It is widely understood that, while our health is responsive to many factors, food would be on the top of the list of such influences. Food is the gas that runs the car, so to speak. We have known this for generations, and we don’t need double-blind, randomized control studies to prove what we instinctively know (though there is so much research out there supporting this theory that we could spend the rest of our waking hours reading it).  

Thomas Edison said more than a century ago, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will involve the patient in the proper use of food, fresh air and exercise.” And, of course, you’ve heard the 2,400-year-old quote from Hippocrates that proclaims, “Let food be thy medicine.” The point? WE KNOW THIS. We are what we eat. The plants, the animals, the water, the soil—each has an impact on our health, and on disease prevention.

Thus, we bring you our July issue of Natural Awakenings—Special Edition: Food as Medicine. Our feature article gives contemporary insight as to how to better nourish our bodies, minds and spirits. We also touch on healthy, sustainable ideas for summer grilling in our Conscious Eating department, and the benefits of urban gardening in our Green Living section. Of course, any animal lover would agree that nutrition is also critical for our pets, so be sure to check out our homemade dog treat ideas in the Natural Pet department.

Rounding out this issue, we explore a few other subjects that we innately know impact our health. The importance of sleep is one of them, so check out some fresh ideas to improve your sleep quality in our Healing Ways department. The importance of exercise has been emphasized by experts for eons, so our Fit Body article offers a new perspective on running as an activity that brings us much more than just cardiovascular improvements.

Finally, I would like to thank all of our readers, advertisers and friends who continue to support Natural Awakenings Milwaukee in our ongoing mission to promote Healthy Living on a Healthy Planet. Together, we can achieve so much more. 

Eat well, sleep well, run for the joy of running, and have a beautiful summer!

Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN
Publisher