Session Date:  Saturday October 21, 2023

Session Time:  8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Presenter Name:  Ms. Liz Person, RD

Outline:

Hundreds of years ago, Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Today, researchers say, “unhealthy diets pose a greater risk to health, well-being, and risk of death than any other risk factor in the world.” What we consume, and what our patients consume, profoundly impacts dental health (including the risk of caries, periodontal disease, and dental erosion), mental health (including the risk of depression and anxiety) and longevity (including the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more).  Specific food choices optimize the health of the oral microbiome, as well as the gut microbiome, both of which are critical to overall health and well-being.  Other food choices, including many ultra-processed foods, cause great harm.  This science-based, thought-provoking, and engaging presentation is about helping you, your family, and your patients, live the longest, healthiest, and happiest life possible by “letting food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”

Course Objectives:

• Understand how food choice impacts oral health (caries, periodontal disease, & dental erosion), including the harm caused by sugary drinks, sugary foods, around-the-clock snacking, and eating at bedtime.  Identify foods and nutrients most protective for oral health, including an anti-inflammatory diet, fluoride, omega-3 fats, green tea, and more.
• Understand why optimizing gut and brain health is critical for mental health, including a lower risk of depression and anxiety.  Identify foods most harmful to mental well-being, such as ultra-processed foods that are high in sugar.  Identify foods and nutrients most protective for mental health, including high-fibre plant foods, fermented foods, vitamin D, and more.
• Understand how food choice impacts longevity and the risk of disease (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, & more).  Identify foods and nutrients most strongly linked to a longer life, including plant-based, unprocessed, whole foods.  Identify foods most strongly linked to chronic disease and a shorter lifespan, including specific animal products and many ultra-processed foods.

About The Speaker

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