Latest news with #DietaryGuidelines
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Sen. Justice co-sponsors bill to put whole milk back in school cafeterias
U.S. Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on March 25, 2025 in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images) Whole milk could return as an option in school cafeterias, according to a bill supported by Sen. Jim Justice. The Republican Senator from West Virginia signed on as co-sponsor of the 'Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.' 'I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this bill [and] glad to see it pass out of committee! Whole milk is vital to children's growth and bone strength. It is time to bring it back in schools!' Justice posted Wednesday on X. The bipartisan bill aims to reintroduce whole milks and 2% milk to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. The measure also has the support of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who tweeted in March that his administration is 'encouraging programs to switch from low-fat dairy – which the antiquated Dietary Guidelines require them to promote — to full-fat/whole milk.' Current guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture require schools to offer fat-free and low-fat milk, flavored and unflavored, to kindergarten through twelfth grade students. Whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk were removed from school menus in 2012 under the Obama administration to limit saturated fat consumption and calorie consumption among children. Recent research suggests that kids who drink whole milk could be less likely to be overweight or develop obesity than children who drink reduced-fat milk. 'Milk is an important part of a balanced diet that delivers critical nutrients students need for growth and development. It makes sense for National School Lunch Program operators to have the authority to offer this healthful beverage to students during the school day,' said Sen. John Boozman, (R-AR). I'm proud to lead the committee in advancing this bipartisan solution to expand milk options and encourage increased dairy consumption while supporting America's hardworking dairy producers,' The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which Boozman chairs, advanced the measure on Tuesday. Justice is also a member of the committee. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. The measure also authorizes parents or legal guardians, in addition to licensed physicians, to provide a written statement for their student to receive a nondairy substitute for fluid milk at school. Nearly every West Virginia county provides free breakfast and lunch to students regardless of income due the state's high poverty level. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The #1 Nut to Help You Poop, Recommended by Dietitians
Constipation is common and often diet-related. Almonds are our top pick for nuts to help you poop. Almonds contain magnesium, fiber and healthy fats for constipation you make less than four trips to the bathroom for No. 2 each week, you might be experiencing constipation. Feeling uncomfortable on the toilet or having hard, dry stools are also signs of constipation. While it can be caused by several things, like medication or medical conditions, constipation is frequently related to diet. And the good news is, it can often be resolved with a few small dietary changes. Focusing on water and fiber is one of the best ways to relieve recurring constipation. Experts recommend increasing your fluid intake and incorporating high-fiber foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, veggies and nuts. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, you should aim to consume 22 to 34 grams of fiber per day, depending on your sex and age. When you increase your fiber intake, remember to drink more water. 'Consuming too little fiber, or too much fiber without drinking enough fluids, can lead to constipation," says Annette Snyder, M.S., RD, CSOWM, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching. "Fiber and water work together to add weight to stools, which helps gravity do its job and allows for easier passage.' One delicious and simple way to increase your fiber intake is to enjoy a handful of nuts daily. But which ones are the best for easing constipation? We asked two registered dietitians what their top choice was for a healthy fiber-filled nut, and they both agreed: It's all about the almonds. While all nuts can help you up your fiber intake, almonds are a great choice for many reasons. A lot of research has been done on the health benefits of almonds. One study found that eating almonds was associated with a better-functioning gastrointestinal system and more stool output. While both results sound great for those living with constipation, it's important to note that the Almond Board of California funded this study, leaving room for bias. With that said, almonds do contain many great nutrients for easing constipation. Here's a rundown of the most impactful ones. Almonds have a whopping 77 milligrams of magnesium in just 1 ounce (about 23 almonds). Magnesium is an important mineral for many reasons, but it's great for easing constipation. 'Fiber, magnesium and other antioxidants found in almonds can help promote better digestion and a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut flora with a variety of good bacteria produces better digestion overall, and this helps prevent chronic constipation,' says Amy Pendleton Kay, RD, LD, a registered dietitian with Edge Nutrition & Dietetics. Research has shown that magnesium has a laxative effect and works by pulling water into the intestines to help stool move better. There's evidence that people have been using this mineral for constipation—and other health benefits—since at least the 8th century. Almonds are a great source of fiber, with nearly 4 grams in a 1-ounce serving. 'Fiber foods are important because they help soften the stool and increase the frequency of bowel movements, leading to an improvement in constipation symptoms," says Kay. Almonds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber pulls water into the intestines and turns into a gel, helping move things along in the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber bulks up stool and works with soluble fiber to reduce the chance of constipation. In addition to its gut-health benefits, fiber has another wonderful advantage—it is also known to reduce your risk of heart disease. Here is a surprising fact that both dietitians pointed out: Fats in your diet can help with good digestion, too. 'Dietary fats can also help ease constipation by increasing the strength of muscle contractions that push fecal matter along and then stimulating the colon to initiate a bowel movement," says Snyder. "It's best to choose less-inflammatory fats, such as unsaturated types, found in foods like almonds. These types of fats, along with a variety of fiber, help support our protective gut bacteria.' Almonds fit the bill nicely, with 14 grams of fat in 1 ounce, most of which comes from monounsaturated fats. Research backs up the importance of fat in your diet. One study looked at over 1,400 adults in Europe and found that those who ate more fat-rich foods, like nuts, olive oil and even butter, had lower rates of constipation. The low-fat trends of the '80s and '90s still seem to stick around here and there, but it's important to remember that fat is an essential part of your diet and needed by your body to function properly—and, it seems, was unfairly judged. Both dietitians recommended almonds as their top choice, but they said other nuts have many of the same great health benefits. If almonds aren't your favorite, here are four other nuts—chosen by our dietitians—that are high in all the nutrients you need to ease constipation and improve your health. Pistachios: Both Kay and Snyder recommend pistachios for all the same reasons. One ounce (about 49 pistachios) has 34 milligrams of magnesium, 3 grams of fiber and 13 grams of fat, most of it unsaturated. Some research suggests that pistachios are associated with a healthier balance of gut microbes. Hazelnuts: Also called filberts, these tasty nuts are one of Snyder's top choices. One ounce (about 21 nuts) has 46 milligrams of magnesium, almost 3 grams of fiber and 17 grams of fat, primarily heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Walnuts: Snyder says that walnuts are a great choice to help you poop because of their high level of magnesium (45 milligrams per 1 -ounce serving) and polyunsaturated fats (13 grams out of 18 total grams of fat). To top it off, walnuts have 2 grams of fiber per ounce. There is evidence that eating about 2 oz. of walnuts daily may improve the gut microbiome's diversity. Pecans: Kay says pecans are one of the better choices if you're looking for good fiber content. One ounce (about 19 halves) contains about 3 grams of fiber, 34 milligrams of magnesium and 20 grams of fat, nearly all of which is unsaturated. Constipation is something many people deal with from time to time, but if you seem to experience it more often, consider adding almonds or other nuts to your diet. With their high fiber, magnesium and fat content, you'll be helping your digestion run smoothly. Adding almonds to your dishes can be more exciting than just grabbing a handful each day, so toss them onto your salad or add them to your oatmeal or yogurt for a healthy, crunchy addition. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
US govt targets food, chemicals in child health report
A commission led by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has issued a report that says processed food, chemicals, stress and overprescription of medications and vaccines may be factors behind chronic illness in children in the United States. Kennedy said the commission's report was a "clarion call to do something with utmost urgency to end this crisis" of increasing rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, allergies and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. It did not call for specific regulatory changes or restrictions on pesticides used in farming, as some farm groups had feared, and instead said the chemicals should be further researched. It echoed previous Kennedy statements that highly processed foods and additives are health risks and that the food industry is too influential in the crafting of public health recommendations like the Dietary Guidelines. Speaking at a press conference, he said there was a consensus to prioritise what he called the ultra-processed food crisis. The report also takes aim at the US childhood vaccination schedule, saying the number of vaccines children are recommended to receive is more than in many European countries. It said the links between vaccines and chronic disease and the effects of vaccine injury should be studied. Thursday's report outlining the causes was due this week and will be followed by policy prescriptions due in August. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission to investigate chronic illness and deliver an action plan to fight childhood diseases. The commission is jointly run by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the White House, with Kennedy serving as its chair and the Domestic Policy Council chief as executive director. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and other cabinet members sit on it, as do federal health agency chiefs and senior White House officials. Before the report's publication, farm lobby groups had warned that criticising specific farm practices could impede collaboration on the administration's health agenda and put food production at risk. As next steps, the report called for enhanced surveillance and safety research into drugs and childhood health outcomes and clinical studies comparing whole-food to processed-food diets in children. The report says that ultra-processed foods, which it describes as industrially-manufactured food products, are associated with poor health. It cites infant formula as an ultra-processed food that is concerning, saying that parents are increasingly buying European brands. A commission led by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has issued a report that says processed food, chemicals, stress and overprescription of medications and vaccines may be factors behind chronic illness in children in the United States. Kennedy said the commission's report was a "clarion call to do something with utmost urgency to end this crisis" of increasing rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, allergies and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. It did not call for specific regulatory changes or restrictions on pesticides used in farming, as some farm groups had feared, and instead said the chemicals should be further researched. It echoed previous Kennedy statements that highly processed foods and additives are health risks and that the food industry is too influential in the crafting of public health recommendations like the Dietary Guidelines. Speaking at a press conference, he said there was a consensus to prioritise what he called the ultra-processed food crisis. The report also takes aim at the US childhood vaccination schedule, saying the number of vaccines children are recommended to receive is more than in many European countries. It said the links between vaccines and chronic disease and the effects of vaccine injury should be studied. Thursday's report outlining the causes was due this week and will be followed by policy prescriptions due in August. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission to investigate chronic illness and deliver an action plan to fight childhood diseases. The commission is jointly run by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the White House, with Kennedy serving as its chair and the Domestic Policy Council chief as executive director. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and other cabinet members sit on it, as do federal health agency chiefs and senior White House officials. Before the report's publication, farm lobby groups had warned that criticising specific farm practices could impede collaboration on the administration's health agenda and put food production at risk. As next steps, the report called for enhanced surveillance and safety research into drugs and childhood health outcomes and clinical studies comparing whole-food to processed-food diets in children. The report says that ultra-processed foods, which it describes as industrially-manufactured food products, are associated with poor health. It cites infant formula as an ultra-processed food that is concerning, saying that parents are increasingly buying European brands. A commission led by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has issued a report that says processed food, chemicals, stress and overprescription of medications and vaccines may be factors behind chronic illness in children in the United States. Kennedy said the commission's report was a "clarion call to do something with utmost urgency to end this crisis" of increasing rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, allergies and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. It did not call for specific regulatory changes or restrictions on pesticides used in farming, as some farm groups had feared, and instead said the chemicals should be further researched. It echoed previous Kennedy statements that highly processed foods and additives are health risks and that the food industry is too influential in the crafting of public health recommendations like the Dietary Guidelines. Speaking at a press conference, he said there was a consensus to prioritise what he called the ultra-processed food crisis. The report also takes aim at the US childhood vaccination schedule, saying the number of vaccines children are recommended to receive is more than in many European countries. It said the links between vaccines and chronic disease and the effects of vaccine injury should be studied. Thursday's report outlining the causes was due this week and will be followed by policy prescriptions due in August. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission to investigate chronic illness and deliver an action plan to fight childhood diseases. The commission is jointly run by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the White House, with Kennedy serving as its chair and the Domestic Policy Council chief as executive director. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and other cabinet members sit on it, as do federal health agency chiefs and senior White House officials. Before the report's publication, farm lobby groups had warned that criticising specific farm practices could impede collaboration on the administration's health agenda and put food production at risk. As next steps, the report called for enhanced surveillance and safety research into drugs and childhood health outcomes and clinical studies comparing whole-food to processed-food diets in children. The report says that ultra-processed foods, which it describes as industrially-manufactured food products, are associated with poor health. It cites infant formula as an ultra-processed food that is concerning, saying that parents are increasingly buying European brands. A commission led by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has issued a report that says processed food, chemicals, stress and overprescription of medications and vaccines may be factors behind chronic illness in children in the United States. Kennedy said the commission's report was a "clarion call to do something with utmost urgency to end this crisis" of increasing rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, allergies and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. It did not call for specific regulatory changes or restrictions on pesticides used in farming, as some farm groups had feared, and instead said the chemicals should be further researched. It echoed previous Kennedy statements that highly processed foods and additives are health risks and that the food industry is too influential in the crafting of public health recommendations like the Dietary Guidelines. Speaking at a press conference, he said there was a consensus to prioritise what he called the ultra-processed food crisis. The report also takes aim at the US childhood vaccination schedule, saying the number of vaccines children are recommended to receive is more than in many European countries. It said the links between vaccines and chronic disease and the effects of vaccine injury should be studied. Thursday's report outlining the causes was due this week and will be followed by policy prescriptions due in August. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission to investigate chronic illness and deliver an action plan to fight childhood diseases. The commission is jointly run by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the White House, with Kennedy serving as its chair and the Domestic Policy Council chief as executive director. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and other cabinet members sit on it, as do federal health agency chiefs and senior White House officials. Before the report's publication, farm lobby groups had warned that criticising specific farm practices could impede collaboration on the administration's health agenda and put food production at risk. As next steps, the report called for enhanced surveillance and safety research into drugs and childhood health outcomes and clinical studies comparing whole-food to processed-food diets in children. The report says that ultra-processed foods, which it describes as industrially-manufactured food products, are associated with poor health. It cites infant formula as an ultra-processed food that is concerning, saying that parents are increasingly buying European brands.
West Australian
22-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
US govt targets food, chemicals in child health report
A commission led by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has issued a report that says processed food, chemicals, stress and overprescription of medications and vaccines may be factors behind chronic illness in children in the United States. Kennedy said the commission's report was a "clarion call to do something with utmost urgency to end this crisis" of increasing rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, allergies and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. It did not call for specific regulatory changes or restrictions on pesticides used in farming, as some farm groups had feared, and instead said the chemicals should be further researched. It echoed previous Kennedy statements that highly processed foods and additives are health risks and that the food industry is too influential in the crafting of public health recommendations like the Dietary Guidelines. Speaking at a press conference, he said there was a consensus to prioritise what he called the ultra-processed food crisis. The report also takes aim at the US childhood vaccination schedule, saying the number of vaccines children are recommended to receive is more than in many European countries. It said the links between vaccines and chronic disease and the effects of vaccine injury should be studied. Thursday's report outlining the causes was due this week and will be followed by policy prescriptions due in August. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission to investigate chronic illness and deliver an action plan to fight childhood diseases. The commission is jointly run by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the White House, with Kennedy serving as its chair and the Domestic Policy Council chief as executive director. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and other cabinet members sit on it, as do federal health agency chiefs and senior White House officials. Before the report's publication, farm lobby groups had warned that criticising specific farm practices could impede collaboration on the administration's health agenda and put food production at risk. As next steps, the report called for enhanced surveillance and safety research into drugs and childhood health outcomes and clinical studies comparing whole-food to processed-food diets in children. The report says that ultra-processed foods, which it describes as industrially-manufactured food products, are associated with poor health. It cites infant formula as an ultra-processed food that is concerning, saying that parents are increasingly buying European brands.
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
US govt targets food, chemicals in child health report
A commission led by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has issued a report that says processed food, chemicals, stress and overprescription of medications and vaccines may be factors behind chronic illness in children in the United States. Kennedy said the commission's report was a "clarion call to do something with utmost urgency to end this crisis" of increasing rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, allergies and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. It did not call for specific regulatory changes or restrictions on pesticides used in farming, as some farm groups had feared, and instead said the chemicals should be further researched. It echoed previous Kennedy statements that highly processed foods and additives are health risks and that the food industry is too influential in the crafting of public health recommendations like the Dietary Guidelines. Speaking at a press conference, he said there was a consensus to prioritise what he called the ultra-processed food crisis. The report also takes aim at the US childhood vaccination schedule, saying the number of vaccines children are recommended to receive is more than in many European countries. It said the links between vaccines and chronic disease and the effects of vaccine injury should be studied. Thursday's report outlining the causes was due this week and will be followed by policy prescriptions due in August. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission to investigate chronic illness and deliver an action plan to fight childhood diseases. The commission is jointly run by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the White House, with Kennedy serving as its chair and the Domestic Policy Council chief as executive director. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and other cabinet members sit on it, as do federal health agency chiefs and senior White House officials. Before the report's publication, farm lobby groups had warned that criticising specific farm practices could impede collaboration on the administration's health agenda and put food production at risk. As next steps, the report called for enhanced surveillance and safety research into drugs and childhood health outcomes and clinical studies comparing whole-food to processed-food diets in children. The report says that ultra-processed foods, which it describes as industrially-manufactured food products, are associated with poor health. It cites infant formula as an ultra-processed food that is concerning, saying that parents are increasingly buying European brands.
