Hello. It’s Thursday, January 18. You’re about to discover the most expensive appliances to run in your home (and key money-saving tips), a new top “diet” for better heart health, 10 easy bedtime stretches, 3 powerful ways to handle stress better, and more...
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Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals Found in Menstrual Products
Menstrual products – pads, tampons, and liners – often contain a variety of hormone-disrupting chemicals, a recent research review has determined. Specific chemicals of concern include phthalates, volatile organic compounds, parabens, environmental phenols, fragrance chemicals, and dioxins.
The presence of these potentially harmful chemicals in menstrual products is particularly concerning because the vaginal and vulvar tissue they touch is highly permeable, giving the hormone-interfering chemicals an entrance point into the body.
The research review encompassed 15 studies conducted from 2013-2023 that measured chemicals in menstrual products as well as biomarkers of chemical exposure in humans. Along with identifying the presence of hormone-disrupting chemicals, the review also noted that the average menstruator will use about 11,000 pads/tampons in their lifetime.
These findings correspond with another recent study that found the presence of “forever chemicals” (also with hormone-disrupting potential) in menstrual underwear, although the authors of the review believe more research needs to be done in newer menstrual products, like underwear, cups, and discs.
“Fasting-Mimicking” Diet Comparable to Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health
The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with better cardiovascular health, but some new research has found that a fasting-mimicking diet could have similar – and even unique – benefits for the heart and may also be easier for many people to implement.
The fasting-mimicking diet involves a 5-day “fasting” period each month. However, instead of going without food, participants eat a specific vegan diet (low-calorie, low-protein, high-fat) for those 5 days and then resume with their normal diet for the rest of the month.
When 4 cycles of this specific diet were compared to 4 months of a Mediterranean diet in the study, participants in both groups experienced a similar drop in weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), body fat mass, and total cholesterol – all of which positively impacts heart health.
The fasting-mimicking group also experienced reduced reactive hyperemia index (RHI), which could indicate better heart function. Overall, both diets have potential to lower heart disease risk, but the fasting-mimicking diet could be more achievable for people who don’t want to completely overhaul their existing diet.
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11 Best Mood-Enhancing Foods to Help Depression
Though no single food can cure depression, diet and nutrition have been shown to play a role in mental health. Top foods that may help improve mood over time include leafy greens, antioxidant-filled berries, and salmon (rich in omega 3s). For seafood eaters, oysters contain many nutrients that support brain/mental health, while dark chocolate, bananas, nuts, and avocados are also top choices. Beans are a surprise choice but contain fiber that supports the gut and brain. (More)
Sleep Disruption in Early Adulthood May Raise Dementia Risk
The younger you are, the easier it is to recover from a night of disrupted sleep, but that doesn’t mean poor sleep habits won’t catch up with you later. According to a recent study, those who get poor quality sleep in their 30s and 40s may be at higher risk of cognitive decline and memory problems about 10-11 years later. Interestingly, sleep disruptions seemed to have more of an impact on brain function than sleep duration in this specific study. (More)
Hearing Aids Could Lower the Risk of Early Death by 24%
Hearing loss is estimated to affect about 40 million American adults, but only about 1 in 10 people who need hearing aids use them. Factors like cost, stigma, and challenges finding options that fit and work well deter people from using hearing aids, but some new research shows that hearing aid use could lower the risk of premature death by over 24% – a finding that will hopefully encourage people to give hearing aids a second chance. (More)
Specific Home Cleaning Tactics Can Improve Health After Wildfires
The wildfires that broke out in many areas around the world last year brought with them harmful chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Highly toxic, PAHs are even more problematic because they can linger in the air and stick to surfaces in the home. Air filters can help, but putting cotton materials through the laundry and cleaning glass surfaces – including windows and drinking glasses – are also key tactics to drastically cut down on the presence of PAHs. (More)
5 Signs Your Bloating Might Be Something Serious
Bloating happens to everyone from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about. However, it can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying health issue. If you experience weight loss or changes in bowel movements alongside bloating, those are both signs to go see a health expert. Fatigue and appetite changes are also indicators of a more serious problem, and bloating that persists (even by itself) long term should be checked out as well. (More)
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Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts 3 months or longer. It impacts all facets of life, and an estimated 50 million people live with chronic pain in the U.S. alone (1 out of every 5 adults), which is more than the number of people with cancer, heart disease, or diabetes.
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| Partner of the day |  |
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> What happened when an icicle fell on the snowman’s head? It knocked him out cold.
>How does a penguin build a house? Igloos it together.
> What did the snowflake say to the fallen leaf? “You’re so last season!”
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“You don't get to choose how you're going to die, or when. You can only decide how you're going to live. Now.”
―Joan Baez
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| Why Beat122? A "beat" is a genre of journalism focused on a particular sector. In our case, that sector is concise and unbiased natural health news that you can take action to live long and live well.
The number 122 symbolizes positive change. And there is a double meaning to Beat122. The world's oldest person lived to age 122. Based on the science, we are certain you and many others can beat that, and our mission is to provide you with the best insights to do so!
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