Hello, it’s Sunday, October 29. You’re about to discover how to clean your washing machine with one simple ingredient, which overlooked issue makes menopause worse, 6 things most people waste their time on, a cozy fall soup recipe, and more..
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Carcinogens, Toxic Contaminants Frequently Present in Drinking Water
Drinking water from wells and community water systems in the U.S. often contains chemical contaminants, according to a recent research review. These contaminants can be present at unsafe levels and may expose millions of people to certain health risks, including cancer.
The review focused on assessing seven specific contaminants that often enter drinking water– arsenic, chlorinated disinfection byproducts, fracking-related substances, lead, nitrate, PFAS, and uranium– though the authors acknowledged that they represent only a small fraction of the thousands of “regulated and unregulated” chemicals present in drinking water.
Inorganic arsenic, nitrates, uranium, and lead, which are all known or suspected carcinogens, commonly occur in groundwater. Manmade chemicals, particularly PFAS, are widespread in all types of drinking water but present a challenge because they can be difficult to detect and remove.
The study authors cite climate change– including wildfires and droughts– aging water infrastructures, and uneven enforcement of drinking water standards (to name a few) as problems lying behind current drinking water issues. They advise upgrades to infrastructure and more stringent testing, though filtration may help at the consumer level.
Prebiotic Fiber May Help Combat Weight Gain, Boosts Gut Health
Consuming prebiotic fiber from certain foods may be able to help with weight management and obesity, according to some new research. More specifically, eating prebiotic fiber appears to positively alter brain function when it comes to food-related decision making.
Prebiotic fiber is a specific type of dietary fiber that feeds the “good” bacteria in the gut and fosters the growth of beneficial microbes. It’s found in certain foods like chicory root, onions, leeks, bananas, artichokes, and wheat and is now also available in supplement form.
In the study, 59 overweight participants (young to middle-aged) consumed 30 grams of inulin, which is a prebiotic derived from chicory root, daily for 14 days. Using MRI imaging, researchers found that after consuming the inulin, there was less activation of reward-related brain areas when participants evaluated high-calorie foods as compared to a placebo.
The study authors believe that the positive effects prebiotic fiber has on gut health could be linked to the observed brain changes and improvements in eating behaviors. Though these findings are very preliminary, a long-term follow-up study is already underway. (For more on prebiotics, see article ‘8 Top Prebiotic Foods to Eat for Better Gut Health’ below ↓)
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| Partner of the day |  |
100% Clean-Burning & Hypoallergenic Candles
Many candle lovers don’t know this, but there is an alternative to the soot-producing, toxin-filled candles sold at most stores.
This is good news because conventional candles can be one of the biggest hazards to your health. They are typically packed with toxic fragrance chemicals– including carcinogens, allergens, and hormone disruptors– and made with wax that releases soot and causes respiratory irritation when burned. Even soy candles, which are often marketed as being “green,” are usually made with GMO soy and sometimes blended with petroleum-based paraffin. Fortunately, there IS a truly nontoxic option on the market– the Wellness Candle® from Bee Lucia Wellness Co. This candle is made from clean-burning, soot-free coconut oil and 100% pure, food-grade white beeswax with natural crystals that help purify the air. Each candle is scented only with pure essential oils and contains a natural cotton
“eco” wick.
Find out more about the hypoallergenic Wellness Candle® right here.
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12 Little-Known Health Benefits of Maple Trees
Maple trees have featured in both East Asian and Native American medicine and bring more to the table than just syrup. But speaking of maple syrup, this natural sweetener is filled with nutrients and antioxidants and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. Hydrating maple water is only 2% sugar and contains electrolytes and antioxidants that “regular” water doesn’t have. Maple leaves also contain powerful compounds that can be extracted and used to protect the valuable elastin in your skin and possibly to fade the appearance of dark spots. (More)
Free Radicals May Play a Role in Alzheimer’s Disease
Free radicals are an unstable byproduct of normal metabolic processes but can also be produced in response to other events like toxin exposure or stress. They can cause cellular damage, known as oxidative stress, which has been linked to hallmarks of Alzheimer’s like plaque formation and abnormal tau proteins. Antioxidants are natural free radical fighters, which means that consuming a diet rich in them– particularly flavonols– may help protect brain health. (More)
Male Infertility Is a Growing Problem, Top Ways to Combat It
Infertility is now estimated to affect 1 in 6 couples of reproductive age. Though not often discussed or addressed comprehensively, male infertility accounts for about half of total infertility cases. Researchers believe the decline in male fertility could be linked to hormone-disrupting chemical exposure as well as unhealthy lifestyles. Top recommendations include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking or vaping, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and eating a healthy diet. (More)
Poor Gut Health Could Worsen Menopause Symptoms
Up to 80% of women experience some type of menopause symptoms, and the average duration of hot flashes is currently just over 7 years. Some recent research has found that certain gastrointestinal “factors” may correspond to worsened symptoms, suggesting a link to overall gut health. Perhaps most notably, constipation was associated with more severe menopause symptoms as compared to regular bowel movements. (More)
Got Hip Pain? 7 Common Causes + Tips to Prevent It
Hip pain can affect anyone but is more likely to occur the older you get. Two of the most common causes are bursitis (an inflammation of pillow-like fluid sacs) and osteoarthritis. For women, hip pain can sometimes stem from pelvic floor issues or gynecological problems like endometriosis or fibroids. You could also have a tear or tendonitis, and each condition needs different treatment. In general, stretching, building core strength, and getting regular exercise can all help protect your hips. (More)
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Eyes contain 7 million cones and 100 million rods that take in information from your surroundings in the form of light and pass it on to your brain. The brain absorbs an estimated 36,000 pieces of visual information per hour, which equals about 576,000 pieces per day.
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| Partner of the day |  |
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> What happens if you see a crime at an Apple store? You become an iWitness.
> Did you hear about the circus fire? It was in tents.
> What kind of jewelry do rabbits wear? 14-carrot gold.
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“By changing nothing, nothing changes.”
-Tony Robbins
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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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