Food is Medicine was presented by Dr. Carol Johnston, Professor and Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Success in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. Her presentation focused on the health benefits of certain foods and the concept of "food as medicine." She explained the role of certain foods in preventing, managing, and even reversing chronic diseases. She discussed foods as adjunct therapies, focusing on vinegar as a potential adjunct treatment for diabetes and the gut's role in improving brain and muscle health. Additionally, she emphasized the potential benefits of including high nitrate foods, vinegar, nitrates, and vitamin C.

• Dr. Johnston encouraged attendees to (specifics are shared in the presentation materials):
  Use vinegar-based dressings or consume a dilution of vinegar with high carbohydrate meals to help moderate blood glucose levels and potentially improve brain and muscle health.
• Incorporate high-nitrate vegetables (e.g. spinach, lettuce, radishes, celery) into their daily diet for cardiovascular health benefits.
• Reconsider the use of antibacterial mouthwash as it may negatively impact oral bacteria necessary for nitrate conversion.
• Consider increasing Vitamin C intake through diet or supplements, especially during cold and flu season and for those with allergies.
• Look for the USP verification logo when purchasing nutritional supplements.