142: What Makes Americans Unhealthy with Dr. Jessica Knurick

As I sit down to write these show notes, RFK Jr is currently in his senate confirmation hearing. By the time you read these words it is my assumption that he will be the new head of Health and Human Services for the United States, a job with incredible power. Anything is possible, so there could be a different outcome, but it seems unlikely. 

You might ask, “what does that have to do with teaching yoga?” 

And I would answer you by saying “quite a lot.” 

Many yoga teachers are interested in the health and wellness industries in general and I think the yoga teachings have a LOT to say about public health.

As we gear up for another four years of a Trump administration I wanted to have a conversation that highlighted the ways that wellness-interested people were being fed harmful misinformation, so I am incredibly excited to introduce you to Dr. Jessica Knurick.

She is a Registered Dietitian with a PhD in nutrition science and she focuses on evidence-based nutrition, public health and science communication. As a researcher, speaker, and mom of two, Jessica is passionate about reshaping conversations around health to make science accessible and actionable.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• how the MAHA movement started 

• the biggest factors that make Americans unhealthy

• individual health vs public health

• what the yoga teachings tell us about public health

• the truth about seed oils

• what to know about raw milk

• what to keep in mind as you consume content about health and wellness

Learn More From Dr. Jessica:

• Visit Dr. Jessica’s Website

• Connect with Dr. Jessica on Instagram

Please note: This episode does not cover RFK Jr's problematic position on vaccines. This does not reflect a lack of concern from myself or my guest about his position on these life-saving measures. We are both firmly pro-vaccine and are VERY concerned about what will happen to public health with RFK Jr. in charge. The mainstream media has done a great job of covering the dangerous potential outcomes of vaccines being harder to access. I wanted to focus this conversation on some of the other health and particular nutrition-based ideas that the MAHA movement brings, because they are a wolf in sheep's clothing. They might seem like harmless or even good ideas, but the hyper fixation on individual ingredients takes the focus away from where it is most needed. 

OfferingTree is a proud sponsor of this episode and I am honored to be an affiliate.  Visit OfferingTree at www.offeringtree.com/mentor and you’ll get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan).   OfferingTree supports me with each sign-up and I’m proud to be supported by a public benefit company whose mission is to further wellness access and education for everyone.