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.

The letter – which was sent to the chief executive of NHS Scotland, Caroline Lamb – states that serving plant-based meals would be better for the environment, improve the health of patients, and potentially save the health service millions of pounds. 

As reported by The Times, the letter reads: “At this time of health and climate crises, we, the undersigned, urge NHS Scotland to switch to vegan menus for patients in hospitals.

“Replacing meat, eggs, and dairy with vibrant vegan foods is vital if we are to protect the health of Scottish people and the planet.

“It is a dereliction of duty that meals offered in hospitals are often far from healthy and can even include red and processed meats, which are known to be carcinogenic.”

Benefits of meat-free food

The letter compares serving meat to “distributing cigarettes in the pulmonary-care unit.”

It adds: “Switching to 100 percent vegan menus … would help NHS Scotland improve patient recovery, reduce costs, prevent animal suffering, and meet its commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions.”

The signatories go on to state that the NHS could save £30 billion a year if all meals served in the UK were vegan.  

A number of doctors signed the letter, including NHS consultant gastroenterologist Alan Desmond, and GPs Nick Browne, Miriam Maisel, Olga Morton, and Fiona Bullions.

Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of the climate crisis, while meat consumption has been linked to a number of cancers and other diseases. 

Despite this, the letter has been criticized by some. Rachael Hamilton, the Scottish Conservative’s rural affairs spokesperson, labeled the demand “deeply irresponsible.”

Currently, Scottish government hospital guidelines state that provisions must be made for patients following vegan and vegetarian diets, and that there must be a meat-free option for every meal.

According to The Times, a spokesperson for the Scottish government said: “We expect all patients to be offered good, nutritious food in accordance with their ethical or religious requirements.

“The importance of balanced nutrition is well accepted and emphasized in our guidance on hospital food to ensure all patients get the best possible nourishment.”

The post Doctors Compare Meat To Cigarettes, Urge NHS To Serve Vegan Hospital Food appeared first on Plant Based News.

But new research has found that plant-based omega-3 fatty acids are also equally beneficial to heart health and can reduce the risk of heart disease for people who don’t eat seafood.

Research published in Advances in Nutrition and reported on by Science Direct, found that consuming alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can be found in foods like walnuts and flaxseeds was associated with a 10 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 20 percent reduced risk of fatal coronary heart disease.

Omega 3 for vegans

Professor of Nutritional Sciences at Evan Pugh University Penny Kris-Etherton said the review proves there are many ways of getting the recommended amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

“People may not want to eat seafood for a variety of reasons, but it’s still important for them to consume omega-3s to reduce the risk of heart disease and to promote overall health.

“Plant-based ALA in the form of walnuts or flaxseeds can also provide these benefits, especially when incorporated into a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.”

Assistant teaching professor of nutrition at Evan Pugh University Jennifer Fleming said they also found evidence that seafood eaters could get additional benefits from eating plant-based omega-3s.

“When people with low levels of omega-3s in their diet ate ALA, they saw a benefit in terms of cardiovascular health.”

“But when people with high levels of omega-3s from other sources ate more ALA, they also saw a benefit. It could be that ALA works synergistically with other omega-3s.”

ALA benefits in plant-based food

ALA can reduce cholesterol, and has positive effects on blood pressure and inflammation.

This could explain ALA’s benefits to heart health, according to Emilio Ros, a researcher from Barcelona University.

“We were able to find evidence supporting current dietary guidelines that ALA should provide about 0.6%–1% of total energy in a day, which is about 1.1 grams a day for women and 1.6 grams a day for men and can be incorporated into the diet with foods such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and cooking oils such as canola and soybean oils.”

The post Plant-Based Omega-3s Reduce Risk Of Heart Disease, Study Finds appeared first on Plant Based News.

Fresh juices are a great way to hydrate and support your nutrition intake. Recent research continues to show significant health benefits for people who eat more fresh produce.

Specifically, those who ate at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day were found to have a 10 percent lower risk of death from cancer and a 35 percent lower risk of death from respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which is obvious right?

Buying juice – specifically green juice – can be expensive though and home juicers are often clunky, hard-to-clean, and take up extra time in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I recommend NAMA’s new J2 cold press juicer. Check out the video below where you can get a behind the scenes preview of PBN co-founder and I filming with it!

Philosophy

As you might be aware, Plant Based News is insanely mission-focused. When it was launched as a social media platform back in 2015, its sole purpose was to raise awareness about the beneficial effects of a plant-based diet. I’m now regularly out on the streets debating people about how you don’t need to consume animal protein for example.

And this is why everyone at PBN loves NAMA. Dan, the founder of the company, is someone who walks the talk. You can read his transformative health story here.

Robbie – my partner-in-crime at PBN – has been recommending NAMA for years. And I’ve only recently started using their new J2 model, which we are proud to offer our readers an exclusive $55 off over the next month with Code: PBNReview.

It’s designed to make juicing at home as easy and hassle-free as possible. It’s truly a game-changer that allows you to make delicious, vibrant juice in just minutes.

The large “hopper” canister allows you to load a whole apple, celery sticks, a big bunch of kale leaves, or whatever your recipe calls for! That’s right, the juicer cuts and loads produce for you, so you don’t have to stand around feeding one ingredient in at a time. It is an almost hands-free experience. 

The Nama J2 is also extremely easy to clean and takes no more than three minutes. You don’t have to dig dry juice pulp of out of every nook of the machine. It has specific features for fast and effortless cleaning, which we truly appreciate. 

Options

You can also use this juicer to make smoothies, soups, sauces, and plant-based milks. I love these options for helping reduce the number of appliances in my kitchen. 

If you have little ones in your house, the J2 is equipped with safety features so children can enjoy juicing. We know how healthy habits can begin when you are young, so this machine is a perfect way to introduce children to juicing. In fact, many of the plant-based doctors we collaborate with rave about it!

This model is already available in the U.S. and Canada (click here to get access with $55 off using discount code PBNReview) with European, Australian, and United Kingdom international plug options coming soon serving over 200 countries. (Sign up to get notified.)   

Nama has an array of products, but the J2 happens to be my favourite (as well as my business partner Robbie’s). Our second favourite is the Vitality 5800. Whether you’ve been juicing for years or want to get started, we are super confident it will do the job for you! Plus they offer a 15 year guarantee with the product so it will last for decades!

Money well spent: get $55 off with Code: PBNReview

*This is a paid-for advertorial.

The post Here’s Why The Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer Is The Best On The Market 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.