U.S. health officials are warning Americans about the risks of an opioid-related ingredient increasingly added to energy drinks, gummies and supplements sold at gas stations and convenience stores, recommending a nationwide ban.

The chemical, known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, is a component of kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia that has gained popularity in the U.S. as an unapproved treatment for pain, anxiety, and drug dependence.

In recent months, dietary supplement companies that sell kratom have been urging the Food and Drug Administration to crack down on the products containing 7-OH, portraying it as a dangerously concentrated, synthetic form of the original ingredient.

The FDA action “is not focused on natural kratom leaf products,” according to a statement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The agency said it was releasing a report to educate about the risks of “7-OH and its distinction from the kratom plant leaf.” Regulators are also recommending that the ingredient be placed on the federal government’s most restrictive list of illegal drugs, which includes LSD and heroin.

“7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. “We need regulation and public education to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic.”

The agency’s recommendation will be reviewed by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which sets federal rules for high-risk drugs including prescription medicines and illicit substances. A national ban wouldn’t take effect until the agency drafts and finalizes new rules governing the ingredient.

Federal regulators have been scrutinizing kratom for about a decade after reports of addiction, injury and overdose. But users and distributors have long opposed efforts to regulate it, saying kratom could be a safer alternative to opioid painkillers that sparked the ongoing drug addiction epidemic.

In July, the FDA issued warning letters to seven companies selling drinks, gummies, and powders infused with 7-OH. Regulators said the products violated FDA rules because they have not been evaluated for safety and, in some cases, claimed to treat medical conditions, including pain, arthritis, and anxiety.

SUPPLEMENT EXECUTIVES QUICKLY APPLAUDED THE MOVE

The FDA “demonstrated the exact kind of data-driven, proactive regulatory excellence needed to safeguard unwitting consumers across the U.S.,” said Ryan Niddel of Diversified Botanics, a Utah-based company that sells kratom supplements.

An industry group, the American Kratom Association, has lobbied Congress for years against restrictions on the plant. Legislation supported by the group would prohibit the FDA from regulating kratom more strictly than food and dietary supplements.

A rival group that supports the availability of 7-OH drugs criticized the government’s move in August, pointing to the influence of kratom suppliers.

“Big kratom trade groups have spent years blaming 7-OH for harms caused by their own unregulated products, because it threatens their market share,” the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust stated in an emailed message.

KRATOM CAME CLOSE TO BEING BANNED A DECADE AGO

In 2016, the DEA announced plans to add it to the government’s most restrictive schedule 1, reserved for drugs that have no medical use and a high potential for abuse. But the plan stalled after a flood of public complaints, including a letter signed by more than 60 members of Congress.

The FDA then began studying the ingredient, concluding in 2018 that kratom contains many of the same chemicals as opioids, the addictive class of drugs that includes painkillers like OxyContin as well as heroin and fentanyl.

Since then, FDA regulators have continued to issue warnings about cases of injury, addiction and death with kratom supplements, which are usually sold in capsules or powders.

In recent months, the FDA has also issued warnings on other unapproved drugs sold as supplements or energy drinks, including the antidepressant tianeptine. Sometimes referred to collectively as “gas station heroin,” the drugs have been restricted by several states, but they are not scheduled at the federal level.

Doomdooma, Nov 2: The Tinsukia District Committee of the All Assam Small Tea Growers’ Association (AASTGA) has appealed to Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma to rescue the State’s struggling small tea sector, which they say is facing a severe economic crisis, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of growers.

During the Chief Minister’s visit to Doomdooma on Friday for a government programme, AASTGA district committee president Rana Moran and secretary Ajit Gogoi met Dr Sarma at the Rupai High School playground and handed over a detailed memorandum outlining their grievances.

The association alleged that both the Tea Board of India and the Tinsukia district administration have failed to ensure fair pricing for green tea leaves produced by around 56,000 small tea growers in the district, affecting nearly eight lakh people dependent on the industry.

Citing the Tea Marketing Control Order (TMCO) and the Tea Board’s NEZO directive issued on October 21 last, the association claimed that growers have yet to receive their Minimum Benchmark Price (MBP) and urged the Chief Minister’s direct intervention. They also called for the reintroduction of the NOC system in Tinsukia district to protect the quality and identity of “Assam Tea”.

The memorandum further alleged that some local bought-leaf factories have been procuring green tea leaves from Arunachal Pradesh, resulting in a steep drop in prices for local growers.

In protest against these practices and what they described as the “ineffective policies” of the Tea Board, small tea growers have stopped supplying green leaves to factories for the past three days.

After receiving the memorandum, the Chief Minister assured the delegation that the issue would be taken up for discussion.

It may be noted that State Industry Minister Bimal Bora recently acknowledged the complexity of resolving the small tea growers’ pricing crisis, even as the association reiterated the urgent need for government intervention to safeguard Assam’s famed “green gold”.

By Correspondent

Hormonal changes are a natural part of life—we came to terms with that during puberty, remember? But another major transformation awaits: menopause. And while it’s a natural part of aging, it can have a profound impact on overall health.

“It’s an important transition, and it really touches every part of women’s health,” says Paula Lescure, M.S., RD, CD. From hot flashes and night sweats to heart health and digestion, women experience many changes during menopause.

One often overlooked effect is a gradual decrease in bone strength and density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis. In fact, about 50% of women over 50 will experience a fracture related to this bone disease.

But this isn’t a life sentence—there are many ways to keep your bones healthy. The key is to understand what is going on in your body and taking proactive steps to protect it. To help, we spoke with health experts to break down how menopause affects bone health and what nutrients, habits and lifestyle choices can make a lasting difference.

How Menopause Affects Your Bones

During menopause, estrogen production slows and decreases. Estrogen is a hormone responsible for bone remodeling, a process that breaks down old bone tissue and rebuilds it stronger and denser. When estrogen levels drop, this process slows down, and bones may lose density faster than they can rebuild, leading to weaker bones over time.

This imbalance can translate to a higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis, says Gina Rancourt, M.S., RD, CD. “It’s such a big deal because we know bones are what keep us together, they’re what keep our bodies active and steady. As we age, they’re what can help keep us independent,” she explains.

The good news? While it’s best to prioritize bone health as early as possible, as Lescure puts it, “bones aren’t static.” That means that even if you get a less-than-perfect bone density reading, you can work to improve your results next time. One of the best ways to do that is giving your bones the nutrition they need to rebuild and stay strong.

Nutrients That Support Your Bone Health

To support your bones, aim to get these nutrients in your diet on a regular basis.

Calcium

Calcium is the rockstar of bone health—it’s the most abundant mineral in bones. It makes up an important structural matrix called hydroxyapatite, which gives bones their strength, density and flexibility.

While it’s important to get enough calcium to build and maintain tissue, Rancourt points out another important reason to eat enough calcium: “If you don’t get enough through your diet, your body actually will borrow calcium from your bones.” For that reason, women over 50 should aim for at least 1,200 milligrams (mg) per day.

Dairy foods like cow’s milk, yogurt and cheese are among the richest sources of calcium. You can also get calcium in foods like sardines, calcium-set tofu, leafy greens, beans, lentils and fortified plant milks, juices and breakfast cereals.

Vitamin D

If calcium is the superhero of bone health, think of vitamin D as the essential sidekick. Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium from food and regulates calcium and phosphorus levels to support proper bone mineralization.

Wohile our bodies can produce vitamin D through sunlight, sun exposure isn’t consistent year-round fr most people—especially in northern climates. That’s why it’s also important to get vitamin D through diet or supplements. Good food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms and fortified dairy products. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a vitamin D supplement to help you meet your needs.

Phosphorus

Along with calcium, phosphorus is a key building block of hydroxyapatite, the structural component of bones. To support bone health, it’s important to eat phosphorus-rich foods, such as yogurt, dairy milk, salmon, lentils and cashews. 

The good news? Most people get enough phosphorus through a balanced diet. Still, it’s worth being mindful of your intake—especially if you limit dairy or protein-rich foods.

Vitamin K

This often-overlooked vitamin supports bone health by activating calcium-binding proteins, such as osteocalcin, so that calcium can be deposited into bone tissue. There are two main forms of vitamin K: vitamin K1, found in leafy greens, and vitamin K2, found in meat, eggs, dairy and natto—a fermented soy product. 

Including both forms of vitamin K in your diet can support stronger, healthier bones. Since vitamin K is fat-soluble, pairing vitamin K-rich foods with a healthy fat—like oil, avocados or nuts—can increase absorption.

Magnesium

“When it comes to bone health, we know that magnesium is the nutrient that helps make vitamin D active, so that it can help strengthen bone structure,” says Rancourt. Magnesium also supports nerve and muscle function, making it an essential part of overall health.

Fortunately, it’s easy to get enough magnesium through a balanced diet. Magnesium-rich foods include nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, leafy greens, whole grains—and even dark chocolate.

Protein

Protein isn’t just for strong muscles, it also makes up a huge part of your bones, says Lescure. Along with hydroxyapatite, bones contain collagen to form a strong, flexible structure. Getting enough protein during and after menopause can help preserve both bone and muscle tissue, so prioritizing it in the diet is important.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids—especially EPA and DHA—offer anti-inflammatory benefits that may slow down the rate of bone loss and increase calcium absorption in the gut, supporting the ongoing process of bone remodeling.

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, trout and sardines are the best dietary sources of EPA and DHA, so aim to enjoy them at least twice per week. You can also get ALA, another type of omega-3, from nuts and seeds—though the body only converts a small amount of ALA into EPA and DHA.

What to Eat for Stronger Bones

Supporting your bones can start as early as breakfast. Focus on foods that supply plenty of protein, calcium and other bone-supporting nutrients, like strained (Greek-style) yogurt or cottage cheese. 

Rancourt says that she likes to break her fast with a yogurt parfait. “That’s loaded with not only calcium and vitamin D, but also protein—and then maybe we add in some layers of berries and chia seeds or flax seeds, plus maybe some almonds.” 

Not sure where to start? Try our Strawberry & Yogurt Parfait or Nut & Berry Parfait for a quick, delicious and nutrient-packed breakfast. If that’s not up your alley, other great breakfast options include Spinach & Mushroom Quiche, Raspberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie or Cannoli-Inspired Overnight Oats.

For other meals, keep the focus on protein and calcium going. Rancourt recommends 

Roasted Salmon with Smoky Chickpeas & Greens for its combination of lean, high-protein ingredients that include omega-3s and vitamin K-rich kale. For a quick dinner, she loves Tofu & Broccoli Stir Fry or Szechuan Tofu & Green Bean Stir Fry for a plant-based meal bursting with nutrition.

Lifestyle Tips That Support Bone Health

• Weight-Bearing Exercise. Weight-bearing exercise helps to stimulate bone remodeling, making it an important part of bone health. Strength training, jumping activities or even chair yoga or Pilates are all excellent options, says Lescure.
• Avoid Smoking. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. “Bottom line, smoking reduces blood supply, slows bone formation, decreases calcium absorption and causes estrogen degradation,” explains Lescure.
• Limit or Avoid Alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis, as it interferes with nutrient absorption and disrupts the bone-remodeling process.
• Maintain a Healthy Muscle Mass. Along with healthy bones, maintaining muscle mass is crucial as we age—especially after menopause—to reduce frailty and stay independent. Aim to strength train at least two times per week and eat plenty of protein.
• Get Some Sun. “The best way to get vitamin D is to go outside for 15 minutes without sunscreen on,” says Lescure. Though, prolonged sun exposure can damage skin and increase risk of skin cancer, so keep your time in the sun short if unprotected. During the winter months or in more northern areas, your healthcare provider may recommend a vitamin D supplement.
• Have Your Bone Density Checked. Regular scans, such as a DEXA scan, can tell you the strength and density of your bones and help your healthcare provider design a plan that’s right for you.

Our Expert Take

Just as you navigated the rapid changes of puberty, the shifts that come with menopause are changes you’re fully equipped to handle. Embracing your body’s natural progression can be empowering—especially when you support it with proper nutrition and self-care. To keep your bones strong, prioritize foods rich in protein, calcium, vitamin D and other bone-supporting nutrients. Also remember to strength train a few times per week, quit smoking, limit or avoid alcohol and stay on top of regular checkups. 

These steps won’t just protect your bones, they’ll help make the years ahead some of the healthiest and most vibrant yet.

By Yuki Sasaki / Japan News Staff Writer

12:07 JST, November 2, 2025

MITO — In an effort to promote tea leaves, people in tea-producing regions are undertaking various new initiatives, including ones involving saunas.

“Tea loyly” is an activity where tea is poured over heated stones in a sauna to create steam and promote sweating, providing visitors with feelings of deep relaxation. They can also be reinvigorated by sipping cold tea in an outdoor area.

The Finnish word loyly refers to the steam rising from the stones.

Surrounded by tea fields, the allure of Sauna Naya in Furukawa, Ibaraki Prefecture, is its use of the local specialty Sashima Tea leaves to create loyly. When the hojicha roasted tea is poured over stones heated by a wood-burning stove, a pleasant sizzling sound fills the air, and the body is enveloped in a caramel-like sweet aroma and waves of heat.

The sauna is the brainchild of three individuals in their 20s, including Hiroki Yoshida, 27, the seventh-generation owner of Yoshida Chaen, a local tea farm with a history stretching back more than 180 years. Seeking to spread the appeal of the region, they established a company three years ago specializing in video production and other services.

Their shared love for saunas prompted them to come up with the idea utilizing a local specialty. In September last year, they opened the facility in a renovated barn that is roughly 70 years old.

“We want people to experience the attraction of Sashima tea and increase the number of people who love both tea and saunas,” said company director Hiromu Nakajima, 26. The facility can be reached in about an hour by train from central Tokyo.

“By combining the sauna experience with tours of the tea fields, we hope to turn this place into a tourist farm where people can enjoy tea all day long,” he added.

Ishidatamichaya En in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, which is known for its tea production, is popular for its loyly using Kanaya Tea, a local specialty. Guests can relax as the aroma fills the barrel-shaped sauna made from hinoki cypress grown in the prefecture.

“We want to offer an opportunity for people to catch their breath in this hectic world,” said Daisuke Mori, 29, director of the company operating the facility. He hopes he can “help spread Shimada’s tea brand” by providing people with experiences unique to a tea-producing region.

In Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, known for its namesake tea, a similar facility is also in operation and is gaining popularity.

Unique tea-based products are also being released. Iidaen, a tea manufacturer in Sakai, Ibaraki Prefecture, has begun sales of kamicha chewing tea. It is made using a temomi hand-rolling technique that was showcased at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Produced by drying tea leaves rolled as thin as needles, it can be eaten like mints. The catechins in the tea leaves are said to help prevent bad breath and cavities.

“We want to spread new ways to enjoy tea,” said Iidaen representative Kohei Iida, 41.

Declining tea farmers, consumption

The tea farming industry faces issues of aging farmers and declining numbers of operating farms.

According to statistics from the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry and others, the proportion of people aged 65 and older among those whose primary occupation is tea farming rose from 51% in 2000 to 61% in 2020. The number of tea farms nationwide dropped from 53,687 in 2000 to 12,325 in 2020, a decline of nearly 80%.

While consumption of so-called green tea beverages in plastic bottles and cartons has been increasing, that of loose-leaf tea, which needs to be brewed in a teapot, is on the decline. Annual household consumption of loose-leaf tea has fallen by over 30% per household from 982 grams in 2008 to 671 grams in 2024.