A breast cancer “thriver”

Denise Peise is from North Carolina and works as an artisan and author. Despite having faced breast cancer on three separate occasions, Denise has won each battle. She continues to live a life focused on improving her physical and mental health. She does this by practicing yoga, creating visual and written works and expressing passion for living a plant-based lifestyle. 

Denise defines herself not as a breast cancer survivor but as a thriver. This mentality comes from the idea that those living with the disease should not let it take over and affect their quality of life. Instead, those who define themselves as breast cancer thrivers and warriors are allowing themselves to live each day to the fullest. 

Thriving on a vegan diet

Denise began living a vegan lifestyle almost 13 years ago after she was first diagnosed with breast cancer and had been a vegetarian before then. Throughout the entirety of her three cancer battles, Denise made it her mission to live a clean lifestyle through proper exercise, plant-based nutrition, and her passion for art. She believes that incorporating these things into her life has helped her physically and mentally fight through the challenges she has faced. 

A change in diet was something that Denise felt would especially benefit her diagnosis. She says, “I learned through my diligence that I could benefit more along the lines of 10% or more by changing my lifestyle, especially my diet. To me, it was a no-brainer.” 

Denise completely changed her diet: She cut out processed foods and started cooking meals from scratch using only natural ingredients. She says that when she informed her doctors of her plan to not take the traditional harsh route of intense chemotherapy treatment, they expressed concern and seemed to have little faith in her. But, Denise persisted and remained true to her beliefs. “Turns out, over a decade later, I am still here and doing extremely well.” 

A creative outlet

Denise also credits her passion for art and yoga for helping her remain positive throughout her treatments.  Being able to create art has given her a creative outlet where she can express herself artistically and helped her relax under stressful conditions. Practicing yoga has allowed her to feel healthier on a physical level and has also given her a more grounded mindset. To those who are battling cancer as well, Denise recommends finding a place where you feel safe to be yourself and can do things you truly enjoy doing. She says that it’s important to find what makes you happy.

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you. 

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Vegan Life Nutrition

We’d like to introduce you to a woman who has been on quite the adventure to find her vegan journey.

Diane Yen grew up in Los Angeles and moved to San Diego shortly after college. She then moved to Japan for 5 years and to Chicago for 2 but eventually made her way back to San Diego. She just couldn’t stay away from the beach! 

It wasn’t until after she married her high school sweetheart and moved to Japan that she transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle. 

Living in Japan

Her vegan journey, like many, started as a vegetarian.  It was 1993 in Japan, and her husband was lactose intolerant and couldn’t eat dairy.  Between him giving up dairy and her giving up meat, they were almost an entirely plant-based home. 

For Diane, the switch was easy.  She told Vegan Life Nutrition, “Japan has the best tofu.” 

Smartphones didn’t exist in 1993, so learning new information about Japanese culture was not as simple as it is now.  But, she did her best to learn the necessary Kanji and Japanese phrases. She says that living in Japan also introduced her to many new vegetables and helped her really learn to love fresh vegetables. 

No Need for Meat

Diane is incredibly passionate about health, the environment, and animal cruelty and credits these three things to be what inspires her daily. In her eyes, becoming vegan was the best choice for herself, for others and the environment. It’s a decision that she cherishes. She is a huge advocate for informing others that they don’t need meat in their diet to survive and can find substitutes that taste just as good without causing harm. “Plants have protein!” 

She even had two healthy pregnancies while on a plant-based diet and exclusively nursed both of her children. Diane’s son and daughter both live out of state. She says she misses them a lot, but it is nice to know that they are still making ethical food choices while being on their own.  Although she dreams of a world that is all vegan, she says she is not the vegan police, and she herself is not perfect. She herself tries her very best to live a life that isn’t harmful to herself or to others. 

One thing she finds to be difficult about being vegan is that there are still some restaurants that do not offer vegan options. However, she is thankful that many of them do. The vegan industry has also come a very long way, which excites her and gives her hope for the future. 

We can imagine that there are many more vegan options to choose from than there were in 1993. “We only had soy milk, TVP, and cardboard veggie burgers! We typically gravitated to Asian food. Tofu for the win!” 

Her favorite vegan meal is a rice bowl with teriyaki tofu and roasted veggies. We see that even after all these years, Japan still has a large influence on her lifestyle choices. Other vegan meals that she enjoys are a savory breakfast for dinner with a tofu scramble with avocado toast and lots of veggies. She is also a lover of matcha lattes with almond milk and can’t resist a good plant-based ice cream.  

Advice for Vegans

Because Diane has been vegan for such a long time, she definitely has vast knowledge on the topic and a great deal of advice to give. She says one way that she helps share advice throughout the vegan community is by constantly recommending restaurants and new products to try and spark interest, as well as inform others of just how many options there are for vegans. She also helps by providing the vegan community information about greenhouse gases, zoonotic diseases, pandemics, heart disease, slaughterhouses, and many other important topics.  However, she does so cautiously so as not to turn people away from the idea of being vegan or to scare them. She thinks that the best way to turn people onto switching to a plant-based lifestyle is with kindness. 

Diane wants everyone considering a vegan diet to keep in mind that plants have protein and that animals are not the only source of getting it. She says that there is a very common misconception that plants cannot provide the body with the right nutrients or enough protein, which she says is just not true. The best advice she has for anyone looking to switch to being vegan is, “It’s OK to start small. Allow yourself to progress. Try things out. See what’s important to you. If it’s important to you, you will be motivated to find a way to make it work.”

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you.  

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The post Starting Small Leads to Big Vegan Journey: Diane Yen appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

During pregnancy, there are many limits to which medications and supplements can be taken to ensure that no harm is being done to you or the baby. The one must-have that doctors recommend during pregnancy is a prenatal vitamin. 

Taking a good prenatal vitamin is one of the simplest ways to help encourage a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. In addition to a healthy diet, they can help provide both you and your baby with the vital nutrients needed throughout each pregnancy stage. 

Weeks Before Pregnancy

Believe it or not, many healthcare providers recommend starting prenatal vitamins months prior to the pregnancy.

Healthline says the ideal time to start a prenatal supplement is actually weeks or even  months prior to conception. If you are thinking about having a baby, this may be the time to consider taking a prenatal vitamin. 

The Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins

Here are some of the great benefits of taking a prenatal supplement before pregnancy:

1. May reduce the risk of preterm birth
2. Folate supports the earliest and most critical fetal development stages
3. DHA may affect your baby’s health immediately at time of conception
4. DHA may promote an ideal balance of reproductive hormones and help improve egg quality
5. May reduce the chance of birth irregularities
6. Provide adequate sources of iron, vitamin D, and calcium
7. Reduces the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infant mortality 
8. Provide necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy

Pregnancy is not easy and takes a lot out of you as the baby receives all of its nutrients directly from you, which can be very draining on your body. This is why you may experience various issues with physical pain as your body is depleted. Making sure that your body gets what it needs is easier to accomplish before the pregnancy begins and reduces your chances of nutrient deficiencies. If you have enough of the vitamins that you need to thrive, then you are able to adequately share those nutrients with your baby to help them grow.

Prenatal vitamins are important for your health and the health of your baby. Consult with your doctor about taking prenatal supplements if you are planning to conceive.

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many women’s vegan journeys.  We are excited to bring vegan prenatal vitamins to women who are planning their pregnancies, pregnant, or have just delivered to meet their vegan nutritional desires.

Keep on the lookout for our newest 100% vegan prenatal vitamins. Pre and Postnatal Basic and Pre and Postnatal Focus launching soon. 

The post When Should Women Consider Prenatal Vitamins? appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

Mychael’s Vegan Journey

“It feels wonderful to be vegan,” says Mychael, “It’s like my heart, mind, and actions are aligned. It feels like coming home.”

Mychael went vegan in August of 2012 and just recently celebrated his 9th vegan anniversary. Mychael chose to become vegan because any alternative choice did not seem ethical, compassionate, or necessary. 

His vegan journey is one that truly feels meant to be. He feels strongly about living a life that protects animals and betters the world. He says that his ethical mindset matches his actions, and each day he works towards improving the planet.

Lending a Helping Hand

Mychael helps out the vegan community by asking questions that allow individuals to make the decision to become vegan on their own. He is not forceful with his efforts or aggressive and instead, approaches people with kindness and in a way that is truly helpful for them. 

Although he aims for a world where everyone is vegan, Mychael believes that they should decide for themselves that veganism is the way to go. 

It’s less about doing it because it’s right and everyone else is doing it and much more about doing it because it makes your heart happy. He also highly encourages others to become vegan and welcomes them into the community with open arms and heaps of helpful knowledge. Mychael’s wisdom and vast knowledge of the topic of being vegan make him a great source of information.

Mychael is well known within the local San Diego community of vegans and is constantly providing other vegans with helpful answers to questions they may have. Because he is an expert in horticulture, his knowledge of fruits and veggies definitely comes in handy within the vegan community. In his free time, Mychael makes it a mission to volunteer at animal sanctuaries as much as possible. Doing so not only lowers the consumption and exploitation of animals but also allows him to gain new information that he is able to share with other vegans.

Being Vegan

Mychael has been married to his wife for 14 years and has a son who lives with them. Together they live in a vegan household and make conscious choices. He says that he does not force his son to be vegan; however,  when he is able to make his own food choices, he usually opts for vegan options. Mychael says that the biggest misconception about being vegan is that the food is limited. 

“Being vegan has opened me up to new foods, new ways of seeing things, and compassion/empathy that were blocked before. It is not restrictive, but rather, expansive.”

His favorite vegan food is vegan bowls, full of his favorite veggies, fruits, grains, etc, because of how easy they are to get the nutrients you need and that they are customizable! You can have bowls for any meal of the day; Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert! Although Mychael is able to get all of his required nutrients through plant-based meals, he takes B12 and vitamin D supplements for added assurance. 

Mychael’s passion for bettering the world stems from his realization that the world is struggling. He says that the biggest challenge he faces as a vegan is witnessing the immense suffering in the world and realizing that most humans willingly continue to contribute to it. 

He wants to do better not just for his community but for the world. Mychael continues to encourage others to become vegan by suggesting that they start with a vegan challenge! “There are so many out there, and you will be very surprised about just how great it feels.” You may even turn a challenge into a life-long vegan journey.

Vegan Life Nutrition is proud to be a part of so many vegan journeys.  We don’t sacrifice quality for innovation. Our products are always free of toxins, allergens, and unnecessary ingredients. How? We strictly examine raw ingredients and fully-vet each final product. Quality is our top consideration, and we adhere to the guidelines of some of the toughest regulatory authorities in the world.

Would you like to share your Vegan Journey with us?  Provide your contact information below, and we will reach out to you.  

The post Working Towards a Vegan World: Mychael McNeeley appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

Pictured Above: Vegan Life Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 1,000 IU Gummies

Vitamin D3, also called the “sunshine vitamin,” is an essential nutrient for our bodies. 

Given its nickname, you probably heard growing up that the best way to get enough Vitamin D is to spend time in the sun. While it’s true that soaking up the rays can be an effective way for our bodies to absorb the vitamin, this is typically not enough for the average person to sustain sufficient levels of vitamin D. Researchers have actually found that over a billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient, some more severely than others.

Here’s why vitamin D3 is essential for our bodies and how you can identify symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

Why Is Vitamin D3 Important?

Vitamin D is a crucial element in our bodies’ absorption and regulation of the calcium and phosphate we consume from our diet. This absorption process promotes the circulation of vitamin D in our bloodstream and is responsible for delivering other essential health benefits in many areas of the body, including:

• Strengthens bones and muscles
• Promotes a healthy immune system
• Supports heart health
• Assists weight loss
• Improves mood

What Are Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?

Possible symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include (but are not limited to):

• Depression
• Greater risk of infection
• Aching pain in bones, primarily those in legs and back
• Fatigue
• Bone-thinning diseases such as osteoporosis 
• Weight gain
• Hair loss

How Do I Make Sure I’m Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Here at Vegan Life Nutrition, we know how important it is for you to maintain your preferred diet while also getting the essential nutrients your body needs. We also know how important it is to be able to track the amount of vitamin D you are consuming on a regular basis.

That’s why we provide all-natural, vegan vitamin D3 supplements in the form of soft gel capsules,  gummies, as well as a spray that you can take directly, or add to your favorite drinks or meals.

Sourced from organic Lichen, our vitamin D3 helps boost the body’s first line of defense, particularly in children, older adults, and those with limited sun exposure.

Ready to find the 100% vegan vitamin D supplement that’s right for your lifestyle?

Vegan Life Nutrition offers a complete line of nutritional products for vegans and non-vegans alike, using nothing but the cleanest, highest quality plant-based ingredients to support your healthy lifestyle. Shop our complete line of products here.

The post Vitamin D Deficiency: Symptoms to Look For appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

In the last few years, more and more people have reduced their meat and animal product consumption. Studies have found a

These “non-meat eaters” identify their dietary preferences in many ways—vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, etc. However, with this rise in popularity, more people have started using the terms “vegan” and “plant-based” interchangeably, when they are actually quite different.

What Does It Mean to Follow a Vegan Diet?

The term “vegan” describes individuals who have made the lifestyle choice to avoid using, consuming, and exploiting animal products as much as possible. This not only applies to their diet—vegans also avoid contributing economically to businesses who sell products made from or tested on animals, such as cosmetic and personal care brands, clothing, household items, medications, and more.

Since the inception of the term “vegan” in 1944, the movement has grown to include individuals who are not only passionate about the animal rights aspect of veganism, but also its impact on the environment. Research has shown that a vegan diet is more environmentally sustainable than a diet filled with animal products. Vegans also tout a vegan diet’s health benefits; vegans are at a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. 

What Does It Mean to Follow a Plant-Based Diet?

While plant-based individuals are similar to vegans in the sense that they avoid consuming animal products for various ethical purposes, being plant-based typically refers specifically to diet alone, leaving out the aspect of not purchasing products that may or may not have been derived from or tested on animals.

Another difference is that while vegans are very black-and-white about not consuming any animal products in their diet, there are many people who identify as “plant-based” because they eat a diet that mostly consists of plant foods, but may occasionally eat some meat, dairy, or other animal products. 

Are you looking for 100% vegan supplements to support your diet and lifestyle? 

Vegan Life Nutrition offers a complete line of nutritional products for vegans and non-vegans alike, using nothing but the cleanest, highest quality plant-based ingredients to support your healthy lifestyle. Shop our complete line of products here.

The post Vegan Diet vs. Plant-Based Diet: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

There’s a reason vitamin D is called the Sunshine Vitamin: Your body produces this hormone-like vitamin whenever your skin is exposed to a significant amount of direct sunlight. Knowing this, it’s easy to assume that you’ll naturally get enough

How can you tell if you need to keep supplementing, or if summer can take care of your vitamin D needs? There are a few things to consider when trying to decide if you should still take vitamin D in the summer. We outline them below.

Vitamin D Tests

The most definitive way to know if you need supplemental vitamin D in the summer is to get a blood test. It’s the only way to know for certain if your vitamin D levels are normal or if you have a vitamin D deficiency. You can schedule a vitamin D test with your primary care physician, who will be able to read your labs and tell you exactly how much vitamin D you should be taking. Additionally, there are a few companies who offer in-home testing options. If you go this route, be warned that understanding how to read and adjust your vitamin D levels can be complex. Most health care professionals recommend consulting a physician.

Location

The sun’s rays are strongest at the equator and weaker at points further from that midline. People who live in warmer climates closer to the equator are more likely to get enough sunlight to produce adequate levels of vitamin D. Meanwhile, those living further from the equator in cooler climates may find that they’re more likely to experience a  vitamin D deficiency. According to WebMD, in the U.S. only people who live south of a line drawn from Los Angeles to Columbia, S.C. get enough sunlight for vitamin D production throughout the year. 

Skin Tone

Your location can affect the amount of sunlight you’re exposed to, but your skin tone plays a role, too.  Those with darker skin tones may need more sunlight exposure to produce optimal levels of vitamin D, whereas those with lighter skin tones more sensitive to the effects of the sun may produce vitamin D more quickly.

Immune Function and Autoimmune Disease

The link between vitamin D and autoimmune diseases is still being explored. It was once thought that vitamin D deficiency caused autoimmune disorders. However, research now indicates that vitamin D deficiency may be a result of many autoimmune diseases, not a cause. Regardless, many doctors recommend supplementing with vitamin D to combat this deficiency. Especially in the case of diagnosed diseases, however, you should always consult your physician when making an adjustment to your supplement regimen or your diet. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post Should You Still Take Vitamin D in the Summer? appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

Nursing mothers, especially those following vegan and vegetarian diets, may find that they need to be strategic about what they eat to ensure that both they and their children are getting all of the nutrients they need. 

Here’s a list of 3 essential vitamins that breastfeeding vegan and vegetarian moms need that can be difficult to get from diet alone.

Calcium

One of the chief nutrients required in greater quantities through pregnancy and beyond is calcium. Pregnant and nursing mothers require 1,000 to 1,300 mg of calcium per day and can lose up to 5% of their bone mass while nursing. A quality, pregnancy-safe calcium supplement has the potential to help circumvent bone density loss and help rebuild bones faster after pregnancy, especially for vegan moms who may find it difficult to meet their calcium requirements through diet alone.

If your calcium supplement only contains calcium, it may not be working as well as you hope. The calcium you take does the most for your body when it’s able to work in conjunction with two other important nutrients: vitamin D3 and vitamin K2. 

Aside from being another essential nutrient for breastfeeding mothers (for reasons explained below), vitamin D3 helps encourage calcium uptake through the intestine so that more of the calcium you ingest is absorbed quicker. Vitamin K2 assists in the absorption process, directing ingested calcium away from the arteries and encouraging it to bind to the bones.

Vitamin D3

Studies have shown that if a breastfeeding woman is deficient in vitamin D, her baby will consequently be vitamin D deficient from the lack of the nutrient in her breast milk. 

It can be difficult to ensure that you are getting enough vitamin D from sunshine alone. When it comes to diet, vitamin D is mostly found in meat, dairy, and other animal products—which presents an obvious problem for vegetarian and vegan moms.

Vitamin D3 is an essential nutrient for both mother and baby, as it helps to:

• Strengthen the immune system
• Build and maintain strong bones
• Support calcium absorption

To ensure these moms are getting adequate amounts of vitamin D during pregnancy and nursing, they should consider taking a pregnancy-safe, vegan vitamin D3 supplement. 

Vitamin B12

Here are some of the benefits of consuming enough vitamin B12:

• Helps produce energy and combat fatigue
• Supports healthy regulation of the nervous system
• Helps maintain a strong digestive system
• Essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails

Unfortunately for vegetarian and vegan moms, Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is primarily found in animal products. While you can sometimes find soy foods, certain meat substitutes, and brewer’s yeast to contain trace amounts of the vitamin, it’s common for vegan moms to take a vitamin B12 supplement while they are breastfeeding to ensure they are consuming enough each day.

Ready to find the perfect 100% vegan supplements for your lifestyle? Shop our complete line of products here.

Synergistically Vegan is an all-new plant-based combination of unique ingredients developed to give you the BEST calcium absorption possible. 100% vegan and safe for expectant and breastfeeding mothers, Synergistically Vegan may help prevent bone density loss that can occur during pregnancy. Learn more about this groundbreaking calcium supplement here.

The post 3 Essential Vitamins for Vegan Moms While Breastfeeding appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

Why Seasonal Produce?

With today’s emphasis on convenience, we have nearly every type of fruit and vegetable available to us almost all the time, whether they’re in season in our region or not. Eating seasonally, or choosing to eat only what is grown and harvested at its natural peak, aims to align your diet more closely with nature’s natural rhythms. This in turn may help you ensure that the produce in your diet is fresher and more nutrient-dense than out-of-season alternatives. Eating locally-grown seasonal produce also has the added benefit of a smaller carbon footprint, as its journey to your plate will have been much shorter. 

What’s in Season Right Now? 

Take a stroll through your local farmers market or the “local” section of your grocery store, and you’ll quickly discover what’s ripe in your region now! For a more convenient way to discover what’s in season in your area, take a peek at this Seasonal Food Guide. The site lets you conduct searches by state and time of month, and will even let you search for a specific fruit or vegetable to find out when and where it’s in season. 

Produce will vary based on your location, but we’ve broken down a list of produce that is generally available in most places this time of year, with some ideas for how to incorporate it into your meal plan.

Strawberries

Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated fruits of the summer season, strawberries are rich in antioxidants and plant compounds, which may have benefits for heart health and blood sugar control. While this fruit may not need much embellishing to make it a tasty snack right off of the vine, these Vegan Strawberry Crumb Bars will definitely be a welcome addition to your summer recipe collection.

Summer Squash

In most states, you can begin stocking up on in-season summer squash in early summer. Though some might call it bland when not prepared properly, this vegetable packs a powerful nutritional punch. Summer squash is high in vitamins A, B6, and C, folate, magnesium, fiber, riboflavin, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s also full of antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar.

Turn these plentiful veggies into a flavorful and filling meal with this Vegan Summer Squash Sauté from Shane and Simple.

Cherries

Cherries are typically in season from late spring to early summer. One cup of pitted cherries provides you with a quarter of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C and contains impressive amounts of vitamin A and fiber as well. Aside from these nutritional windfalls, cherries are also rich in antioxidants and have been shown to reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

With all of these benefits firmly established, you should feel good about indulging in this Vegan Cherry Chocolate Cake from Cookie and Kate.

Asparagus

Asparagus is typically in season between early spring and mid-summer. Under ideal conditions, this vegetable can grow up to 10 inches in one 24-hour period, but that’s not the only impressive thing about it. One cup of asparagus can provide you with 11% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber, making it a filling choice for those trying to reduce their calorie intake. It’s also high in vitamins A and C and iron. For a tasty way to make asparagus part of your dinner rotation, consider making this Creamy Vegan Lemon Asparagus Pasta from the Minimalist Baker.

Peas

Generally in season mid-spring to mid-summer, peas are a good source of vitamins C and E, zinc, and other antioxidants that strengthen your immune system. They’re also a significant source of fiber and protein. For a fun, snack-worthy way to incorporate peas into your meals, check out these Vegan Baked Green Pea Fritters from Wallflower Kitchen.

Learn what other fruits and vegetables help establish a nutritionally balanced plant-based diet here. Concerned you might be missing out on an important nutrient? Discover our line of 100% vegan supplements specifically designed to help you achieve your healthiest life.

The post Seasonal Produce Recipe Round Up: Spring/Summer 2021 appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.

World Health Day is more than just a holiday meant to remind you to eat healthily and not skip your workout. This year, it’s about health equity, too. We cover everything you need to know about this year’s World Health Day theme below!

World Health Day 2021

Celebrated annually on April 7th, the day commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO). World Health Day is intended to raise awareness around challenges and opportunities related to improving health across the globe. Each year, the WHO designates a theme to draw attention to a different global health issue. 

This year’s focus is building a fairer, healthier world. In medical communities and governmental bodies, this is referred to as “health equity,” and whether or not it exists in our communities has a huge impact on the overall state of health outcomes.

What is Health Equity?

Health equity is a deceptively broad term. In general, it refers to the goal of making sure everyone has the ability to live full, healthy lives through access to all of the medical care they need, regardless of their background or circumstance. According to the CDC, “Health equity is achieved when every person has the opportunity to attain his or her full health potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances.”

Many places in the world, including the US, experience unequal systems of healthcare, meaning that not everyone has access to equal care that results in equitable or fair outcomes. Many areas have seen this lack of health equity become especially noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic; it has been recorded that communities with more disadvantages or obstacles are harder hit by the pandemic than others.

“Some people are able to live healthier lives and have better access to health services than others – entirely due to the conditions in which they are born, grow, live, work and age,” reports the WHO. Some obstacles to health equity include: 

• Racial and ethnic discrimination
• Lack of access to quality education
• Income and wealth gaps
• Inadequate housing
• Unsafe environments

How to Honor World Health Day and Promote Health Equity

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it obvious that we each need to take proper preventative health measures and ensure that we have access to the right care when we need it. But making sure that our communities as a whole are healthy requires much more than just a focus on individual health. Much like environmental veganism aims to improve the environment as a whole and not just the environment of the select population that chooses to live a vegan lifestyle, establishing health equity means improving health outcomes for everyone across the board. Health equity is a notoriously difficult issue with no quick fix, but there are a few things you can do to support this year’s World Health Day theme and promote equity in your immediate community.

Support Established Organizations

The good news is that when it comes to improving health equity, we aren’t starting at ground zero. There are already many organizations across the US whose missions are to improve the circumstances of underserved populations. Individual organizations will have their own unique ways for you to get involved and some of the best ways to help don’t involve giving money! A few organizations of note to get you started: 

• Feeding America: Feeding America’s local chapters work to get nourishing food from farmers, manufacturers, and retailers to those who need it most. (Read about our 2020 journey with Feeding San Diego here!).
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: St. Jude’s helps kids defeat childhood cancer and other fatal childhood diseases at no cost to their families.
• The Education Trust: This organization works to close opportunity gaps for students of color and students from low-income families. 

These are just a few of the nonprofits doing exceptional and necessary work in our communities! Check out a nonprofit directory like Great Nonprofits to find more active nonprofit organizations near you. 

Thank Your Healthcare Workers

World Health Day is the perfect time to show healthcare workers that you appreciate the work they do with a simple note or word or encouragement. It’s also a great time to have a conversation with a healthcare worker in your life about what kind of local help is needed to support health equity initiatives in community healthcare spaces. You may be surprised what you learn by initiating the conversation!

Take Care of Yourself

As we work toward more equitable health outcomes together, we also recognize that good individual health starts at home. Make sure you’re prioritizing your personal health with these key tips:

• Go Plant-Based: Adopting a plant-based diet is already an excellent step in the right direction. Not only may vegans experience fewer negative health outcomes than their peers, veganism also promotes a sustainable way of living that promotes caring for our planet, our environment, and our food sources.

• Exercise: Exercise has many benefits outside of weight management. Not only can it keep your body in shape and help prevent the risk of certain diseases, but studies show that it can help reduce anxiety, boost energy, and improve memory among other things.

• Care for Your Mental Health: If you don’t take care to ensure that your emotional, psychological, and social needs for wellbeing are met, it likely won’t be long until other parts of your daily health begin suffering, too. Make a conscious effort to take care of this aspect of your help. If you find that you’re struggling with symptoms or thoughts that make it difficult to get through your day, make sure you seek the help you need to get back on track.

• Get Adequate Nutrition: Good nutrition is an essential part of staying healthy. If your body is not receiving the nutrients it needs, certain essential processes and functions may be compromised. Ensuring that you’re getting enough of all of the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs helps boost your energy, sustain your immune system, and protect you against certain diseases. Vitamin D, vitamin B12, and calcium deficiencies are among the most common vitamin deficiencies experienced by Americans.

Have questions about beginning your health journey with the right supplements? Contact our customer support team anytime for answers, or browse our line of completely vegan health products.

The post World Health Day: Health Equity and Your Health appeared first on Vegan Life Nutrition.