Tirzepatide is Here, Higher IQ Brains Slower to Solve Problems, Harms of Sucralose, Probiotic Supps-Not All Pros, Make Your Own Yogurt.
Move over Ozempic, Tirzepatide is here!
Gist: Researchers from Eli Lilly and Company report that a new weight loss drug, tirzepatide, has helped patients lose over 20% of their body weight in a phase 3 clinical trial, a first in the field.
Nitty-Gritty: The 72-week trial involved over 2,500 participants who took either 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg of the medication weekly. Depending on the dosage, participants lost between 16% and 22.5% of their body weight, with 96% of those taking 10 or 15 mg losing at least 5% of their total body weight. Tirzepatide, a once-weekly medication, is part of a new class of drugs being studied for obesity treatment. It activates two of the body’s natural hormones (i.e., glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor ) which can decrease food intake and increase energy expenditure. Side effects were mild or moderate and gastrointestinal-related (similar to Semaglutide a.k.a Ozempic).
Big Picture: Further studies are planned for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Original source: here.
Higher IQ individuals slower to solve complex problems vs. those with lower IQs 🧐
Gist: Researchers at BIH and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin found that higher IQ individuals were quicker on simple tasks but slower on complex ones than those with lower IQ scores.
Nitty-Gritty: This was discovered using personalized brain simulations of 650 participants. It was found that brains with less synchrony between areas tend to make rushed decisions, as opposed to waiting for required processing steps. Contrarily, brain models for participants with higher IQ scores needed more time for challenging tasks but made fewer mistakes. This research utilized data from the Human Connectome Project and integrated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans into mathematical models.
Big Picture: The study's findings suggest the brain's synchronization impacts the decision-making process, and while gathering evidence may take longer, it leads to better results. According to the researchers, these insights could be beneficial for treatment planning in neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson's disease- See original source for further details on this.
Original source: here.
Sucralose: can it damage gut cells?🍭
Gist: A recent study led by Susan Schiffman at North Carolina State University warns that sucralose, a popular zero-calorie artificial sweetener used in numerous food and beverage products, could cause harm to human health.
Nitty-Gritty: Splenda, the most recognized sucralose-based product in the US, is used by over 50 million people. Schiffman's research suggests that sucralose intake can damage gut cell membranes, cause irritable bowel syndrome, and lead to a leaky gut, which could result in unwanted substances entering the bloodstream. Additionally, when sucralose breaks down in the gut, it can form sucralose-6-acetate, a chemical capable of damaging DNA.
Big Picture: Despite these findings, a representative for Splenda maintains that their product is safe and does not contain sucralose-6-acetate (hahah! However, can that comment be taken at face value? We doubt it!). Schiffman recommends further research into sucralose's health impacts, urging a review of its safety and regulatory status– We have to agree! More information is likely helpful here. Likely better to limit your intake of sucralose and stick with whole food and nature's sugar (i.e., fructose from fruits).
Original source: here.
Probiotic supplements: what you may wanna consider.💊
Gist: Probiotic supplements, despite industry claims of health benefits, may offer little advantage and could be detrimental to healthy individuals by altering gut microbiome composition and decreasing microbial diversity, linked to various health problems.
Nitty-Gritty: Studies show that probiotic use, including counteracting antibiotics effects, can potentially lead to gut dysbiosis. A limited subset, particularly those with gastrointestinal issues, may find benefits from probiotics, such as reducing symptoms of IBS and IBD, preventing traveler's diarrhea, and lessening antibiotic side effects. However, maintaining gut health through a diet rich in diverse vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and fermented foods is deemed more reliable. Probiotics can have varying effects, with studies demonstrating both improvements and worsening in health metrics in different individuals.
Big Picture: Those prescribed antibiotics or suffering digestive ailments are advised to consult their health care provider regarding probiotics use.
If you're looking for ways to add fermented food to your diet, consider doing it gradually to give your body time to adjust. You may also consider adding fermented foods such as kimchi, unsweetened yogurt, kefir or sauerkraut. Check out the short video below on how to make your own yogurt! 😋
Original source: here.
Run time: 3mins 50secs.
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