost so much weight that the rings no longer fit on their fingers. Approximately 20% of Americans have already tried these medications. This is huge. This is an astonishing scientific advance that will profoundly change society for better and worse. “The foods we eat are undermining our ability to feel full” Q. Regarding this negative part, he exposes some issues that the consumption of these medications entails, such as the risk of losing the culture of body positive or what would happen if people with eating disorders access these drugs that help them lose weight. Have you found answers to these questions? R. The invention of these drugs is like the discovery of fire. Fire is a great tool if I use it to heat my house, but it is terrible if I use it to burn my house down. And in the same way, when something as powerful as this is discovered, it will have great positive effects and great negative effects. If you are overweight or obese and start taking these medications, for example, you are 20% less likely to have a heart attack or stroke in the next 18 months. But you also mentioned something that worries me a lot: when you take these medications, you eat much less; and that’s good if you’re obese like me, but people with an eating disorderanorexia for example, if you are thin and start taking these medications, you can kill yourself with them. Therefore, one of the things we must do is regulate these medications very strictly. Q. The book also delves into what makes ultra-processed foods so addictive. Do they cause a kind of short circuit in our brain systems? R. If you look at a photograph of a beach in Spain in 1979, the year I was born, everyone is very thin and you wonder: where are the obese people? So, obesity was very low. Modern humans have been around for 300,000 years, but obesity was extremely rare. And basically, during my lifetime, it exploded. What happened? We know the answer: Obesity skyrockets everywhere people make a change, when they go from eating mostly fresh foods they prepared that day to eating primarily processed and ultra-processed foodsThat is, food is made up of chemicals in factories in a process that is not even called cooking, it is called making food. This new type of food affects us in very different ways. The foods we eat are undermining our ability to feel full and what these new medications do is restore the feeling of satiety. Q. And what about the industry’s responsibility in this context? R. Need regulate the food industry to prevent children from being exposed to these foods that make them sick and undermine their ability to feel full. I’m talking about a long-term solution and we … Read more

Patric Gagne, psychologist: “The antisocial traits of politicians are confused with strength and people are attracted to it” | Health and well-being

January 23, 2025 by usatoday24

“I’m not bad, it’s just that they have drawn me like that.” The ex-therapist Patrick Gagne (Los Angeles, USA, 49 years old) paraphrases Jessica Rabbit—a cartoon character from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (Robert Zemeckis, 1988)—when recounting his criminal activities, such as stealing Ringo Starr’s glasses, breaking into homes or taking other people’s cars for night getaways. This UCLA student and doctor in clinical psychology recognizes that she does not feel like others, it is difficult for her to empathize and she must make an effort to tell the truth. If feelings were colors, Gagne would only have the basic ones, such as sadness or joy, but not the complex ones, such as regret, guilt, jealousy, nor love in its conventional form, although she is married to the love of her life and has two children. With his memories, Sociopath (Planet)seeks to promote empathy towards those who suffer from psychopathic and antisocial disorders, although it warns that the term that gives it its title is outdated and is confused with antisocial personality disorder. In the US, it is associated with serial killers, while in Spain “psychopath” is more used. According to the writer and journalist Álex Grijelmo, “sociopath” carries in English the idea of “misfit”, a nuance that does not exist in Spanish. But as some psychologists understand, labels only indicate one direction and the essential thing is to understand the person as a whole. The interview takes place by videoconference on January 20, just after the return to the Oval Office of a president with characteristics similar to those described in the book. Ask. How do you define sociopath? Answer. Sociopathy, psychopathy, and antisocial personality disorder (ASD) are related, but different. The term sociopath, which is no longer used clinically, is now included within psychopathy, which is divided into primary (biologically determined, lacking social emotions such as guilt and empathy) and secondary (caused by the environment, capable of learning social emotions). Sociopathy is associated with secondary psychopathy. APD is a broader diagnosis that can encompass both sociopathy and psychopathy, although not all people with APD are sociopaths or psychopaths. Q. It is so complex that diagnoses can vary depending on the therapist. R. The challenge lies in the etiquette. Words like “psychopath” and “sociopath” are highly stigmatized. I heard one therapist suggest reclassifying sociopathy as “low affect disorder” to reduce stigma and better address the behaviors. A common misunderstanding is that sociopaths and psychopaths cannot feel, but we experience basic emotions, such as happiness and fear. The challenge lies in social emotions, such as love, empathy and compassion, which are learned, not intrinsic. Q. What did your doctoral studies teach you about the connection between sociopathy and anxiety? R. Primary psychopaths cannot experience social emotions or anxiety, while secondary psychopaths or sociopaths do feel anxiety. Treating anxiety can help sociopaths learn social emotions. In my case, the anxiety came from fear of rejection due to my lack of emotion. As a child, I hid my true self to fit in, but once I accepted that I didn’t need to be like everyone else, the anxiety disappeared. Although I still feel apathy, I no longer force emotions, and it is important to be surrounded by empathetic people. As a therapist, I learned that understanding others, even just intellectually, is key. Humanity is diverse, and mutual understanding benefits everyone, regardless of emotional capacity. Q. As if having full access to emotions could magically solve everything… R. Look, from my perspective it doesn’t sound that great (laughs). Q. So does treating anxiety to address sociopathy offer hope? R. Absolutely, I wrote my book to show that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Sociopathy exists on a spectrum, with most cases being mild to moderate. Focusing only on the extremes ignores these milder forms, which could escalate to more severe cases. It’s like only recognizing stage 4 cancer, ignoring stages 1, 2 and 3; Something similar happens with psychopathy. In our society emotions are often heightened; I encourage more acceptance and less anger.” Q. His difficulties in feeling emotions have not implied lacking a moral code, like when he chose “not to hurt anyone.” R. Correct. I am often asked what stops me from murdering someone if I feel no guilt or remorse, and my answer is: I hurt people all I want, but that amount is zero. It seems crazy to me that people believe that guilt and shame are necessary to prevent harm or crime, implying that human beings would always want to harm without these emotions. It is a self-destructive argument. Q. Is there hypocrisy in a society where people without diagnoses of mental disorders do not have to justify their bad actions? R. People with psychopathic and antisocial disorders are criticized for lacking empathy, but most neurotypical people deny it to them. Empathy is often learned through parenting, and a child who struggles in this regard usually doesn’t get much of it either. It is hypocritical to expect psychopaths to show empathy when it is not extended to them. Q. He says feeling accepted is liberating, but accepting those who don’t follow social norms is rare. R. Historically, those who are different are not easily accepted. My emotional difficulties don’t mean my feelings don’t matter. Psychopathy, sociopathy, and APD are often labeled as aggressive disorders, but we should focus on behavior, not emotions. I challenge the idea that children who lack social emotions like guilt are “bad.” They should learn to experience these emotions in a way that works for them, which could prevent destructive coping mechanisms. “Antisocial or narcissistic personalities thrive in professions where emotion can be an obstacle, such as politics.” Q. Unwanted loneliness has been his greatest suffering, but despite the difficulty in making friends, he managed to do so. How did he get it? R. When I accepted my differences and acted authentically, I found people who accepted me for who I am. This is true for anyone: self-acceptance leads to finding … Read more

Global study reaffirms health damage caused by sugary drinks

January 23, 2025January 23, 2025 by usatoday24

According to a study, 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease worldwide could be linked to consumption of soda, energy drinks, and other sugar-sweetened beverages in 2020. This is what an international research group reports in the magazine Nature Medicine. Sugary drinks: not suitable for quenching thirst A glass of Cola (250 ml) contains almost 27 grams of sugar: this is equivalent to almost 9 sugar cubes. Energy drinks, fruit drinks, and other soft drinks can also be sugar bombs. However, according to the study, more and more people are turning to these drinks, especially in Latin America and Africa. It is known that sugar-sweetened drinks are not good for your health. The German Nutrition Society writes that these are not suitable as thirst-quenching drinks: “They contain a lot of sugar (approximately 80-100 g per liter) and therefore provide a lot of calories.” The research group led by Laura Lara-Castor at Tufts University in the US has now calculated the health consequences of consuming sugary drinks in relation to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Lots of advertising in low and middle income countries To do this, the team analyzed data from the Global Dietary Database: this database contains estimates on the consumption of sugary drinks based on nutritional surveys, as well as data on obesity and diabetes rates. The scientists used figures from the years 1990 to 2020 and combined data sets from 184 countries to calculate the probability of a connection between both factors. According to this, in 2020, 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease worldwide were attributable to sugary drinks. This would represent one in 10 new cases of type 2 diabetes and one in 30 new cases of cardiovascular disease. The study found the highest proportion in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. As for individual countries, Colombia, Mexico and South Africa were particularly affected. According to the study, the more countries develop and incomes increase, the more accessible and desirable sugary drinks become. More thirst for sweet drinks For Germany, the study shows only a slight increase in diabetes deaths per million inhabitants between 1990 and 2020 attributable to the consumption of sugary drinks, compared to other countries. Regarding deaths from cardiovascular diseases, a decrease is even observed, as in the US and Great Britain. According to the researchers’ data, almost 650 milliliters – or two large glasses – of these drinks were consumed weekly in Germany in 2020. This places Germany in the middle of the list of the 30 most populous countries among those studied. However, figures from the Economic Association of Non-Alcoholic Beverages (wafg) for 2023 suggest that soft drink consumption has increased again in the country. Demand for a “soda tax” As the authors themselves write, although their estimates are based on the best available data and educated guesses, they cannot provide evidence of cause and effect. Additionally, data for some countries is incomplete. The research team also emphasizes that sugary drinks are digested quickly and raise blood sugar levels without having nutritional value. Regular consumption leads to weight gain, insulin resistance and various metabolic problems related to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, two of the most common causes of death in the world. Scientists demand, among other things, health campaigns, stricter rules for advertising such drinks and tax measures. A “soft drinks tax” already exists in many countries, including Great Britain since 2018: this applies at the threshold of five grams of sugar per 100 milliliters. Manufacturers must then pay 18 pence (21 cents) per liter, and for 8 grams of sugar or more per 100 milliliters, 24 pence (28 cents) per liter applies. Since then, not only has consumption decreased, but manufacturers have also reduced the sugar content. Also in Germany, consumer advocates and health experts regularly demand such a tax, although so far without success. FEW (dpa, Nature Medicine) Keep reading: * More affordable insulin in New York starting in 2025 * How much fruit can a person with diabetes eat? * 3 Harvard recommendations for diabetics who want to lose weight

Health in the United States: What to expect from the Trump Administration

January 21, 2025 by usatoday24

During his previous campaign for the White House, Donald Trump made promises to roll back regulations established by his predecessor, Joe Biden, and he began to execute them from day one. His focus on health matters during this new mandate ranges from regulations aimed at reducing health care coststo the spread of the coronavirus, expansions of the Affordable Care Act and protections against gender discrimination. Some of the big changes expected in the health of the United States: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Secretary of Health and Human Services Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of Health and Human Services. Due to his anti-vaccine stances and public health theories, this position has been questioned by many and 18,000 signatures have been submitted in the Senate to reject his nomination. Despite the criticism, Trump has expressed confidence that Kennedy Jr. will lead health agencies toward “greater transparency and effectiveness in the fight against chronic diseases.” Kennedy advocates for reducing pollutants and protecting environmental health. For this reason, regulations are planned for chemical products used in food and the environment. The now Secretary of Health has reiterated his concern about mental health in the country and assures that it is an “urgent crisis in the country.” For this benefits are expected in the accessibility of psychological care, integrating mental health programs into communities and reducing the overprescription of drugs for mental disorders. United States exit from the WHO The 47th president of the United States ordered that the country begin the process of withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), which he holds responsible for the mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic. This has been regretted by the organization, who claim that together with the nation they have saved millions of lives around the world. Medicare, Medicaid and drug prices The mogul also revoked an executive order that prompted the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to create three drug pricing experiments that have yet to fully take off. This would affect these three areas: Payment for cell and genetic therapies Pay less for drugs that receive accelerated approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Offer generic medications for common chronic diseases for a flat $2 copay. Covid: treatments and vaccines Trump reversed several Biden policies aimed at tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and preparing the country for future infectious disease outbreaks. All were issued in 2021 amid the crisis and aimed to boost Covid-19 testing, treatment research, provide economic relief and improve cooperation with other countries in the event of another pandemic. Affordable Care Act Trump rescinded Biden’s executive order that provided longer enrollment periods for Affordable Care Act plans in most states and additional funding for third parties that help people enroll in ACA insurance. Immigration A report by cnn highlights that Trump’s promise to implement drastic measures against immigration “comes at a time when the United States desperately needs more workers to care for the growing ranks of senior citizens.” “We have a group of older adults who will live longer than ever and will need and require access to care and services,” said Nicole Howell, director of workforce policy at LeadingAge, which represents more than 5,400 people-services nonprofits. seniors, including nursing homes and home care providers. Sex and gender During his inaugural address he revealed a series of health and education policies that establish protections for LGBTQ+ people and transgender people in particular. “From now on the official policy of the United States government will be that there are only two genders, male and female,” he said. Among the orders rescinded this Monday include a 2022 policy against discrimination against people based on sexual or gender identity that mandated support for LGBTQ+ students and ordered officials to end programs that promote so-called conversion therapy both nationally and internationally. Likewise, Biden’s orders to promote protections based on sex and gender identity in schools as well as the law to establish the Gender Policy Council, initially chaired by Jennifer Klein, an alumna of the administrations of the Obama and Clinton. Keep reading:

The experts who want to redefine obesity to improve the health of millions of people around the world

January 17, 2025 by usatoday24

Image source, Getty Images photo caption, Experts say that people with excess body fat can still be active and healthy. Item information Author, Philippa Roxby Author’s title, BBC News, Health Correspondent January 16, 2025 A report prepared by experts from around the world warns that there is a risk of diagnosing too many people with obesity, and that a “more precise” and “nuanced” definition of this term is needed. Doctors should take into account the overall health of patients with excess fat, rather than simply measuring their body mass index (BMI), the report says. Those who suffer from chronic diseases caused by their weight should be diagnosed with “clinical obesity,” but those without health problems should be diagnosed with “preclinical obesity.” It is estimated that more than one billion people suffer from obesity worldwide, so there is a great demand for weight loss medications. The report, published in the magazine The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinologyis supported by more than 50 medical experts from around the world. New look “Obesity is a spectrum,” says Francesco Rubino, a professor at King’s College London and president of the group that carried out the research. “Some suffer from it and manage to lead a normal life, function normally.” “Others cannot walk or breathe well, or are in a wheelchair and have serious health problems.” Image source, Getty Images photo caption, There is a difference between overweight people who can be physically active and lead healthy lives and those who cannot, the report says. The report calls for “reframing” the concept of obesity to distinguish between patients with a disease and those who remain healthy but are at risk of disease in the future. Currently, in many countries, obesity is defined as having a BMI greater than 30, a measure that estimates body fat based on height and weight. Access to weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro is usually restricted to patients in this category. However, according to the report, BMI reveals nothing about a patient’s overall health, and does not distinguish between muscle and body fat or take into account the more dangerous fat around the waist and organs. Experts advocate a new model that takes into account the signs of obesity that affect the body’s organs – such as heart disease, dyspnea, type 2 diabetes or joint pain – and its detrimental impact on daily life. This indicates that obesity has become a clinical disease and needs pharmacological treatment. Image source, Getty Images photo caption, Access to weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro is often restricted to patients with a high BMI. However, people with “preclinical obesity”, instead of drugs and surgery, should be offered weight loss advice, counseling and follow-up to reduce the chances of health problems developing. Treatment may also be necessary. “Unnecessary treatment” “Obesity is a health risk; the difference is that for some it is also a disease,” Professor Rubino said. The expert added that it was sensible to redefine it to know the level of risk in a broad population, instead of the current “blurred image of obesity.” According to the report, waist-to-height ratio or direct measurement of fat, along with a detailed medical history, can provide a much clearer picture than BMI. Image source, Getty Images photo caption, BMI is not an index that gives us information about a person’s health status, the report says. Louise Baur, a childhood obesity expert at the University of Sydney who helped produce the report, says the new approach will allow obese adults and children to “receive more appropriate care”, while reducing the number of overdiagnoses and unnecessary treatments. At a time when drugs that reduce body weight by up to 20% are being prescribed on a large scale, the report states that this “rethinking” of obesity “is all the more relevant” as it “improves the accuracy of diagnosis.” “Limited funding” The Royal College of Physicians of London says the report lays a solid foundation “for treating obesity with the same medical rigor and compassion as other chronic diseases.” Distinguishing between preclinical and clinical obesity would be “a vital step” and would “highlight the need to identify and intervene early,” while providing appropriate care to patients whose health was already severely affected, the college said. Many fear that pressure on healthcare budgets will mean less money for “pre-obese” patients. Jim Mann, co-director of the Edgar Center for Diabetes and Obesity Research in Otago, New Zealand, said there was likely to be an emphasis “on the needs of those defined as clinically obese” and that limited funding was “very likely” to be intended for them. Subscribe here to our new newsletter to receive a selection of our best content of the week every Friday. And remember that you can receive notifications in our app. Download the latest version and activate them.

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