Monkeypox is a rare infection that typically manifests as a rash, which develops into fluid-filled blisters. The rash is often preceded by symptoms such as a high temperature, headaches, muscle aches, backaches, swollen glands, shivering, and/or exhaustion.

It usually takes between five and 21 days for the first symptom to appear after infection.

Monkeypox in the UK

Monkeypox is typically found in Africa, but more than 130 cases have now been discovered in 19 countries outside of the continent, cropping up in Europe, the US, Canada, and Australia.

There are now 71 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK – 70 in England and one in Scotland, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Last week, on May 16, there were just seven confirmed cases in the UK.

According to news outlet i, the recent outbreak is the first time person-to-person transmission of monkeypox has occurred in the UK.

But officials have assured that while the number of cases is “unusual,” the illness is usually mild, clearing up in two to four weeks.

The government has ordered more than 20,000 vaccine doses as a precaution, i reports.

How do you catch monkeypox?

Monkeypox is predominantly spread by wild animals – namely rats, mice, and squirrels – in west and central Africa. A human can catch the disease if they are bitten by an infected animal, or if they come into contact with infected blood, body fluids, blisters, or scabs.

You can also catch monkeypox by eating undercooked meat from an infected animal, according to the NHS, or by handling infected “products” like animal skin and fur.

Touching clothing, bedding, or towels used by anyone with the monkeypox rash also raises the risk of infection. The coughs and sneezes of an infected individual can spread the disease too.

How to avoid getting monkeypox

To lower the risk of contracting monkeypox, the NHS advises people to “only eat meat that has been cooked thoroughly.” Individuals should also not eat or touch bushmeat (the flesh of wild animals).

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, can also protect against the infection.

The NHS has urged people to stay away from wild or stray animals, animals that look unwell, and dead animals.

Additionally, the organization stresses the importance of maintaining distance from people who are unwell and may have monkeypox, including not sharing bedding or towels.

Those who have monkeypox are advised to self-isolate, and stay away from pets.

Dr. Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser for the UKHSA, said: “If anyone suspects they might have rashes or lesions on any part of their body, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner, they should limit their contact with others and contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service as soon as possible, though please phone ahead before attending in person.”

Visit the NHS website for more information.

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The segment, which referenced data from documentary What the Health, saw Dr. Robert Lustig, a neuroendocrinologist who advocates for low-carb diets, go head-to-head with Dr. Garth Davis, a bariatric surgeon and physician.

They discuss whether plant-based diets are healthier than animal products, whether meat is really killing us, and if industry-funded studies are just muddying the waters of medical research.

With this exclusive re-upload, watch see these doctors thrash out their arguments.

The post WATCH: Could This Be The Best Nutrition Debate Of All Time? appeared first on Plant Based News.

The thought, at first, may not seem as pleasant or poetic. But this concoction of microorganisms plays a fundamental role in preserving the wellbeing of our gut and entire body. In fact, a healthy gut can have an array of mental and physical benefits.

Here, Westfield Health takes a look at the importance of gut health while also highlighting the possible signs of ailing intestines and what foods could help restore their wellbeing.

Why is gut health important?

By “gut health,” we tend to refer to the overall wellbeing of our gut and digestive system. This may sometimes be easy to forget, but the digestive system is arguably the most crucial system within the body.

It is responsible for absorbing all the different nutrients that organs and systems need to function correctly. Not only that, but it also takes care of any rejects and waste, making sure they find their way out of the body.

The gut also fuels the body and can help protect it from unwanted “invaders.”

Research has shown that there is a strong connection between bacteria in our guts (in the colon, specifically) and our immune system.

Gut bacteria are able to teach the immune system to spot and recognize both benign and harmful microorganisms. This is particularly useful, as it means that our immune system will not flare up if it comes across innocuous microbes. Instead, it will identify true “threats” and intervene accordingly.

A healthy gut can also positively affect our mood and mental wellbeing. In fact, the gut produces around 90 percent of our body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter that impacts our social behavior, mood, appetite, and sleep. 

A well-nourished gut can work wonders on our general wellbeing; if everything is working as it should inside the intestines and across the digestive system, we are more likely to be in good spirits.

Signs of an unhealthy gut

As mentioned, a healthy gut and its microorganisms efficiently carry out a myriad of positive functions. So it is no surprise that if – for instance – there is an imbalance in gut bacteria, overall health could be negatively affected. 

But how do you recognize the signs of an unhealthy gut? Here are a few symptoms to look out for:

Upset stomach – A stomach ache can sometimes be the result of poor digestion. In fact, an unbalanced gut finds it harder to process nutrients and eliminate waste. From bloating and heartburn to diarrhea and constipation, there are many signs that could indicate an unhealthy gut.

Digestion issues – If you suffer from specific food intolerances, you will struggle to digest certain products. This could be caused by the poor quality of bacteria inside the gut. Food intolerances can trigger unpleasant effects, such as nausea and abdominal pain.

Sleep loss – As explained, a significant percentage of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. As well as impacting our mood, this hormone can also regulate and aid feelings of sleepiness. An unhealthy gut may find it difficult to generate serotonin, which can eventually contribute to disturbances such as poor sleep or insomnia. In the long run, limited sleep can also lead to persistent fatigue.

Migraines – Research suggests that there is a link between gut health and strong headaches. People who suffer from frequent migraines are more likely to have gastrointestinal problems too.

Skin irritation – From acne and psoriasis to eczema and skin rashes, skin conditions and irritation can conceal poor gut health. Eczema, for instance, can be the result of an inflamed gut. Food allergies or poor diet can cause the “leaking” of certain proteins into the body, which can then irritate and affect the wellbeing of our skin.

How to feed your gut

There is no denying that the symptoms of an unbalanced gut can be rather unpleasant. If you are struggling with consistent pain and various collateral effects, make sure you visit your GP. In some rare cases, issues could require surgery. To avoid lengthy NHS waiting times, you may want to consider investing in a private health care plan, but be aware that most policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions.

There are also some other simple steps you can take to restore the health of your digestive system. One way to help your ailing gut bacteria is to eat the right food. So what should you add to the menu?

Fiber – Good gut bacteria love plant-based foods and fiber. Whether it is fruit, vegetables, whole grains, or nuts, an abundant intake of fiber will feed your bacteria and keep your guts healthy. A diet that is low in fiber can increase bloating and wind.

Extra-virgin olive oil – Choosing extra-virgin olive oil over other fats will massively favor the wellbeing of your intestines. In fact, extra-virgin olive oil contains a large quantity of microbe-friendly polyphenols, which do your gut the world of good.

Probiotic food – Probiotics are naturally found inside the gut and have a range of digestive benefits, such as helping irritable bowel syndrome. Live yogurts (there are plenty of dairy-free versions available) are a great source of probiotics and can actively encourage more good gut bacteria to develop.

Avoid processed food – Highly processed food should be avoided whenever possible. These often present ingredients that increase “bad” microorganisms while suppressing “good” bacteria.

From keeping the body energized to uplifting our mood, a healthy gut can have a significant number of benefits on our wellbeing. We hope this article offers you an insight into how to nourish your good bacteria and how to spot any potential signs of an unbalanced gut.

The post Why Eating More Plant-Based Fiber Could Benefit Your Gut Health appeared first on Plant Based News.

But the White House’s promotion of plant-based living could still have a positive impact in the US.

A number of studies have suggested that cutting out meat and dairy can support good health. 

For example, a recent Oxford University found that a meat-free diet could reduce cancer risk by 14 percent. Last year, more research found that following a whole-food, plant-based diet may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. Another 2021 study found that a plant-based diet may slash the risk of stroke by up to 10 percent.

‘Critically important’ shift

Animal rights organization Mercy for Animals is urging the White House to back plant-based diets at the upcoming nutrition conference.

In a statement, the nonprofit’s federal policy manager Frances Chrzan said: “We are thrilled that the Biden-Harris Administration will host this important conference at a time when consumers, researchers, and health officials alike are embracing and espousing the benefits of a plant-based diet.”

The nonprofit is also encouraging Biden’s administration to give more support to small-scale farmers. It is also urging the government to acknowledge the detrimental environmental impact of animal agriculture. 

“Much has changed over the last five decades in our knowledge of how critically important a plant-based food system can be for providing Americans sufficient daily nutrients as well as protecting the environment for future generations,” continued Chrzan.

“As the Biden-Harris administration prepares for the Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Health, Mercy For Animals hopes to see a recommendation for increasing access to plant-based foods to address the health of people and our planet.”

The post White House Urged To Back Plant-Based Diets At Landmark Nutrition Conference appeared first on Plant Based News.

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that those who followed meatless diets had “similar growth and biochemical measures of nutrition compared to children consuming non-vegetarian diets.” 

The vegetarian children were at higher risk of being underweight. But the researchers did not assess the specific content of each individual child’s diet.

Vegetarian diets vary greatly. While some are balanced and consist of a number of fruits and vegetables, this is not always the case.

The lead author of the study, pediatrician Dr. Jonathan Maguire, said: “Plant-based dietary patterns are recognized as a healthy eating pattern due to increased intake of fruits, vegetables, fiber, whole grains, and reduced saturated fat. However, few studies have evaluated the impact of vegetarian diets on childhood growth and nutritional status.”

He added: “Vegetarian diets appear to be appropriate for most children.”

Moving away from meat

The study comes as more and more Canadians choose to give up meat. In 2018, one study found that more than half of the population was interested in eating fewer animal products.

Another study in 2020 found that 75 percent of Canadians believe eating less red meat is important for the planet. And in 2019, the country overhauled its official Food Guide, advising people to consume more sources of plant-based protein.

Canada’s not alone. In 2021, one poll found that more than half of young Americans consider themselves flexitarian.

And in 2020, one European survey by Dutch ingredients firm Griffith Foods concluded that people across the continent are reducing their meat consumption rapidly.

The firm’s president said at the time: “That has major implications for food retail manufacturers and producers, and their response to capture and cater to this newfound mass market.”

The post Vegetarian Diets ‘Appropriate’ For Most Children, Suggests New Research appeared first on Plant Based News.

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Serena Williams’ vegan investments

Williams is passionate about backing game-changing products. In 2017, she invested in frozen plant-based food subscription company Daily Harvest alongside actor and Goop-founder Gwyneth Paltrow.

At the time, Daily Harvest’s CEO Rachel Drori said: “Serena and Gwyneth immediately understood our mission to provide convenient foods without nutritional compromise. Their passion for what we are building will make them instrumental members of our investment team.”

Alongside several other high-profile figures, including Bill Gates and Katy Perry, Williams is also an investor in Impossible Foods, a plant-based meat brand on a mission to transform the food system. 

According to WILE’s co-founder Gwen Floyd, Williams’ investment will make a significant difference to the company, and help it expand on its mission to help women around the world.

She said in a statement: “This investment makes it possible for us to break through the silence and get her what she needs and wants, where she wants it.”

WILE’s products will be launching in Whole Foods Markets this month. 

The post Serena Williams Invests In Vegan Menopause Supplement Brand appeared first on Plant Based News.

These findings are in line with previous studies that show the benefits of plant-based diets in the prevention of T2D.

The relationship between diet and diabetes

Researchers from the Department of Nutrition, at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, set out to identify any associations between dietary profiles and the risk of developing T2D. 

To do this, they analyzed the metabolite profiles associated with different plant-based diets. A metabolite is a substance that is used or produced by a living organism through the chemical process of breaking down or metabolizing foods. 

The study methodology

The study involved analyzing blood plasma samples from 10,684 adults from three different longitudinal cohort studies (Nurses’ Health Study, Nurses’ Health Study II, and Health Professionals Follow-up Study).

All participants filled out food and diet questionnaires. They were then separated into three different groups:

• Group 1 was made up of participants who ate a diet rich in healthy plant foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes 
• Group 2 was made up of participants who ate a diet of unhealthy plant foods, such as refined grains, fruit juices, sugar-sweetened beverages, and sweets/desserts
• Group 3 was made up of animal foods, such as dairy, eggs, and meat, including fish

The study’s findings

The researchers found that participants who went on to develop T2D generally recorded lower consumption levels of healthy plant-based foods. Those with T2D typically had a higher average BMI and were more likely to have high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They were also less physically active. 

Further, researchers found that participants who stuck to plant-based foods, especially those rich in polyphenols, had lower odds of developing the disease.

Plant-based diets and diabetes prevention

The authors concluded: “Our findings support the beneficial role of healthy plant-based diets in diabetes prevention and provide new insights for future investigation.

“… our findings regarding the intermediate metabolites are at the moment intriguing, but further studies are needed to confirm their causal role in the associations of plant-based diets and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

You can view the full study here.

The post Healthy Plant-Based Food Could Reduce Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes, New Study Discovers appeared first on Plant Based News.

Meat , dairy, and rheumatoid arthritis

A total of 44 participants, who were previously diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, underwent the study to investigate the health effects of eliminating meat and dairy. 

Researchers found a significant improvement in the severity of symptoms after following a low-fat vegan diet free, from calorie restriction. Participants also experienced weight loss and improved serum cholesterol levels.  

The study

At the start of the study, participants used a visual analogue scale to classify the severity of their joint pain, from “no pain” to “pain as bad as it could possibly be.”

Joint pain was also assessed using the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28), a pain indicator tool that measures inflammation activity in rheumatoid arthritis using clinical data. The participants were then divided into two groups for 16 weeks.

Group 1 vs group 2

One of the groups were instructed to follow a vegan diet for four weeks, followed by removing potential pain-trigger food items for three weeks. They were then re-introduced to the removed food items for the duration of the study. 

The second group followed an unrestricted diet, where they were able to eat whatever they wanted to for 16 weeks. They were also given a placebo capsule, which had no effect on the study. At the end of the 16 weeks, the two groups went on to switch diets.  

Results

The researchers noticed a significant difference in DAS28 scores between the two groups at the end of the study. They found that during the vegan diet phase of the study, DAS28 scores dropped by two points on average, indicating a greater reduction in joint pain, compared to a decrease of 0.3 points in the placebo phase. 

The average number of swollen joints also went down from 7.0 to 3.3 in the vegan phase. However, the number actually increased from 4.7 to 5 in the placebo phase. The researchers also noted that VAS ratings improved significantly in the vegan phase, compared with the placebo phase.

Additional health benefits

As well as the reduction in pain and swelling of the joints, the study also found that the vegan phase led to additional health benefits, including decreased LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.

Researchers also found that body weight decreased by about 14 pounds on average when eating plant-based, compared to a gain of about two pounds on the placebo diet. 

The research was conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a non-profit organization that focuses on preventative medicine and higher ethics standards in education and research. 

The post Fully Vegan Diet Can Halve Joint Pain, New Research Finds appeared first on Plant Based News.

Counties such as Sierra Leone, with eight million people and where malaria, Ebola, TB, and HIV have caused such devastation, have registered very few cases and barely any covid deaths; 123 in total, with Kamakwie district having reported just 11 cases and no deaths since the pandemic began. 

Why could this be? Have the sick simply not been counted? The Beta variant ravaged South Africa, as did Delta and Omicron, yet much of the rest of the continent did not report similar death tolls. A lack of consistent record keeping is relevant; and yet research has shown that about two thirds of the population in most Sub-Saharan countries do have antibodies to Sars-Cov-2 (78 percent in Sierra Leone) with only around 14 percent vaccination rates. This means most people will have been infected, but not have been unwell.

Diet and disease

There has been speculation that a younger average age could be playing a part (only three percent of people are 65 or older in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as high temperatures, outdoor lifestyles, and limited public transportation infrastructure.

But in India, with similar amounts of young people and high temperatures, the Delta variant caused millions of deaths – far more than the 400,000 officially reported.

It seems that lower rates of chronic disease has also been an important factor in sparing the African sub-continent – in countries where dietary patterns are whole foods and predominantly plant-based, conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma are far less prevalent.

Surgeon Denis Burkitt who lived and worked in Uganda, was the first to discuss the “fiber hypothesis.”

He noted that middle-aged people (40-60 years old) had a much lower incidence of diseases that were common in similarly aged people living in England, including colon cancer, diverticulitis, appendicitis, hernias, varicose veins, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and asthma, all of which are associated with lifestyles commonly led in high-income countries.

Burkitt attributed these diseases to the small quantities of dietary fiber consumed in places like Europe and the US, due mainly to the over-processing of natural foods. Nowadays, dietary fiber intake is around 15 g/day, which is well below recommended amounts (30g/day) and the amount of 50g/day that Burkitt advocated for, which is associated with diets from rural, southern, and eastern sub-Saharan Africa.

Fiber deficiency

Since Burkitt’s death in 1993, his hypothesis has been verified and extended by large-scale epidemiological studies, which have reported that fiber deficiency increases the risk of colon, liver, and breast cancer and increases all cancer mortality and death from cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory diseases, diabetes, and all non-cardiovascular, non-cancer causes. 

Gut health and the microbiome is an area of research that has further verified Burkitt’s initial observations – we now know that products of fiber fermentation in the colon, called “short chain fatty acids” (SCFAs) suppress mucus excess, inflammation, and cancer risk in the gut.

SCFAs also have receptors outside of the gut which can affect our metabolism and reduce obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, allergy, and cancer.

A new approach

My hope is that moving into our third year of the pandemic, epidemiologists and public health physicians will be free to focus on ways to reduce mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa in ways that are most relevant to their biggest causes of mortality; through public health programs designed to combat malaria, HIV, TB, Ebola, and cancers that are linked to communicable diseases. 

In the Western world, Covid-19 has brought us face to face with our vulnerability as a society. We have endured isolation and disruption and for many, long term illness and tragic deaths.

I believe the impact of Covid could have been reduced both by an effective vaccination program, and a collective focus from government, public health campaigns, and industry on making active and healthy lifestyle choices easier for everyone.

Access to healthy whole plant foods and green outdoor spaces without air pollution should not be a luxury, they are a necessity. We have a lot to learn from the experience of the African sub-continent with Covid, especially as factory farming practices globally leave us vulnerable to the next viral epidemic. Let us make changes now, to prioritize healthy plant foods and call for an end to factory farming. Before we have to live through another Covid-19.

This article was written by Dr. Gemma Newman of Orchard Surgery Medical Clinic, author of The Plant Power Doctor. Dr. Newman has worked in medicine for 17 years and is the Senior Partner at a family medical practice where she has worked for 12 years.

The post Are Africa’s Low Covid Death Rates Really A Mystery? appeared first on Plant Based News.

A few years ago, the idea of such a notoriously meat-based company embracing veganism to this extent would have been laughable. The move comes after a recent boom in demand for meat-free options in mainstream restaurants, and it feels like a genuine milestone in the vegan movement. 

Predictably, though, the rise of vegan fast food hasn’t been without controversy. The new Burger King range – just like other recent similar launches – has been criticized by some for its perceived ‘unhealthiness’. 

This criticism stems from a common misconception of what veganism actually is. It is often believed to be nothing more than a diet, meaning the influx of vegan fast food can be seen as redundant. By labeling it as unhealthy, many have argued that it’s pointless to choose it over its meat counterpart.

But whether or not the Plant-Based Whopper, McPlant, or any of their equivalents are ‘healthier’ than their meat versions is irrelevant. Most vegans aren’t under any illusion that their fast food is particularly ‘healthy’, and neither do they care. 

Social justice movement

Veganism is a social justice movement, not a fad diet. While the overall health benefits of plant-based eating are undeniable, most people choose these options to reduce animal suffering, not to be healthy. It of course isn’t recommended to eat junk food regularly, but doing so isn’t at odds with veganism.

Just like the general public, some vegans will choose to eat ‘healthily’ all the time, some will enjoy fast food in moderation, and others will choose to eat whatever they please. 

Despite this, The rise of vegan junk food has led to an influx of misguided discussions about whether or not we should choose it over meat, and many articles on the subject have come up with what they presumably think to be damning claims about the apparent unhealthiness of plant-based fast food.

Earlier this week, a paper branded vegan meat alternatives ‘the worst junk food of all’, citing the fact that they are ‘ultra-processed food’ (it’s worth noting that many breads and cereals also fall into this category).

Criticisms

When the Plant-Based Whopper was first introduced back in 2019, it sparked a number of articles comparing it with the original. One tabloid newspaper noted its high sodium and fat content, adding: “at the end of the day, it’s no healthier than a classic beef burger”.

A dietitian quoted in the piece also ‘recommended’ opting for beef burgers due to the “GMO foods, colors, flavorings” in the vegan option. 

In an article about the McDonald’s McPlant burger, another publication described its high salt content as a “disappointing downside”. Following the launch of the Greggs vegan sausage roll, a separate article titled “Why vegan junk food might be worse for your health” described the “unseen risks” of plant-based fast food. 

Cruelty and exploitation

Claims such as these have been disputed, and a number of studies have found that vegan burgers are in fact healthier than their counterparts, but this still isn’t the comparison we should be making. When weighing up the two options, we should instead be looking at their levels of cruelty. 

Cows exploited and killed in the ‘beef’ industry are subjected to unimaginable torture throughout their terrible lives. Soon after they are born, calves will often have their ears tagged and horn buds painfully removed with a hot iron, and many cows will spend their entire lives on the concrete floors of factory farms.

When they are ready to be killed, usually when they are between 12 and 24 months old, they will be transported to the slaughterhouse. These journeys can take hours, and many cows will die on the way due to stress and lack of food and water. After they arrive, they will be forced into a stun box and shot in the head with a captive bolt.

This should in theory render them unconscious, but improper stunning is rife within the industry. This means that cows can often feel everything when having their throats cut, and are sometimes still alive when being skinned. 

Eggs and dairy

The dairy cheese in a regular burger is taken from a cow who was repeatedly impregnated by artificial insemination until her worn-out body was sent to the slaughterhouse. Just like humans, cows form powerful bonds with their babies, and will often bellow and cry out for them for days when the farmer takes them away hours after birth so humans can take their milk. 

If your burger contains mayonnaise, it comes from an industry that routinely puts newly-hatched male chicks in an industrial macerator that grinds them up alive because they’re ‘surplus’ to requirements. The female hens have been selectively bred to produce 300 eggs a year (as opposed to the 10-15 they naturally would), meaning they suffer from osteoporosis and broken bones due to calcium deficiency.

Egg-laying hens generally spend most of their lives in cramped barns with thousands of other birds, and the air will be thick with ammonia from their waste. 

When faced with the reality of where meat burgers come from, the idea of disregarding vegan versions for vague and disputed claims of their relative ‘unhealthiness’ seems absurd. 

A philosophy and way of life

If you’ve been vegan for any length of time, you’ll be well-accustomed to being bombarded with unsolicited comments about your health.

We’re all used to being told veganism will make us ill and having strangers demand to know where we get our protein from, but now we’re being asked why we’re choosing such ‘unhealthy’ junk food, not in line with our supposed healthy eating plan. This further demonstrates that, when it comes to criticism of our lifestyle, we really cannot win. 

The definition of veganism, as outlined by The Vegan Society, is “a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude – as far as is possible and practicable – all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.”

There are, of course, people who go plant-based purely for health reasons – and this is a very legitimate route to take – but the vast majority of vegans aren’t any more interested in healthy eating than the average person. While living off nothing but vegan burgers is probably unwise, and we should of course all aim to eat a balanced diet, this criticism of our food is unwarranted and pointless. 

The post Criticizing Vegan Fast Food For Being ‘Unhealthy’ Is Missing The Point appeared first on Plant Based News.