Whos leading the way when it comes to cutting back on meat consumption? Women, Democrats, and non-white peopleat least according to a Gallup poll released earlier this year. According to their survey, 23% of Americans are eating less meat, or report that they have reduced their meat consumption in the past year from when the poll was conducted. And when it comes to eating meatless,that was before the coronavirus had more people searching for meat alternatives than ever. Women are about twice as likely as men to say theyre eating less meat, clocking in at 31% to 15%, respectively. Overall, its been estimated that 80% of vegans in the U.S. are womenthats a whopping four out of five plant-based people you meet.

In light of the uptick of women making the plant-based plungewhich we can only assume is growing in the wake of the growing interest in a nutrient-dense, vegan lifestyle to support health in wake of the coronavirus pandemicwe asked experts to weigh in on the gender disparity, sharing both the good and the bad. Below, we dive into the main reasons more women than men might be #GoingVegan.

Women in society are cast to be more nurturing and protectors, which also carries on to their nurturing and protective nature towards animals and the environment, offers Bansari Acharya, MA, RD. It is easier for a woman to show compassion towards animals and provide reasons to her friends, family, or society on why she became vegan as most people will be more accepting towards a woman becoming vegan than a man due to the role society plays in how we differently men and women are perceived. Of course, this isnt to say men arent compassionate people, simply that in mainstream culture, a woman may feel more comfortable publicly avowing her stance on animal cruelty and protecting our planets natural resources.

Women are more likely to undergo change processes in their lives, and this may result in more women than men applying that ethos (or feeling pressured) to their diet. Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, A Harvard trained clinical psychologist currently working at Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, in New York City, weighs in: Women are [more susceptible to embarking on journeys of change] and therefore inclined to change their diet because they are primed towards self-improvement processes in other domains of their lives.

Of course, this can be an empowering thing, as many women may be inspired to go vegan proactively as a decision to reduce their risk of diseases like diabetes or cancer.

Alas, those The Grill Sergeant and Licensed to Grill macho man shirt logos may simply be a source of eye-rolling at a barbecue gathering, but the underlying psychology of such shirts is telling: Many men feel like grilling is an important part of their identity. Jamie Hickey, NASM, FMS certified trainer, and ISSA nutritionist. and founder of TruismFitness.comhas seen this time and time again with mens egos.

Ive spent years talking to clients and have heard more than a handful of men tell me they have thought about going on a vegan diet but were worried about what their friends would say, says Hickey. Mentally men feel like they need to be tough and a carnivore diet instills the hunter mentality whereas a vegan diet has the stigma of being more of a womens diet.

Societys cultural notions of masculinity have linked meat and manliness together for centuries. Just notice how meat marketing often targets men, not women, comments Marie Elena Bitar, MPH, RD, Founder and Owner of Beyond Food Rules, harkening back to our discussion above about grilling and barbecue culture. On the flip side, Bitar adds that women are often at mercy of the stigma associated with overeating and feel pressured to maintain a trim physique. For some, in turn, this could inspire them to opt for low-calorie vegan meals.

Unfortunately, in these cases, going vegan gives women (or anyone for that matter) an opportunity to shield loved ones from an eating disorder.Its a lot easier to decline a decadent dessert by saying I cant eat that, Im vegan rather than I cant eat that, I have an eating disorder, comments Bitar.

Many women find themselves going vegan as they continue to see the link between plant-based diets and hormone balance. The woman's body is designed to store fat more easily than men so that it can both grow and nurture life, commentsTristaK.Best, MPH, RD, LDN.Because of this fact, a diet inclusive of animal sources means higher rates of saturated fat and an increase in fat stores. A plant-based diet provides the dieter with nutrient rich-calories that are used more readily by the body as energy rather than excess being stored as fat.

Additionally, as Best elucidates, hormones serve a key role in fat stores. Eating estrogen from animal sources, even organic grass-fed sources causes something known as estrogen dominance. This equates to higher levels of estrogen in the body, excess stress on the liver, and inevitable weight gain and potential toxicity. Plant-based diets are connected with lowering estrogen in the body to a level that is safe and effective, says Best.

From joint pain to skin conditions, inflammation is no fun, and many women want to take the reins on their health and fight that with the powers of plant-based foods and are perhaps more attuned to this than their male counterparts. Another reason for women turning to a vegan diet is the anti-inflammatory nature of the diet itself. Foods on a vegan diet are both void of inflammatory foods and rich in anti-inflammatory foods making it an ideal eating pattern for anyone with chronic inflammation, offers Lisa Richards, CNC, creator of The Candida Diet.As women age, the inflammation in their bodies can increase, but this inflammation can also exacerbate existing health conditions like pain, arthritis, energy, and weight gain.

As the wellness industry is more dominated by women than men, its no surprise that more women are inspired to make lifestyle changes than men. One area of particular focus? Sanity.

I follow a plant-based diet, myself, and my reasons are primarily for my mental health and clarity. Cutting out potential allergens and inflammatory foods have improved my personal cognition, says Best. There is certainly research that shows these benefits, but for me, I've observed the proof for myself.

Ready to see the proof in the pudding, ladies? To get started on your vegan journey, check out our 21-day plant-based challenge.

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7 Reasons Vegans Are More Likely to Be Women Than Men - The Beet

Evidence over the past few years suggests that metabolites produced from microbes in the gut play a crucial role in maintaining gut health. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that can be metabolized by certain gut microbes or host cells to produce a variety of derivatives. The products of the microbial metabolism of tryptophan are known ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and activation of this pathway can modulate immune cell populations and barrier function in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Alterations in this diet-microbiota-host pathway are thought to contribute to chronic inflammation.

In 2019, Dinallo et al showed lower expression of AhR in the small intestine of patients with celiac disease, an immune-mediated enteropathy that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals who consume gluten in wheat, barley, and rye. The only treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, which is difficult to follow, has high non-adherence rates and does not always lead to complete mucosal recovery. Altered gut microbiota composition and function has been reported in patients with celiac disease. Those alterations include a decreased proportion of lactobacilli, which have a high tryptophan metabolizing capacity (here; here).

A study led by Dr. Elena Verdu in collaboration with Dr. Harry Sokol, recently published in Science Translational Medicine, set out to investigate the microbial link between celiac disease dysbiosis and the altered AhR pathway in celiac disease.

Using mice that express a celiac disease susceptibility gene, the authors showed that, compared to a low tryptophan diet, a high tryptophan diet shifted gut microbiota composition, leading to a higher abundance of Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus gnavus, which are known AhR ligand producers. That change was accompanied by higher levels of AhR ligands in the feces and increased AhR pathway activation in the small intestine. On the other hand, lower levels of kynurenine, a tryptophan metabolite produced mainly by host cells and implicated in chronic inflammation, was found in mice fed the low tryptophan diet. Importantly, intestinal contents from mice fed the high tryptophan diet had an increased ability to activate AhR, and they were protected from gluten-induced inflammation. Mice fed the high tryptophan diet showed a lower degree of enteropathy and lower number of intraepithelial lymphocyte counts, which are key measurements for diagnosing celiac disease.

The authors then used two different strategies to confirm that AhR signaling could modulate gluten-induced inflammation in mice. First, the authors supplemented mice with two strains of lactobacillus with a high capacity for producing AhR ligands (Lamas et al, 2016, Natividad et al, 2018). Similar to previous studies, lactobacillus supplementation increased the capacity of the small intestinal microbiota to activate AhR, even in the context of a low tryptophan diet, while reducing gluten-induced inflammation. To exclude the possibility that the lactobacillus strains could have independent anti-inflammatory effects, the authors next used a pharmacological approach and treated mice with an AhR agonist, which also reduced the degree of gluten-induced inflammation.

Finally, the authors studied a cohort of patients with active celiac disease, patients after 2 years on a gluten-free diet (in remission), and non-celiac controls. Microbial metabolites known to activate AhR were lower in the feces of active celiacs compared to controls. In line with those findings, the microbiota of active celiacs had a reduced capacity to activate AhR and reduced expression of AhR pathway genes such as IL-22, a cytokine that is important in host defense at mucosal surfaces and in tissue repair. Notably, AhR activation by the microbiota and IL-22 expression were rescued in patients treated with the gluten-free diet.

Together, the findings suggest that the microbiota in active celiac disease shows an impaired metabolism of tryptophan, leading to reduced AhR ligand production and reduced expression of the barrier-promoting cytokine IL-22. At the same time, tryptophan metabolism by host cells leading to proinflammatory kynurenine metabolites increased in active celiac disease, potentially contributing to inflammation. The gluten-free diet partly corrected the impaired tryptophan metabolism by reducing kynurenine production and increasing AhR agonist production, leading to AhR activation and IL-22 expression.

The findings are in line with previous studies in metabolic syndrome and colitis, and suggest that the products of the microbial metabolism of tryptophan could be used as biomarkers for dysbiosis. Importantly, the findings extend the potential therapeutic value of targeting tryptophan catabolites from microbial metabolism to celiac disease. The gluten-free diet is very challenging for patients to follow. A proportion of patients with celiac disease will not respond to a gluten-free diet, either initially, or will re-experience symptoms. Also, healing of inflammation in the intestine can take years, despite compliance with the diet, says Verdu. Future clinical studies should examine therapeutic strategies, such as tryptophan supplementation in combination with next generation probiotics that produce AhR ligands from the diet, in celiac patients who do not respond to a gluten-free diet.

References:

Lamas B, Natividad JM, Sokol H. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor and intestinal immunity. Mucosal Immunol. 2018; 11(4):1024-38. doi: 10.1038/s41385-018-0019-2.

Dinallo V, Marafini I, Di Fusco D, et al. Protective effects of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling in celiac disease mucosa and in poly I:C-induced small intestinal atrophy mouse model. Front Immunol. 2019; 10:91. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00091.

Verdu EF, Galipeau HJ, Jabri B. Novel players in coeliac disease pathogenesis: role of the gut microbiota. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015; 12(9):497-506. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2015.90.

Lamas B, Richard ML, Leducq V, et al. CARD9 impacts colitis by altering gut microbiota metabolism of tryptophan into aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands. Nat Med. 2016; 22(6):598-605. doi: 10.1038/nm.4102.

Natividad JM, Agus A, Planchais J, et al. Impaired aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand production by the gut microbiota is a key factor in metabolic syndrome. Cell Metab. 2018; 28(5):737-49. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.07.001.

Lamas B, Hernandez-Galan L, Galipeau HJ, et al. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand production by the gut microbiota: a new therapeutic target in celiac disease. Sci Transl Med. 2020.

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Gut microbes in celiac disease show impaired metabolism of dietary tryptophan, according to researchers at McMaster University - Gut Microbiota for...

Male infertility is a common issue, but men are often less likely than women to seek treatment. Sponsored by EvergreenHealth.

Male infertility can be a difficult topic to discuss, but 1 in 7 couples experience issues getting pregnant. More than half of these cases are due to issues with male fertility.

Infertility is a lot more common than people think because most people dont really talk about it, said Dr. Kevin Ostrowski, a board-certified urologist at EvergreenHealth Urology Care.

Dr. Ostrowski has special expertise in male infertility and says that men are often less likely to discuss fertility with friends or get the care they need.

Men, a lot of times, from their high school physical until they get a colonoscopy, go into this dead zone of healthcare, Dr. Ostrowski said. They dont really seek care. From a fertility standpoint, we see some of those men for lots of reasons.

Infertility is defined as the inability to have children after a year of unprotected intercourse. For older couples or for those wanting to have multiple children, getting evaluated sooner can be beneficial.

Evaluations for men often consist of a discussion of medical history and a semen analysis. The analysis can provide a great deal of information about fertility potential. Male infertility usually occurs because of low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm.

Lifestyle factors, like stress and unhealthy eating, can impact fertility. Injury, illness, and chronic conditions may also be the cause of infertility. A doctor can provide a potential diagnosis and treatment options.

The evaluation and treatment for a lot of couples is not nearly as involved as they may think, Dr. Ostrowski said.

Some common infertility treatments include hormone therapy, antibiotics to treat an underlying infection or surgery, especially after a previous vasectomy. While not all infertility is preventable, taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle may help improve fertility. Those steps include not using drugs or nicotine, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding exposure to pesticides and heavy metals.

For more information, visit EvergreenHealth's website.

Sponsored by EvergreenHealth. Segment Producer Derek Haas. Watch New Day Northwest 11 AM weekdays on KING 5and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.

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Stress and a poor diet can impact male fertility - KING5.com

Jay-Z and Beyonc arent afraid to share their search for healthy and sustainable lifestyle choices. Does their eldest daughter follow the same diets? Heres what we know about Blue Ivy Carter.

Theyre the king and queen of the music industry. As a result, these two often advocate for a plant-based, more sustainable lifestyle. In 2018, the pair challenged fans to go vegan in an effort to be more healthy.

We used to think of health as a dietsome worked for us, some didnt. Once we looked at health as the truth, instead of a diet, it became a mission for us to share that truth and lifestyle with as many people as possible, they wrote, according to People mag. Especially while rehearsing for her Homecoming Coachella performance, Beyonc shared that she limited herself to no meat, fish, diary, carbs, alcohol, and sugar.

The eldest of Beyonc and Jay-Zs children, Blue Ivy Carter, often makes public appearances, sharing a bit of her personality along the way. Sometimes, that includes showing fans her favorite foods.

In 2014, the Huffington Post reported that processed foods, ready meals, and white sugar are a big no-no in the Carter household. However, Blue Ivy was allowed some treats on special occasions like her birthday. Since then, the diva has grown up quite a lot.

In 2018, fans caught a glimpse of Beyonc being very mom-like, as Blue Ivy munched on snacks at the Grammy Awards while Beyonc held her juice box. (This was the same night that Blue Ivy told her parents to stop clapping and the internet went crazy.)

Based on a zoomed-in version of the picture from Fashion, fans learned that Blue Ivys snacks were mostly, if not all, organic. (Of course.) The purple pouch that Beyonc was holding was a Annies Homegrown snack pack of Cheddar Bunnies. The juice box is, apparently, from the brand Apple & Eve.

RELATED: How Beyonc Turned Disneys The Lion King Into a Celebration of African Culture

Because Blue Ivy was enjoying some Cheddar Bunnies at the award show, its pretty safe to assume she doesnt sustain a plant-based lifestyle or the strict diets that her parents have gone on. In fact, one Refinery29 article noted a picture of young Blue Ivy outside of an ice cream truck, pointing to the Spongebob-shaped popsicle.

Although she doesnt often show her favorite foods, Blue Ivy has been appearing alongside her mother for a number of projects. That includes performing on the album The Lion King: The Gift, as well as the visual album Black is King.

Fans can watch (and listen) to Beyonc with a number of Disney-owned productions, including Black is King, The Lion King (2019), and ABCs Disney Family Singalong. To learn more about Disney+ and to subscribe, visit their website.

RELATED: Heres What We Learned About Beyonc, Her Music, and The Lion King From Making the Gift

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Does Blue Ivy Follow a Plant-Based Diet Like Her Parents, Beyonc and Jay-Z? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Amrood ki sabzi recipe is great for diabetes diet.

Highlights

You are in the middle of any season; you'll find plenty of foods around to add to your diabetes diet. Diabetes or high blood sugar can be efficiently managed through a thoughtfully curated diet. Nature's bounty is full of low Glycaemic foods, which can come in handy to tweak our diet to suit our condition. Indian produce is brimming with fresh guavas this time of the year. For the unversed, this fruit is considered to be one of the best foods for diabetes diet.

The green-coloured fruit, with the seeded flesh inside, tastes great when eaten raw. You are required to remove the seeds though, to enjoy the sweet, juicy fruit with or without the peel. But sometimes, we unknowingly end up getting unripe guavas home and we just don't know what to with them. They are hard and a bit sour in taste. Instead of just tossing them out, turn those semi-ripe guavas into a delectable Indian curry, which will surprise you with its overwhelming flavours.

(Also Read:Love Guavas? Here Are 5 Ways You Can Turn Them Into Delish Desserts)

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Guava is a great fruit for diabetes diet.

Guava For Diabetes Diet I Health Benefits Of Guava

Besides being a low glycaemic food, guava has low sodium and high potassium content. According to the data of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 gm serving of guava provides a whopping 417 gm of potassium. On top of it, guava is extremely rich in fibre and low in calories - all these features add up to make guava an essential addition to a diabetes diet.

How To Make Guava Curry Or Amrood Ki Sabzi:

First off, this guava dish is made a whole host of diabetes-friendly ingredients apart from guava: curd, tomatoes, fennel seeds, lemon juice and other healthy spices. Terrific, isn't it? Now, let's see how to make this amazing Indian-style guava curry.

Here's the step-by-step recipe of amrood ki sabzi with easy-to-follow cooking instructions.

Guavas are cooked in a tangy gravy of tomatoes and curd, seasoned with a range of spices like heeng, fennel seeds, cumin, turmeric powder etc, along with a smattering of lemon juice.

Pair the amrood ki sabzi with roti and enjoy a hearty Indian meal with your family.

About Neha GroverLove for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee.

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Diabetes Diet: Guava (Amrood) Ki Sabzi Has All The Diabetes-Friendly Ingredients - Try The Recipe Today! - NDTV Food

I have to admit I have been drinking a lot more water lately. Water does make up 60 percent of your body weight, so it makes sense right? Plus I have heard from many people that if you put lemon in your water every day it increases your metabolism by a third. I don't know if this is true, but it's worth a shot.

The last few years I have given up diet soda (or as we used to say growing up in Chicago POP). To be honest I don't miss it. Plus I am not much of a fan of the taste If I do have a coke, and it's rare, it's a regular one and not diet. Some diet drinks do have chemicals in them that may be unhealthy. Do your homework.

So check this out, diet drinks may be worse for your health than non-diet drinks. Plus there have been health and heart issues linked to diet sodas according to this piece atFoxnews.com.

I personally have made sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. I felt less tired and had very few headaches. Both of which can happen by not drinking enough water.

One thing I do drink more of lately is sugar free grape "Powerade" or "Zero Gatorade." Now I question if that is bad for me.

What is your healthy go-to drink? And is there a beverage you will not give up?

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Diet Pop is Just as Bad as Other Sweetened Drinks - witl.com