Eating a plant-forward diet and limiting added sugars and fats as part of the EAT-Lancet planetary diet was associated with a reduced risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a large study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Chronic kidney disease affects about 10% of adults globally and is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death worldwide by 2040.
the study was based on data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale long-term study that included 179,508 eligible participants aged 40 to 69 from England, Scotland and Wales, and dietary information collected through a questionnaire. Over a median follow-up of 12 years,4,819 (2.7%) participants developed CKD.
“Greater adherence to the EAT-Lancet planetary health diet was considerably associated with a reduced risk of incident CKD.This protective association was notably evident among individuals with low residential green space exposure and specific genetic variants,” writes Dr. Xianhui Qin, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China, with co-authors.
Although many plant-based diets are promoted, such as Understanding the US Federal Debt Ceiling
Table of Contents The US federal debt ceiling is a legal limit on the total amount of money the United States government can borrow to meet its existing legal obligations. As of January 26, 2026, the debt ceiling is a critical point of contention in US politics, with potential ramifications for the global economy. The debt ceiling is the maximum total amount of money that the U.S. treasury is authorized to borrow to finance the government’s legal obligations, which include Social Security and Medicare benefits, military salaries, interest on the national debt, tax refunds, and other commitments. It dose not authorize new spending; rather, it allows the government to pay for spending Congress has already approved. The concept originated during World War I as a way to easily finance war bonds. Initially, Congress authorized the Treasury to issue debt without limit, but this changed in 1917 with the passage of the Second Liberty Bond Act, which established the frist debt ceiling. over time, the debt ceiling has been raised or suspended numerous times, often becoming a point of political negotiation. example: On December 16,2023,Congress passed a bill to suspend the debt ceiling until January 1,2025,averting a potential default. H.R.3746 – Fiscal Duty Act of 2023. This suspension allowed the Treasury to borrow as much money as needed to meet its obligations during that period. The debt ceiling matters as failing to raise or suspend it can lead to a default on U.S. debt obligations, which woudl have severe consequences for the U.S.and global economies. A default could trigger a financial crisis, increase borrowing costs, and damage the United States’ credit rating. The U.S. Treasury can employ “exceptional measures” – actions like suspending investments in certain government employee retirement funds – to temporarily avoid breaching the debt ceiling. However,these measures are finite and eventually run out. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provides regular reports on the remaining time before these measures are exhausted. Evidence: in May 2023, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that the U.S. could default on its obligations as early as June 1, 2023, if Congress did not raise the debt ceiling. Statement by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. This warning underscored the urgency of the situation and ultimately led to the passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. If the debt ceiling isn’t raised or suspended, the U.S. Treasury would be unable to pay all of its obligations. This could lead to a default on U.S. Treasury securities, which are considered among the safest investments in the world. The consequences of a default could include: Example: The Bipartisan Policy Center estimates that a prolonged default could reduce U.S.GDP by as much as 6% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Debt Ceiling Primer. This illustrates the potentially devastating economic impact of failing to address the debt ceiling. The debt ceiling has been a source of political conflict numerous times throughout U.S.history. Several instances have brought the nation close to default. These crises demonstrate a recurring pattern of political brinkmanship surrounding the debt ceiling, often tied to broader budgetary negotiations.What is the Debt Ceiling?
Why Does the Debt Ceiling Matter?
What Happens if the Debt Ceiling Isn’t Raised?
Past Debt Ceiling Crises
