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Why Your Pet's Nutrition Matters

If your pet is family (and let's be honest—they are), then what's in their bowl matters just as much as what's on your plate. In this episode, we take a closer look at how nutrition impacts your pet's energy, longevity, and overall health—and why “just getting by” on basic kibble isn't enough.

I interview a local pet nutrition expert to break down how to spot early "check engine" warning signs, such as dull coats, digestive issues, and low energy, which can point to deeper nutritional imbalances. We also explore how to build a strong wellness foundation by focusing on weight management, gut health, reducing toxic exposure, and making informed decisions around vaccines and preventatives.

You'll walk away with simple, practical ways to upgrade your pet's diet—without overcomplicating things. From adding fresh foods and nutrient-dense "superfoods" to avoiding common ingredient pitfalls, small changes can make a big impact.

Because at the end of the day, we don't just want our pets to survive—we want them thriving, vibrant, and by our side for as long as possible.

Start small, stay consistent, and give your furry family the nutrition they deserve.

Stay Healthy California!

References for your research:

• www.Pets Wants.com/Roseville 916-547-2686 – for great dog snacks or check them out at a local Sacramento Farmers Market
• Omega-3s & Skin: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (Studies on EPA/DHA for joint and skin health).
• Obesity & Longevity: Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) annual reports.
• Gut Microbiome: Journal of Animal Science (Research on prebiotic fibers like beet pulp and FOS in pet diets).
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Tenafly Veterinary Center & NRC (National Research Council) guidelines for dog and cat nutrient requirements.

· Vaccination Guidelines: AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) Canine and Feline Vaccination Task Force.

· Titer Testing: Dr. Ronald Schultz’s extensive research at the University of Wisconsin on vaccine duration of immunity.

· Heartworm Maps: American Heartworm Society (provides regional risk data). https://www.heartwormsociety.org/veterinary-resources/incidence-maps

Liver Support: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice (on the use of Silymarin/Milk Thistle for hepatic support).

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

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Today, we're demystifying the labels in your pantry. We've all been told to avoid "ultra-processed foods" (UPFs), but what does that actually mean? Almost all food is processed for safety, but there's a massive difference between a bag of frozen strawberries and a chemistry project masquerading as a protein bar.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Four Categories: From minimally processed whole foods to the industrial formulations designed for profit, not health.
• The Bliss Point: How food scientists override your brain's full signal to create hyper-palatable addiction.
• Systemic Inflammation: Why your stiff joints might actually start in the middle aisles of the grocery store.
• Simple Lifestyle Shifts: My favorite strategies, like the Five-Ingredient Rule and the Swap, Don't Stop method, to reclaim your energy.

Your refrigerator should be your medicine cabinet. This week, I challenge you to swap just one UPF for a whole-food alternative. You have the power to influence the inflammation in your body. You can do this! Stay Healthy California

References:

1. Monteiro, C. A., et al. (2019). The UN FAO report on Ultra-processed foods, diet quality, and health. 2. Cell Metabolism. (2019). Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain. (The Hall et al. Study).
2. British Medical Journal (BMJ). (2024). Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes.
3. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Distinguishing between processed and ultra-processed.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us Fan Mail

I am so glad you're here today because we are diving into a topic I am truly passionate about: arthritis.

Many people believe arthritis is just an inevitable part of aging, but it actually affects people of all ages and is widely misunderstood and mismanaged. As a physical therapist for over 20 years and a functional nutritionist, I look at the "whole person"—your movement, food, lifestyle, stress, and sleep. Because in the world of joint health, everything is connected.

In this episode, we break down:

• The Types: Understanding the differences between Osteoarthritis (mechanical and biochemical), Rheumatoid Arthritis (autoimmune/systemic), and Psoriatic Arthritis.
• The Root Causes: Why factors like dehydration, poor mechanics, obesity, and gut health matter more than the date on your birth certificate.
• Prevention & Management: Why "motion is lotion" and how to use strength training and anti-inflammatory living to reclaim your function.
• The Kitchen Pharmacy: A deep dive into "SMASH" fish, colorful polyphenols, and the foods that either fuel or fight the fire of inflammation.

Whether you are looking to prevent joint pain or are currently managing a diagnosis, remember: your refrigerator should be your medicine cabinet. Grab a cup of tea, and let’s get into it!

"It's not magic, it's biology. Your body wants to feel good—give it a chance."

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com