EXCLUSIVE New head of MAHA revealed as he lays bare radical plan to transform US health... and ban Covid shots
A newly appointed health advisor to the Trump-aligned Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative has unveiled a bold plan to overhaul the nation's health.
British cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra, a long-time ally of MAHA leaders like health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and NIH head Dr Jay Bhattacharya, has joined the movement as Chief Medical Advisor.
As a cardiologist and former advisor to the UK government, Dr Malhotra helped campaign for taxes on sugary drinks, worked to lower the amount of Brits taking statins unnecessarily and worked with government leaders to remove ultraprocessed foods from hospitals and schools.
Dr Malhotra - who has also appeared on podcasts with Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson - hopes to bring force some of those changes in the US now too.
Speaking to DailyMail.com ahead of the official announcement, Dr Malhotra outlined his top three priorities — revising national dietary guidelines, cracking down on ultraprocessed foods and pushing for a moratorium on mRNA Covid vaccines.
'We absolutely can make America healthy again in this electoral term,' Dr Malhotra said.
'I'm not here for political reasons. I'm here to reflect the evidence.'
As MAHA's chief medical advisor, Dr Malhotra is not formally employed by the federal government, but he will serve as a leading voice of the movement, working closely with grassroots groups to advance its policy agenda.
Dr Malhotra will also relocate from his home in the UK to Washington, D.C., to stay closely engaged with the HHS, FDA, and other key agencies
Redefining the American Diet
A central pillar of Dr Malhotra's agenda is updating the US Dietary Guidelines, which are due for revision later this year.
Currently, the guidelines advise that 45–65 percent of a person's daily calories come from carbohydrates.
But Dr Malhotra wants that number slashed in favor of low-carb diets, citing strong evidence that they reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes.
'Re-evaluation of the guidelines is happening,' he said. 'I think we can get that sorted quite soon.'
Low-carb diets — defined as roughly 20 to 57 grams of carbs per day, the equivalent of 150 to 400 calories — limit blood sugar spikes and improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the likelihood of diabetes, which currently affects one in ten Americans.
High insulin levels, which often accompany high-carb diets, also promote fat storage and weight gain.
By rewriting these federal recommendations, Dr Malhotra believes the government can directly influence everything from public school lunches to medical advice issued by doctors.
MAHA has already exerted its influence in West Virginia, which passed the country's most comprehensive food additive ban to clean up school foods by the start of the next school year.
Arkansas and Indiana have also weighed the possibility of removing junk foods from food stamp programs.
Dr Malhotra told this website these states would be 'particularly amenable' to further restrictions and could serve as an example for lobbying the rest of the country.
Targeting 'The New Tobacco'
Another cornerstone of his vision: a crackdown on ultraprocessed foods, which he likens to smoking in the 1950s.
'Ultraprocessed foods should be treated like tobacco,' he told DailyMail.com.
These products, often high in sugar, refined oils, and synthetic additives, now make up more than half of the average American diet.
One study published this year estimated that diets high in ultraprocessed foods may be responsible for 120,000 premature deaths annually in the US.
Citing parallels to the public health campaign against cigarettes, Dr Malhotra supports policies that would remove these foods from hospitals and schools, where people may be especially vulnerable.
'These are environments where people expect to be protected, not poisoned,' he said.
He points to Arizona's recent ban on ultraprocessed foods in public schools—slated to take effect in 2026—as a model for other states. He believes California and West Virginia could be next.
Arizona's bill will ban foods containing bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3 and/or Red 40 from schools.
Public health data appears to support his urgency. Studies show children who consume high levels of ultraprocessed foods are more likely to become obese and suffer from high blood pressure.
In hospitals, poor dietary choices have been linked to worse outcomes for patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Achieving this within the next several months lie in using MAHA's impact in these states as examples to the HHS, which Dr Malhotra will communicate with as a liaison.
He will also help coordinate policies drafted by state legislators and the HHS and use them to help appeal to states not as closely aligned with MAHA principles, such as California and New York.
Dr Malhotra suspects states like West Virginia and California, which have both passed legislation to remove food additives, would be 'particularly amenable' to further bans on ultraprocessed foods.
A Contentious Vaccine Reckoning
Dr Malhotra's most controversial stance, however, is his call to halt the use of mRNA Covid vaccines.
'It's very clear to me that perhaps this is the most important issue that has galvanized MAHA and helped elect President Trump,' he said.
'There is a pandemic of the vaccine injured. We can't make America healthy again if we don't address this.'
Dr Malhotra estimates there are 'hundreds of thousands' of vaccine injuries, and he wants states to pass legislation pausing use of the vaccines while a comprehensive review is conducted.
Official federal data offers a more cautious picture.
As of late 2024, roughly 14,000 people have filed injury claims with the U.S. vaccine injury compensation program, out of 270 million Americans who received at least one dose.
Recognized vaccine-linked conditions like myocarditis and pericarditis are estimated to affect one in 50,000 recipients.
Even so, Dr Malhotra said: 'I'm not saying the vaccine didn't have some benefits for some people,' referencing elderly and immunocompromised groups.
But, he added, the shot 'has showed more harm than good and never should have been rolled out in the first place.'
The data supporting his argument, however, is slim.
A study from Yale University earlier this year identified a possible 'post-vaccination syndrome' in rare cases, suggesting a link to neurological symptoms such as dizziness, brain fog, and tinnitus.
However, the researchers emphasized the study was small and effects like these are likely very rare.
DailyMail.com has also spoken with patients who claim the vaccine left them with severe injuries including paralysis, organ failure, and brain inflammation.
These reports, while anecdotal, have further fueled MAHA's push to pause the vaccines and assess the risks.
Dr Malhotra said: 'There's more than enough evidence. There is no reason to wait. It's a no-brainer.'
He believes the political landscape is ripe for action. Florida, Idaho, and Ohio—all states that have introduced vaccine-related bills—are, in his view, 'first movers' that could implement a pause as soon as this year.
Fellow MAHA figure Dr Bhattacharya also supports this approach, telling DailyMail.com in February: 'Public trust can only be restored with a moratorium.'
Rethinking Medical Education
Beyond public policy, Dr Malhotra wants to address what he calls the 'overmedication' crisis in America by introducing mandatory nutrition education in medical schools and hospitals.
'Most doctors don't have a clue,' he said. He agrees with Dr Means, who recently slammed U.S. medical schools for failing to offer courses on nutrition.
Dr Malhotra sees this as a chance to cut down on unnecessary prescriptions and shift toward lifestyle-based treatments.
'Doctors should be trained to help people heal, not just to manage symptoms with pills,' he said.
Currently, 40 percent of Americans over age 65 take five or more prescription drugs, according to a 2024 JAMA study.
Another report found that one in three Americans had been prescribed a medication that was either inappropriate or unnecessary.
By educating future doctors differently, Dr Malhotra believes the health system can pivot toward prevention, especially for lifestyle-driven conditions like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Dr Malhotra hopes to achieve this by using his role as an advisor on MAHA's educational content to set up pilot programs in certain hospitals later this year to introduce nutrition education to doctors and medical students.
The Road Ahead
It remains unclear which states will be first to adopt MAHA's sweeping health platform or how quickly it could gain traction at the federal level. But Dr Malhotra said the campaign is ready to mobilize.
He told this website: 'I'm going to hit the ground running and am ready to give my all to make America healthy again.'
And independent experts are already on his side.
Gary Brecka, a biohacker and celebrity health coach with ties to the Trump family, shared in a statement: 'Dr Malhotra's track record speaks for itself: he's been instrumental in reshaping global conversations around dietary guidelines, heart disease prevention, and medical ethics.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
34 minutes ago
- The Independent
Nations react to US strikes on Iran with many calling for diplomacy
Several close U.S. allies urged a return to the negotiating table in the wake of American strikes on Iran that fueled fears of a wider conflict, while noting the threat posed by Tehran's nuclear program. Some countries and groups in the region, including those that support Iran, condemned the move while also urging de-escalation. U.S. President Donald Trump had said Thursday that he would decide within two weeks whether to get involved in Israel's war with Tehran. In the end, it took just days. Washington hit three Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday. It remained unclear how much damage had been inflicted, and Iran said it reserved the right to 'resist with full force.' Some have questioned whether a weakened Iran would capitulate or remain defiant and begin striking with allies at U.S. targets scattered across the Gulf region. Here is a look at reactions from governments and officials around the world. United Nations U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was 'gravely alarmed' by the use of force by the United States. 'There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control — with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,' he said in a statement on the social media platform X. 'I call on Member States to de-escalate.' 'There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy.' United Kingdom British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for Iran to return to the negotiating table to diplomatically end the crisis, saying stability was the priority in the volatile region. The U.K., along with the European Union, France and Germany, tried unsuccessfully to broker a diplomatic solution in Geneva last week with Iran. Starmer said Iran's nuclear program posed a grave threat to global security. 'Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat,' Starmer said. Iraq The Iraqi government condemned the U.S. strikes, saying the military escalation created a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East. It said it poses serious risks to regional stability and called for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis. 'The continuation of such attacks risks dangerous escalation with consequences that extend beyond the borders of any single state, threatening the security of the entire region and the world,' government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in the statement. Iraq has close relations with both Washington and Tehran, and it has attempted to balance those over the years. The country also has a network of powerful Iranian-backed militias, which so far have not entered the fray. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia expressed 'deep concern' about the U.S. airstrikes, but stopped short of condemning them. 'The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation,' the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Saudi Arabia had earlier condemned Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and military leaders. Qatar Qatar, which is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, said it 'regrets' escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran war. Its Foreign Ministry in a statement urged all parties to show restraint and 'avoid escalation, which the peoples of the region, burdened by conflicts and their tragic humanitarian repercussions, cannot tolerate.' Qatar has served as a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas war. Oman Oman, which served as mediator in the nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S., condemned the airstrikes, saying they escalated tensions in the region. The U.S. airstrikes threaten 'to expand the scope of the conflict and constitute a serious violation of international law,' a spokesperson for Oman's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Hamas and the Houthis Both the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hamas have condemned the U.S. strikes. In a statement on Sunday, the Houthi political bureau called on Muslim nations to join 'the Jihad and resistance option as one front against the Zionist-American arrogance.' Hamas and the Houthis are part of Iran's so-called Axis of Resistance, a collection of pro-Iranian proxies stretching from Yemen to Lebanon that for years gave the Islamic Republic considerable power across the region. Lebanon Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the U.S. bombing could lead to a regional conflict that no country could bear and called for negotiations. 'Lebanon, its leadership, parties, and people, are aware today, more than ever before, that it has paid a heavy price for the wars that erupted on its land and in the region,' Aoun said in a statement on X. 'It is unwilling to pay more.' Lebanon's new leadership — which came to power after a devastating war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group — has urged the country to avoid being dragged into more conflict as it tries to rebuild itself and pull itself from a yearslong economic crisis. Hezbollah has not taken military action against Israel in solidarity with its key ally Iran, and has not yet commented on Washington's overnight strikes. China A commentary from China's government-run media asked whether the U.S. is 'repeating its Iraq mistake in Iran.' The online piece by CGTN, the foreign-language arm of the state broadcaster, said the U.S. strikes mark a dangerous turning point. 'History has repeatedly shown that military interventions in the Middle East often produce unintended consequences, including prolonged conflicts and regional destabilization,' it said, citing the American invasion of Iraq in 2003. It said a measured, diplomatic approach offers the best hope for stability in the Middle East. European Union The European Union's top diplomat said Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, but she urged those involved in the conflict to show restraint. 'I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,' EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a post on social media. Italy Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Iran's nuclear facilities 'represented a danger for the entire area' but hoped the action could lead to de-escalation in the conflict and negotiations. New Zealand New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged 'all parties to return to talks.' He wouldn't tell reporters Sunday whether New Zealand supported Trump's actions, saying they had only just happened. 'Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action,' he said. Japan Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters Sunday that it was crucial to calm the situation as soon as possible, adding that the Iranian nuclear weapons development also must be prevented. Ishiba, asked if he supports the U.S. attacks on Iran, declined to comment. Australia Australia, which shuttered its embassy in Tehran and evacuated staff Friday, pushed for a diplomatic end to the conflict. 'We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security,' a government official said in a written statement. 'We note the U.S. President's statement that now is the time for peace.' "We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
UK 'told Trump planned to hit Iran's nukes but played no part in US strike': Keir Starmer backs attack as officials make plans to get Brits out of Israel
Britain was warned in advance that the US planned to hit Iran 's nuclear sites, a Cabinet minister said today as Keir Starmer gave Donald Trump 's attack the UK's backing. Jonathan Reynolds said the UK had played no role in the strikes on three facilities overnight, but warned the threat of terrorism here due rise due to the close transatlantic alliance. And he confirmed that efforts were underway to get trapped Britons out of Israel, as Tehran launched a barrage of revenge missiles. The Business Secretary said it would be 'hours, not days' before they could be evacuated, with delays so far caused by Israeli airspace being closed. It came as the Prime Minister said that Tehran's atomic programme was 'a grave threat to international security' after bombers dropped 30,000-pound 'bunker buster' bombs on the Fordow nuclear facility. Sir Keir added that the US had taken action to 'alleviate that threat', having previously urged Trump to use diplomacy instead, warning that military action could cause wider ramifications. Trump last night claimed the attack using B2 steal bombers had been 'a spectacular military success,' something Tehran denied. The bombers flew direct from the US rather than using the joint UK/US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, with Mr Reynolds saying there had been no request to use it. He told Sky News that 'we were informed, as you might expect, by a key ally, of this action. 'I know people will be waking up this morning and they'll be worried. They'll want to know what this means,' he added. 'And I do want to give them reassurance that whilst the British government, the UK, has not been involved in these attacks, we have been making extensive preparations for all eventualities, including how we look after British nationals in the region and how we get them out, and the assets we have in the region to protect British infrastructure, British bases, British personnel, if we need to do that.' Asked about the threat from Iran-sponsored terrorism, he said: 'It's already at a significant level. I think it would be naïve to say that that wouldn't potentially increase.' As recently as Thursday Sir Keir was warning the president not to 'ramp up' tensions with an attack, having earlier told reporters at the G7 in Canada: 'There is nothing the President said that suggests he's about to get involved in this conflict.' Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'By targeting Iran's nuclear sites, the US has taken decisive action against a regime that fuels global terror and directly threatens the UK. 'Iranian operatives have plotted murders and attacks on British soil. We should stand firmly with the US and Israel.' The military action was also backed by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who tweeted: 'Iran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons, the future of Israel depends on it.' The attack also saw US submarines fire 30 Tomahawk missiles at two other Iranian nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan. 'The strikes were a spectacular military success,' the president claimed in a late-night address to the nation from the White House. Trump claimed the top secret uranium enrichment base hidden deep inside a mountain at Fordow, 80 miles south of Tehran, was flattened. Mr Reynolds told Sky News: 'We were not and have not been involved in these attacks.' Asked if the UK knew the attacks were about to happen, he said: 'I can't tell you exactly when we did know but we were informed, as you might expect, by a key ally, of this action.' The Business Secretary said 'no request was made' by the US for support. Iran's foreign minister condemned the offensive as 'extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.' 'The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,' Seyed Abbas Araghchi said. 'Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.' This morning Israel was being struck by a barrage of missiles as Iran launched a retaliatory attack.
BreakingNews.ie
an hour ago
- BreakingNews.ie
What's your ‘biological age'? And here's how to lower it…
It's no secret that wellness fads come as quickly as they go. From the low-fat diets of the Noughties to the UPF-free food of today – society loves indulging in the newest health hack. The newest wellness trend to step onto the scene is 'biohacking'. You may have heard of it via Bryan Johnson's infamous anti-ageing quest, or simply by the numerous podcasts that now discuss cell health and biological age. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bryan Johnson (@bryanjohnson_) But what really is biohacking? How do you find out your biological age? And does it really determine how long you'll live for? Doctors specialising in stem cell and longevity research explain what biological age really means, how to lower it and why it's fast becoming the ultimate wellness metric in modern medicine. What is biological age? Biological age – a measurement of how well your body is functioning based on factors like lifestyle, stress and cellular health – is different to chronological age, as it isn't fixed, and (perhaps thankfully) you can reverse it. According to longevity experts, biological age provides a more accurate picture of health span than the candles on our birthday cake. And increasingly, it's being treated as something we can influence. Advertisement Chief executive of Cellcolabs, Dr Mattias Bernow, who provided the stem cells for biohacker Bryan Johnson, explains that this measurement is, 'a marker of how old your body seems based on your health, lifestyle and cellular function.' In other words, you might be 50 on paper, but living like someone 35 – or 65. 'Two people who are both 40 years old chronologically might have very different biological ages depending on how they live, their stress levels, their metabolic health and more,' says GP and founder of London's longevity clinic, HUM2N, Dr Mohammed Enayat. What accelerates biological ageing? The good news is that many of the biggest culprits behind accelerated ageing are changeable. Both Enayat and Bernow point to chronic stress, poor sleep, lack of exercise, ultra-processed foods and environmental toxins as major accelerants. Parenting itself doesn't inherently age the body, but, as Enayat points out, the chronic sleep deprivation and stress associated with caregiving certainly can. Advertisement Lack of sleep caused by parenting can increase your biological age Inflammation is another central player. 'These factors contribute to increasing low-grade inflammation,' Bernow explains, 'which plays a key role in age-related decline and the development of chronic disease.' But this process, he says, is not set in stone. 'While we can't control everything, small, consistent changes to reduce these stressors can make a meaningful difference in how we age.' Which lifestyle changes have the biggest scientific backing when it comes to reversing it? When it comes to slowing the clock, it turns out the best advice isn't ground-breaking – it's just often overlooked. Quality sleep, regular movement, a balanced whole-food diet, meaningful relationships and avoiding harmful substances all rank highly on the evidence-based list. Advertisement Enayat also points to practices like caloric moderation, intermittent fasting and resistance training for their 'strong results in slowing biological ageing at a cellular level.' However, these diets impact each sex differently, with intermittent fasting in particular causing more stress on women's bodies while being effective for men, meaning they will affect biological age differently. How big a part do genetics play? Though it's tempting to think of ageing as a genetic lottery, our DNA doesn't write the full script. 'Genes load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger,' Enayat says, noting that genetics may only account for 20 to 30 per cent of ageing outcomes. Bernow says that emerging research suggests as much as 80 per cent of ageing is governed by one's environment and behaviour. Advertisement Do supplements actually make a difference? Supplements claim everything from healthier skin to better energy to thicker hair – but it's fair to be sceptical of whether they really make a difference, or if it's all marketing. However, there are some supplements that have been proven to be helpful if taken correctly and absorbed properly. 'Protein is essential for preserving muscle mass,' says Enayat, while collagen 'may help with skin and joint health,' though its systemic anti-ageing benefits are modest. Some supplements can make a difference if taken and absorbed correctly Fish oil, magnesium, creatine and polyphenols all show promise too, but Enayat is keen to emphasise that supplement should support – not replace – healthy habits. Bernow cautions that while some supplements, like vitamin D, are well-supported (especially in sun-deprived regions), many products on the market are poorly regulated. 'Supplements are not a substitute for healthy habits,' he says, 'but in some cases, they can play a supportive role if used thoughtfully.' How to find out your biological age and what healthy habits the experts incorporate If this has sparked a curiosity to find out your own biological age, figuring it out requires a blood test. 'The most validated tests look at DNA methylation patterns,' says Enayat, and suggests well-known tests like the Horvath Clock, GlycanAge and TruAge. Bernow says that Bryan Johnson uses the DunedinPACE test, which claims to show he's ageing at just 0.66 years per year (66% of his chronological age). As for how these experts practise what they preach – they say it's all about balance and consistency. Moderate, low impact exercise can actually lower biological age Enayat's daily habits include either walking, strength training or stretching, prioritising plants and healthy fats, regular fasting, cold exposure and supplementing with omega-3, vitamin D, magnesium and creatine. 'The goal is consistency, not perfection,' he says. Lifestyle Paul Hollywood's sausage plait recipe Read More Bernow takes a similar approach, but with less exercise and more socialising, explaining he takes a short morning workout, has plenty of family time, eats balanced meals and drinks minimal alcohol. 'More than anything, I believe in consistency,' he says. 'Longevity isn't about extremes but about the things you do every day, for years.' So, while biohacking might conjure visions of futuristic and expensive tech, the real secret to ageing well is actually much simpler – by prioritising balance and relaxation – not difficult at all in today's world!
