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8 natural ways to lower your blood sugar, from yoga to apple cider vinegar
8 natural ways to lower your blood sugar, from yoga to apple cider vinegar

Yahoo

time27-03-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

8 natural ways to lower your blood sugar, from yoga to apple cider vinegar

Blood sugar was once considered something people only focused on when they had diabetes. But the explosion in popularity of medications that affect blood sugar, like Ozempic and Wegovy, along with over-the-counter blood glucose monitors, has raised general awareness of the role blood sugar plays in several areas of health. That's why Jessica Cording, a dietitian and author of The Little Book of Game-Changers, says that blood sugar control is important for everyone. 'It influences so many aspects of our health,' she tells Yahoo Life, from managing inflammation to lowering the risk of unhealthy food cravings. If you're one of the 38.4 million Americans with diabetes, it's understandable that blood sugar management be a big part of your life. But doctors say that it's important to pursue natural ways to manage your blood sugar, even if you're on medication. 'Lifestyle modification, which includes natural ways to lower blood sugar, is always recommended in combination with medication for treatment of diabetes,' Dr. Serena Cardillo, professor of clinical medicine in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Penn Medicine, tells Yahoo Life. 'The effects of medication alone will be limited if the lifestyle piece isn't optimized.' Getting a lab test is the best way to know where things stand with your blood sugar (aka glucose), but Cording says you don't necessarily need to go that route if you don't have an underlying health condition like type 2 diabetes. Instead, she recommends being on the lookout for signs of unstable blood sugar throughout your day, like feeling irritable or anxious, struggling with food cravings, having regular mood swings and dealing with energy crashing. 'These are all signs to pay attention to your blood sugar levels,' Cording says. Whether you're trying to make smarter lifestyle choices for your health or just feel like you could be doing better on the blood sugar management front, experts say these are the best natural ways to lower your blood sugar. 'Fiber-rich foods will help with glucose spikes after meals,' Dr. Anthony Pick, clinical assistant professor of endocrinology at Northwestern Medicine, tells Yahoo Life. That's because your body can't absorb or break down fiber, he explains. As a result, it moves slowly through the stomach, helping you to feel fuller longer, Beth Mitchell, a dietitian nutritionist and diabetes education manager at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells Yahoo Life. (Fiber can also support good digestive and heart health, making it an excellent nutrient to have in your life, Cording points out.) While the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults have 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day, only 5% of Americans hit that goal. To get more fiber on your plate, Cardillo suggests focusing on apples, berries, pears, green vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Protein, which plays a key role in growth and development, helps you feel full. That's why dietitians generally recommend trying to have protein throughout your day. Foods like meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, nut butter and tofu are all good sources of protein, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 'Pairing carbohydrates with protein slows the digestion of food, reducing the post-meal blood sugar spike,' Cardillo says. Having plenty of protein in your day — the recommended amount is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight — can also help stave off cravings that happen with blood sugar fluctuations, Cardillo says. You just don't want to go overboard with protein. 'Excess protein can be converted to glucose,' which can make your blood sugar management even harder, Mitchell says. But if you stick within the recommended amounts or even go slightly over, you should be fine, Cording says. Everyone's hydration needs are slightly different, but women should aim to have 11.5 cups (92 ounces) of fluids a day, while men should strive for 15.5 cups (124 ounces) of fluids a day, according to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. That's from food and drink, and about 20% of your daily fluid intake is usually from foods. But many Americans aren't drinking enough. A 2024 Yahoo News/YouGov survey of 1,746 U.S. adults found that 8% say they rarely or never drink water, while 25% drink just one to two glasses of water a day. Experts say that's not enough. 'Dehydration can lead to higher blood sugar levels, so it is very important to stay hydrated,' Cardillo says. She also recommends limiting caffeinated beverages, which can be dehydrating because they have a diuretic effect. Apple cider vinegar has been a wellness trend for years and does have some health benefits. There is some data to suggest that apple cider vinegar can help manage blood sugar levels, so don't hold back if you like the taste of it. (If it isn't your thing, however, there's no need to force it.) A 2021 analysis of existing studies found that people with type 2 diabetes who had apple cider vinegar lowered their fasting blood glucose by about 8 milligrams per deciliter. Another small study published in 2023 looked at the impact of having about 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily on A1C, a test that measures average blood sugar levels over three months. The researchers found that A1C levels dropped from 9.21% to 7.79% in those who had a daily dose of apple cider vinegar over eight weeks. Probiotics are live microorganisms that support good digestive health, along with many other perks, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). They may also help with blood sugar, though indirectly: 'Probiotic-rich foods help improve gut health and are recommended for the general population,' Mitchell says. 'Some studies show that a healthy gut can help enhance insulin sensitivity.' Research suggests that some probiotics may help to lower A1C levels, Pick points out. While you can take probiotics in supplements (though there is some debate about their effectiveness), you can find them in certain healthy foods like yogurt, kimchi, kefir, miso, tempeh and sourdough bread. Regular exercise can help lower blood sugar levels and maintain them, Cardillo says. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends getting 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (such as walking) or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise a week (such as high-intensity interval training, or HIIT), along with strength training two or more times a week. There are two major perks from taking up an exercise habit: Cardiovascular exercise can cause your blood sugar to lower in the moment, Cardillo explains. But there are also lasting blood sugar management benefits to regular exercise. 'Increasing lean muscle mass can also provide long-term benefits in helping your body process insulin and glucose more efficiently,' Cardillo says. It seems a bit random, but emotional stress can influence your blood sugar. Specifically, stress hormones like cortisol can make your blood sugar rise or fall unpredictably, according to the CDC. Cardillo says emotional stress is a common reason why your blood sugar might go up, and that it can be tough to predict or manage. That's why she recommends the practice of yoga. 'Yoga is one form of exercise that can help lower blood sugar levels through muscle strengthening and breathing,' she says. (It also helps to hit those exercise goals, Mitchell says.) Meditation is also helpful for managing stress, Cardillo adds. The ADA says that mindfulness exercises may lower blood sugar as much as some diabetes medications in certain people. Some supplements may help to lower your blood sugar, with Pick recommending berberine, myo-inositol, alpha-lipoic acid, cinnamon powder and chromium as options to consider. But Cardillo notes the importance of talking to a health care professional before starting any supplement, including these. If you have diabetes, Cardillo says it's crucial to come up with a blood sugar management plan under the care of a doctor. 'While natural methods are always a beneficial and healthy way to manage blood sugar, they may not be enough as a stand-alone approach,' she says. 'You should consult with your health care provider regarding the need for medication in addition to lifestyle modification for safe and effective comprehensive treatment.' But if you're just looking to better manage your blood sugar and are otherwise healthy, Mitchell says natural methods are a great way to go. 'These are good recommendations for everyone,' she says.

7 ways to enjoy the health benefits of fish, even if you hate fish
7 ways to enjoy the health benefits of fish, even if you hate fish

Yahoo

time24-03-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

7 ways to enjoy the health benefits of fish, even if you hate fish

There's no denying it: Fish is among the healthiest foods you can put on your plate. Fatty fish, like salmon or mackerel, is brimming with essential nutrients — like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, iodine and vitamin D — and eating fish regularly has been shown to help improve heart health, lower inflammation and protect against cognitive decline. Thanks to these impressive benefits, the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating 8 ounces of fish per week. But what if you're not a fan of fish, whether due to taste preferences, dietary restrictions or ethical considerations? Luckily, you don't have to miss out on all those incredible benefits. In fact, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the health perks without putting a single serving on your plate. A note on supplements Some of the products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Fish, particularly oily fish, is rich in nutrients that are often difficult to get in adequate amounts from other foods. For example, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — two important types of omega-3s — are among the most celebrated nutrients found in fish, thanks to their ability to help lower inflammation and support overall heart health. According to Marjorie Nolan Cohn, MS, RD, the clinical director of Berry Street, these essential fatty acids are crucial for eye, heart, mood and brain health. "Studies suggest that regular fish consumption may reduce the risk of age-related memory loss, overall cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease," she adds. Fish also provides high-quality protein, which is important for muscle repair and immune system function. Additionally, these marine animals are packed with vitamins and minerals — including vitamin D, iron, selenium and B vitamins — that support various aspects of health and are crucial for healthy aging. You may not like the fishy taste of salmon or mackerel, but not all seafood has the same flavor profile. If you're willing to try other aquatic animals, shellfish, like shrimp, oysters, clams and muscles, are an easy substitute that you may prefer. These aquatic invertebrates are packed with essential nutrients that benefit overall health. Similar to fish, they're a good source of protein, selenium and iodine — a mineral that's critical for proper thyroid function and hormone production. Plus, as Emily Hulse, registered dietitian and owner of Emily Grace Nutrition, points out, certain types of shellfish contain vitamin D. Granted, it's not enough to meet your daily vitamin D goals, but as Hulse notes, "The majority of Americans are deficient in vitamin D — any bit of extra vitamin D from the diet can help!" Perhaps most surprisingly, shellfish are also a good source of DHA and EPA omega-3s. Pacific oysters are particularly rich in these essential fats, providing more omega-3s than certain types of salmon per 4-ounce portion. For those who love the idea of fish but not the taste, seaweed might be the perfect middle ground. Certain types of seaweed, like nori, wakame and dulse, are packed with nutrients, omega-3s, iodine and other minerals that support thyroid function and overall well-being. Seaweed is also an excellent source of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Another benefit? Seaweed is vegan-friendly, naturally gluten-free and low in calories and carbs, making it a good option for a variety of diets. You can munch on dried seaweed — Gimme Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets are my personal fave — use them as wraps for sushi, add them to a bowl of homemade miso soup or incorporate them into salads for a salty, umami-rich flavor. Often referred to as "superfoods," chia, flax and hemp seeds are a good source of many important nutrients, including fiber, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E and vitamin B. They're also rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that the body converts into EPA and DHA. However, as Cohn notes, you don't want to depend on these seeds alone to meet your omega-3 goals. "Conversion of ALA to the more active forms of DHA and EPA is very low. This means that even with a high intake of ALA, most people will not produce adequate levels of DHA and EPA for brain, heart and eye health," she says. These tiny-but-mighty seeds are incredibly versatile — they can be added to smoothies, stirred into oatmeal or sprinkled over salads. Chia seeds can also be used to make chia pudding, while ground flaxseeds can add a nutritional boost to baked goods. Hemp seeds have a nutty flavor that pairs well with granola — I've also used them as a crunchy topping for butternut squash baked mac and cheese. Eggs might not be your first thought when replacing fish, but hear me out. Similar to fish, eggs are high in protein — offering 6 grams of protein in 1 large egg — and are an excellent source of B vitamins and selenium. They're also one of the few dietary sources of vitamin D. B vitamins like riboflavin and pantothenic acid play a key role in energy metabolism, while getting enough vitamin B12 may help protect against cognitive decline as you age. Also, selenium is an underrated nutrient (in my opinion). Thanks to its antioxidant properties, selenium has been linked with benefits for healthy aging, including reducing the risk of heart disease and supporting immune function. While research is mixed on whether eggs can significantly affect blood cholesterol levels, enjoying one or two eggs a few times per week as part of an overall balanced diet is likely fine — and even beneficial — for many healthy adults. Still, it's never a bad idea to talk with a registered dietitian or your doctor for personalized advice. Looking to add a little crunch to your morning oatmeal or a nutritious oomph to your popcorn? Then you'll want to consider stashing up on walnuts. Similar to chia, flax and hemp seeds, walnuts are an excellent source of ALA omega-3s, packing an impressive 2,570 mg per ounce (about 14 walnut halves). They're also rich in several essential vitamins and minerals, including copper, manganese, phosphorus, folic acid and vitamins B6 and E. They're also an incredible source of antioxidants — one older study suggests that walnuts may have higher antioxidant activity than any other tree nut. Like fish, walnuts have been linked to benefits for brain and heart health, with one study finding a lower risk of heart disease in people who regularly consume walnuts. When buying walnuts, look for walnut pieces, as they tend to be less expensive. Also, to reap their full nutritional benefits, make sure not to remove the skin. Milk and plant-based alternatives, like soy milk, are often fortified with omega-3s and vitamin D, making them a helpful source of these essential nutrients. You can also find omega-3s in other fortified foods, including plant-based options, like yogurts and breakfast cereals. By choosing fortified products, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits of omega-3s without any fish involvement. Just be sure to check the labels to ensure you're getting a good source of omega-3s or vitamin D, as not all products are fortified equally. Dietary supplements are one of the most straightforward ways to get your omega-3s — and other essential nutrients — without eating fish. Omega-3 supplements usually come in the form of fish oil or algae-based capsules, though liquid and gummy products are also available. While fish oil is the more common choice, algae-based omega-3 supplements are a fantastic option for those who are allergic to fish or avoid fish for environmental or ethical reasons. Algae-based omega-3s provide EPA and DHA, the same beneficial fatty acids found in fish, but in a vegan-friendly form. While many are free of the dreaded "fish burps," others have a fishy smell or taste, so you'll want to do your research before adding a bottle to your shopping cart. When it comes to other nutrients, like vitamin D, B vitamins, selenium and iodine, there's no shortage of supplements to choose from. Which product(s) to take ultimately depends on your overall diet, though most people can benefit from adding a vitamin D3 supplement to their wellness regimen. Not a fish eater? Luckily there are plenty of alternative ways to enjoy the same health benefits without the fishy smell or taste. Whether through supplements, seeds, eggs, fortified dairy alternatives or crunchy seaweed snacks, there are many ways to attain the essential nutrients found in fish, all while staying true to your dietary needs and preferences. Yes, eating fish can be good for your health thanks to its impressive nutritional profile. It's one of the few dietary sources of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower inflammation, regulate mood and support brain, eye and heart health. "In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, fish provides high quality protein that is important for muscle repair and immune function. Fatty fish like salmon also provides a great source of vitamin D which supports bone health in addition to immune function," says Jessica M. Kelly, MS, RD, LDN, of Nutrition That Heals. It's true that mercury can be present in fish and other aquatic animals, particularly predators that are farther up the food chain, like sharks and swordfish. This is because mercury — a heavy metal and neurotoxin linked to nervous system impairments, particularly in fetuses and young children — accumulates in the food chain. While there's no need to swear off fish completely in an effort to avoid mercury, it's important to be conscientious of the kind of fish you're eating and how much you're consuming to ensure you're not at risk of developing mercury poisoning. This is particularly true if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Freshwater fish typically has lower levels of mercury than saltwater varieties. You can also use the USDA's Advice About Eating Fish to elect the "best choices" that are likely to provide the highest health benefits with the lowest risk of potential mercury exposure. Adults, even those who are pregnant, can safely consume two to three 4-ounce servings from these options each week. If you're concerned about mercury exposure, talk to your doctor about the risks and alternatives. Our experts agree that omega-3 supplements, including fish oil, can be a good alternative if you aren't getting enough EPA and DHA in your diet. "Omega-3 supplements, especially those derived from fish oil or algal oil, can provide similar benefits to consuming whole fish. However, not all supplements are created equal! It's critical to work with a registered dietitian to properly evaluate product quality and dosage," says Cohn. Algae-based vegan omega-3 supplements have been shown to significantly improve DHA levels, though more research is needed to see how they stack up against fish oil-based supplements. Marjorie Nolan Cohn, MS, RD, the clinical director of Berry Street Emily Hulse, registered dietitian and owner of Emily Grace Nutrition Jessica M. Kelly, MS, RD, LDN, of Nutrition That Heals Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.

8 natural ways to lower your blood sugar, from yoga to apple cider vinegar
8 natural ways to lower your blood sugar, from yoga to apple cider vinegar

Yahoo

time24-03-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

8 natural ways to lower your blood sugar, from yoga to apple cider vinegar

Blood sugar was once considered something people only focused on when they had diabetes. But the explosion in popularity of medications that affect blood sugar, like Ozempic and Wegovy, along with over-the-counter blood glucose monitors, has raised general awareness of the role blood sugar plays in several areas of health. That's why Jessica Cording, a dietitian and author of The Little Book of Game-Changers, says that blood sugar control is important for everyone. 'It influences so many aspects of our health,' she tells Yahoo Life, from managing inflammation to lowering the risk of unhealthy food cravings. If you're one of the 38.4 million Americans with diabetes, it's understandable that blood sugar management be a big part of your life. But doctors say that it's important to pursue natural ways to manage your blood sugar, even if you're on medication. 'Lifestyle modification, which includes natural ways to lower blood sugar, is always recommended in combination with medication for treatment of diabetes,' Dr. Serena Cardillo, professor of clinical medicine in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Penn Medicine, tells Yahoo Life. 'The effects of medication alone will be limited if the lifestyle piece isn't optimized.' Getting a lab test is the best way to know where things stand with your blood sugar (aka glucose), but Cording says you don't necessarily need to go that route if you don't have an underlying health condition like type 2 diabetes. Instead, she recommends being on the lookout for signs of unstable blood sugar throughout your day, like feeling irritable or anxious, struggling with food cravings, having regular mood swings and dealing with energy crashing. 'These are all signs to pay attention to your blood sugar levels,' Cording says. Whether you're trying to make smarter lifestyle choices for your health or just feel like you could be doing better on the blood sugar management front, experts say these are the best natural ways to lower your blood sugar. 'Fiber-rich foods will help with glucose spikes after meals,' Dr. Anthony Pick, clinical assistant professor of endocrinology at Northwestern Medicine, tells Yahoo Life. That's because your body can't absorb or break down fiber, he explains. As a result, it moves slowly through the stomach, helping you to feel fuller longer, Beth Mitchell, a dietitian nutritionist and diabetes education manager at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells Yahoo Life. (Fiber can also support good digestive and heart health, making it an excellent nutrient to have in your life, Cording points out.) While the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults have 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day, only 5% of Americans hit that goal. To get more fiber on your plate, Cardillo suggests focusing on apples, berries, pears, green vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Protein, which plays a key role in growth and development, helps you feel full. That's why dietitians generally recommend trying to have protein throughout your day. Foods like meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, nut butter and tofu are all good sources of protein, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 'Pairing carbohydrates with protein slows the digestion of food, reducing the post-meal blood sugar spike,' Cardillo says. Having plenty of protein in your day — the recommended amount is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight — can also help stave off cravings that happen with blood sugar fluctuations, Cardillo says. You just don't want to go overboard with protein. 'Excess protein can be converted to glucose,' which can make your blood sugar management even harder, Mitchell says. But if you stick within the recommended amounts or even go slightly over, you should be fine, Cording says. Everyone's hydration needs are slightly different, but women should aim to have 11.5 cups (92 ounces) of fluids a day, while men should strive for 15.5 cups (124 ounces) of fluids a day, according to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. That's from food and drink, and about 20% of your daily fluid intake is usually from foods. But many Americans aren't drinking enough. A 2024 Yahoo News/YouGov survey of 1,746 U.S. adults found that 8% say they rarely or never drink water, while 25% drink just one to two glasses of water a day. Experts say that's not enough. 'Dehydration can lead to higher blood sugar levels, so it is very important to stay hydrated,' Cardillo says. She also recommends limiting caffeinated beverages, which can be dehydrating because they have a diuretic effect. Apple cider vinegar has been a wellness trend for years and does have some health benefits. There is some data to suggest that apple cider vinegar can help manage blood sugar levels, so don't hold back if you like the taste of it. (If it isn't your thing, however, there's no need to force it.) A 2021 analysis of existing studies found that people with type 2 diabetes who had apple cider vinegar lowered their fasting blood glucose by about 8 milligrams per deciliter. Another small study published in 2023 looked at the impact of having about 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily on A1C, a test that measures average blood sugar levels over three months. The researchers found that A1C levels dropped from 9.21% to 7.79% in those who had a daily dose of apple cider vinegar over eight weeks. Probiotics are live microorganisms that support good digestive health, along with many other perks, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). They may also help with blood sugar, though indirectly: 'Probiotic-rich foods help improve gut health and are recommended for the general population,' Mitchell says. 'Some studies show that a healthy gut can help enhance insulin sensitivity.' Research suggests that some probiotics may help to lower A1C levels, Pick points out. While you can take probiotics in supplements (though there is some debate about their effectiveness), you can find them in certain healthy foods like yogurt, kimchi, kefir, miso, tempeh and sourdough bread. Regular exercise can help lower blood sugar levels and maintain them, Cardillo says. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends getting 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (such as walking) or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise a week (such as high-intensity interval training, or HIIT), along with strength training two or more times a week. There are two major perks from taking up an exercise habit: Cardiovascular exercise can cause your blood sugar to lower in the moment, Cardillo explains. But there are also lasting blood sugar management benefits to regular exercise. 'Increasing lean muscle mass can also provide long-term benefits in helping your body process insulin and glucose more efficiently,' Cardillo says. It seems a bit random, but emotional stress can influence your blood sugar. Specifically, stress hormones like cortisol can make your blood sugar rise or fall unpredictably, according to the CDC. Cardillo says emotional stress is a common reason why your blood sugar might go up, and that it can be tough to predict or manage. That's why she recommends the practice of yoga. 'Yoga is one form of exercise that can help lower blood sugar levels through muscle strengthening and breathing,' she says. (It also helps to hit those exercise goals, Mitchell says.) Meditation is also helpful for managing stress, Cardillo adds. The ADA says that mindfulness exercises may lower blood sugar as much as some diabetes medications in certain people. Some supplements may help to lower your blood sugar, with Pick recommending berberine, myo-inositol, alpha-lipoic acid, cinnamon powder and chromium as options to consider. But Cardillo notes the importance of talking to a health care professional before starting any supplement, including these. If you have diabetes, Cardillo says it's crucial to come up with a blood sugar management plan under the care of a doctor. 'While natural methods are always a beneficial and healthy way to manage blood sugar, they may not be enough as a stand-alone approach,' she says. 'You should consult with your health care provider regarding the need for medication in addition to lifestyle modification for safe and effective comprehensive treatment.' But if you're just looking to better manage your blood sugar and are otherwise healthy, Mitchell says natural methods are a great way to go. 'These are good recommendations for everyone,' she says.

USDA gears up for MAHA dietary guidelines update
USDA gears up for MAHA dietary guidelines update

Yahoo

time12-03-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

USDA gears up for MAHA dietary guidelines update

(WKBN) – Updated dietary guidelines will soon be coming out of the USDA following the first meeting of the Make America Healthy (MAHA) Commission. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. held their first meeting Tuesday for the commission and are working on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The group is conducting a 'line by line' review of the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee—released in 2024 by the prior administration and will release their guidelines ahead of a December 31, 2025 deadline. The group said they are looking to make 'holistic process improvements' to ensure transparency and conflicts of interest. 'We are going to make sure the dietary guidelines will reflect the public interest and serve public health, rather than special interests,' HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said. 'This is a giant step in making America the healthiest country in the world.' Dietary guidelines have been released by the federal government for more than 100 years offering guidance and advice about what to eat and drink for better health. Secretary Rollins said, 'It's the dawn of a new day,' adding that the guidelines will be based on 'sound science.' 'The Trump-Vance Administration supports transformational opportunities to create and implement policies that promote healthy choices, healthy families, and healthy outcomes,' she said. Kennedy has cited 'highly chemically processed foods' as a chief culprit behind an epidemic of chronic disease in the U.S., including ailments such as obesity, diabetes and autoimmune disorders. USDA canceled $1 billion in funding for schools and food banks that came through two federal programs: Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assitance Cooperative Agreement. The cuts were made through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in an effort to reduce what it calls government waste. USDA officials said that they are prioritizing replacing programs with 'stable, proven solutions.' For most schools, the programs account for about 2% of food budgets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

US health agencies delay decision on definition of 'healthy' on food labels
US health agencies delay decision on definition of 'healthy' on food labels

Reuters

time24-02-2025

  • Health
  • Reuters

US health agencies delay decision on definition of 'healthy' on food labels

Feb 24 (Reuters) - U.S. health agencies said on Monday they would delay by more than two months a decision on updating the definition of the nutrient content claim "healthy" that manufacturers can voluntarily use on food packages. The final rule is delayed until April 28 from February 25, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said, citing a freeze implemented by President Donald Trump on new rule proposals. A decision is expected to help consumers identify foods that can be the foundation of healthy eating patterns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on its website. The updated criteria for the "healthy" claim require a product to contain a certain amount of a food group recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and to meet certain limits for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, according to the food regulator's website. here.

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