5
Pollution Nutrition
It is estimated that air pollution leads to at least seven million deaths worldwide every year.
Exposure is associated with asthma and lung dysfunction, neurological damage, heart disease,
cancer, and all-cause mortality. Not to mention, it significantly reduces healthspan (see
trend #1). We recognize air pollution as a serious health hazard, and now we are beginning to
understand the importance of protecting our bodies from its negative health effects. We are
also coming to realize that conventional agriculture is a major source of air pollution, and that
our food choices can have an impact on improving air quality.
Enter the idea of pollution nutrition.
In 2022, we will make it a priority to make food choices
to minimize air pollution from agricultural sources like
CAFOs and conventionally farmed crops. This includes
choosing regeneratively-raised animal products and
buying USDA-certified organic products as often as
possible. We will also prioritize fortifying our bodies
against pollution by optimizing foundational
nutrients like the omega-3 fatty acids, B
vitamins, antioxidant vitamins C and E, as well
as super nutrients like sulforoaphane, all of
which have been shown to protect against the
negative health effects of
air pollution.
TRY THIS TREND: If you eat animal products,
transition to regenerative and pasture-raised
products, and buy USDA organic for all food
whenever possible. Protect yourself with
supplements such as the omega-3s, a B complex,
and sulforaphane.
6
Healthy Snacking & Sensible Indulgences
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed snacking. Savory snacks, cookies, and ice cream
sales surged as we turned to snacks for comfort, but the pandemic also piqued our interest
in finding snacks that feel indulgent, but are
healthy. In 2022 we’ll see the continued rise
Serious
of what we’re calling “sensible indulgences.”
Yummyly
!
We all deserve our favorite foods and treats
here and there, so test out and refine your
2022 snacking game with indulgences that
bring you joy while also maintaining your
health and wellness goals.
7
We’ll Triumph
Over Burnout
Treating the physical symptoms of longhaul COVID has been a point of focus
for scientists and physicians recently,
but in the meantime, many people are
struggling with the emotional long-haul
of living through a pandemic. As the
pandemic and all that comes with it
continues to drag on, many of us are in
a state of languishing burnout. We’re
realizing that we can’t run from the
things that stress us, but we are learning
that we can support our ability to handle
the things that stress us and triumph
over burnout!
Chronic stressors take a toll on mood
and emotions, leading to feelings of
depletion, exhaustion, irritability,
and cynicism. But in 2022, we’re
going to bounce back and come
back stronger than ever. We’ll see an
increased demand for adaptogens like
rhodiola and cordyceps mushrooms,
and nutrients like B1 (thiamin) and
phosphatidylserine (PS) that help our
bodies negate the harmful impact of
stress. These nutrients have been shown
to boost motivation, support energy,
and decrease fatigue while helping us
flourish even when we experience stress.
The stressors will always be there, but
they won’t have such a grip and we’ll
generally feel calmer, less pressure,
and lighter.
TRY THIS TREND: Explore the
research on supplements like rhodiola,
cordyceps mushrooms, B1, and PS to
see which one is right for you.
TRY THIS TREND: Some of our favorite
snacks that are healthy and indulgent are
our very own! Natural Grocers brand beef
jerky, olives, popcorn, sliced cheese, and
bulk nuts are our go-to snacks when we want
something savory. Craving something on the
sweeter side? Try Natural Grocers
GORP Bites or bulk dried fruit. Or
for something really indulgent, try
a bowl of our frozen fruit topped
with coconut milk.
Natural Grocers® | 11
