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Katie Thurston Fears Breast Cancer Progressed to Stage 4 After Liver Spots

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• A new study found that chewing gum releases hundreds to thousands of microplastics for every gram of gum.
• Both synthetic and natural gums were found to contain microplastics.
• While the long-term effects of exposure to microplastics are not well understood, emerging evidence has suggested several potential health harms.

Chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics into the saliva that may be ingested.

Research presented this week at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Diego, CA, found that, on average, 100 microplastics were released per gram of chewing gum. The research has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

“Our goal is not to alarm anybody,” Sanjay Mohanty, PhD, the project’s principal investigator and an engineering professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), said in a press statement.

“Scientists don’t know if microplastics are unsafe to us or not. There are no human trials. But we know we are exposed to plastics in everyday life, and that’s what we wanted to examine here.”

Past research estimates that an individual consumes between 39,000 and 52,000 particles of microplastics annually.

Microplastics are everywhere, and humans may be exposed to them through drinks, foods, plastic packaging, chopping boards, sponges, coatings on products, and the manufacturing process of items.

Chewing gum is one area that hasn’t been widely researched.

“My lab has done work mainly on microplastic transport in water and soil and their fate in soil. We learned different ways one can be exposed to microplastics: ingestion and inhalation,” Mohanty told Healthline.

“Most of the ingestion studies related to food are [about the] contamination of food with microplastic from plastic containers (e.g., plastic water bottles, plastic tea bags), but chewing gum is the only food that is made up of plastics. Yet, most don’t know. We wanted to measure microplastics in chewing gum. This is important to estimate total microplastic exposure into the human body and any possible negative effects,” Mohanty continued.

Chewing gum and microplastics exposure

Chewing gum is made with flavoring, sweetener, a rubber base, and other ingredients.

In chewing gums that are “natural,” a plant-based polymer, like tree sap, gives the gum chewiness. Synthetic rubber bases from a petroleum-based polymer (plastic) are used for synthetic gums.

The researchers examined five types of synthetic gum along with five types of natural gum that are commercially available.  

As part of the experiment, one person chewed seven pieces of gum from each brand to account for varied chewing patterns and saliva.

The person chewed the gum for four minutes and produced a saliva sample every 30 seconds. They then rinsed their mouth with clean water. The saliva samples were then combined into one sample.

In a different experiment, saliva samples were collected every 20 minutes.

The researchers then measured the amount of microplastics present in the saliva samples.

The researchers initially suspected that synthetic forms of chewing gum would contain more microplastics but were surprised to find natural chewing gums also contained a similar amount of microplastics.

“We were not surprised to find microplastics in chewing gum but we are surprised to find them equal amount in both synthetic and organic gum. We assumed organic one should have less than that of synthetic… We are perplexed by the source of microplastics in them (natural gums),” Mohanty said.

Microplastics found in synthetic and natural gums

The researchers found an average of 100 microplastics were released for every gram of gum.

Some pieces of gum produce up to 600 microplastics per gram. For context, the researchers note that a single piece of gum typically weighs 2–6 grams.

The researchers also found that both the synthetic and natural gums contained the same kind of polymers, the highest amount were of polyolefins, a type of plastic that includes polyethylene and polypropylene.

Tracey Woodruff, PhD, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCSF who has studied the health impacts of microplastics, said the fact chewing gum contains microplastics isn’t entirely surprising. Woodruff wasn’t involved in the study.

“Nothing surprises me about how many places plastic is anymore, but it is sad and surprising in the fact that these things that are in our food or putting in our mouth, sometimes, for a long time, could be releasing microplastics,” she told Healthline.

“We already know we’re exposed to lots of different micro plastics… because they’ve been measured in every part of the body… But the problem is, is that the gum that you’re chewing is adding on to all the other microplastic exposure you’re already getting.”

Health impacts of microplastics

The health impacts of microplastics on humans are still the subject of ongoing research.

One 2024 review found that microplastics were suspected to harm human respiratory health, digestive health and reproductive health and were also possibly associated with colon and lung cancer.

Dana Hunnes, PhD, a senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Health, told Healthline that despite knowing that microplastics are widespread, the findings of the study are still shocking. Hunnes wasn’t involved in the study.

“I honestly never would have thought to even think about chewing gum as a source of microplastics! Yes, I am very surprised with this study, and not pleasantly so. When chewing gum, most people tend to swallow their saliva, so if chewing gum is releasing microplastics into saliva that people are swallowing, that’s not great,” she told Healthline.

Should you stop chewing gum?

Hunnes noted that some people may prefer to reduce their use of chewing gum or stop chewing gum altogether.

“This article indicated that both natural and manufactured chewing gums contained similar amounts of microplastics, so, in that case, it likely doesn’t much matter which they’re chewing. It might be best to stop or at least decrease the frequency. Especially for children [with] developing and more-susceptible brains to these chemicals causing damage,” Hunnes said.

Woodruff said chewing gum is a personal choice, but her own preference is to refrain from chewing gum.

“The more you chew, the more micro plastics you’re going to expose yourself to. And the other component of this is you’re adding plastics to already existing, ongoing plastic exposure. So my own preference would be to not chew chewing gum,” she said.

“If people are interested in lowering their exposures to microplastics, which we know are linked to certain types of health effects, not consuming chewing gum would be an option to avoid microplastic exposures.”

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Details of who is eligible to book a free NHS COVID-19 vaccination this spring.

Today we have published a Priority Pathogen Families reference tool, highlighting 24 pathogen families where we believe further research is most needed in the interests of biosecurity.

• New research indicates that certain cardiovascular risk factors could significantly impact females more than males.
• The researchers say taking biological sex into account during routine screenings could provide a clearer assessment of cardiovascular risk.
• Experts say it’s important for females to monitor their risk factors as they age.

The links between blood pressure, diet, exercise, or smoking and heart disease risk have been well established.

Yet new research indicates these risk factors may significantly impact women’s heart health more than men’s.

The findings, being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25) on March 29-31 in Chicago, suggest that a person’s sex should be considered during routine screenings, which could provide a clearer assessment of cardiovascular risk.

Researchers say understanding sex-based differences in heart disease risk factors could also help inspire people to make heart-healthy changes. The research has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Women more impacted by heart disease risk factors

The researchers examined data from over 175,000 adults who participated in the Ontario Health Study between 2009 and 2017, with females making up 60% of the group.

At the start of the study, none of the participants had been diagnosed with heart disease. The study focused on eight established cardiovascular risk factors:

• body mass index (BMI)
• blood pressure
• diet
• physical activity
• sleep
• smoking status
• blood glucose
• lipid levels

Each participant received an assessment for these factors and was categorized as having either ideal or poor health in each category.

Using these individual classifications, the researchers created an overall health profile, ranking participants as having poor, intermediate, or ideal cardiovascular health depending on the number of positive and negative risk factors they exhibited.

Follow-up evaluations occurred over a median period of just over 11 years. The study tracked major cardiovascular events such as:

• heart attack
• stroke
• angina (chest pain caused by restricted blood flow)
• peripheral artery disease
• heart failure
• procedures to clear blocked arteries
• death due to cardiovascular conditions

Findings showed that females tended to have more favorable risk profiles than males. They were more likely to maintain an ideal overall health status, with 9.1% achieving a perfect score across all eight factors, compared to only 4.8% of males.

Conversely, fewer women (21.9%) fell into the poor health category compared to males (30.5%).

Regarding specific risk factors, females were more likely than males to have optimal diet, blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. However, they were slightly less likely to reach ideal physical activity levels.

Despite having generally better health metrics, females who did accumulate more negative risk factors faced a significantly higher risk of severe cardiovascular events than males with comparable risk profiles.

After adjusting for age, the data revealed that both males and females with poor or intermediate cardiovascular health were at greater risk for heart disease compared to those in ideal health. However, the impact was more pronounced in females.

Females classified as having poor health faced nearly five times the risk of heart disease compared to those with ideal health, whereas males with poor health had 2.5 times the risk.

Females in the intermediate health group had 2.3 times the risk, while their male counterparts had 1.6 times the risk.

The researchers emphasized the need for further investigation to determine how biological and sociocultural factors may contribute to these differences in cardiovascular outcomes between males and females.

They also plan to analyze whether the effects of risk factors vary across racial and ethnic groups or in females before and after menopause.

Why does biological sex affect cardiovascular risk?

While the study itself couldn’t explain why sex-based differences appear to impact cardiovascular risk, Daniel Atkinson, MD, clinical lead at Treated, suggested a few reasons behind this phenomenon. Atkinson wasn’t involved in the study.

“It’s not fully understood why this is the case, but some research has suggested it might be because of physiological differences between men and women,” Atkinson said.

“Outdated approaches to managing heart disease in women might also be contributing to the issue because, as the study points out, screenings are rarely gender specific,” he noted.

“Heart disease symptoms might present differently in women and could manifest differently at specific stages in their life if hormonal changes do impact things,” Atkinson continued.

Atkinson added that while hormonal birth control doesn’t cause heart disease, some types can trigger high blood pressure or cholesterol, which might contribute to a greater risk in females who already have other cardiovascular risk factors.

What women should know about heart disease

Rohit Vuppuluri, DO, an interventional and vascular cardiologist at Chicago Heart & Vascular Specialists, told Healthline it’s “important for women to understand that although cardiovascular disease is higher in men, cardiovascular disease is still a leading cause of death for both women and men.”

However, women are often underdiagnosed, he said, because their symptoms are atypical.

According to the American College of Cardiology, while both females and males exhibit the more typical heart attack symptom of chest pain, females are more likely to experience additional symptoms such as nausea and shortness of breath.

“After menopause, women can have [a] greater risk of cardiovascular disease, and close monitoring of risk factors should occur for women as they become older,” said Vuppuluri.

This includes doing regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, and glucose monitoring.

“Women must also be proactive in managing their lifestyle,” he advised.

How women can protect cardiovascular health

Jayne Morgan, MD, a cardiologist and vice president of medical affairs at Hello Heart, pointed to several lifestyle factors that females should seek to manage to promote cardiovascular health. Morgan wasn’t involved in the study.

• Engage in regular physical activity. “Stay active, and have your body in motion. Remember, the human body is made to move,” she said.
• Follow your doctor’s advice. “If you are prescribed medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, etc., take them as prescribed and ensure that you meet all goals of measurements,” said Morgan.
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for both heart disease and stroke, according to Morgan. Keeping it under good control is essential.
• Engage in community. “Longevity, especially with women, has been highly associated with significant relationships with other females within communities,” she said.

Finally, Morgan noted the importance of being aware that women’s heart disease risk rises during perimenopause. She suggested speaking with your physician about any additional steps you may take to protect your heart.

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On World TB Day 2025, we look at the most recent data, which showed a rise of 13% in reported numbers of cases in England between 2023 and 2024.

• Revered actor and former politician Arnold Schwarzenegger shares his passion for physical activity.
• Schwarzenegger is spreading awareness about how regular movement can help with mobility issues.
• The “Terminator” legend recently launched the You’ll Be Back initiative, which allows fans to meet him.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for his successful bodybuilding career, his service as Governor of California, and his starring roles in action-packed films like “The Terminator” franchise, “Predator,” and “Total Recall.”

His next move? Earlier this year, Schwarzenegger and the medical technology company Zimmer Biomet announced the launch of “You’ll Be Back.”

The campaign invites people living with limited mobility due to hip, knee, shoulder, or other joint pain to share their stories for an opportunity to meet the illustrious actor and be featured in a motivational docuseries, which will launch later this year.

Members of the You’ll Be Back online community will have access to resources and a “Find a Doctor” tool to connect with local physicians and explore whether joint replacement is right for them.

“It’s important to take joint pain — either hip, knee, or shoulder — seriously because it decreases the quality of life of millions of people,” Schwarzenegger, who joined Zimmer Biomet in 2024 as its Chief Movement Officer, told Healthline.

In the United States, about 53 million adults live with arthritis. Additionally, approximately 1.71 billion people across the world live with musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• low back pain
• neck pain
• fractures and other injuries
• osteoarthritis
• amputation
• rheumatoid arthritis

When people are in pain, they tend to move less, said Leslie Bottrell, MD, a sports medicine physician at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital. When a known injury causes pain, taking caution with movement is important until a doctor can determine what is causing the pain.

However, pain doesn’t always mean there is a physical injury, she told Healthline.

“Pain is managed by memory and emotions, and oftentimes, stopping completely and not moving can have a detrimental effect and lead to weakening of the muscles and stiffness, which leads to more pain and limited movement and the inability to keep moving,” Bottrell said.

Movement is medicine, Bottrell noted, and helps the body in the following ways:

• Moving promotes synovial fluid, which is the lubricating fluid found in the joints. Synovial fluid provides the joints cushion and eases movement between bones. 
• Moving helps strengthen the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the joint, which result in less strain on the joint.
• Movement signals the body to send blood to the active area, which helps reduce inflammation.
• Moving triggers endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

“Also, as we get older, we worry about breaking bones, but if you’re muscles are engaged and you’re strong, you are less likely to fall compared to if you are weak and atrophied,” said Bottrell.

Schwarzenegger relates to this sentiment. He is determined to motivate people to move safely despite fears and past injuries.

“I get it. It is scary. I’ve had my own health issues — shoulder surgery, hip replacement, and all of my heart surgeries for my congenital valve issue, and I think it’s very important that I’m open about it, because I see how it inspires people to act, and not just give in to their pain,” he said.

Schwarzenegger believes life is too short to let pain, fear, or uncertainty hold people back from feeling better. “I believe in the phrase, ‘If you rest, you rust,’” he said.

Healthline got more insight from the legendary actor and former bodybuilder to learn more about his dedication to joint pain and mobility awareness.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

How do you care for your joints?

Schwarzenegger: I have had to deal with joint pain throughout my life. Whether I’m riding my bike, working out at Gold’s Gym, or skiing every winter, I’m a very active person.

My joints have taken a beating from all the heavy lifting and stunts through the years. I’ve had my fair share of injuries, but being active is important to me, and I wouldn’t change what I’ve done.

I knew when it was time to seek help, and I did.

How do you approach movement?

Schwarzenegger: I have dedicated my life to fitness, so I know the power of movement. My priorities have changed, but my need to never stop moving hasn’t.

Even when I was competing in Mr. Universe, I was taking ballet lessons to perfect the way I moved my body. Now I’m focused on skiing every year with my family, playing with my grandchildren and my animals on the weekends or riding my bike and lifting, but I’ve never wanted to stop moving.

As I’ve gotten older, I have thanked myself for all the work I did in my body in the past because I see how other people who are 78 are moving, and I can tell that the foundation I built has protected me. But I have to keep pushing myself and moving every year so I don’t rust.

I never want to get to a point where I can’t do the things that bring me happiness.

You have to fuel your body so it moves properly — and if there’s something wrong, make an appointment with your doctor. Only you know when changes are happening. Don’t put off these important conversations because you’re afraid.   

Why should you keep moving every day?

Schwarzenegger: I talk about this in my Pump Club newsletter and my podcast all the time. Movement is medicine.

When you stop moving, you put yourself at risk for a lot of health conditions, including osteoarthritis. But inactivity is also a symptom of osteoarthritis because joint pain and stiffness discourage movement. That means many people with osteoarthritis are already inactive, and their pain keeps them inactive. It’s a vicious cycle.

Listen, I’m not a doctor and can’t give medical advice. What I do know is that you have to be honest with yourself about how pain is affecting your life and the lives of those around you. And sometimes, that means putting pride or fear aside and talking with your doctor. 

I also know that some mornings, I feel pain and stiffness in my body and all my brain wants me to do is lie in bed —but I get up and do my daily routine of a bike ride and a workout, and 99% of the time, I feel the stiffness melt away. Movement does make us better.

How do you fit movement into your daily life?

Schwarzenegger: I’m always moving, moving, moving! I ride my bike, and I train at the gym for 45 minutes every day when I’m at home in Los Angeles.

Consistency is important. You have to have a routine.

On top of my lifting and biking, I ski every winter for as many days as I can. I have been intense about getting my steps in every single day since we shared studies about the power of movement in Arnold’s Pump Club. I realized that even with a bike ride and a workout, inactivity the rest of the day can set you back.

Have you adjusted your workouts as you’ve aged?

Schwarzenegger: My situation is unique because I have replaced heart valves, and after my first heart surgery, the doctor told me to stop the heavy weights to protect those new valves.

That wasn’t an excuse to stop, though. I used lighter weights, with more reps and less rest between sets. I’m not setting any records anymore, but I can still wear out people half my age with my training and leave ‘schvitzy’ and huffing and puffing.

What motivates you to keep moving?

Schwarzenegger: Vision is important to me and has been since the beginning of my fitness journey 50 years ago.

If I don’t have a vision — a purpose — then I will fail. I think about the person I want to be and why I want to be that person. If I simply say, “I want to be healthy,” that’s not enough.

I have to know why I’m doing it and what I want to accomplish. I have to see it. That’s the key to having anything stick long term, even through challenges. Being active is part of who I am now because I take this approach. And I always feel better after moving. I’ve had my own setbacks, but I see them as opportunities. 

I won’t lie. There are some mornings where I feel off; I want to just stay in bed. But I get on my bike and ride to the gym. And almost every time, by the time I’m riding back from the gym, the world starts to turn to color. I don’t know if it is from the movement or the sense of accomplishment when I didn’t want to do it and did it anyway, but there is something magic about that.

Most people want to be healthy. They want to move, but there are so many obstacles that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why having a vision is so important — it helps you take the next step.

If your obstacle is pain, I challenge you to envision your life without it. What would you be able to do? How would it affect your work, your hobbies — your life? Use that vision to overcome fear and uncertainty about talking to a doctor. Don’t wait, act! That’s my message. 

I want anyone with pain in their joints to know they are not alone and get the information they need to fuel their comebacks.

It’s also important for me to be useful and use my platform to encourage people to take ownership of their health and to never stop moving.

If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. I want to create a community with the You’ll Be Back platform so people don’t feel alone.

Is self-care an important part of a fitness routine?

Schwarzenegger: Fitness is self-care. If you aren’t training your body, you aren’t taking care of it. Don’t ever convince yourself otherwise.

Takeaway

Arnold Schwarzenegger is raising awareness about prioritizing joint health and mobility.

The famed actor and experts agree that regular movement and physical activity help you stay healthy and prevent frailty.

Regular exercise can also help reduce the risk of various chronic health conditions.