Health
RFK Jr. says kids 'swimming' in 'poisonous' foods as Dr. Marc Siegel calls out ‘sick care system’
Since President-elect Donald Trump tapped Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last week, there has been a heightened focus on Kennedy’s initiative to “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA).
One of Kennedy’s widely reported goals has been to reduce kids’ consumption of ultraprocessed foods.
“We have a generation of kids who are swimming around in a toxic soup right now,” Kennedy previously told Fox News. “We’re letting these industries corrupt our agencies and mass poison them.”
ULTRA-PROCESSED FOOD CONSUMPTION IN US POSES RISK FOR KIDS
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, joined “Fox & Friends” on Monday to discuss the HHS Secretary nominee’s plans to reduce ultraprocessed foods, which have been shown to make up 73% of the country’s food supply.
One of the biggest dangers associated with the current food supply is food dyes, Siegel said.
“Food coloring is a problem,” he said. “Red Dye No. 3 has been banned in Europe. They’re banning it in California. It’s been associated with cancer in animals.”
Food dyes have been associated with hyperactivity in children, Siegel warned.
TIPS FOR PARENTS TO REDUCE ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS IN KIDS’ DIETS
Democrats and Republicans alike have pushed for banning food dyes, the doctor noted, but the food industry and food lobbyists have fought back.
“There’s a concern here that if this ends up with more regulations, that will drive prices up — and food grocery store prices are already a problem,” Siegel added.
Some of the most harmful additives include MSG and high-fructose corn syrup, the latter of which “directly causes obesity,” according to Siegel. (iStock)
In terms of ultraprocessed foods, Siegel said he agrees with Kennedy’s claims that kids are “swimming in a toxic soup.”
Some of the most harmful additives include MSG and high-fructose corn syrup, the latter of which “directly causes obesity,” according to Siegel.
“We’ve got to go back to a healthier lifestyle, and then we’ll have less money spent on being ultra sick.”
Nitrates are also a concern, as they have been shown to cause cancer in animals, the doctor said, as well as excess sugar and salt.
“People just get drawn in to eat and eat and eat, and they gain weight,” Siegel said.
“When they gain weight, they get high blood pressure, they get diabetes, they get heart disease, and they have a risk for cancer.”
Siegel pointed to some significant regulatory obstacles that Kennedy will need to overcome.
“We have a generation of kids who are swimming around in a toxic soup right now,” Kennedy previously told Fox News. “We’re letting these industries corrupt our agencies and mass poison them.” (iStock)
“There’s pressure being put on the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) by the food industry, by the pharmaceutical industry, by the lobby groups in Congress,” he said.
“They have so much power, they pretty much dwarf the FDA.”
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The goal isn’t to “squash big pharma,” however, Siegel said, pointing out that pharmaceutical companies are “doing great things,” such as coming up with “tremendous new treatments” and personalized solutions through artificial intelligence and other biotechnologies.
However, he noted, the health care system tends to operate like a “sick care system,” making money from people’s illnesses.
“People just get drawn in to eat and eat and eat, and they gain weight,” Siegel said. “When they gain weight, they get high blood pressure, they get diabetes, they get heart disease, and they have a risk for cancer.” (iStock)
“They should give tax incentives for going on the treadmill or taking a walk in the morning or eating farm-to-table food or having more produce,” Siegel said.
“We’ve got to go back to a healthier lifestyle, and then we’ll have less money spent on being ultra sick.”
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Overall, Siegel said, Kennedy is “on the right track” with his plans to fight ultraprocessed foods.
“Whether he can accomplish it is a different story,” he added.
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A viral wellness trend asks a simple question — is warm or cold water healthier? — but the science behind it is more nuanced.
Previous research shows that food and beverage temperature has a measurable effect on things like anxiety and gut discomfort.
One of the most long-standing health claims is that ice-cold water boosts calorie burn by forcing the body to heat it up. While this is grounded in science, the actual impact may be minimal.
Ultimately, experts say, the health impact of water temperature depends on the goal — weight loss, athletic performance, digestion or comfort.
Does cold water boost weight loss?
“As per research, in the 90 minutes after consuming cold or room temperature water, energy expenditure increases minimally by 2.9% (cold water) and 2.3% (room temperature),” Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian and diabetes expert in North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
Extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure, experts say. (iStock)
While the body does expend energy to warm up cold water, Freirich noted that it’s “not significant enough to make it worthwhile” for weight loss. Hot water doesn’t exactly melt fat, however, she added.
For those looking to lose or manage weight, Freirich suggests focusing on “how much” rather than “how cold.” She pointed to research involving overweight women who added an extra 1.5 liters of water to their daily intake. Over eight weeks, the participants saw measurable weight loss.
YOUR BEDROOM TEMPERATURE COULD BE PUTTING YOUR HEART IN SERIOUS DANGER, STUDY WARNS
“The extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure,” Freirich said. The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, she added, noting that more research is needed.
For those exercising in heat and humidity, the goal should be to rehydrate without excessive fluid loss through sweat. Research on thermoregulation suggests there is an ideal water temperature for athletes.
The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, according to an expert. (iStock)
While drinking water can trigger sweating as the body regulates its temperature, 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit was associated with the least amount of perspiration.
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“Cool, but not cold,” Freirich emphasized. Drinking water in this specific range helps the body rehydrate efficiently without causing gastrointestinal distress.
Warm water and digestion
There are several reasons someone might opt for warm water, including its effect on relaxation and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut.
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The benefits may be mental as well. Freirich points to research showing that hot black tea leads to lower levels of cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — and greater subjective relaxation after stressful tasks.
The preference for warm water often stems from its effect on the rest and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut. (iStock)
Medical triggers
Freirich warns that very cold water can cause difficulty for those with swallowing disorders, or can trigger migraines and “brain freeze” in people with sensitive nerves.
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Furthermore, those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that ice-cold drinks trigger digestive discomfort.
Ultimately, the best temperature is the one that encourages people to drink, the dietitian said. The general recommendation for adults is to consume seven to eight glasses of water per day.
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“Most importantly, it is important for everyone to stay adequately hydrated,” Freirich said.
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