HealthNews

Is garlic the ultimate biohack?

Edson Brandao’s morning routine isn’t for the weak-hearted.
The biohacker and influencer, as well as the anti-aging expert, eats garlic every day. She crushes one clove, adds honey, and then eats the pungent mixture.
Brandao, @iamedsonbrandao told The Post that it’s “a little habit but supports my healthy life style.” I believe that it keeps me looking young and energetic at age 59.
Brandao began the ritual after going through a tough period of depression, weight loss and signs of ageing.
He said, “I did not like what I was seeing in the mirror.” I wanted to be strong, have better skin and support my entire body naturally.
Garlic and honey were added to his routine as he became more health conscious. He said, “I’m more energetic and I feel better. My digestion is also improved. And my immune system has become stronger.”
Brandao’s embrace of the garlic plant is part of an online obsession that has taken hold. Biohackers, wellness enthusiasts, and longevity lovers are making the oldest natural remedy in existence trendy on social media.
Reddit user writes: “Chopped garlic worked better than any other supplement I’ve tried.” Its blood flow and mood-boosting effects are insane.
Another person commented, “What sort of magic is this?” I struggle with fatigue because of medicine side effects. This one little chunk of raw garlic made me feel more awake and energetic than a Red Bull.
Third, they even went so far as to call it “the ultimate biohack.”
Some people, like Brandao mix honey and garlic, which “makes it easier to swallow”; others let them ferment together before eating.
One woman claimed on Instagram that garlic honey “destroys bad gut bacteria”, rebalances the microbiome, and burns fat from the inside. Another said it was “one of nature’s most powerful antibiotics”.
As you explore this part of the Internet, the more benefits that are claimed will appear. Garlic is said to have many benefits, including lowering cholesterol, detoxing parasites and improving insulin sensitivity. It can also clear up acne, reduce brain fog, and cure colds within 24 hours.
If you can’t eat a whole clove of garlic, the supplements aisle is a good option. Online, aged garlic extracts and capsules are often promoted as an alternative to the cloves. They claim the benefits of garlic without the smell.
What evidence is there to support the hype?
Garlic is not as bad for your heart as you may think.
Gary Brecka is a biohacker and host of “The Ultimate Human Podcast”, a podcast on health optimization. He highlighted the importance of blood pressure.
He said that meta-analyses, or studies on studies, showed garlic could lower systolic pressure up to 10 points for people in need. This is about the same as taking a prescribed blood pressure drug.
Dr. Joel Kahn is a cardiologist who founded the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity. He frequently recommended aged garlic extract to his patients because of its proven benefits in lowering bloodpressure, lowering LDL cholesterol, lowering homocysteine and stabilizing heart artery plaque and even partially reversing it.
He pointed out that there are also data that suggest benefits to muscle health, and the production of NAD+.
Amy Shapiro is a nutritionist and registered dietitian. She said that garlic can be beneficial from the standpoint of a healthy diet.
She explained that garlic contains manganese and vitamin C as well as fibers, plus sulfur compounds such allicin, which are formed when the cloves of garlic are crushed or sliced. These sulfur compounds provide most of the health benefits.
Garlic may also boost the immune system.
Garlic has been shown to have antiviral, antibiotic, antifungal, and antiparasitic effects, according to Dave Asprey. He is a biohacking expert, best-selling writer, and longevity specialist. It’s a powerful medicine for when you really need it.
Science is not always a clear-cut field
Brecka noted that the research had some gaps, noting how many of these studies were short-lived and everyone was on a completely different dosage. Some of the evidence comes from animal or lab studies that may not be applicable to humans. Even human trials can produce mixed results.
Garlic is said to have a positive effect on lowering cholesterol.
The Stanford University nutritionist Dr. Christopher Gardner tested whether garlic can lower LDL cholesterol in 2007.
The team of Dr. Ayala conducted the first long-term independent comparison between raw garlic and supplements. Over a six-month period, 200 participants were given either aged garlic extract, garlic powder, or raw garlic.
Results were not impressive.
Gardner stated that “no one’s cholesterol dropped.” Gardner said that there was “no difference” between the different groups.
Garlic’s image is also complicated by some of the more bold claims that circulate online.
Brecka explained that although people claim that garlic can prevent cancer, the protective effects are largely gone when the studies that have been the most rigorous follow up people for a long time.
Then there is the issue of the brain. Asprey has noticed the opposite. While many fans claim cognitive benefits from the game, Asprey says he’s seen no such thing.
He said, “When I tracked my brain using an EEG I observed that garlic consistently reduced my alpha wave.” Alpha waves are linked to mental clarity, focus and calm. Garlic and onions in high doses on a daily basis can cause cognitive drag.
Other downsides can also exist. Shapiro said that eating large quantities of raw garlic could cause gas, heartburn and bloating — not to mention body odor and bad breath.
She said that garlic also contains natural blood-thinning agents, and high dosages or concentrated supplements may increase bleeding risks, particularly for those on blood thinners.
Is garlic the ultimate biohack or not?
Brecka stated that “garlic is not an easy way to save money.” What garlic does, is provide your body with an ingredient it recognizes and can use.
He recommends chopping or crushing the bulb, and then letting it rest for 10 minutes. It can be eaten raw or cooked.
Another option is to take aged garlic supplements. Clinical trials have shown that doses of standardized garlic powder or aged garlic extract range from 600-900 milligrams per day.
What about garlic and honey? Brecka stated that there isn’t much research. Enjoy them as food. But if your goal is your blood pressure and your heart, go with raw-crushed-and-rested, or a quality aged garlic extract.”
You should also temper your expectations and concentrate on the basic principles of living a healthy life.
Brecka stated that “garlic will not save you from an unhealthy diet, lack of sleep or a stiff body.” The fundamentals will always be the hardest to master.
Brandao agrees.
He said that “garlic and honey are just a part of my daily routine.” I combine it with good nutrition, exercise, skin care and red-light therapy. Stress management, good sleeping, gratitude, positive thinking, and stress reduction are also part of my routine. “All these habits combined help me to stay young and full of power.”

HealthNews

Trumps’ new CDC director ordered delay in counting 2 measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) has made a very unusual decision. They have decided not to count two deaths associated with measles that were reported in the state of Pennsylvania. This is because they don’t know enough to say whether the measles was the cause or a contributing factor.
Two people familiar with the decision said that Dr. Erica Schwartz is the new director of the CDC.
This move intensifies a dispute between US Department of Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and state Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro as Keystone State tries to end a measles epidemic there.
Pennsylvania officials said that they investigated both deaths thoroughly before making any announcements.
Every reported case of measles is carefully reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure it fits their case definition for a case. The DOH, the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s press secretary, Neil Ruhland said that the DOH had provided the CDC with all the required data regarding two deaths associated with measles in Pennsylvania.
The CDC postponed its weekly measles update on Fridays. When it finally appeared over the weekend the number of deaths in 2026 were listed with an asterisk. A footnote was also added: “This update for measles will exclude the two deaths associated with measles reported by Pennsylvania Department of Health August 25, while CDC examines additional information about the circumstances and cause of death.” Currently, the available data does not indicate whether or not measles was the cause or contributed to these deaths. It is also unclear whether or how the measles infection caused the death. CDC will continue to update its national counts as new information is available.”
Kennedy’s HHS office was contacted by the CDC press office for a comment.
Shapiro and Kennedy wage war on words after 2 deaths linked to measles in Pennsylvania
The CDC is responsible for reporting what’s known, and what hasn’t been confirmed. According to the current information available at CDC, two deaths associated with measles in Pennsylvania were not confirmed.
The information posted on the website reflects our commitment to the American public and transparency. This is a fundamental principle of the Trump Administration.
Schwartz’s choice was deemed highly abnormal by public health experts who are familiar with the inner-workings of the organization.
The idea that one would question the decision of the state’s epidemiologist was “pretty remarkable”, said Nirav Shah. He was the CDC principal deputy director until he resigned in February 2025.
Shah stated that the number of deaths associated with any infection, not only measles, has been a term used for ages to include people who had tested positive and died within ten days of the positive test. The number of deaths related to any infection, not just measles, is a broad term that includes people who tested positive for an infection and then died within 10 days.
Shah stated that it was “more than atypical” for the CDC to ignore this sort of decision and simply post vague language on their website. It is the very definition of politicization in public health.
This is a major deviation from protocol, said Deb Houry. She was chief medical officer at the CDC before she resigned to protest Kennedy’s firing of Schwartz’s former predecessor, Susan Monarez in August 2025.
Houry noted that the measles death in New Mexico reported last year involved a person who had tested positive for it after dying. This death was included in the totals for all of America, even though it was still under investigation.
The CDC then gathers all the information for the country. States do the investigations and it has become a standard protocol with CDC, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and States,” said she.
New CDC Director to undergo first test
Since she took up her post in mid-August, Schwartz’s every move has been watched. She is a doctor and has shown a strong commitment to science, vaccines, and medicine in previous positions. However her recent public comments have raised doubts about her ability to speak out as an independent voice within the administration. Many senators expressed concern during her confirmation hearing that she wouldn’t stand up against Kennedy who is known for his anti-vaccine activism.
She told her staff in the first meeting of all agency employees last month that she would disagree with Kennedy, if needed. However, she would never do it publicly.
Schwartz failed to pass her first major test in her role as CDC Director, according to Dr. Jeremy Faust.
Faust stated that “if she oversees an agency which is now only a mouthpiece of what her bosses believe, she has failed in her mission.”
This is the point where she must decide: “Am I just a communications attached to Secretary Kennedy or am I independent and speak up for science even when that goes against my bosses’ opinion? Faust spoke.
Counting measles deaths
Children’s Health Defense (the organization Kennedy co-founded and ran for many years) said that a Texas child who died of measles last year died instead from bacterial pneumonitis, which doctors could have treated differently. Pneumonia can be a serious complication from measles. This death was included in the CDC’s total of deaths from measles for 2025.
Kennedy said last week that the infant’s death in Pennsylvania may have “been entirely fabricated,” claiming the Lancaster County Coroner did not keep a record of deaths related to measles.
Since then, the coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni has said his office is currently investigating a death that occurred due to a ruptured stomach. Diamantoni stated that the baby’s lung tissue showed evidence of the measles, suggesting it had been infected before birth by its mother. The spleen can swell up and become fragile due to viral infections like measles. Diamantoni said that he had not seen evidence of an enlarged spleen. However, other experts said it was difficult to tell if the spleen after ruptured is larger than usual.
The Atlantic newspaper published Sunday details of an interview conducted with an Amish family from Lancaster County, whose son died soon after his birth. Unidentified couple said that they do not watch television or surf the web, but acknowledged their son’s death sounded similar to other deaths being discussed. He said that he received a message saying a Kennedy had called him and wanted to talk with him. However, Kennedy had never returned his call.
Mother said that she was suffering from severe measles during pregnancy and she gave birth shortly after going to the clinic for intravenous liquids. According to the Atlantic couple, their baby had a heartbeat, but it was not breathing. It did not survive.
According to The Atlantic, the mother believed that the measles had killed the child. Nobody had informed them that the baby’s spleen was lacerated.
Diamantoni announced on Tuesday that his office is investigating a second recent death of a patient who had tested positive for measles. According to The New York Times, the child is still alive. CNN did not receive a reply from the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office to its questions regarding their investigations.
Public health impacts
Brian Castrucci is the president and CEO of de Beaumont Foundation. This nonprofit supports the public health department. He said that by casting doubts on Pennsylvania’s report before it has been reviewed, the risk was that routine scientific confirmation would be turned into an artificial controversy.
Castrucci told CNN that the rhetoric used to promote this issue was similar to what Covid did, which is a legitimate medical distinction but one that has been weaponized in order to create confusion rather than clarity.
Infectious diseases are not irrelevant.
David Margolius is the director of Cleveland’s public health. He said that it was frustrating to watch as the CDC shifted away from sharing data to inform others and became a “data editorizer.”
He said: “The political discussions about how this baby died are extremely frustrating and sad.”
This is unprecedented, frustrating and makes this more of an issue than it needs to be. What should we do to protect our neighbor?

HealthNews

Congo’s Ebola outbreak shows no signs of slowing as deaths top 3,000

BUNIA, Congo — Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed more than 3,000 people out of over 6,100 confirmed cases, the latest government data showed Wednesday, as the disease is spreading at an unprecedented speed, faster than efforts to track and slow it.
Data from Congo’s Ministry of Health showed the outbreak has recorded 6,186 confirmed cases, including 3,007 deaths since it was declared a global health emergency in mid-May. It remains the fastest-growing outbreak of Ebola ever.
Recent weeks have witnessed a surge in cases, with two new health zones affected last week in North Kivu, where the fatality rate is much higher than in the rest of the affected provinces. The virus has spread to six provinces.
The Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday in a report that the efforts to contain the virus “remained below established response targets” and the fast expansion of the disease across many health zones indicates “uncontrolled expansion of the outbreak.”
Health workers are struggling under difficult conditions and have gone on strike multiple times to demand their pay.
The disease has continued to spread rapidly for several reasons, including conflict in the eastern region of the country where the outbreak is concentrated, attacks on health workers, miners constantly on the move, and inadequate health infrastructure.
The resumption of school in the middle of the outbreak has also raised concerns about transmission in classrooms.
The World Health Organization said the outbreak is on track to exceed the deadliest on record, West Africa’s regional outbreak between 2014 and 2016, which killed 11,000 people.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the outbreak is possibly three times larger than the number of cases recorded, as surveillance and contact tracing are still weak. Despite that, the outbreak has already become Congo’s deadliest Ebola outbreak.
There is no vaccine or approved treatment for the rare Bundibugyo virus that has sparked the current outbreak. A couple of vaccines are currently being developed to tackle the disease.
Last week, the government started the distribution of the Ervebo vaccine to front line health workers in Kisangani in the northeastern Tshopo region. Ervebo has helped combat previous Ebola disease outbreaks and the WHO said it could offer some protection.

HealthNews

Travelers potentially exposed to measles at New Stanton Service Plaza in Western Pa.

HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP PA.
Pennsylvania Health officials responded after they reported that some travelers may have had measles at a service station along the Turnpike, in Westmoreland County.
In a Wednesday release, health officials stated that an individual from outside of the state had tested positive for the measles. This person may have infected others in the New Stanton Service Plaza located on the Westbound Pennsylvania Turnpike near Westmoreland County.
According to reports, the individual stopped in at the plaza around August 17, 2026.
The health department advised that anyone who has been in contact with the bacteria at the plaza – including the restrooms and eating area – should monitor their symptoms and check for vaccinations.
Officials said that those who have not been vaccinated were at the greatest risk of infection. The best way to protect yourself from measles is by getting vaccinated. Two doses of the vaccine will provide 97 percent protection for life.
If you are experiencing measles symptoms and believe that you were exposed, contact your doctor or the Department of Health’s free hotline 877-PAHEALTH.

HealthNews

UPMC to shutter Shadyside center focused on ‘natural healing practices’

The hospital confirmed that UPMC’s Center for Integrative Medicine, which provides services such as acupuncture and chiropractic therapy, will be closing after 25 years.
A spokesperson for UPMC said that the center located in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside will cease to offer services on Nov. 1. A spokesperson for UPMC did not specify why the center would be closing.
The center, located in the Shadyside place building, near UPMC Shadyside combines natural healing practices and conventional medicine to treat anxiety, fibromyalgia insomnia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, pain, and other conditions.
According to a newsletter published by the Center in 2022, it was established by Shadyside hospital, at the time the hospital became part of the UPMC.
In the newsletter, it was stated that the clinic handled approximately 8,000 visits per year. The center is involved with medical research and education.
The center has more than 20 specialists, including Dr. Ronald Glick who is its medical director and has been there for over two decades.
The newsletter stated that “Patients seek non-pharmacologic and complementary approaches to treat health conditions, which defy standard biomedical treatments.” The newsletter said that “common problems” include pain, mental illness, fatigue and general health.
A spokesperson for UPMC said that the closing is “an opportunity to take a step back and reevaluate ways to deliver these services using a new model.”
“Our top priority is to support patients and ensure continuity of care during this time,” UPMC stated.
This center offers specialists who are experts in Alexander Technique, behavioral medicine, stress-reduction techniques based on mindfulness, massage, naturopathic medicines, nutritional therapy, structural integration and health coaching.
Allegheny Health Network, UPMC’s main local competitor, operates an integrative cancer division within its AHN Cancer institute. According to AHN, the division provides oncology sessions such as acupuncture or massages.

HealthNews

DNR: 700+ dead deer in Washington, Waukesha Counties amid virus

MADISON, Wis. —
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has reported more than 700 reports of dead deer in Washington and Waukesha counties amid a virus outbreak, which experts say cannot be controlled.
A DNR press release from mid-August stated that Epizootic hemorrhagic disease was found in two deer dead near Richfield in Washington County. The news release stated that “many observations reported healthy looking, dead deer near or in water on the property of their neighbors.”
Wisconsin DNR responded to a question from 12 News on Tuesday by saying that the agency receives reports of EHD almost every day.
The DNR reported that as of today, it had received over 600 reports of EHD-suspected deer in Washington County and more than 100 in Waukesha County.
EHD is spread by small midges. Experts said that there was nothing they could do to prevent the spread of EHD.
The DNR said Tuesday that a frost would impact midges, slowing their spread. However, it was not known if reports of deer deaths will remain the same until then.
EHD is not contagious to humans. The signs include excessive salivation and foaming in the mouth and nose, as well as appearing weak and approachable to humans.