Health Hotline Magazine | January 2022

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We’ll Triumph Over Burnout

Pollution Nutrition

Treating the physical symptoms of long- haul COVID has been a point of focus for scientists and physicians recently, but in the meantime, many people are struggling with the emotional long-haul of living through a pandemic. As the pandemic and all that comes with it continues to drag on, many of us are in a state of languishing burnout. We’re realizing that we can’t run from the things that stress us, but we are learning that we can support our ability to handle the things that stress us and triumph over burnout! Chronic stressors take a toll on mood and emotions, leading to feelings of depletion, exhaustion, irritability, and cynicism. But in 2022, we’re going to bounce back and come back stronger than ever. We’ll see an increased demand for adaptogens like rhodiola and cordyceps mushrooms, and nutrients like B1 (thiamin) and phosphatidylserine (PS) that help our bodies negate the harmful impact of stress. These nutrients have been shown to boost motivation, support energy, and decrease fatigue while helping us flourish even when we experience stress. The stressors will always be there, but they won’t have such a grip and we’ll generally feel calmer, less pressure, and lighter. TRY THIS TREND: Explore the research on supplements like rhodiola, cordyceps mushrooms, B1, and PS to see which one is right for you.

It is estimated that air pollution leads to at least seven million deaths worldwide every year. Exposure is associated with asthma and lung dysfunction, neurological damage, heart disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality. Not to mention, it significantly reduces healthspan (see trend #1). We recognize air pollution as a serious health hazard, and now we are beginning to understand the importance of protecting our bodies from its negative health e ects. We are also coming to realize that conventional agriculture is a major source of air pollution, and that our food choices can have an impact on improving air quality. Enter the idea of pollution nutrition.

In 2022, we will make it a priority to make food choices to minimize air pollution from agricultural sources like CAFOs and conventionally farmed crops. This includes choosing regeneratively-raised animal products and buying USDA-certified organic products as often as possible. We will also prioritize fortifying our bodies against pollution by optimizing foundational nutrients like the omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, antioxidant vitamins C and E, as well as super nutrients like sulforoaphane, all of which have been shown to protect against the negative health e ects of air pollution. TRY THIS TREND: If you eat animal products, transition to regenerative and pasture-raised products, and buy USDA organic for all food whenever possible. Protect yourself with supplements such as the omega-3s, a B complex, and sulforaphane.

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Healthy Snacking & Sensible Indulgences

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed snacking. Savory snacks, cookies, and ice cream sales surged as we turned to snacks for comfort, but the pandemic also piqued our interest

in finding snacks that feel indulgent, but are healthy. In 2022 we’ll see the continued rise of what we’re calling “sensible indulgences.” We all deserve our favorite foods and treats here and there, so test out and refine your 2022 snacking game with indulgences that bring you joy while also maintaining your health and wellness goals. TRY THIS TREND: Some of our favorite snacks that are healthy and indulgent are our very own! Natural Grocers brand beef jerky, olives, popcorn, sliced cheese, and bulk nuts are our go-to snacks when we want something savory. Craving something on the sweeter side? Try Natural Grocers GORP Bites or bulk dried fruit. Or for something really indulgent, try a bowl of our frozen fruit topped with coconut milk.

Se o l Yu y!

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