Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

Your Donut Is The Reason Behind Your Depression—Research Shows Shocking Link Between Ultra-Processed Food And Mental Health

Your Donut Is The Reason Behind Your Depression—Research Shows Shocking Link Between Ultra Processed Food And Mental Health

Your noodles, soft drinks and chips are ruining your <span>mental health</span>. A new viewpoint article published in the journal<em> Brain Medicine </em>highlights a possible role of microplastics in influencing the association between ultra-processed food intake and mental health adversities. 

Ultra-processed foods, such as instant noodles, carbonated drinks, and packaged foods, are industrial formulations made from substances derived from whole foods. These food products contain high amounts of industrial additives and involve sophisticated packaging. The consumption of ultra-processed foods is rapidly increasing worldwide, especially in high-income countries. In the United States, these foods are associated with more than 50% of energy intake. Convenience, affordability, accessibility, aggressive marketing, and lifestyle changes are the major factors driving the global dietary shift from whole foods to ultra-processed foods.

<h2>Ultra Processed Food Leading To <span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/depression">Depression</a></span></h2>

According to an umbrella review published in The BMJ and referenced in the viewpoint, people who consume ultra-processed foods have a 22% higher risk of depression, a 48% higher risk of anxiety, and a 41% higher risk of poor sleep outcomes compared to those with lower intake.

Recent observational studies indicate that excessive consumption of ultra-processed food is associated with poor sleep quality, physical health adversities, depression, and anxiety. This evidence is further supported by studies reporting that higher consumption of nutrient-rich, unprocessed foods potentially reduces the risk of mental disorders. Small randomized controlled trials, particularly those examining Mediterranean diet interventions in people with depression, have demonstrated moderate-to-large improvements in depressive symptoms. The findings of recent interventional studies also clearly indicate a link between dietary intake and mental health.

Mental health adversities associated with ultra-processed food intake might be attributed to their poor nutrient profiles, energy density, and physical or chemical properties related to industrial processing and packaging methods, which introduce bisphenols and microplastics as contaminants.

Similar to ultra-processed foods, microplastics are known to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysfunction, altered metabolism, impaired cell growth and organ development, and carcinogenicity.

Microplastics and nanoplastics can increase the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders by inducing oxidative stress in the brain, causing nerve cell damage, and influencing the functionality of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate. However, it is important to note that much of the mechanistic evidence on microplastics and neurological effects comes from animal and cell culture studies, with limited direct human data.

Because of processing and packaging methods, ultra-processed foods contain high amounts of microplastics. These foods are often stored and heated in plastic containers, a significant source of microplastics. For example, chicken nuggets can contain 30 times more microplastics per gram than chicken breast, and microwaving some plastic containers may release millions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles within minutes. Besides microplastics, bisphenol A used in plastic production can be released and mixed with ultra-processed foods when plastics degrade. Bisphenol A has been specifically associated with autism and depression in some human studies. These observations clearly indicate that excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods can accumulate microplastics and bisphenol A in the body.

Emerging evidence highlights the presence of microplastics in the human brain. These microplastics, mainly polyethylene, are smaller in diameter (less than 200 nanometers) and are 7 to 30 times higher than those found in other organs, such as the liver or kidney. A recent study also found a 50% increase in brain microplastic concentration from 2016 to 2024, paralleling the ongoing rise of ultra-processed foods. One recent study found that people with dementia had three to five times higher levels of brain microplastics, but the authors emphasize this correlation does not imply causation.

Although some human studies have shown a link between bisphenol A exposure and risk of autism, depression, and anxiety, no evidence is currently available linking microplastic exposure to mental health adversities. This gap in knowledge is partly due to the difficulty in quantifying microplastic exposures in the human brain from an observational perspective and the ethical limitations surrounding microplastic exposure in interventional studies.

Identifying microplastics in the brain and throughout the body raises significant health concerns. Several studies have highlighted the potential negative impact of microplastics on immune functions, genetic stability, and endocrine functions.

The SMILES trial is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of adjunctive dietary intervention in treating moderate to severe depression. The main aim of the dietary intervention was to replace nutrient-deficient, ultra-processed foods with nutrient-rich, unprocessed foods. The trial findings indicated significant improvement in depression among participants who consumed the intervention diet for 12 weeks. Compared to the 8% control group participants, remission was achieved for 32% of intervention group participants. This means that for approximately every four people who adopted the dietary changes, one additional person experienced remission from depression, compared to the control group (a measure known as the “number needed to treat,” which was 4.1).

Although the trial did not directly measure microplastic accumulation in participants’ bodies, it is imperative to hypothesise that the improvement in depression is associated with a reduction in microplastic exposure due to dietary substitutions. However, this remains a hypothesis requiring further investigation, as microplastic exposure was not directly measured.

The viewpoint notes that it would be valuable to conduct post-hoc analyses in such dietary trials, retrospectively estimating changes in microplastic content due to dietary interventions and their potential effect on mental health outcomes, as more data on microplastic content in foods becomes available.

While the paper notes that research quantifying the microplastic content of various ultra-processed food items is becoming increasingly available, it does not state that methods are already well-established for all foods. It would be of prime importance to evaluate the changes in microplastic content due to dietary interventions and their subsequent effect on various mental health outcomes.

Several diet-based risk indices have been developed to assess the long-term impact of dietary exposure on physical and mental health. The Dietary Inflammatory Index has been developed to assess the inflammatory potential of a person’s diet based on the foods they consume. Similarly, the Nova food classification system has been developed to categorise foods based on the extent and purpose of industrial processing.

Given the significant utility of these indices, the authors of this article propose designing a Dietary Microplastic Index to assess the microplastic content and risk of accumulation based on the foods consumed. Currently, no nutritional population-based surveys estimate or track microplastic intake via diet, which precludes robust analysis of long-term microplastic exposure and adverse mental health outcomes. The global rise in the intake of microplastic-enriched ultra-processed foods, together with the simultaneous induction in mental health adversities, highlights the need for more research to investigate this association in humans.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Mental Health

Junk Food

DEPRESSION

Ultra processed food and mental Health

Junk food impact on mental Health

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Your noodles, soft drinks and chips are ruining your mental health. A new viewpoint article published in the journal Brain Medicine highlights a possible role of microplastics in influencing the association between ultra-processed food intake and mental health adversities. Ultra-processed foods, such as instant noodles, carbonated drinks, and packaged foods, are industrial formulations made from substances derived from whole foods. These food products contain high amounts of industrial additives and involve sophisticated packaging. The consumption of ultra-processed foods is rapidly increasing worldwide, especially in high-income countries. In the United States, these foods are associated with more than 50% of energy intake. Convenience, affordability, accessibility, aggressive marketing, and lifestyle changes are the major factors driving the global dietary shift from whole foods to ultra-processed foods.Ultra Processed Food Leading To DepressionAccording to an umbrella review published in The BMJ and referenced in the viewpoint, people who consume ultra-processed foods have a 22% higher risk of depression, a 48% higher risk of anxiety, and a 41% higher risk of poor sleep outcomes compared to those with lower intake.Recent observational studies indicate that excessive consumption of ultra-processed food is associated with poor sleep quality, physical health adversities, depression, and anxiety. This evidence is further supported by studies reporting that higher consumption of nutrient-rich, unprocessed foods potentially reduces the risk of mental disorders. Small randomized controlled trials, particularly those examining Mediterranean diet interventions in people with depression, have demonstrated moderate-to-large improvements in depressive symptoms. The findings of recent interventional studies also clearly indicate a link between dietary intake and mental health.Microplastics as a contributing factorMental health adversities associated with ultra-processed food intake might be attributed to their poor nutrient profiles, energy density, and physical or chemical properties related to industrial processing and packaging methods, which introduce bisphenols and microplastics as contaminants.Similar to ultra-processed foods, microplastics are known to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysfunction, altered metabolism, impaired cell growth and organ development, and carcinogenicity.Microplastics and nanoplastics can increase the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders by inducing oxidative stress in the brain, causing nerve cell damage, and influencing the functionality of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate. However, it is important to note that much of the mechanistic evidence on microplastics and neurological effects comes from animal and cell culture studies, with limited direct human data.Sources Of MicroplasticsBecause of processing and packaging methods, ultra-processed foods contain high amounts of microplastics. These foods are often stored and heated in plastic containers, a significant source of microplastics. For example, chicken nuggets can contain 30 times more microplastics per gram than chicken breast, and microwaving some plastic containers may release millions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles within minutes. Besides microplastics, bisphenol A used in plastic production can be released and mixed with ultra-processed foods when plastics degrade. Bisphenol A has been specifically associated with autism and depression in some human studies. These observations clearly indicate that excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods can accumulate microplastics and bisphenol A in the body.Microplastics in the human brainEmerging evidence highlights the presence of microplastics in the human brain. These microplastics, mainly polyethylene, are smaller in diameter (less than 200 nanometers) and are 7 to 30 times higher than those found in other organs, such as the liver or kidney. A recent study also found a 50% increase in brain microplastic concentration from 2016 to 2024, paralleling the ongoing rise of ultra-processed foods. One recent study found that people with dementia had three to five times higher levels of brain microplastics, but the authors emphasize this correlation does not imply causation.Although some human studies have shown a link between bisphenol A exposure and risk of autism, depression, and anxiety, no evidence is currently available linking microplastic exposure to mental health adversities. This gap in knowledge is partly due to the difficulty in quantifying microplastic exposures in the human brain from an observational perspective and the ethical limitations surrounding microplastic exposure in interventional studies.Implications for dietary interventionIdentifying microplastics in the brain and throughout the body raises significant health concerns. Several studies have highlighted the potential negative impact of microplastics on immune functions, genetic stability, and endocrine functions.The SMILES trial is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of adjunctive dietary intervention in treating moderate to severe depression. The main aim of the dietary intervention was to replace nutrient-deficient, ultra-processed foods with nutrient-rich, unprocessed foods. The trial findings indicated significant improvement in depression among participants who consumed the intervention diet for 12 weeks. Compared to the 8% control group participants, remission was achieved for 32% of intervention group participants. This means that for approximately every four people who adopted the dietary changes, one additional person experienced remission from depression, compared to the control group (a measure known as the “number needed to treat,” which was 4.1).Although the trial did not directly measure microplastic accumulation in participants’ bodies, it is imperative to hypothesise that the improvement in depression is associated with a reduction in microplastic exposure due to dietary substitutions. However, this remains a hypothesis requiring further investigation, as microplastic exposure was not directly measured.The viewpoint notes that it would be valuable to conduct post-hoc analyses in such dietary trials, retrospectively estimating changes in microplastic content due to dietary interventions and their potential effect on mental health outcomes, as more data on microplastic content in foods becomes available.Need For New Dietary IndexWhile the paper notes that research quantifying the microplastic content of various ultra-processed food items is becoming increasingly available, it does not state that methods are already well-established for all foods. It would be of prime importance to evaluate the changes in microplastic content due to dietary interventions and their subsequent effect on various mental health outcomes.Several diet-based risk indices have been developed to assess the long-term impact of dietary exposure on physical and mental health. The Dietary Inflammatory Index has been developed to assess the inflammatory potential of a person’s diet based on the foods they consume. Similarly, the Nova food classification system has been developed to categorise foods based on the extent and purpose of industrial processing.Given the significant utility of these indices, the authors of this article propose designing a Dietary Microplastic Index to assess the microplastic content and risk of accumulation based on the foods consumed. Currently, no nutritional population-based surveys estimate or track microplastic intake via diet, which precludes robust analysis of long-term microplastic exposure and adverse mental health outcomes. The global rise in the intake of microplastic-enriched ultra-processed foods, together with the simultaneous induction in mental health adversities, highlights the need for more research to investigate this association in humans.

your donut is the reason behind your depression—research shows shocking link between ultra processed food and mental health

Aarushi Bhadury

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This Weight Loss Injection Can Now Treat Sleep Apnea; Are There Any Side Effects?

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A new study suggests that people who undergo weight-loss surgery experience better mental health, but not because of the pounds they shed. Instead, the major factor appears to be a significant drop in the societal judgment and bias (stigma) they face due to their weight. This finding was recently published in the journal <span>Health Psychology</span>. 

<h2>How Being Judged Affects Our <span rel="noindex">Mental And Physical Health</span> </h2>

Being judged and treated unfairly because of one's weight actually causes many of the physical and mental health problems that people with obesity face. The study found that when people felt less judged after their surgery, they started to have healthier eating habits and felt better mentally. But if they kept feeling judged even after surgery, they had a higher chance of feeling sad, worried, or developing eating problems. 

For the study, researchers looked at the mental well-being and habits of nearly 150 people before their weight-loss surgery and then again 18 to 36 months later. What they found was that, generally, people felt much less shame, blame, and guilt about their body size in the years after surgery. 

The amount that this feeling of being judged went down was very impressive. It was a bigger change than what doctors usually consider meaningful for someone's life and how they feel. This big drop in feeling judged was directly connected to people feeling less worried, less sad, and having fewer eating issues like overeating. 

<h2>Why Feeling Accepted Matters More Than Just Losing Weight </h2>

The study also showed that losing weight itself wasn't strongly linked to feeling better mentally. This suggests that how other people treat individuals with a lot of weight, rather than just the extra weight itself, has a huge impact on their mental and physical health. 

About 40% of the people in the study still faced problems with weight-related judgment, and these ongoing issues made them more likely to have mental health concerns. The researchers believe that while losing weight helps in many ways, this change in how society treats people might be even more powerful for their mental health and overall quality of life over time. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Weight-Loss Surgery and Mental Health</span> </h2>

Published in the StatPearls medical journal, a 2024 article explained that while weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery is a common as a way to treat obesity, it also has many complications one must consider. It's also important to understand that it can bring some mental health challenges. Patients might feel unhappy if they don't lose as much weight as they hoped, which can make any emotional difficulties worse. 

After weight-loss surgery, some common mental health problems that can arise include depression, anxiety, and worsening of existing eating disorders. Patients might also develop new eating habits or switch addictions (for example, from food to alcohol or gambling). In rare cases, more severe issues like psychotic disorders or, very notably, an increased risk of suicide, can occur. 

It's worth noting that all the people in this study were treated at one specific hospital. The researchers think it's important to do more studies with people from different areas to be sure these findings are true for everyone. 

health psychology

Weight Loss Surgery Stigma

Weight Loss Surgery and Mental health

Mental And Physical Health

Weight-Loss Surgery and Mental Health

mental health challenge

A new study suggests that people who undergo weight-loss surgery experience better mental health, but not because of the pounds they shed. Instead, the major factor appears to be a significant drop in the societal judgment and bias (stigma) they face due to their weight. This finding was recently published in the journal Health Psychology. How Being Judged Affects Our Mental And Physical Health Being judged and treated unfairly because of one's weight actually causes many of the physical and mental health problems that people with obesity face. The study found that when people felt less judged after their surgery, they started to have healthier eating habits and felt better mentally. But if they kept feeling judged even after surgery, they had a higher chance of feeling sad, worried, or developing eating problems. For the study, researchers looked at the mental well-being and habits of nearly 150 people before their weight-loss surgery and then again 18 to 36 months later. What they found was that, generally, people felt much less shame, blame, and guilt about their body size in the years after surgery. The amount that this feeling of being judged went down was very impressive. It was a bigger change than what doctors usually consider meaningful for someone's life and how they feel. This big drop in feeling judged was directly connected to people feeling less worried, less sad, and having fewer eating issues like overeating. Why Feeling Accepted Matters More Than Just Losing Weight The study also showed that losing weight itself wasn't strongly linked to feeling better mentally. This suggests that how other people treat individuals with a lot of weight, rather than just the extra weight itself, has a huge impact on their mental and physical health. About 40% of the people in the study still faced problems with weight-related judgment, and these ongoing issues made them more likely to have mental health concerns. The researchers believe that while losing weight helps in many ways, this change in how society treats people might be even more powerful for their mental health and overall quality of life over time. Weight-Loss Surgery and Mental Health Published in the StatPearls medical journal, a 2024 article explained that while weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery is a common as a way to treat obesity, it also has many complications one must consider. It's also important to understand that it can bring some mental health challenges. Patients might feel unhappy if they don't lose as much weight as they hoped, which can make any emotional difficulties worse. After weight-loss surgery, some common mental health problems that can arise include depression, anxiety, and worsening of existing eating disorders. Patients might also develop new eating habits or switch addictions (for example, from food to alcohol or gambling). In rare cases, more severe issues like psychotic disorders or, very notably, an increased risk of suicide, can occur. More Studies Are Needed It's worth noting that all the people in this study were treated at one specific hospital. The researchers think it's important to do more studies with people from different areas to be sure these findings are true for everyone.  

weight loss surgery stigma linked to lingering depression symptoms

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Fridges have helped us in many ways, whether it is by prolonging the shelf-life of foods or helping us avoid heat-based illnesses. Many times, keeping foods at room temperature for a long time can promote bacteria growth. By keeping the food at lower temperatures, it can help keep the food fresh for longer. However, a recent study found that many people in the UK might be making choices that put themselves and others at risk of <span>food poisoning</span>. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Worrying Fridge Habits</span> Uncovered </h2>

A survey by the Currys, a tech and appliance store, asked 2,000 people about their fridge habits and found some concerning trends. An expert has now warned that organizing your fridge correctly is "essential" to avoid getting sick. 

The study found that more than one in five fridge owners didn't know the ideal fridge temperature should be between 0-5°C (0-41 degrees F), as recommended by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Even worse, 42% admitted they don't regularly check their fridge temperature. This means potentially millions of people in the UK could be risking food poisoning. 

When it came to specific items, 61% didn't know that dairy products like milk shouldn't be stored in the fridge door. The door is actually the warmest part of the fridge because its temperature changes every time it's opened and closed. 

<h2>Raw Meat, Eggs, and Other Storage Surprises </h2>

The survey also revealed that 22% of people didn't know raw meat should always go on the lowest shelf in the fridge. A third of those surveyed even confessed to eating meat from the fridge without being fully sure it was safe. 

Many people are also unsure about eggs. Google data shows over 31,000 searches in the UK for "should I keep eggs in the fridge," a 26% increase from last year. The FSA advises: "Store eggs in a cool, dry place, ideally in the fridge and keep them apart from other foods." Keeping eggs on the counter can affect their quality, especially with changing kitchen temperatures from weather or cooking. 

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature is one of the best ways to prevent food poisoning. Experts like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) say that food should be stored at 40 degrees F (about 4 degrees C) or colder. Research even suggests that if all refrigerators were kept below this temperature, a serious illness called listeriosis could be reduced by a huge 70%. Yet, a study from the University of Tennessee found that very few people, only about 9%, actually own a fridge thermometer. Here are some important tips to keep in mind for your fridge safety. 

Keeping your fridge organized and at the right temperature is key to preventing foodborne illness. Here's how to keep your food safe: 

<h4>Store raw meats on the bottom shelf </h4>

Always place raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the lowest shelf in trays or pans. This stops their juices from dripping onto and contaminating other foods below. 

<h4>Check your fridge temperature regularly </h4>

Make it a habit to check your refrigerator's temperature often, ideally every day or at least once a week. This ensures it stays at a safe temperature (40°F or below). 

<h4>Refrigerate cooked food quickly </h4>

Make sure to put prepared meals and any leftovers into the fridge within two hours of cooking. 

To help leftovers cool down fast, divide them into small, shallow containers before placing them in the refrigerator. Once the food has cooled, you can cover it. 

Avoid packing your refrigerator too full. Cool air needs to circulate freely around your food to keep everything at a safe temperature.

Food safety

food and fride safety guidelines

Worrying Fridge Habits

Food Poisoning

food borne illnesses

can food make us sick

Fridges have helped us in many ways, whether it is by prolonging the shelf-life of foods or helping us avoid heat-based illnesses. Many times, keeping foods at room temperature for a long time can promote bacteria growth. By keeping the food at lower temperatures, it can help keep the food fresh for longer. However, a recent study found that many people in the UK might be making choices that put themselves and others at risk of food poisoning. Worrying Fridge Habits Uncovered A survey by the Currys, a tech and appliance store, asked 2,000 people about their fridge habits and found some concerning trends. An expert has now warned that organizing your fridge correctly is "essential" to avoid getting sick. The study found that more than one in five fridge owners didn't know the ideal fridge temperature should be between 0-5°C (0-41 degrees F), as recommended by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Even worse, 42% admitted they don't regularly check their fridge temperature. This means potentially millions of people in the UK could be risking food poisoning. When it came to specific items, 61% didn't know that dairy products like milk shouldn't be stored in the fridge door. The door is actually the warmest part of the fridge because its temperature changes every time it's opened and closed. Raw Meat, Eggs, and Other Storage Surprises The survey also revealed that 22% of people didn't know raw meat should always go on the lowest shelf in the fridge. A third of those surveyed even confessed to eating meat from the fridge without being fully sure it was safe. Many people are also unsure about eggs. Google data shows over 31,000 searches in the UK for "should I keep eggs in the fridge," a 26% increase from last year. The FSA advises: "Store eggs in a cool, dry place, ideally in the fridge and keep them apart from other foods." Keeping eggs on the counter can affect their quality, especially with changing kitchen temperatures from weather or cooking. Tips To Keep Your Fridge Safe According to the University of Minnesota Extension, keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature is one of the best ways to prevent food poisoning. Experts like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) say that food should be stored at 40 degrees F (about 4 degrees C) or colder. Research even suggests that if all refrigerators were kept below this temperature, a serious illness called listeriosis could be reduced by a huge 70%. Yet, a study from the University of Tennessee found that very few people, only about 9%, actually own a fridge thermometer. Here are some important tips to keep in mind for your fridge safety. Keeping your fridge organized and at the right temperature is key to preventing foodborne illness. Here's how to keep your food safe: Store raw meats on the bottom shelf Always place raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the lowest shelf in trays or pans. This stops their juices from dripping onto and contaminating other foods below. Check your fridge temperature regularly Make it a habit to check your refrigerator's temperature often, ideally every day or at least once a week. This ensures it stays at a safe temperature (40°F or below). Refrigerate cooked food quickly Make sure to put prepared meals and any leftovers into the fridge within two hours of cooking. Cool leftovers properly To help leftovers cool down fast, divide them into small, shallow containers before placing them in the refrigerator. Once the food has cooled, you can cover it. Don't overfill your fridge Avoid packing your refrigerator too full. Cool air needs to circulate freely around your food to keep everything at a safe temperature.

study finds people are missing this vital fridge check that ensures their health

Tanya Dutt

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2 Infants Died Of Whooping Cough In Kentucky, Health Officials Report; Who Should Get A Booster Shot?

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A Texas woman of 71 died tragically from a brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the <span>brain-eating amoeba</span>. The source? A simple sinus rinse using tap water from her RV's potable water system. The woman, as a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case report indicates, suffered severe neurological disease shortly after nasal irrigation. She died within eight days of symptom onset.

This incident, although uncommon, has brought with it renewed international debate regarding water safety, sound nasal hygiene habits, and the life-altering risks of ignoring water sterilization protocols.

The case, who was reported to be healthy before the accident, had utilized the tap water from her RV's faucet to fill a nasal irrigation device—frequently employed to alleviate sinus pressure or allergic conditions. Four days thereafter, she showed symptoms of sudden onset of fever, severe headaches, and confusion. Her illness rapidly progressed to seizures and changes in mental status. She died eight days from the onset of symptoms despite immediate medical treatment.

Laboratory examinations diagnosed the Naegleria fowleri in her cerebrospinal fluid—a diagnosis with a mortality rate of more than 97%.

<h2>What Is The Brain-Eating Amoeba?</h2>

Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba which is free-living and microscopic and occurs naturally in warm freshwater bodies like rivers, lakes, and hot springs, as well as in soil. The organism usually infects humans when contaminated water enters the body via the nostrils—most often during swimming or rinsing of the nasal passages.

After entering the nasal passages, the amoeba moves into the brain through the olfactory nerve and results in Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and lethal infection of the brain. The infection is not spread by drinking contaminated water, nor is it passed between people.

While very uncommon, PAM is nearly always fatal. As of the CDC, out of 157 U.S. cases from 1962 to 2022, only four individuals have survived. 

<h2>Risk of Using Tap Water for Nasal Rinses</h2>

The CDC's inquiry into the Texas case discovered that the woman had done sinus rinses several times with tap water from the RV's potable water tank. The tank, it turns out, had been refilled three months earlier—prior to the purchase of the RV—and had probably contained stagnant, contaminated water. Moreover, the RV's municipal water system that provided the RV could also have contributed to the contamination.

These results point out an important safety issue: tap water—even considered "potable"—is not necessarily safe for direct nasal application. It may harbor trace amounts of organisms that, when breathed into the nose, lead to serious infections.

The symptoms of PAM usually start between one to 12 days after exposure, and the majority of cases develop quickly. Early warning signs are:

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Nausea or vomiting</li><li>Stiff neck</li><li>Altered mental status</li></ul>

As the disease progresses, signs of neurological impairment like confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and coma ensue. Alas, too often the rapid development of the illness leaves scant opportunity for effective action.

Since early manifestations of PAM are so similar to those of bacterial meningitis, the CDC recommends that individuals—particularly those who have recently been in contact with warm freshwater or have used nasal irrigation—to consult a physician at once if the following symptoms occur.

<h2>How to Safely Perform Nasal Irrigation?</h2>

Nasal irrigation is a well-known and beneficial technique for easing sinus pressure and controlling allergies. It is only safe if done with water that has no microbial contaminants. According to the CDC, only the following should be used for sinus irrigation:

<ul><li>Distilled or sterile water</li><li>Boiled tap water (boiled for 3–5 minutes and cooled)</li><li>Water filtered through a filter with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller</li><li>Items such as neti pots, bulb syringes, and sinus rinse bottles need to be properly cleaned after every use and completely air-dried.</li></ul>

This instance serves as a grim reminder that the ease of omitting the use of water treatment can result in deadly consequences, particularly for non-traditional water systems such as those found in RVs, which potentially go without strong maintenance or sterilization.

The disaster also points to weaknesses in water systems—especially in non-traditional dwelling places like RV parks, where drinking water systems may not be subject to the same level of review as urban systems. Lack of maintenance or management of such systems can lead to the introduction of unusual but lethal pathogens into daily life.

In addition, the changing climate might be making the population more vulnerable. While global temperatures are increasing, Naegleria fowleri is moving its habitat into regions not previously thought to be too cold, thus posing new public health threats. Summer season, characterized by warmer water bodies and higher recreational activity, is now particularly dangerous for exposure.

After diagnosis, treatment of PAM includes aggressive administration of antifungal and antibiotics such as amphotericin B, rifampin, azithromycin, and miltefosine—a newer antiparasite found to be effective in a few survivors. With immediate medical treatment, nonetheless, survival is still very low because the amoeba kills brain tissue so quickly.

Early diagnosis is essential but notoriously challenging because initial care is nonspecific and the condition develops at an alarming rate.

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A Texas woman of 71 died tragically from a brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the brain-eating amoeba. The source? A simple sinus rinse using tap water from her RV's potable water system. The woman, as a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case report indicates, suffered severe neurological disease shortly after nasal irrigation. She died within eight days of symptom onset.This incident, although uncommon, has brought with it renewed international debate regarding water safety, sound nasal hygiene habits, and the life-altering risks of ignoring water sterilization protocols.The case, who was reported to be healthy before the accident, had utilized the tap water from her RV's faucet to fill a nasal irrigation device—frequently employed to alleviate sinus pressure or allergic conditions. Four days thereafter, she showed symptoms of sudden onset of fever, severe headaches, and confusion. Her illness rapidly progressed to seizures and changes in mental status. She died eight days from the onset of symptoms despite immediate medical treatment.Laboratory examinations diagnosed the Naegleria fowleri in her cerebrospinal fluid—a diagnosis with a mortality rate of more than 97%.What Is The Brain-Eating Amoeba?Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba which is free-living and microscopic and occurs naturally in warm freshwater bodies like rivers, lakes, and hot springs, as well as in soil. The organism usually infects humans when contaminated water enters the body via the nostrils—most often during swimming or rinsing of the nasal passages.After entering the nasal passages, the amoeba moves into the brain through the olfactory nerve and results in Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and lethal infection of the brain. The infection is not spread by drinking contaminated water, nor is it passed between people.While very uncommon, PAM is nearly always fatal. As of the CDC, out of 157 U.S. cases from 1962 to 2022, only four individuals have survived. Risk of Using Tap Water for Nasal RinsesThe CDC's inquiry into the Texas case discovered that the woman had done sinus rinses several times with tap water from the RV's potable water tank. The tank, it turns out, had been refilled three months earlier—prior to the purchase of the RV—and had probably contained stagnant, contaminated water. Moreover, the RV's municipal water system that provided the RV could also have contributed to the contamination.These results point out an important safety issue: tap water—even considered "potable"—is not necessarily safe for direct nasal application. It may harbor trace amounts of organisms that, when breathed into the nose, lead to serious infections.Early Warning Signs Of PAMThe symptoms of PAM usually start between one to 12 days after exposure, and the majority of cases develop quickly. Early warning signs are:FeverHeadacheNausea or vomitingStiff neckAltered mental statusAs the disease progresses, signs of neurological impairment like confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and coma ensue. Alas, too often the rapid development of the illness leaves scant opportunity for effective action.Since early manifestations of PAM are so similar to those of bacterial meningitis, the CDC recommends that individuals—particularly those who have recently been in contact with warm freshwater or have used nasal irrigation—to consult a physician at once if the following symptoms occur.How to Safely Perform Nasal Irrigation?Nasal irrigation is a well-known and beneficial technique for easing sinus pressure and controlling allergies. It is only safe if done with water that has no microbial contaminants. According to the CDC, only the following should be used for sinus irrigation:Distilled or sterile waterBoiled tap water (boiled for 3–5 minutes and cooled)Water filtered through a filter with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smallerItems such as neti pots, bulb syringes, and sinus rinse bottles need to be properly cleaned after every use and completely air-dried.This instance serves as a grim reminder that the ease of omitting the use of water treatment can result in deadly consequences, particularly for non-traditional water systems such as those found in RVs, which potentially go without strong maintenance or sterilization.The disaster also points to weaknesses in water systems—especially in non-traditional dwelling places like RV parks, where drinking water systems may not be subject to the same level of review as urban systems. Lack of maintenance or management of such systems can lead to the introduction of unusual but lethal pathogens into daily life.In addition, the changing climate might be making the population more vulnerable. While global temperatures are increasing, Naegleria fowleri is moving its habitat into regions not previously thought to be too cold, thus posing new public health threats. Summer season, characterized by warmer water bodies and higher recreational activity, is now particularly dangerous for exposure.After diagnosis, treatment of PAM includes aggressive administration of antifungal and antibiotics such as amphotericin B, rifampin, azithromycin, and miltefosine—a newer antiparasite found to be effective in a few survivors. With immediate medical treatment, nonetheless, survival is still very low because the amoeba kills brain tissue so quickly.Early diagnosis is essential but notoriously challenging because initial care is nonspecific and the condition develops at an alarming rate.

a routine sinus rinse with tap water led to woman's death after brain-eating amoeba infection

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