Hello. It’s Thursday, February 29. You’re about to discover the truth about whether soy is healthy or harmful… how to AVOID pesticide residue on your food... 10 warning signs of iodine deficiency… a delicious chocolate strawberry gut-healthy recipe… and more!
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Little-Known Toxic Pesticide Detected in 4 of 5 People Tested
The presence of a chemical plant growth regulator known as chlormequat chloride was recently detected in 80% of urine samples collected from U.S. adults. Though the effects of chlormequat in humans are yet unknown, animal studies have suggested that it may have toxic reproductive and developmental effects.
Chlormequat is an agricultural chemical loosely considered to be a pesticide that is used to shorten the stem height of crops, making harvesting easier. Currently, it's only permitted to be used in the U.S. on ornamental plants, but oats and other foods grown using chlormequat are allowed to be imported.
The study analyzed urine samples from 96 people collected between 2017-2023. In total, chlormequat was detected in 77 out of 96 samples. However, both the concentration and frequency of chlormequat detection increased over the years with 90% of samples containing the chemical in 2023 versus 69% of samples in 2017.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently considering approving the use of chlormequat on barley, oats, and wheat grown in the U.S. Previous testing has shown that non-organic oat-based products already frequently contain residues of this chemical, although organic-grown oats have little to no traces of chlormequat. (Also, see the article ‘How to Avoid Pesticide Residue on Your Food’ below ↓)
Reducing Social Isolation, Loneliness Could Significantly Lower Death Risk
Social isolation may be a bigger risk factor for all-cause mortality than anxiety, depression, and lifestyle-related factors – including alcohol intake, physical activity, and diet – according to the results of a recent study. On the positive side, reducing social isolation and loneliness could lower the risk of death from any cause by 9-36%.
Social isolation is a more objective parameter that measures the amount of social interaction someone has on a regular basis. Loneliness, on the other hand, is more of a subjective feeling of isolation or a lack of connection and relationships with other people.
The study included data collected via questionnaires from nearly 400,000 adults aged 40-70. The risk of all-cause mortality was significantly reduced for those with lower reported levels of social isolation and loneliness, although the impact was greatest for those with obesity – a 36% reduced risk as compared with a 9% reduced risk for non-obese adults.
These findings indicate that relationships are an often overlooked key to good health. Though meeting new people can be daunting, some top suggestions include participating in activities where you can meet people with similar interests, volunteering locally, or supporting a cause you feel passionate about.
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Vitamin D Your Body Can Actually Use
Statistics show that up to 41.6% of the American adult population is deficient in vitamin D – and that number jumps to 61% for older adults.
This is highly concerning because studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to serious health issues, including an increased risk of osteoporosis, falls, and bone fractures. For many, there's simply no easy way to get sufficient amounts of vitamin D, especially during the winter months when sunlight – the #1 source – is minimal. Even so-called fortified foods often contain only small quantities of vitamin D in an inferior, hard-to-absorb form.
Fortunately, a quality supplement can make up the difference, but many on the market contain poorly absorbed vitamin D (made from lanolin, aka "wool grease”) that is essentially a waste of money. Purality Health’s Liposomal Vitamin D3 with K2 is a game changer with a liquid formula that is plant-derived, ultra-pure, and designed to be fully absorbed by your body utilizing micelle liposomal technology. It's also third-party tested for quality assurance, delicious, and easy to take daily.
Find out more about the Micelle Liposomal Vitamin D3 + K2 AND see the 7 key warning signs of vitamin D deficiency right here.
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10 Warning Signs & Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency is not extremely common in the U.S., but it can become a problem for those who don't consume iodized salt. Because iodine is essential to thyroid health, one of the most recognized symptoms of a deficiency is a swollen thyroid gland (known as a goiter). Other warning signs include unexpected weight gain, fatigue or weakness, hair loss, dry or flaky skin, and feeling cold – all problems that stem from low thyroid hormone levels caused by a lack of iodine. (Be sure to see the best food sources of iodine below ↓) (More)
Physical Activity Can Reduce Cancer-Related Pain
Pain is a frequent symptom or side effect of cancer, leading many cancer patients to avoid physical activity for fear of worsening the pain. However, a new study has found that meeting or exceeding the current exercise guidelines – set at 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week – can actually reduce cancer-related pain intensity. Higher amounts of exercise particularly decreased the chance of cancer patients experiencing moderate-to-severe pain levels. (More)
Prescription Opioids Linked to Increased Fall Risk in Older Adults
Prescription opioids are a class of powerful pain-relieving drugs that includes oxycodone and morphine. They are known to come with a number of health risks, and some new research indicates that increased fall risk may be one of them. The risk of serious falls leading to hospitalization, an emergency room visit, or death was higher for all ages of prescription opioid users, but the risk was greatest for adults aged 85 and older. (More)
Eating Fermented Foods Could Boost Mental Health
Fermented foods are rich in probiotics that have shown multiple benefits for gut health. Though their effects on the brain are still being studied in-depth, a recent research review indicates that fermented foods could help improve mental health via their effects on the gut-brain axis. Some observational studies have associated higher fermented food intake specifically with decreased anxiety, while improved gut health has shown potential to also improve depression symptoms. (More)
Is Soy Healthy or Harmful? 10 Potential Benefits + Risks
Soy has been a very controversial food over the last few decades with some calling it a health food and others claiming it promotes breast cancer and other health issues. When looking specifically at existing research, soy has not been shown to increase cancer risk, raise estrogen levels in men, or impair thyroid function. In fact, it may help boost longevity, fend off chronic diseases, and prevent bone loss or metabolic syndrome. However, consumers should be aware that soy is one of the top 8 allergens, often a GMO, and unhealthy when highly processed. (More)
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Memories are stored in different areas of your brain, depending on their type. For example, a memory linked to strong emotions would be stored in the amygdala, the “emotional center” of the brain. Meanwhile, the hippocampus and frontal lobes are involved in cataloging and retrieving memories.
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Dr. Kahn’s New Guide to Managing High Cholesterol (FREE!)
An estimated 50% of the global population is vitamin D insufficient with 35-42% of U.S. adults having an outright deficiency (and 61% of older adults).
This is bad news because being deficient in vitamin D is linked to serious health issues, including an increased risk of osteoporosis, falls, and bone fractures – and can send you into a “blue” mood. It's tough for most people to get enough vitamin D from food and sunlight alone (especially during the winter months), which is why a high-quality supplement can make all the difference. Purality Health’s Liposomal Vitamin D3 + K2 has a tasty liquid formula that allows for full absorption of this critical nutrient. It's third-party tested for quality, easy to take, and plant-derived – with vitamin K to support healthy bones.
Find out more about the Micelle Liposomal Vitamin D3 + K2 right here AND see the 7 key warning signs of vitamin D deficiency.
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> Where do rabbits like to eat breakfast? IHOP.
> What is a pretzel’s favorite dance? The Twist.
> Where does seaweed go to look for a job? The ‘kelp wanted’ section.
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“The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
―Laurence Peter
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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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