Benefits of Living a Vegetarian life
This is a widely discussed topic around the world as there is a growing population that are choosing to embrace a plant-based diet!
Why are people drawn to the vegetarian lifestyle?
Generally, it falls into two categories, for environmental reasons (reduce greenhouse gasses in farming) and for ethical reasons, where people are uncomfortable at eating animals.
Fun Fact: You do not need meat to get all the nutrients required for good health, but it is good to supplement with a plant-based Vitamin B as there are few fruit & veg that can give you the same nutritional benefits as meat.
A Meat-free Diet can lead to a generally healthier life for various reasons.
- Better Heart Health
According to Crowe et al. (2013)’s research on heart disease, people with a vegetarian diet are a 1/3rd less likely to be hospitalized or die from heart disease. A vegetarian diet is inherently healthful since vegetarians consume much less animal fat and cholesterol, a key contributor to heart disease. As more fibre and antioxidant-rich-products are consumed, it helps to regulate blood sugar levels better and helps you to keep a healthy weight, which is good for your heart too!
- Improves Asthma
There is research conducted on the topic of the relationship between asthma and a vegan diet. Lindalh (2009) states that 22 out of 24 participants who started a vegan diet see improvements in their asthma with less dependency on medications. It is suspected that certain animal foods produce an allergy or inflammation response and a vegetarian diet could avoid such situations from happening
- Better Bone Health
Increasing Calcium the way nature intends, is how we can help promote our bone health. Vitamin D, phosphorus, and magnesium are all vital for our bodies to absorb and use calcium. With Marsh et al’s study on bone mineral density, it’s shown that people who followed a vegetarian diet for 20 years or more have only 18% less bone mineral by the time they reach the age of 80 while meat-eaters have about 35% less bone mineral at the same age.
Without any dairy products taken, a helpful dose of calcium can still be consumed from dry beans, tofu, soy milk, and dark green vegetables such as broccoli and kale.
Should I become a Vegetarian/ Vegan?
It’s entirely up to you! There are still a few things you can start doing from today.
- Swap Ingredients for Healthier Alternatives
- Avoid Heavily Processed Food
- Become a Label-Reading Expert
Also in Natural Health World Articles
D-Mannose FAQ
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D-mannose is commonly discussed in relation to urinary health, particularly by people who experience recurring urinary discomfort or infections.
It is typically used as a supplement that may support urinary tract health, not as a treatment for an active infection.
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D-mannose is thought to interact with certain types of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, which are commonly associated with urinary tract infections.
It may help reduce the ability of these bacteria to attach to the lining of the urinary tract, allowing them to be flushed out through normal urination.
This is a proposed mechanism and does not apply to all types of urinary issues.
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Some people choose to take D-mannose daily, particularly when managing ongoing or recurring urinary issues.
However, there is no single standard approach, and usage can vary depending on the product and individual circumstances.
If you are considering regular use, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for you.
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D-mannose is generally considered well tolerated for most people when taken as directed. Some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort, particularly at higher intakes.
If you are pregnant, recovering from surgery, managing a health condition, or taking medication, it’s best to speak to your GP or healthcare professional before use.
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No — D-mannose is not a replacement for antibiotics or medical treatment.
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it’s important to speak to a GP, as antibiotics may be required.
D-mannose is typically discussed as a self-care option, not a treatment.
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The NHS includes D-mannose as one of several options that people may consider if they experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
It is generally described as a self-care approach rather than a medical treatment, and evidence is still considered limited.
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D-mannose is commonly available in both tablet and powder form.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
- Tablets are more convenient and easier to take on the go
The best option often depends on personal preference and what fits most easily into your routine.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
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There is no single agreed dose for D-mannose.
Different products provide different guidance, and some are designed to be taken in smaller amounts throughout the day rather than all at once.
It’s best to follow the instructions on the product you are using and speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
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Recurring urinary tract infections can happen for a variety of reasons, including anatomy, hormonal changes, life stage, sexual activity, and individual susceptibility.
In many cases, there isn’t a single clear cause.
If you experience frequent UTIs, speaking to your GP can help identify any patterns, possible triggers, and appropriate ways to manage them.
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If you are experiencing symptoms such as:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
It’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
In many cases, you do not always need to wait for a GP appointment. According to NHS guidance:
- A pharmacist can often provide advice and, in some cases, treatment for uncomplicated UTIs
- If you cannot access your GP, you can also use NHS 111 for urgent advice, either online or by phone
You should seek more urgent advice if:
- Symptoms are new, severe, or getting worse
- You have a high or very low temperature, or feel shivery
- You have pain in your lower back or sides
- You notice blood in your urine
- Symptoms are not improving within a couple of days
If you experience recurrent urinary issues, it can also be helpful to speak to your GP about patterns, possible triggers, and whether there are any preventative or supportive approaches that may be appropriate for you. You may also wish to ask whether options like D-mannose are suitable within your overall care.
While most urinary tract infections are straightforward to treat, they can occasionally lead to more serious complications if left unmanaged. In some cases, UTIs can develop into more serious infections, including sepsis, particularly if the infection spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream
This is one of the reasons why it’s important not to ignore ongoing or recurring symptoms, and to seek medical advice where needed.
For more information, you can also visit the NHS guidance here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
D-mannose is not a substitute for medical care or prescribed treatment.
- Burning or pain when urinating
