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Dr. John La Puma MD is the leading physician voice for culinary medicine and ecomedicine as part of your personal medical health, and an internationally recognized expert in nutrition and well-being. Dr La Puma is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine, a professionally trained chef, and an urban organic farmer. He is also a New York Times best-selling author twice, has lectured on culinary medicine at TEDMED and TEDx, and on ecomedicine at the University of Chicago and Harvard University,
Dr. John believes that both food and nature are information for the body and the brain. The right foods, beverages, outdoor activities, and nature-based solutions can help you reboot your brain and your health. Both food and nature are restorative, powerful, underutilized therapeutic tools in medicine.
For centuries, the unusual looking violet and white passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has been used as a calming botanical treatment. Its use dates back to the Aztecs in Central America who used parts of the vine to treat insomnia. Native Americans used it to soothe inflammation in wounds. Spanish conquistadors brought
What if I told you that the right plant inside your home or office can reduce stress, improve productivity, and save you a bundle in medical expenses? Welcome to another installment in my “What is Nature Therapy?” series, part of my goal to create a compendium of well-researched scientific blogs
As the year comes to a close, a lot of people are taking this time to take stock and make plans for the future. But how can you set yourself up for success in the new year if you don’t really know yourself or what you desire? The best way
Persimmon is an Asian specialty or “rare” fruit, available in several varieties, classified broadly by sweetness or astringency. Two of the most common are Fuyu and Hachiya. This might just be your new favorite winter fruit! Persimmons are packed with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E. Consuming foods
What if I told you that the right kind of light could help cure your depression, improve your sleep, and even mitigate the symptoms of dementia? Welcome to another installment in my “What is Nature Therapy?” series, part of my goal to create a compendium of well-researched scientific blogs on
Healthy kidneys can efficiently process protein. However, over-consuming protein can add unnecessary strain on these organs. If you have risk factors for kidney disease, or have an undetected problem, the strain created by consuming too much protein could result in a serious acute or chronic kidney disorder. What do
Dr. John is the author or co-author of seven books. Several are used as textbooks at great academic institutions worldwide, and three have been New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers. Most recently, he writes and speaks about how to use meals to lower cholesterol and control diabetes, and about how the power to opt outside can improve your medical health.
While Dr. John did not invent food as medicine, he pioneered and popularized culinary medicine in a popular culinary medicine book, and on national cable and network television as ChefMD®. His invited presentations often include cooking demonstrations, culinary insights, and medicinal plants and herbs.
Dr. John is board-certified in internal medicine. He writes both recipes and pharmaceuticals on prescription slips. He also advocates for health related causes, including food security, pollinator protection and animal adoption and welfare.
