NHA Health Science Podcast

In the mid-1980s, when Nava Atlas released her first cookbook, Vegetariana, there were only about a dozen vegetarian cookbook authors in mainstream publishing. At the time, vegetarianism was considered unconventional, and veganism was virtually unknown to the general public. Nava was one of the pioneers pushing plant-based cuisine forward when it was still a niche, almost radical, lifestyle choice. Today, with the plant-based movement firmly in the mainstream, Nava’s influence has grown alongside it. Veganism is now ubiquitous in bestselling cookbooks, food blogs, social media, and stores.

Nava’s personal journey from vegetarianism to veganism reflects this cultural shift. She initially turned away from meat in her teens, driven by instinct rather than access to much information about animal welfare. As she became more aware of the ethical and environmental consequences of animal agriculture, she and her family transitioned to a fully vegan lifestyle. A visit to a dairy farm, where she learned about the realities of dairy production, was a key turning point, reinforcing her decision to align her lifestyle with her values. Her family embraced the change, and her two children remain committed vegans today.

As a lifelong artist, Nava combines her creativity with cooking. Her early cookbooks were a blend of hand-drawn illustrations and food lore, creating a unique artistic approach to plant-based cuisine. Over the years, her cookbooks have evolved into visually stunning collections, with professional photography showcasing the beauty of plant-based dishes. Titles like Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews for All Seasons highlight Nava’s ability to make plant-based eating approachable, with simple, delicious recipes that emphasize ease and flavor.

Family has played a significant role in Nava’s plant-based journey. From raising her children as vegetarians to fully embracing veganism as a family, she has always prioritized compassion and ethics in her lifestyle. Her children, who have never eaten meat, are now adults and remain dedicated vegans, reflecting the deep impact of her teachings.

Full post at www.HealthScience.org/107-Nava-Atlas

Imagine if the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) could save billions of pounds simply by changing what patients eat. Dr. Shireen Kassam, a renowned consultant hematologist, is on a mission to make this a reality. As a featured guest on the NHA Health Science Podcast, hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino, she discusses her ongoing efforts to revolutionize healthcare in the UK by advocating for plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine.

Pushing for Change in the NHS: A Tough Road Ahead

In 2022, Dr. Kassam made headlines when she argued for integrating plant-based lifestyle medicine into the NHS. The potential impact? A massive reduction in healthcare costs and a healthier population. But influencing a system as large and complex as the NHS is no small feat.

“We try to get the message out, but it’s tough to reach the people in power,” Dr. Kassam explains. “It’s about starting grassroots movements, building awareness, and slowly turning the tide.” Despite the challenges, her nonprofit organization, Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, is pushing forward, spreading the message of how plant-based diets can prevent and reverse chronic diseases.

One of the most exciting initiatives Dr. Kassam is leading the Plants First Healthcare campaign that launched to coincide with World Food Day. This groundbreaking campaign aims to make plant-based meals the default in UK healthcare institutions. It’s inspired by the success of New York City hospitals, which have already adopted greener, plant-based menus.

The campaign includes a detailed policy report from the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change and an open letter to all healthcare institutions in the UK. Dr. Kassam hopes to spark meaningful changes that will improve patient outcomes and reduce the environmental impact of the healthcare system.

Full post: www.HealthScience.org/106-Dr-Shireen-Kassam 

Veganism is becoming quite the lifestyle in many circles, yet rarely do you meet someone who has been vegan from birth. Sarina Farb, featured on the NHA Health Science Podcast with Dr. Frank Sabatino, is one such individual. Born and raised vegan in Kansas—a state not exactly known for its vegan culture—Sarina's unique upbringing has shaped her into a dedicated science educator and passionate activist. Throughout the episode, she shares how her early life experiences sparked a lifelong commitment to advocating for a more compassionate and just world, both for animals and the planet.

Sarina’s vegan journey began before she was even born, thanks to her mother’s decision to adopt a plant-based lifestyle after witnessing the horrors of animal testing and factory farming during her career in the pharmaceutical industry. Despite living in Kansas, a place where veganism was far from the norm, Sarina’s mother was determined to raise her children without contributing to the exploitation of animals.

By the age of seven, Sarina was already reading food labels, educating herself about non-vegan ingredients like gelatin, and making her own informed choices about what to eat. This early exposure to vegan ethics and activism set the stage for her lifelong advocacy.

Sarina’s passion for activism started young. At just 14, she was protesting against a Kansas coal plant, but her activism truly began much earlier. By the age of seven, she was educating her friends about animal rights and the environmental impact of their food choices. “For my 14th birthday, I didn’t want a party—I wanted to protest a coal plant,” Sarina recounts, highlighting her deep-seated commitment to making the world a better place from an early age.

Her homeschooling experience played a pivotal role in fostering this activism, as it allowed her to get involved in civic issues and take part in local government meetings. This blend of education and activism shaped Sarina into a fearless advocate for justice and sustainability.

Sarina’s love for science was another driving force in her advocacy work. As a high school student, she conducted cell biology research at the University of Kansas, exploring the effects of chemicals like BPA on breast cancer cells. Through this experience, Sarina witnessed the influence of corporate interests on scientific research, which only strengthened her resolve to advocate for unbiased, ethical science.

Her passion for science and critical thinking eventually led her to teach high school chemistry and environmental science, where she emphasized the importance of questioning research and understanding bias. “Science is about asking questions and being open to new information,” Sarina says, echoing her commitment to educating others on how to approach science with a critical and ethical mindset.

Full post: www.HealthScience.org/105-Sarina-Farb 

Did you know that the fight for animal rights shares deep parallels with the human rights movement? Both causes emphasize the protection of sentient beings from exploitation, whether it's humans or animals. Legal scholars, like Michael Dorf, argue that the moral and legal frameworks that protect vulnerable humans also apply to non-human animals, challenging societal norms and pushing for greater empathy and justice across species. This connection forms the basis for some of the most progressive legal arguments today, blending compassion with constitutional law.

In this episode of the NHA Health Science Podcast, hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino, attorney Michael Dorf takes center stage. Dorf, a Robert Stevens Professor of Law at Cornell Law School, has authored numerous books and scholarly articles, many of which explore the intersections of constitutional law, human rights, and animal rights. This fascinating discussion highlights Dorf's legal expertise and his journey into the vegan lifestyle, along with insights into the growing movement for animal advocacy.

Michael Dorf’s Journey to Veganism and Animal Advocacy

Michael’s journey toward veganism began in 1995 when his family adopted dogs. However, it wasn't until his late wife, Sherry Colb, a colleague of renowned animal rights activist Gary Francione, introduced vegan baked goods to their home that the shift toward a fully vegan lifestyle began. By 2006, Michael had committed to a vegan diet, initially motivated by animal rights. Over time, he embraced the health and environmental benefits of a whole food, plant-based (WFPB) and SOS-free (salt, oil, sugar) diet, underscoring how multiple factors contribute to veganism.

Legal Expertise in Animal Rights

As an influential legal scholar, Michael Dorf has played a crucial role in shaping discussions on animal rights, frequently participating in landmark cases. He collaborated with Steve Wise, a pioneer in animal law, on the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) and worked on the well-known case of Happy the Elephant. Although the case didn’t result in a legal victory, Dorf highlights the importance of these cases in raising awareness and shifting public perceptions about animal rights.

Tobacco and Vaping Research: A Legal Perspective

Beyond animal rights, Michael has contributed to vital public health research, particularly on the effects of tobacco and vaping warning labels. He discusses the challenge of crafting messages that deter teens from vaping while encouraging smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives. His research has contributed to FDA regulations and highlights the critical role of legal frameworks in promoting public health. Full post at: www.HealthScience.org/104-Michael-Dorf

Heart disease remains one of the world’s leading causes of death, yet it can be reversed with the right lifestyle choices. According to the groundbreaking work of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a whole food, plant-based diet is scientifically proven to prevent and reverse heart disease. In this episode of the NHA Health Science Podcast, hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino, Paul Chatlin shares his powerful story of how switching to a plant-based diet not only saved his life but inspired him to create the Plant-Based Nutrition Support Group (PBNSG), a community dedicated to helping others reclaim their health.

Paul’s journey to plant-based nutrition was prompted by a series of severe heart issues in his family. After losing two uncles to heart disease and witnessing his father undergo quadruple bypass surgery, Paul found himself on a similar path. Despite being under medical supervision and following a typical “heart-healthy” diet, Paul’s cholesterol levels remained dangerously high, and he experienced worsening angina, which led him to face the possibility of a heart transplant.

The turning point came when Paul was introduced to Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a pioneer in plant-based heart health. Dr. Esselstyn offered Paul an alternative to surgery: adopting a whole food, plant-based diet. Within weeks of following this approach, Paul saw a dramatic reduction in his symptoms, including weight loss, reduced angina, and improved cholesterol levels.

Full shownotes of this episode at: www.HealthScience.org/103-Paul-Chatlin 

Dr. Zach Burns, a board-certified family medicine physician and rising leader in plant-based healthcare, recently joined Dr. Frank Sabatino on the NHA Health Science Podcast for a compelling discussion on the future of medicine. As the Assistant Director of Moving Medicine Forward, an initiative founded by the iconic Dr. Michael Klaper, Dr. Burns is at the forefront of a movement to revolutionize medical education by integrating plant-based nutrition into the fight against chronic disease. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Burns shared his passion for empowering future physicians to harness the transformative power of plant-based medicine to prevent and reverse the global burden of chronic illnesses.

Dr. Burns' journey toward plant-based living began during his college years, where a class on American food systems opened his eyes to the realities of factory farming. This, combined with his personal background of avoiding red meat for environmental reasons, led him to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, eventually transitioning to veganism. His philosophical studies also played a significant role in this shift, as he explored the ethics of animal treatment and questioned the superiority humans often attribute to themselves over other species.

One of Dr. Burns' earliest experiences in healthcare came from his work with underserved communities in East Boston as part of AmeriCorps. There, he observed the devastating effects of preventable chronic diseases, particularly within immigrant populations struggling with limited access to education, nutritious food, and healthcare. This experience fueled his desire to tackle chronic disease head-on and led to his focus on the role of diet in health outcomes.

Dr. Burns shared the mission of Moving Medicine Forward, which seeks to fill a critical gap in medical education: the lack of training on the role of nutrition in preventing and reversing chronic disease. Medical schools often allocate minimal time to nutrition, focusing primarily on deficiencies rather than how diet can impact chronic illness. Moving Medicine Forward is working to change that by connecting with medical students, helping them form groups and advocate for plant-based education on their campuses. Dr. Burns is passionate about empowering students to create lasting change that will benefit both their future patients and the medical field as a whole.

www.HealthScience.org/102-Dr-Zach-Burns 

Our planet is facing an environmental crisis, and the animals we share it with are suffering alongside us. From the rapid destruction of forests to the staggering loss of biodiversity, it’s clear that our current path is unsustainable. Animal agriculture is one of the leading contributors to environmental degradation, driving deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. But there’s hope—by making conscious, compassionate choices, we can help change the future.

In the latest episode of the Health Science Podcast, Stuart Evans, founder of the Animal Alliance Project, joins @drfranksabatino to discuss these urgent issues and offer solutions. Stuart shares how his journey from the music industry to animal rights activism was fueled by a deeper understanding of the role animal agriculture plays in climate change and ecological harm. He explores how the ethical choice of veganism not only saves the lives of countless animals but also offers a powerful solution to reduce our environmental impact.

The conversation covers everything from the methane emissions of livestock, which are 25 times more harmful than CO2, to the massive water usage involved in animal farming. Stuart also touches on the concept of animal personhood and how recognizing the rights of animals could transform our legal and moral systems.

By adopting a plant-based diet, Stuart believes we can make a real difference—for the animals, the environment, and our future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about environmental justice, animal rights, and the fight against climate change.

Listen to the full conversation for a deeper understanding of how our choices matter in shaping a sustainable and compassionate world. www.HealthScience.org/101-Stuart-Evans

#AnimalRights #Veganism #ClimateAction #Sustainability #EnvironmentalJustice #CompassionForAll #VeganForThePlanet

100th Episode Milestone! 

Join us in celebrating a huge milestone—the 100th episode of the NHA Health Science Podcast! In this special episode, Dr. Frank Sabatino, the long-time host and Director of Health Education for the NHA, steps into the spotlight to share his incredible journey.

Dr. Sabatino’s path to becoming a leader in the plant-based movement began over 50 years ago in New York City, where he faced significant health challenges growing up. Through the teachings of natural hygiene, he discovered the healing power of a whole-food, plant-exclusive diet and water-only fasting. In this episode, Dr. Sabatino reflects on his 54-year journey as a vegan, discussing his early struggles, groundbreaking research on calorie restriction and longevity, and his life’s work of promoting compassionate health for all.

He also dives deep into the critical role that the National Health Association plays in advancing plant-based living and how the NHA has been a pioneer in health education for over 76 years. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, help animals, or support environmental sustainability, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for everyone.

Be sure to listen to this special episode here: www.HealthScience.org/100-Dr-Frank-Sabatino 

#NHA100 #VeganJourney #WaterFasting #LongevityResearch #PlantBasedPioneer #NHAHealthPodcast #CompassionateHealth #FastingForHealth

Addiction is a pervasive issue affecting millions of people worldwide. In the United States alone, over 20 million adults suffer from substance use disorders, with relapse rates ranging between 40% to 60%, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). These statistics underscore the immense challenge of overcoming addiction, particularly when conventional treatment methods often fall short. As bleak as these numbers are, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that innovative approaches, such as plant-based nutrition, can play a critical role in recovery.

One person who knows a lot about addiction is Adam Sud, the founder and CEO of Plant-Based for Positive Change. Adam has emerged as a leading advocate at the powerful intersection of plant-based nutrition, mental health, and addiction recovery. His journey is one of profound transformation, moving from a life marred by morbid obesity, addiction, and chronic diseases to becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for those facing similar battles.

Adam shares his experiences growing up in Texas, where he lived in a loving household with supportive parents. However, around the age of 12, Adam's life took a turn when his father became hypercritical of his and his twin brother's appearance, particularly their weight. This scrutiny triggered feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, which Adam tried to suppress through rebellious behavior. Diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed Ritalin, Adam recalls how this began a downward spiral into substance abuse, which he initially used as a means of coping with his insecurities.

Adam’s story of addiction is harrowing. What started as prescribed medication for ADHD evolved into a dependency on drugs like Adderall, which provided him with a temporary sense of confidence and acceptance. This substance abuse masked his deeper emotional pain but also led him into a life of criminal activity, severe obesity, and isolation. By the age of 30, Adam had hit rock bottom, weighing 350 pounds and on the brink of homelessness, with his life deteriorating physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Full episode show notes: www.HealthScience.org/099-Adam-Sud 

Danielle MacKinnon, a world-renowned animal communicator, recently shared her insights on the NHA Health Science Podcast hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino. Known for her extraordinary ability to communicate with animals, Danielle’s work goes beyond the ordinary, delving into the spiritual and emotional connections we share with our animal companions. Her unique approach to animal communication has garnered her global recognition, and during the podcast, she discussed not only her journey but also her dedication to a vegan lifestyle—a choice deeply intertwined with her work.

The Journey to Becoming an Animal Communicator

Danielle’s path to becoming an animal communicator was not a straightforward one. Growing up as an avid animal lover, she felt a deep connection with animals from an early age. However, it wasn’t until a pivotal moment involving her sick dog and an encounter with a pet psychic that she realized her true calling. This experience was a turning point, leading her to leave the corporate world and dedicate herself fully to animal communication. Her approach, which she terms "soul level animal communication," taps into the deeper, spiritual wisdom of animals, allowing them to communicate messages that go beyond the physical realm.

Veganism plays a significant role in Danielle’s life and work. As someone who communicates with animals on a profound level, she understands their emotions, fears, and desires in a way that few can. This deep empathy has naturally led her to adopt a vegan lifestyle, as she believes it aligns with the messages she receives from the animals. For Danielle, being vegan is not just about diet; it’s about honoring the lives and wisdom of the animals she communicates with. She often shares that animals, in their spiritual form, are aware of the choices humans make, including the decision to consume or avoid animal products.

Danielle’s method, the "soul level animal communication method," involves more than just understanding an animal’s physical needs. It’s about connecting with their spiritual essence, recognizing that animals have a deep understanding of the world and can offer insights into our own lives. Whether it’s a pet’s anxiety signaling something amiss in their human’s life or a rescue animal reflecting the need for healing and trust, Danielle’s work shows that animals often have more to teach us than we realize.

www.HealthScience.org/098-Danielle-MacKinnon