Janet Zarowitz MS RD CDN - Functional Nutritionist, Westchester + Virtual

06/23/2025

Did you ever hear of Forest Therapy?

There is growing evidence that spending time in a forest - an experience known in Japan as Shinrin-Yoku, or "forest bathing," - can lift mood, reduce stress, and promote physical health (like maintaining healthy blood pressure).

Recent scientific articles document how forests are vital not only for planetary health but also for our mental and physical well-being. Indigenous peoples have known about the importance of preserving forests for centuries.

As urban stress takes a toll on mental well-being, new research supports an age-old remedy — the healing power of nature.

01/15/2025

While it can be a helpful guide, a person's BMI can over or under estimate how much body fat a person has and whether or not their weight is a chronic disease risk factor.

The commission recommends that excess body fat should be confirmed by measuring a person's waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or waist-to-height ratio.

Fat located in the belly can cause systemic inflammation, which is a cause of other metabolic problems like elevated blood sugar, elevated blood pressure and increased fats in the blood.

An international committee of scientists has proposed changing the way obesity is defined and diagnosed. The proposal adds more ways to measure body composition and fat.

09/09/2024

September is Healthy Aging Month. What better way to kick off the conversation than this study on maintaining brain health and cognition as we age.

We’ve long known blueberries are super foods. They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They can support your body in fighting off free-radicals and a healthy anti-inflammatory response.

This study looks at the benefits of just 1 cup a day of wild blueberries –– improved memory, accuracy on attention based tasks, and lowered blood pressure.

While the study was on wild blueberries, I recommend blueberries in general to my clients as a healthy option. Try adding them to yogurt, oatmeal, or use in a smoothie!

Not a bad trade-off.

05/03/2024

I know this isn't really a human nutrition story....but it's fascinating to me that some animals have learned to use plants in nature for healing or medication.

While observing an orangutan to do so is new, Canadian snow geese swallow leaves whole to expel tape worms, Dusky-footed wood rats line their nests with aromatic plants to fumigate parasites, and chimpanzees have been observed rubbing insects near their wounds, potentially as treatment.

Researchers believe that humans might even have discovered some remedies by watching animals!

The Sumatran orangutan used a plant known to humans for its medicinal qualities.

04/19/2024

Pesticides are used to manage insects, fungi, and weeds so it makes sense that they may harm people, too.

Many farm workers and their families with a lot of pesticide exposure become ill from pesticide poisonings every year. In addition, studies have linked on-the-job use of a variety of pesticides with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, breast cancer, diabetes, and many more health problems.

See the chart of different fruits and vegetables showing the relative risk from pesticides in their conventional and organic forms, as well as when they are grown domestically or imported.

Some of our favorite fruits and vegetables carry unhealthy levels of chemicals. CR's exclusive ratings reveal how to get the benefits from these foods while minimizing your risk.

04/17/2024

A team of researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel discovered a decline in cellulose-degrading bacteria in the human gut microbiome, particularly in industrialized societies.

They hypothesize that it's because urbanized societies have diets that contain less plant fiber.

A gut bacteria called Ruminococcus, which helps digest fibre, is "sparse" in samples from the microbiome of humans living in urbanised societies.

03/22/2024

What's all the buzz about utlraprocessed foods?

Ultraprocessed foods are formulations of often chemically manipulated, cheap ingredients like modified starches, sugars, oils, fats, protein isolates, and additives like artificial colors and flavors.

They usually have little or no vitamins, minerals, or fiber. Ultraprocessed foods are designed to "light up" pleasure centers in the brain and to make us crave them more and more.

Obesity is one detrimental outcome of diets high in ultraprocessed foods.

Researchers are alsolooking more into how ultraprocessed foods may affect a variety of chronic health conditions and depression.

Although it’s clear ultraprocessed foods contribute to excess weight and associated diseases, experts are still unsure how they affect the immune system or gut microbiome.

03/10/2024

I learned from this article that the GI tract is a major storage site for micro and nanoplastic particles (MNP) in the human body. I also learned that these particles have a long retention, are passed on to newly formed cells, and could possibly promote the metastasis of tumors.

Plastics are everywhere in our environment; it's estimated that plastic particles up to the weight of a credit card (5gm) enter the GI tract every week.

The gastrointestinal tract is already known to researchers as a major storage site for micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) in the human body. A research consortium consisting of the University of Vienna, the Medical University of Vienna and other partners under the leadership of CBmed GmbH in Gr...

03/07/2024

In pre-clinical trials, the study confirmed a natural chemical found in broccoli can reduce the formation of harmful blood clots that can in some instances lead to stroke, as well as improve the performance of clot-busting drugs afterwards.

"What we found in a preclinical trial is that the tPA {tissue plasmingen activator administered to slow progression of brain damage} success rate increases to 60% when the medication is given with the broccoli-derived compound. Excitingly, this naturally occurring compound does not cause any signs of bleeding, which is a common side effect associated with blood-thinning agents tested in stroke treatment. This means we could see paramedics treating ischemic stroke patients with a broccoli-based medication as well as tPA on the way to hospital," Dr. Liu said.

The initial testing also showed that once the broccoli-derived molecules were administered they were also able to slow down the onset of a stroke.

"Not only is the broccoli compound effective in improving the performance of clot-busting medication after a stroke, it could be used as a preventative agent for patients who are at a high risk of stroke," said Dr. Liu.

In my practice I use EnduraCell Bioactive 100% Whole Broccoli Sprout Powder to support people for detoxification and healthy estrogen metabolism.

Neurology > StrokeBroccoli-derived compound could help prevent and treat strokePublished March 6, 2024 | Originally published on MedicalXpress Breaking News-and-Events Our Team's TakeawaysKey points summarized by the MDLinx Team.A three-year world-first study by Australia's Heart Research Instit...

01/31/2024

Plastics are such a part of our everyday lives. We take them for granted!

But did you know that they also a major contributor to disease? They are endocrine disruptors, affecting our hormonal systems.

According to research, "The diseases due to plastics run the entire life course from preterm birth to obesity, heart disease, and cancers," commented lead author Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, Jim G. Hendrick, MD Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, in a release.

You can reduce your plastic exposure by storing food in glass containers, never reheat food in plastic containers, swap out plastic water bottles for a metal one.

The ubiquitous use of plastics, and the resulting disease burden from exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemicals they contain, costs US society almost $250 billion a year.

01/13/2024

Most medical school curricula do not provide students with the minimum number of hours in nutrition coursework recommended by the National Research Council.

In addition, currently, physicians in New York State are not required to receive continuing education on nutrition and its impact on diseases.

Under a new law, recently signed by Governor Hochul, the NYS Education Department will work with the NYS Department of Health to create and distribute to physicians a list of continuing medical education courses and training available on nutrition.

With diet-related diseases on the rise, it's good news that more physicians will be tuned into the role that nutrition has on health and disease.

01/05/2024

💡Need some healthy motivation?

This docuseries topped my “best of 2023” list and you shouldn’t miss it either!

🥁Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones on Netflix

As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I sift through lots of health trends. It’s important to me to keep my clients and community armed with the most accurate and cutting edge nutrition information.

The original book came out more than 15 years ago and there continues to be more and more data to back it up why people living in certain locales around the world have exceptional longevity.

This is an easy to digest (pun intended) and inspiring documentary that isn't just about living longer, it's about living better - and it all starts with simple, sustainable habits embraced by communities with many individuals thriving well past a century. ‍

Here are my favorite takeaways:

✔️Move like it matters (but not like a chore): These centenarians weave activity into daily life , not forced exercise.
✔️Nourish body & soul: Plant based foods should make up a large portion of your diet. Think vibrant veggie stews, hearty bean dishes, and yes, even the occasional glass of wine shared with loved ones.
✔️Stress less, live fully: Prioritize community, purpose, and mindful practices.

According to Blue Zones, mental well-being is part of the secret to a long, vibrant life.

Drop a comment if you are planning on watching it or if you’ve seen it already. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Ready to translate these insights into your own life? Let's chat! DM me if you would like to set up an appointment or a 10 minute introductory phone call.