New study shows that Berberine ursodeoxycholate is a potential effective treatment supplement option for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), with significant reductions in A12C and fasting glucose levels. This natural derivative drug is a novel gut-liver anti-inflammatory metabolic modulator that could help in the management of T2 diabetes. It also lowers non-high cholesterol blood level, a very promising addition to current armamentarium for T2 diabetes. Do not take or alter any medication without consulting with your physician.
Fluoride in water?
On April 2, 2025, Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, going into effect May 7,2025. This substance is naturally found in soil, foods, and water, but synthetically produced for use in water, mouthwashes, toothpastes and many chemical products. Fluoride was added to the municipal water supply to reduce the prevalence of tooth decay, a most common health problem among children. However, studies have shown that fluoride causes dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, thyroid and neurological problems. In 2014, fluoride was documented as a neurotoxin, and in 2017, a report suggested exposure to fluoride while in the womb led to poorer cognitive outcomes for the baby. Other include acne and other skin conditions, cardiovascular problems, reproductive issues, and in some cases, fluoride poisoning. The WHO recommends drinking water to contain no more than 1.5 ppm fluoride, and the US-EPA asked people to report levels above 2 ppm.
Calcium lowers cancer risk
A higher level of calcium intake from dietary sources and supplements was found to be constantly associated with lower risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). according to the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study among 471,396 adults, with a 7-year follow-up. The detailed findings are as follows:
- “During more than 7.3 million person-years of follow-up (median, 18.4 years), there were 10,618 first primary CRC cases.
- Participants in the highest quintile of total calcium intake (2056 mg/d for women, 1773 mg/d for men) had a 29% lower risk for CRC (hazard ratio [HR], 0.71) than those in the lowest quintile (401 mg/d for women, 407 mg/d for men).
- The inverse association was observed across all tumor sites, including the proximal colon (HR, 0.75), distal colon (HR, 0.73), and rectum (HR, 0.61).
- Dairy, nondairy, and supplemental calcium sources all contributed to risk reduction.
Overall, for each additional 300 mg/d in total, dietary, and supplemental calcium intake, there was an 8%, 10%, and 5% decrease in CRC risk, respectively. In Black individuals, there was a 32%, 36%, and 19% decrease in CRC risk, respectively.”
Apple cider
Nutritional experts report vinegar, like Apple cider and Italian oil-vinegar dressing before meals, can help flatten spikes in glucose (blood sugar) level. Eating protein and fats first before carbohydrates in meals also helps bring down sugar spikes.
Exercise and longevity
Past clinical studies have shown that regular physical exercise, as a part of living a healthy lifestyle, may help extend longevity. A new study reveals that higher levels of physical activity, strenuous exercises, may not benefit life span as previously regarded. It appears that moderate physical activities, like climbing stairs, walking, even regular house chores like carrying grocery bags, etc., are still crucial for overall health and quality of life. A sedentary couch-potato life is unhealthy.
Cannabis warning
Research at Stanford suggests clinicians “should warn their patients about the potential of cannabis to harm cardiovascular health.” It is now evident in a large scales 2024 epidemiological studies on 430,000 (cannabis users) responders, there was 49 percent increase in heart attacks and twofold increase in stroke. A 2022 study at Stranford University, analyzing 50,000 subjects in the ULK Biobank, revealed similar findings.
CR cancer in children
The colorectal cancer rates among children, teens, and young adults have been rising in recent years. Researchers investigated different types of diets and bacteria to find out if gut microbiome and diet have any impact on colorectal cancer development. They discovered that a low-car, low fiber diet combined with a particular strain of E. coli can lead to an increase in polyps in the colon, which can develop into colorectal cancer. Low carb diets, like the keto diet, may have negative health consequences. The study was published in Nature Microbiology.
Olive oil
Now trending in health and nutrition is taking 1 to 2 tablespoons of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) every day, at night. This super healthy oil is rich in antioxidant, like polyphenols and vitamin E, which protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also contains oleocanthal, an anti-inflammatory agent against arthritis and cancer. EVOO also regulates appetite and promotes weight control, protects the brain, and boosts the immune system.
Premature death
Swapping butter for plant-based oils, like (especially) olive oil, soybean oil, and canola oil, may lower the risk for premature death. Substituting 10 grams of butter a day with an equal amount of plant-based oils was associated with 17 percent reduction in overall mortality and a 17 percent decrease in cancer mortality. The cohort study, which was posted in JAMA Internal Medicine, involved 200,000 among 3 different population: the Nurse Health Study (1990-2023), the Nurse Health Study II (1991-2023, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1990-2023), all healthy subjects, with a 33-year follow-up. A simple, painless, switch that maximizes longevity.
The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle, to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, Astronaut Gus Grissom, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
