Health
Flight passengers warned as airline water systems test positive for contamination
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Flight passengers may want to think twice before ordering drinks or washing their hands on the plane, a new analysis suggests.
The Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity, based in New York City, recently reviewed airline water systems over a three-year period, analyzing over 35,000 samples collected between 2022 and 2025.
The study evaluated both major and regional carriers, grading them based on contamination violations, E. coli findings, maintenance practices and how frequently water systems were cleaned, according to a press release.
THE HIDDEN REASON SCIENTISTS SAY BOTTLED WATER MAY NOT BE THE CLEANER CHOICE
A score of 3.5 or higher was considered indicative of relatively safe water, while lower scores reflected potentially unhealthy onboard water.
The analysis found 32 E. coli violations across 21 airlines during the study window.
The Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity, based in New York City, recently reviewed airline water systems over a three-year period. (iStock)
Delta Air Lines received the highest scores for water safety, with Alaska Airlines also ranking well. Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines placed at the bottom of the rankings.
NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER FLOODS YOUR BODY WITH HARMFUL STRESS HORMONES
Charles Platkin, the researcher behind the study, told Fox News Digital that airlines often cite compliance with federal guidelines, though much of the data is self-reported.
“Compliance should be the floor, not the ceiling,” he said.
Results indicated that Delta Air Lines earned the strongest marks for water safety, with Alaska Airlines also performing well. (iStock)
The study examined whether airlines are doing enough beyond minimum requirements to protect passengers, according to Platkin.
He noted that travelers should not have to worry about the safety of onboard water when ordering drinks or washing their hands while flying. “These aren’t luxuries; they’re basic expectations,” he said.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Nicolette M. Pace, a registered dietitian and founder of NutriSource in New York, said the findings reinforce the importance of taking simple precautions when flying.
Passengers can reduce risk by filling reusable water bottles after clearing security or purchasing bottled water, Pace recommended, adding that hand sanitizer is preferable to washing hands with airplane tap water.
“Compliance should be the floor, not the ceiling.”
Consuming contaminated water, even at low levels, can disrupt digestion and weaken immune defenses, she warned.
It’s especially important for children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems to take extra precautions, Pace cautioned.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Fox News Digital reached out to airlines that ranked at the top and bottom of the study requesting comment.
Spirit Airlines said it maintains an extensive testing and maintenance program for onboard water systems that complies with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Aircraft Drinking Water Rule.
Rather than drinking water provided on the flight, passengers may reduce risk by filling reusable bottles after clearing security or purchasing bottled water, experts advise. (iStock)
“The well-being and comfort of our guests is very important to us,” the airline said, adding that its data shows progress in recent years and that it continues to review and refine procedures as needed.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
American Airlines told Fox News Digital that its potable water program is fully compliant with EPA requirements and that a recent EPA audit found no significant issues.
The airline said it is reviewing the Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity’s analysis, including its methodology, to determine whether any changes could further enhance passenger safety.
The analysis placed Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines at the bottom for water safety. (iStock)
Delta Air Lines said ranking highest in water safety reflects its commitment to providing clean, safe, potable water for customers and employees.
“Safety and quality in all aspects of our global service and operation are paramount at Delta,” the airline said.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
JetBlue also commented, stating that safety is “their first responsibility” and that they serve bottled purified drinking water on all flights.
“For coffee and tea preparation, JetBlue follows processes outlined by the EPA, the FDA and the FAA to ensure our water supply is safe,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital, adding that they perform routine water system sampling and cleaning procedures in accordance with regulatory guidelines to ensure that water used on planes is safe and reliable.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The simple act of noting how fast your heart is beating while you’re at rest may be the key to measuring your overall health.
Resting heart rate is defined by Mayo Clinic as the number of times your heart beats each minute while you’re awake, calm and not moving.
A normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults. A slower resting heart rate means the heart does not have the work as heard to pump blood through the body — something typical of someone who is more fit.
LATEST COVID VACCINE MAY HAVE UNEXPECTED HEALTH BENEFIT, STUDY SUGGESTS
Athletes who are very fit may have a resting heart rate closer to 40 beats per minute, according to Mayo Clinic.
Your resting heart rate can vary due to a variety of factors, including age, physical activity levels, sleep health, smoking, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, stress, anxiety, hormones, body type and certain medications.
A normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults, according to medical experts. (iStock)
But a resting heart rate that’s often too high or too low may signal a health issue.
WEEKLY WEIGHTLIFTING SWEET SPOT MAY BE LINKED TO LONGER LIFE, STUDY SAYS
A high resting heart rate, even if it’s slight, is usually a sign that something else may be going on in the body, such as anemia, an infection or a thyroid problem, according to Cleveland Clinic.
A high resting heart rate, even if it’s slight, is usually a sign that something else may be going on in the body. (iStock)
If your heart rate is regularly above 100 beats per minute, this is a sign to talk with your heart care provider.
The same advice applies if you are not a trained athlete and your resting heart rate is frequently below 60 beats per minute.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Talk to your doctor if other symptoms such as fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath occur.
How to measure your heart rate
You can check your own heart rate by tracking your pulse on your wrist or neck. The best time of day to measure resting heart rate is first thing in the morning, says Mayo Clinic.
Place your index and middle fingers inside the wrist below the thumb, to feel the radial artery; or, do so on the side of the neck, to feel the carotid artery.
Place your index and middle fingers on the side of the neck, to feel the carotid artery — and count how many beats per minute. (iStock)
Count the number of times your pulse beats in 15 seconds, then multiply this number by four to calculate beats per minute.
Wearable devices can also detect and track resting heart rate, although this may not always be accurate.
How to lower your heart rate
If your resting heart rate is higher than normal, there are a few ways to work toward lowering it.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Vigorous exercise is “the best way” to lower your resting heart rate and increase the heart’s aerobic capacity and max heart rate, according to Harvard.
For those who don’t exercise regularly, it’s important to work your way up in difficulty when following a new workout routine.
Vigorous exercise is “the best way” to lower your resting heart rate, Harvard Health says. But it’s vital to work your way up carefully. (iStock)
Some medications, such as beta blockers, can also lower heart rate. In the same way, managing stress through holistic methods such as meditation or yoga can also help.
Cleveland Clinic also recommends cutting back on harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol, which can dehydrate you and raise your heart rate.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Adequate sleep can also help bring your heart rate down, in addition to maintaining a healthy weight.
Cardiologist Tamanna Singh, M.D., shared with Cleveland Clinic that lowering your heart rate takes time as various lifestyle changes kick in.
Managing stress through holistic methods such as meditation or yoga can help lower your resting heart rate,
“Just like building your biceps and triceps, it takes time for your heart to become stronger,” the doctor said.
Singh recommended focusing on heart rate patterns rather than dialing in on just the number.
Take note of how your heart rate changes after eating certain foods, when you’re dehydrated or after you’ve begun a new exercise or stress management routine.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“If you notice that your heart rate is consistently over 100, mention it to your doctor, especially if you’ve tried making lifestyle changes and they don’t seem to be working,” she said.
“Your resting heart rate isn’t the be-all, end-all of your health, but it’s definitely a marker that you should pay attention to.”
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The health benefits of morning coffee may go beyond a wake-up call, according to a massive new study linking the beverage to a significantly lower risk of severe liver disease, liver cancer and liver-related death.
Published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the research used data from 354,957 participants enrolled in the UK Biobank.
Researchers tracked individuals who had no history of cirrhosis or liver cancer at the start of the study for an average of 13 years, according to a press release.
ZERO SUGAR, MORE PROBLEMS? STUDY REVEALS SURPRISING GUT HEALTH EFFECTS
Participants who drank one to two cups of coffee daily showed a 20% lower risk of developing cirrhosis and a 31% lower risk of liver-related mortality compared to non-coffee drinkers.
The protective effects became even more noticeable at higher levels of consumption.
Data revealed that heavy coffee drinkers had significantly lower levels of liver fat and liver iron. (iStock)
Individuals who drank five or more cups of coffee per day experienced a 32% reduction in cirrhosis risk, a 42% lower risk of liver-related death and a 47% lower risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of primary liver cancer.
While previous studies have hinted at coffee’s positive relationship with liver health, this study provides biological evidence to support the statistical trends, the researchers said.
CAN ALKALINE WATER ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH? EXPERTS SEPARATE FACT FROM FICTION
To better understand why coffee may protect the liver, the researchers conducted additional analyses using imaging data from a subgroup of nearly 29,000 participants and blood samples from approximately 50,000 individuals.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
The data showed that heavy coffee drinkers had significantly lower levels of liver fat and liver iron, as well as lower odds of developing fibroinflammation, which is the scarring and inflammation that often precedes permanent liver damage.
Participants who drank one to two cups of coffee daily showed a 20% lower risk of developing cirrhosis. (iStock)
The blood analysis linked coffee consumption with lower levels of some proteins known to trigger inflammation and tissue scarring, along with higher levels of proteins essential for healthy liver function.
Notably, the study found that the liver-protective benefits were similar for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that these benefits are driven by naturally occurring compounds not related to caffeine.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
While the benefits persisted regardless of whether the coffee was consumed black or with sweeteners, the researchers observed that adding sugar or artificial sweeteners slightly weakened the beneficial effects, particularly concerning markers of liver inflammation.
Researchers observed that adding sugar or artificial sweeteners slightly weakened the positive effects. (iStock)
While these findings suggest that coffee consumption is an accessible dietary habit for supporting liver health, the authors noted that it should serve as a complement rather than a replacement for standard preventative health practices.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Because the research relied on self-reported dietary questionnaires from the UK Biobank, the findings could be susceptible to changes in participants’ coffee-drinking habits over the 13-year follow-up period.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Additionally, as an observational study, it can only establish a strong correlation and cannot prove cause and effect, as other factors may influence the outcomes.
-
Nevada2 minutes agoNevada climber dies after fall while climbing in Oregon
-
New Hampshire5 minutes agoMan From Northwood Arrested On Driving Under The Influence Charge: Concord Police Log
-
New Jersey6 minutes agoNJ firefighter dies after crash responding to fire call
-
New Mexico17 minutes agoIsolated storm chances continue for parts of New Mexico this weekend
-
North Carolina20 minutes agoA 4-year-old boy’s simple habit of waving to his neighbors transformed his North Carolina community
-
North Dakota25 minutes agoWest Fargo attorney named to North Dakota Ethics Commission
-
Ohio32 minutes agoStruggling Ohio county seeks funds to care for 16 kids rescued from squalor and prosecute their family
-
Oklahoma35 minutes agoMartha Lillard, last US polio patient using iron lung, dies at 78 in Oklahoma
