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TikTokers say okra water is a natural remedy for blood sugar regulation, gut health, and even weight management. Getty Images TikTok’s new okra water health trend claims to help with blood sugar, gut health, and weight. Nutrition experts say the vegetable itself is chock-full of healthy nutrients. However, the health claims for okra water may be exaggerated. You’re likely familiar with okra. The edible seed pods of the okra plant are used in a variety of dishes, including fried okra, okra chips, and gumbo. Now, however, TikTok has come up with a new use for the vegetable: okra water. “The trend involves soaking raw okra pods in water overnight, then drinking the infused water the next day,’ Angela Graham, MBA, RDN, owner of The Dispersed Dietitian, told Healthline. She explained that TikTokers are promoting it as a natural remedy for blood sugar regulation, gut health, and even weight management. But does the okra water trend live up to the hype? Okra provides numerous health benefits Okra is packed with nutrition. Okra is an excellent source of vitamins K and C and provides a notable amount of folate, vitamin B6, manganese, and thiamin. Okra is also very low in calories, at just 33 calories per cup. If it’s not prepared with any added oils, it’s also fat-free. It additionally provides 3 grams of fiber. Graham says okra contains soluble fiber, which may help slow digestion and support stable blood sugar. According to Graham, it also contains a gel-like substance called mucilage, which may act as a prebiotic, helping to support healthy gut bacteria. Okra is rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant that may help protect heart health by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation. Does okra water have health benefits? While okra has many health benefits, Graham said it’s unclear just how much of its nutrients actually transfer into the water. Even though it’s nutritious as a food, those benefits won’t necessarily apply to what’s been absorbed by the water. Graham said that because of this, she feels the health claims for okra are likely overstated. “Eating whole okra would deliver far more fiber, nutrients, and health advantages than simply drinking water it was soaked in,” she said. While drinking okra water may not be as effective as simply eating okra, there are still some potential benefits to be derived from this trend. “Drinking water infused with fiber-rich vegetables may promote hydration and feelings of fullness,” said Graham, pointing to how fiber slows digestion and supports blood sugar balance. Its ability to act as a prebiotic may also aid gut health. Finally, it is low-cost and accessible, she said, noting that it’s low-risk to give it a try. How to make okra water If you’d like to try the okra water trend, Madison Reeder, a registered dietitian and director of clinical operations at ModifyHealth, said to place raw, sliced okra pods in water for 8 to 24 hours. Most versions call for around two to four pods per cup. “During that time, some of the soluble fiber disperses into the liquid, creating a slightly viscous drink,” she said. Reeder noted that bottled versions are also on the market, though their fiber content can vary depending on how they’re processed. “People typically drink 8 ounces per day, often in the morning on an empty stomach,” she said, noting that the flavor is mild, earthy, and grassy with a slippery texture. Since some may find the drink a bit off-putting, it is often advised to add lemon, lime, or honey to make it more palatable. “It may appeal to people who already enjoy green juices or aloe-based drinks,” said Reeder. Are there any drawbacks to drinking okra water? Ro Huntriss, MSc, MRes, a registered dietitian and chief nutrition officer at Simple App, said that while okra has many health benefits, soaking it in water “isn’t a magic fix” and shouldn’t be relied upon to manage health conditions. “[T]here’s little robust evidence to back the bigger health claims, and it shouldn’t replace medical advice or standard treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes,” she said. Huntriss noted another potential con is the slimy texture, which some people might not enjoy. Reeder said that some people may experience mild bloating or digestive changes when they increase their fiber intake too quickly. “It’s best to start with a small amount and observe how your body responds,” she said. “Drinking it slowly, on an empty stomach, or separate from meals may help reduce discomfort.” Reeder added that okra is high in oxalates, which she explained is a naturally occurring compound associated with kidney stone formation in those who are susceptible to them. “This doesn’t make okra harmful for the average person,” she said, “but those with a history of kidney stones or on a low-oxalate diet should speak with a healthcare provider before making okra water a daily habit.” Okra water has potential, but whole okra is best Okra water is a low risk way to get more hydration, but the overall nutrient content is minimal. While it may not be the miracle tonic some TikTokers claim, it’s not without its perks. For instance, the trend could help turn some people onto okra who might have otherwise avoided it. “It may encourage people to experiment with more whole plant foods, which is positive,” Huntriss said. Staying hydrated and exploring new ways to engage with whole plant foods are good things — and if sipping on a cup of okra-infused water helps someone take a step toward better habits, that’s a win. Just remember: Okra water is not a substitute for medication or a cure-all for health conditions. The best way to enjoy the full spectrum of okra’s nutritional benefits is still the old-fashioned way — by eating it. Whether you like it grilled, roasted, or in a hearty gumbo, whole okra remains the star of the show. So, if you’re curious, go ahead and try okra water — just remember to pair it with a balanced diet and realistic expectations.

Researchers have developed a novel way to measure a “functional heart age” using MRI scans. SeventyFour/Getty Images Cardiologists are developing a method for measuring the heart’s “functional age” to help predict complications like heart disease. According to new research, unhealthy lifestyle habits could contribute to premature aging of the heart. Physical activity and eating heart-healthy foods are some of the best ways to preserve your heart’s functional age. The concept of trying to understand heart health by determining its “age” relative to one’s chronological age has become a topic of interest among cardiologists, researchers, and physicians. Assessing the heart’s functional age could offer a simple, clear way to understand its health status. It might also clarify existing cardiovascular risks that could be minimized by making heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Recently, researchers from the University of East Anglia in England published the results of a trial introducing a novel way to measure a “functional heart age” using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which could help detect signs of heart disease earlier. The findings, which researchers describe as a “game-changer,” were published on May 2 in the European Heart Journal. “In healthy people, we found that heart age was similar to chronological age. But for patients with things like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and atrial fibrillation — their functional heart age was significantly higher,” said lead researcher Pankaj Garg, MD, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School and a consultant cardiologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, in a press release. “For example, a 50-year-old with high blood pressure might have a heart that works like it’s 55. People with health issues like diabetes or obesity often have hearts that are aging faster than they should — sometimes by decades,” Garg continued. “So, this could help doctors step in early to stop heart disease in its tracks… Our new MRI method gives doctors a powerful tool to look inside the heart like never before and spot trouble early — before symptoms even start,” Garg said. ‘Functional heart age’ vs. biological age Jayne Morgan, MD, a cardiologist with Hello Heart that chronological age may not always be consistent with biologic age. “The aging process is uneven throughout one’s life span,” she told Healthline. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, who was not involved in the study, noted there is not yet an agreed-upon definition of “heart age.” “This research is a good first step towards evaluating whether an imaging-based assessment of ‘heart age’ can provide clinically useful prognostic information,” Chen told Healthline. To better understand the heart’s functional age, researchers measured the amount of blood remaining in the heart’s left atrium after completing a contraction phase. They also examined the fraction of blood ejected from the left atrium with each heart contraction. The method was validated using 366 heart patients with known cardiac risk factors. Participants’ heart ages were older compared to healthy controls, and were significantly higher in people with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and obesity. “By knowing your heart’s true age, patients could get advice or treatments to slow down the aging process, potentially preventing heart attacks or strokes,” Garg said in the news release. “It could also be the wake-up call people need to take better care of themselves — whether that’s eating healthier, exercising more, or following their doctor’s advice. It’s about giving people a fighting chance against heart disease,” he added. Signs of heart aging As people age, common heart changes may occur, even among healthy individuals with no prior history of heart problems. For instance, the heart may begin to produce extra beats or occasionally skip a beat. This is not generally a problem unless it becomes persistent. If the heart is frequently racing or fluttering it may be a sign of arrhythmia. In addition, the heart’s chambers — its ventricles and auricles — may grow larger with age. As their walls thicken, the amount of blood they can hold decreases. The risk of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), increases, with the accompanying risk of stroke, particularly among older adults. Similarly, the valves controlling the flow of blood as it passes between the heart’s chambers may thicken and become stiffer, limiting the flow of blood. Heart valves may also develop leaks, which could lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, feet, abdomen, or legs. What causes premature heart aging? As indicated by the new study, people with certain health conditions may have a higher risk of premature heart aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), four common factors that may lead to premature heart aging include: High blood pressure (hypertension) — With higher blood pressure, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This can cause the lower left ventricle, the lower left chamber, to thicken and enlarge, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and heart failure. Diabetes — Research has found that having high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the heart, leading to a buildup of fatty deposits there. It is associated with a greater likelihood of heart disease. High LDL cholesterol — This causes a plaque buildup of a waxy, fat-like substance in arteries that can decrease blood flow to the heart, as well as the brain, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Obesity — Obesity has been associated with both hypertension and high LDL cholesterol levels. How to keep your heart young There are currently no universal measurements for determining heart age, but the Australia Heart Foundation’s online Heart Age Calculator can provide you with a quick estimate. “We are still in the early stages of understanding how best to determine a ‘heart age’ and how such a calculation could help us to better take care of patients,” Chen noted. To preserve heart health and its functional age, following the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 is a great place to start. Here’s a closer look at how lifestyle factors influence heart health. Exercise regularly There is widespread consensus that 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise combined with strength training two days a week is the optimal amount for optimal heart health. Leading a sedentary lifestyle has been consistently linked with an increased risk of heart disease and related deaths. “A sedentary lifestyle causes circulation to slow. The heart muscle weakens, and leads to weight gain, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance,” Christopher Berg, MD, board certified cardiologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, explained to Healthline. Berg wasn’t involved in the study. “Sitting for extended periods of time also promotes inflammation and poor arterial function, and as a result raises your risk of heart disease,” he said. “Even those who exercise can be at risk if they are sedentary for most of the day.” Beyond exercise, there are ways to enjoyably add more movement to one’s day, including: taking walks standing up and briefly getting away from one’s desk doing yoga parking a longer distance from the door dancing engaging in any sport taking the stairs instead of the elevator when going up or down just a few floors gardening and doing housework Eat a healthy, balanced diet Build meals from healthy, unprocessed foods as much as possible, with an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, beans, and nuts. For protein, emphasize lean animal proteins. These include skinned poultry, fish, seafood, and low-fat dairy. Alternately, go with plant-based proteins such as beans, nuts, and lentils, tofu (soy), or seitan (wheat gluten). Prepare your healthy ingredients with plant-based oils. These include extra-virgin as olive oil and avocado oil. Try to avoid fast foods, processed meats, and other ultra-processed foods that tend to be high in trans fats that can damage the heart. Of course, be sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Coffee and tea without sweeteners are preferable to their sweetened counterparts. Avoid or quit smoking Smoking tobacco increases the risk of heart attacks and atherosclerosis in several ways. Nicotine increases blood pressure, and carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke reduces the amount of oxygen a person’s blood can carry. Smoking can also damage blood and heart vessels. Health experts recommend avoiding smoking and quitting if you smoke. Avoid or limit alcohol Alcohol use has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke. Current recommendations for moderate drinking consumption call for no more than one drink per day for females and two drinks per day for males. For some people, it may be advisable to avoid alcohol altogether. A growing body of evidence has also linked moderate alcohol consumption to cancer risk. Manage stress Mental health and heart function are interconnected. The AHA notes that depression, anxiety, and stress are linked to heart disease. Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.  Prioritizing your mental health, therefore, should be part of your heart-healthy regimen. Try to make time to engage with what makes you happy. Take a scenic drive, enjoy a hobby, or spend time with an animal or human companion. Lastly, give yourself permission to laugh. Research suggests it’s good for your heart.

cuts could have a significant impact on low-income households, older adults, children, and other vulnerable groups. Maskot/Getty Images Republican leaders are looking at budget proposals that could drastically reduce Medicaid funding. Experts say the cuts could have a significant impact on low-income households that rely on the federally funded program. Medicaid cuts could also affect reproductive health services as well as programs for older adults, children, and people with mental health disorders. Republicans continue to debate how deep cuts should be in the nation’s Medicaid health insurance program. The reductions are part of GOP plans to slash $5 trillion in federal expenditures over the next 10 years. Under those proposals, Medicaid spending would be reduced by more than $2 trillion over the next decade. Medicaid’s current annual budget is about $600 billion. Medicaid is a federal government program that provides health insurance to more than 80 million people in the United States, including low-income households, seniors in nursing homes, adults with disabilities, and adults with mental health disorders. Each state administers its own Medicaid program using funds provided by the federal government and state revenues. The money is mostly used to reimburse hospitals, community health centers, physicians, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. Republican leaders and White House officials are considering a “per capita gap,” which would cap federal payments to states that had expanded Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and perpetuate existing inequities. GOP leaders are also weighing whether to reduce federal matching funds to states and whether to place work requirements on some Medicaid recipients. In addition, they are looking at reducing the expansion in Medicaid coverage that some states adopted as part of the ACA. About 20 million people are currently covered through this expansion. Experts say the Medicaid reductions being discussed would have serious health-related impacts on a wide range of people. “Medicaid is more than just a safety net. It is a lifeline that supports the well-being of children, older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families across the country,” said officials at the National Medical Association, an organization that represents Black healthcare officials, in a statement provided to Healthline. “Additionally, it helps ensure access to healthcare services, prevents financial hardship due to medical costs, and supports the overall health and well-being of vulnerable populations.” Kathleen Adams, PhD, a professor of health policy and management at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta, noted that while Medicaid programs vary across states, “basic healthcare services, including outpatient prescription drugs, are covered by states’ Medicaid programs.” “Long-term care for our elderly and disabled is largely paid for through Medicaid. Its funding is critical to our ‘safety-net,’ rural hospitals, and nursing homes,” she told Healthline. Pregnant people The Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide, shared with Healthline that about 21% of U.S. women of reproductive age are insured through Medicaid. Institute officials also note that 4 in 10 births in the United States are covered by Medicaid. They also add that it is a major source of coverage for people seeking contraceptive services. “Medicaid plays a vital role in ensuring affordable access to sexual and reproductive healthcare,” said Amy Friedrich-Karnik, the director of federal policy at the Guttmacher Institute, in a statement provided to Healthline. “Further, Medicaid’s coverage of a robust package of family planning services, including a wide range of birth control methods with no out-of-pocket costs, is integral to ensuring person-centered care and upholding enrollee’s right to decide whether and when to become pregnant,” she added. Experts also caution that Medicaid cuts could endanger the health of children. “Medicaid provides funding for prenatal and postnatal care, particularly for low-income women. These populations already face barriers to care and reducing Medicare will lead to an increased risk for infant and maternal mortality,” Kanwar Kelley, MD, a specialist in otolaryngology head and neck surgery, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine and the co-founder and chief executive officer of Side Health, told Healthline. “We could see a worsening of our maternal health crises and in turn, gestational age, and birthweight of our infants,” added Adams. “We would likely see increased rates of severe maternal morbidities, which include outcomes such as hemorrhage, sepsis, renal failure, shock, acute respiratory distress, eclampsia, heart failure, and, in severe cases, death. These are costly but preventable outcomes. The racial gap that exists in these outcomes would likely worsen,” Adams said. Older adults Although many people 65 years and older are covered by Medicare, a number of services provided to older adults are reimbursed by Medicaid. It’s estimated that 5 out of 8 older adults in nursing home facilities are insured through Medicaid. In addition, Medicaid provides health coverage to about 12 million low-income seniors who are also enrolled in Medicare. Medicaid also helps fund the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), an initiative that helps people 55 years and older continue to live in their homes. Justice in Aging, a non-profit organization that helps older adults living in poverty, states that Medicaid is a “lifeline for older adults.” In particular, it provides assistance for seniors who need help with daily activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing. “Under these proposals, older adults and people with disabilities would lose services, be saddled with unaffordable financial obligations, and receive a lower quality of care,” the organization noted. “Elderly care and end-of-life care would also suffer,” added Kelley. “Medicare represents a large portion of funding for an aging population. With the concurrent cuts to primary care, the population that requires long-term care may increase and need more medical services.” People with mental health disorders Medicaid is the single largest payer of mental health services in the United States. It also has a significant role in reimbursement for substance use disorder services. A survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that nearly 40% of nonelderly adults covered by Medicaid in 2020 had mental health issues or substance use disorder. The foundation also noted that Medicaid plays an important role in providing mental health services to children. People with mental health and substance use issues also tend to require more general healthcare services than other segments of the population. Medicaid estimated that 12 million visits to the nation’s emergency rooms in 2007 involved a person with mental health issues, substance use issues, or both. “[Mental health and substance disorder] programs already rely heavily on Medicare funding. Cutting would worsen these services, which are already suffering from shortages,” said Kelley. Low-income households Experts say Medicaid cuts could have a devastating impact on households that are at or below the poverty level. They add that these lower-income households could include people who live in rural areas and those who are covered by Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act expansion. “[The cuts] would ultimately lead to reduced access to care for many individuals. People would be ineligible for coverage, and facilities would have to close due to a lack of money,” said Kelley. “Those in rural areas may have to travel farther to clinics and hospitals. There may also be increased wait times due to a lack of staff and facilities.” “The ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility and rollbacks would result in the loss of insurance for thousands of Americans,” he added. “Lack of insurance will lead to delays in medical care, increased morbidity, increased mortality, and increased medical debt for American citizens.” Adams agreed. “The first-round effects would be reductions in numbers of lower-income households with insurance access to needed services, reduced access to preventive and primary care as well as services needed to manage chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease) which are higher among these vulnerable populations,” Adams said. “The second-round effects will include increased uncompensated care costs at our hospitals and potentially, increased closures, especially in rural areas.” Impacts on the community at large Experts say that people who aren’t covered by Medicaid could eventually feel the effects of these budget cuts. The impacts could include higher insurance premiums, longer waits at medical facilities, and an increase in illness in communities. “The increase in the number of uninsured individuals strains the medical system,” Kelley said. “Many will use the emergency room instead of seeing their primary doctor or specialist for preventive care. Hospitals would likely face the brunt of uncompensated care and increase costs or decrease services to offset these losses. Insurance premiums would rise for those with insurance due to fewer people participating in the system.” “There would certainly be ‘spillover’ effects to the general population,” Adams added. “Providers of ‘last resort’ such as emergency rooms would quite likely be more crowded.” “To the extent the cuts reverse progress on the overall health of our population — especially, our workforce — we could all see some impacts in terms of absenteeism, spread of contagious disease and reduced productivity,” she said.

Wegovy resolved liver inflammation in nearly two-thirds of participants in a major clinical trial, twice the rate seen with placebo. Steve Christo-Corbis/Getty Images Wegovy (semaglutide) could offer a new option to treat severe liver disease based on new clinical trial evidence. The GLP-1 drug resolved liver inflammation in nearly two-thirds of participants, twice the rate seen with placebo. Semaglutide had a favorable safety profile, with serious adverse events occurring at the same rate as placebo. Wegovy, a highly effective medication used to treat obesity, shows promise in treating a serious form of liver disease in a new clinical trial. The trial, funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy (semaglutide), found the drug improved liver inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and sometimes both in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The results were published on April 30 in The New England Journal of Medicine. MASH is an advanced stage of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. MASLD involves the buildup of fat in the liver, which can cause inflammation, liver cell injury, and fibrosis.  About one-third of adults in the United States have MASLD. While not all cases lead to liver damage, about 5% of adults develop MASH, a more severe and potentially progressive form of the disease. Untreated, MASH can lead to life threatening complications, including cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer. Currently, the only FDA-approved treatment for MASH in people with moderate to severe liver fibrosis is Rezdiffra (resmetirom), which received approval in March 2024. With few options available, the study authors note an urgent need for additional treatments. Sun Kim, MD, an associate professor of Endocrinology at Stanford Medicine who wasn’t affiliated with the trial, echoed that assessment. “Patients with diabetes are at high risk for MASLD, especially MASH and advanced fibrosis. Patients with advanced fibrosis are at higher risk for complications, including liver cancer and early death,” Kim told Healthline. “Thus, we need more treatment options.” The authors also point out that Wegovy may provide added benefits by addressing the comorbidities commonly seen in people with MASH, such as cardiovascular disease and obesity, a cluster of conditions known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. “It’s definitely exciting to have another therapeutic,” said Kim. Liver inflammation resolved in two-thirds of participants A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is considered the gold standard in clinical research. The new study was part of an ongoing phase 3 clinical trial involving nearly 1,200 individuals. The interim analysis for these findings included 800 participants, who were mostly white adults evenly split between males and females, with an average age of 56. The majority (72%) were classified as obese based on body mass index (BMI), and more than half were also living with type 2 diabetes. After 72 weeks of treatment, nearly two-thirds of participants who received Wegovy showed resolution of liver inflammation (steatohepatitis) without any worsening of fibrosis, almost twice the rate seen in the placebo group. In addition, 37% of Wegovy users saw a reduction in liver fibrosis without a worsening of MASH, compared to 22% in the placebo group. A smaller subset — just under one-third — experienced both benefits: reduced fibrosis and resolved inflammation. That combined improvement was seen in only 16% of those receiving a placebo. These results underscore the challenge of treating MASH. Inflammation and fibrosis are distinct disease processes, and a drug may improve one without affecting the other. As this trial shows, achieving both outcomes remains difficult. While some participants did achieve both outcomes simultaneously, an ideal therapeutic goal, this combined outcome was less common than improvement in either condition alone. That complexity helps explain why so few medications have received FDA approval for MASH. Targeting both aspects of the disease at once remains a significant challenge. “There are over 20 drugs in phase 2 and 3. However, it is  difficult to reverse liver fibrosis. I describe fibrosis to patients as liver scarring due to inflammation associated with liver steatosis/fat. It’s easier to prevent the injury than to reverse the scar,” said Kim. Wegovy also showed a favorable safety profile. By week 72, 88% of participants were able to maintain their target dose. Overall, adverse events were slightly more common in the Wegovy group (86%) than in the placebo group (79%). However, both groups experienced the same rate of serious adverse events (13%). The most common side effects in both groups were gastrointestinal. Participants taking Wegovy more frequently reported: nausea diarrhea constipation vomiting Wegovy improved comorbid health conditions The trial also revealed compelling secondary benefits, with improvements in key comorbidities, including: type 2 diabetes obesity cardiovascular risk markers Most notably, people taking Wegovy lost significantly more weight than those receiving a placebo — an average of 10% of body weight compared to just 2%. Wegovy was also linked to modest improvements in cardiovascular health, including slightly lower blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and cholesterol. In addition, participants taking Wegovy — both with and without type 2 diabetes — saw improvements in hemoglobin A1C, a measure of long-term blood sugar regulation. This effect may not be surprising, as semaglutide is already FDA-approved for diabetes management under Novo Nordisk’s other brand name, Ozempic. The authors note that semaglutide had a “holistic therapeutic approach to both liver disease and associated cardiometabolic illnesses.” “These results lend further credence that semaglutide is the ‘Swiss army knife’ of medicine we have been looking for, to treat obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and now MASH,” Beverly Tchang, MD, an endocrinologist and assistant professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, not affiliated with the trial, told Healthline. Learn more about how to get semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications from vetted and trusted online sources here: Where to Buy Ozempic Online Where to Buy Ozempic Online How to Get Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Where to Buy Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Online How to Get Wegovy for Weight Loss In Person and Online How to Get a Wegovy Prescription Online How to Get Zepbound: What We Know So Far Where to Buy Zepbound Online

A new TikTok health craze called “fart walking” could promote digestive health and reduce diabetes risk by preventing blood sugar spikes. Olga Pankova/Getty Images A new viral TikTok trend known as “fart walking” involves going for a stroll after eating to help release gas. Proponents say a fart walk helps promote digestive health, while regular fart walking could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by preventing blood sugar spikes. While the benefits of this health hack lack scientific evidence, research supports the benefits of movement, particularly after a meal. The internet is awash as ever with dangerous fad diets and expensive health hacks, many of which lack science and pose potential risks. While social media isn’t always the best place to pick up sound health advice, a new health craze on TikTok called “fart walking” is a refreshing change. The viral trend is sensible, safe, and effective — and doesn’t cost a thing. If you’re raising a suspicious eyebrow, read on. When practiced regularly, fart walking can help support overall health. Here’s how. What is fart walking? Fart walking was first coined by Canadian cookbook author Mairlyn Smith in a video on TikTok. Smith touts the healthy aging benefits of crop dusting after a meal. She also claims that fart walking can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly among older individuals. @mairlynthequeenoffibre The #fartwalk lady is me. I’m mostly on instagram as Mairlyn Smith so I didn’t know i was that cool over here 😂 #fartwalk #fartwalker #farts #hearthealthy #guthealthy #diabetesawareness #agingwell #aging ♬ original sound – mairlynthequeenoffibre Mairlyn Smith, aka “The #fartwalk lady.” The fart walking technique is simple: Go for a short stroll after eating to stimulate your bowels and release gas. That’s it. So, why is the internet going wild over such a simple intervention? While unusual health tips often catch people’s attention, here are a few possible reasons for fart walking’s rise to fame: it has a catchy name that’s bound to make you chuckle it can genuinely support your health it’s low effort and free How does a fart walk support health and digestion? Although it sounds simple, experts agree a fart walk could help support digestive health. Regular fart walking could even reduce the risk of certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes.  While scientists have conducted precisely zero studies on fart walking, a vast body of literature supports the health benefits of regular exercise, even if it is relatively light. Some research has noted that movement after a meal can be particularly beneficial for blood sugar management. “The ‘fart walk’ might sound like a gimmick, but there’s solid digestive science behind it,” Alyssa Simpson, a registered dietitian in Phoenix, AZ, specializing in digestive health, told Healthline. “Light walking after meals helps stimulate peristalsis,” she said. Peristalsis is the rhythmic contractions of the muscles that line the gut, which help move gas and solids through the digestive tract.  “I tell my clients better out than in, and if walking helps you get there faster, it’s worth the stroll. So, while fart walking might be a silly name, there’s legitimate value in taking a short walk after eating and letting your body move that gas through more quickly,” Simpson added. In agreement, Maddie Gallivan, a registered dietitian in the United Kingdom, told Healthline: “Any kind of gentle movement is great for getting things moving in the gut. Whether it’s going for a walk or doing some yoga, both have been shown to promote gastric motility.” Gastric motility is the coordinated contractions of muscles in the stomach that help move food from the stomach into the intestines. Gallivan explained that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might experience particular benefits, including relief from symptoms such as constipation and bloating. Going into a little more detail, Kenneth Brown, MD, a gastroenterologist in Plano, TX, and the host of the Gut Check Project podcast, explained how “walking promotes digestion by stimulating the muscles of your digestive tract, increasing blood flow to digestive organs, and reducing stress — all of which contribute to a more efficient digestive process.” Can fartwalking help with heartburn? For some people, fart walking could help minimize discomfort from heartburn after a meal. “Walking increases muscle contraction in the stomach, which facilitates emptying of the stomach,” explained David D. Clarke, MD, who is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology and president of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms, in Portland, OR. “More rapid emptying will decrease the time that acid is present in the stomach,” continued Clarke, “which will reduce the time that acid has the potential to travel (reflux) into the esophagus and cause heartburn.” But not everyone prone to heartburn may benefit from a fart walk, Clarke cautioned. “Some people with poor tone in the sphincter muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach might experience more acid reflux when stomach contractions are stimulated by walking,” he said. Fart walking helps prevent blood sugar spikes When you eat a meal that contains digestible carbs, the body quickly breaks them down into simple glucose molecules. Glucose then enters the blood and circulates around the body to be used as fuel or stored. Having glucose in the blood is essential for life, but if there is too much or it hangs around too long after eating, it can start to cause damage to blood vessels. The fart walk can help manage these blood sugar spikes. Walking uses the large muscles in of the legs and butt, and as they work, they take in glucose from the blood, naturally reducing blood sugar levels. “There’s no denying that even just a short walk after a meal can help prevent sharp rises in blood sugar,” explained Gallivan. “It’s a simple but effective way to support your metabolic health.” Along similar lines, Clarke told Healthline that as glucose moves into muscles during a walk, this also “reduces the need for insulin secretion by the pancreas.” Beyond its impact on blood sugar, Clarke said that walking can help you “avoid weight gain by burning calories. Theoretically, this should reduce the risk for future development of diabetes,” he said, noting there haven’t been any clinical trials on fart walking just yet.  Still, one small study showed the benefits of a 30-minute walk after eating, which helped curb blood sugar spikes. “And if you’re walking outside,” Gallivan continued, “that’s a double win — spending time in nature can improve your overall sense of well-being and help calm the nervous system, which is in constant communication with your gut. So, you’re supporting that gut-brain connection.” How to get started with fart walking This is not an exact science, but experts agree that some movement is better than no movement. The most important thing most people can do for their health is to get outside and walk. To get started with fart walking, experts say to keep it simple. “You do not need to walk for hours to feel better,” Brown told Healthline. “A 15–30-minute walk at a comfortable pace is usually enough to help. Even a quick 10-minute stroll can make a difference,” he said. “The goal is to move gently and let your body relax, so your digestive system can do its job.” “Aim for at least 4–5 minutes of light to moderate walking within 60–90 minutes of finishing a major meal,” suggested Clarke. Clarke also recommended incorporating 30–60 minutes of moderate-paced walking on most days of the week “for more sustained benefits for your gastrointestinal tract and the rest of your body.” Are there any downsides to fart walking? “For most people, fart walks are safe and helpful,” explained Brown, who outlined some points to keep in mind during your fart walking practice:  Initial discomfort: If you are in a lot of gas pain, walking might initially feel uncomfortable. Start slowly and listen to your body. Possible health issues: If gas and bloating keep happening, it might indicate something more serious, like IBS, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or a food intolerance. If this happens often, speak with your doctor. Privacy concerns: Passing gas during a walk might feel embarrassing if you are in public. Choosing a quiet or less crowded place to walk can help you feel more at ease.  “If you are particularly gassy,” Brown continued, “I would recommend walking behind your friends,” which is a top tip for maintaining long-term friendships.

A new study suggests that consuming excess poultry may be associated with all-cause mortality and gastrointestinal cancers. Davide Illini/Stocksy United Consuming more than 300 grams of poultry per week may lead to an increase in all-cause deaths and cancers, according to a new study. The findings contradict existing research and are being approached with caution by experts. Poultry is widely considered a healthier protein source and a cornerstone of healthy eating plans like the Mediterranean diet. Factors that could affect mortality rates and cancer incidence were not considered in the study, prompting calls for further investigation. A surprising new study of people in southern Italy suggests that consuming excess poultry, widely considered a healthier animal protein source, may be associated with all-cause mortality and gastrointestinal cancers. The study’s results largely conflict with previous research and conventional wisdom. Poultry is generally considered a healthy protein source and a mainstay of healthy-diet plans, including the well-regarded Mediterranean diet. The United States Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), 2020–2025, recommends up to 26 ounces of protein foods, including lean meats, poultry, and eggs, per week, without specific limits on each. The new research, however, suggests that consuming more than 300 grams (10.5 ounces) of poultry per week may be associated with a 27% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to consuming 100 grams (3.5 ounces) per week or less. The findings also suggest that eating more than 300 grams of poultry per week increased the overall risk of gastrointestinal cancers in the study population by 2.3%. Specifically for men, the observed risk increased to 2.6%. For some time, consuming red and processed meats has been considered a risk factor for cancer, as described by the World Cancer Research Fund. Little evidence indicates a similar association with poultry until this study, which appears in the journal Nutrients. “This study is very thought-provoking,” said Nilesh L. Vora, MD, medical director of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, CA. “Possibly for the first time, white meat consumption needs to be considered a potential risk factor for gastrointestinal cancer,” Vora, who was not involved in the study, told Healthline. The study and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) consider poultry to include chicken, turkey, duck, geese, guineas, and game birds such as quail and pheasant. Is chicken a healthy protein choice? The study used data from survey responses from 4,869 middle-aged Italian individuals from Castellana Grotte and Putignano (Apulia, Italy). Participants self-reported their consumption of red meat and white meat (poultry) based on their recollections of what they had been eating. No information was captured regarding their physical activity levels, which may affect their mortality or cancer risk. This is an essential factor to consider and warrants further study. Still, some experts expressed concern about the findings. “I think the findings are quite astonishing given that we have a lot of evidence that the Mediterranean diet in particular is healthy and reduces the risk of getting cardiovascular disease and cancers,” said Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist,chief of medicine, and director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA. Bilchik wasn’t involved in the study. “This study is quite alarming to say the least,” he told Healthline. “I think that the study needs to certainly be looked at in more detail.” “Poultry is generally considered a healthier protein option than red meat,” noted Michelle Routhenstein, MS, a registered dietitian specializing in heart disease who was not involved in the study. “Poultry has lower saturated fat and produces less TMAO [a chemical produced by the gut], a compound linked to arterial stiffness and increased cancer risk. Further research is needed to confirm these results and explore the underlying mechanisms before revising dietary guidelines,” Routhenstein told Healthline. Some forms of poultry unhealthier than others The study’s authors note that various potential factors they have not accounted for need to be considered before the full implications of their findings can be understood. The study “doesn’t establish causality,” cautioned Routhenstein. “It is a large sample size, which is always important, but I’m looking [for] specifics as to other risk factors associated with poultry,” Bilchik noted. For instance, the study did not capture the source of the poultry consumed. Pesticides are used in some geographic areas, potentially affecting the healthfulness of plant and animal crops. Additionally, industrially raised poultry has its own risks. “The use of antibiotics and hormones in some poultry farming practices raises potential long-term health concerns,” Routhenstein said. “Studies should also examine biological mechanisms of poultry consumption, such as the role of certain cooking methods, meat preparation, and dietary patterns (e.g., fiber intake),” she added. Poultry’s cooking time and temperature may also influence its healthiness. “It’s been hypothesized that the cooking of the poultry may result in the release of mutagenic or cancer-causing chemicals,” pointed out Bilchik. He noted that although this is just a hypothesis, it is inarguably the case that there are many ways in which poultry is prepared, any of which may influence its final chemical composition. Routhenstein said it’s known that “high-heat cooking methods, like grilling or frying, produce harmful compounds (HCAs and PAHs) linked to cancer.” Finally, the study did not track the degree to which the poultry consumed was processed. Like other processed meats, processed poultry-based foods, such as deli turkey slices and chicken hot dogs, typically contain curing agents and other unhealthy additives. Should you stop eating chicken? Bilchik noted that consuming red meat with vegetables may mitigate some of the health hazards associated with it. He suggested that it may not just be poultry that warrants a closer look. “We also need to explore other sources of protein, such as fish. [It] may be prepared in a similar way to poultry.” “I think the study is very provocative given that we’ve moved toward poultry as being much healthier for us, and moved away from red meat,” Bilchik added. Routhenstein recommended focusing on the overall quality of diet, including “portion size, what you are pairing poultry with, and avoiding overconsumption.” A healthy portion size, Routhenstein said, is around 200 grams (7 ounces) per week of lean, unprocessed poultry. It’s also a good idea to choose healthier cooking methods like baking, steaming, or roasting without excessive added fats, which can further minimize potential health risks, she concluded.

A new clinical trial examined the effects of an immunotherapy drug on treating dMMR cancers in their early stages and showed remarkable results. Getty Images A new clinical trial shows the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab could eliminate the need for surgery and chemotherapy in certain cancers. The results are a medical breakthrough since the drug could help preserve organs. People with the dMMR gene mutation, which most often presents in colorectal cancer, are the best candidates for this novel treatment. New findings from a clinical trial highlight the potential for neoadjuvant immunotherapy to eliminate the need for surgery in patients with a particular type of cancer, helping them maintain a higher quality of life. The study, published on April 27 in The New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that 80% of participants did not need surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy after undergoing six months of immunotherapy alone. “This study shows that immunotherapy can replace surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for mismatch repair-deficient solid tumors, which could help patients preserve their organs and avoid the harsh side effects of chemo and radiation,” lead author Andrea Cercek, MD, a gastrointestinal oncologist and co-director of the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, said in a press release. “Preserving a patient’s quality of life while also successfully achieving positive results in eliminating their cancer is the best possible outcome. They can return to their daily routines and maintain their independence,” Cercek continued. This phase 2 study builds on previous landmark research, in which colorectal cancer patients receiving the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab experienced complete tumor remission. In recognition of these results, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted dostarlimab Breakthrough Therapy Designation for this form of colorectal cancer in December 2024. Dostarlimab shows remarkable results in dMMR cancers The goal of the researchers was to see if the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab could help people with mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) cancers avoid surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that dMMR cells have mutations in genes that are responsible for repairing errors in DNA replication. These cells tend to accumulate DNA mutations, which can put people at greater risk of cancer. This deficiency is most frequently seen in colorectal cancer, as well as other gastrointestinal cancers and endometrial cancer. It can also appear in breast, prostate, bladder, and thyroid cancers, and is associated with the inherited condition known as Lynch syndrome. The study analysis included 117 patients with early stage solid tumors exhibiting dMMR. These individuals were given nine doses of dostarlimab (one dose every three weeks) for six months. After treatment ended, the researchers checked to see if the cancer was gone. Out of 103 patients who completed treatment, 82% had no signs of cancer, and 80% were deemed to be able to skip further treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Additionally, among those who had colorectal cancer, all 49 had a complete response to treatment, allowing them to avoid surgery. The researchers further found that the results were long-lasting, with 92% of patients still being cancer-free after two years. For the most part, the side effects of dostarlimab were mild and included symptoms such as fatigue or rash. The authors noted that the drug worked quickly; in many patients, the cancer was no longer visible on scans by around six months. Blood tests for tumor DNA were negative in most people within 1 to 2 months. A breakthrough treatment for early stage dMMR cancers Steven Quay, MD, PhD, a physician-scientist specializing in cancer research and the founder of Atossa Therapeutics, described this study as “nothing short of a paradigm-shifter.” Quay wasn’t involved in the clinical trial. “It shows that neoadjuvant immunotherapy (specifically PD-1 blockade with dostarlimab) can eliminate the need for surgery in a substantial proportion of patients with mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) tumors,” he told Healthline. Quay further noted that this doesn’t just mean engaging in watchful waiting when tumors are small and may never progress to the point of causing the patient harm. “[W]e’re talking about avoiding curative-intent surgery altogether,” he said. Quay further explained that these findings challenge two long-standing assumptions: that curing solid tumors requires surgical removal, and that immunotherapy is only effective for cancers that have spread or cannot be surgically removed. If these results are confirmed in future studies, Quay says some cancers might one day be treated entirely without surgery, marking a shift in cancer care from cutting tumors out to harnessing the immune system to eliminate them. “It’s equivalent to going from ‘cutting out the fire’ to ‘training the firefighters,'” he explained. How dostarlimab works to treat cancer Pashtoon Kasi, MD, MS, the medical director of gastrointestinal medical oncology at City of Hope Orange County in Irvine, California, said drugs like dostarlimab rely on your body’s own cancer-fighting ability. Kasi wasn’t involved in the clinical trial. “Simplistically, these drugs are called immunotherapy and take the brakes off your own immune or defense system,” he said, adding that we probably develop several cancers during our lifetime. However, our body usually can get rid of them. “Sometimes though the cancer hides under the immune system radar, or the defenses are down, and that cancer gets a free pass to develop and spread,” Kasi told Healthline. Delving more deeply into the mechanisms, Quay explained that dostarlimab is a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor. Using the metaphor of the immune system as a sniper unit, he said: “Tumors hijack the PD-1 pathway to tell immune cells, ‘Don’t kill me — I’m friendly!'” However, dostarlimab blocks PD-1, which once again allows the body’s T-cells to recognize and attack the tumor. Which cancers respond best to dostarlimab? “The key here is not where the tumor is,” said Quay, “but what it’s made of genetically. Patients who stand to benefit most are those with mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) tumors.” According to Quay, these tumors are “juicy targets” for immune checkpoint blockade due to the many foreign proteins found on the tumor’s surface. Specifically, the cancers included in this study were colorectal cancer and other non-rectal solid tumors, including gastrointestinal, gynecologic, and genitourinary cancers. Kasi added that he advises all of his patients to be tested for dMMR. “If anyone’s cancer is mismatch repair deficient (dMMR), while chemotherapy does not work well, immunotherapy on the other hand works very well,” he said. The bottom line? “If you’re a patient with a dMMR tumor, no matter if it’s in the colon, uterus, pancreas, or stomach, you’re potentially in the immunotherapy winner’s circle,” concluded Quay.

New research linked microplastics found in common household products to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Carlo Franco/Getty Images A new study says plastics found in common household products can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in people ages 55 to 64. Previous research has indicated that phthalates used in plastic products are linked to higher risks of reproductive health issues, obesity, and cancer. Experts say you can reduce your exposure to microplastics by avoiding processed foods and not using plastic utensils or bowls. A synthetic chemical used in many household products is being linked to a potential increase in cardiovascular disease risk. A study published on April 28 in the journal eBioMedicine reports that “plastics pose a significant risk to increased cardiovascular mortality.” The researchers focused on a family of chemicals known as phthalates, which are used to strengthen the plastic used in an array of products from children’s toys to shampoo, soap, air fresheners, perfume, vinyl flooring, garden hoses, clothing, plastic food wrappings, and containers. In particular, the scientists looked at the risks associated with a phthalate known as di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or DEHP, in 200 countries and territories worldwide. They concluded that this type of phthalate may have contributed to more than 13% of all global mortality from cardiovascular disease in 2018 in males and females ages 55 to 64. The researchers reported that exposure to DEHP contributed to more than 350,000 deaths in 2018 among males and females ages 55 through 64 globally, with some regions experiencing higher cardiovascular disease burdens than others. South Asia and the Middle East had the highest percentage of deaths from cardiovascular disease linked to DEHP exposure, with an average of about 17% between the two regions. Latin America, East Asia and the Pacific, and Canada had around 13% of cardiovascular disease deaths attributable to DEHP exposure, with Australia and Africa hovering around 12%. “This [study] continues to contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding our use of plastics for both personal use and in our environments,” said Jayne Morgan, MD, a cardiologist and vice president of medical affairs at Hello Heart. Morgan wasn’t involved in the study. Morgan noted that any causation linking exposure to microplastics and cardiovascular disease remains unknown. “Possibilities include the triggering of chronic inflammation in the body, a negative impact on the immune system, and/or direct toxic effect. As these chemicals are ubiquitous in many of our plastics, making them softer and more pliable and bendable, a closer look is warranted,” Morgan told Healthline. “This study is observational, so there may be unknown factors that can explain this rise in death related to phthalates, and I would caution against concluding that phthalates cause people to die more often,” added Yu-Ming Ni, MD, a cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in California. Ni wasn’t involved in the study. “This finding suggests [a] need for further study into whether reduction in plastic exposure can improve cardiovascular outcomes. It also emphasizes the importance of reducing plastics exposure,” he told Healthline. What are the health risks of plastics? This study is not the first time plastics used in common products have been linked to health dangers. A 2021 study done by the same research team concluded that phthalates may contribute to about 100,000 premature deaths a year among people in the United States ages 55 to 64. The scientists said people with the highest levels of phthalates had a greater risk of death from any cause, especially cardiovascular mortality. In other research over the past 25 years, phthalates have been linked to reproductive health issues as well as asthma, obesity, and cancer. Under California’s Proposition 65, companies must put warning labels on products containing DEHP due to concerns that it may increase the risk of cancer, birth defects, and reproductive health issues. Concerns have also been raised in the past about Bisphenol-A (BPA), an industrial chemical used in plastic manufacturing. Researchers have expressed concerns that BPA can leach out of food and drink containers and contaminate food products and beverages. A 2024 study reported that one liter of bottled water can contain up to 240,000 detectable plastic fragments known as nanoplastics. A March 2025 study concluded that chewing gum can release hundreds or even thousands of microplastics in every gram of that product. Another 2024 study reported that microplastics found in arterial plaque were associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. “As we learn more and more about the negative health consequences of plastics exposure, it is becoming increasingly clear that we should strive to limit our environmental exposure to plastics as much as possible,” Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in California, told Healthline. Chen wasn’t involved in the study. “Microscopic pieces of plastic are difficult to break down naturally and are found widely throughout the world contaminating the soil and water. Microplastics are often found in the human body as a result,” added Ni. How to reduce exposure to microplastics Although contact with microplastics may seem unavoidable, experts say there are ways to limit exposure. Here are some of them. Eat less processed food Processed foods usually come in pre-packaged containers and sometimes are wrapped in pliable plastic. Besides the health dangers associated with the food items themselves, experts say the packaging around processed foods could pose a risk. You can reduce your consumption of processed foods with a few simple strategies: eating more fresh fruits and vegetables prepping meals ahead of time swapping refined grains for whole grains eating less processed meat Experts also suggest changing your shopping routine by avoiding aisles with processed foods and reading labels carefully. Use fewer plastic products Plastic utensils as well as plastic bowls can introduce microplastics into a person’s body. Experts say using steel or aluminum forks, spoons, and knives as well as bowls made with something other than plastic can help reduce your exposure to nanoplastics. Switching to glass or steel containers for storing food or water can also help. “While it is difficult to eliminate our exposure to plastics in our environment, we can still try to reduce our use of plastics, especially of single-use plastics such as plastic utensils and food containers,” said Chen. “Use more durable non-plastic containers for storage and avoid heating plastic to avoid getting it into the air,” advised Ni.  “Cook with non-plastic cookware and utensils and skip the takeout container if possible. Use reusable containers for liquids such as metal or ceramic water bottles, and if you must use plastic containers, recycle them. Try to avoid using Styrofoam, as it is very difficult to break down.” Morgan also had some guidance on cleaning plastic items. “Avoid microwaving or even dishwashing a plastic item, such as a bowl, as the heat can cause chemicals to leach,” she said. Avoid scented products Experts note that products that are scented tend to have a higher level of microplastics. They recommend using unscented lotions, laundry detergents, and cleaning supplies. They also urge people to avoid air fresheners and all plastics labeled as No. 3, No. 6, or No. 7. Improve your overall health Besides avoiding microplastics, experts say there are some simple ways to improve your overall health. The first is a daily exercise routine. “Our bodies were made to be in motion and sedentary lifestyles are a set up for chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure,” said Morgan. She also suggests monitoring your blood pressure daily. Diet is another key component. “Work toward eating more fresh plants and fruits, and less processed and/or canned or pre-packaged foods,” she said. Chen said an overall healthy lifestyle is the key. “I typically recommend that people eat a healthy, balanced diet low in sodium, engage in regular physical activity, get an adequate amount of quality sleep, maintain a healthy weight, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and reduce stress,” he said.

Researchers warn that measles could make a strong comeback in the next 25 years, with up to 51 million new illnesses. jure/Getty Images Rising measles cases in 30 U.S. jurisdictions among mostly unvaccinated individuals have caused alarm among public health officials. A new research projection estimates that if vaccination rates continue to fall, there will be 11 million to upwards of 51 million new measles cases in the U.S. in the next 25 years. While these projections might signal a worst-case scenario, infectious disease experts remain concerned about the long-term impacts of vaccine hesitancy. Rising measles cases in the United States underscore the impact of low childhood vaccination rates, which have declined in recent years. As measles cases approach 1,000, 2025 marks a 180% increase compared to all of 2024, and there are still eight months left to go. What began as a small outbreak in a Mennonite community in West Texas in January spread to at least 30 U.S. jurisdictions by the end of April. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 97% of measles cases are in unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status is unknown. Measles was declared eliminated at the turn of the century. Now, researchers warn the disease could make a strong comeback in the next 25 years, with up to 51 million new illnesses if vaccination rates fall below 50%. The projection, published April 24 in JAMA, predicts that measles could become endemic in the United States. Even with as little as a 10% decline in vaccination rates, the researchers project upward of 11 million cases over 25 years. The research model also forecast the return of other infectious diseases like polio and diphtheria. Measles is endemic in other countries, meaning outbreaks occur regularly within communities. Still, even a disease with endemic status could prove deadly for high risk groups, particularly unvaccinated individuals and immunocompromised people who cannot receive the highly effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. “Measles is in the midst of a substantial resurgence in the United States at the present time,” said William Schaffner, MD, professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases in the Department of Health Policy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. “Before we had the vaccine, measles killed 400 to 500 [people] in the United States each year because of complications. Until recently, that number was zero. The facts are clear — the measles vaccine is safe and effective.” Healthline spoke with Schaffner to find out how concerned people should be about measles returning to endemic status in the United States and what can be done to help reverse current trends. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length. Could the JAMA study projections become a reality? Schaffner: I think it’s a worst-case scenario. It’s possible, but it won’t get that bad.  That said, there are many communities in which vaccination rates have drifted down to 90% or even lower. In some communities, they’re very low, and we could continue to have outbreaks in those communities.  As we see in West Texas, this is now a very prolonged, even accelerating outbreak because there has been a very large community that is under-vaccinated.  So yes, we could lose our elimination status, but I don’t think it will be as bad as this worst-case scenario suggests. That is not to say I don’t think it’s awful — it is definitely alarming. What would happen if measles became endemic? Schaffner: What we are seeing now will be expanded, namely clusters of measles around the country, as the virus is reintroduced into those communities where there is a very low vaccination rate, and then you’ll get bursts of measles in that community.  Fortunately, previous measles infection and vaccination provide very secure protection.  Relatively few people who’ve been previously vaccinated will become infected. So, we will have barriers of previously vaccinated folks and older people who were infected with the virus, which will confine measles to those under-vaccinated populations. Could we learn to live with measles like we’ve learned to live with COVID-19? Schaffner: I hesitate to say that we would have to learn to live with it, because that’s a profoundly sad prospect.  The short answer is yes, and it will continue to occur in bursts because there will be many communities in the United States where vaccination levels will remain very, very high, well above 90%. That’s because those are communities where parents will conform to ‘no shots, no school’ policies, and you will get very high vaccination levels, as we have had in the past. However, there are communities sometimes defined by a social phenomenon or a religious affiliation, for example, where vaccination rates are very low in that localized community. One of the consequences of having these pockets of susceptible children is that when the virus enters those populations, the children will tend to be older than they were in the bad old days when they got measles, because they’ve been protected. They’ve had to wait for the virus to be introduced. And you’ll have many more adolescents, for example, who’ve never experienced measles.  Complications occur at any age, but the older you are when you acquire measles, for example, if you’re a teenager, as many of these children are now who are acquiring infection in West Texas, the more likely you are to develop one of the complications. The JAMA projections show that other diseases could make a comeback. How likely is this scenario? Schaffner: Everything depends on how broadly parents withhold their children from vaccination. Some parents are very selective, withholding only this or that vaccine; others withhold their children from all vaccines.  The broader the withholding, the more likely it is that one of these viruses will be reintroduced into the United States among susceptible persons.  As you know, we had a big polio scare in the suburbs of New York a few years ago, and we had one paralytic case in a young adult male who had never been vaccinated — and that poliovirus had been introduced from abroad.  So, these other illnesses that are contagious but not as contagious as measles will also be reintroduced into the United States.  Measles is at the forefront because it is the most contagious and easily transmitted. These others may take longer to appear in the United States because they are less contagious. What can be done to reverse this trend, and are you optimistic? Schaffner: Reality has tempered my optimism recently. It will take time to reach out to all of these populations to provide them with information and reassurance that vaccination is in the best interest of not only those individual children or your children, but also your entire community.  There are increasingly more children, adolescents, and adults living among us who are immune suppressed, whether because of an illness or because they’re receiving immunosuppressive medication to treat an illness. These people cannot receive the measles vaccine because it’s a live, attenuated virus, and their immune system can’t fight off this virus.  We can protect them by having all the rest vaccinated and protected, making it very hard for the virus to get past us to them. We have a responsibility not only to our children but also to those who are more frail who live among us.  If you have any concerns, please talk to your doctor or your children’s doctor. They will be ready to talk with you about this and provide reassurance.  We have to do this at the local level and try to influence those individual communities to, over time, change people’s attitudes and feelings and make them more welcoming to vaccines. It’s a large task.

Recent anecdotal reports have highlighted strange side effects of GLP-1 medications used for weight loss like “Ozempic mouth” and “Ozempic feet.” Elena Popova/Getty Images “Ozempic feet” and “Ozempic mouth” are the latest reported cosmetic side effects from GLP-1 medications used for weight loss. Experts say wrinkles and sagging skin can result from rapid weight loss due to loss of fat and muscle mass in certain areas of the body. You can minimize some of these effects by increasing protein in your diet and incorporating resistance training into your exercise routine. You can add “Ozempic feet” and “Ozempic mouth” to the growing list of nicknames for strange and unusual side effects from popular GLP-1 medications used for weight loss. Reports on social media and elsewhere have been highlighting “Ozempic feet,” a GLP-1 side effect resulting in excessively wrinkled feet. A recent photo of a barefoot Sharon Osbourne posted on Instagram set off a flurry of publicity. There have also been reports of people developing “Ozempic mouth,” which results from rapid weight loss and leads to wrinkles around the mouth, sunken cheeks, and sagging jowls. Meanwhile, “Ozempic face” describes the general hollowing of the face and an increase of wrinkles as people lose weight. There’s also the “Ozempic butt” phenomenon, which occurs when sagging skin becomes pronounced around the buttocks as a person loses weight. While the drug Ozempic is most often pegged to these nicknames, the side effects can also be present with other injectable weight loss medications such as Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. Experts say the side effects aren’t a result of the medications themselves, but rather, are byproducts of rapid weight loss. They also note that these side effects are cosmetic and usually not a danger to a person’s health. Still, these effects can be minimized through modifications in diet and exercise. People could also try to lose weight at a slower pace to help reduce some of these effects. “You need a team to follow you and help you,” said Dan Azagury, MD, FACS, an associate professor of surgery and the section chief of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Stanford University. “Get some support and do this in the right way,” he told Healthline. “This is not a sprint. Slow and steady wins this race.” Side effects of rapid weight loss Experts say wrinkles and sagging skin may sometimes occur after weight loss because of the loss of fat and the reduction in muscle mass throughout the body. “Any kind of significant weight loss can have a dramatic change in body habitus and appearance,” said Mir Ali, MD, a general surgeon, bariatric surgeon, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California. “We see the same kind of changes after surgical weight loss as well, so it is more an effect of weight loss, rather than directly because of the medication,” he told Healthline. Nidhi Pandya, an Ayurvedic doctor, holistic practitioner, and author of the book “Your Body Already Knows,” said people should know the benefits and downsides of weight loss medications. “While these drugs are highly effective for lowering appetite and improving glycemic control, they also accelerate weight loss in a way that can have systemic consequences,” Pandya told Healthline. She lists some of the side effects as: loss of lean body mass altered gut microbiome micronutrient deficiencies impaired tissue repair “My advice is to approach these medications as serious metabolic interventions, to be used after a thoughtful evaluation of risks and benefits,” said Pandya. Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RDN, the president of KAK Consulting and a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine in Ohio, agreed it’s important to plan your weight loss journey carefully. “Yes, side effects of rapid weight loss can and do happen, but working with a healthcare provider and focusing on going above and beyond just taking the shot can help,” she told Healthline. How to minimize side effects like ‘Ozempic feet’ Experts say you can counter these natural side effects through dedicated practices involving diet and exercise. “Many of these side effects can be minimized by supporting the body’s physiology and metabolism with targeted lifestyle strategies,” said Pandya. Among her suggestions are: consuming at least 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day limiting snacks and meal frequency starting meals with fermented foods and high fiber vegetables stress management through techniques such as mindfulness and breath work structured sleep “While [these drugs] are powerful pharmacologic tools, the bedrock of metabolic health remains in intelligent, science-backed lifestyle strategies that support the body’s natural signaling and repair mechanisms,” said Pandya. Kirkpatrick suggested increasing protein intake to help maintain lean muscle mass. She recommended adding protein to every meal and snack and taking a supplement such as creatine HCL. “I tell my patients that when you are on these drugs you have to get nutritional bang for every bite,” said Kirkpatrick. “The mechanism of these drugs leads to a reduced intake of food and, therefore, you can’t really afford to consume foods that provide no nutritional benefit.” Kirkpatrick added that resistance training be added to an exercise routine. “Cardio is great and has many benefits, but resistance training can specifically help with muscle mass,” she said. Ali noted it’s important to remember the purpose of weight loss programs. “People taking medication for weight loss or even undergoing surgery should realize the goal is to achieve a healthy weight to minimize obesity-related health conditions and achieve a normal lifespan,” he said. What to know about GLP-1 drugs drugs Losing weight is inherently a difficult task. First, the body may need to store fat for various physiological reasons, including organ protection, hormone regulation, and nutrient absorption. Azagury noted that the human body is also programmed to retain some fat in case of food shortages. “Your body is designed to avoid weight loss,” he said. “You’re fighting tens of thousands of years of evolution when you try to lose weight.” He added that modern techniques, such as bariatric surgery and new weight loss medications, can make weight reduction a little easier. “There is no hierarchy in how we lose weight,” Azagury said. “There is no better or worse way.” Ozempic and Wegovy are injectable medications containing the active ingredient semaglutide. Ozempic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for weight loss and management. Mounjaro and Zepbound are injectable drugs that contain the active ingredient trizepatide. The FDA approves Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is used for weight management. All these drugs work in the same basic way by suppressing a person’s appetite. They do have some potential side effects. Some of the more common are: nausea diarrhea constipation abdominal pain These medications have been shown in clinical trials to help people with obesity and other weight management issues lose weight effectively. People who are prescribed these drugs are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The medications have also been credited with other beneficial health effects such as: blood sugar control improving cardiovascular health lowering kidney disease risk improving cognitive abilities Experts say lifestyle changes are important. So is developing a weight loss program under the supervision of a medical professional. Kirkpatrick advised developing a strategy to eventually stop using the weight loss drugs. “You should begin thinking about the off ramp when jumping onto the on ramp,” she said. “This means — begin planning how you get off the drugs (if this is the plan) once you meet your weight and metabolic goals.” “Ozempic and Zepbound are appropriate for select individuals, but everyone can engage their body’s innate metabolic wisdom by adopting evidence-based lifestyle interventions, resulting in more durable, holistic health,” added Pandya. Learn more about how to get GLP-1 medications from vetted and trusted online sources here: Where to Buy Ozempic Online Where to Buy Ozempic Online How to Get Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Where to Buy Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Online How to Get Wegovy for Weight Loss In Person and Online How to Get a Wegovy Prescription Online How to Get Zepbound: What We Know So Far Where to Buy Zepbound Online

A global study linked thousands of preventable deaths to ultra-processed food consumption. Alexander Spatari/Getty Images Ultra-processed foods could be driving an increase in preventable deaths, a global study reports. For every 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption in total daily energy intake, the risk of all-cause mortality rose by 2.7%. Ultra-processed foods have been associated with 32 adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Preventable deaths tied to ultra-processed food consumption increase significantly relative to their contribution to a person’s overall diet. A global study published on April 28 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that for each 10% increase in the contribution of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to total energy intake, the risk of mortality from all causes rises by 2.7%. In the United States alone, that’s more than 124,000 preventable deaths each year. “UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients (sodium, trans fats, and sugar) because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients, including colorants, artificial flavors and sweeteners, emulsifiers, and many other additives and processing aids, so assessing deaths from all-causes associated with UPF consumption allows an overall estimate of the effect of industrial food processing on health,” Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, DSc, lead investigator of the study and a researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) in Brazil said in a press statement. Thousands of deaths linked to UPFs As part of the study, Nilson and colleagues analyzed data from nationally representative dietary surveys along with mortality data from eight countries. The countries included were the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. The years studied varied by country, ranging from 2010 to 2018. The average contribution of ultra-processed foods to the total energy intake also varied among countries. The lowest consumption of ultra-processed foods was in Colombia (2015) and Brazil (2017–2018), where less than 20% of total energy intake was made up of ultra-processed foods. In Chile (2010) and Mexico (2016), the intake increased to 20–30% of total energy intake. In Australia (2011–2012) and Canada (2016), the ratio of ultra-processed food intake increased significantly, with UPFs comprising 37.5% of daily energy intake in Australia and 43.7% in Canada. In the United States (2017–2018) and the United Kingdom (2018–2019), the contribution of UPFs to total energy intake exceeded 50%. These nations had the highest number of premature deaths associated with UPFs, with nearly 18,000 in the U.K. and more than 124,000 in the United States. Christopher Gardner, PhD, a nutrition scientist and professor of medicine at Stanford University, said the findings are an important addition to the research into ultra-processed foods. Gardner wasn’t involved in the study. “The authors showed that regardless of the general consumption levels, there were consistently higher mortality levels among the subset of the population within each of those countries who consumed the most vs. the least UPF. In other words, even in a country where only 15% of the food being sold was UPF, those consuming the most vs. the least had detectably different rates of mortality,” he told Healthline.  “It would/should be easier to see that difference in a country like the U.S. or U.K. where the general consumption rate is much higher. Helpful to note that they also found it across the range of consumption levels in different countries. That is an interesting and important addition the field of knowledge about UPF. They should get credit for adding that to our knowledge base.” Multiple physical, mental health impacts Whilst there is no universally accepted definition of ultra-processed foods, the term is typically used to describe foods that are ready to eat or heat and are made in industrial settings, using little or no whole foods. Ultra-processed foods are often considered convenient, highly palatable, and contain ingredients to make them more appealing. These may include coloring, emulsifiers, thickeners, flavoring, bulking agents, antifoaming agents, and sweeteners. In many high income countries, ultra-processed foods already account for more than half of the average daily energy intake. A 2024 review involving nearly 9.8 million participants concluded that a diet of ultra-processed foods is associated with 32 adverse physical and mental health problems, including: depression obesity cardiovascular disease some types of cancer diabetes “It is concerning that, while in high-income countries UPF consumption is already high but relatively stable for over a decade, in low- and middle-income countries the consumption has continuously increased, meaning that while the attributable burden in high-income countries is currently higher, it is growing in the other countries,” Nilson noted in a press statement. “This shows that policies that disincentivize the consumption of UPFs are urgently needed globally, promoting traditional dietary patterns based on local fresh and minimally processed foods,” he continued. High in calories, low in nutrients Dana Hunnes, a senior dietitian and assistant professor at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, said the findings are an important reminder of the benefits of reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods. Hunnes wasn’t involved in the new study. “The consumption of UPFs contribute quite significantly to an increased risk of death (and disease) and that we should all work harder (and encourage greater regulation) to reduce the consumption of UPFs both in our own lives and in the food systems as well,” she told Healthline. “(UPFs) are high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, but low in nutrients. They are stripped of all their naturally occurring health properties. All fiber has essentially been removed, vitamins and minerals found naturally (ie. in the husk of a grain) have been removed, and in their place are chemicals and adulterated “foods” that bare no resemblance to their natural counterpart. By adding calories to the diet without concurrent vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water, we are setting ourselves up for fast digestion/absorption, fat-deposition, insulin resistance, and the chronic diseases associated with all these problems,” Hunnes explained. Despite this, more than 73% of the food supply in the United States is made up of ultra-processed foods. For this reason, experts say Americans continue to choose UPFs along with other factors, such as convenience.   “Convenience is a large predictor of food choices. Due to the availability of fast food and fast-food choices in the supermarket as compared to other countries that prepare more food at home, the US may choose these foods more simply by having increased access to them,” Kanwar Kelley, MD, JD, board certified otolaryngologist (ENT) and co-founder and CEO of Side Health told Healthline. Kelley wasn’t involved in the study. “Food labeling can also be confusing; a food will not be advertised as ‘ultra processed,’ but instead tries to focus on the positive aspects of the food, such as how much of a particular vitamin it has. This may lead to some confusion,” Kelley said. A global public health issue The study authors say their findings prove that mortality attributed to ultra-processed food intake is significant and that addressing the rate of UPF consumption should be a global health priority. But experts note that changing dietary habits on an individual level can be complicated. “My perception is that most people are aware of the dangers of UPFs, but choose to ignore this,” Mir Ali, MD, board certified general surgeon, bariatric surgeon, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, told Healthline. Ali wasn’t involved in the study. “Although education at an early age may help people make healthier food choices, most people do not look that critically at their diet and are more apt to choose food based on taste and convenience,” Ali said. “Whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts and dairy are healthier. In general fruits as an alternative to sweets like cookies and ice cream is better. Most people are aware of the dangers of UPFs, though switching to healthier alternatives is very difficult and can be cost prohibitive,” Ali concluded.

The FDA has not yet approved the use of topical finasteride to treat hair loss, a popular treatment sold by telehealth companies. Narongrit Doungmanee/Getty Images The FDA has issued a warning about adverse effects related to a popular hair loss product available through telehealth platforms like Hims & Hers and Ro. Males have reported side effects of topical finasteride, including depression, dizziness, and low libido. Many consumers reported they were unaware or misinformed about the potential for serious side effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning about compounded topical versions of a popular hair loss drug sold through telehealth platforms. In an alert issued on April 22, the FDA reported 32 cases of adverse events between 2019 and 2024 involving consumers who purchased and used topical finasteride. Finasteride is used to treat hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, the agency has not approved any topical formulations of finasteride. Despite this, such products are commonly marketed by direct-to-consumer telehealth companies, including Hims & Hers and Ro. These products are “potentially putting consumers at risk,” the FDA cautioned in its statement. According to the agency, users of compounded topical finasteride reported side effects similar to those associated with the oral form of the drug, including depression, fatigue, insomnia, and decreased libido. “Some consumers expressed they became very depressed, suffering with pain and their lives were ruined because of these symptoms,” the FDA noted in its warning. In many cases, consumers said they were not properly informed about these risks, or were even assured by prescribers that topical use carried no risk of side effects. Unlike pharmaceutical companies, telehealth platforms are not held to the same regulatory standards and are not required to disclose potential side effects in their advertising. Anthony Oro, MD, PhD, Eugene and Gloria Bauer Professor of Dermatology at Stanford Medicine, told Healthline that the reported side effects were consistent with expectations. “There’s no surprise about the adverse effects, because those are the same that have been seen with the oral medicine,” Oro said. “The disconnect is that people may think because it’s topical that it’s safe and can be used widely at different concentrations without any problems.” Healthline contacted Hims & Hers and Ro to comment on the FDA warning but did not receive a response. The FDA alert underscores broader concerns about compounded medications, which the agency does not review or approve. As telehealth services make these products more accessible, experts warn that patients may be unaware of the potential risks. Risks of compounded finasteride for hair loss The FDA warning is the latest high-profile incident involving compounded finasteride. In March, the Wall Street Journal published an investigation detailing adverse effects reported by men who had purchased the drug through telehealth platforms. Among those interviewed was U.S. Army Sgt. Mark Millich, 26, who said he experienced symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness, and slurred speech. He also reported severe sexual side effects, including reduced libido and genital shrinkage. Oral finasteride has been FDA-approved for over three decades and is generally well tolerated. However, it is known to carry potential side effects, including: erectile dysfunction reduced sex drive ejaculation disorder depression dizziness “Most of the side effects the FDA is seeing for topicals correspond to those that are known from the approved oral formulation. It’s not that there’s a new adverse side effect that are being reported,” said Oro. Some males also reported long-lasting sexual and psychological effects long after ceasing to take the drug, a condition referred to as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Despite these reports, PFS is a hotly debated and controversial phenomenon within the medical community. Additionally, the FDA notes that there may be additional risks to using a topical form of the drug, including: localized irritation erythema dryness stinging or burning The FDA also warns that since topical finasteride is applied directly to the skin, it may inadvertently transfer to others through contact, an issue with potentially serious consequences. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its potential to cause abnormalities in a developing male fetus. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and there is often little data to determine safety. Some compounded formulations also combine finasteride with another popular hair loss treatment, minoxidil, due to their synergistic effects on hair growth. While both minoxidil and finasteride are individually FDA approved, the safety profile of a compounded drug containing both is unclear. Inadequate warnings about topical finasteride side effects While the reported symptoms from the FDA’s warning align with known side effects of oral finasteride, the key concern is that consumers either were not informed of the risks or were led to believe they didn’t apply to topical versions of finasteride. “A lot of people have a misconception that because it’s topical it’s not going to be absorbed systemically,” said Oro. Such a misconception appears to be propagated by telehealth companies. On Ro’s website under side effects related to topical finasteride, the company states, “Because topical finasteride does not enter the bloodstream in the same way or quantity oral finasteride does, there’s reason to assume that topical finasteride could come with a lower risk of systemic effects, including sexual side effects.” Hims describes the potential side effects of topical finasteride as “minimal”, such as skin irritation and itching, typically localized to where the medicine is applied. The company also cites a study supporting the claim that “topical finasteride also comes with a lower risk of sexual side effects than oral finasteride due to its localized use.” According to the FDA alert, consumers were unaware of the potential side effects of finasteride. The FDA encourages healthcare providers to educate patients on the risks of using compounded finasteride. With the proliferation of telehealth platforms and expanded access to compounded medications, Oro told Healthline that nothing can replace the doctor-patient relationship required for informed decision-making. “You need to have someone who understands the medication and the patient — when it is appropriate to use and when you need to stop,” said Oro. “There’s a trend now where you have access to medication without a long-term relationship between the patient and the provider, and we are seeing some of the ill effects of that now.”

Cancer-related deaths have been steadily declining in the U.S., but diagnoses are rising in women, a new report found. FatCamera/Getty Images A new report on cancer rates in the U.S. shows a steady decline in disease-related deaths over the past 20 years, but an increase in diagnoses among women. Among women diagnosed with cancer, women in racial minority and ethnic groups face disproportionately higher rates of incidence. Routine screening, access to care, and adhering to a healthy diet and lifestyle can help mitigate cancer risk, particularly in higher-risk individuals. For more than two decades, cancer death rates have declined steadily in the United States. The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer shows that cancer-related deaths decreased by about 1.7% for men, 1.3% for women, and 1.5% for children each year from 2018 to 2022. Cancer death rates also decreased across different racial and ethnic populations, according to the report, published on April 21 in the journal Cancer.  The report also shows a drop in cancer diagnoses among males from 2001 through 2013 before stabilizing through 2021. Among women, however, there were yearly increases in cancer diagnoses from 2003 to 2021. Cancers associated with obesity are also on the rise. These include female breast, uterus, colorectal, pancreas, kidney, and liver cancers. However, the report notes that these trends in death rates and diagnoses were interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to barriers to medical care and missed screenings. This gap in the data could lead to an uptick in cancers diagnosed at later stages in the years to come, the researchers explained. “The magnitude of the 2020 decline was similar across states, despite variations in COVID-19 policy restrictions,” an NCI press release notes.  “These findings underscore the importance of providing access to health care, even during public health emergencies, to ensure the timely diagnosis of cancer.” Cancer-related deaths declining A decline in death rates from cancer is considered the gold standard for measuring progress made in diagnosis and treatment. The researchers attribute some of the decline in cancer deaths to reduced incidences and death rates from lung cancer and other smoking-related cancers.  Jack Jacoub, MD, board certified medical oncologist and medical director of MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in Orange County, CA, agreed.  “I suspect the strong interaction of smoking cessation and decline in smoking-related cancers significantly influences this finding in men — more men smoked and have since stopped,” he told Healthline. Jacoub added that improved screening programs and access help detect cancer at earlier stages and improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. He noted that improved patient-specific factors, such as healthier lifestyles, including smoking cessation, exercise, weight control, and limiting alcohol consumption, are perhaps more significant.  “[These] all theoretically improve tolerability to and possibly benefit from cancer therapy and improved therapeutics,” Jacoub said. Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist, chief of medicine, and director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA, echoed Jacoub’s remarks.  “We have better screening and better understanding of cancer prevention. We recommend avoiding risk factors such as obesity, processed food, and inactivity,” Bilchik told Healthline.  “We’re learning that all these factors are important, even as a child, and that’s partly relevant to cancers that are increasing in young people, such as colorectal cancer.”  “While overall incidences are declining and overall outcomes are better, we are seeing some, like colorectal cancer in young people, going up, and it’s the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people under 50 and second among women.” Disparities in cancer deaths among women, ethnic groups While cancer death rates decreased, the report highlights a gradual increase in diagnoses among females, particularly breast and uterine cancers. As female cancer rates increase, the report also highlights that women in racial minority and ethnic groups are disproportionately affected. From 2017 to 2021 (excluding 2020), cancer diagnoses were highest among American Indian and Alaska Native women. Jacoub and Bilchik noted some factors contributing to these disparities may include: limited access to care unhealthy diet unhealthy lifestyle habits obesity low socioeconomic status distrust of the medical system genetic factors “Improvement can be achieved [through] education and improving access for all patients,” Jacoub said. Bilchik said the disparities in female cancer rates were “alarming” and that more work needs to be done to address socioeconomic differences and improve access and screening in areas with limited access to healthcare. “Women who have less access to healthcare have a large increase in certain cancers, such as breast and uterine cancer, compared to those who have access to screening,” Bilchik said. What can women do to reduce their cancer risk?  Screening for cancer is crucial, particularly for those facing higher risks.  Routine screening can diagnose cancer in its earlier stages and at the most curable point in time.  Jacoub recommended that women and other at-risk individuals practice the following healthy habits for cancer prevention:  eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in plants and antioxidants maintain a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI) avoid smoking or quit if you smoke avoid or limit drinking exercise regularly receive any recommended vaccinations Bilchik emphasized the importance of a healthy gut microbiome to help fight inflammation and maintain overall health. “There is a lot of data now that we carry these trillions of bacteria and viruses in our body known as the microbiome, and it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet to enhance healthy bacteria and viruses in our body,” he said.  “Processed foods or too much alcohol can have a negative impact on the microbiome, which has been shown to have an impact on our immune system. When the microbiome is not balanced, there’s a higher risk of cancer.” 

Tina Knowles (center), mother of Beyoncé and Solange, revealed she was diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer after missing a mammogram appointment. George Pimentel/WireImage/Getty Images Tina Knowles, the mother of Beyoncé and Solange, said she was diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer after delaying her scheduled mammogram for four years. Knowles is advising women to get regular screenings for the disease so it can be caught in early stages. Experts say treatment is usually less intense and more successful if a cancer is detected early on. The importance of regular breast cancer screenings cannot be overstated. Tina Knowles, the mother of pop and R&B stars Beyoncé and Solange, recently revealed she was diagnosed in 2024 with stage 1A breast cancer after missing her regular mammogram appointment. Knowles, 71, said she delayed her breast cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic and then didn’t get the exam rescheduled for another four years. The mammogram revealed that Knowles, who is an entrepreneur, fashion designer, and philanthropist, had a benign tumor in her right breast and a cancerous tumor in her left breast. Knowles underwent surgery to remove the tumors. She is now cancer-free. Knowles’ former husband, Matthew Knowles, is also a breast cancer survivor. “I think as women, sometimes we get so busy and we get so wrapped up and running around, but you must go get your test,” Knowles told People magazine. “Because if I had not gotten my test early, I mean, I shudder to think what could have happened to me.” In her new book, “Matriarch: A Memoir,” Knowles also discusses how a hospital surgeon and an oncologist “talked down” to her about her diagnosis. She then met with a private surgeon who arranged for her to consult with other medical professionals at the hospital. “A lot of people, especially Black people, feel they have to go with the doctor they are given even if we are not treated well. You deserve second opinions and it’s your opinion that sets the decision,” Knowles told The Today show. Breast cancer screenings, early detection improve survival rates The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women ages 40 to 44 be given the option to receive annual mammograms. The organization also states that women ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year, and women ages 55 and older can undergo them every other year. The ACS states that screenings for all women should continue as long as the woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years. A mammogram is an X-ray used to scan breast tissue for cancer and other irregularities. A 3D mammogram is a more advanced breast cancer screening tool that utilizes multiple X-rays taken from different angles. “Mammograms are the most effective and widely recommended screening tool for breast cancer. Women with higher risk may need MRI in addition to mammograms,” said Tatiana Kelil, MD, the interim chief of the Breast Imaging Division and co-director for the Center for Advanced 3D+ Technologies in the Department of Radiology at the University of California San Francisco. Experts affirm that regular screenings are important. Among other factors, mammograms can miss 20–30% of cancers. “Annual mammograms are recommended because of the rate at which breast cancers typically grow in early stages,” explained Christina Annunziata, MD, PhD, senior vice president of extramural discovery science at the American Cancer Society. “More frequent tests may be necessary if a person is at high risk (hereditary breast cancers, strong family history) or if suspicious findings were present on previous studies,” she told Healthline. “Interval breast cancers (those that arise between imaging tests) tend to be more aggressive and can spread more quickly than usual. This is why it is important not to skip a mammogram.” “Screening is important to help identify breast cancer (if it were to develop) at the earliest possible stage,” added Mediget Teshome, MD, the chief of breast surgery and director of breast health at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. “The stage then informs treatment recommendations and is associated with prognosis with early-stage disease associated with improved survival outcomes,” she told Healthline. What to know about breast cancer Outside of skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in females in the United States. It’s estimated that more than 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in females in the United States in 2025. About 42,000 of these females will die from the disease this year. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in females in the United States. Only lung cancer kills more females. Overall, the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer during her lifetime is about 13%. The incidence rate has increased by about 1% per year in recent years. Common symptoms of breast cancer may include: lump in the breast lump in the underarm change in the shape or size of the breast changes in the nipple Breast cancer treatment may vary depending on what stage it’s discovered and how aggressive the disease has developed in a person, and may include: surgery radiation therapy chemotherapy immunotherapy hormone therapy targeted therapy “Annual screening mammography, regardless of the woman’s age, has been proven beyond any doubt to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer,” said Richard Reitherman, MD, a radiologist and medical director of breast imaging at MemorialCare Breast Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California. “A woman having annual screening mammograms markedly reduces her personal chance of dying from breast cancer [and] markedly reduces the intensity of treatment effects and therefore fewer long-term side effects,” he told Healthline. Breast cancer less common in younger women According to the ACS, the median age for a breast cancer diagnosis is 62. Breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than 45 years of age. However, breast cancer can be more aggressive and more difficult to treat in females under 40. The ACS recommends that women with a greater than 20% lifetime risk of breast cancer start to have regular screenings before the age of 40. “It’s important for younger women to get regular breast cancer screenings because breast cancer can occur at any age and early detection saves lives,” Kelil told Healthline. “Starting screening at the right time helps catch cancer when it’s most treatable.” “It is important for women to understand that when you are younger, the breast tissue may be harder to interpret on mammogram since most women’s breast are denser when they are younger,” said Janie Grumley, MD, a breast surgical oncologist and director of the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Center as well as an associate professor of surgery at Saint John’s Cancer Institute in California. “They may be at higher risk of being called back for additional imaging. However, younger patients are less likely to have actual cancer. They can have a number of other benign findings, but additional work-up may be needed to determine if the finding is benign,” she told Healthline. Black women face disparities in breast cancer Black women in the United States face higher death rates from breast cancer than any other ethnic group. One reason is that Black women have a higher risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease. Black women also have higher rates of some risk factors for breast cancer, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Researchers have noted that Black women are also more likely to experience stress due to racism and other factors. Chronic stress can contribute to more aggressive tumors. In addition, some beauty products commonly used by Black women, such as hair relaxers, have been linked to breast cancer risk. Experts say it’s important for the public and medical professionals to be aware of these facts. “It is important for all women to have access to breast cancer screening and treatment,” said Teshome. “There are well-established observed disparities in breast cancer outcomes and mortality by race/ethnicity and other social factors that we should consider unacceptable. Cancer does not discriminate and in order to improve the health of all men and women with breast cancer, timely access to preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions is paramount.” “Breast cancer affects women across all backgrounds. However, disparities in access can lead to later-stage diagnoses, worse outcomes, and higher mortality, especially in underserved communities,” added Kelil.

Young adults should get screened for colon cancer, especially if they have symptoms or a family history of the disease. Maskot/Getty Images Real stories of young adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer highlight ongoing concern over increasing cases in adults under 50. Colonoscopies are the most accurate way to detect colorectal cancer, but other screening methods are sometimes used. Experts urge younger adults to get screened for this type of cancer, especially if they have symptoms or a family history of the disease. Experts continue to emphasize the importance of younger adults getting screened for colorectal cancer. The warnings come as the incidences of colon cancer and rectal cancer in younger adults have been increasing for more than a decade. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports there will be about 107,000 new cases of colon cancer in the United States in 2025. About 47,000 new cases of rectal cancer are also predicted to be diagnosed in 2025. The incidences are slightly higher for males than they are for females. The ACS notes that the overall rate of colorectal cancer diagnoses in the United States has declined by about 1% every year between 2012 and 2021. They credit an increase in screenings and changes in lifestyle-related risk factors. However, the ACS reports that the rate of colorectal cancer in people under 50 in the United States rose more than 2% per year from 2012 to 2021. The organization adds that the death rate for colorectal cancer has been increasing in younger adults by about 1% per year for the past two decades despite an overall decrease in the disease’s death rate. Experts aren’t certain what is driving these increases, but they say diet, particularly red and processed meat, and other lifestyle habits may be factors. The evidence of the rise in colorectal cancer cases isn’t just in statistics. There are also the recent stories from younger adults who have received unexpected colorectal cancer diagnoses. Stories of early-onset colon cancer highlight importance of screening An Arkansas woman reportedly lied to her doctors about her gastrointestinal symptoms to get a colonoscopy. Sydney Stoner said her doctors dismissed her severe abdominal pain in 2019, so she fabricated a story that she had discovered blood in her stools. A colonoscopy was ordered, and it revealed Stoner, who was 27 at the time, had stage 4 colon cancer. Stoner’s cancer is now “stable” after four years of treatment. In 2022, a Nebraska woman was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at 48 after her first colonoscopy. Angelica McFall shared that she had no symptoms and no family history of colorectal cancer. McFall was treated for the disease and is now cancer-free. She is spreading the word about younger adults getting screened. Last month, William Lindley told Healthline he thought he had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to persistent stomach problems when he was 38. A colonoscopy, however, revealed he had stage 4 colon cancer. After several surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, Lindley is now moving on with his life. He urges younger adults not to downplay gastrointestinal symptoms. Colon cancer is treatable when caught early Experts note that colorectal cancer can be successfully treated if caught in its early stages. However, it can be difficult to treat if it isn’t detected until its later stages. They also note that many times colorectal cancer does not produce any symptoms until those later stages. Hence, they say, the importance of regular screenings, even at a younger age. The current recommendations call for men and women to start being tested for colorectal cancer at age 45. In addition, screenings may be required before 45 if a person has a family history of colorectal cancer or has certain medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It’s recommended that colonoscopy screenings be done every 10 years for people with no family history of the disease and no polyps discovered during the exam. The time between tests can be shorter for other patients. “Getting regular screenings for colorectal cancer are extremely important to prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer,” Cindy Kin, MD, an associate professor of surgery at Stanford Health Care in California, told Healthline. “Most polyps and cancers are not symptomatic, so don’t wait for symptoms before getting checked out.” Katherine Van Loon, MD, a gastrointestinal oncologist at the University of California San Francisco, said it’s “important to raise awareness” among younger adults about colorectal cancer screenings. “This is a cancer that is entirely curable it we catch it early,” she told Healthline. Van Loon urges younger adults to not assume they won’t develop the disease because they are under the age of 50. “It’s important to pay attention to your body and be prepared to self-advocate,” she said. Van Loon adds that medical professionals also need to be aware of the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in younger people. “We have to be attentive to what our patients are telling us,” she said. Babak Firoozi, MD, a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in California, agrees. “Any concerning symptoms should be addressed, regardless of age. Colon cancer is rising in younger people for unknown reasons,” he told Healthline. “Any changes in bowel habits, unexplained abdominal pain, weight loss, or blood in the stool should be evaluated regardless of age.” Anton Bilchik, MD, a surgical oncologist as well as chief of medicine and director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute in California, also urges medical professionals to be thorough with younger patients. “Colon cancer is a young person’s disease,” he told Healthline. “Therefore, it is important to consider colon cancer in the differential diagnosis when a patient reports with unexpected weight loss, change in bowel function, or blood in the stool.” Types of colorectal cancer tests There is an array of exams that can be given to screen for colorectal cancer. A variety of stool tests, including those that can be self-administered at home, look for blood and other components that may indicate the presence of cancer. Experts note that these tests should be done on an annual basis. They also point out that these exams do not reveal exactly where cancerous tissues or tumors are located. A more invasive test, such as a colonoscopy, needs to be done as a follow-up to locate the cancer. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2024 approved a new blood test to help diagnose colorectal rectal cancer. A computed tomography (CT) scan can also be used to seek out cancerous tissue, but experts say this exam may not detect smaller lesions. The gold standard for colorectal cancer screening is the colonoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera up the rectum after a person has prepped for the exam by taking medication the day before that cleans out the bowels. Experts say colonoscopies are more accurate than other tests in detecting cancerous tissue. They also note that a doctor can remove polyps during the procedure. “The other benefit that colonoscopies have compared to other screening tests is that they can actually prevent cancer from forming,” said Kin. “When we see a polyp during a colonoscopy, we remove it at that moment, thus preventing that polyp from ever growing into a cancer.” Experts acknowledge that many people are reluctant to undergo colonoscopies because they are invasive and inconvenient, but they point out they are best way to detect this type of cancer. “Colonoscopy is the gold standard and has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of getting colon cancer,” said Firoozi. What to know about colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer among males and females in the United States. A 2025 report notes that CRC is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in males and the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death in females. The cancer usually starts in the colon or rectum and can spread to other parts of the body. The cancer, in many instances, starts as a growth, or polyp, in the colon. These growths are usually benign or noncancerous but can become cancerous if untreated. Symptoms usually don’t develop until the later stages of the disease. Six key symptoms include: change in bowel habits diarrhea constipation blood in the stool cramping or abdominal pain unexplained weight loss Treatments for colorectal cancer include: surgery chemotherapy targeted drug therapy “Colorectal cancer is on the rise in young people, and it can be quite aggressive,” said Kin. “Early detection is key. We don’t want people assuming that their symptoms are just indigestion or constipation or hemorrhoids — advocate for yourself and get checked.”

After a two-month delay, a CDC panel met last week to discuss vaccine guidelines for COVID-19, RSV, HPV, and other infectious diseases. Luis Alvarez/Getty Images The CDC is considering changes to its recommendations on vaccines for COVID-19, RSV, HPV, and other infectious diseases. Experts say some changes may be warranted, but note that robust vaccination campaigns are still necessary. Decreasing vaccination rates can reduce herd immunity and impact those with compromised immune systems and other medical conditions. Changes could be coming later this year to vaccination policies for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. An advisory panel for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) met last week to consider immunization recommendations. The panel was slated to convene in February, but the meeting was postponed after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Under the direction of the new Health Secretary, members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) (ACIP) discussed the possibility of changing the COVID-19 protocol to recommend updated vaccines only for adults over 65 and those with certain health conditions. That risk-based assessment would differ from the current CDC recommendation, which calls for all adults and children 6 months of age and older get an annual COVID-19 vaccination. The new policy would be more in line with COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other countries. The advisory panel also discussed the possibility of reducing the number of recommended doses for the vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV). The CDC currently recommends three doses of the HPV vaccine for individuals ages 15 to 26. Children who begin the HPV series earlier, between 9 and 15 years old, require only two doses. Three doses are recommended for immunocompromised individuals ages 9 to 26. Every year, HPV causes about 36,000 cancers in both men and women in the United States. The ACIP members voted to recommend that high risk adults ages 50 to 59 get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The current CDC policy recommends the RSV vaccine for adults over 75 and adults 60 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. The panel is expected to vote on the COVID-19 and other vaccination recommendations in June. In the past, CDC officials have usually implemented the suggestions made by the panel of experts. Vaccine changes and public health impacts Experts say changes in vaccine recommendations could impact both an individual’s health and public health in general. “We’re talking about personal health as well as public health,” David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, told Healthline. “These are respiratory illnesses that can kill people.” Cutler says relaxing standards for certain vaccinations might also give people an excuse to skip immunizations. “It can make vaccinations confusing and open to debate,” he said. “It could influence some people on why they shouldn’t get vaccinated.” Cutler added that a lower vaccination rate could affect herd immunity and increase risk for people with compromised immune systems and other conditions. “We could have tens of thousands of deaths that were unnecessary,” he said. Inderpal Randhawa, MD, an internist, immunologist, pediatrician, pediatric pulmonologist, and medical director of the Children’s Pulmonary Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach in California, noted these panel meetings discuss important public health issues. “The discussion around vaccine recommendations boils down to a basic question of risk and benefit,” Randhawa told Healthline. “The risk of a disease to one individual versus the risk of a disease to society. The benefit of the vaccine to one individual versus the benefit of preventing disease spread to a community.” “The facts show reactions and side effects to vaccines do occur and can be serious as we have seen with the COVID vaccine,” he added. “However, the effectiveness at preventing the widespread transmission of disease when at least 90 percent of society maintains immunity (often through vaccine mandates) is also compelling.” Vaccines still important for COVID-19, RSV, flu Although the pandemic has subsided, COVID-19 still remains a deadly disease. The CDC reports that more than 40,000 people in the United States died from COVID-19 in 2024. So far in 2025, the weekly COVID-19 death rate ranges from more than 1,000 in mid-January to less than 200 in mid-April. “This is still a very serious infectious disease,” Cutler said. Randhawa says a change in COVID-19 vaccination policy, however, might be warranted. “COVID-19 will continue to circulate for the next decade or potentially longer. Though widespread native immunity exists, the virus is still a threat to immunocompromised individuals in specific settings,” he said.  “Maintaining availability of high quality COVID-19 vaccines is critical.  However, widespread use of the vaccine by the general public will likely not be needed.” RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. The CDC estimates that RSV has resulted in more than 3.5 million doctor visits since October 1, 2024, as well as more than 180,000 hospitalizations and at least 10,000 deaths. The illness is particularly serious for infants and older adults. Cutler said the RSV vaccine is a “very effective vaccine,” although it can produce some side effects. The flu vaccine wasn’t discussed in depth at last week’s panel meetings, but experts say it is an important component of public health. They note that influenza presents some unique challenges. “Influenza is a particularly challenging virus as it mutates in a seasonal pattern. The rate of change to the mutations can impact how quickly influenza can spread,” said Randhawa. “Especially in the elderly, the flu vaccine program is critical.” Cutler noted that 90% of flu cases occur in the United States between November and March. He said a strong flu season can increase the number of people in emergency rooms and other medical settings, which could make treating other patients more difficult. “It can overwhelm the healthcare system,” he said. William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease expert and a professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, says the public should take advantage of the vaccines and the preventive measures they offer. “COVID, influenza and RSV viruses cause regular epidemics that result in millions of illnesses, hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions and thousands of deaths each year,” he told Healthline. “The vaccines against those viruses, although not perfect, offer protection against the more severe illnesses. The vaccines are safe and I would urge all eligible persons to take advantage of them. They are substantially underused.”

Many plant-based proteins are less digestible and may have lower concentrations of one or more essential amino acids. Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images Vegans who meet their daily protein requirements may still fall short on certain essential amino acids, according to new research. The study highlights that protein quality, not just quantity, plays a critical role in meeting nutritional needs. Unlike animal-based proteins, many plant-based proteins are less digestible and may have lower concentrations of one or more essential amino acids. Vegans who consume adequate protein may still not get enough of certain essential amino acids in their diet, according to new research. While prior studies have tended to focus on the total amount of protein consumed in a vegan diet, a new study, published on April 16 in PLOS ONE, has honed in on specific amino acids. When considering digestibility, the research found that only about half of the participants appeared to meet the body’s requirements for lysine and leucine. The study emphasizes the importance of evaluating not just total protein consumption, but also protein quality and amino acid composition in a vegan diet. Amino acids are the “building blocks” of protein. While the body can produce some amino acids on its own, nine essential amino acids must come from dietary sources. Plant-based proteins were previously viewed as “incomplete proteins,” lacking certain essential amino acids. We now understand that they provide all nine essential amino acids, but sometimes in less optimal levels than in animal-based foods. This means those following a vegan diet must consume a strategic variety and quantity of foods, such as nuts and legumes, to get enough of the essential amino acids. “Consuming 30 grams of lower quality plant protein, such as wheat, is different from consuming the same quantity of protein from soy, a higher quality plant protein,” said Bi Xue Patricia Soh, MSc, first author of the study and a PhD fellow with The Sustainable Nutrition Initiative Team at the Riddet Institute, Massey University, New Zealand. “Our findings therefore support that, even when we are meeting total protein requirement, the foods consumed may not be of adequate protein quality in terms of supplying sufficient lysine and leucine required for body functions,” Soh told Healthline. 50% didn’t meet amino acid requirements Soh and her team conducted a cross-sectional study of 193 long-term vegans in New Zealand (141 women, 52 men). Participants were healthy adults who had followed a vegan diet for at least two years. Each completed a detailed four-day food diary documenting all food, beverages, and supplements consumed over consecutive days. The team strengthened their analysis by adjusting for protein digestibility, which measures how efficiently the body breaks down and absorbs protein and amino acids from different food sources. After adjusting for digestibility, the researchers found that while most participants met their overall protein requirements — 78.8% of males and 73.0% of females — many fell short on lysine and leucine intake. Soy protein, for example, has one of the highest digestibility ratings among plant foods, allowing the body to utilize nearly all of its nutrient content. In contrast, wheat protein has lower digestibility rates due to the presence of antinutrients and other factors. This distinction is crucial because many assessments of plant-based diets may overestimate actual protein availability by not accounting for digestibility — a finding clearly borne out in the study. After adjusting for digestibility, about 25% of participants did not meet their protein requirements. The shortfall was even more pronounced for specific amino acids: only 43.5% of participants met their requirements for digestible leucine, and just 56% consumed adequate digestible lysine. The remaining essential amino acids were generally present in sufficient amounts even after the digestibility adjustment. What are the 9 essential amino acids? The nine essential amino acids are as follows: phenylalanine valine threonine tryptophan methionine leucine isoleucine lysine histidine Since the body cannot synthesize essential amino acids on its own, eating a well-balanced diet is crucial, especially for those following a vegan diet. “Essential amino acids play an important role in general health. Therefore, ongoing deficiency has the potential to create adverse health effects,” Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, a nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic, and co-author of “Regenerative Health,” told Healthline. These nine essential amino acids play an important role in many essential functions of the body, including: stimulating muscle growth fat metabolism immune function sleep regulation appetite control regulating blood sugar calcium absorption “Lysine and leucine contribute to normal bone health, healthy muscle mass, and DNA methylation. Leucine in particular has important roles in cell signaling pathways that modulate muscle protein synthesis,” said Soh. Keys to eating a nutritious vegan diet “The easiest and most feasible way is to ensure diverse plant proteins are consumed in the three meals of the day and supplement this with one or two protein-dense snacks — nuts, seeds, [and] protein shakes with isolates that have higher amino acid digestibility,” said Soh. The study found that legumes and pulses, such as edamame, black beans, chickpeas, and lentils, were the top sources of digestible protein and lysine. Still, many plant-based protein options exist, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and nondairy milks, all of which can contribute to daily amino acid intake. “Even when hitting adequate protein amounts, we want a well-balanced diet rich in fiber and other nutrients,” Alyssa Kwan, MS, RD, a clinical dietitian in cardiology at Stanford Medicine, not involved in the study, told Healthline. Unlike animal-derived proteins, which contain all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts, plant proteins often need to be combined to reach the same nutritional benchmark. But you don’t need to combine specific foods at every meal. Consuming various plant-based proteins throughout the day and emphasizing high quality plant-protein sources like beans and soy products can help you meet your needs for essential amino acids. Still, Kwan noted that a diet must be examined holistically rather than focusing on individual parts. “I do not think we need to target adequate lysine or leucine or even any other specific amino acids. I would say focusing on high fiber and protein plant-based foods should help achieve any discrepancies in essential amino acids,” she said. Kirkpatrick added that following a vegan diet doesn’t automatically guarantee balanced nutrition. Intentional food choices are key. “Some of the vegan patients I have worked with in the past have started on their own and made choices that did not always speak to good nutrition. This could have been choosing ultra-processed vegan foods, not focusing on nutrient density, and a lack of knowledge of when supplementation may be necessary,” she said.

New research suggests an early intervention with two common, low cost drugs could be lifesaving after a heart attack. PixelCatchers/Getty Images A new study found that adding a second drug early after a heart attack may save lives. Those who added ezetimibe to a statin had fewer complications and deaths. The authors say that early combination therapy should become the standard of care. Experts say addressing underlying inflammation can also help control cholesterol. New research from Sweden suggests that starting a second cholesterol-lowering drug soon after a heart attack may help save lives. According to the study, published in the April 2025 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, people who received ezetimibe (brand name Zetia) with their statin therapy within 12 weeks of a heart attack had fewer heart-related complications and deaths than those who waited longer or never added ezetimibe at all. The National Library of Medicine explains that ezetimibe helps reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in your blood by preventing cholesterol from being absorbed in the small intestine. LDL cholesterol is the so-called “bad” cholesterol associated with clogged arteries and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Ezetimibe is sometimes prescribed for people who can’t tolerate statins. It may also be used as an add-on treatment when statins do not sufficiently lower cholesterol. This medication works differently from statins, which exert their cholesterol-lowering effects by slowing down the liver’s production of the waxy substance. Early combination therapy after heart attack may save lives To arrive at their conclusion, the researchers analyzed data from more than 35,000 patients hospitalized for heart attacks (myocardial infarction) between 2015 and 2022, using the comprehensive SWEDEHEART registry in Sweden.  Most patients were prescribed high-intensity statins at discharge, but a subset also began taking a second medication, ezetimibe, within the first 12 weeks after discharge. The study categorized patients into three groups: those who started ezetimibe early (within 12 weeks), those who started late (13 weeks to 16 months after discharge), and those who never received ezetimibe during this period.  Importantly, the analysis used advanced statistical methods — specifically, a clone-censor-weight framework — to emulate a randomized clinical trial and minimize biases Results showed that patients who started ezetimibe early in combination with statins had a significantly lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which include death, another heart attack, or stroke, compared to those who delayed ezetimibe or never took it.  One-year incidence rates of MACE were 1.79 per 100 patient-years in the early ezetimibe group, compared with 2.58 in the late group and 4.03 in those without ezetimibe.  At three years, the hazard ratio for MACE was 1.14 for late versus early treatment (not statistically significant) but was 1.29 for no ezetimibe versus early treatment, indicating substantially higher risk without ezetimibe.  Cardiovascular death was also significantly higher in the late and no ezetimibe groups compared to early treatment. Additionally, early combination therapy led to a greater proportion of patients achieving guideline-recommended LDL cholesterol targets (<1.4 mmol/L or <55 mg/dL) within one year.  What are the implications for heart attack patients? The study underscores that a stepwise approach — starting with statins and adding ezetimibe only if LDL cholesterol goals are not met — inevitably delays optimal cholesterol lowering and is associated with avoidable harm.  As the authors note, approximately 75–80% of post-heart attack patients fail to reach LDL goals with statin therapy alone; initiating combination therapy early can improve outcomes and reduce future cardiovascular events. To maximize protection, the researchers advocate that care pathways for heart attack patients should be updated to implement early combination therapy with statins and ezetimibe as standard care, potentially even before hospital discharge. Arun Manmadhan, MD, assistant professor of cardiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, who was not involved with the study, said the findings align with a broader body of research showing that sustained, low LDL cholesterol levels are associated with fewer heart attacks and strokes. “This is even more important in people who have already experienced one of these events,” he said, “because lowering the cholesterol levels, in addition to optimizing other cardiac risk factors, is one of the most effective and proven ways to prevent a second event.” Manmadhan said that, in his opinion, this study adds to the evidence that patients who have had a heart attack or stroke should have their cholesterol levels aggressively managed, both through lifestyle and medications. “This study suggests that time is also an important factor,” he added. “[The] earlier and faster cholesterol levels are aggressively controlled to recommended levels after a heart attack, the better it is for preventing future cardiovascular events.” What can patients do beyond cholesterol-lowering drugs? Markyia Nichols, MD, MPH, RDN, a CDC-certified lifestyle coach and chief medical officer at Ciba Health, said patients should know that “cholesterol isn’t the enemy.” “It’s a response,” she explained. “Cholesterol is essential for life. It builds hormones, stabilizes cells, and repairs tissue. If cholesterol is rising, it’s critical to ask what the body is trying to repair or protect against.” According to Nichols, inflammation is the real problem, not cholesterol. A diet high in sugar, processed seed oils, and ultra-processed foods, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, chronic stress, and exposure to toxins can all factor into creating inflammation. “Once the heart lining is damaged, the body sends cholesterol as a patch,” she said. “Cholesterol doesn’t cause the ‘fire.’ It acts more like the ‘firefighters.'” Nichols added that, digging deeper, LDL only becomes dangerous when it’s oxidized due to poor nutrition. Circling back to the study, she told Healthline that while adding ezetimibe to statins post-early heart attack may lower cholesterol, it’s not addressing the root causes of the problem. Patients also need to focus on nutrition. “Ask for labwork that tests levels of magnesium, omega-3s, vitamin D, and vitamin K2,” she advised. “You can’t rebuild a healthy heart without healthy raw materials.” She also suggests looking to see whether your markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and insulin, are high. Further, look for any sources of inflammation you might have, like a poor diet, stress, toxins, or an unhealthy gut. Nichols concluded by saying that you may need to see a board-certified doctor trained in root-cause medicine to determine what’s causing your inflammation. However, addressing this can help you heal the underlying causes of your high cholesterol.

A new study found linked to CT scans to increased cancer risk, but the overall risk remains low. Reza Estakhrian/Getty Images A new study suggests that CT scans may slightly increase the lifetime risk of developing cancer. The researchers say the cumulative effects of ionizing radiation over time should not be ignored. Other experts say the risk of cancer from CT scans is minimal, and these imaging exams are an important diagnostic tool for various cancers. A commonly used computerized scan may slightly increase cancer risk over a person’s lifetime. That’s according to a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, an online publication of the American Medical Association. Researchers from the United Kingdom and the United States report that computed tomography (CT) scans could drive an estimated 103,000 future cancer cases. If true, that would mean CT scans would account for 5% of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States. Researchers reported that the number of CT exams performed each year in the United States has increased by more than 30% since 2007. They said the technology can save lives by detecting cancer early, but they expressed concern over the potential dangers of low doses of ionizing radiation over time. “CT can save lives, but its potential harms are often overlooked,” said Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, a radiologist and professor of epidemiology and biostatistics as well as obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), in a press statement. “Given the large volume of CT use in the United States, many cancers could occur in the future if current practices don’t change,” added Smith-Bindman, the study’s lead author. CT scans help detect cancer early In response to the new research, the American College of Radiology (ACR) stated that no published studies directly link CT scans to cancer. They added that there are many benefits to diagnostic tests such as CT scans. “Medical imaging exams — including CT — are a primary factor in declining cancer death rates, and are directly linked to decreased hospital mortality rates and greater life expectancy. Scans reduce invasive surgeries, unnecessary hospital admissions and length of hospital stays,” the ACR said in a press statement. “Americans should not forgo necessary, life-saving medical imaging and continue to discuss the benefits and risks of these exams with their healthcare providers,” the ACR added. Richard Reitherman, MD, a radiologist and medical director of breast imaging at MemorialCare Breast Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California, agreed. Reitherman wasn’t involved in the study. “CT scans aid in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that may otherwise lead to increased morbidity and mortality if CT scans are not used,” Reitherman told Healthline. “Since the harms that patients would otherwise experience by not using CT scans is not addressed, the clinical application of these results [of the study] is not actionable,” he added. Patricia Nguyen, MD, an associate professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford University in California, stressed the benefits of CT scans. Nguyen wasn’t involved in the study. “CT tests are important for evaluating patients who present with symptoms and signs of cancer,” she told Healthline. “When the benefits outweigh the risks of a test and the test is clinically indicated and will inform decision making (e.g., lead to a diagnosis that then leads to treatment), then a CT test should be performed.” Calculating cancer risks from CT scans In their study, the researchers used data collected from 143 hospitals and outpatient facilities between 2018 and 2020 and catalogued in the UCSF International Dose Registry. From that, the researchers estimated there were 93 million CT scans performed on nearly 62 million people in the United States in 2023. The researchers said that based on associated radiation risks, they estimate that CT scans in 2023 could be linked to 103,000 future cancer diagnoses. They reported that radiation-induced cancers would be at a higher rate in children and adolescents than in adults. They also estimated that the most common cancers among adults would be lung cancer, followed by colon cancer, leukemia, and bladder cancer. In females, breast cancer was the second most common, while in children, the most frequently projected cancers were thyroid, lung, and breast. The highest number of cancers in adults was projected to come from CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis, followed by chest scans. In children, cancers were linked to CT scans of the head. The researchers acknowledged that the cancer risk from CT scans remains minimal and needs to be examined over decades of large-scale follow-up studies. However, they said some changes should be considered in how often these diagnostic tests are used. “Our estimates put CT on par with other significant risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and excess body weight,” Smith-Bindman said. “Reducing the number of scans and reducing doses per scan would save lives.” Reitherman noted that the American College of Radiology has implemented value-based appropriateness criteria for CT scanning. “Current practice includes measures of radiation dosage for each exam,” he said. “This process is reducing the number of examinations and dosages. This is an ongoing process that will reduce the theoretical impact of radiation-induced cancer.” What to know about CT scans CT scans combine a series of X-rays into 3-dimensional pictures. These medical imaging tests use ionizing radiation to create cross-sectional images of selected areas of the body. These pictures can show internal organs, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. CT scans are used to detect tumors, blood clots, internal bleeding, and infections. These scans usually require more exposure to radiation than common X-rays. However, they also provide medical professionals with a more detailed look inside a person’s body. CT scans, for example, are considered the most beneficial exam for early detection in lung cancer. “Lung cancer screening constitutes the largest proportion of screening examinations,” Reitherman explained. “Lung cancer screening is performed on patients that have a significant risk for developing lung cancer due to chronic smoking histories. Screening CT scans in this group of patients has been shown to decrease the stage at diagnosis and therefore improve outcomes. Benefit far outweighs the risk.” CT scans are also considered the “gold standard” for detecting pulmonary embolisms, blood clots that block blood flow within the lungs. They are also useful tools in getting accurate images of the brain. Nguyen said that people should “always limit their exposure to radiation.” In addition, they should ask questions of their doctors, such as: What is the total radiation of this test? Is a dose report available? Is there an alternative test that doesn’t produce radiation? Reitherman also urged people to be involved in their medical decision making. “Patients should be advocates for themselves in discussing every form of diagnostic testing with their physicians. This would include CT scans as well as lab tests, etc.,” he said. “Conversations about risk and benefits are important so that individuals can optimize benefits and reduce potential risks.”

Health agencies and experts recommend fluoride in drinking water at low levels (currently 0.7 mg/L in the U.S.) to promote dental health. LukaTDB/Getty Images HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called for a ban on fluoridated water in U.S. communities. Emerging evidence shows potential health harms and neurotoxic effects in young children, but experts caution these studies are limited and the findings should be interpreted with caution. Experts have called for more robust studies on the health effects of fluoridated water in Americans. Health agencies recommend fluoride in drinking water at low levels (currently 0.7 mg/L in the United States) to promote dental health. The debate over the safety of fluoride in drinking water was reignited earlier this month when Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. proposed a ban on fluoridated water in communities across the United States. In tandem with the health secretary’s announcement, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced at a press conference in Salt Lake City on April 7 that it would review “new scientific information” about the purported health risks of fluoridated water.  The EPA is responsible for setting the maximum levels of fluoride allowed in public drinking water, which is currently 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kennedy’s move coincides with a recent ban in Utah, the first state to prohibit fluoride in drinking water. Kennedy told The Associated Press that he plans to assemble a task force to investigate the issue and draft new recommendations on fluoridated water. While Kennedy cannot outright ban fluoridation across U.S. communities, he could order the CDC to change its recommendation. He can also work with the EPA to change the maximum threshold of fluoride in drinking water. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, was first added to water in U.S. communities in the mid-1940s to protect dental health, particularly in areas with limited access to dental care. While the long-term effects of fluoride exposure are not well understood, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the CDC continue to recommend fluoridated water for dental health.  These health agencies attest that the current designated levels of fluoride in drinking water are safe and that fluoride toothpaste and supplements are safe for use in age-appropriate amounts.  “When government officials, like Secretary Kennedy, stand behind the commentary of misinformation and distrust peer-reviewed research, it is injurious to public health,” Brett Kessler, DDS, president of the American Dental Association, said in a statement.  “Let’s stop the rhetoric and comprehensively study fluoride at the optimal level once and for all,” he said. Research on the effects of fluoride exposure is limited and ongoing. The problem with the current literature is a lack of substantial evidence supporting the potential health harms to populations within the United States, most notably the possible neurotoxic effects in children. Adding to the confusion, fluoride levels are much higher in many countries outside the United States, where research on fluoride exposure is more common. What’s more, most European countries and some provinces in Canada do not add fluoride to drinking water at all.  Despite advancements in dental care and the unknowns about potential health effects, many people may wonder why fluoride is still in our drinking water.   “What’s happened over the past, say, two decades is that there has been growing evidence that fluoride exposure in children, and in particular, in the developing child, is neurotoxic,” said Bruce Lanphear, MD, MPH, professor of health sciences at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. “That is, it’s associated with diminished IQ scores, which is very much along the lines of what we’ve seen with lead in children. Should we expect universal agreement? Absolutely not. We don’t see a universal agreement with lead. We see more agreement with lead, but we have a much more stable measure of lead,” Lanphear told Healthline. What are the health risks of fluoride exposure? In 2015, the amount of fluoride added to water to prevent tooth decay was lowered from 1.2 mg/L to 0.7 mg/L due to increased fluorosis in children in recent decades. Rates of dental fluorosis, a common condition that causes tooth discoloration and brown and white spots on permanent teeth, have nearly doubled among adolescents in the United States. “It seems to have plateaued,” Lanphear said of the condition, “but it has increased quite a bit, and the only reason is [children are] getting too much fluoride.” Health Secretary Kennedy’s position on fluoride may be partially influenced by a recent global study published in January in JAMA Pediatrics. The study suggests that children exposed to higher fluoride levels in water had lower IQs, igniting controversy among health experts on both sides of the ongoing discussions over its safety. Fluoride proponents note these findings are based on exposure in children in non-U.S. countries, mainly in China and India, where fluoride levels are much higher. The American Dental Association urged the public to interpret the findings with caution.  “I think there’s been a lot of fear that’s been instilled by RFK Jr. and his associates,” said Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, board certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. “We need to start by ensuring people that currently they are safe and that we have effective ways to keep their kids healthy and safe. In the case of dental health, it’s correctly fluoridated water — and we do see good dental health with the kids who are exposed to our water and fluoridated toothpaste,” she told Healthline. The JAMA Pediatrics study followed the release of a massive report from the National Toxicology Program published in August 2024 by the National Institutes of Health. Similarly, the report linked high levels of fluoride exposure in children to a small decrease in IQ, prompting opponents to reevaluate current fluoride levels in U.S. water systems. However, the report notes flaws in its study, citing insufficient data to determine whether the current low fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L in U.S. community water systems negatively affected children’s IQ. “We have growing evidence that fluoride is neurotoxic because kids are getting too much fluoride, as evidenced by increasing rates of fluorosis, and because there’s now new evidence that fluoride is not effective when added to water at preventing tooth decay,” Lanphear said.  Lanphear, who co-wrote an accompanying editorial to the JAMA Pediatrics study, cited a 1995 animal study that found fluoride was associated with behavioral deficits in rats. “Many of the early studies were cross-sectional and not particularly high quality. And that’s been one of the major criticisms of this new evidence — but it really shouldn’t be a criticism, because that’s how most science evolves,” Lanphear said.  Indeed, many studies examining fluoride toxicity have been small in scale and were conducted in animals and in vitro.  Still, researchers have sounded alarm over the potential threats of fluoride exposure to human health. Many have cited dental fluorosis as a complication, while others have observed more serious effects.  A 2022 review of the literature suggests exposure to fluoride at levels much higher than the current 0.7 mg/L level in the United States or the maximum threshold of 1.5 mg/L set by the WHO could lead to a range of issues, such as:  skeletal fluorosis arthritis bone damage osteoporosis muscular damage fatigue joint-related problems chronic health issues damage to vital organs endocrine or thyroid disruption Still, as with other fluoride studies, these findings are limited and may be easily misinterpreted. For instance, the fluoride levels studied in the 2022 review exceeded the U.S. and global thresholds for fluoride in water. And of course, animal studies do not necessarily translate to humans. Due to the limited nature of fluoride research, health experts and scientists remain divided on whether fluoride should remain in public drinking water or be removed entirely.  Inderpal S. Randhawa, MD, board certified internist, immunologist, pediatrician, pediatric pulmonologist, and medical director of the Children’s Pulmonary Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach in Long Beach, CA, noted the risk of tooth decay and poor dental hygiene still exists in some parts of the United States. He told Healthline that Kennedy’s proposed ban on fluoridated water seemed reasonable in communities with widespread access to dental care and fluoride-based toothpaste. In areas with poor dental health, however, fluoride levels should remain as low as possible, he said. “The concerns are real,” Randhawa said. “Long-term, systemic fluoride exposures can result in an excess amount of fluoride in the body. This can impact the bones, thyroid, and other organ systems. Reducing this risk in today’s advanced dental care is something to consider.” Fisher said the current fluoride levels are safe but called for more studies with U.S. children to better understand the potential risks. “It’s always important to look at whatever research is coming out and base our recommendations on what we think is in the best interest of the children who need this fluoride for good dental health — but obviously, we never want to do harm,” Fisher said.  “So, if there is compelling evidence that comes out that the fluoride supply in the water in the U.S., for instance, is too high and is leading to a decrease in IQ, which could potentially lead to cognitive decline, that is important information to know. The problem with making conclusions from the [JAMA Pediatrics] study is that it might be misguided.” Fisher noted that the JAMA Pediatrics findings are based on countries with almost double the amount of fluoride in their water supplies.  “There’s nothing in there that studied children in the U.S., but since this is being cited as evidence, it is important not to create hysteria amongst families. If we’re going to do research that’s going to directly correlate IQ scores and fluoride exposure in the U.S., let’s do that study,” she said. “Over time, we recognized there is an importance to having fluoride in our water supply. Adding fluoride to the water in an adequate amount was important to improve dental health. That is something that has absolutely been shown and demonstrated, especially here in the U.S.,” Fisher noted. Fluoride exposure in adequate amounts appears safe Many health experts agree that intermittent fluoride use appears safe and effective. “As opposed to drinking fluoride in water where the exposure is systemic, local application with toothpaste-like products is much lower exposure,” Randhawa said. “Similarly, receiving such treatments at the dentist is minimal exposure.” Fisher said that before fluoride was introduced to drinking water, dental and other health problems were significant in areas with scarce access to fluoride and proper dental care. “When we didn’t have fluoride in the water, we saw so much more teeth problems and subsequent problems that came from that,” she said.  “The amount of dental decay and disease was rampant, and it is rampant in parts of the world where kids don’t have access to fluoride. Dental problems don’t just affect the teeth; they affect the entire child. We are talking about kids who would go on to potentially develop brain problems, brain abscesses that spread from dental decay,” Fisher explained. Lanphear shared a different perspective, noting the risks of water fluoridation may outweigh the potential benefits.  “The evidence about the effectiveness of water fluoridation or systemic fluoride has never been rigorous,” he said, citing a large systematic review published in 2024 in Cochrane Review.  Researchers examined evidence dating back to 1975 on whether water fluoridation is effective in reducing tooth decay. They found that fluoridated water had little to no benefit in preventing cavities, maybe a 3% to 4% reduction, Lanphear noted, which meant it was not statistically significant. This, he said, questions the benefit side of the equation. Lanphear also cautioned against fluoride-based toothpaste for young children, which contradicts current pediatric recommendations. “Children 1 to 4 years old might be getting 80% of their fluoride from swallowing toothpaste,” he surmised. Be that as it may, fluoridated water remains at very low levels in U.S. communities for now, and pediatric dentists continue to recommend fluoride-based toothpaste. Pediatricians like Fisher advise that children under 6 years old use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice daily. Fisher said pediatricians and dentists consider this a safe amount to ingest if swallowed, since most young children do not know how to spit. “Are we swallowing too much toothpaste? There’s no evidence to show that we are. However, if studies are done in the future that do demonstrate that, we will adjust our recommendation, but currently, there’s no need to panic,” she said.  More studies on fluoride exposure needed Fisher reiterated that the fluoride levels in U.S. water systems are adequate but urged further study of the potential effects. “Let’s look at how we as a society, as Americans, can best supply a good amount of fluoride to our kids so their teeth and brains are healthy,” she said.  “It would be great to see a prospective study of American children, meaning you look at them first and then follow them over time and watch their developments, and you can measure IQ, if you want,” she said.  Fisher noted there are other ways to assess cognitive development that don’t involve IQ scores.  “I think those studies will be interesting and important, and potentially, if we find out that the amount of fluoride in our water is too much or not enough, we can adjust it accordingly,” she said. Lanphear agreed that more research on fluoride, in general, is needed, but opposed fluoridated water.  “I think, at a minimum, what we can say is it’s time to convene an independent scientific panel to review the evidence on the safety and purported benefits of water fluoridation,” he said.  “Fluoride toothpaste is efficacious, based upon good, rigorous, randomized, controlled trials. Drinking it or taking it as a supplement does not appear to be efficacious. So given all of that, if you ask me, and I had to make that decision as an individual, I’d say, absolutely take it out of the water,” Lanphear said. Fisher, on the other hand, remained optimistic about the low levels of fluoride in water and offered reassurance about current best practices for dental health. And if there is one thing most, if not all, experts agree on, it’s that more research on the effects of fluoride exposure is needed. “Scientists are here to make sure that we have good health, for ourselves, for our children. Nothing is more important,” Fisher said. “We do need fluoride. We need a good amount, and we should not panic about this.”