(Natural News)—Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have confirmed that exposure to microplastics has a strong link to a range of serious illnesses, including infertility, colon cancer and poor lung function.

The researchers reviewed around 3,000 studies that have linked microplastics exposure to these health issues.

Microplastics are, in essence, tiny particles of plastic. When they enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or other means they can get stuck in tissues and even make their way into the bloodstream.

When these microplastics remain in the body – which they can do for a long time – the body’s immune system recognizes them as foreign invaders and responds by setting off a cascade of inflammation. If this inflammation fails to dislodge the microplastics, it can lead to chronic inflammation that can harm various organs and tissues, leading to long-term damage and a host of health issues.

One of the most concerning findings of the study is the link between microplastics and reproductive health. Both men and women are at risk.

For men, these tiny particles can disrupt the hormonal balance essential for healthy sperm production, potentially leading to decreased sperm count and quality. In women, exposure can affect ovarian function and the development of the placenta, impacting pregnancy outcomes. The research even discovered a connection between microplastics in a woman’s placenta and low birth weight.

The study also highlights the danger microplastics pose to the digestive system. When these particles enter the colon, they can damage the protective mucus layer, paving the way for potential tumor development. The researchers suspect that microplastics may play a role in the development of colon cancer.

Microplastics also pose a great danger to respiratory health. When these particles are inhaled, they can settle in the lungs, causing chronic inflammation and injury. Over time, this can greatly reduce lung function and increase the risk of respiratory diseases such as lung cancer.

Researchers call for policy changes to limit microplastics exposure

With more than 460 million metric tons of plastic produced annually and production expected to triple by 2060, the implications of this research are daunting. The study’s authors stress the urgent need for regulatory agencies and policy makers to take action to reduce microplastic exposure and mitigate its health impacts.

“We urge regulatory agencies and policy leaders to consider the growing evidence of health harms from microplastics, including colon and lung cancer,” said Nicholas Chartres of UCSF’s Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment and the study’s first author.

Visit Microplastics.news for more on how microplastics damage health.

Watch this video discussing the surprising places microplastics have been found.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

• DailyMail.co.uk
• Newsweek.com
• SciTechDaily.com
• Brighteon.com

Influenza has risen about 5.1 percent week-over-week, according to the most recent update issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Dec. 20.

In a notice issued on Dec. 20, the CDC said that “emergency department visits with diagnosed RSV are high,” while hospital emergency room visits for influenza and COVID-19 are low nationally. However, officials have said that influenza cases are currently ticking upward in about a dozen states.

A data-based map published by the CDC also shows that the majority of states are at moderate levels for respiratory infections. Three states—Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Tennessee—are seeing high levels of infections, according to the map.

Around the United States, test positivity for influenza increased to 9 percent, COVID-19 “increased slightly” to 5.6 percent, and RSV positivity increased to 9.5 percent, the CDC said.

The agency separately said that seasonal flu activity is continuing to increase, while saying that COVID-19 is “predicted to increase” in the coming days.

For the flu, the virus has “been increasing at a pretty steady pace now for the past several weeks,” said CDC researcher Alicia Budd on Dec. 20. “We are certainly in flu season now,” she added.

Thirteen states reported high or very high levels of flu-like illness last week, about double from the week before. One is Tennessee, where a sickness spike is hitting the Nashville area, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University.

“Flu has been increasing but just this last week has exploded,” Schaffner said. He noted that in a local clinic that serves as an indicator of illness trends, as many as a quarter of the patients have flu symptoms.

Overall, RSV activity is moderate nationally “and continues to increase in most areas of the United States, particularly in young children,” the agency said.

The CDC called the start of flu season based on several indicators, including lab results for patients in hospitals and doctor’s offices, and the percentage of emergency department visits that had a discharge diagnosis of flu.

No flu strain seems to be dominant, and it’s too early in the season to know how good of a match the flu vaccine will be, Budd said.

The study, published in Gut on Tuesday, found that chronic inflammation in colorectal cancer (CRC) stems from an abundance of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats in tumors and insufficient omega-3 fats to neutralize the inflammation. This imbalance hinders the body’s ability to heal and promotes cancer growth.

Both the pro-inflammatory omega-6 and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats must be obtained through diet, with omega-6 fats being highly prevalent in ultra-processed foods.

“Our presumption—an association, not a cause at this point in time—is that omega-6-rich diets create more pro-inflammatory building blocks, which enzymes in tumors and the body turn into pro-inflammatory fats,” Dr. Timothy Yeatman, professor of surgery at the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine, associate center director for Translational Research and Innovation at the Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Cancer Institute, and a corresponding author of the study, told The Epoch Times.

Diet Shapes Cancer Risk

For the study, scientists from the USF and TGH Cancer Institute examined the role of fats and the genes involved in fat metabolism in CRC. They studied 81 pairs of CRC tumor tissue and healthy tissue, focusing on how the body creates and breaks down fats, which can influence inflammation and cancer growth.

The researchers found that high levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats like linolenic acids (LA) and arachidonic acids (AA) drove the cancer.

The findings indicate that diets high in omega-6 fatty acids may contribute to inflammation that facilitates cancer growth.

The Role of Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Excessive intake of omega-6 fatty acids like LAs found in ultra-processed foods and seed oils results in an overproduction of AA in the body. AA is a precursor that gives rise to more pro-inflammatory molecules that can exacerbate inflammation and promote tumor growth.

The body breaks down these omega-6 fatty acids into inflammatory molecules called leukotrienes, Yeatman said, “and that’s what we found in the tumors.”

Leukotrienes activate immune cells, amplify inflammation, and damage tissues, creating an environment conducive to tumor growth in CRC patients.

Ultra-processed foods include meat products such as sausages, hotdogs, chips, sweetened and alcoholic drinks, mass-produced bread, condiments, and ice cream.

Inflammation: A Strong Link to Diet

In healthy tissues, the body transitions from inflammation to healing through a process called lipid class switching, where pro-inflammatory molecules shift to anti-inflammatory fats like prostaglandins, which signal tissue repair.

Inadequate or ineffective levels of prostaglandin leads to defective class switching, resulting in unresolved inflammation. Prostaglandin also prevents the body from turning omega-6 fatty acids into inflammatory leukotrienes.

The research team observed that CRC tumors produce excessive pro-inflammatory molecules while exhibiting 70 percent lower levels of prostaglandins, essential for resolving inflammation. This deficiency disrupts the lipid class-switching process, perpetuating an environment that promotes tumor growth and survival.

Chronic inflammation fosters a microenvironment conducive to immunosuppression, allowing genetic mutations to persist and ultimately manifest as cancer, Yeatman said.

“We found that over the decades, starting around the 50s, the levels of omega-6 in our body fat have increased dramatically,” he added. “So what’s changed in our diet since then? It’s largely the rise of ultra-processed foods and big agriculture, driven by making food production much cheaper. As a result, less expensive seed oils are used as opposed to more pro-resolving oils, like olive and avocado oils.”

Problematic Immune Cells

Specialized white blood cells, which promoted inflammation in the tumors studied, were also key contributors to CRC. These immune cells initially get drawn to the tumor site to kill the cancer but instead become transformed to facilitate tumor growth.

Yeatman said that this behavior has been observed in other cancers.

“The same processes are likely involved in heart disease, in diabetes, in Alzheimer’s disease,” he added.

What Can Be Done?

Yeatman said we should be mindful of our diets and look at ingredient labels.

“These results (study findings) underscore the need for additional studies that explore what specifically in our diet drives a person’s risk of tumor formation,” Dr. Raaj Mehta, instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School, attending physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, and not part of the study, told The Epoch Times. “Prevention is essential. We need better ways to counsel our patients about what not to eat and why.

“Hundreds of studies have shown a connection between what we eat and our risk for colorectal cancer. We think this may be mediated by the trillions of bacteria in our digestive tract.”

While little is known about how preservatives and artificial sweeteners affect the microbiome, Yeatman said the microbiome is a critical component in cancer development because it’s the microbiome that processes fats and turns them into different compounds.

“We are supersaturated with arachidonic acid, which is omega-6,” he said. As omega-6 is an essential fatty acid, Yeatman emphasized that he is not saying it’s a bad oil but that too much of anything is bad. “So you should be eating a balanced one-to-one ratio.”

The findings of this study also introduce the concept of resolution medicine, a natural approach to treating inflammation. “It’s based on a concept that natural agents may induce lipid class switching,” Yeatman said.

The study opens the door for new avenues for treatment alongside traditional methods, including resolvin therapies, which use natural agents such as frankincense, cannabidiol (CBD) oil, and celastrol to support this metabolic shift, gene targeting to alter pro-inflammatory pathways, and reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to enhance anti-inflammatory responses.

(Mercola)—Fermented foods stand out as a potent intervention when it comes to influencing your mental health by impacting a symbiotic relationship inside the body, which is called the gut-brain axis. Here, the influx of probiotics influences your mental health, and your current mood subsequently influences your microbiome. While the symbiosis looks simple on paper, it’s a complex communication network, underscoring the importance of eating fermented foods regularly.

Understanding the Link Between Fermented Foods and Mental Health

Fermented foods are rich in beneficial probiotics and metabolites, which influence your gut microbiota composition and diversity. These foods have been well-studied, and researchers eventually discovered that the human body has a communication pathway between your gut and brain — the gut-brain axis.¹

When you eat fermented foods, the probiotics and other bioactive compounds begin to influence the communication between your gut and brain. In particular, a fascinating aspects about them, is their ability to influence mood, and researchers attempted to quantify their benefits in one study.

Fermented Foods — A Practical Path to Attaining Mental Wellness

The paper, published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, found that fermented foods offer an affordable dietary intervention strategy to enhance your mental health by targeting the gut-brain axis.² But before diving in further, the researchers established the definition of the gut-brain axis in their research:

“The microbiota-gut-brain axis facilitates a constant bidirectional relay of information from the intestine via the enteric nervous system (ENS) and from the intestinal milieu consisting of microbial communities, microbial metabolites, gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), peripheral immune cells and cytokines to the brain and vice versa via the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system, neurotransmitters and the circulatory immune system.”

Using this definition as the foundation, the researchers noted that incorporating fermented foods into your diet introduces a diverse array of beneficial microorganisms, resulting in a balanced gut microbiome. Moreover, this approach is convenient and cost-effective compared to taking a supplement, especially for families coming from different socioeconomic backgrounds around the world, as it offers them a way to stay healthy without resorting to adding another layer of expense.³

The neuroactivity of fermented foods is achieved through the introduction of probiotics into the digestive tract during consumption, which interact with the gut-brain axis. Enhanced microbiota diversity ensures a more resilient and efficient gut environment, which directly impacts brain health and function.⁴

Research also shows probiotics modulate immune and nervous system pathways, as well as impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is crucial for stress regulation. Probiotics also influence hormone levels, such as the gut hormones GLP-1, which plays important roles in glucose homeostasis and satiety.⁵

Going back to the gut-brain axis, fermented foods influence pathways that relay information from the gut to the brain by altering neurotransmitters, neuroactive substances and neuromodulators. These compounds play vital roles in regulating mood, stress response and overall cognitive function. In turn, this helps maintain the human body a balanced state of mental health, reducing the risk of disorders such as anxiety and depression.⁶

Moreover, fermented foods contain metabolites that reduce the permeability of both the intestinal barrier and the blood-brain barrier.⁷ A strong barrier prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and reaching the brain, thereby protecting it from inflammation. This is a key factor in preventing neuroinflammation and promoting cognitive resilience.⁸

Other Effects of Fermented Food on Human Physiology

Fermented foods exert immunomodulatory effects by influencing the levels of circulating cytokines and other immune markers. These benefits help reduce systemic inflammation, which is often linked to various mental health issues. By supporting the immune system, fermented foods create a healthier body and mind.⁹

The study also points out that probiotics influence the production of hormones such as serotonin, neuropeptide-Y, GLP-1, ghrelin, peptide YY, motilin and somatostatin, which play significant roles in regulating appetite, mood and energy. This promotes metabolic health, which is closely linked to mental health.

That’s because a well-regulated metabolic system aids in maintaining stable energy levels and mood, thus preventing the onset of mood swings and symptoms of depression. Certain probiotic strains also lower stress levels, which is another benefit that promotes better mood and overall health.¹⁰

The study underscores that fermented foods influence neurotransmitter levels, including serotonin, which is a key player in mood regulation.¹¹ The slight boost in serotonin levels help enhance feelings of well-being and happiness, reducing the prevalence of mood disorders.

However, note that serotonin levels shouldn’t be always elevated. As noted in my article “Media Twists Findings of Study Linking High Serotonin to Dementia,” elevated serotonin levels will contribute to health issues such as:

• Fibrosis, including cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis
• Impaired thyroid function
• Reduced metabolism due to excessive glycolysis and high lactic acid production
• Reductive and then secondary oxidative stress
• Bizarre, recurring nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Strategies to Nourishing Your Gut Microbiome

Are you eating enough fermented foods? If you’ve been feeling down lately, adding them into your diet will give your mood a nice boost. This strategy subsequently affects the microbiota-gut-brain axis that results in better overall mental health. To help you achieve this goal, here are some practical steps:

Additional Strategies to Boost Your Mood

While fermented foods are certainly important, there are other strategies available to help boost your mood. One of my top recommendations is getting regular exercise. Not only is it free, it’s also easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

In a study¹³ published in the British Journal of Medicine, researchers noted that exercise is better than antidepressants when it comes to improving mental health. In fact, according to their calculations, it’s 1.5 times more effective. As noted by lead author Ben Singh, Ph.D.:¹⁴

“Physical activity is known to help improve mental health. Yet despite the evidence, it has not been widely adopted as a first-choice treatment … Higher-intensity exercise had greater improvements for depression and anxiety, while longer durations had smaller effects when compared to short and mid-duration bursts.

We also found that all types of physical activity and exercise were beneficial, including aerobic exercise such as walking, resistance training, Pilates, and yoga. Importantly, the research shows that it doesn’t take much for exercise to make a positive change to your mental health.”

Aside from exercise, eating a healthier diet (in addition to fermented foods) will help boost your mood. I recommend adding more vitamin B-rich foods into your diet, as this nutrient plays a role in cognitive function. For example, a B1 deficiency causes irritability and emotional disturbance. On the other hand, a B3 deficiency has been linked to anxiety, aggression and depression.¹⁵

Lastly, I recommend you try the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). It’s a form of psychological acupressure that takes inspiration from the concept of energy meridians used in acupuncture. In EFT, you’re tapping certain meridians while voicing out positive affirmations to help uplift your mood. That said, people experiencing the symptoms of depression will benefit from EFT. In the video below, EFT practitioner Julie Schiffman shows you how.

• ^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11} Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, March 2024, Volume 158
• ¹² Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Aug 24;23(17):9588, Introduction
• ¹³ British Journal of Sports Medicine 2023;57:1203-1209, Abstract
• ¹⁴ University of South Australia, February 24, 2023
• ¹⁵ Nutrients. 2016 Jan 28;8(2):68, Table 1

What are ultra-processed foods?

Ultra-processed foods include ready-to-eat meals, packaged baked goods, snacks, sugary cereals and sodas. According to a BMJ Group press release, these foods go through many industrial processing steps and often have added colorings, emulsifiers, flavorings and other additives. They are also high in added sugars, fat and salt and low in fiber and vitamins.

But not all processed foods are bad. For instance, foods that are simply heated and sealed in a factory are minimally processed and can be considered healthy. However, many snacks, drinks and factory-made cookies and bread are ultra-processed because they go through more complicated manufacturing processes and contain many chemical additives, which make them more dangerous and less nutritious.

A study published in The BMJ estimated that about 14 percent of adults and 12 percent of children might struggle with addiction to ultra-processed foods. The refined carbohydrates and fats in these foods can trigger the brain to release large amounts of dopamine, which can lead to addiction.

According to research, the components of ultra-processed foods, such as refined carbohydrates and added fats, can also disrupt the body’s appetite regulation, causing people to consume more calories without realizing it. This ultimately leads to long-term health problems. (Related: Replace ultra-processed foods with these HEALTHY alternatives.)

Health risks linked to ultra-processed foods

The BMJ study highlighted several health risks linked to ultra-processed foods. They can be categorized into the following:

Mortality

The study analyzed data from two long-term surveys: the Nurses’ Health Study (1984-2018) with 74,563 female nurses from 11 U.S. states and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2018) with 39,501 male health professionals from every state.

Participants, who had no history of cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes at the start, provided health and lifestyle updates every two years and diet information every four years. Over the follow-up period, researchers recorded 48,193 deaths, including 13,557 from cancer, 11,416 from cardiovascular diseases, 3,926 from respiratory diseases and 6,343 from neurodegenerative diseases.

Cancer

A study published in Nutrients found that people who consume more ultra-processed foods had a 23 percent higher risk of developing head and neck cancer and a 24 percent higher risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Higher intake of ultra-processed foods was also linked to increased risks of overall cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, central nervous system tumors, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.

Mental health

According to a 2023 study published in JAMA Network Open, consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods, especially those with artificial sweeteners, is linked to a higher risk of depression. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, recent data suggest that artificial sweeteners may affect brain function related to depression. The study, which included a large sample and high follow-up rate, adjusted for various factors and used validated dietary assessment tools.

Cardiovascular health

A study published in eClinical Medicine found that ultra-processed food consumption is directly linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events. A 10 percent increase in the weight proportion of daily ultra-processed food intake can raise your cardiovascular event risk by 1.9 percent, while an extra serving can increase your risk by 2.2 percent. Additionally, a 10 percent increase in daily energy intake from ultra-processed foods correspond to a 1.6 percent higher risk of cardiovascular events.

Respiratory health

Research from the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and the University of Adelaide showed that a diet high in ultra-processed foods significantly increases one’s risk of death from chronic respiratory diseases. Data from over 96,000 U.S. participants (1999-2018) revealed that diets consisting of more than 40 percent ultra-processed foods raised the risk of death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by 26 percent and the overall risk of death from chronic respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma, by 10 percent.

Gastrointestinal health

There is growing evidence linking diets high in ultra-processed foods to gut diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and irritable bowel syndrome.

Metabolic health

Ultra-processed foods, often high in sugar and unhealthy fats, contribute to insulin resistance and poor blood sugar regulation. These foods typically have a high glycemic index and can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, leading to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher risks of abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, overweight, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Studies have found strong evidence connecting the consumption of ultra-processed foods with increased risks for heart disease-related deaths and anxiety, with up to a 50 percent higher risk of cardiovascular-related mortality and a 48-53 percent higher risk of developing anxiety and mental disorders. There is also a 12 percent higher risk of Type 2 diabetes, a 21 percent increased risk of all-cause mortality, a 22 percent higher risk of depression, and a 40-66 percent higher risk of heart disease-related deaths, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and sleep problems.

Check out FoodScience.news to learn more about the dangers of ultra-processed foods and watch the video below.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

• Overconsumption of high fructose corn syrup-rich foods causes health problems, addiction.
• Studies show ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS put millions of people in the U.K. at risk of cardiovascular disease.
• “Ultra-processed” foods and beverages increase risk of disease and early death; eating more whole foods is key to improving overall health.

Sources include:

• BMJ.com
• Healthline.com
• MDPI.com
• JAMANetwork.com
• TheLancet.com
• Springer.com
• Nature.com
• AlliedAcademies.org
• Brighteon.com

(Mercola)—Every day, about 28.6 million students in the United States are served school lunches, according to the School Nutrition Association.¹ For many children, these meals are a key source of nutrition. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) even claims that school-provided lunches are among the healthiest meals children eat.²

However, the quality of school lunches has actually been deteriorating for decades. While standards for calories, sodium and added sugars are in place, little is known about the other substances in school lunches beyond these guidelines. A recent investigation³ by Spotlight on America uncovered hidden dangers in these lunches that are putting children’s health at risk — namely, heavy metals and pesticides.

Shocking Cocktail of Pesticides and Heavy Metals Found in America’s School Lunches

Spotlight on America⁴ tested school lunches from Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland to identify substances and ingredients that are not listed on the label. They sent the samples to Health Research Institute (HRI), an accredited laboratory in Iowa, wherein the researchers analyzed common cafeteria fare including breadsticks, pizza, potatoes and fruit under the supervision of Dr. John Fagan, the lab’s CEO and Chief Scientific Officer.

“To make the invisible, visible,” said Dr. Fagan, explaining the mission behind testing school lunches. “To me it’s counterintuitive that anybody would say, ‘Let’s put poisons on our food,’ but that’s the way our food system is today.”

The laboratory findings⁵ revealed a disturbing reality about what children consume daily in school cafeterias. Nearly 50 different pesticides were identified across the samples, with dozens of chemicals often present in single meals. Notably, one elementary school lunch contained 38 distinct pesticides, while a single cup of strawberries contained 23 different pesticides.

Among the identified pesticides was carbendazim, a fungicide banned in the U.S., most European countries, Brazil and Australia due to its associations with cancer, infertility and birth defects, present in nearly half of the tested samples. Additionally, glyphosate, the active ingredient Round-Up that’s linked to cancer, diabetes and heart problems, was found in multiple samples, especially in wheat-based products like bread.

Their test also revealed the presence of dicamba and 2,4D in several lunch samples; these are weed killers associated with increased risk of certain types of cancer. The full list of detected pesticides is available in Spotlight on America’s report.⁶

Beyond pesticides, their findings showed concerning levels of heavy metals in these school meals. These include cadmium, a known carcinogen, at levels 12 times higher than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) limit for bottled water. Arsenic in rice samples also measured six times above the allowable limit for apple juice. Most alarming was the detection of lead, a neurotoxin with no safe exposure level, in every single sample tested.

Epidemiologist Dr. Melissa Perry, Dean of the George Mason University School of Public Health, reviewed the results and expressed concerns about the implications. “50 pesticides in school lunches, it’s not okay,” she said in Spotlight on America’s report. “It demonstrates that our regulatory system is not succeeding in ensuring that the food that children eat are free from chemical burden.”

Low-Level Exposure to Pesticides Is Still Harmful to Children

Spotlight on America noted⁷ that most of their test results were within the limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, this does not imply the levels are harmless, especially for children, whose developing brains and bodies are far more sensitive to even minimal chemical exposure. According to Dr. Perry:⁸

“The variety and the volume of chemicals that are being introduced in the market every year makes it practically impossible to evaluate the health effects of each and every chemical. We don’t know what it means to be exposed over time at low levels continuously, especially for developing children.”

According to the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept, exposure to pesticides during key stages of brain development causes lasting damage to brain structure and function, increasing the risk of various chronic diseases later in life.⁹

Of particular concern are the neurotoxic insecticides known as “neonics,” which were introduced in the 1990s and are now the most widely used insecticides in the United States. These compounds were found in six of the school lunch samples tested. As Dr. Perry explains, these insecticides are specifically designed to be neurologically active, targeting processes crucial to brain development.¹⁰

The emergence of unexplained neurological conditions in younger populations may serve as an early warning of these effects. In New Brunswick, Canada, neurologist Dr. Alier Marrero has documented 430 patients with unexplained neurological conditions, including 111 patients under age 45. When tested, 90% of these patients showed elevated blood levels of glyphosate, with one sample reaching 15,000 times above the detection limit.¹¹

According to a comprehensive 2020 review,¹² glyphosate is known to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger inflammation implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. The herbicide has also been linked to various neurological effects, including elevated risk of autism from childhood exposures. Animal studies have demonstrated additional concerns, showing that exposure leads to anxiety, impaired working memory, decreased curiosity and reduced movement.¹³

Exposure to Heavy Metals Causes Irreversible Damage to the Body

The heavy metals detected in school lunches are equally concerning. Lead exposure poses one of the most serious threats to human health, particularly in children. Even low levels cause permanent damage to the nervous system and impair cognitive development. It also accumulates in bones and teeth over time, causing skeletal problems and making its toxic effects long-lasting and difficult to reverse.¹⁴

Children exposed to lead often experience learning disabilities, behavioral problems, reduced IQ and delayed growth and development.¹⁵ Cadmium contamination is similarly hazardous, with severe effects on multiple organ systems.

The kidneys are especially vulnerable to cadmium toxicity, leading to proteinuria (elevated protein levels in the urine) and reduced filtration capacity.¹⁶ Long-term exposure results in brittle bones, as cadmium interferes with calcium metabolism and bone structure.¹⁷

Arsenic, a known carcinogen, has been linked to various types of cancer, including skin, bladder, lung and liver cancers.¹⁸ It also disrupts cellular function by interfering with enzyme systems and DNA repair mechanisms.¹⁹ Arsenic exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and developmental delays in children.²⁰

These heavy metals also bioaccumulate, meaning they build up in the body faster than they are eliminated. The liver and kidneys work continuously to filter these toxins but eventually become overwhelmed and damaged by prolonged exposure.²¹ Once these metals cross the blood-brain barrier, they cause permanent neurological damage and cognitive decline.²²

Given the irreversible nature of the damage caused by heavy metals, prevention and early intervention are important. Reducing exposure to these toxins in school lunches — and in food more broadly — needs to be a priority to protect children’s long-term health.

This Is Not the First Time Children’s Nutrition Has Been Compromised

The recent findings of pesticides and heavy metals in school lunches echo a disturbing pattern of contamination in children’s food that spans decades. In 2017, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)²³ found that 20% of baby food samples contained detectable levels of lead. The contamination was especially high in fruit juices, sweet potatoes and teething biscuits.

In another case, a 2021 congressional report²⁴ revealed dangerous levels of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury in popular baby foods sold by major companies, including Gerber and Beech-Nut.

The report noted that some products had arsenic levels up to 91 times higher than the FDA’s limit for bottled water. Similarly, a testing by Environmental Working Group (EWG)²⁵ in 2018 found traces of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, in popular cereals like Cheerios and Quaker Oats.

In 2022, Moms Across America conducted an analysis²⁶ of 43 school lunches from public schools across 15 U.S. states and found that 95.3% of them had detectable levels of glyphosate. Four veterinary drugs and hormones were also identified in nine of the samples, and every single lunch tested contained heavy metals, with levels up to 6,293 times higher than the EPA’s allowable limits for drinking water.

More recently, a September 2024 investigation led by Friends of the Earth²⁷ found alarming levels of pesticide residues in baby food produced by Target under its Good & Gather brand.

Lab tests on nonorganic apple and pear purees revealed 21 pesticides, including 12 classified as highly hazardous to human health or the environment. Neonicotinoid pesticides were detected in 100% of the samples, linked to birth defects, learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder and hormone disruption.

Organophosphate metabolites, equally toxic to children’s developing brains, were also found in every sample.²⁸ Additionally, 10 of the pesticides detected are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which harm brain development, hormones and the immune system even in minuscule amounts.²⁹

On the topic of EDCs, a September 2024 peer-reviewed study³⁰ identified nearly 200 EDCs linked to breast cancer in common food packaging and plastic tableware, with about two-thirds of these chemicals shown to migrate into food. While breast cancer may not be an immediate concern for young children, exposure to EDCs during their developmental stages disrupts metabolism, impairs growth and affects overall development.³¹

As if these hidden threats weren’t enough, the FDA approved the inclusion of Kraft Heinz ready-to-eat prepackaged Lunchables to the K-12 school meal programs, supposedly reformulated to meet the National School Lunch Program’s (NSLP) nutritional requirements.³² But if you have even the slightest knowledge about diet and nutrition, you’ll realize that NSLP nutritional requirements really don’t amount to much. They certainly do not guarantee that your children are being well-fed.

Safe School Meals Act — A Step Toward Protecting Children from Toxic Exposure

Just days before Spotlight on America released its school lunch testing results, Senator Cory Booker introduced the Safe School Meals Act.³³ This bill, if enacted, would establish rigorous standards aimed at eliminating dangerous toxins from school meals.

One of its primary goals is to ensure that the FDA sets strict limits on heavy metals like lead, cadmium and arsenic. If the FDA does not act within two years, the bill requires that the allowable levels of these toxins be set to non-detectable, offering immediate protection for school-aged children. It also addresses pesticide residues commonly found in school meals. It would ban harmful chemicals such as glyphosate, paraquat and organophosphates.

Another key focus of the bill is eliminating toxic chemicals from food packaging. Materials containing PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols and lead, which leach into food and threaten children’s health, would be banned from use in school meal packaging under the new legislation. This ensures that children are not exposed to harmful substances from their food containers.

In addition to setting safety standards, the Safe School Meals Act promotes the sourcing of food from organic and regenerative farms. The bill offers schools financial incentives to purchase clean, nutrient-dense foods from certified organic producers.

It also supports small farms by covering the costs of organic certification and providing grants to help them transition to safer, toxin-free farming practices. By connecting these responsible growers with the $17 billion National School Lunch Program, the bill aims to improve both the safety and nutritional quality of school meals, ensuring that they are a source of nourishment, not a source of toxic exposure.

Empowering Healthy Food Choices in School and at Home

As parents, taking an active role in your child’s diet is more important than ever. If resources allow, sending your child to school with a homemade lunch made from real, whole foods is one of the best ways to ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need. For parents who can’t pack lunch every day, there are still ways to make sure your children eat healthier even when relying on school-provided meals.

Start by staying informed about the school’s lunch offerings. Many schools provide menus in advance, giving you the opportunity to help your child select healthier options from what’s available. Having open conversations with your child about the importance of choosing real, whole foods over ultraprocessed ones encourages them to make better choices when you’re not there.

Advocating for improved school meals is another important step. By participating in parent-teacher organizations or attending school board meetings, you have the opportunity to push for healthier cafeteria offerings. Exploring simple interventions like introducing school gardens also make a big difference. The Garden to Cafeteria program is one such option, which teaches students how to grow food, which is then used in salad bars in school cafeterias.

In Denver, this program has been in place for years, resulting in more than 5,000 pounds of produce that have been enjoyed by students in about 250 schools.³⁴ Such programs are even self-sustaining, with proceeds going back to support the program, and are implemented throughout the U.S.

At home, complementing school lunches with balanced, nutrient-dense breakfasts and dinners ensures your child gets the nourishment they need throughout the day, even if school meals fall short. Ultimately, while you may not always control what’s served at school, you still have the power to influence your child’s overall diet and long-term health.

• ¹ School Nutrition Association, School Meal Statistics
• ² USDA, Lunches Consumed from School Are the Most Nutritious
• ^{3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10} ABC7, September 27, 2024
• ⁹ Antioxidants 2023, 12(10), 1825
• ¹¹ Children’s Health Defense, September 5, 2024
• ¹² J Immunotoxicol. 2020 Dec;17(1):163-174
• ¹³ Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Apr 21;23(9):4605
• ¹⁴ WHO, September 27, 2024
• ¹⁵ NIH, Low Levels of Lead Linked to Problems in Children
• ¹⁶ Biomolecules. 2021 Oct 23;11(11):1575
• ¹⁷ Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024 Mar 21:15:1354577
• ¹⁸ American Cancer Society, Arsenic and Cancer Risk
• ¹⁹ Chem Res Toxicol. 2020 Feb 7;33(3):709–726
• ²⁰ Cureus. 2023 Nov 21;15(11):e49177
• ²¹ Toxics. 2023 Jun 9;11(6):519
• ²² Environmental Sciences Europe Volume 36, article number 18, (2024)
• ²³ EDF, June 15, 2017
• ²⁴ U.S. House of Representatives, February 4, 2021
• ²⁵ EWG, October 24, 2018
• ²⁶ Moms Across America, September 28, 2022
• ^27, 28 Friends of the Earth, September 18, 2024
• ^29, 31 Pediatr Rev (2024) 45 (2): 111–115
• ³⁰ Front Toxicol. 2024 Sep 24:6:1440331
• ³² CNN, March 14, 2023
• ³³ Cory Booker, September 18, 2024
• ³⁴ Slow Food USA, Garden to Cafeteria

(Mercola)—Chronic diseases have become the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, kill 41 million people every year, amounting to 74% of deaths globally.¹ In the U.S., these conditions account for 8 out of the top 10 causes of death.²

The shift from infectious diseases to chronic, noncommunicable ailments began in the early 1900s, driven by improvements in sanitation, nutrition and medical technology. However, this transition has come with its own set of challenges. As the population ages and lifestyles change, the prevalence of chronic diseases continues to climb.

The cost to health systems is staggering — over $1 trillion annually in the U.S. alone.³ Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to lower your risk and prevent chronic diseases. Understanding effective prevention strategies is essential for improving your overall health and well-being.

The Big Four: Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes and Dementia

Among chronic diseases, four stand out as particularly impactful: heart disease, cancer, diabetes and dementia. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Cancer follows closely behind, claiming over 600,000 lives annually. Diabetes affects more than 37 million Americans, with millions more undiagnosed or living with prediabetes.⁴

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are rapidly growing concerns, with an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and over currently affected. These conditions not only impact your health and longevity but also place an enormous financial burden on individuals and health care systems.

The global cost of cancer alone is projected to reach $25 trillion between 2020 and 2050, with five cancers — tracheal, bronchial and lung; colon and rectal; breast; liver and leukemia — accounting for nearly half of that cost.⁵ As these diseases become increasingly prevalent, prevention and early intervention to protect your health and quality of life is crucial.

Most Americans Suffer from Chronic Disease

Close to 60% of U.S. adults have at least one chronic disease. About 40% suffer from multiple chronic conditions.⁶ A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health has also projected a significant increase in chronic diseases among adults aged 50 and older.⁷

By 2050, the number of Americans in this age group is expected to surge by 61%, reaching 221 million. Further, those with at least one chronic condition are projected to increase by 99.5%, from 71.5 million in 2020 to 142.7 million by 2050.⁸

Researchers considered nine major chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung diseases, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and psychiatric problems. These projections highlight the urgent need for you to take proactive steps in managing your health, as the likelihood of developing a chronic condition increases with age.

The Rise of Multimorbidity: A Growing Concern for Your Health

While the increase in single chronic conditions is concerning, the rise in multimorbidity — having two or more chronic conditions — is equally worrying. The study predicts a 91.1% increase in multimorbidity cases, from 7.8 million in 2020 to 14.9 million by 2050.⁹

The majority of individuals with chronic conditions or multimorbidity are between 60 and 79 years old. However, the most significant increase is projected for those 80 and older, with a staggering 244% rise in single chronic conditions and a 202.7% increase in multimorbidity cases from 2020 to 2050.¹⁰

The study also reveals interesting patterns in chronic disease distribution across gender and racial lines. By 2050, women are projected to make up 53% of those with a single chronic condition, while men will form the majority (51%) of those with multimorbidity. Among racial groups, non-Hispanic Whites are expected to see the largest increase in absolute numbers, but other racial groups will experience significant rises as well.

For instance, the number of Hispanics with at least one chronic condition is projected to increase by 110% from 2020 to 2050. These disparities highlight the need for targeted health interventions and personalized approaches to chronic disease prevention and management.

Understanding your own risk factors based on your gender and racial background will help you take more effective steps to prevent chronic disease. However, adopting a holistic approach to your health, addressing not just individual symptoms but the underlying causes of disease, is essential for everyone, at all life stages.

Geographic Patterns of Chronic Disease

Your risk of chronic disease isn’t just influenced by individual factors — it’s also closely tied to where you live. Research published in Preventing Chronic Disease unveiled geographic patterns in chronic disease prevalence across the U.S.¹¹

The southeastern region of the country stands out as a hotspot, with clusters of high chronic disease prevalence throughout. This pattern isn’t random; it reflects decades of social and economic policies that have created environments conducive to poor health outcomes.

In contrast, areas with lower chronic disease prevalence are more scattered, often clustering around major metropolitan areas. For instance, in Texas, you’ll find pockets of lower prevalence around Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Similarly, the Atlanta metropolitan region in Georgia shows lower chronic disease rates compared to surrounding areas.

Areas with high chronic disease prevalence often share common socioeconomic characteristics. If you live in these areas, you’re more likely to face higher rates of disability, unemployment and reliance on government assistance programs like SNAP. Educational attainment is also a significant factor — areas with lower chronic disease prevalence have a much higher proportion of residents with post-high school education.

The economic divide is stark: the median income in areas with the lowest chronic disease prevalence is nearly double that of areas with the highest prevalence. Home values show an even more dramatic disparity, with median values in low-prevalence areas being almost three times higher than in high-prevalence areas.¹²

These disparities highlight the profound impact that your local environment and community characteristics have on your health. Still, along with recognizing risks associated with your location, remember that it’s also important to take proactive steps to mitigate them.

The Mental Health Crisis: A Hidden Epidemic Within the Chronic Disease Pandemic

While physical chronic diseases have been at the forefront of health discussions, mental health disorders are rapidly becoming a significant part of the global disease burden. Mental health issues account for 20% of the global disease burden,¹³ with addiction, mood disorders and anxiety playing major roles.

There’s often a delay in seeking treatment for these conditions. For instance, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), one of the top 10 leading causes of disability in the developed world, typically goes untreated for about 10 years. Similarly, individuals with gambling disorder often wait around nine years before seeking help.

These delays significantly increase the burden of disease. Recognizing the importance of mental health in overall well-being is crucial for your health journey, as mental and physical health are deeply interconnected.

Addressing the Four E’s to Prevent Premature Deaths from Chronic Disease

Optimizing mitochondrial health is the single most important step you can take to achieve vibrant, lasting health and avoid chronic disease, as impaired mitochondrial function lies at the heart of most chronic conditions.

There are about 100,000 trillion mitochondria in your body,¹⁴ each with hundreds of electron transport chains. Their staggering numbers reveal just how vital they are to your cellular function and, by extension, your overall well-being. Your mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is critical for every function in your body. Without energy, your cells can’t repair and regenerate themselves.

The fundamental issue underlying most chronic disease is that your cells are not producing enough energy. There are four primary factors decimating your cellular energy production — the four E’s:

Avoid Mitochondrial Poisons to Boost Your Cellular Health

These and other mitochondrial poisons lead to a disruption in the delicate oxygen balance within your gut, creating an environment that favors the proliferation of harmful, oxygen-tolerant microbes while inhibiting the growth of beneficial, oxygen-intolerant microbes crucial for gut health. Mucin acts as a binding agent for your colonic epithelium, with colonocytes forming a critical barrier.

When this barrier is compromised, it initiates a progressive decline in health, accelerating the aging process.

Addressing the underlying factors damaging colonocytes and restoring proper oxygen levels is essential for reestablishing the population of beneficial, oxygen-intolerant microbes. The communication between mitochondria and your gut microbiome is vital, but when oxygen-tolerant pathogenic bacteria predominate, they crowd out beneficial bacteria, impeding the production of necessary metabolites for optimal health.

Until excess oxygen is removed from your colon, even the most beneficial lifestyle factors such as exercise, sleep, nutrition and supplements may not lead to significant improvements. Simply introducing probiotics is not an effective solution, as commercially available probiotics are often non-viable in the gut environment. These may provide postbiotic benefits but cannot serve as true “seeds” to reestablish the proper microbial community.

Your gut environment must be healthy for oxygen-intolerant microbes to thrive, much like seeds require suitable conditions to grow. Avoiding mitochondrial poisons, like those above, is key to creating and maintaining this favorable environment for gut health and microbial balance, and ultimately for avoiding chronic disease.

My new book, “Your Guide to Cellular Health: Unlocking the Science of Longevity and Joy,” explains in detail how to improve your mitochondrial function for increased cellular energy. Addressing energy production might prevent the majority of premature deaths from chronic diseases worldwide.

• ¹ World Health Organization, Noncommunicable diseases September 16, 2023
• ^2, 3, 5 Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes. 2024 Jan 20;8(1):112–119
• ⁴ Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes. 2024 Jan 20;8(1):112–119, Diabetes
• ⁶ National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, Commentary on Chronic Disease Prevention in 2022
• ^{7, 8, 9, 10} Front. Public Health, 12 January 2023, Volume 10 – 2022
• ^11, 12 Prev Chronic Dis 2024;21:230267
• ¹³ Front. Public Health, 13 October 2023, Volume 11 – 2023
• ¹⁴ Mito Canada, What Are Mitochondria and Why They Matter

• Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs have been linked to 162 deaths in the U.S., with adverse reactions increasing by 40% in six months as usage expands
• These medications are associated with serious side effects, including pancreatitis, bowel obstruction and stomach paralysis, with 80% to 90% of users experiencing at least one adverse event
• Studies have found a significant link between semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) and suicidal ideation, particularly in patients also taking antidepressants or antianxiety medications
• Emerging reports indicate severe kidney problems in some patients using these weight loss drugs
• Akkermansia, a beneficial gut bacteria, is a natural alternative to stimulate GLP-1 production, offering similar benefits without the risks associated with drugs like Ozempic

(Mercola)—Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy — have taken the world by storm. Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, these drugs’ weight loss properties quickly caught the attention of researchers and the public alike.

Their effectiveness in shedding pounds has led to a global shortage, with an estimated 20 million people using them annually.¹ But as with any quick fix, there’s often a catch. According to data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), these medications have been linked to 162 deaths in the U.S.²

The Daily Mail reports that fatalities mentioning weight loss drugs have increased by 40% in just six months, jumping from 117 to 162 reported deaths.³ This sharp rise coincides with the expanding use of these medications, as more formulations hit the market and off-label prescriptions become commonplace.

However, your risk doesn’t disappear simply because you’re using these drugs as directed. The FAERS data show that adverse reactions occur in patients using these medications for their approved purposes, whether for diabetes management or weight loss.

Ozempic-Related Deaths and ‘Serious’ Reactions on the Rise

The FAERS database reveals a disturbing trend in adverse reactions to weight loss drugs containing semaglutide and tirzepatide (used in Mounjaro and Zepbound). Since 2018, there have been 62,000 reported reactions to these medications in the U.S.⁴

What’s particularly alarming is that 46,000 of these reports — nearly three-quarters of the total — occurred after 2022. This coincides with the increased availability and marketing of these drugs. Of the 162 reported deaths, 94 were linked to semaglutide-based drugs, while 68 were associated with tirzepatide medications. It’s worth noting that in 2023, tirzepatide was linked to nearly twice as many adverse reactions as semaglutide.⁵

The FAERS system has recorded 10,000 “serious” reactions to these weight loss drugs, defined as events resulting in hospitalization or life-threatening conditions. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they’re significant medical events that could have long-lasting impacts on your health.

For instance, Daily Mail reports a case of a 30-year-old man on Ozempic who was hospitalized with pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain. In another case, a 49-year-old woman taking Ozempic experienced mania and a dangerous surge in blood pressure, requiring hospitalization.⁶

While 1.7% of Americans — approximately 5.6 million people — were prescribed weight loss drugs in 2023, recent surveys suggest that number has grown to about 6% of U.S. adults, or 15.5 million people.⁷ This rapid increase in usage means more individuals are exposed to the serious side effects.

Ozempic Linked to Suicidal Ideation

A comprehensive study analyzing the World Health Organization’s database of adverse drug reactions uncovered more troubling findings about Ozempic.⁸ The research, which looked at over 36.1 million reports, found a significant link between semaglutide and suicidal ideation.

Out of 30,527 total reports for semaglutide, 107 cases of suicidal or self-injurious reactions were identified, and the association remained significant even after accounting for other factors. The research revealed a 45% increased risk of suicidal ideation in patients taking semaglutide compared to other medications.⁹

Further, people taking antidepressants or antianxiety medications alongside semaglutide were at an even higher risk of reporting suicidal thoughts — a 150% to 300% increase in suicidal ideation was found among this group.¹⁰

A study in Frontiers in Psychiatry revealed insights into semaglutide’s impact on your emotional state and psychological well-being.¹¹ The drug’s main component targets GLP-1 receptors, which are present not just in your digestive tract but also in critical brain areas. These regions, such as the lateral septum and hypothalamus, are essential for managing emotions, reward systems and appetite control.

Semaglutide’s interaction with these receptors modifies the functioning of neural pathways involved in these processes. Particularly noteworthy is its influence on dopamine, a neurotransmitter closely associated with mood regulation and reward perception.

Research indicates that stimulating GLP-1 receptors may enhance dopamine transporter expression, leading to decreased free dopamine levels in specific brain regions. This shift in dopamine signaling might lead to alterations in your mood, motivation levels, and even how you experience pleasure.

Up to 90% of Ozempic Users Experience an Adverse Event

The most common side effects linked to Ozempic and similar drugs are gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. In clinical trials, a staggering 80% to 90% of participants experienced at least one adverse event.¹² Though most were mild to moderate, they led some people to discontinue the medication.

Further, these drugs are intended for long-term use — stopping them often results in weight regain — further increasing the risk of side effects over time. While nausea and diarrhea might seem manageable, more severe health risks, including pancreatitis, are a real concern. A study of 16 million patients found that those taking liraglutide or semaglutide had over nine times the risk of developing pancreatitis compared to those on other weight loss medications.¹³

The same study showed a four-fold increase in the risk of bowel obstruction and nearly four times the risk of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). Gallbladder issues are another significant concern. Clinical trials revealed higher rates of gallstones and cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) in people taking these drugs.¹⁴

While rare, some patients required surgery for these complications. It’s also worth noting that these medications increase heart rate.¹⁵ There’s also the potential for aspiration during anesthesia. These drugs slow down stomach emptying, which means you may still have food in your stomach even after fasting for the recommended time before surgery. This increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication.

The FDA has also warned that Ozempic causes an intestinal blockage called ileus,¹⁶ which can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

Another Ozempic Dark Side: Kidney Damage

Troubling reports of severe kidney problems due to Ozempic are also emerging. Research published in the Clinical Kidney Journal reported two patients experienced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), a serious kidney inflammation, after starting semaglutide.¹⁷

One case even involved focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a type of kidney scarring. These findings suggest these drugs pose significant risks to your kidney health, especially if you have pre-existing kidney issues. The first case involved a 68-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease who started semaglutide for weight loss.

Within weeks, she developed severe nausea and vomiting, leading to a dramatic increase in her creatinine levels — a key indicator of kidney function. Even after stopping the medication, her kidney function worsened upon restarting it. A biopsy confirmed acute interstitial nephritis, likely triggered by semaglutide.¹⁸

The second case was even more alarming. A 49-year-old woman with no prior kidney issues developed severe swelling and protein in her urine after three months on semaglutide. Her kidney biopsy revealed not only AIN but also FSGS, a condition that can lead to kidney failure.

The study authors suggest that risk factors for these complications may include chronic kidney disease, advanced age, obesity and concurrent use of other medications that can affect the kidneys. A review of the FDA’s adverse event reporting system revealed 2,375 kidney-related events associated with GLP-1 drugs between 2010 and 2022.¹⁹

Acute kidney injury was the most common, accounting for nearly 59% of reports. Other reported issues included high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances and, in rare cases, severe protein loss in the urine.

Akkermansia: A Natural Ozempic Alternative

Sustainable weight loss involves more than just a quick fix. It requires a holistic approach that considers your overall health, including your mental well-being. As tempting as these drugs might seem, especially with their popularity on social media, it’s crucial to make decisions based on scientific evidence rather than anecdotal reports or trends. Your health is too important to gamble with unproven or potentially dangerous solutions.

In my interview with Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, a molecular biology scientist and the CEO and co-founder of Pendulum, a company that creates microbiome products, she explained that, instead of using Ozempic, you can naturally elevate your GLP-1 levels by increasing the presence of the beneficial bacteria Akkermansia in your gut:

“What happens in your body naturally, if you’ve got all the right microbes, is that you eat a meal, your microbiome metabolizes that food and generates postbiotics [excretions from beneficial bacteria] like butyrate [and] a protein called P9. Some of these postbiotics then signal your body to produce GLP-1.

All that signaling is happening from the microbiome directly to the L cells. And so you eat a meal, your microbiome digests them, these postbiotics get created and tell your L cells, ‘Hey, go produce GLP-1,’ and then you get a spike in GLP-1 in your body.

GLP-1 stimulates your body too. It says, ‘We’ve got to metabolize the sugar in the bloodstream, release insulin.’ It also signals to your brain, ‘We just ate, we’re full, we don’t need to eat again.’ After a period of time, GLP-1 goes down — until the next time you eat a meal. Then it spikes again.

So that’s the natural way of things. There are only two strains that have been published, to date, that have been shown to be able to stimulate L cells to produce GLP-1, and one of them is Akkermansia. It actually secretes three different [postbiotics] that stimulate L cells to produce GLP-1.

So, what’s been found is that if you are low or missing Akkermansia, your body is not naturally producing as much GLP-1 as it’s supposed to be. By giving people back Akkermansia, you can now have these physiological benefits of reducing A1C and lowering blood glucose spikes.

To be clear, the natural GLP-1 you produce is different from the drug. The drug is a mimic. It’s an analog. It looks like GLP-1. It gets injected into the bloodstream directly, which means that rather than the natural spike after you eat [followed by a decline], the [drug] is keeping those levels really high all the time.

So, this signaling of ‘we got to metabolize sugar in the blood and we’re full, we just ate’ is going on constantly. That’s why people experience these incredible, amazing overnight effects because that’s how those drugs are working. But if you actually have the right microbes, you can generate your body’s natural GLP-1 and get back into this natural cycle.”

Many People Are Lacking Akkermansia

Research published in Nature Microbiology found that Akkermansia increased thermogenesis and GLP-1 secretion in mice fed a high-fat diet.²⁰ While Akkermansia plays a vital role in maintaining intestinal health, many individuals have insufficient levels due to compromised mitochondrial function and oxygen leakage in the gut.

One of Akkermansia’s primary functions is the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate. These fatty acids serve as fuel for your colonocytes, which in turn produce mucin, a gel-like protective substance that coats your gut lining.

SCFAs also help remove oxygen from your colon, creating an environment where beneficial bacteria can flourish. Mucin acts as a barrier, shielding intestinal cells from damage, harmful microorganisms and digestive irritants.

Additionally, mucin enhances your immune system. It contains antibodies and antimicrobial peptides that help fight infections. Mucin also functions as a trap for potential pathogens, facilitating their elimination through the digestive process. Akkermansia is so beneficial that it should, ideally, constitute about 10% of your gut microbiome.

Make Sure Live Akkermansia Probiotics Reach Your Colon

When selecting Akkermansia probiotics, opt for products with bacterial counts in the billions rather than millions. Generally, a higher bacterial count is beneficial, but there’s an important caveat: the delivery method is crucial.

Look for probiotics in delayed-release capsules. This feature is essential because it ensures the beneficial bacteria have a higher likelihood of reaching your colon alive. Without this protective mechanism, most of the bacteria may not survive the journey through your digestive system.

Akkermansia are very sensitive to oxygen. This makes their journey through your digestive system very challenging. These beneficial microbes thrive in an oxygen-free environment, and even a brief exposure to oxygen can be fatal for them. This trait makes the delivery method of Akkermansia supplements crucial to their effectiveness.

In fact, a lower-dose probiotic (in the hundreds of thousands of bacteria) that successfully reaches your colon can be more effective than a high-dose product (with hundreds of billions of bacteria) that doesn’t make it to its intended destination. Remember, when it comes to probiotics, successful delivery to the colon is just as important as the initial dosage.

Understanding this helps you choose the most effective supplement. You want to nurture your gut microbiome with live, active Akkermansia, as dead or inactive ones won’t do you as much good as they don’t reproduce.

If you want to use Akkermansia supplements, look for ones with advanced, dual-timed release capsules or microencapsulation. These technologies keep Akkermansia dormant and protected until it reaches your colon, usually in two to four hours.

To maximize its effectiveness, take it on an empty stomach, ideally first thing in the morning after an overnight fast. Wait at least one to two hours before eating to reduce transit time, allowing the bacteria to reach your colon faster — usually within two hours. This will greatly increase the number of live bacteria that make it to your colon.

Avoid taking probiotics with food, as this can extend your transit time to over eight hours, likely killing the bacteria long before they reach your colon. Being mindful of when and how you take your Akkermansia probiotic will maximize the benefits of this powerful probiotic.

• ^1, 8, 9 JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Aug 20;7(8):e2423385
• ^{2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7} Daily Mail September 8, 2024
• ¹⁰ ZeroHedge August 21, 2024
• ¹¹ Front Psychiatry. 2023 Aug 29;14:1238353
• ^{12, 13, 14, 15} Obes Pillars. 2024 Aug 31;12:100127
• ¹⁶ U.S. FDA, Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes, Ozempic September 22, 2023
• ^17, 18, 19 Clin Kidney J. 2024 Aug 13;17(9):sfae250
• ²⁰ Nature Microbiology volume 6, pages 563–573 (2021)

• Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs have been linked to 162 deaths in the U.S., with adverse reactions increasing by 40% in six months as usage expands
• These medications are associated with serious side effects, including pancreatitis, bowel obstruction and stomach paralysis, with 80% to 90% of users experiencing at least one adverse event
• Studies have found a significant link between semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) and suicidal ideation, particularly in patients also taking antidepressants or antianxiety medications
• Emerging reports indicate severe kidney problems in some patients using these weight loss drugs
• Akkermansia, a beneficial gut bacteria, is a natural alternative to stimulate GLP-1 production, offering similar benefits without the risks associated with drugs like Ozempic

(Mercola)—Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy — have taken the world by storm. Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, these drugs’ weight loss properties quickly caught the attention of researchers and the public alike.

Their effectiveness in shedding pounds has led to a global shortage, with an estimated 20 million people using them annually.¹ But as with any quick fix, there’s often a catch. According to data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), these medications have been linked to 162 deaths in the U.S.²

The Daily Mail reports that fatalities mentioning weight loss drugs have increased by 40% in just six months, jumping from 117 to 162 reported deaths.³ This sharp rise coincides with the expanding use of these medications, as more formulations hit the market and off-label prescriptions become commonplace.

However, your risk doesn’t disappear simply because you’re using these drugs as directed. The FAERS data show that adverse reactions occur in patients using these medications for their approved purposes, whether for diabetes management or weight loss.

Ozempic-Related Deaths and ‘Serious’ Reactions on the Rise

The FAERS database reveals a disturbing trend in adverse reactions to weight loss drugs containing semaglutide and tirzepatide (used in Mounjaro and Zepbound). Since 2018, there have been 62,000 reported reactions to these medications in the U.S.⁴

What’s particularly alarming is that 46,000 of these reports — nearly three-quarters of the total — occurred after 2022. This coincides with the increased availability and marketing of these drugs. Of the 162 reported deaths, 94 were linked to semaglutide-based drugs, while 68 were associated with tirzepatide medications. It’s worth noting that in 2023, tirzepatide was linked to nearly twice as many adverse reactions as semaglutide.⁵

The FAERS system has recorded 10,000 “serious” reactions to these weight loss drugs, defined as events resulting in hospitalization or life-threatening conditions. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they’re significant medical events that could have long-lasting impacts on your health.

For instance, Daily Mail reports a case of a 30-year-old man on Ozempic who was hospitalized with pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain. In another case, a 49-year-old woman taking Ozempic experienced mania and a dangerous surge in blood pressure, requiring hospitalization.⁶

While 1.7% of Americans — approximately 5.6 million people — were prescribed weight loss drugs in 2023, recent surveys suggest that number has grown to about 6% of U.S. adults, or 15.5 million people.⁷ This rapid increase in usage means more individuals are exposed to the serious side effects.

Ozempic Linked to Suicidal Ideation

A comprehensive study analyzing the World Health Organization’s database of adverse drug reactions uncovered more troubling findings about Ozempic.⁸ The research, which looked at over 36.1 million reports, found a significant link between semaglutide and suicidal ideation.

Out of 30,527 total reports for semaglutide, 107 cases of suicidal or self-injurious reactions were identified, and the association remained significant even after accounting for other factors. The research revealed a 45% increased risk of suicidal ideation in patients taking semaglutide compared to other medications.⁹

Further, people taking antidepressants or antianxiety medications alongside semaglutide were at an even higher risk of reporting suicidal thoughts — a 150% to 300% increase in suicidal ideation was found among this group.¹⁰

A study in Frontiers in Psychiatry revealed insights into semaglutide’s impact on your emotional state and psychological well-being.¹¹ The drug’s main component targets GLP-1 receptors, which are present not just in your digestive tract but also in critical brain areas. These regions, such as the lateral septum and hypothalamus, are essential for managing emotions, reward systems and appetite control.

Semaglutide’s interaction with these receptors modifies the functioning of neural pathways involved in these processes. Particularly noteworthy is its influence on dopamine, a neurotransmitter closely associated with mood regulation and reward perception.

Research indicates that stimulating GLP-1 receptors may enhance dopamine transporter expression, leading to decreased free dopamine levels in specific brain regions. This shift in dopamine signaling might lead to alterations in your mood, motivation levels, and even how you experience pleasure.

Up to 90% of Ozempic Users Experience an Adverse Event

The most common side effects linked to Ozempic and similar drugs are gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. In clinical trials, a staggering 80% to 90% of participants experienced at least one adverse event.¹² Though most were mild to moderate, they led some people to discontinue the medication.

Further, these drugs are intended for long-term use — stopping them often results in weight regain — further increasing the risk of side effects over time. While nausea and diarrhea might seem manageable, more severe health risks, including pancreatitis, are a real concern. A study of 16 million patients found that those taking liraglutide or semaglutide had over nine times the risk of developing pancreatitis compared to those on other weight loss medications.¹³

The same study showed a four-fold increase in the risk of bowel obstruction and nearly four times the risk of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). Gallbladder issues are another significant concern. Clinical trials revealed higher rates of gallstones and cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) in people taking these drugs.¹⁴

While rare, some patients required surgery for these complications. It’s also worth noting that these medications increase heart rate.¹⁵ There’s also the potential for aspiration during anesthesia. These drugs slow down stomach emptying, which means you may still have food in your stomach even after fasting for the recommended time before surgery. This increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication.

The FDA has also warned that Ozempic causes an intestinal blockage called ileus,¹⁶ which can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

Another Ozempic Dark Side: Kidney Damage

Troubling reports of severe kidney problems due to Ozempic are also emerging. Research published in the Clinical Kidney Journal reported two patients experienced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), a serious kidney inflammation, after starting semaglutide.¹⁷

One case even involved focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a type of kidney scarring. These findings suggest these drugs pose significant risks to your kidney health, especially if you have pre-existing kidney issues. The first case involved a 68-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease who started semaglutide for weight loss.

Within weeks, she developed severe nausea and vomiting, leading to a dramatic increase in her creatinine levels — a key indicator of kidney function. Even after stopping the medication, her kidney function worsened upon restarting it. A biopsy confirmed acute interstitial nephritis, likely triggered by semaglutide.¹⁸

The second case was even more alarming. A 49-year-old woman with no prior kidney issues developed severe swelling and protein in her urine after three months on semaglutide. Her kidney biopsy revealed not only AIN but also FSGS, a condition that can lead to kidney failure.

The study authors suggest that risk factors for these complications may include chronic kidney disease, advanced age, obesity and concurrent use of other medications that can affect the kidneys. A review of the FDA’s adverse event reporting system revealed 2,375 kidney-related events associated with GLP-1 drugs between 2010 and 2022.¹⁹

Acute kidney injury was the most common, accounting for nearly 59% of reports. Other reported issues included high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances and, in rare cases, severe protein loss in the urine.

Akkermansia: A Natural Ozempic Alternative

Sustainable weight loss involves more than just a quick fix. It requires a holistic approach that considers your overall health, including your mental well-being. As tempting as these drugs might seem, especially with their popularity on social media, it’s crucial to make decisions based on scientific evidence rather than anecdotal reports or trends. Your health is too important to gamble with unproven or potentially dangerous solutions.

In my interview with Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, a molecular biology scientist and the CEO and co-founder of Pendulum, a company that creates microbiome products, she explained that, instead of using Ozempic, you can naturally elevate your GLP-1 levels by increasing the presence of the beneficial bacteria Akkermansia in your gut:

“What happens in your body naturally, if you’ve got all the right microbes, is that you eat a meal, your microbiome metabolizes that food and generates postbiotics [excretions from beneficial bacteria] like butyrate [and] a protein called P9. Some of these postbiotics then signal your body to produce GLP-1.

All that signaling is happening from the microbiome directly to the L cells. And so you eat a meal, your microbiome digests them, these postbiotics get created and tell your L cells, ‘Hey, go produce GLP-1,’ and then you get a spike in GLP-1 in your body.

GLP-1 stimulates your body too. It says, ‘We’ve got to metabolize the sugar in the bloodstream, release insulin.’ It also signals to your brain, ‘We just ate, we’re full, we don’t need to eat again.’ After a period of time, GLP-1 goes down — until the next time you eat a meal. Then it spikes again.

So that’s the natural way of things. There are only two strains that have been published, to date, that have been shown to be able to stimulate L cells to produce GLP-1, and one of them is Akkermansia. It actually secretes three different [postbiotics] that stimulate L cells to produce GLP-1.

So, what’s been found is that if you are low or missing Akkermansia, your body is not naturally producing as much GLP-1 as it’s supposed to be. By giving people back Akkermansia, you can now have these physiological benefits of reducing A1C and lowering blood glucose spikes.

To be clear, the natural GLP-1 you produce is different from the drug. The drug is a mimic. It’s an analog. It looks like GLP-1. It gets injected into the bloodstream directly, which means that rather than the natural spike after you eat [followed by a decline], the [drug] is keeping those levels really high all the time.

So, this signaling of ‘we got to metabolize sugar in the blood and we’re full, we just ate’ is going on constantly. That’s why people experience these incredible, amazing overnight effects because that’s how those drugs are working. But if you actually have the right microbes, you can generate your body’s natural GLP-1 and get back into this natural cycle.”

Many People Are Lacking Akkermansia

Research published in Nature Microbiology found that Akkermansia increased thermogenesis and GLP-1 secretion in mice fed a high-fat diet.²⁰ While Akkermansia plays a vital role in maintaining intestinal health, many individuals have insufficient levels due to compromised mitochondrial function and oxygen leakage in the gut.

One of Akkermansia’s primary functions is the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate. These fatty acids serve as fuel for your colonocytes, which in turn produce mucin, a gel-like protective substance that coats your gut lining.

SCFAs also help remove oxygen from your colon, creating an environment where beneficial bacteria can flourish. Mucin acts as a barrier, shielding intestinal cells from damage, harmful microorganisms and digestive irritants.

Additionally, mucin enhances your immune system. It contains antibodies and antimicrobial peptides that help fight infections. Mucin also functions as a trap for potential pathogens, facilitating their elimination through the digestive process. Akkermansia is so beneficial that it should, ideally, constitute about 10% of your gut microbiome.

Make Sure Live Akkermansia Probiotics Reach Your Colon

When selecting Akkermansia probiotics, opt for products with bacterial counts in the billions rather than millions. Generally, a higher bacterial count is beneficial, but there’s an important caveat: the delivery method is crucial.

Look for probiotics in delayed-release capsules. This feature is essential because it ensures the beneficial bacteria have a higher likelihood of reaching your colon alive. Without this protective mechanism, most of the bacteria may not survive the journey through your digestive system.

Akkermansia are very sensitive to oxygen. This makes their journey through your digestive system very challenging. These beneficial microbes thrive in an oxygen-free environment, and even a brief exposure to oxygen can be fatal for them. This trait makes the delivery method of Akkermansia supplements crucial to their effectiveness.

In fact, a lower-dose probiotic (in the hundreds of thousands of bacteria) that successfully reaches your colon can be more effective than a high-dose product (with hundreds of billions of bacteria) that doesn’t make it to its intended destination. Remember, when it comes to probiotics, successful delivery to the colon is just as important as the initial dosage.

Understanding this helps you choose the most effective supplement. You want to nurture your gut microbiome with live, active Akkermansia, as dead or inactive ones won’t do you as much good as they don’t reproduce.

If you want to use Akkermansia supplements, look for ones with advanced, dual-timed release capsules or microencapsulation. These technologies keep Akkermansia dormant and protected until it reaches your colon, usually in two to four hours.

To maximize its effectiveness, take it on an empty stomach, ideally first thing in the morning after an overnight fast. Wait at least one to two hours before eating to reduce transit time, allowing the bacteria to reach your colon faster — usually within two hours. This will greatly increase the number of live bacteria that make it to your colon.

Avoid taking probiotics with food, as this can extend your transit time to over eight hours, likely killing the bacteria long before they reach your colon. Being mindful of when and how you take your Akkermansia probiotic will maximize the benefits of this powerful probiotic.

• ^1, 8, 9 JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Aug 20;7(8):e2423385
• ^{2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7} Daily Mail September 8, 2024
• ¹⁰ ZeroHedge August 21, 2024
• ¹¹ Front Psychiatry. 2023 Aug 29;14:1238353
• ^{12, 13, 14, 15} Obes Pillars. 2024 Aug 31;12:100127
• ¹⁶ U.S. FDA, Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes, Ozempic September 22, 2023
• ^17, 18, 19 Clin Kidney J. 2024 Aug 13;17(9):sfae250
• ²⁰ Nature Microbiology volume 6, pages 563–573 (2021)

(Mercola)—I’ve long been fascinated by cholesterol’s role in our health, and research published over the last few years challenges what we’ve been told for decades. For example, a groundbreaking study of over 23,000 people reveals surprising, never-before considered findings about the impact of race and genetics on cholesterol and its links to heart disease.

Is Lower Cholesterol Really a Good Thing?

You’ve been told that high cholesterol is bad and low cholesterol is good. But what if I told you that low cholesterol could actually harm your heart health? This might sound counterintuitive, but recent research has uncovered some surprising truths about cholesterol’s role in our bodies.

Cholesterol is a crucial component of cell membranes and a precursor to many important hormones.¹ It’s not just a harmful substance to be eliminated, but a vital part of our biology. In fact, cholesterol plays a key role in brain function, hormone production, and even vitamin D synthesis.

For decades, the medical community has focused on lowering cholesterol levels to prevent heart disease. This approach was based on studies like the Framingham Heart Study, which linked high cholesterol to increased cardiovascular risk. As a result, millions of people have been prescribed statins and told to follow low-fat diets.

However, new research is challenging this simplistic view. The REGARDS (REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study² published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology examined data from 23,901 participants over a median follow-up of 10.7 years.

The researchers found that the relationship between HDL cholesterol and heart disease risk actually varied depending on race. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — often called “good” cholesterol — were only associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease in White adults. Even more surprisingly, high levels of HDL cholesterol didn’t seem to protect against heart disease in either White or Black adults.

This revelation challenges decades of medical advice that has emphasized raising HDL cholesterol levels as a way to improve heart health. It also highlights the importance of considering racial differences in health research and treatment recommendations.

Another intriguing discovery is the “cholesterol paradox” observed in various health conditions.³ In some cases, individuals with low cholesterol levels actually had worse health outcomes than those with higher levels — a finding that flies in the face of long-held beliefs about cholesterol and health. As noted in one 2023 scientific review:

“On average, patients with a total cholesterol level of 232 mg/dl had a 25% higher survival rate than those with a total cholesterol level of 193 mg/dl who were suffering from heart failure. A total cholesterol level under 200 mg/dl is generally preferred.”⁴

These unexpected results raise important questions about how we assess cardiovascular risk and whether current treatment guidelines are appropriate for all populations. Clearly, the relationship between cholesterol and health isn’t nearly as straightforward as we once thought.

Complex Interplay of Factors Influence Cholesterol’s Effects

Aside from race, individual genetics also play a big part in how our bodies handle cholesterol. Some people naturally make more cholesterol, while others make less. This is why two people eating the same diet can have very different cholesterol levels.⁵

Inflammation and oxidative stress in our bodies can also impact how cholesterol affects our health. When there’s a lot of inflammation, cholesterol can act differently and cause problems that would not occur in someone that did not have the same level of inflammation. This is one reason why overall health is so important when thinking about cholesterol.⁶

This complex web of interactions makes it hard to predict exactly how cholesterol will affect each person’s health.⁷ Here’s a short list of factors that influence cholesterol’s effects:

1. Cellular energy production
2. Genetic factors
3. Inflammation and oxidative stress
4. Interaction with other metabolic processes

Understanding these relationships helps explain why low cholesterol isn’t always good and high cholesterol isn’t always bad.

Shifting Paradigms in Cholesterol Management

The revelations about cholesterol’s complex role in health are causing waves across the medical community and beyond. Importantly, these findings are prompting a reevaluation of cholesterol treatment guidelines that have been in place for decades.⁸

Healthcare providers are increasingly moving towards a more personalized approach to cholesterol management. Instead of relying solely on total cholesterol numbers, doctors are considering a wider range of factors including race, genetics, and overall health status when assessing cardiovascular risk.⁹

The pharmaceutical industry may need to adapt to new understandings of cholesterol’s role in health. As research reveals the complex relationship between cholesterol levels and heart disease risk across different populations, drug development and marketing strategies really ought to shift to reflect more personalized approaches to cardiovascular health management.¹⁰ Whether that will actually happen remains to be seen.

Public health messaging about cholesterol is also undergoing a transformation. The old mantra of “lower is always better” is being replaced with more nuanced advice. Dietary recommendations are shifting away from blanket low-fat guidelines to focus on overall diet quality and individual metabolic health.¹¹

These changes are empowering patients to take a more active role in their health management. With a better understanding of cholesterol’s complexities, you can make more informed decisions about your diet, lifestyle, and medical treatments.

Advanced lipid testing methods that provide more detailed information about cholesterol particle size and number are becoming increasingly important. These tests offer insights beyond standard lipid panels, allowing for more accurate cardiovascular risk assessment and targeted interventions.¹²

As our understanding of cholesterol continues to evolve, it’s clear that its impact extends far beyond individual health. It’s reshaping medical practice, influencing public health policy, and even affecting economic sectors.

To better understand the real-world implications of these findings, let’s look at some specific examples and case studies that illustrate the complexity of cholesterol management in different scenarios.

Real-World Scenarios Illustrate Complexity of Cholesterol Management

Consider the case of John, a 55-year-old White male with low HDL cholesterol levels. Traditional medical wisdom would have flagged him as high-risk for heart disease, and indeed, the REGARDS study^{13,14,15,16,17} confirmed that that low HDL cholesterol is associated with increased risk in White adults. So, for someone like John, a White male, the traditional wisdom about low HDL cholesterol increasing heart disease risk holds true.

In contrast, Maria, a 60-year-old Black woman with high HDL cholesterol, might have been considered at low risk for heart disease based on outdated guidelines. However, the new research suggests that high HDL levels aren’t necessarily protective for Black adults, prompting a reevaluation of Maria’s overall cardiovascular health beyond just her cholesterol numbers.

Another intriguing example is seen in highly trained, keto-adapted athletes. These individuals often display what appears to be paradoxically high cholesterol levels, yet they maintain excellent cardiovascular health.¹⁸ This phenomenon highlights the complex interplay between diet, physical activity, and cholesterol metabolism.

These scenarios underscore the need for a more nuanced and individualized approach to cholesterol management. They demonstrate that relying solely on standard cholesterol numbers can lead to misclassification of risk and inappropriate treatment decisions.

Given these complex scenarios, what can be done to optimize cholesterol management and improve health outcomes? The answer lies in a more holistic and personalized approach to health assessment and treatment.

Advanced Strategies for Optimizing Cholesterol Health

The takeaway is that improving cholesterol health goes beyond simply lowering your total cholesterol levels. A comprehensive approach that considers individual factors and overall metabolic health is key. Here are some strategies to promote optimal cholesterol balance. By embracing a more holistic strategy, you and your healthcare provider can work together to reduce your cardiovascular health risks.

• Personalized risk assessment — Healthcare providers should look beyond standard cholesterol numbers and consider factors like race, age, genetics, and lifestyle when evaluating cardiovascular risk.¹⁹
• Advanced lipid testing — This provides a more detailed picture of cholesterol levels than standard tests. These tests break down different types of LDL and HDL particles, giving you a clearer understanding of your individual heart disease risk.²⁰ Importantly, this detailed information helps identify individuals at risk even when their standard lipid panel appears normal.²¹
• Diet — Instead of focusing solely on lowering fat intake, focus on the quality of fats consumed. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3s, and saturated fats such as butter and coconut oil, will help you maintain a healthy cholesterol level while supporting your overall heart health.
• Exercise — Regular physical activity, especially a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training, helps improve lipid profiles and overall metabolic health.²²
• Targeted supplementation — For some individuals, targeted supplementation might be beneficial. For example, nutrients like omega-3s, niacin, and plant sterols have shown promise in supporting healthy cholesterol levels.²³

Sources and References

• ^{1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18, 21, 22, 23} Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 14(2), 2023
• ^{2, 8, 9, 13, 19, 20} Journal of the American College of Cardiology Volume 80, Issue 22, November 29, 2022, Pages 2104-2115
• ¹⁵ NBC News, November 22, 2022
• ¹⁶ Healio, November 21, 2022
• ¹⁷ Medical News Today, November 22, 2022