UK Sewage Crisis Leaves Beachgoers Sick and Frustrated
Charlie Clarke fell severely ill in late summer 2023 after a swim at Clevedon Marine Lake in southwest England while training for a Triathlon. The next day he collapsed on the street near his home and was taken to the hospital, where after a series of tests he was diagnosed with myocarditis — an inflammation of his heart muscle caused by an infection.
The diagnosis was a shock for Clarke, an otherwise healthy 28-year old designer, and he had to stop training. It took him about six months to do sports again and a whole year to get back to the same level of fitness. Since then, he has been 'very cautious' and so far only trained in pools. He pulled out of a triathlon in September on the morning of the event after he learned of a recent sewage spill at the beach where the swim was taking place.
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Which Plant-Based Milk is Best: Oat Milk, Almond Milk or Coconut Milk
There are many reasons you could chose to look for a nondairy milk option. From health reasons to environmental concerns, no matter the reason there are lots of choices. Soy milk, hemp milk and a wide range of other plant-based milks mean there are a variety of flavors to choose from. Maria Sylvester Terry, a registered dietitian, shares her thoughts on 10 (10!) different plant-based milks you can try as an alternative to dairy milk. Read more: Vegan Cheese: As Good As the Real Thing? Soy milk Getty Images "If someone's looking for a dairy milk substitute, soy milk is the plant-based option that is the closest," Terry says. "Soy is an incredible food that naturally contains numerous nutrients, whereas other plant-based milks may need additional enrichment of vitamins and minerals." Plus, soy milk is one of the most widely available and it's a budget-friendly milk alternative, so it's accessible for more people. Pros Soy is a plant-based complete protein, which means it contains all 10 essential amino acids. It's inexpensive compared to other plant-based milks. Cons For some folks the flavor of soy milk is an initial hurdle, but choosing a flavored variety may help overcome this. Soy milk does not naturally contain as much calcium as dairy milk, so look for calcium-fortified options if that's important to you. Read more: These Pro Athletes Went Vegan: Why They Switched and How You Can, Too Almond milk Getty Images Almond milk is everywhere. I'd venture to guess that it's used just as much, if not more, than soy milk these days. "Due to its status as the go-to plant-based milk, you'll find it everywhere, from coffee shops to corner stores to wholesale grocery stores," Terry says, which makes almond milk one of the best plant-based milks simply because it's so accessible. Pros Almond milk contains omega-3 fatty acids that are important for heart health, as well as the antioxidant It's naturally low in sugar. It's a fairly versatile and accessible option that's available in a variety of flavors. Cons Despite almonds themselves being a nutritious whole food with protein and fat, almond milk is not considered a source of protein, Terry says. This is because almonds are stripped of many of their nutrients during the "milking" process. If you're looking to replace calcium-rich dairy milk with almond milk, you'll want to ensure you're getting calcium in your diet from other foods. Check the label for additives and gums Oat milk Olivia Geyelin With its creamy consistency, oat milk is an optimal dairy milk substitute in baked goods, soups, lattes and more. This plant-based milk has more carbohydrates than other options, Terry says, which makes for a good pre- or post-workout drink. Oat milk has more fiber than some other plant milks, including almond, rice and coconut milks. If you're into sustainability, oat milk is considered one of the more sustainable milk alternatives. Pros Oat milk contains naturally occurring fiber and protein, and it's fortified with nutrients such as vitamins A, B2, B12 and D, as well as minerals calcium and phosphorus. It's an allergen-friendly option that doesn't contain lactose, nuts or soy. If it's made with certified gluten-free oats, it's a safe option for those with Celiac disease It's easy to make at home Cons While some people love the flavor and thick texture, other people find it a turn-off. Luckily, you can try several different brands and flavors to find one you like, or just choose another plant milk. Clearly, they're plentiful! Oats are a nutritious food, but drinking oat milk shouldn't be equated with eating whole oats. Some of the nutrients are lost in processing, Terry says. Cashew milk Getty Images This is a "versatile plant-based option with a creamy texture," according to Terry, and its price is on par with almond milk. It's also available in most grocery stores. Cashew milk has a nuttier taste than most plant-based milks and it's rather sweet. If you prefer a subtler taste, cashew milk might not be the right choice for you. Pros Homemade cashew milk packs 20% of your daily needs of magnesium Some store-bought varieties contain more calcium than dairy milk. Cons There can be a big difference in nutritional profiles between store-bought cashew milk and homemade, Terry says. Homemade varieties are usually higher in fiber, protein and fat. Store-bought cashew milk may be lower in calories than homemade cashew milk, but it may also have less protein and healthy fats. Cashew milk is not a good dairy replacement if you're looking for plant-based milk with high protein content. Macadamia milk Getty Images Because macadamia milk has a "more balanced flavor compared to other nut milks, it could be used on a more frequent basis and in various foods and beverages, " Terry says, whereas other plant milks with stronger flavors (like cashew milk) have limited uses. Pros Nutritionally, macadamia milk has generous amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Its consistency tends to be on the thicker side, making it a stronger choice for coffee drinks. A macadamia milk latte might hit the spot. Cons It's pricier compared to more mainstream plant-based milks, such as almond and soy. It's also not in as many stores as more popular milk alternatives, so it's not as accessible. The higher fat content makes this a higher-calorie nut milk, which isn't inherently a bad thing, but something to be mindful of if you're trying to lose weight. Banana milk Mooala Yes, banana milk is a thing, and it's actually rather yummy (if you like bananas). Taste-wise, banana milk compares to sipping on a "healthified" milkshake. It's sweet, slightly fruity and super-creamy. Banana milk is a "fun choice to add flavor to smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, and maybe even your coffee," Terry says. "Can you imagine banana milk with Honey Nut Cheerios?" Pros Banana milk packs 8% of your daily needs for potassium, 25% of daily calcium needs (fortified, not naturally occurring) and contains vitamins B6 and C. It has a sweet, creamy banana flavor without added sugar (unless you opt for the chocolate flavor). Banana milk is easy to make at home. Cons Currently there's only one brand you can buy in stores, Mooala. As banana milk grows in popularity, other companies will probably jump on the bandwagon. However, until that happens, accessibility to store-bought banana milk may be limited for some. Banana milk lacks vitamin D compared to other plant milks, most of which are fortified with vitamin D. Rice milk Getty Images Rice milk is an allergy-friendly option for those who need to avoid nuts, seeds, soy or lactose, explains Terry. It's also a widely accessible option sold in various grocery stores. Rice milk has the highest carbohydrate content of all the plant-based milks on this list (not including sweetened and flavored options), but that's not a bad thing unless you need to watch your carb intake for health reasons. Pros Rice milk is inexpensive. It's fortified with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B12 and D, and calcium. It has a mild flavor that's lightly sweet and versatile. Cons Rice milk is known to have a watery consistency. It may contain added sugars, gums and additives for flavor, consistency and shelf-life. Check the label for ingredients if you're looking to avoid specific additives. It is not a source of protein. Pea milk Ripple Another great allergy-friendly option, pea milk is made from yellow peas and is naturally soy-, gluten-, lactose-, and nut-free. Ripple is the best-known maker of pea milk, and Ripple milk has a pretty impressive nutrient profile compared to other plant milks. Pros Pea milk is high in protein -- eight ounces of Ripple pea milk contains eight grams of protein, making this a "solid choice for those looking for a protein-rich milk or a dairy substitute," Terry says. Pea protein is rich in branched-chain amino acids. It's a good source of omega-3s (from algal oil) and calcium. It provides vitamins A and D Cons It has a chalky sensation and aftertaste, according to some. Certain types and flavors of pea milk are high in sugar. Hemp milk Pacific Foods Soy was once the only known plant-based source of a complete protein, but hemp seeds provide all 10 essential amino acids, too. The flavor is earthy and nutty, and as with all plant-based milks, some will love it while others won't. Pros Hemp seeds contain ample magnesium, folate, phosphorus and potassium. Store-bought options tend to be fortified with additional calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A, B12 and D. Higher in unsaturated healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-6) than other plant milks. Cons Hemp is known to interact with certain prescription medications. The high fat content in hemp may lead to digestive upset if you consume too much at once, but this is unlikely to happen with hemp milk, since it's not concentrated hemp. Coconut milk Getty Images Coconut milk is less of a drinking beverage and more of an ingredient for cooking, but some varieties of coconut milk do taste good on their own. As far as accessibility, you can probably get coconut milk at your local grocery store. Pros Coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides and is loaded with minerals, including manganese, magnesium, potassium, copper and selenium. It's high in fiber compared to other plant-based milks. Versatile -- You can find many varieties of coconut milk available for different culinary needs, such as drinks, sauces, baking, cooking. Cons Higher in calories and fat. Again, this isn't inherently bad, but it-could be a con for some, depending on personal health needs, goals and lifestyle choices. It's not a protein-rich milk. Which plant-based milk is best? Getty Images "When it comes to choosing the most well-rounded option for the combination of nutrition, sustainability and versatility, oat milk and hemp milk come out on top in my opinion," Terry says. With so many plant-based milks on the market, it can be hard to find "the one," but unless you don't have access to multiple variations, you don't have to stick to just one type. 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In 2016, for example, an ad campaign attempted to demonize the additives in almond milk by scaring watchers into thinking lecithin was a shady ingredient. "These phrases are neither helpful nor accurate," Terry says. "For example, plant milks may contain added 'alpha-tocopherols' which, sure, may be hard to pronounce, but is simply a type of vitamin E." Finally, look out for sweetened flavors when shopping for plant-based milks. You might toss a harmless-looking chocolate almond milk carton into your basket, only to realize later that one eight-ounce glass has as much sugar as a candy bar. As always, reading nutrition labels can help you make healthy decisions.
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Stress Can Cause Spotting — Here's Why It Happens and What to Do
Stress can spike cortisol levels, disrupting the body's production of sex hormones like estrogen. This can result in spotting and other menstrual changes. Spotting generally occurs as small droplets of blood in your underwear or as a pink, red, or brown tinge in your discharge. 'The color of your spotting is determined by the amount of time that's passed since the blood was released from the lining of the uterus,' says Jane van Dis, MD, OB-GYN, a medical advisor with menstrual company FLEX. It typically occurs on either side of your menstrual period (before your period starts in earnest or after you think it has ended), but it can happen at any point in your monthly cycle. Keep reading to learn more about how stress affects your menstrual cycle and how to manage it. How stress affects your menstrual cycle High stress levels can prompt your endocrine system to release stress hormones, including cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands. The entire endocrine system is connected, and increased cortisol can have a ripple effect. When cortisol levels rise, both estrogen and testosterone can decrease. Likewise, fluctuating sex hormones can also affect your stress levels. An unexpected change in your estrogen levels can disrupt your menstrual cycle, resulting in spotting, missed menstruation, or other irregularities. 'Anything that impacts you as a person has the potential to impact the menstrual cycle and therefore cause spotting,' explains reproductive health specialist Felice Gersh, MD, author of 'PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness.' The stress may contribute to spotting if you recently experienced a life change. Causes can include changes like: a breakup moving increasing work responsibilities or losing your job a recent diagnosis, whether your own or a loved one's Stress-induced spotting is usually accompanied by other symptoms of stress, including: difficulty sleeping difficulty concentrating changes in appetite generalized fatigue muscle aches digestive upset sexual dysfunction Illnesses can also cause physical stress that may have a similar effect. How to manage stress-related spotting 'Spotting, by its name, implies that an individual is releasing a smaller amount of blood than they would during their period,' says van Dis. A panty liner should be enough to protect your underwear. If you choose to free-bleed (menstruating without blocking or collecting menstrual blood) and end up staining your underwear, blood-removal tips can help. However, if you are bleeding so much that you need a sanitary pad or tampon to catch the blood, it is likely too much to be considered spotting. You may have another type of vaginal bleeding. If the bleeding isn't from stress or your menstrual period, it's best to talk with a healthcare professional about your symptoms. Other causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding can include: pregnancy or miscarriage a growth in your uterus or cervix hormone imbalance medication changes an infection breakthrough bleeding Cycle-related changes also occur with perimenopause. This is the phase that precedes menopause. Managing stress to prevent stress-related menstrual changes Managing your overall stress levels can help reduce stress-related spotting. 'You could incorporate meditation, journaling, grounding, or nature walking into your routine,' says Gersh. Other stress reduction methods she recommends include: physical therapy massage therapy acupuncture from a licensed practitioner for myofascial release therapy, deep tissue massage, or another form of bodywork Prioritizing your overall health can also help you manage your stress levels. That means: drinking enough water eating nutrient-dense meals monitoring caffeine intake getting regular physical activity limiting alcohol, nicotine, and other substance use If you continue to feel stressed, less focused, or more irritable than usual, it may be time to talk with a mental health professional. The right therapist can help you deduce the root of your stress and give you tools to manage it. When to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional 'If you have a regular period and this is your first time spotting, you'd be wise to rule out pregnancy as the underlying cause if there's a chance that you could be pregnant,' says Gersh. You can find out if you're pregnant by taking an at-home pregnancy test 10 or more days after you last had vaginal intercourse with a person who produces sperm. You can also ask a healthcare professional to order a blood test, which can usually detect pregnancy a few days earlier. If this is the first time you've ever spotted and there's no chance you're pregnant, Gersh says it's probably OK to assume that stress, or some other lifestyle change, is the cause. But if you're experiencing other unusual symptoms or bodily changes, she recommends consulting a healthcare professional. Frequently asked questions What does stress spotting look like? Spotting usually looks like light bleeding in your underwear. It can be pink, red, or brown and may occur with other discharge. It's typically a small amount (enough that you could use a pantyliner but not need a pad or a tampon). Spotting usually looks like light bleeding in your underwear. It can be pink, red, or brown and may occur with other discharge. It's typically a small amount (enough that you could use a pantyliner but not need a pad or a tampon). What can trigger spotting? Some possible triggers for light bleeding between periods can include stress, changing or skipping hormonal birth control, rough sex, or implantation bleeding due to pregnancy. If you have more than a small amount of blood, there could be another cause. Some possible triggers for light bleeding between periods can include stress, changing or skipping hormonal birth control, rough sex, or implantation bleeding due to pregnancy. If you have more than a small amount of blood, there could be another cause. Why am I only spotting when I wipe? If you only notice blood when you wipe after urinating, you may want to get checked out for other causes of bleeding, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause blood in your urine.
