MARCH FOOD AND NUTRITION ISSUE 

FEATURE: Veggies for the Win: Five Reasons to Choose a Plant-Based Lifestyle

Byline: Kiki Powers, MS, CNC

Summary: Plant-based eating is about proportionately choosing more foods from plant sources. The benefits of making this dietary shift include disease prevention, clean eating, anti-inflammatory properties, environmental sustainability, and improvements in mental and emotional health.

WISE WORDS: Terry Wahls on Managing Autoimmune Disease With Lifestyle Interventions

Byline: Noelle Citarella, MS, RDN, CDN, IFNCP

Summary: Terry Wahls, M.D., has used her personal battle with multiple sclerosis as a platform to research ways to help others. The Walls Protocol and accompanying cookbook are groundbreaking dietary and lifestyle recommendations that alleviate autoimmune disease symptoms. Learn more about her protocol and the exciting new research she is conducting in MS that is connecting the effects of diet on brain volume and quality of life. 

CONSCIOUS EATING: Loving Our Kidneys: Edible Allies, Integrative Treatments and Lifestyle Tips

Byline: Marlaina Donato

Summary: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in seven adults are diagnosed annually with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Managing CKD requires a multilevel approach, including lifestyle and diet changes. Adding whole, plant-plentiful goodness to our plates and embracing an alkaline diet are key measures in the prevention of CKD by lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

HEALTHY KIDS: Sweet Lullaby: Better Sleep for Children

Byline: Marlaina Donato and Kirby Baldwin

Summary: Between 15 and 25 percent of kids have trouble falling and staying asleep. Common causes include stress, increased screen time, and less physical activity. Other causes may be at play including hormonal imbalances, deficient nutrition, and impaired mouth structures.

GREEN LIVING: Finding Hope in Action: Saving Earth and Water with Small Steps

Byline: Marlaina Donato

Summary: Everything we do for the environment has an impact on the Earth and our water. There are many positive examples of our personal impact on our vanishing resources including improvements to the ozone layer and policies to reduce plastics. More can be done like using paper products made with recycled fiber, choosing sustainable wild caught fish and supporting clean water projects.

FIT BODY: Work Harder and Smarter: Benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training

Byline: Kirby Baldwin

Summary: A High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout consists of a series of short bursts of intense activity interspersed with periods of rest or low-intensity movement called “active recovery”. HIIT is the perfect solution for busy people that are short on time because it burns more calories than other routines.

HEALING WAYS: Thriving With Multiple Sclerosis: How to Reduce Inflammation and Promote Neuroregeneration

Byline: by Noelle Citarella, RDN, CDN, IFNCP

Summary: Thanks to advances in lifestyle-related research, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) can slow or reverse disease progression. Those with MS can thrive by eating the right foods to reduce inflammation and maintain a healthy microbiome, fast regularly, get quality sleep, remain active and stay hydrated.

NATURAL PET: Natural Remedies for Pets: Seven Non-Toxic Treatments for Common Ailments

Byline: Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Summary: Natural remedies and healing therapies are not just for humans, they also help pets overcome illness and maintain optimal health. Used properly, plants, herbs, essential oils and other natural, non-toxic substances can complement and often replace drugs and other chemical agents, including coconut oil, manuka honey, aloe vera, lavender oil, oregano oil, ginger and chamomile.

INSPIRATION: The Cellular Magic of Compassion

Byline: Marlaina Donato

Summary: According to sources cited by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, neurotransmitters stimulated by compassion have a stronger influence on health and longevity than exercise and other positive lifestyle factors. The “helper’s high” is as real as the runner’s high. Of course, giving must be counterbalanced with a healthy ratio of receiving. Expressing compassion to ourselves is equally as important and effective.

ECOTIP: Eco-Friendly Water Heating

Summary: When it comes time to replace the water heater, homeowners have an opportunity to save money and significantly lower their carbon footprint by choosing more efficient appliances. In the U.S., most homes are equipped with water heaters that require a large storage tank. The water has to be heated continually, leading to $400 to $600 water heating bills every year. A tankless model requires less space, lasts longer and costs less to operate.