Vitamin supplement may delay diabetes in select groups, researchers say

High-dose vitamin D supplements could help reduce diabetes risk among certain groups, according to new research from Tufts University.

In a large clinical trial, researchers performed genetic testing of more than 2,000 U.S. adults with prediabetes after they received 4,000 units per day of vitamin D supplements, then compared them to a placebo group.

An earlier study showed no significant reduction in diabetes risk in the group receiving vitamin D supplementation, but when the researchers looked closer, they found a benefit for certain genetic groups.

For the new study, the Tufts researchers compared participants who appeared to benefit from vitamin D supplementation to those who did not, then examined how outcomes differed across three common variants of the vitamin D receptor gene.

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People who had certain versions of a vitamin D-related gene (called AC or CC) were 19% less likely to get diabetes when they took vitamin D compared to people who took a placebo, according to a university press release.

Participants with another genetic variant (AA) showed no benefit from supplementation.

Vitamin D seems to work by attaching to a specific "receiver" in the body called the vitamin D receptor, the researchers discovered. These receptors are found in many places, including the pancreas, the organ that makes insulin.

The findings were published last week in JAMA Network Open.

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"Our finding is an example of the emerging science of precision nutrition or precision medicine, in which an intervention can be tailored to the needs of individuals according to their genetic makeup and disease risk," Bess Dawson-Hughes, the study’s lead author and a senior scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, told Fox News Digital.

"Taking a vitamin D supplement daily is an easy, inexpensive and generally safe approach to reducing diabetes risk," she added. "In principle, this could involve a single, relatively inexpensive genetic test."

There were some limitations to the study, the researchers noted, including that this was a secondary analysis rather than a primary randomized comparison.

"Like any other first observation, this finding needs to be replicated in a future study," the researcher said.

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The study only included individuals with prediabetes, which could limit relevance to broader populations. The results seen in specific genetic groups need to be confirmed in more studies before doctors can use them in patient care.

The authors emphasized that people should not start taking high doses of vitamin D as a diabetes prevention strategy based on this study.

"It is too early to make specific recommendations for the general population," Dawson-Hughes said. 

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Current recommendations suggest that most adults get about 600 IU of vitamin D daily (ages 1–70) and 800 IU for those over 70. However, previous studies have shown that taking very high doses can be harmful for older adults.

"There is some evidence, from my laboratory and others, that the relatively high blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D needed to achieve the diabetes risk reduction have been associated with an increased risk of falling in older adults," Dawson-Hughes noted.  

"I would not advise older adults to take a daily dose of 4,000 IU of vitamin D without first consulting with their doctors."

This new study raises another question, according to Dawson-Hughes: Would vitamin D supplementation in adults with the responsive genotypes lower the risk of developing prediabetes, the forerunner to Type 2 diabetes? 

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"This is important because prediabetes is not a benign condition," she said. "Adults with prediabetes also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease."

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Trump taps Nicole Saphier for surgeon general, dropping Casey Means' nomination

President Donald Trump announced that he is nominating Dr. Nicole B. Saphier to serve as U.S. Surgeon General.

"I am pleased to announce that I am nominating Dr. Nicole B. Saphier to be the next SURGEON GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," he declared in a Thursday Truth Social post.

"Nicole is a STAR physician who has spent her career guiding women facing breast cancer through their diagnosis and treatment while tirelessly advocating to increase early cancer detection and prevention, while at the same time working with men and women on all other forms of cancer diagnoses and treatments," Trump continued.

"She is also an INCREDIBLE COMMUNICATOR, who makes complicated health issues more easily understood by all Americans. Dr. Nicole Saphier will do great things for our Country, and help, "MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN." Congratulations Nicole, our Country has long been waiting for you!" he concluded.

Saphier previously was a Fox News Channel contributor.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

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Early Parkinson’s warning signs may be hiding in the gut, study finds

Specific bacteria in the gut could predict a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease years before symptoms appear, new research suggests.

Led by researchers from University College London (UCL), an observational study analyzed the gut microbes of 271 patients in the U.K. who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Also included in the study were 43 carriers of the GBA1 variant, which has been linked to an almost 30 times higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. These participants did not have symptoms of the disease. There was also a control group of 150 healthy participants without the gene.

STUDY FINDS EVIDENCE OF MICROPLASTICS IN BRAINS AND OTHER ORGANS

Based on fecal samples, more than one-quarter of gut microbes — bacteria and other microorganisms in the digestive tract — were in different amounts for people with Parkinson’s disease compared to healthy individuals, according to a press release.

Non-symptomatic people carrying the Parkinson’s gene also had microbial changes that resembled an "intermediate" stage of the disease, which suggests that microbial changes may happen prior to symptoms emerging.

Those who reported eating a more diverse and balanced diet were less likely to have microbiome patterns associated with higher Parkinson’s risk, the researchers found.

The findings, which were published in Nature Medicine, were also seen in over 1,400 participants across the U.K., Korea and Turkey, suggesting that the microbial changes are consistent across different cultures and dietary patterns.

"Parkinson’s disease is a major cause of disability worldwide, and the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in terms of prevalence and mortality," lead author professor Anthony Schapira of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology said in the release.  

"There is an urgent need to develop treatments that can stop or slow the disease’s progression."

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Patients with Parkinson's are known to have "significant gut abnormalities," according to Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee.

One of those is severe constipation, which can occur several years before tremors and other symptoms. 

"There has long been a theory about the gut-brain axis and whether or not the pathology for Parkinson's starts in the gut decades before stereotypical features are noted," Murray, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital.

The neurologist said the study sets the stage for additional research exploring the gut-brain axis theory, which could determine whether early pre-symptomatic treatments could prevent or mitigate the risk of developing Parkinson's later in life.

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"With an aging population that is living longer, the prevalence of Parkinson's is increasing significantly, which underscores the importance of studies like this that attempt to prevent this debilitating neurodegenerative disease," Murray added.

Dr. Aaron Ellenbogen, medical director of the Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Center at the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, said it is not surprising that a change in the organisms living in the GI tract can be a signature of evolving Parkinson's pathology.

"In general, people with GBA mutations tend to have Parkinson's symptoms evolve in a way that is more consistent with a gut-first presentation," Ellenbogen, who also was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.  

Others may experience a different set of symptoms, including loss of sense of smell, before developing signs of motor Parkinson's disease, he noted.

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"In fact, many of these people don't develop the symptoms of constipation and REM behavior disorder until later in their disease course," Ellenbogen said. "These people may actually have a form of Parkinson's that starts in the brain."

There were some limitations to the study, the researchers acknowledged. Because it was observational in design, it could not prove that the microbiome changes directly caused Parkinson’s.

The researchers also noted that not everyone with at-risk microbiome profiles will develop the disease, as other genetic or environmental factors could play a role.

Additionally, differences in microbiomes across various populations could skew the results.

"To enable both the research and eventual use of such treatments, we need to develop the means for very early detection of people who will, or likely will, go on to develop the disease," Schapira said.

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The study was funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the UK Medical Research Council.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

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Simple diet change could relieve painful bathroom symptoms, experts say

More than half of people over 50 have experienced hemorrhoids, according to the National Institutes of Health and other medical sources.

To help patients and providers navigate this common issue, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recently released updated clinical practice guidelines in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

The update focuses on a simple approach, emphasizing lifestyle modifications over quick-fix products.

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Hemorrhoids are swollen, enlarged veins that develop both internally and externally. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they can range from a minor annoyance to a source of significant pain and rectal bleeding.

Experts estimate that one in 20 Americans have hemorrhoids that irritate them. They become more common with age.

They are also particularly common during pregnancy due to increased pelvic pressure, though these cases can usually be managed with conservative symptom care.

One takeaway from the AGA update is that a promising treatment for hemorrhoids is often found in the pantry rather than the pharmacy. The experts labeled increased fiber intake as a "reasonable first-line therapy."

By softening the stool and increasing its bulk, fiber reduces the need for straining, a culprit behind hemorrhoid flare-ups.

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Most Americans are nowhere near the recommended daily fiber intake.

The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend 22 to 28 grams for women and 28 to 45 grams for men, but data suggest that 90% of women and 97% of men fall short.

The AGA highlighted that restroom habits are also a contributing factor.

In an era where many people take their smartphones into the bathroom, prolonged sitting and straining can lead to increased pressure. The updated guidelines recommend avoiding long sessions that exacerbate symptoms.

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People may reach for sitz baths or topical creams at the first sign of discomfort, but the AGA says there is limited data to support their long-term effectiveness.

The guidelines also warn against the overuse of topical steroids. While they can reduce inflammation, using them for more than two weeks can cause the skin to thin and become more irritated.

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While lifestyle changes are important, the AGA emphasizes that a proper diagnosis is vital. Because rectal bleeding can sometimes be a symptom of more serious conditions, a physical exam is recommended before beginning any treatment plan.

For persistent or severe cases, patients may need office-based procedures or surgical intervention.

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Fish oil supplements linked to slower brain repair in some patients, study finds

Fish oil might not be the brain booster you think it is, new research suggests.

The supplement has been touted for its protective benefits, derived from its key component, omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to capsules, it is increasingly appearing in drinks, dairy alternatives and snack products.

Researchers recently found that for certain people, specifically those who have sustained repeated mild head injuries, fish oil might do more harm than good.

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"Fish oil supplements are everywhere, and people take them for a range of reasons, often without a clear understanding of their long-term effects," lead author Onder Albayram, PhD, a neuroscientist and associate professor at the Medical University of South Carolina and a member of the National Trauma Society Committee, said in a press release.

In terms of neuroscience, he said, "we still don't know whether the brain has resilience or resistance to this supplement."

MUSC researchers found that a specific part of fish oil called EPA — an omega-3 fatty acid — can interfere with how the brain heals itself after an injury. Instead of protecting the brain, long-term use of fish oil appeared to make it more vulnerable.

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The study focused on the neurovascular system, which is the network of blood vessels that supplies the brain with nutrients and helps it recover, according to the release.

EPA seemed to make the walls of the brain’s blood vessels less stable. After an injury, these vessels need to be strong to help the brain repair itself, the researchers noted.

The chemical also blocked the repair signals that the brain usually sends out after experiencing physical trauma.

Additionally, fish oil use was linked to a buildup of a protein called tau, which is often associated with long-term brain diseases.

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"I am not saying fish oil is good or bad in some universal way," Albayram said.

"What our data highlight is that biology is context-dependent. We need to understand how these supplements behave in the body over time, rather than assuming the same effect applies to everyone."

Most of the core findings were observed in mice, and since human brains are much more complex, the results may not translate perfectly to people, the researchers acknowledged.

Also, because the findings are focused specifically on "repeated mild head injuries," they may not apply to people who have not experienced head trauma and are taking fish oil for heart health or other reasons.

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The findings were published in the journal Cell Reports.

Fox News Digital reached out to supplement manufacturers for comment.

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Damon Wayans reveals the scary symptom that led to his type 2 diabetes diagnosis

Comedy icon Damon Wayans has gone from spreading laughter to spreading awareness about diabetes risk.

The actor, best known for his roles in "In Living Color," "Major Payne" and "My Wife and Kids," has lived several years with his own case of type 2 diabetes, which runs in his family.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Wayans, 65, shared the moment he realized the condition should be taken seriously.

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"It was like 2017 and I just remember going to the bathroom and peeing so much that I thought maybe my blood was draining out, too," he described. "And it kept happening and I'm just like – I'm not even drinking that much water."

This frequent urination was followed by pain in his feet, numbness in his toes, delirium and blurry vision.

"My sister Kim made me go to the doctor because I probably wouldn't have gone," Wayans said.

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After the doctor revealed that Wayans' blood sugar reading was at a critically high 535 mg/dL, he was "scared straight" into making some "serious" lifestyle changes.

"I used to drink wine, love wine. I don't drink wine [anymore]," he said. "It's a much healthier life I'm living, and I'm aware of all the joys that I have now that I just took for granted back when I wasn't taking care of myself."

Wayans said he stays "disciplined" with a healthy diet and works out every morning, involving a mix of weightlifting strength training using his own body weight, like burpees and yoga.

"I also wear a glucose monitor, so I know what exercise does to me [and] to my blood sugar," he said. "I know if I lift weights, I feel better, and also I'm burning [calories] for the rest of the day."

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While Wayans feels he has his routine under control, the risk of long-term diabetes complications still looms.

The entertainer recently teamed up with biotech company Genentech’s "All Eye on DME" campaign, a movement to spread awareness of diabetes-related vision loss.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss, according to Genentech.

Although Wayans does not have DME himself, he continuously monitors his own symptoms, including depth perception issues, admitting he "needs to get [his] eyes checked."

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"Sometimes God talks to you, and maybe this is something I needed to hear and be a part of in order to keep myself from going blind," he added.

The condition occurs when fluid leaks from weakened or damaged blood vessels (called retinopathy), causing buildup in the macula, a small area in the middle of the retina that is responsible for clear vision.

If left untreated, the buildup can lead to partial or complete vision loss, according to Genentech.

DME, which can occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients, is the leading cause of vision loss in "working-age" diabetics.

The condition occurs in about 750,000 diabetics in the U.S., disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic populations, research shows.

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Some symptoms of DME include blurry or doubled vision, floaters or dark spots, difficulty seeing colors or objects when there’s a glare, seeing straight lines as curved or bent, or seeing objects as a different size when one eye is closed.

The condition can be diagnosed by an eye doctor via a visual acuity test, eye exam or optical imaging.

Wayans’ biggest piece of advice for diabetes patients is "don’t be afraid to see a doctor."

"You'd be surprised at how simple the treatments are, but you can't treat it if you don't know what it is [and] if you never get diagnosed," he said.

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"It's important that we let our guard down and let our egos down and go conquer the fear, because the fear is all in your head."

Wayans – a member of the iconic Wayans comedy family, including brothers Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, along with son Damon Wayans Jr. – said he hopes that doing his part to spread awareness for DME will help his family talk more openly about health.

"If they see that I'm not afraid, then maybe they'll be less afraid," he said. "And if I can go home and actually talk in-depth about treatments … especially if I got it done myself, I think they'll be more receptive to it."

Wayans acknowledged how cost and access obstacles can hold people back from seeking medical help.

"Even if you have to spend a little money now to get it under control, it's worth it," he said. "Because there's so much life to live, unless you do nothing."

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Dementia risk rises with common food type millions eat every day, study suggests

It’s well-known that ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are not good for overall health — but new research has uncovered further evidence that this diet could negatively impact the brain.

The study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia by the Alzheimer’s Association, revealed that UPFs are linked to more than 30 adverse health outcomes, including several dementia risk factors, like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Researchers from Australia’s Monash University analyzed more than 2,000 dementia-free Australian adults between the ages of 40 and 70, comparing their diets to cognitive function.

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They found that each 10% increase in UPF intake was associated with lower attention scores and higher dementia risk, regardless of whether the adults typically followed a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet.

There was no significant link found between UPF consumption and memory.

By identifying food processing as a contributor to poorer cognition, the study "supports the need to refine dietary guidelines," the researchers concluded.

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As the data was self-reported, this could pose a limitation to the strength of the findings, the team noted.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen, a California-based psychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics, discussed how diet has a "powerful impact" on the brain.

"Your brain is an energy-hungry organ," he said. "It uses about 20% of the calories you consume, so the quality of those calories matters."

Food is either "medicine or poison," according to the doctor, who called out ultraprocessed foods like packaged snacks, soft drinks and ready-made meals that tend to be higher in sugar, unhealthy fats, additives and low-quality ingredients.

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These foods can promote inflammation, insulin resistance, poor blood flow and oxidative stress, all of which are "bad for the brain," according to Amen.

The brain expert noted that the study revealed even a 10% increase in ultraprocessed food intake – equivalent to roughly a pack of chips per day – was linked to a "measurable drop in attention, even when people had otherwise healthy diets."

"Attention is the gateway to learning, memory, decision-making and problem-solving," Amen said. "If you can’t focus, you can’t fully encode information."

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The "big takeaway," according to the doctor, is to "love foods that love you back."

"You may love the taste of chips, cookies and candy, but they don’t love you (or your brain) back," he said. "Ultraprocessed foods may claim to be sugar-free, low-carb or keto-friendly, but researchers noted that ultraprocessing can destroy the natural structure of food – and can introduce additives or processing chemicals that may affect cognition."

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Amen suggests sticking to real food that grows on plants or animals, instead of food "made in plants."

"Build meals around colorful vegetables and fruits, clean protein, healthy fats, nuts, seeds and high-fiber carbohydrates," he recommended. "Start by replacing one ultraprocessed food per day with a brain-healthy option."

That might mean swapping out chips for nuts, soda for water or unsweetened green tea, and packaged sweets for berries. "Small choices done consistently can change your brain and your life," the doctor emphasized.

As UPFs have been shown to worsen several dementia risk factors, Amen stressed that people at risk of cognitive decline should "get serious about prevention as early as possible."

"If you have a family history of dementia, memory concerns, diabetes, high blood pressure or weight issues, your diet is not a side issue – it's a primary brain-health intervention," Amen said.

"Remember, you’re not stuck with the brain you have. You can make it better, and it starts with the next bite."

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Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.

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Heart attacks and strokes rising with extreme weather events, research suggests

Extreme weather is fueling a rise in heart attacks and strokes, with heat waves and cold snaps contributing to the rise, according to new research reported by SWNS.

The findings, presented last week at the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) congress, analyzed data from more than 8 million residents of Eastern Poland between 2011 and 2020.

During that decade, researchers recorded over 573,000 major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

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"Climate change is driving extreme weather events, yet temperate climates remain understudied," professor Lukasz Kuzma, of the Medical University of Bialystok, told SWNS. "Poland is now seeing unprecedented heat waves alongside existing cold waves."

The study found that while both types of temperature extremes are dangerous, they attack the body in different ways.

In heat waves, the impact is immediate. On the day of the weather occurrence, major cardiovascular events spiked by 7.5%, while cardiovascular deaths jumped by 9.5%, according to the report.

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The impact of a cold wave is delayed but sustained. The risk of major events rose between 4% and 5.9% in the days following exposure.

Air pollution intensified the risks of extreme temperatures, the data showed. Approximately 13% of all cardiovascular deaths were attributed to pollution, representing more than 71,000 years of life lost over the 10-year period.

"Our results highlight that the problems of climate change now extend to Northern Europe and demonstrate the considerable combined hazards of temperature extremes and air pollution on increasing cardiovascular events," Kuzma said.

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Contrary to traditional medical assumptions, the study found that monthly increases in pollution exposure were particularly dangerous for demographics often considered lower risk.

The risk of cardiovascular events was 5% higher in women than in men, and 9% higher in people under age 65 compared to those older than 65.

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"Even though air pollution is recognized as a major cardiovascular risk factor, it is still underappreciated," said Dr. Anna Kurasz of the Medical University of Bialystok, per SWNS.

"These results challenge the traditional risk factor paradigm about which groups of individuals are most susceptible."

Looking ahead, Kuzma plans to investigate the impact of light and noise pollution, with the goal of modernizing how doctors predict patient risk.

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"We also aim to develop a method to incorporate environmental factors into a cardiovascular risk prediction algorithm to enable more effective targeting of preventive efforts," he added.

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Pancreatic cancer patient Ben Sasse sees 'massive' tumor reduction with experimental new drug

Months after revealing his stage 4 cancer diagnosis, former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse is speaking out about an experimental therapy that could extend his life.

Sasse, a Republican who represented Nebraska between 2015 and 2023, shared in December 2025 that he has metastatic pancreatic cancer, which has spread to multiple organs — including his liver and lungs.

After initially being given three to four months to live, Sasse, 54, entered a clinical trial for a drug called daraxonrasib, an oral therapy (pill) that is designed to block the defective gene that triggers uncontrolled cellular growth.

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The California-based drugmaker, Revolution Medicines, recently shared data from a phase 3 clinical trial of people with metastatic pancreatic cancer who did not respond to standard chemotherapy. 

Patients on the treatment lived a median of 13 months, compared to around six months for those who continued with chemo.

"I have much, much less pain than I had four months ago when I was diagnosed, and I have a massive 76% reduction in tumor volume over the last four months," Sasse told "60 Minutes" in a recent interview.

Daraxonrasib works by going after a key growth "switch" in many cancers called RAS, according to Sarbajit Mukherjee, M.D., chief of gastrointestinal medical oncology at Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida. 

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"In pancreatic cancer, that switch is stuck in the ‘on’ position in the vast majority of tumors, constantly telling the cancer cells to grow and spread," the doctor, who was not involved in the trial and did not treat Sasse, told Fox News Digital.

"Daraxonrasib is designed to bind to RAS in its active state and turn down that signal, which can slow or shrink the cancer."

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early because there are generally no symptoms — or only subtle gastrointestinal symptoms — until it is already widespread, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst.

"This is the first-of-its-kind targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer," Siegel, who also was not involved in the research or the senator’s treatment, told Fox News Digital. "The drug is in the final stages of clinical trials, where it has been shown to double the survival of those previously treated for metastatic pancreatic cancer."

Mukherjee noted that the survival boost seen in the trial is a "big difference" for a disease that typically has much shorter survival times.

"From my perspective, as someone who treats pancreatic cancer every day, daraxonrasib is the first targeted pill in this disease that truly feels like a step change rather than a small incremental improvement," he said.

"It opens the door to much more personalized strategies going forward. For a cancer where progress has been painfully slow, it could reshape how we care for patients with advanced disease."

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While current chemotherapy options can shrink pancreatic tumors and help people live longer, they are "tough," Mukherjee noted — "and once they stop working, our options are limited and survival is usually measured in just a few more months."

Early data also suggests that when daraxonrasib is combined with standard chemotherapy as the first treatment, there is more shrinkage of tumors and more patients doing well at six months than they typically would only with chemotherapy.

If the drug is approved, it will likely become an important option for patients when standard chemotherapy stops working, Mukherjee suggested.

"Ongoing trials are now asking whether it should also be used as part of the very first treatment plan," he added.

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Although the drug is described as "well-tolerated" compared to chemotherapy, the doctor noted that, like any strong cancer drug, daraxonrasib has side effects. 

"The ones we see most often include rash, diarrhea, mouth sores and fatigue, with patients needing regular blood tests and close follow‑up while on treatment," Mukherjee said. 

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In the clinical trials, most of these problems have been managed by adjusting the dose or adding supportive medications.

"The limitations are important to be transparent about — it is still not yet FDA‑approved, and it is not a cure," Mukherjee noted. 

"Over time, most cancers will eventually find ways to grow around the drug."

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In addition to daraxonrasib, which he calls a "miracle" drug, Sasse credits his faith for helping him beat his original prognosis.

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"It's weird to be in your early 50s and get a terminal diagnosis, and people all of a sudden act like you're 93 or 94, and you have a lot of wisdom," he said. 

"I don't know that I have a lot of wisdom, but I have a lot of things that I think we should be reflecting on together."

Fox News Digital reached out to Sasse for further comment, and to the head of the clinical trial as well.  

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Rectal cancer deaths rising up to three times faster in specific age group, study finds

Rectal cancer deaths are rising at a significantly faster rate than colon cancer among younger Americans, a trend that researchers warn will continue to escalate without a shift in treatment.

Mortality rates for rectal cancer are growing two to three times faster than those for colon cancer among adults aged 20 to 44, according to a study to be presented at Digestive Disease Week 2026 in Chicago.

The data suggests that for older millennials, specifically those between the ages of 35 and 44, rectal cancer mortality is projected to escalate through 2035.

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"Colorectal cancer is no longer considered predominantly a disease of older adults," said lead author Mythili Menon Pathiyil, a gastroenterology fellow at SUNY Upstate Medical University. "Rectal cancer, especially, is becoming a growing problem in younger individuals."

The researchers analyzed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) death records from 1999 to 2023. 

Using a machine learning model to project future trends, the team found that the mortality gap between the two types of cancer is widening across every demographic.

Hispanic adults and residents of Western states experienced the steepest increases in rectal cancer deaths, the study found.

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A primary concern raised by the research is the diagnostic delay often experienced by younger patients.

"Young people are being diagnosed with rectal cancers at increasingly younger ages — and often at more advanced, aggressive stages of disease," Rachel Gordon, M.D., a New York-based colorectal and general surgeon at Episcopal Health Services, told Fox News Digital.

"We’re seeing a combination of lifestyle and environmental exposures, including diet and changes in the gut microbiome, potentially playing a role," said Gordon, who was not involved in the study.

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Older adults tend to begin treatment within a month of symptoms starting — but young adults face an average seven-month delay before getting care.

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Pathiyil noted that primary care providers often dismiss red-flag symptoms in young people — such as rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits — as benign conditions like hemorrhoids.

"If something doesn’t feel right, or if you experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding (bright red or dark), persistent changes in bowel habits (including diarrhea or constipation), narrow stools, a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or fatigue, it’s important to see your doctor promptly," Gordon advised.

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The findings suggest that current screening strategies may need to be reevaluated, according to Pathiyil.

"Our study shows that rectal cancer is driving much of the increase in colorectal cancers," she added. 

"It’s likely to worsen over time if we don’t change what we are doing right now."

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Bacteria in your mouth may travel to the gut and trigger stomach cancer, research finds

New research is suggesting a strong association between mouth bacteria and gastric cancer.

The study, published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, examined the gut microbiome in stool and the oral microbiome from saliva and the tongue.

The China-based researchers with BGI Genomics analyzed 404 samples from Chinese patients with gastric cancer in one group and chronic gastritis in another.

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Gut microbes were different in gastric cancer, the researchers found, unveiling 28 varying gut species. 

Most were oral bacteria, including Streptococcus — bacteria that can sometimes cause strep throat — lactobacillus and other lactic acid bacteria.

Twenty oral-gut species were found in both saliva and stool and were more common in the gut of gastric cancer patients.

The findings suggest the transmission of these bacteria from mouth to gut, after finding that the oral bacteria matched closely to the gut bacteria in the same person, according to genetic comparisons.

The researchers suggest that saliva and stool samples could help indicate patterns that are linked to stomach cancer, although more research is required before testing is ready for clinical use.

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"Collectively, these findings underscore the critical role of the oral-gut microbiome axis in [gastric cancer]," the researchers concluded in the study publication.

Since this is a cross-sectional analysis, the results cannot prove that these bacteria cause cancer, but they do suggest a strong association.

Dr. Brian Slomovitz, director of gynecologic oncology and co-chair of the Cancer Research Committee at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, talked about the "initiator-promoter" model of this study in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"[The study] demonstrates how the microbiome of one area of the body can migrate and affect the ability of cancers to develop in another part of the body," said Slomovitz, who was not involved in the new study. 

"The initiator in gastric cancers is usually inflammatory, such as H.pylori infection," he continued. 

"This inflammation leads to damaged mucosal cells where the lactic acid-producing bacteria can colonize. This helps to explain why cancers still develop even after treating H. pylori infection."

The new findings could be applied to using the saliva for early cancer detection, Slomovitz suggested, which may help identify the disease even in pre-cancer states.

"Perhaps we will learn that by altering the microbiome, we can help better treat cancers (in combination with immunotherapy or chemotherapy) or even prevent cancer," he said. 

"These results will build a foundation for future research. However, we are not ready to incorporate this into clinical practice."

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Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel also weighed in separately on the study, noting that awareness around the importance of the gut microbiome on overall health has been growing.

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"There is a correlation between the bacteria found in the gut and neurogenerative disease and increased cancer risk," he told Fox News Digital. 

"It is very important that we work toward a healthy microbiome in the gut to decrease the risk of inflammation and cancer."

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Patients taking weight-loss drugs often make 5 critical mistakes, doctor warns

GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1s) have exploded in popularity in recent years – initially as a way to control diabetes and then as tools for weight loss.

Growing research suggests that these drugs – which include semaglutide and tirzepatide – potentially have benefits beyond weight loss, with stronger evidence for cardiovascular and kidney health.

Even so, experts caution that these medications are not foolproof — and using them the wrong way can undermine results or even create new health problems.

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Dr. Meena T. Malhotra, MD, a functional medicine doctor and weight-loss specialist in a suburb of Chicago, confirmed that she has seen myriad health improvements in patients taking GLP-1s – particularly those with diabetes who were "very sick."

"We observed that this sick population was doing better than the diabetics who were on other diabetes medicines," she shared with Fox News Digital, noting that she observed improvements in brain health, memory, heart health, circulation, and liver and kidney function. "We realized there was more to the drug than just sugar control and weight loss."

Malhotra said she believes many people can safely microdose GLP-1s, but she cautions against the following common mistakes.

Anyone considering GLP-1s should first focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle, Malhotra emphasized – a view widely shared by endocrinologists and obesity medicine specialists.

GLP-1 medications work by slowing gastric emptying, reducing appetite and improving insulin signaling. People with preexisting GI symptoms may be more prone to discomfort or intolerance, though responses vary, and formal evidence is limited.

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Before beginning the medication, Malhotra recommends improving basic nutritional habits, such as increasing intake of whole, minimally processed foods, and prioritizing protein and fiber to support satiety and gut health.

Even small improvements can lead to early weight loss, reduced fluid retention and improvements in insulin sensitivity, doctors agree. 

Once GLP-1 medications are started, these lifestyle modifications may reduce the necessary dose amount, result in fewer side effects and help preserve lean muscle mass.

The growing trend of obtaining GLP-1 medications online without proper medical oversight can pose serious health risks, Malhotra warned.

"Nobody examines the patient – they just fill out a form and the medicine shows up at their door," she said.

WEIGHT-LOSS DOCTOR SHARES HOW GLP-1S COULD REWIRE BODY AGAINST DISEASE

Patients should see a medical provider for a thorough exam and blood work before starting the drugs, the doctor emphasized.

"If something is off, it needs to be addressed," she said. "Whether it’s a thyroid issue, a heart condition or another factor slowing your metabolism, any underlying problems should be fixed first."

During treatment, Malhotra recommends that her patients come in once a month to make sure they are losing fat and not lean muscle mass. "That's very important, because if you lose lean mass, your body is not getting healthier," she said.

This ongoing monitoring also helps to ensure that the patient is following a balanced diet, getting adequate protein and adhering to strength training. "There's more to it than just giving yourself a shot," Malhotra added.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when taking GLP-1s is cutting calories but not getting sufficient protein, according to Malhotra.

"If you are decreasing the calories but not fixing the nutritional foundation, you will lose lean mass," the doctor said. "But if you're eating a balanced diet with adequate protein and doing strength training with a smaller dose of the drug, you will get better results and your health will improve."

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Most people need about 0.5 to 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day to maintain muscle and support overall health, according to medical experts. For a 200-pound person, that would equate to roughly 100 to 160 grams of protein daily.

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Higher amounts may be needed for those who are physically active or trying to build strength. "The amount of protein you need will depend on the frequency and intensity of your workouts," Malhotra said. 

Another common mistake is rushing the process and increasing GLP-1 doses too quickly in hopes of faster results, according to the doctor.

"You may start to see results within the first week or month, but some people do need a higher dose over time," she said. "The key is to be patient and increase it gradually — typically month by month."

If a patient doesn’t see results after the first injection, that doesn’t mean the dose should be doubled right away, according to Malhotra. 

"That’s a recipe for problems, including side effects like pancreatitis," she said. "Your body needs time to adjust and adapt."

"You can go up if you hit a plateau or if it's not helping, but we usually wait a month to increase the dose."

While many expect "instant gratification," health is about balance, Malhotra added. "It won't take 20 years, but give it two months, I think that's fair."

A general rule of thumb, according to the doctor, is "don't start too soon, don't stop too soon."

GLP-1 side effects can often be prevented by building a strong foundation of health and keeping everything in balance, according to Malhotra. 

"That said, some people will still have side effects, and there are ways to manage them," she said.

The doctor recommends eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions — ideally about the size of your fist. 

It’s also important to keep fat intake low, she advised – GLP-1 medications already slow stomach emptying and fat can slow it even further, which may worsen nausea.

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For nausea and constipation, simple strategies can go a long way, according to the doctor. Some patients find ginger helpful for nausea, she said, though it is not a substitute for medical guidance.

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Incorporating more liquids, such as shakes, soups and broths, can be easier on the stomach, she suggested. Prunes and other fiber-rich foods can help support digestion and prevent constipation.

"These little lifestyle hacks can help a lot with managing the side effects, instead of stopping and then finding that your weight is yo-yoing," Malhotra said.

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‘No contact’ on the rise: Nearly 2 in 5 Americans cut ties with loved ones

More Americans are choosing to walk away from difficult relationships instead of working through them, a new survey has revealed.

Nearly two in five Americans — 38% — say they have gone "no contact" with a friend or family member in the past year, according to a survey of 2,000 adults conducted in March by Talker Research for the therapy platform Talkspace.

"These results suggest that avoiding relationship challenges is becoming more common," Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, chief medical officer at Talkspace, said in a statement. "But that approach can come with its own risks, making it harder to sustain meaningful connections over time and leading to more loneliness."

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Younger Americans were far more likely than older generations to report cutting someone off. The survey found that 60% of Gen Z respondents had gone "no contact," compared to 50% of millennials, 38% of Gen X and 20% of baby boomers.

John Puls, a Florida-based psychotherapist and adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, said he has seen a growing trend of young adults, including Gen Zers, going no contact with their parents in his practice.

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"This generation appears to have a low tolerance for otherwise poor behavior from their parents," Puls, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "They are often conflict-avoidant, which prevents them from trying to meaningfully work through their issues with their parents."

Their parents, meanwhile, are often unwilling to examine their role in any of the conflict within the relationship, Puls added. "This creates a situation where neither party is willing to compromise or take ownership."

FAMILY BREAKUPS OVER POLITICS MAY HURT MORE THAN YOU THINK, EXPERT SAYS

Thirty-six percent of overall respondents said the top reason for severing ties with someone was feeling disrespected. Nearly 30% said the relationship negatively affected their mental health or that the other person was too negative.

The cutoffs often appear to last. Among those who said they went "no contact" in the past year, 59% said they are still not speaking to the person, according to the survey.

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The findings also suggest that "no contact" may be part of a wider retreat from uncomfortable interactions. Nearly three-quarters of respondents, 73%, said their instinct during relationship problems is to distance themselves rather than communicate and work through the issue.

Other behaviors in the poll point in the same direction. More than a third of respondents said they had blocked a friend or family member on social media in the past year, while 30% said they had removed a loved one from a group chat.

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While the study was sponsored by a therapy platform and has not undergone peer review, experts have previously told Fox News Digital that "cutoff culture" is becoming normalized, with some arguing that media messaging — including from figures like Oprah Winfrey and the Beckhams — has helped drive the trend.

Many experts agree the tactic should be used only as a last resort.

Puls stressed that no case of going zero-contact with a family member or friend is the same and while it is necessary in rare situations, it often comes with long-term regret and resentment. "I always recommend my patients try ongoing family therapy, compromise and implementing boundaries," he said.

Nari Jeter, PhD, a Florida-based licensed marriage and family therapist, agreed. "Some people think that once you go no-contact, you’ll immediately feel peace — that’s usually not the case," she said.

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"This is often a heart-wrenching and even agonizing process," Jeter, who was not involved in the research, added.

But the move doesn't have to be forever, she noted: "No contact can become fertile ground for future reconciliation."

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5 ways to stay fit and healthy while navigating major life changes: 'Really powerful'

Riley Gaines, host of her podcast "The Riley Gaines Show," discussed in a recent episode how to make room for wellness even during life changes, and offered advice for others trying to stick to a routine.

Hosted by OutKick, a Fox News Media brand, the podcast features the former collegiate swimmer’s commentary on culture, politics and women’s sports, along with interviews spotlighting women advocating for their rights.

"I don't see anything wrong with wanting to achieve the healthiest version of yourself no matter what stage of life you're in," said Gaines, who gave birth to her first baby in September 2025.

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Below are her top five tips for staying healthy as a new mom.

Focusing on health in the first 60 minutes after waking up helps ensure that your health doesn't get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, according to Gaines.

Even with her background as a competitive swimmer, "there's just always something that needs to be done or there's something that somebody needs from you," she said.

Carving out an early-morning window of time helps with building a mental edge before the world begins making demands, according to Gaines.

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"I love the concept of already doing so many things, so many hard things, before most people even hit snooze on their alarm clock," she said.

To make this sustainable, Gaines suggests a simple preparation: laying out your gear the night before. "That way, in the morning when you wake up, all you have to do is throw it on."

Many people struggle with the natural loss of muscle mass and energy as they age. Gaines said her approach to nutrition isn't about dieting in the traditional sense, but about providing the body with the "brick and mortar" it needs to stay durable.

She was quick to bust the common myth that high protein leads to an unwanted bulky appearance.

"It's not true, myth busted. It will keep you lean, you will feel fuller for longer."

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Gaines' rule of thumb is to aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight.

"If you don't have enough protein, then your body cannot effectively repair the tiny tears that happen during strength training, which is the good kind of damage that leads to stronger, more lean muscles," she said.

Gaines advocates for building a strong core through any movement, even during ordinary day-to-day activities.

"Every single time my car stops at a red light, I engage my core ... I contract and flex my abs," she said in the episode. "It's almost like you're training your muscles to contract without having to do the crunches or the planks or the sit ups."

Fitness is significantly harder when done in a vacuum, Gaines shared, noting that solo motivation "fades really, really fast," especially when life gets busy or energy is low.

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She recommends finding an accountability partner, such as a spouse, friend, or family member, who can celebrate your wins and check in on your progress. 

"Find something or someone or some way to keep you accountable," Gaines advised, noting that her family frequently works out together.

"Without consistency, you're just repeatedly starting over," Gaines warned.

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"How many times have you guys said, '[the] diet starts Monday,' and maybe you make it to Wednesday, and then you're back ... You're really not doing anything, actually. You're confusing your body."

By showing up when you don't want to, you stop negotiating with yourself, she said.

"It's consistency that builds discipline, which turns into confidence," Gaines added. "You stop negotiating with yourself and start identifying as someone who follows through."

"That identity shift is really powerful, and it carries into every area of life."

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This common habit could be quietly hurting men’s fertility, experts warn

As the Trump administration moves to loosen federal restrictions on drugs — including a new step to ease regulations on state-licensed medical marijuana — questions are growing about cannabis use and its broader health effects.

Among them is a lesser discussed concern: men’s fertility.

During National Infertility Awareness Week, experts are drawing attention to the potential negative impact of both recreational and medical cannabis on male reproductive health.

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Cannabis use has been associated with changes in reproductive health for both males and females, though human evidence remains mixed.

"This is especially disheartening when men and women are actively trying to conceive and start a family," Dr. Alta DeRoo, chief medical officer of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in Minnesota, told Fox News Digital.

A 2025 Harvard-linked study involving women undergoing fertility treatment revealed twice as many miscarriages among those using cannabis compared to non-users.

It’s a common misconception, however, that fertility issues are always due to an issue with the woman. Male infertility is more common than many think, according to Stephanie Seminar, MD, chief of the Reproductive Endocrine Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of Mass General Brigham in Boston, Massachusetts.

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"Many individuals think infertility is a woman’s problem, [but] male infertility is common and under-evaluated," Seminar told Fox News Digital.

Out of the 10% to 15% of couples worldwide who experience infertility, male factors cause or contribute to approximately 45% of those cases, data shows.

Having normal sexual drive and performance does not mean that a man has normal fertility, Seminar noted.

An evaluation of male infertility goes beyond semen analysis, examining factors like sexual dysfunction, toxin exposure, tobacco/cannabis use, childhood illnesses and past testosterone use, according to medical experts.

Cannabis use, particularly when heavy and chronic, can have negative effects on male fertility, Seminar cautioned. Those can include changes in reproductive hormones and semen parameters, including decreased sperm counts or mobility.

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Cannabis can also impact sperm quality, the doctor said. "The sperm count or volume can be lower, and those sperm produced may be malformed and unable to swim effectively," the doctor said.

Research supports this decline – a 2019 review published in The Journal of Urology found associations between cannabis use, especially the smoked form, and reduced semen quality.

Another study of 1,215 healthy young Danish men, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that smoking cannabis more than once per week was associated with a 28% lower sperm concentration and 29% lower total sperm count.

Combining marijuana with other recreational drugs more than once a week reduced sperm concentration and count even higher – by 52% and 55%, respectively.

The human body produces its own natural endocannabinoids to regulate vital functions like fertility, as described in a Nature Reviews Urology analysis.

Cannabis mimics these molecules with its two main compounds: cannabidiol (CBD) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which interact directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system. 

While THC can relieve pain or stimulate appetite, it also triggers the "high" that often leads to adverse side effects, like anxiety or paranoia, which have been widely documented in cannabinoid research.

When cannabis is consumed, external cannabinoids enter the body and bind to the same receptors as natural endocannabinoids, which may impair sperm quality and reproductive function, according to previous studies.

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Cannabis may interfere with the brain’s regulation of reproductive hormones, with some research suggesting it can alter levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), which signal the testes to support sperm production.

This hormonal suppression could contribute to fertility challenges in some cases, though researchers noted that human evidence remains mixed and continues to be studied.

Men planning to conceive should stop using cannabis, experts recommend, as it can significantly impair sperm quality, with higher usage correlating to worse outcomes.

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Any negative effects may be reversible, as fertility can be improved when couples stop cannabis use, DeRoo noted.

Experts recommend discontinuing cannabis use at least three months prior to conceiving to allow the body to generate a full cycle of healthy sperm.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine also encourages couples trying to conceive to avoid recreational drugs to maximize their chances of a healthy birth.

"Stopping the use of cannabis improves other areas of health in a person’s life, and conception or pregnancy can be a strong motivator for abstinence," DeRoo added.

In 2021, nearly one in five Americans (52.5 million people) used cannabis, making it the most common federally illegal drug in the country, per CDC data.

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Statistics show that about 30% of users may develop cannabis use disorder at some point, which adversely impacts their daily activities.

Recreational cannabis is legal in roughly half of U.S. states, while medical marijuana is legal in a large majority (well over 30 states), according to the CDC. A small number of states still prohibit most forms of cannabis use.

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Your daily coffee habit may be quietly reshaping your gut and mood, study finds

Coffee may do more than keep you going: It could have a noticeable impact on your digestive health, even if you drink decaf.

Researchers from APC Microbiome Ireland found that habitual coffee consumption alters the trillions of microbes living in the digestive tract, creating a chemical feedback loop that directly influences mood, stress levels and cognitive sharpness.

The study followed 62 participants to determine how coffee interacts with the microbiome. The group included 31 coffee drinkers and 31 non-coffee drinkers, who went through a series of psychological tests and kept detailed journals about their diet and coffee consumption.

YOUR DAILY DIET SODA COULD BE AGING YOUR BRAIN FASTER THAN YOU THINK, STUDY FINDS

The researchers defined "coffee drinkers" as those consuming three to five cups daily, a range the European Food Safety Authority deems safe and moderate.

After people stopped drinking coffee for two weeks and then started drinking it again, the bacteria in their digestive systems behaved differently than the non-drinkers, according to a press release.

"Coffee is more than just caffeine," study author Professor John Cryan, principal investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland, said in a statement.

"It’s a complex dietary factor that interacts with our gut microbes, our metabolism and even our emotional well-being."

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The coffee drinkers were found to have higher levels of specific beneficial bacteria, such as Eggertella and Cryptobacterium curtum.

These microbes play a vital role in releasing gastric acids and creating bile, both of which help the body eliminate harmful bacteria and manage inflammation, the researchers noted.

Both caffeinated and decaf drinkers reported lower levels of perceived stress, depression and impulsivity. This suggests that the non-caffeine components of coffee, like polyphenols and antioxidants, are doing the heavy lifting for mental health.

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However, the two types of brew offer different perks. Caffeinated coffee was specifically linked to reduced anxiety and better focus, while decaf was shown to lead to significant improvements in learning and episodic memory.

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Researchers believe these cognitive gains in decaf drinkers may be tied to better sleep quality and increased physical activity.

The study’s findings are limited by a small sample size, which may not accurately represent the diverse microbiome profiles found across different global populations.

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Because the research relied heavily on self-reported data regarding participants' coffee habits and mood levels, the results are subject to memory errors and subjective bias, the researchers noted.

The study also did not strictly control for other dietary variables, such as sugar and dairy additives, which could independently influence gut health and cloud the specific impact of the coffee bean itself.

The research was published in the journal Nature Communications.

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Highly contagious stomach bug surges in US as some groups face severe effects

→ Highly contagious stomach bug spreads fast, hitting certain patients hardest

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→ Your favorite snacks could be quietly wrecking your knees, research suggests

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→ Natural hormone may reduce obesity without cutting calories

→ Common sweetener may trigger fat buildup in ways experts didn’t expect

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→ 'Nonnamaxxing' trend may improve mental and physical health

→ Psychedelic therapy may be coming to your doctor's office as questions swirl

→ Intermittent fasting’s real benefit may come after you start eating again

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

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First-ever gene therapy for hearing loss gets FDA approval: 'Groundbreaking'

A new therapy for genetic hearing loss has just been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The treatment, Otarmeni (lunsotogene parvec-cwha), is the first-ever dual adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy, meaning it uses two harmless viruses to deliver the therapy into cells.

In an FDA news release, the agency called the therapy "groundbreaking," noting its potential to treat both pediatric and adult patients with "severe to profound" hearing loss linked to the OTOF gene.

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Positive results from drug trials were published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2025, confirming that the gene therapy "improved hearing in patients with OTOF-related deafness, enabling natural acoustic hearing and normalizing hearing sensitivity in three of 12 treated patients."

The FDA approval marks the first disease-modifying treatment for OTOF-related deafness.

This is the sixth drug approval under the FDA commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) pilot program and the first gene therapy to be approved through the initiative, according to the announcement.

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"Today’s approval is a significant milestone in the treatment of genetic hearing loss," FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said in a statement.

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"Through the National Priority Voucher pilot program, the agency is accelerating therapies for rare diseases with unmet medical needs while proving we can successfully review even the most complex submissions — such as novel dual-vector gene therapies and combination products requiring coordination across multiple offices and centers — in significantly shortened time frames."

Otarmeni is administered surgically as a one-time treatment, using a needle and a tiny tube to deliver the medicine directly into the inner ear (the cochlea) in both ears.

The therapy works by delivering a healthy copy of the OTOF gene to key cells in the inner ear, helping to restore the protein otoferlin so auditory signals can be sent to the brain, according to the FDA.

The treatment is intended for patients with preserved outer hair cell function and for those with no prior cochlear implant in the same ear. Side effects may include middle ear infection, nausea, dizziness and procedural pain.

The FDA will host a public meeting June 4 to discuss program implementation, eligibility criteria and other processes for distribution, according to the announcement.

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Carrie Ann Inaba shares her struggle to manage hidden, invisible illness: 'It's real'

Longtime "Dancing with the Stars" judge Carrie Ann Inaba is spreading awareness about a condition she’s been living with for decades.

The dancer and TV personality has recently been transparent about her journey with Sjogren’s disease – an autoimmune condition that can start with seemingly small symptoms but has the potential to become debilitating.

Inaba, 58, was rushed to the hospital last week after her condition triggered a medical emergency mid-flight while traveling to New York City.

'DWTS' JUDGE CARRIE ANN INABA RUSHED TO HOSPITAL AFTER MID-FLIGHT MEDICAL EMERGENCY

In an Instagram post featuring a video of Inaba being transported in an ambulance, she described how she "suddenly felt quite ill."

"And while it seemed like food poisoning, I also suddenly broke out into a cold sweat, got dizzy and my arms went numb," she wrote.

"Like many people who live with autoimmune disease, I travel with a health tool kit and am prepared for the worst, but this scared me."

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In an interview with Fox News Digital, Inaba revealed that she’s been silently struggling with the disease for years, since first developing eye problems when she was younger.

"My eyes were really, really dry and I kept having injuries to my corneas," she said.

After consulting her ophthalmologist, who brushed off her symptoms, Inaba met with a rheumatologist who directed her to a Sjogren’s specialist.

Following extensive bloodwork and a dry-eye test, Inaba was diagnosed with Sjogren’s disease in 2013 – more than 10 years after she first experienced symptoms.

Sjogren’s is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that can affect different parts of the body. If left untreated, the condition can worsen over time, in some cases causing damage to the lungs, kidneys and other organs, according to medical experts.

An estimated four million people in the U.S. are living with Sjogren’s, 90% of whom are women.

In a survey of more than 3,500 adults living with the disease, 48 different symptoms were reported over the course of a year, per data from Sjout for Sjogren’s.

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Sjogren’s can show up differently for everyone, making it difficult to diagnose.

In Inaba's case, after the initial dry-eye symptoms, she began suffering from "a lot of pain" in her neck and shoulders. As a dancer, this was difficult to differentiate from the normal aches and pains, she shared. Extreme fatigue was another symptom she experienced.

"I had no energy to move forward with things, which is unlike me," she said. "I've always been a go-getter ... I was physically active my whole life. And during this chapter, when I was starting to figure out something was wrong, there were all these symptoms, and I didn't understand how they were related."

FEELING EXTRA TIRED? THIS VIRUS COULD BE THE CULPRIT, STUDY SUGGESTS

Other symptoms can include dry mouth, brain fog, anxiety, swollen glands and lymph nodes, skin rashes, fevers and night sweats. People may also notice numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or feet. Internal organ complications can also occur.

Inaba said she relies on a variety of practices to manage her symptoms, including keeping her eyes and environment moist.

"I always have a lot of drinks. I'm always spraying things in the air to get moisture in the air. I have a humidifier I sleep with," she told Fox News Digital.

"I also do lots of meditation and reiki and body work to make sure I don't get too flared up, because pain is always with me. I live with pain 24/7."

Inaba said she’s learned how to listen to her body to tap into what it needs, especially taking time to rest surrounding big events.

"I know that more than likely, I might be sick and I might have a few down days afterwards, and it's worth the risk," she said. "If I don't have to be in a crowd, I won't, because I want to take care of my health and prioritize myself."

For others who are living with Sjogren’s or experiencing symptoms, Inaba’s advice is to keep "careful track" of the warning signs, to recognize when something doesn’t feel right and to advocate for proper care.

This is the message behind the Sjout for Sjogren’s campaign, an awareness movement that Inaba hopes will help spread more knowledge about the disease and reduce stigma.

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"We want people to respect that it is a complicated systemic autoimmune disease that needs care," she said. "There is no FDA-approved treatment at this time, so it's about managing symptoms."

"It’s important to also have a community – and part of this campaign is about building a community."

The most important thing Inaba wants people to know about Sjogren’s is that "it’s real."

"It's an invisible illness," she said. "I know when I'm out there doing whatever show I'm doing, you don't think I'm sick, but I pay a price for doing that."

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"It's sometimes a lonely and isolating disease – and so I want people to know they can reach out … I want people to feel confident enough to shout about what they're going through."

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She added, "Don't let people tell you it's not real. And have patience for the friends who are trying to understand, but can't quite. Because, most likely, you don't believe it unless you're actually experiencing it."

Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/CSAvxsa

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