This is a bitter pill to swallow. Many cocoa products in the US contain concerning levels of toxic heavy metals, a new study from George Washington University warns. Many cocoa products in the US contain worrisome levels of lead and cadmium, a new study from George Washington University warns. Picture Partners – stock.adobe.com Researchers analyzed 72 cocoa-based foods — including dark chocolate, often praised as a heart-healthy treat — over eight years. They found that 43% of the products contained an amount of lead that tops recommendations, while 35% exceeded cadmium limits. Surprisingly, organic-labeled products had higher levels of lead and cadmium than non-organic products, the researchers said. Contamination can come from soil or occur during manufacturing. A single serving of these cocoa items may not pose significant health risks, but several servings might. Leigh Frame, director of integrative medicine at GW, led the testing of 72 cocoa-based products. The George Washingto...
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Ozempic could also help you quit smoking — here's how
Taking Ozempic or its sister drug Wegovy may help some smokers kick the habit, new research suggests.
The study compares the effects of eight antidiabetic medications — including injectable insulin, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and drugs similar to Ozempic — on nicotine dependence. An estimated 28 million American adults smoke cigarettes, the leading cause of lung cancer worldwide.
An estimated 28 million American adults smoke cigarettes. LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – stock.adobe.com
Researchers tracked nearly 223,000 new users of antidiabetic medications — including about 6,000 semaglutide patients — and noted who sought medical care for tobacco addiction, who was prescribed medication to try to quit and who received counseling for it.
Semaglutide was associated with a lower risk for needing help with tobacco cravings versus other antidiabetic treatments, especially insulin.
Ozempic may ease nicotine addiction, a new study says. Fernanda – stock.adobe.com
The semaglutide effects were observed in obese and non-obese smokers. Results were seen primarily within 30 days of starting the semaglutide prescription.
The US Food and Drug Administration approved Ozempic in 2017 to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults and Wegovy in 2021 for adult weight loss.
Type 2 diabetes — which affects more than 34 million Americans — occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin well, resulting in high blood sugar.
This new study, conducted by researchers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institutes of Health and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, was published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The study authors caution that while their findings are promising, semaglutide should not be used off-label for tobacco addiction. Further studies are needed.
The researchers are unsure exactly why Ozempic might affect nicotine dependence, but they think it could be the drug interacting with the brain’s reward system.
Further studies are needed to see how and why Ozempic may cause a smoker to quit. Sunny – stock.adobe.com
The injectable drug — which mimics the GLP-1 hormone the body produces after eating, so users feel fuller for longer — has exploded in popularity in recent years.
Novo Nordisk — the Danish pharmaceutical firm that makes Ozempic and Wegovy — said its products should only be used for FDA-approved means.
“While our clinical studies have not been designed to assess the ability of semaglutide on tobacco use disorder or other addiction-related illnesses, data from nonclinical, clinical, and post-marketing sources have not shown any evidence indicating a causal relationship between semaglutide and TUD or addiction-related illnesses,” the company said in a Monday statement to The Post.
Dolores Catania’s weight loss journey has been a matter of discussion and inspiration around the globe. Her 3-year-old story of shedding 25 pounds over 45 days is still heard and reflected upon to trace her ever-evolving weight loss timeline. Last year, in one of the interviews, the Reality star spilled the beans saying that dropping a few pounds was possible due to the consumption of Ozempic and Mounjaro — types of drugs prescribed by her medical professionals. Initially, Dolores weighed 157lbs and after losing 20-something pounds, she was 137lbs. Currently, she weighs 130lbs, however, her weight loss story doesn’t stop here. She has a goal to reach the lower 130s. Adding to that, she disclosed that she was down to 129 pounds and wished to hit somewhere between 120 to 125 lbs as recommended by her doctor considering her 5-foot-3-inch height. Who Is Dolores Catania? Dolores Catania is a renowned American Television personality, best known for her role in The Real Housew...
In our fast-paced modern world, having the ability to calm the mind is invaluable. By learning to control the breath and withdraw the senses with the practice of Tummo breathing you can tap into an inner stillness. Those who regularly practice Tummo often report feeling more centered, present, and in tune with themselves. Also known as “Inner Fire” meditation, Tummo helps ignite inner “heat,” burning away mental fog while energizing both body and mind. Our contributor Bayu Prihandito, Life Coach, and RYT 200 Yoga Teacher, says, “What we call the “inner fire” Tummo meditation, is known to increase mental clarity, focus, and reduce stress. With practice and patience, you can experience a heightened sense of peace from the ability to manage your emotions more effectively.” With roots tracing back centuries in Tibetan Buddhism, Tummo uses focused breathing and visualization to unlock deep states of relaxation and mental clarity. This Tibetan meditation technique is...
This is a bitter pill to swallow. Many cocoa products in the US contain concerning levels of toxic heavy metals, a new study from George Washington University warns. Many cocoa products in the US contain worrisome levels of lead and cadmium, a new study from George Washington University warns. Picture Partners – stock.adobe.com Researchers analyzed 72 cocoa-based foods — including dark chocolate, often praised as a heart-healthy treat — over eight years. They found that 43% of the products contained an amount of lead that tops recommendations, while 35% exceeded cadmium limits. Surprisingly, organic-labeled products had higher levels of lead and cadmium than non-organic products, the researchers said. Contamination can come from soil or occur during manufacturing. A single serving of these cocoa items may not pose significant health risks, but several servings might. Leigh Frame, director of integrative medicine at GW, led the testing of 72 cocoa-based products. The George Washingto...
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