The hottest Nutrition Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Unsettled Science 772 implied HN points 15 Mar 24
  1. Harvard longevity expert David Sinclair faced challenges in his career due to questions about the science behind his longevity claims for resveratrol, affecting his reputation and leading to his resignation.
  2. Recent dietary guidelines in Germany emphasizing less meat and dairy in favor of grains and vegetables have raised concerns among experts, including questioning the soundness of these plant-based recommendations.
  3. A study using data from the influential Nurses Health Study at Harvard School of Public Health revealed that even those who followed U.S. dietary guidelines on fat consumption still gained weight, shedding doubt on the effectiveness of these dietary recommendations.
Are You Okay? 359 implied HN points 29 Mar 24
  1. Measles is difficult to contain due to the anti-vax movement and asymptomatic spread. Symptoms can include cough, runny nose, pink eye, fever, and a rash spreading across the body.
  2. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and provides lifelong protection. It is recommended for adults without a history of measles.
  3. Taking vitamin B12 supplements may be necessary for individuals with low levels, especially if caused by medications like Prilosec; however, unnecessary vitamin supplementation should be approached with caution.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Unsettled Science 675 implied HN points 08 Mar 24
  1. FDA approved an over-the-counter glucose monitor, making it easier for people to track blood sugar levels, important for weight loss and managing diabetes
  2. Labrador retrievers with a specific gene mutation struggle with obesity, showing lower metabolic rate and greater hunger, shedding light on genetic factors affecting weight
  3. FDA permitted a qualified health claim that yogurt 'may' prevent type 2 diabetes, based on limited scientific evidence, raising concerns about potential health risks of promoting foods high in added sugars
Unsettled Science 522 implied HN points 12 Mar 24
  1. Experts suggest that ultra-processed foods may have addictive qualities due to their combination of sugar, salt, and fat, similar to how tobacco affects addiction.
  2. Food addiction research has developed tools like the Yale Food Addiction Scale to understand dependencies on specific nutrients like sugar, sugar-plus-fat, and carbohydrates-plus-fat.
  3. Debates continue on whether food addiction is due to behavioral disorders or physiological dependencies, with ongoing discussions about the impact of food processing on addiction.
Are You Okay? 559 implied HN points 08 Mar 24
  1. Coronary calcium scoring, known as CAC, helps identify cholesterol plaque in the heart's blood vessels, which can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart-related issues.
  2. People at high risk for heart disease should consider getting a CAC for early risk assessment and potential prevention strategies.
  3. Insurance coverage for medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight loss can pose challenges even for individuals struggling with obesity, emphasizing the need for help beyond diet and exercise.
Unsettled Science 818 implied HN points 16 Feb 24
  1. Ketogenic diet can help reduce alcohol cravings based on a small study, which also showed benefits in mice and humans.
  2. NIH is investing $190 million in short-term nutrition studies with questionable value, sparking concerns about meaningful data and focus.
  3. Weight-loss prescriptions among U.S. service members, along with rising obesity rates in military, raise questions about the effectiveness of current dietary guidelines and the impact on national security.
thezvi 1517 implied HN points 16 Jan 24
  1. Saving up medical and health related stories allows for better organization
  2. Vaccination developments include a new malaria vaccine, FDA approved vaccine for chikungunya, and a vaccine for cancer
  3. Challenges in the medical field include lack of funding delays, issues with the FDA, and concerns about the origins of Covid-19
chamathreads 864 implied HN points 10 Feb 24
  1. Drug companies are working on solutions to prevent muscle mass loss caused by weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Doctors suggest simple fixes like increasing protein intake and weightlifting.
  2. A recent study suggests that a special set of molecules on the extra X chromosome in women may make them more susceptible to autoimmune conditions. This discovery could lead to new, more targeted treatments.
  3. Adam Neumann, the co-founder of WeWork, is in talks with a hedge fund to buy back the company out of bankruptcy. WeWork's bankruptcy was fueled by debt and a decline in demand for office space.
Unsettled Science 482 implied HN points 01 Mar 24
  1. A start-up company has developed a fiber-based drink mix that acts like a sponge in the stomach to absorb sugar, offering a new approach to sugar elimination.
  2. The sponge drink comes at a cost of $150 a month and has been deemed safe, but its effectiveness in reducing blood-sugar spikes is not fully proven.
  3. Other start-up companies in the nutrition and health field, like Zye in the UK, are also making innovative products to address health concerns.
Why is this interesting? 422 implied HN points 22 Feb 24
  1. The Presidential Physical Fitness Award had high standards like 40 push-ups, 10 pull-ups, and a 6:30 mile run, with the goal of improving national health and reducing childhood obesity.
  2. The program was ingrained in the US school system and became a cultural memory for a certain generation, showing the impact of collective fitness goals.
  3. China is now emphasizing physical fitness similarly to how JFK did in the 1960s, with a focus on societal benefits like fitness and achievements reflected in their social media platforms.
The Next Brand 609 implied HN points 02 Feb 24
  1. Ozempic, a GLP-1 agonist, is being hyped as a solution to obesity, but it may not address the real issues of metabolic health in America.
  2. Ozempic, despite its weight loss claims, may result in serious side effects, including muscle and bone loss, gastrointestinal events, and more.
  3. The push to fund drugs like Ozempic with taxpayer money raises concerns about cost, corruption, and missed opportunities to address root causes of health issues.
Unsettled Science 499 implied HN points 09 Feb 24
  1. A virtual course on reversing type 2 diabetes is being offered, with notable faculty and CME credit available.
  2. Influential studies claiming red meat is bad for health are criticized for flawed methods and lack of transparency.
  3. Nutritional approaches to health may be misrepresented in certain studies, impacting policies and recommendations.
Are You Okay? 479 implied HN points 09 Feb 24
  1. Intermittent fasting may work for some to aid in weight loss or improved metabolism, but it can be challenging for many due to feelings of irritability and restrictive eating behaviors.
  2. Data on APOE4 gene testing for Alzheimer's is mixed; the decision to find out your APOE status should be thoughtful due to potential health anxiety, but lifestyle interventions may be suggested based on the results.
  3. Extreme diets like intermittent fasting may not be the most effective in the long run, and sustainable lifestyle changes are crucial for lasting health outcomes.
Unsettled Science 675 implied HN points 22 Jan 24
  1. Nutrition researchers caution against using individual or small sample experiences as evidence in clinical practice.
  2. Physicians believe in the effectiveness of carbohydrate restriction based on their observations of patient outcomes.
  3. There is a conflict between doctors and academics regarding the best approach for treating obesity and diabetes.
Unsettled Science 312 implied HN points 23 Feb 24
  1. Medical revolutions often start with anecdotes, leading to clinical trials to verify effectiveness and potential risks.
  2. The ketogenic diet is being tested for serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
  3. There is a proposal to use Medelian Randomization as a substitute for traditional clinical trials in studying the impact of meat intake on cardiovascular health.
Are You Okay? 519 implied HN points 02 Feb 24
  1. Limit exposure to microplastics by using stainless steel or glass instead of plastic products like water bottles and food containers.
  2. Infrared saunas may not be effective for energy and weight loss as some claim, according to a medical professional.
  3. Research on the potential health impacts of microplastics and the mechanisms for toxicity is ongoing; more studies are needed.
Are You Okay? 718 implied HN points 12 Jan 24
  1. Protein is crucial for various bodily functions like energy, muscle mass, and immune function. It's possible to meet protein needs with a vegan diet.
  2. Primary care physicians may not always have the time to create a comprehensive treatment plan for multiple health issues. Finding a holistic practitioner who can integrate inputs from various specialists is important for whole-body care.
  3. As we age, maintaining muscle mass becomes essential. Daily protein requirements may vary but generally range from 0.32 to 0.45 grams per pound of body weight. Various food sources like chicken, fish, tofu, and lentils can provide sufficient protein.
The Vajenda 5287 implied HN points 29 May 23
  1. There is no special code or secret for weight loss during menopause, despite what some predatory sources may claim.
  2. Hormone therapy does not aid in weight loss or boost metabolism during menopause.
  3. Menopause itself is not directly linked to weight gain, but weight changes tend to be influenced by factors like age and lifestyle choices.
Experimental Fat Loss 106 implied HN points 18 Mar 24
  1. Decision-making dilemma: stick to what works or explore new options. It's tricky to find the balance.
  2. Balancing exploitation and exploration in weight loss experiments is key to progress. Trying new things can build confidence, but sticking to what's known to work is crucial for consistent results.
  3. It's important to evaluate the success of experiments and prioritize proven methods. Understanding mechanisms behind weight loss can lead to more effective strategies.
Are You Okay? 619 implied HN points 29 Dec 23
  1. Engaging in weight-bearing exercises like yoga can improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, along with a calcium-rich diet and vitamin D supplements.
  2. For older adults, incorporating simple weight-bearing exercises into routines, like wearing a weighted vest while walking, can significantly enhance muscle strength and overall health.
  3. Decisions on medications for osteoporosis should be personalized, considering the effectiveness of lifestyle changes and the potential benefits of prescriptions like Fosamax, which may be complemented by habits like yoga.
INDIGNITY 235 implied HN points 09 Feb 24
  1. Opt for healthier snack alternatives like peanuts for crunch without the guilt of unhealthy options.
  2. Making small changes like cutting down on sugar, coffee, and unhealthy snacks can lead to positive transformations in your diet.
  3. Choosing the right variety of peanuts, like Virginia peanuts, can make a difference in the satisfaction and healthiness of your snack choices.
Rod’s Blog 515 implied HN points 27 Dec 23
  1. It's crucial for cybersecurity analysts to prioritize their mental and physical health to combat the demands of the field.
  2. Regular exercise, balanced diet, and stress management are key components to maintaining health and resilience as a cybersecurity analyst.
  3. Being aware of cybersecurity risks associated with health-related technology and taking precautions is essential for a successful and healthy career in cybersecurity.