There are three interesting studies that can improve your immediate and long-term health that I thought you shouldn't miss.
The Last Straw: So often, attempts to improve public health backfire (taking BPA out of can linings and substituting another chemical that's just as bad or worse is a good example). Well, here's another one: A study published in Food Additives and Contaminants, found that 18 of the 20 paper straws they tested contained PFAs, the forever chemicals that are hormone disruptors and show up in the blood of 99% of Americans. Not a good switch from plastic straws that folks gave up to reduce pollution in the ocean that is a major hazard to sea life. Bottom line: Skip all straws.
Metformin & B12: When researchers looked at more than 30,000 folks with Type 2 diabetes, they found that taking the drug Metformin for five years increased their risk of a B12 deficiency by 41%. That can cause nerve problems, anemia, anxiety, and irritability and it's associated with dementia. If that's you, get a blood test and talk to your doctor about B12 supplementation or perhaps trying medication alternatives.
Joints Sore? Move More, Not Less: A Lancet Rheumatology review of 31 studies found that when folks with osteoarthritis engaged in therapeutic exercise (that's prescribed by a doctor and/or PT), they had less pain right away and long term. And folks with the most pain and greatest physical restrictions benefited the most. If you have OA, talk to your doctor about a prescribed exercise routine.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2023 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
