Nutrition Corner

Can Chia Water Actually Help You Lose Weight? Chia seed water, touted on TikTok for weight loss, claims to promote fullness and aid digestion. However, scientific research on its effectiveness is limited and inconclusive, with some studies suggesting potential benefits but calling for further investigation into long-term outcomes and optimal usage.

MSG: What it is, and why you might consider avoiding foods that contain it: MSG, a widely used flavor enhancer found in many packaged and restaurant foods, boosts savory tastes by intensifying umami flavors. Despite being considered safe by the FDA, some people choose to avoid foods containing MSG due to concerns about potential side effects or sensitivities associated with its consumption.

Recipe for The Day

Grilled Fish Tacos with Chipotle-Lime Dressing Recipe: Enjoy grilled fish tacos with chipotle-lime dressing by seasoning and grilling white fish fillets, then assembling them with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, and a flavorful chipotle-lime dressing on warm tortillas. This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

Lifestyle & Fitness Focus

These Simple Exercises May Prevent Chemo-Induced Neuropathy

A new study reveals that integrating basic exercises with a physical therapist during chemotherapy could substantially lower the incidence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

Led by Fiona Streckmann from the University of Basel, the randomized clinical trial observed a reduction in CIPN onset by 50 to 70 percent among participants undergoing various chemotherapy treatments. The exercises included sensorimotor training emphasizing balance and whole-body vibration training, highlighting their potential to mitigate debilitating symptoms associated with cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy and modern immunotherapies, while crucial for combating cancer, often inadvertently damage nerves, leading to neuropathic symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling.

Katie Schmitt, an oncology physical therapist, underscores that these symptoms can persist long after treatment ends, affecting up to 85 percent of patients. Despite limited medication options for managing neuropathy, the study suggests that structured exercise programs could offer a proactive approach to symptom reduction and improving quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

The findings underscore the significance of exercise as a therapeutic adjunct during chemotherapy, potentially reducing the need for dosage adjustments and enhancing treatment outcomes.

While acknowledging the challenges of integrating exercise programs into cancer care routines, particularly amidst the emotional and physical toll of treatment, experts like Schmitt advocate for its inclusion as a standard supportive therapy.

Further research and broader acceptance of these findings may pave the way for personalized cancer care strategies that prioritize both treatment efficacy and patient well-being.

Heart Experts Have Tips on Staying Safe in the Summer Heat

With summer's scorching temperatures looming, the American Heart Association (AHA) issues a stern warning for heart patients to take extra precautions. Heat-related deaths, which claim over 1,200 lives annually in the United States, are largely preventable with proper safety measures, emphasized AHA President Dr. Joseph Wu.

This advice holds particular importance for vulnerable groups such as infants, older adults, and individuals with conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of heart disease or stroke.

A recent study published in the AHA journal Circulation projects a potential doubling in cardiovascular deaths linked to extreme heat over the next two decades. This underscores the heightened risk that heart patients face during periods of excessive heat.

To safeguard against heat-related illnesses, Dr. Wu recommends several key precautions. These include avoiding outdoor activities during peak sun hours, wearing lightweight, breathable clothing, staying well-hydrated, and taking breaks in shaded or cool areas.

Additionally, recognizing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke—such as headaches, rapid pulse, and confusion—is crucial, with immediate medical attention advised for anyone experiencing these signs.

Despite the challenges posed by summer heat, maintaining physical activity remains important. Adjusting exercise times to cooler parts of the day or seeking indoor alternatives like gyms or malls can help individuals stay active while minimizing heat exposure risks.

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