This week’s health discoveries range from the chemicals in your drinking water to the unexpected ways memories influence your appetite. We’re also taking a closer look at the body’s surprising regenerative abilities and uncovering less obvious signs of immune system problems. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Is Your Drinking Water Harming Your Health?
When you turn on the tap, you probably assume the water is safe to drink. But recent research suggests that common chemicals in drinking water may be contributing to rising cancer rates.
The responsible? PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment, or in your body. These synthetic compounds are found in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, and even some cosmetics.
How PFAS Affect Your Health
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Increased Cancer Risk: A study estimated that 6,864 cancer cases per year in the U.S. could be linked to PFAS-contaminated water.
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Hormone Disruption: PFAS can mimic hormones in the body, leading to thyroid issues and reproductive health problems.
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Weakened Immune System: Exposure to PFAS has been shown to reduce vaccine effectiveness and increase susceptibility to infections.
What Can You Do?
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Check Your Local Water Report: Many cities test for PFAS, and reports are available online.
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Use a Water Filter: Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters can significantly reduce PFAS levels in tap water.
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Reduce Exposure in Daily Life: Avoid non-stick cookware, opt for stainless steel or cast iron, and minimize packaged fast food, which often contains PFAS-lined wrappers.
PFAS chemicals have been detected in nearly half of U.S. tap water supplies, but this is a global problem. Governments are now racing to regulate these compounds, but in the meantime, taking personal precautions can help reduce exposure and potential health risks.
2. The Link Between Food Memories and Overeating
Ever find yourself reaching for a snack, not because you’re hungry, but because you’re thinking about how good that last slice of cake was? Scientists are now confirming what many suspected: memories of food can make you overeat, even when you’re full.
How Food Memories Trick You Into Eating More
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The brain stores memories of pleasurable eating experiences in the hippocampus.
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When triggered, these memories can override actual hunger signals.
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High-calorie, sugary, and fatty foods create stronger and longer-lasting memories, leading to cravings even if your body doesn’t need food.
What This Means for Weight Management
This research suggests that dieting isn’t just about willpower, it’s also about managing the brain’s learned associations with food. It also explains why some people struggle with food addiction-like behaviors, where eating is driven by past pleasure rather than nutritional needs.
How to Outsmart Your Food Memories
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Break the Cycle: Eating mindfully and slowly can help weaken the brain’s automatic responses to food memories.
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Reduce Cues: Keeping ultra-processed snacks out of sight (or out of the house) reduces the likelihood of memory-driven cravings.
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Retrain Your Brain: Regularly eating whole, nutrient-dense foods can help shift the brain’s food preferences over time.
If the brain is influencing how much we eat as much as the stomach, future obesity treatments may focus more on memory modification than calorie restriction.
3. Your Tonsils Can Grow Back
Some animals, like salamanders, can regrow entire limbs. Humans, unfortunately, don’t have that ability, but new research is shedding light on which human organs and tissues have hidden regenerative potential.
Surprising Organs That Can Regrow
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Tonsils: It turns out that tonsils can regenerate after surgery in some cases, especially when only part of the tissue is removed. About 6% of children who have tonsillectomies experience regrowth.
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Liver: This one is well-known, but still remarkable: as little as 10% of a liver can regenerate into a fully functioning organ. This is why liver donors can donate a portion of their liver and still regain full function.
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Spleen: Thought to be a non-regenerative organ? Think again. The spleen has some capacity to grow back and even restore partial immune function after being removed.
Why This Matters for Longevity
While full limb regeneration isn’t possible for humans (yet), understanding which tissues can repair themselves could open the door to new regenerative medicine therapies. Scientists are already exploring ways to stimulate tissue regrowth in aging organs, potentially reversing some age-related decline.
4. The Immune System’s Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Most people think of the immune system as a defense against colds and flu, but immune dysfunction can manifest in many other ways. Some signs that your immune system isn’t working optimally might surprise you.
Unexpected Symptoms of Immune System Problems
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Dry Eyes: An overactive immune system can attack the glands that produce tears, leading to conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome.
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Skin Rashes: Psoriasis and eczema are both linked to immune system imbalances, where the body mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells.
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Digestive Issues: A weak or overactive immune system can trigger chronic gut inflammation, leading to Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or food intolerances.
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Cold Hands and Feet: Autoimmune diseases like Raynaud’s syndrome cause the immune system to attack blood vessels, leading to poor circulation.
How to Strengthen the Immune System for Longevity
1. Improve Your Gut Health
Since 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for immune balance. Beneficial bacteria in the gut help regulate immune responses, reducing unnecessary inflammation while enhancing the body's ability to fight infections. Consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, kefir, and fermented vegetables to populate the gut with beneficial bacteria.
2. Manage Stress for a Stronger Immune System
Chronic stress can suppress immune function, increase inflammation, and accelerate aging. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol weakens the immune response, making the body more susceptible to infections and chronic diseases. Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
3. Stay Active, But Find the Right Balance
Regular physical activity enhances immune function, but too much intense exercise can have the opposite effect, suppressing immunity and increasing inflammation. Moderate exercise (30–45 minutes, 5 days a week) is ideal for boosting immunity. Activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and resistance training support immune function.
4. Boost NAD+ Levels with NMN
NMN supports NAD+ levels, which support immune cell metabolism, ensuring T cells, B cells, and macrophages have the energy to function efficiently. Research suggests that NMN supplementation may help restore immune function in aging individuals, making it a promising nutrient for long-term health. Try Ageless NMN to support your immune function and overall health!
