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  • Seniors Taking Antidepressants May Benefit from Adding a Daily Probiotic, New Clinical Trial Finds

    Seniors Taking Antidepressants May Benefit from Adding a Daily Probiotic, New Clinical Trial Finds

    A small but carefully designed clinical trial has added meaningful weight to the idea that gut health and mood are biologically connected — with practical implications for millions of older Americans living with depression.

    The trial, published June 17, 2026, in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS), enrolled 58 adults aged 60 and older with moderate depression. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum) or a placebo for 12 weeks, while both groups continued their prescribed antidepressant treatment.

    The result: older adults who added the probiotic experienced meaningfully greater reductions in both depressive and anxiety symptoms than those who received the placebo.

    Why This Matters

    Depression is common in older adults and difficult to treat. Standard antidepressants are effective in roughly half of patients — a success rate that leaves millions without adequate relief. In older adults specifically, antidepressant response rates are lower still, side effects are more pronounced, and polypharmacy (taking many medications simultaneously) adds complexity to treatment decisions.

    A daily probiotic is inexpensive, widely available without a prescription, and has a well-established safety profile in healthy older adults. If it can augment the effect of antidepressants already being taken — with no significant drug interactions — that is a meaningful low-risk option worth discussing with a physician.

    The qualification is equally important: this was a pilot trial of 58 people. It is preliminary evidence, not a treatment recommendation.

    What We Know So Far

    The PRODG trial (Efficacy of Adjunct PRObiotics in Moderate Unipolar Depression in Geriatric Patients) is described by its authors as the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial specifically designed to test probiotic adjunct therapy in a geriatric depression population.

    According to ScienceDaily and Nutrition Insight reporting on the study, participants received either Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum (approximately 6 billion CFU daily) or a placebo. Both groups continued their standard antidepressant treatment throughout.

    Both groups showed substantial overall improvements over the 12-week period — a pattern typical of depression trials, where placebo response is often significant. The probiotic group showed meaningfully greater benefit. Researchers also found elevated serum levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) — a protein that supports neuron survival and growth — in the probiotic group, and measurable shifts in gut bacteria composition consistent with enhanced gut-brain axis signaling.

    What the Evidence Shows — and What It Does Not

    MedicalDaily Evidence Check

    • Study type: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial (PRODG)
    • Participants: 58 adults aged 60 and older with moderate depression
    • Treatment: Lactobacillus helveticus + Bifidobacterium longum (~6 billion CFU daily) vs. placebo for 12 weeks, alongside standard antidepressant treatment
    • Published in: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, June 17, 2026
    • What it found: Meaningfully greater reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms in the probiotic group; elevated BDNF levels; measurable shifts in gut bacteria composition
    • What it did not find: Significant improvement in quality of life or cognitive performance (possibly due to small sample size)
    • Key limitation: 58 participants is small. The trial was conducted in India; how well findings translate to other populations requires further study. A larger confirmatory trial is planned but not yet conducted.
    • What readers should know: This is promising preliminary evidence for a low-risk, low-cost intervention. Discuss with a physician before adding any supplement to an existing treatment regimen.

    Co-corresponding author Saibal Das, MBBS, MD, DM, PhD of the Indian Council of Medical Research stated: “The results of our study are novel, and we are now planning a follow-up, larger-scale clinical trial due to the encouraging findings.”

    What Doctors and Experts Say

    The gut-brain axis — the bidirectional communication network between the gastrointestinal microbiome and the central nervous system — has gained substantial scientific credibility over the past decade. Microbial diversity decreases with age, and communities shift toward pro-inflammatory configurations that may parallel the neuroinflammatory processes observed in geriatric depression.

    Dr. Abhinaba Ghosh, physician and neuroscientist at Tata Medical Center, and lead author, said: “We found that adding specific strains of probiotics has the potential to enhance improvement in depression and anxiety. We did not see a change in the quality of life of the patients, probably because this is a pilot study and there weren’t enough patients. We plan to address this in a follow-up full-scale clinical trial.”

    Psychiatrists reviewing the data have noted that the biological plausibility is sound, the safety profile is established, and the low cost makes the risk-benefit ratio favorable enough to be a reasonable discussion item between patients and their physicians.

    Who Faces the Greatest Risk?

    Older adults with depression who have not achieved adequate symptom relief with their current antidepressant regimen are the primary population for whom this discussion is most relevant. People who are not responding well to treatment, who want low-risk supplementary options, and who are otherwise healthy without contraindications to probiotic use are the most appropriate candidates for this conversation.

    People who are immunocompromised — including those undergoing chemotherapy, taking immunosuppressants, or with HIV — should consult their physician before starting any probiotic, as probiotics carry a small risk of translocation (movement of bacteria into the bloodstream) in severely immunocompromised individuals.

    What You Can Do Now

    • If you are an older adult taking antidepressants and are not achieving adequate symptom relief, ask your physician whether adding a probiotic supplement is something worth trying as an adjunct to your current treatment.
    • The specific strains used in the trial were Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum. Products containing these strains are widely available at pharmacies without a prescription.
    • Do not stop or change your antidepressant without discussing it with your physician first. The trial showed benefit from adding a probiotic alongside existing treatment — not from replacing it.
    • If you are immunocompromised or have serious gastrointestinal conditions, consult your physician before starting any probiotic supplement.
    • Monitor for the larger confirmatory trial, which the research team says is in planning.

    Cost and Access: What Patients Should Know

    Probiotic supplements are widely available at pharmacies and grocery stores without a prescription, typically costing $15 to $40 per month. They are not covered by most insurance plans but are accessible to most people without financial hardship. A physician’s recommendation is not required to purchase them, but discussing any supplement change with your prescribing physician is advisable to ensure there are no contraindications with existing medications.

    What Happens Next

    The research team has announced plans for a larger, full-scale confirmatory trial. No timeline has been publicly specified. Until that trial is completed, the PRODG results should be treated as promising preliminary evidence warranting further study — not as established treatment guidance. MedicalDaily will report on the confirmatory trial results when published.

    The Bottom Line

    A well-designed pilot trial has found that seniors with depression who added a daily probiotic to their antidepressant showed greater improvement than those on placebo, meaningfully, with biological markers to support the finding. The evidence is preliminary, the sample is small, and a larger trial is needed. But the safety profile is good, the cost is low, and the risk-benefit conversation with a physician is reasonable. If you are an older adult who is not getting adequate relief from antidepressants, this is worth asking your doctor about.

    References

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  • Medscape Report Finds Cytoreductive Surgery During TKI Therapy May Extend Survival in EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer Patients

    Medscape Report Finds Cytoreductive Surgery During TKI Therapy May Extend Survival in EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer Patients

    A clinical report published on Medscape on June 22, 2026 presents evidence that adding cytoreductive surgery — the surgical removal of residual tumor masses — during tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) drug therapy may extend survival in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

    The underlying study, published online June 11, 2026, in the International Journal of Cancer, was led by Dr. Fedor Moiseenko of the N.P. Napalkov Cancer Center in St. Petersburg, Russia, and colleagues. The retrospective study analyzed patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated lung cancer who received targeted therapy and, in a subset of cases, also underwent surgical removal of residual tumor masses during the course of drug treatment.

    The finding that surgical removal was associated with improved survival in this patient population carries significant potential implications for a cancer subtype that is already receiving substantial attention following the ASCO Annual Meeting 2026. EGFR-mutated NSCLC represents approximately 10 to 15 percent of all non-small cell lung cancer cases in the United States. Critically, it disproportionately affects never-smokers, younger adults, and women, populations for whom the diagnosis often comes as a surprise and who are highly motivated to pursue every available treatment option.

    The Biology of EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer — and Why Surgery Matters

    EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations drive a subset of NSCLC by producing a continuously activated growth signal that allows cancer cells to proliferate uncontrollably. TKI drugs — osimertinib (Tagrisso), erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib, and others — block this signal, often producing dramatic tumor responses. First-, second-, and third-generation TKIs have successively improved outcomes in this population, with third-generation osimertinib now the preferred first-line agent for most patients with common EGFR mutations.

    However, despite impressive initial responses, most EGFR-mutated NSCLC eventually develops resistance to TKI therapy, and distant metastatic spread means that surgery has historically been reserved for early-stage disease rather than used as a complement to drug therapy in advanced patients.

    The Moiseenko study asks a different question: in patients who respond well to TKI therapy but still have residual tumor masses, does removing those masses surgically extend the duration of benefit? Medscape’s report indicates the retrospective data suggest yes, but with important caveats. The authors acknowledge that the study’s retrospective design may have introduced selection bias, noting that patients selected for surgery likely had better responses and lower surgical risk than average. Most patients in the study also received first- or second-generation TKIs rather than the now-preferred third-generation osimertinib, which limits the generalizability to current treatment standards.

    EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer Surgery Study Detail
    Cancer subtype EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
    Intervention studied Cytoreductive surgery during TKI therapy
    Finding Surgical removal of residual masses associated with improved survival
    Study type Retrospective
    Limitation 1 Possible selection bias (better-responding patients selected for surgery)
    Limitation 2 Most patients on first/second-gen TKIs, not current-standard osimertinib
    Published in International Journal of Cancer (June 11, 2026)
    Reported on Medscape (June 22, 2026)
    Proportion of NSCLC with EGFR mutations ~10–15% of U.S. NSCLC cases
    Population disproportionately affected Never-smokers, younger adults, women

    The Broader EGFR Landscape at ASCO 2026 — and What Patients Should Know

    The Moiseenko surgery finding arrives in the context of a highly active 2026 ASCO data landscape for EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Cancer Therapy Advisor’s ASCO 2026 report described updated CHRYSALIS-2 data showing that first-line amivantamab plus lazertinib, a targeted combination, produced a median overall survival of 41 months in atypical EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC, more than doubling historical outcomes with earlier drugs. At three years, 55% of patients in this cohort were still alive.

    In the EGFR exon 20 insertion space — a rarer subtype previously lacking effective targeted options — the WU-KONG28 phase 3 trial presented at ASCO 2026 showed that sunvozertinib significantly outperformed platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment, representing a potential new standard for this historically difficult-to-treat population.

    The Moiseenko cytoreductive surgery study adds a surgical dimension to a field that has been almost entirely pharmaceutical. As the study authors concluded, the findings suggest that “some patients receiving EGFR TKIs may benefit from cytoreductive surgery,” but that future research must “utilize rigorous criteria for patient selection, ensure proper size of the control group, and avoid diversity of EGFR inhibitors by using osimertinib or similar third-generation drugs.”

    For patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC who are currently on TKI therapy and responding well, this study raises a question worth discussing with their thoracic oncologist: Is there a role for discussing residual disease surgery as part of a comprehensive treatment plan? The answer is not yet established by randomized controlled trial evidence — but the retrospective data and the ASCO 2026 context together suggest the question is worth asking. Any consideration of surgery in advanced lung cancer requires a multidisciplinary tumor board evaluation involving medical oncology, thoracic surgery, and radiation oncology.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What did the June 22 Medscape lung cancer report find?

    Medscape reported June 22, 2026, on a study published in the International Journal of Cancer, finding that cytoreductive surgery — removal of residual tumor masses — during TKI drug therapy was associated with improved survival in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.

    What is EGFR-mutated lung cancer?

    EGFR-mutated NSCLC is a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer driven by mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene. It accounts for approximately 10 to 15 percent of NSCLC cases in the U.S. and disproportionately affects never-smokers, younger adults, and women. It is highly responsive to targeted TKI drugs, including osimertinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, and afatinib.

    Is cytoreductive surgery now a standard of care for EGFR-mutated NSCLC?

    No. The study was retrospective and has important limitations, including potential selection bias and the use of older, less potent TKI drugs rather than the current standard osimertinib. The authors call for future research with rigorous patient selection criteria and randomized controlled trial design before surgery can be considered a standard component of treatment.

    How does this relate to the ASCO 2026 EGFR lung cancer data?

    ASCO 2026 presented multiple significant updates in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, including a median overall survival of 41 months with amivantamab plus lazertinib in atypical EGFR mutations, more than double historical outcomes. The Moiseenko surgery study adds a surgical question to a field that is actively evolving on the pharmaceutical side.

    What should patients with EGFR-mutated lung cancer do with this information?

    Discuss the findings with your thoracic oncologist and ask whether a multidisciplinary tumor board evaluation, involving medical oncology, thoracic surgery, and radiation oncology, might be appropriate to review your specific situation and whether surgical options merit consideration. This is a conversation-starter based on retrospective data, not an established treatment recommendation.

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  • Is Brown Rice Healthier? Study Finds It Contains 40% More Carcinogenic Arsenic

    Is Brown Rice Healthier? Study Finds It Contains 40% More Carcinogenic Arsenic

    Thinking of switching to brown rice for its added nutrients? You may want to think again.

    While the bran layer does pack in more vitamins and minerals, researchers now warn that brown rice contains up to 40% more carcinogenic arsenic than white rice.

    In a recent study published in the journal Risk Analysis, researchers from Michigan State University conducted a comparative analysis of brown and white rice, factoring in cost, popularity, health benefits, and potential risks.

    Their findings revealed a surprising hidden danger: brown rice contained 24% more total arsenic and about 40% more inorganic arsenic (known carcinogen), raising fresh concerns about its reputation as the healthier choice.

    In their comparative analysis, researchers highlighted that brown rice offers notable nutritional benefits, including higher levels of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. It has been associated with reduced risks of cancer, lower cholesterol levels, improved blood pressure, and support for heart health, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, and diabetes.

    However, these health benefits come with significant trade-offs. Brown rice tends to be more expensive, and less appealing in taste and texture for some consumers, and most importantly, it carries a higher risk of arsenic exposure, linked to genetic damage and an increased risk of cancer.

    Meanwhile, white rice presents a more affordable and widely accepted option, appealing to a broader range of consumers across different cultures. Its processing removes much of the arsenic-laden outer layers, resulting in significantly lower levels of both total and inorganic arsenic. However, this also strips away key nutrients, leading to reduced levels of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other beneficial compounds compared to brown rice.

    The researchers also noted that since young children consume considerably more food relative to their body weight than adults, brown rice consumption in young children can increase their foodborne arsenic exposures. Given this concern, they recommend that parents consider balancing brown and white rice in young children’s diets to minimize potential health risks while still providing nutritional benefits.

    “However, there are no acute public health risks indicated for the general American population from rice-related arsenic exposures. Risk–benefit analyses are needed to assess relative risks of arsenic exposure in brown rice compared with the nutritional benefits, in comparison to white rice,” the researchers concluded.

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  • Foreigners in Vietnam Prioritise Doctor Expertise When Choosing Healthcare, Survey Finds

    Foreigners in Vietnam Prioritise Doctor Expertise When Choosing Healthcare, Survey Finds

    When selecting healthcare services in Vietnam, foreign residents prioritize the expertise of medical professionals, according to findings from a newly released survey.

    The survey by Indochina Research Vietnam Ltd. highlights key insights into the healthcare preferences of foreigners living in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho. Vinmec, a leading private hospital chain in Vietnam, leads in brand awareness, with most respondents identifying it as their preferred healthcare provider.

    “This first survey serves as a valuable resource for healthcare institutions in Vietnam, offering them critical data on the needs, expectations, and feedback on past experiences of foreign residents in healthcare facilities in four key cities.” said Xavier Depouilly, General Director of Indochina Research Vietnam.

    The survey was conducted over two months in early 2025 across key urban districts in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho. Using a mix of face-to-face and online surveys, the research gathered insights from foreign nationals aged 18 and above who had used or been aware of medical facilities in Vietnam.

    In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, participants needed three months’ residency in Vietnam and intent to stay six more. In Da Nang and Can Tho, respondents were required to have lived in Vietnam for at least one month, with plans to stay for a further six months.

    According to the study, 80% of respondents in Hanoi, 71% in Ho Chi Minh City, and 78% in Da Nang are familiar with Vinmec’s services, placing the hospital at the top of awareness charts across all surveyed cities. Family Medical Practice, Hanoi French Hospital, and FV Hospital are other top healthcare facilities identified in the survey.

    Vinmec, a leading private hospital chain in Vietnam, leads in brand awareness amongst foreigners living in Vietnam as their preferred healthcare provider.
    PHOTO BY VINMEC

    Among factors influencing healthcare choices, foreigners in Vietnam prioritize doctors’ expertise (53%), followed by the availability of advanced medical equipment (48%) and the quality of patient care or empathy (40%). These preferences remain consistent across cities, although location-specific preferences are evident.

    Within the last two years, 88% of expatriates have engaged with healthcare facilities in Vietnam, predominantly for individual health concerns. Services most often sought include routine health assessments (48%), dental treatments (39%), and standard medical advice (38%). On the other hand, cosmetic enhancements and mental health support are rarely utilized or relied upon, with a mere 3% participation rate.

    Looking ahead, 87% of respondents plan to use medical services in Vietnam within the next 6-12 months. Dental care (59%) and health check-ups (58%) are the most anticipated services.

    For adult treatments, Vinmec is consistently ranked as the top choice across all regions. Meanwhile, when it comes to pediatric care, Family Medical Practice takes the lead.

    For emergency care, preferences vary by city. Vinmec and the FV Hospital are top picks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City respectively. Vinmec is the first choice in Danang, while foreigners in Can Tho prefer the Can Tho University of Medicine as their top option.

    As Vietnam continues to grow as a hub for international business and medical tourism, understanding the healthcare preferences of foreign residents is crucial.
    Xavier emphasized: “We hope these findings will contribute to improving the quality and breadth of healthcare services for expatriates and their families and, in turn, foster the development of medical services in Vietnam.”

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  • Vaping Affects Circulation With Immediate Effects, Study Finds

    Vaping Affects Circulation With Immediate Effects, Study Finds

    Vaping is often promoted as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. But is using e-cigarettes truly risk-free? Researchers have discovered that vaping impacts circulation, with noticeable effects occurring immediately.

    In the latest study that will be presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) next week, researchers explored the impact of both cigarette smoking and vaping on vascular function. The study found that while vaping exposes users to fewer toxic chemicals than cigarettes, it still affects circulation and overall health. Interestingly, the effect was observed even in e-cigarettes without nicotine.

    “E-cigarettes have long been marketed as a safer alternative to regular tobacco smoking. Some believe that e-cigarettes don’t contain any of the harmful products, such as free radicals, found in regular tobacco cigarettes, because no combustion is involved,” said Dr. Marianne Nabbout, the study lead author in a news release.

    To assess the impact on brain circulation, researchers evaluated 31 healthy participants—both smokers and vapers—using MRI scans before and after exposure to tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarette aerosol with nicotine, and e-cigarette aerosol without nicotine. The participants, aged 21 to 49, were compared to baseline scans from 10 non-smokers and non-vapers, aged 21 to 33.

    The study also measured blood flow speed in the femoral artery by placing a cuff on the upper thigh to restrict circulation. Also, the venous oxygen saturation of the participants, which shows the amount of oxygen in the blood returning to the heart after supplying oxygen to the body’s tissues was tested.

    After inhaling each type of vaping or smoking, blood flow in the superficial femoral artery significantly decreased. The greatest decrease in vascular function occurred after vaping e-cigarettes with nicotine, followed by those without nicotine. Vapers also showed lower venous oxygen saturation, indicating an immediate reduction in oxygen uptake by the lungs, regardless of nicotine content.

    “This study serves to highlight the acute effects smoking and vaping can have on a multitude of vascular beds in the human body. If the acute consumption of an e-cigarette can have an effect that is immediately manifested at the level of the vessels, it is conceivable that the chronic use can cause vascular disease,” Dr. Nabbout said.

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  • Cardiovascular Fitness May Lower Dementia Risk, Even For Those With Genetic Predisposition, Study Finds

    Cardiovascular Fitness May Lower Dementia Risk, Even For Those With Genetic Predisposition, Study Finds

    Regular exercise is known to prevent chronic conditions and slow cognitive decline. New research suggests that cardiovascular fitness, the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to muscles during exercise, could also play a crucial role in reducing dementia risk.

    A recent study found that improved cardiorespiratory fitness is linked to better cognitive performance and a lower risk of dementia, even among those genetically predisposed.

    As people age, cardiovascular fitness typically declines by 3% to 6% every decade in their 20s and 30s. However, this decline accelerates to over 20% per decade once individuals reach their 70s. With reduced fitness, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as strokes and heart attacks and mortality from all causes, according to the researchers of the latest study.

    The study evaluated 61,214 participants between the ages of 39 and 70 enrolled in the UK Biobank study between 2009 and 2010. The participants did not have dementia and were followed for up to 12 years.

    The researchers assessed the cardiorespiratory fitness of participants at the beginning of the study by conducting a 6-minute submaximal exercise test on a stationary bike. While neuropsychological tests were used to evaluate cognitive function, the participant’s genetic predisposition for dementia was estimated using the polygenic risk score.

    During the follow-up, 553 people were diagnosed with dementia. Based on the cardiorespiratory fitness scores, the participants were divided into three equal-sized groups standardized by age and sex.

    The analysis revealed that people with higher fitness scores were 40% less likely to develop dementia than those with lower scores. Also, dementia onset was delayed by nearly 1.5 years for those with high scores.

    The researchers noted that in those with a moderate to high genetic risk of dementia, high cardiovascular fitness reduced their risk of developing dementia by 35%.

    Since the study is observational, the researchers could not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. They noted some limitations, including the potential underestimation of dementia cases, as UK Biobank participants are healthier than the general population. Individuals with certain health conditions were excluded from the exercise test, making the study group healthier which may have impacted the findings.

    However, based on the current findings, the researchers suggest that “enhancing CRF could be a strategy for the prevention of dementia, even among people with a high genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s disease.”

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  • Study Finds Two Common Gynecological Disorders Linked To Increased Risk Of Early Death

    Study Finds Two Common Gynecological Disorders Linked To Increased Risk Of Early Death

    History of two common gynecological disorders, endometriosis and uterine fibroids, is linked to an increased risk of early death, a recent study revealed.

    Endometriosis is a chronic reproductive disorder that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing symptoms such as severe period pain, chronic pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and infertility. There is no permanent cure for the condition, so treatment involves managing symptoms.

    Fibroids are noncancerous growths on uterine walls that can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain, and frequent urination. Around 40% to 80% of women have uterine fibroids.

    In a large-scale study, researchers analyzed 110,091 women from the Nurses’ Health Study II, aged 25-42 in 1989. The participants had no prior hysterectomy, cardiovascular diseases, or cancer. Diagnoses of endometriosis (via laparoscopy) and fibroids (via ultrasound or hysterectomy) were self-reported every two years from 1993.

    Over 30 years, there were 4,356 premature deaths, including 1,459 from cancer and 304 from cardiovascular diseases.

    The all-cause premature death rate for women with confirmed endometriosis was 2 per 1,000 person-years, compared to 1.4 per 1,000 for those without. After accounting for factors such as age, weight, diet quality, physical activity, and smoking status, individuals with endometriosis were 31% more likely to die prematurely (before age 70) compared to those without these disorders. The majority of these deaths were attributed to gynecological cancers.

    Although uterine fibroids were not linked to all-cause premature death, the condition elevated the risk of death due to gynecological cancers.

    “Women with a history of endometriosis and uterine fibroids might have an increased long-term risk of premature mortality extending beyond their reproductive lifespan,” the researchers concluded.

    “These conditions were also associated with an increased risk of death due to gynecological cancers. Endometriosis was associated with a greater risk of non-cancer mortality. These findings highlight the importance for primary care providers to consider these gynecological disorders in their assessment of women’s health,” they wrote in the study published in the journal BMJ.

    The researchers caution that since it is an observational study relying on self-reported data, it can be prone to errors. Also, as the participants were predominantly white healthcare workers, the findings may not be generalizable to other populations.

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  • Poor Sleep In 40s May Add Years To Your Brain Age: Study Finds

    Poor Sleep In 40s May Add Years To Your Brain Age: Study Finds

    Missing out on sleep not only makes you feel groggy the next day, but the effects can be long-lasting. Adding to the growing body of evidence, researchers have now found that poor sleep in the middle ages is linked to accelerated brain aging in the next ten years.

    The latest study that evaluated participants’ brain health using brain scans revealed that having poor sleep quality in the 40s might add more years to the brain age.

    “Sleep problems have been linked in previous research to poor thinking and memory skills later in life, putting people at higher risk for dementia. Our study which used brain scans to determine participants’ brain age, suggests that poor sleep is linked to nearly three years of additional brain aging as early as middle age,” said study author, Clémence Cavaillès from the University of California San Francisco in a news release.

    The researchers evaluated the sleep patterns of 589 participants with an average age of 40 using questionnaires at the start of the study and five years later. After 15 years, the researchers evaluated the brain shrinkage of the participants using brain scans.

    The questionnaires evaluated participants based on six sleep issues: difficulty falling asleep, waking up in between sleep, waking up too early, short sleep duration, bad sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness.

    Based on the results, participants were divided into three groups according to their sleep quality. Those in the low group had just one poor sleep characteristic and 70% belonged to this group. However, the middle group, comprising 22% of participants, had two to three poor sleep features, while the high group, with more than three poor sleep characteristics, made up 8% of the population.

    After analyzing brain scans alongside sleep patterns, researchers found that participants in the middle group had an average brain age of 1.6 years older than those in the low group. Meanwhile, those in the high group showed an average brain age of 2.6 years older than the low group.

    Out of the six poor sleep characteristics studied, bad sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep and early morning awakening were linked to greater brain age. This was particularly strong when the participants consistently had it for over five years.

    “Our findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep problems earlier in life to preserve brain health, including maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, exercising, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before going to bed and using relaxation techniques,” said author Dr. Kristine Yaffe, from the University of California San Francisco.

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  • No Cardiovascular Benefits, Raises Circulatory Risks; Study Finds

    No Cardiovascular Benefits, Raises Circulatory Risks; Study Finds

    Sitting for extended periods has long been linked to various health risks including cardiovascular issues, driving the popularity of standing desks among office workers. However, a recent study suggests that standing for extended periods offers no long-term cardiovascular benefits and may not be the better option.

    According to the latest study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, standing for long periods may not benefit heart health and could increase the risk of circulatory problems, such as deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.

    Researchers from the University of Sydney analyzed heart conditions and circulatory disease data from 83,013 UK adults, collected over seven to eight years. These participants, who did not have any heart disease at the start, were monitored using wrist-worn wearables similar to smartwatches to track their activity and health.

    The analysis revealed that for every additional 30 minutes spent standing beyond two hours, the risk of circulatory disease increased by 11 percent.

    “The key takeaway is that standing for too long will not offset an otherwise sedentary lifestyle and could be risky for some people in terms of circulatory health. We found that standing more does not improve cardiovascular health over the long-term and increases the risk of circulatory issues,” Dr Matthew Ahmadi, the lead author of the study said in a news release.

    The researchers also found that sitting for more than 10 hours a day raises the risk of both cardiovascular disease and orthostatic issues.

    Based on these findings, the researchers recommend that people who are regularly sedentary or stand for extended periods incorporate regular movement throughout the day to mitigate these risks.

    “For people who sit for long periods on a regular basis, including plenty of incidental movement throughout the day and structured exercise may be a better way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, Director of the Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub.

    “Take regular breaks, walk around, go for a walking meeting, use the stairs, take regular breaks when driving long distances, or use that lunch hour to get away from the desk and do some movement,” Stamatakis said.

    Earlier research by the team found that just 6 minutes of vigorous exercise or 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per day can reduce the risk of heart disease, even in individuals who are highly sedentary for over 11 hours a day.

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  • Secret To Cholesterol Control? Study Finds Corn Flour Blend Could Be A Game Changer

    Secret To Cholesterol Control? Study Finds Corn Flour Blend Could Be A Game Changer

    Yes, you can control your cholesterol levels through diet, but could it be as simple as adding a corn flour blend to your meals for just a few weeks? Researchers have found that incorporating a blend of refined corn flour and corn bran can reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels by 5% to 13.3% in just four weeks.

    In a clinical trial involving 36 adults with LDL cholesterol above 110 mg/dL, researchers evaluated the consumption of three types of corn flour: whole-grain corn meal, refined corn meal, and a blend (refined corn meal plus corn bran). The participants took each food intervention for four weeks, with at least a two-week break in between, before returning to their baseline.

    At the end of the four weeks, the team found that 70% of the participants had reductions in LDL cholesterol concentrations when consuming the blend, while there were no reductions in other groups. The findings were published in the Journal of Nutrition.

    The researchers provided participants with corn flour incorporated into baked goods, aiming to test a practical and realistic intervention.

    “People often think that dietary changes must be robust and significant to have a real impact on cardiovascular health and metabolic regulation. The bottom-line is this: corn is unique and underappreciated. The art and science of refining grains and making full use of corn bran can result in delicious foods that, in this case, also happen to produce real results for heart health,” Corrie Whisner, a researcher from the Arizona State University, said in a news release.

    The researchers noted that there were no digestive discomforts for any participants during the interventions, indicating that there was no significant change in gut microbiota. However, they found an increase in gut bacteria- Agathobaculum during the phase in which participants had whole-grain corn, but not in the other two groups.

    “The increase in Agathobaculum could be due to the greater diversity of polyphenols found in whole grain corn, which has the highest antioxidant capacity (compared to wheat, oats, and rice), but the study did not analyze this possibility,” Whisner said.

    “Nevertheless, while the influence of whole grains on the microbiota varies from person-to-person, some universals are generally known fibers in whole grains can be fermented by microbes into butyrate, and both fiber and butyrate are frequently associated with a healthy gut. These findings support that understanding,” Whisner added.

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