My Choices Weekly News

Can a pill replace exercise? Swigging this molecule gives mice benefits of working out
“A molecule made by the kidneys and found in some foods can reproduce some of the myriad benefits of exercise — and slow some signs of ageing — when fed to mice. Betaine is a modified amino acid that plays an important role in metabolism. Results published on 25 June in Cell show that consistent exercise raises levels of the compound, at least in young men. The study also found that feeding betaine to aged mice boosts their immune health and grip strength.”

Acupuncture Can Make IVF More Comfortable, Study Says
“Key Takeaways: Acupuncture may help IVF treatments. The practice significantly reduced pain, stress and anxiety among women undergoing IVF. Other treatments like acupressure and light therapy also appeared to help.”

Mindfulness and Tai Chi Improve Mood in Cancer Survivors
“Both Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) significantly improved mood in survivors of cancer, whether participants selected their preferred program or were randomly assigned to either type of program. MBCR had greater benefits in reducing tension and anger, while TCQ was particularly effective in reducing depression and boosting vigor.”

People who keep their cell phones on ‘silent mode’ share similar psychological traits
“A new study from Kyung Hee University explores how phones in “silent mode” may hold the key to healthier minds at work. Researchers examined whether a mobile mindfulness training (MMT) program could improve stress, burnout, and work engagement among office workers.”

Researchers uncover rare gene variants contributing to systemic sclerosis risk
“Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease with complex genetic causes. Some genetic contributors have been identified, but others remain unknown, which has impeded development of targeted treatments. In a new study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions used complementary approaches that integrate exome sequencing and evolutionary action machine learning to identify protein changes and their associated mechanisms in SSc.”

The High Cost of Healthy: How Grocery Prices Shape America Diets and Health
“Key Takeaways: Rising costs of healthy foods are pushing Americans towards ultraprocessed alternatives, worsening health disparities and diet quality. Lower-income individuals face greater challenges in maintaining a healthy diet due to the increased cost of nutritious foods. Ultraprocessed foods are linked to higher risks of mortality, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers, necessitating policy interventions. Policy changes, including SNAP benefit updates and improved access to fresh foods, are crucial for addressing food insecurity and health disparities.”

Food insecurity linked to elevated mortality risk among cancer survivors
“Lack of access to healthy food is a threat to the lives of cancer survivors—a significant and often overlooked factor affecting their long-term health outcomes. A new study shows that those experiencing food insecurity had a 28 percent relative increase in risk of death as compared to those who were food secure.”

Finding Calm in the Chaos: Strategies for Mental Resilience
“Research consistently shows that prolonged exposure to crisis-oriented media can elevate stress, worsen anxiety, and erode emotional resilience. For healthcare workers, students, and the broader public alike, it can feel impossible to catch our breath. But evidence also shows that even small shifts in behavior can help buffer our minds from the weight of the world.”

Colon cancer recurrence and deaths cut 28% by simple exercise, trial finds
“Exercise is generally good for you, but a new high-quality clinical trial finds that it’s so good, it can even knock back colon cancer—and, in fact, rival some chemotherapy treatments. The researchers found that the exercise group had a 28 percent lower risk of their colon cancer recurring, new cancers developing, or dying over eight years compared with the health education group.”

Shedding Pounds in Middle Age Could Add Years to Your Life, Study Finds
“Key Takeaways: Losing about 6.5% of body weight in midlife may lower risk of disease and premature death. The benefits were seen even without surgery or weight loss drugs. An overall healthy lifestyle, not just weight loss, played a huge role.”

How Mindfulness Can Help You Avoid Accidents of All Kinds
“Key points: Distraction is one of the major causes of car accidents. A lack of focus can also cause accidents at home. Setting intentions is a present-moment-focusing practice.”

Arizona High School Pilots EgoEase Mindfulness Curriculum to Combat Teen Stress
“In a bold move to tackle teen stress, an Arizona high school is making waves with a groundbreaking mindfulness initiative. Catalina Foothills High School in Tucson has launched a semester-long program called “Mindful Mavericks,” co-designed with EgoEase, marking a significant step for the Arizona EgoEase mindfulness school model. Approved by the district board following a 2024 parent-teacher petition, this curriculum aims to reshape how students handle pressure and interpersonal conflict. Early results are promising, hinting at a potential game-changer for education statewide.”

An anti-inflammatory diet may help colon cancer patients live longer, study says
“Eating food that lowers inflammation in the body may help people with advanced colon cancer survive longer, according to research presented at a meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago.”

Midlife Caffeine Intake Linked to Healthy Aging
“Summary: A long-term study following nearly 50,000 women over 30 years found that drinking caffeinated coffee in midlife is linked to healthier aging. Women who drank regular coffee were more likely to avoid chronic disease, cognitive decline, and physical impairment later in life.”

The impact of dietary interventions on cardiometabolic health
“Obesity and cardiometabolic diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality among adults worldwide. These conditions significantly contribute to and exacerbate other major causes of illness and death, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic kidney disease. The growing burden of these diseases has increased the interest of modern medicine in understanding metabolic processes and health, with diet emerging as a pivotal modifiable factor, alongside physical inactivity and smoking.”

Vaping cannabis found to expose lung cells to toxic and cancer-linked substances
“Is vaping cannabis less harmful to your health than smoking it? Many people seem to think so. However, two studies conducted at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center (The Institute) suggest that vaping cannabis may (also) pose risks to lung health.”

Mental health among U.S. mothers declines sharply between 2016 and 2023
“A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals a concerning decline in self-reported mental health among mothers in the United States between 2016 and 2023. Conducted by researchers at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the study also found modest but measurable declines in self-reported physical health during the same period.”

Exercising earlier in the day, staying consistent can boost heart fitness
“Researchers have come to have a better understanding of how the body’s circadian rhythm impacts their overall health. Past studies show that disrupting the natural sleep/wake cycle can increase a person’s risk for several health conditions. The circadian rhythm also defines the times a person performs activities during the day, such as when they exercise. A new study says that people who work out at the same time every day may improve their cardiovascular and lung health as they age.”

New neuroscientific approaches help overcome unhealthy eating habits
“Scientists at the Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center at the University of Granada (CIMCYC) have revealed how, when faced with highly appetizing and unhealthy food stimuli, many overweight people or those prone to binge eating keep their impulsive system hyperactive, while their reflective or conscious thinking system takes a back seat.”

Chronic cannabis use linked to significant cardiovascular risks
“A new study led by UC San Francisco researchers finds that chronic cannabis use – whether it’s smoked or consumed in edible form – is associated with significant cardiovascular risks. The report, published May 28 in JAMA Cardiology, found that people who regularly used marijuana in either form had reduced blood vessel function that was comparable to tobacco smokers. Vascular function in those who used cannabis by either means was reduced roughly by half compared to those who did not use it.”

Endurance exercise shows ‘paradoxical’ link to coronary plaque buildup
“Key takeaways: High-volume exercise was linked to higher coronary artery calcium score in men but not women. Coronary calcium was not different for women at any level of exercise intensity vs. nonathletes.”

Rates of liver injuries rise in the U.S. as supplements grow in popularity
“It started with nausea and loss of appetite. Robert Grafton, of Turnersville, New Jersey, tried to convince himself he was just coming down with something one weekend in mid-March. Then came the itching and dark urine. Grafton, a former interventional radiology technologist whose wife is a nurse, recognized the hallmarks of liver failure.”

Is the online GLP-1 boom prioritizing profit over patients?
“Over the past two years, digital clinics have turned weekly GLP-1 injections into something that can be ordered from the couch, paid for with a credit card and delivered to the doorstep. One recent market forecast sees the entire GLP-1 category growing to roughly $100 billion by 2030, so it is no wonder that a flock of start-ups — and even a few established pharmaceutical giants — now court patients with “all-inclusive” monthly packages.​”

Comorbidities in midlife have distinct associations with cancer development
“Key takeaways: Respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions increased risk for cancer incidence. All comorbidity types increased risk for at least one cancer type, but some seemed to lower the risk for certain cancers.”

There’s a secret superfood in white rice and pasta: Here’s how to unlock it
“Naughty or nice? That’s often how I think about foods packed with carbohydrates. Whole grains, like brown rice and whole wheat, fall squarely into the nice category, while white pasta and rice, well, they’re more naughty.”

Ultra-processed food boosts addiction and worsens mood, study finds
“New research reveals that UPFs may be consumed more out of emotional distress and addiction than pleasure, challenging assumptions about why we reach for processed snacks.”

Vegetarians may need to watch thyroid health, especially with low iodine intake
“A large UK study reveals that vegetarians, but not vegans, have a slightly elevated risk of hypothyroidism, raising new questions about iodine intake and the role of BMI in interpreting diet-related thyroid outcomes.”

6 Healthy Reasons to Eat More Pineapple
“Nothing can beat the sweet and tangy taste of biting into a slice of pineapple. But what really separates this superfruit from the rest is its equal parts delicious taste and impressive health benefits. “When looking at pineapple’s nutritional profile, it offers a wide range of nutrients,” says Cheryl Mussatto, registered dietitian. “One cup contains around 82 calories, two grams of fiber, 169 milligrams of potassium, 74 milligrams of vitamin C, and 50% of the [recommended daily value of the] mineral manganese.” To help convince you to snag a pineapple (or two) during your next grocery run, we asked registered dietitians for seven healthy reasons to eat more pineapples.”

$2 million gift establishes John and Carrie Hayden Community Learning Kitchen
“Inspired by a deep commitment to the health of the Greater Cincinnati community, John and Carrie Hayden have made a $2 million gift to establish and endow a community learning kitchen that emphasizes the vital role of nutrition not only in the prevention but also the treatment of chronic disease.”

Exercise may lessen cancer treatment side effects, including brain fog, fatigue
“Researchers recently conducted an umbrella-review to examine the impact exercise can have on people undergoing cancer treatment. The results indicated that exercise can mitigate some of the side effects of cancer treatments across a range of cancer types. Both traditional exercise and mind-body exercises showed benefits.”

Black coffee improves insulin sensitivity in women, study finds
“A large Korean study shows that drinking black coffee, especially among women, is linked to better glucose control and reduced insulin resistance, highlighting coffee’s potential role in metabolic health.”

Global analysis ties plastic ingredient to soaring heart disease deaths
“Daily exposure to certain chemicals used to make plastic household items could be linked to more than 356,000 global deaths from heart disease in 2018 alone, a new analysis of population surveys shows. While the chemicals, called phthalates, are in widespread use globally, the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific bore a much larger share of the death toll than others – about three-fourths of the total.”

What makes us happy? New research challenges everything we thought
“Love, wealth, mindfulness—or something else entirely? Researcher claims happiness is personal, and so should be the solutions.”

Fitness Experts Reveal the Truth About Vibration Plates
“Remember during the mid-20th century when vibrating belt machines were all the rage? They were promoted as weight loss aids that would slim you down. Fast-forward many decades, and now vibration plates are the latest fitness trend. Some claim they are an excellent alternative workout method with several health benefits. However, researchers continue to study the potential benefits of vibration exercise.”

Age-related brain changes linked to declining exercise habits after 49, research suggests
“It’s well-established that as we age, we tend to be less active. Conventional wisdom points to loss of muscle mass, strength and issues of mobility as reasons physical activity declines later in life. But Northeastern University researchers say the reason could also be linked to changes in the brain that occur around the time exercise starts to drop off for most people.”

Human gut fungus reverses liver disease in mice
“Researchers at Peking University have discovered that a filamentous gut fungus, Fusarium foetens, can reverse metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in mice. These findings have implications for developing microbiome-based therapies to treat fatty liver disease.”

Teaching the teachers to be calm, cool, and collected
““Through my background in health promotion, education, yoga, and mindfulness, I’ve witnessed firsthand how much educator well-being can influence student learning, mental health, and a sense of belonging,” Block says. “Many faculty and instructors on campus shared my interest, which led to the creation of this program.””

Walking After Meals: Small Habit, Big Metabolic Gains
“Did you know that your blood sugar can spike by 30% or more after a typical meal, even if you do not have diabetes? However, the solution could be as simple as taking a short walk after eating. Emerging research shows that the simple act of walking after meals may dramatically improve metabolic health.”

The power of pets in reducing loneliness and social isolation for at-risk groups
“A new pilot program is the first to use a shared interest in pets to help build connections between young and older adults to reduce loneliness and social isolation.”

Ultra-Processed Foods Tied to More Than 124,000 Preventable Deaths in U.S.
“Ultra-processed foods could be driving an increase in preventable deaths, a global study reports. For every 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption in total daily energy intake, the risk of all-cause mortality rose by 2.7%. Ultra-processed foods have been associated with 32 adverse physical and mental health outcomes.”

There’s a way to make sure you never lose your workout motivation.
“We all know that exercising regularly is important for health, but finding the motivation is often challenging. Fatigue, daily commitments, and lack of energy make us think twice before getting off the couch and heading to the gym. In a world where motivational tips abound on TikTok, a new study shows that one of the most effective ways to gain and maintain motivation is much simpler: mindfulness.”

Smoking, Drinking, And Lack Of Exercise Start Showing Adverse Health Impact At Age 36
“A new study claims to have pinned the exact age at which bad habits begin to catch up with our health, and it might be younger than you think. A new study by Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland says that by their mid-30s, people who had an unhealthy relationship with drinking, smoking, and exercise at an earlier age were already showing signs of adverse health.”

Exercise boosts brain health — even when energy is low
“We know exercise is good for our body, but what about our brains? A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that exercise plays a crucial role in keeping our minds sharp, even when one of the brain’s key energy sources isn’t available. The study, led by Mizzou researchers Taylor Kelty and R. Scott Rector, offers fresh insight into brain health and suggests that exercise could play a bigger role in preventing cognitive decline than previously thought.”

New Study Explores the Impact of High-Volume Exercise on Heart Health
“Key Findings: Individuals engaging in intermediate physical activity had the lowest risk of CAD events, such as heart attacks. Those performing high-volume exercise did not experience a reduction in CAD risk compared to those in the low range. However, individuals in the high-volume exercise group had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, reinforcing the broader health benefits of sustained physical activity beyond cardiovascular disease prevention. Coronary artery atherosclerosis remained a strong predictor of CAD events regardless of exercise volume. This study highlights that coronary atherosclerosis in high-volume exercisers is still associated with cardiovascular events, reinforcing the need for careful risk assessment and management in physically active populations.”

HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply
“Washington, DC—APRIL 22, 2025—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced a series of new measures to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply—a significant milestone in the administration’s broader initiative to Make America Healthy Again.”

Sugary Drinks Linked to Gut Bacteria Changes and Diabetes
“Sugary drinks have been linked to changes in the gut microbiome and to a higher risk of developing diabetes in Hispanic or Latino populations, according to study published in Cell Metabolism. Hispanic or Latino populations are at higher risk for diabetes compared to their white counterparts, according to the National Institutes of Health, and while the role of diet in diabetes has been well-studied, less is known about the link between the gut microbiome and disease risk, said Linda Van Horn, PhD, RD, chief of Nutrition in the Department of Preventive Medicine, who was a co-author of the study.”

Navigating global uncertainty together: reframing our approach to control
“In an ever-changing academic landscape, focusing on what we can – and can’t – control and influence helps us build resilience. Here, Imogen and Jay offer practical tips and strategies to help you feel more engaged.”

This physical activity is better at reducing stress than going to the gym — it’s not sex
“Looking to step up your workouts? Forget running on the treadmill or cycling to work. An international team of researchers suggests a different activity to manage stress, build resilience and improve well-being — dancing. “Our research shows that by dancing, we can tap into a natural stress-relief mechanism that enhances our resilience and helps us cope with daily pressures,” said Jonathan Skinner, co-author of the study at the University of Surrey in the UK.”

AI-driven study finds appearance, not health, is the top exercise motivator
“A new study from Tel Aviv University used AI tools for the first time to discover what motivates people to exercise and which strategies are most effective for maintaining physical fitness.”

Impact of combined high-intensity bodyweight interval training and breathing exercise on cardiometabolic health in normal-weight middle-aged adults with hypertension
“In conclusion combined exercise for 10 weeks could lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increase CRF, and improved lipid profile. As a clinical implication, the results of this study can be an alternative or complementary approach to treatment for hypertension, potentially reducing the need for medications and their associated side effects.”

Kennedy asks FDA to revise ‘self-affirm’ rule for food ingredient safety
“March 10 (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. directed the Food and Drug Administration on Monday to revise safety rules to help eliminate a provision that allows companies to self-affirm that food ingredients are safe. This would increase transparency for consumers as well as the FDA’s oversight of food ingredients considered to be safe, Kennedy said.”

Adding 2,500 Daily Steps May Improve Heart Health In Female Cancer Survivors
“Among older female cancer survivors, moderate daily exercise significantly reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Cancer survivors are statistically more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Reducing sedentary time and increasing activity can be easily integrated into daily life to lower cardiovascular disease risk.”

Exercise tied to reduced risk for some neuropsychiatric diseases
“People who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity may be less likely to develop dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders compared with those with more sedentary behavior, according to preliminary study results.”

Make Sure You’re Getting Plenty of These Superfoods for Peak Kidney Health
“According to the CDC, it is estimated that over 1 in 7 US adults has chronic kidney disease. This can cause excess waste and fluid to build up in the body, leading to health problems like heart disease, increased infections, depression, anemia and loss of appetite. The kidneys are essential for overall health.”

Integrative Oncology Program
“The Cancer Advances podcast is joined by the Chair of the Palliative and Supportive Care Department, Laura Shoemaker, DO, and Integrative Medicine Specialist, Naoki Umeda, MD, to talk about Cleveland Clinic’s Integrative Oncology Program. Listen as they share how combining evidence-based complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and lifestyle medicine, with conventional cancer treatment can help alleviate symptoms, enhance patients’ quality of life, and improve outcomes.”

Surprising benefits of one of the most simple forms of exercise
“When it comes to exercise, sometimes simple is best for accessibility and consistency. Not to be overlooked, walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise that provides numerous benefits in the short and long term.”

How to bridge the historical divide between physical and mental wellness
“In a comprehensive Genomic Press Interview published today in Brain Medicine, psychiatry resident Dr. Nicholas Fabiano reveals how a personal injury transformed into groundbreaking research on the intersection of physical and mental health. The interview showcases Dr. Fabiano’s innovative work in lifestyle psychiatry and his mission to bridge the historical divide between physical and mental wellness.”

Muscle strengthening exercise may help tackle insomnia in older adults
“Resistance or muscle strengthening exercise, using weights or the body itself, may be the best type of exercise for tackling insomnia in older age, suggests a pooled data analysis of the available research, published in the open access journal Family Medicine and Community Health.”

A Public Health Amicus Brief Highlights the Harm if the Supreme Court Invalidates a Key Provision of the Affordable Care Act
“Millions would lose access to free preventive health care services such as cancer screenings, the public health brief says.”

The ‘dark matter’ of nutrition: How AI and network science are transforming our understanding of food and health
“Network science and artificial intelligence can identify food molecules that negatively affect health as well as alleviate disease by proposing dietary changes, a Northeastern expert says.”

A prescription for produce improves health, new research finds
“When Davron Jones’ therapist prescribed fruits and vegetables, he was skeptical. The 52-year-old Alameda, California, resident was struggling with depression and alcohol addiction, as well as diabetes and a heart condition. His therapist, who worked at a community health clinic in nearby Oakland, thought improving his nutrition could help.”

Does a vegetarian diet help or harm your brain? Here’s what the science reveals
“In a recent review article in the journal Nutrients, researchers explored whether following vegetarian or vegan diets improves neurological health. Their findings indicate that well-planned plant-based diets, rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, can protect against oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which contribute to neurodegeneration. However, care must be taken to support cognitive well-being while also preventing nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, selenium, and iodine, as these nutrients play crucial roles in brain function and neuroprotection.”

Research debunks belief that e-cigarettes support smoking cessation
“Researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science and Moores Cancer Center at University of California San Diego have found that, among smokers in the United States, e-cigarette use does not increase smoking cessation and is actually associated with reduced tobacco abstinence. The findings, published March 5 in JAMA, refute the notion that e-cigarettes can help people quit, a common misperception among tobacco users and e-cigarette proponents.”

Medicare patients with cancer often receive aggressive treatment over supportive care
“Overall, claims records showed that 45% of the patients experienced potentially aggressive care (such as multiple acute care visits within days of death), while there was a low receipt of supportive care, such as palliative, hospice and advanced care planning in the last six months of life. While hospice care spiked to more than 70% during the month that death occurred, over 16% of patients spent less than 3 days in hospices. Moreover, receipt of advanced care planning and palliative care remained below 25%.”

Acceptability of self-sampling and self-testing for infections: a rapid systematic review on public users’ views
“Conclusions: This review synthesised evidence on the acceptability of SS/ST and factors affecting it across different infections, sampling approaches, settings, and populations. Evidence shows that most people with experience of self-sampling/self-testing found it acceptable and were willing to accept some discomfort in favour of several perceived benefits. This amenability to self-sampling/self-testing could be leveraged for diagnosing infections and preventing transmission. It can be used to support the viability of new models of clinical care and pandemic preparedness.”

Dancing your way to fitness: Study shows health benefits of free-form dance are comparable to conventional exercise
“Forget sneakers or cleats and put on those boogie shoes, as new research from Northeastern University finds that dancing can have the same health benefits as running and other forms of exercise.”

Diet and fitness apps linked to problem eating and body image issues
“New research has linked the use of diet and fitness apps to problematic eating habits and body image issues, particularly in young people. It highlights the fine line that exists between using these apps for motivation and using them to perpetuate potentially dangerous behaviors.”

Nutrition Misinformation
“Nutrition advice is rife with misinformation − a medical education specialist explains how to tell valid health information from pseudoscience”

FDA delays when a final rule on what foods can be labeled as ‘healthy’ goes into effect
“The US Food and Drug Administration’s new standards for foods before they can be labeled as “healthy” on their packaging will go into effect about two months later than planned, according to a government document scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday.”

QA Exclusive: Food Safety Leaders React to Jim Jones’ Departure, FDA Layoffs
“Last week’s news of Jim Jones’ resignation from his position as deputy commissioner for human foods at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following the Trump administration’s layoffs of 89 staffers in the agency’s food division has sparked concerns about the future of food safety in the United States, according to various stakeholders interviewed by QA magazine.”

Most plant-based restaurant meals are unhealthy, study finds
“In a recent study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers examined the menus of restaurants around the world to see whether plant-based offerings at both omnivore (OMNI) and vegan or vegetarian (VEG) eateries are ‘healthful’ in terms of avoiding saturated fats, refined grains, and deep-fried foods.”