The more ultra-processed foods someone eats the more likely they are to develop dementia

People with diets that contain high levels of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are more likely to develop dementia and other neurological issues later in life. Using data from the UK Biobank, researchers publishing in Neurology, found that for every additional 10% of a person's diet that was made up of UPFs, their risk of developing dementia increased by 25%. Substituting fresh, nutrient dense wholefoods, as recommended by our Food4Health guidelines and book RESET EATING reduces the risk of developing dementia by nearly 20%.

Are sea birds dying from bird flu or emissions from cell phone towers?

Birds around the developed world are dropping dead in their hundreds and thousands. The official explanation of the deaths is bird flu. However, there are many who believe they could be linked to increased electro-magnetic radiation as more and more antennae are added to cell phone towers upping the level of emissions. Arthur Firstenberg explores the evidence around bird deaths at multiple sites and the potential role of EMFs in the latest edition of the Cell Phone Task Force's newsletter.

Daily exposure to forever chemicals is driving chronic disease

Daily exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as forever chemicals that are present in many everyday household items known as forever chemicals, may be contributing to the development of thyroid disease, cancer and childhood obesity according to a new study published in Exposure and Health by researchers from NYU Langone Health. The study of nearly 5,000 patients identified 13 medical conditions in which PFAS exposure is implicated. The researchers were particularly concerned about the economic impact of these illnesses, estimating the total cost of these diseases at around $36 billion in terms of healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Your biological, not your chronological age, dictates how long you will live

Living a long and healthy life is not related to our age as dictated by our birth date. Rather, how healthy our cells are (our biological age) gives a much better clue to our healthspan. Those with a lower biological age, particularly if it's lower than their chronological age, are far more likely to live to beyond 90 years than those with a biological age higher than their birth age. Researchers publishing in JAMA Open Network, using data collected from 1,813 women from the US Women's Health Initiative, found every 5 to 8 years reduction in biological ageing equated to a 20-32% lower chance of living to the age of 90 with good cognitive and physical health. Contrary to popular belief living a long, healthy life is perfectly possible. It just needs a little dedication and some changes to the way we eat and live our lives.

Find more tips and information on extending your healthspan here and here including the importance of having mission and purpose (ikigai) in life.