A small scoop of sauerkraut every day may do more than add crunch to your meal. It could also protect your gut. In a new study from the University of California- Davis, researchers found that fermented cabbage, also known as sauerkraut, may help support the gut lining and reduce inflammation in the body. “A little bit of sauerkraut could go a long way,” lead author Maria Marco, a professor of food science and technology at UC Davis, said in a news release. “We should be thinking about including fermented foods in our regular diets and not just as a side on our hot dogs.” The research — published in the journal Food Microbiology — showed that fermentation transforms cabbage into something much more powerful.  When raw cabbage is transformed into sauerkraut, it produces special compounds that may boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and promote a healthy digestive system. It’s important to note, however, that these benefits only appeared after fermentation. Raw cabbage or salty brine alone didn’t have the same effect, the researchers noted. Researchers also tested individual components of sauerkraut to see if one compound was responsible for the health effects, but no single part worked on its own. “It’s the full combination of nutrients created during fermentation working together that makes the real difference for your gut,” the researchers explained. And you…  read on >  read on >

A small scoop of sauerkraut every day may do more than add crunch to your meal. It could also protect your gut. In a new study from the University of California- Davis, researchers found that fermented cabbage, also known as sauerkraut, may help support the gut lining and reduce inflammation in the body. “A little bit of sauerkraut could go a long way,” lead author Maria Marco, a professor of food science and technology at UC Davis, said in a news release. “We should be thinking about including fermented foods in our regular diets and not just as a side on our hot dogs.” The research — published in the journal Food Microbiology — showed that fermentation transforms cabbage into something much more powerful.  When raw cabbage is transformed into sauerkraut, it produces special compounds that may boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and promote a healthy digestive system. It’s important to note, however, that these benefits only appeared after fermentation. Raw cabbage or salty brine alone didn’t have the same effect, the researchers noted. Researchers also tested individual components of sauerkraut to see if one compound was responsible for the health effects, but no single part worked on its own. “It’s the full combination of nutrients created during fermentation working together that makes the real difference for your gut,” the researchers explained. And you…  read on >  read on >

A pizza shop in Wisconsin accidentally served food made with oil containing THC, the main compound in marijuana, sickening dozens of people. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared a report last week that identified the eatery as Famous Yeti’s Pizza in Stoughton, Wisc. The mixup happened in October, when the restaurant ran out of cooking oil. Employees grabbed what they thought was regular canola oil from a shared kitchen space, but it was actually oil infused with THC. That oil was used to make pizza dough and other menu items, including garlic bread, cheese bread and sandwiches, the CDC said. The food was sold between Oct. 22 and 24. Emergency services first learned something was wrong after taking seven people to hospitals with symptoms like dizziness, anxiety and extreme sleepiness.  All said they had eaten food from the pizzeria. One person tested positive for THC but said they had not knowingly consumed any cannabis. Local health officials launched an investigation and urged others who had eaten at Famous Yeti’s to come forward. In all, 85 of 107 people who responded reported eating the contaminated food and developing symptoms within five hours. Symptoms of THC intoxication can include dizziness, sleepiness, panic attacks, anxiety, nausea, increased heart rate and hallucinations. Short-term memory can also be affected, the CDC said. Those affected ranged in…  read on >  read on >

A pizza shop in Wisconsin accidentally served food made with oil containing THC, the main compound in marijuana, sickening dozens of people. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared a report last week that identified the eatery as Famous Yeti’s Pizza in Stoughton, Wisconsin. The mixup happened in October, when the restaurant ran out of cooking oil. Employees grabbed what they thought was regular canola oil from a shared kitchen space, but it was actually oil infused with THC. That oil was used to make pizza dough and other menu items, including garlic bread, cheese bread and sandwiches, the CDC said. The food was sold between Oct. 22 and 24. Emergency services first learned something was wrong after taking seven people to hospitals with symptoms like dizziness, anxiety and extreme sleepiness. All said they had eaten food from the pizzeria. One person tested positive for THC but said they had not knowingly consumed any cannabis. Local health officials launched an investigation and urged others who had eaten at Famous Yeti’s to come forward. In all, 85 of 107 people who responded reported eating the contaminated food and developing symptoms within five hours. Symptoms of THC intoxication can include dizziness, sleepiness, panic attacks, anxiety, nausea, increased heart rate and hallucinations. Short-term memory can also be affected, the CDC said. Those affected ranged in…  read on >  read on >

Ritz peanut butter cracker sandwiches are being recalled due to the possible presence of undeclared peanuts, a major allergen. The affected products contain individually wrapped packs that may have been mislabeled as cheese sandwiches instead of peanut butter ones, according to Newsweek. The outer cartons were labeled correctly and indicated the presence of peanuts. Mondelēz Global LLC announced the voluntary recall on July 8, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class II risk warning for the sandwiches on July 22. Class II recalls mean consuming the affected product poses a moderate risk to public health, according to the FDA. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts “may risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions by consuming this product,” Ritz’s maker, Mondelēz Global LLC of East Hanover, N.J., warned in a news release.  No reports of injury or illness associated with consuming the affected cracker sandwiches have been reported to date. Allergic reactions to peanuts range in severity from mild symptoms, such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Peanut allergy is the most common cause of life-threatening anaphylaxis due to food, according to the Mayo Clinic.  The manufacturer initiated the recall after it discovered that film packaging rolls used to wrap individual peanut butter products might “contain defects due to a supplier error.”  Corrective actions are being taken to help ensure this issue does not recur, Mondelēz…  read on >  read on >

Ritz peanut butter cracker sandwiches are being recalled due to the possible presence of undeclared peanuts, a major allergen. The affected products contain individually wrapped packs that may have been mislabeled as cheese sandwiches instead of peanut butter ones, according to Newsweek. The outer cartons were labeled correctly and indicated the presence of peanuts. Mondelēz Global LLC announced the voluntary recall on July 8, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class II risk warning for the sandwiches on July 22. Class II recalls mean consuming the affected product poses a moderate risk to public health, according to the FDA. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts “may risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions by consuming this product,” Ritz’s maker, Mondelēz Global LLC of East Hanover, N.J., warned in a news release.  No reports of injury or illness associated with consuming the affected cracker sandwiches have been reported to date. Allergic reactions to peanuts range in severity from mild symptoms, such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Peanut allergy is the most common cause of life-threatening anaphylaxis due to food, according to the Mayo Clinic. The manufacturer initiated the recall after it discovered that film packaging rolls used to wrap individual peanut butter products might “contain defects due to a supplier error.” Corrective actions are being taken to help ensure this issue does not recur, Mondelēz…  read on >  read on >

The goal of the federally recognized definition is to provide consistency in research and policy to address health concerns associated with these foods  read on >

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a recall of a commonly prescribed thyroid medication due to what it described as “subpotent” active ingredients. The recall of more than 160,000 bottles of levothyroxine sodium, which went into effect June 20, was upgraded to a Class II recall on July 23. Class II recalls occur when use of the drug poses a moderate public health risk, according to the FDA. The recall was initiated because the medication content of the recalled pills is “below the approved specification,” according to the New York-based television network NTD. No other details were available about the recall, including whether anyone has become ill from the weak pills. Levothyroxine sodium is used to treat a sluggish thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to heart problems and high cholesterol, among other issues, according to the Mayo Clinic. The recalled drugs are manufactured by India-based Intas Pharmaceuticals for North Carolina-based Accord Healthcare, NTD reported. They total 160,630 bottles and come in various doses, strengths, and packages, including: Lot D2400536; expiration date, Feb. 28, 2026 Lot D2300325; expiration date, Jan. 31, 2026 Lot D2400679; expiration date, Feb. 28, 2026 Lot D2300087; expiration date, Dec. 31, 2025 Lot D2300092; expiration date, Dec. 31, 2025 Lot D2400722; expiration date, March 31, 2026 Lot D2300104; expiration date, Dec. 31, 2025 Lot D2300076; expiration…  read on >  read on >

(HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has signed off on the first-ever cream specifically approved for treating chronic hand eczema (CHE). CHE is common condition marked by redness, itching and cracking on the hands and wrists. Anzupgo (delgocitinib cream) is approved for adults with moderate-to-severe CHE who can’t use topical steroids or who don’t respond well to them.   “The approval of Anzupgo reinforces our commitment to investing in difficult-to-treat skin conditions to deliver new treatments to patients where the need is greatest,” Christophe Bourdon, CEO of LEO Pharma, maker of Anzupgo, said in a news release.  Unlike atopic dermatitis, which is the most common form of eczema, CHE is rare and debilitating. It affects about 10% of the U.S. population and lasts for more than three months or recurs at least twice a year, according to the National Eczema Association.  Anzupgo works by blocking the effects of JAK enzymes, which trigger the inflammation that can kickstart a hand eczema flare. Genetics and exposure to irritants and allergens are contributing causes of this form of eczema. Folks who are most at risk work in industries such as cleaning, hairdressing and health care, where they are more likely to come into contact with and react to chemicals.  Studies show that the condition can take a dramatic toll on a person’s quality of life and mental well-being. A Detroit dermatologist welcomed the FDA’s…  read on >  read on >

(HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has signed off on the first-ever cream specifically approved for treating chronic hand eczema (CHE). CHE is a common condition marked by redness, itching and cracking on the hands and wrists. Anzupgo (delgocitinib cream) is approved for adults with moderate-to-severe CHE who can’t use topical steroids or who don’t respond well to them. “The approval of Anzupgo reinforces our commitment to investing in difficult-to-treat skin conditions to deliver new treatments to patients where the need is greatest,” Christophe Bourdon, CEO of LEO Pharma, maker of Anzupgo, said in a news release. Unlike atopic dermatitis, which is the most common form of eczema, CHE is rare and debilitating. It affects about 10% of the U.S. population and lasts for more than three months or recurs at least twice a year, according to the National Eczema Association. Anzupgo works by blocking the effects of JAK enzymes, which trigger the inflammation that can kickstart a hand eczema flare. Genetics and exposure to irritants and allergens are contributing causes of this form of eczema. People who are most at risk work in industries such as cleaning, hairdressing and health care, where they are more likely to come into contact with and react to chemicals. Studies show that the condition can take a dramatic toll on a person’s quality of life and mental well-being. A Detroit dermatologist welcomed the…  read on >  read on >