The Buzz in Natural: November 2024

Fact-Check

Do nutritional supplements play a role in teenage eating disorders?

But what does the science actually show regarding nutritional supplements and eating disorders? Douglas Kalman, Ph.D. RD, Susan Hewlings, Ph.D., RD, and Rick Collins presented on this topic at the recent Naturally Informed Stress and Mental Wellness conference. Watch Setting the Record Straight on Dietary Supplements, Eating Disorders, and Mental Wellness for their insights, and keep the conversation going! On his LinkedIn page, Dr. Kalman invited industry members to share their thoughts, questions and feedback.

Hot Topic! 

In April 2024, Nature explored The rise of eco-anxiety: scientists wake up to the mental-health toll of climate change. This fall, as natural disasters devastated areas of the East Coast, many took to social media to discuss the impact of the events and share support. Elizabeth Sawin, Director at the Multisolving Institute, shared a call to action on LinkedIn: “If it ever existed, the time for doing just one thing at a time is behind us now. We can and must tend to the harm, prepare ourselves and our communities for shocks to come and make big shifts towards fitting in on planet earth and it all needs and is worthy of attention all at once...not as disconnected steps but as three expressions of the same fundamental values, visions, and acceptance of planetary physics.” The three actions she outlined on her LinkedIn post:

1. Immediate assistance. Donate money to the local organizations that are supporting people who have been impacted. 
2. The individual level. Ask yourself: If such a disaster hit closer to home, what I would like to have in place? Then, take one step toward making that happen. Sawin's expamples: What skills do you need to practice? What friendships and networks would you need to give and receive help? What supplies or tools would you need?
3. As a citizen, voter, organizer. Consider what you can do as a society member. Sawin's thoughts? What would be needed to build the power it would take to leave fossil fuels in the ground and build resilient systems? What candidates for office need support? How can investment be shifted towards people, place, and nature?

Spreading Goodness!

Hurricane Helene brought extensive damage to the Hickory Nut Gap Farm (a 4th generation family farm in Fairview, NC, that raises 100% grassfed beef and more), as well as the livelihoods of the company's employees. And while the brand is recovering and rebuilding (see their GoFundMe to support), the team also is taking time to help others in need. Hickory Nut Gap posted on facebook: “In these unprecedented times, we have seen such amazing generosity from our community members. Yesterday, Equip Foods teamed up with Hickory Nut Gap Meats to donate over 3,000 lbs of regeneratively raised meats to Silverados Music Park in Black Mountain. The venue opened its doors to the community, offering free meals prepared throughout the day. Located in the Swannanoa Valley, which has been heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, Silverados has become a vital resource, providing food, water, showers, and essential supplies, and has been instrumental in supporting the community through their generosity and commitment to those in need. We are awed and inspired by the power of community collaboration in challenging times. Thank you to all who worked hard to make this happen!”

Peaceful Pause

Dr. Jeffrey Burke, Director of Education for Kokora, was on LinkedIn giving us all an important nudge:

“Do you make time for me time? We all get so busy that making a conscious effort to chill, to decompress, to recharge becomes a task we cannot fit in our schedule. If we put it on the schedule first, every task, every project, every event and deadline will become more successful, while your mental and emotional health flourish. Try it, your body and mind will love you for it.”

We’d love to hear from you!

Spotted something thought-provoking, feel-good, or buzz-worthy on socials? Email editor@wfcinc.com and we may share in a future issue!