The Daily News – January 8, 2025

In the news today, A disease that can damage the liver undetected. Next, experts warn of health and climate impacts of drinking bottled water. And lastly, do you suffer from Canker Source? Well, we’ll discuss some simple changes for a faster recovery. Welcome to the Daily News. First, a recent article in the New York Times pointed to the fastest growing reason why people require liver transplants in the United States. Metabolic dysfunction associated stenotic liver disease, also known as mazel. This condition previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects about four out of 10 people. The condition can progress into serious inflammation, cellular damage, and liver scarring. The problem. While masal is virtually invisible and many patients may not feel sick for years, a doctor and researcher of liver disease was quoted as saying it’s largely asymptomatic until it’s not. And usually when it is symptomatic, it’s quite advanced. Once liver function declines, certain symptoms can appear. These include a yellowing of the skin, a swollen abdomen from fluid retention and confusion caused by a buildup of toxins. The article notes that certain people are more at risk. These include people with type two diabetes or obesity, especially those with excess fat around the abdomen. This excess padding known as visceral fat releases chemicals that cause inflammation and damage to liver cells. The article notes that patients can get routine lab tests to identify any risks, but the author reports that this screening isn’t widespread. The good news, mazel is reversible. The article indicates that early stage mazel can be reversed through weight loss and dietary changes. When fat buildup and inflammation are stopped, the liver can heal itself. The author highlighted the most common doctor recommendation, the Mediterranean diet, along with at least 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise and resistance training. It also noted that the scientific jury was still out on whether weight loss drugs like Ozempic would help stop the progression of liver disease. Next on our list, could our reliance on bottled water be causing more harm than good? Well, according to experts in a new report published in BMJ Global Health, the answer might be yes. They warned that the widespread use of bottled water is contributing to both health risks and environmental damage. Globally, about 1 million bottles are purchased every minute. Much of it is driven by convenience and marketing claims that suggest bottled water is safer than tap water. However, researchers argue that this is often misleading, pointing out that up to two thirds of bottled water in the US is simply repackaged tap water. Recent studies have even found cancer causing chemicals in some bottled water, such as those from the San Francisco Bay area. These researchers also highlight that plastic bottles themselves pose a significant risk. Chemicals from the plastic can leach into the water, especially when bottles are exposed to sunlight or heat. Their studies found microplastics in nearly 80% of bottled water samples, which have been linked to health concerns like immune system disruption and cardiovascular disease. Environmentally, the article warns of major impacts as well. Plastic bottles are the second most common plastic waste item in the ocean with only 9% ever being recycled. Most of this waste ends up in landfills or incinerators, and much of it is exported to lower income countries raising ethical concerns around global waste management. The researchers argue that more government action is needed to curb bottled water use, and they suggest increasing access to safe tap water as a solution. They also recommend that consumers opt for tap water whenever possible to help reduce environmental damage and potential health risks from bottled water contaminants. As for those who store bottled water for emergencies, the experts suggest regularly replacing it to avoid chemical leaching or using non-plastic containers as a safer alternative. According to the researchers addressing bottled water dependency is key for both public health and environmental sustainability. And for our last story, do you suffer from canker sores? Well, you might want to take a closer look at your toothpaste. Researchers suggest that sodium lal sulfate or SLS, which is a common ingredient used to make toothpaste foam, could be making your canker sores last longer and feel more painful in some studies. Switching to an SLS free toothpaste has been linked to a reduction in the duration and pain of Tinker Source one. Professor of Dentistry recommends this switch to her patients saying minor changes in a toothpaste can really make a difference in a patient’s quality of life. While the studies are small, some promising research also points to another remedy, and that’s vitamin B12. In one study, participants who took 1000 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily for six months saw a significant reduction in the duration number and pain of their canker sores compared to those who didn’t take the supplement experts. Caution that canker sores are still not fully understood and factors like stress or mouth trauma as well as nutritional deficiencies might also play a role. But if you frequently get ker sores, switching to an SLS free toothpaste and considering a B12 supplement could be worth trying. Remember, while canker sores are painful, they aren’t contagious like cold sores for persistent or worsening. So though it’s always best to consult with your doctor, those were the top stories for today. Thank you very much for joining us on the Daily News.