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The Health Science Podcast | Episode 042. | August 24, 2023
042: Healing Through Plants: Dr. Ron Weiss’ Journey into Whole Food Plant-Based Medicine
042: Healing Through Plants: Dr. Ron Weiss’ Journey into Whole Food Plant-Based Medicine

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In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the intersection of traditional medicine and holistic approaches has been a subject of increasing interest and exploration. Dr. Ron Weiss, a distinguished medical physician and advocate for holistic health, has emerged as a pioneer in marrying sustainable farming practices with plant-based healthcare.

His journey from conventional medicine to holistic healing sheds light on the transformative potential of a whole-person approach to well-being.

A Musical Prelude: Connecting Wellness and Artistry

Dr. Weiss’s early life was infused with music, a passion that laid the foundation for his future endeavors. This musical background not only enriched his life but also set the stage for his commitment to exploring alternative paths to healing. This theme of interconnectedness would later resonate in his holistic approach to health.

A Quest for Healing: Challenging Medical Conventions

Dr. Weiss’s path took an unexpected turn when his father was diagnosed with end-stage pancreatic cancer. Confronting the limitations of conventional medicine, Dr. Weiss embarked on a quest to find alternative solutions. He delved into books by renowned figures like Andrew Weil and Michio Kushi, who introduced him to the concept of holistic healing through whole plant foods and lifestyle modifications.

A Ray of Hope: The Macrobiotic Connection

Dr. Weiss’s encounter with testimonials of patients who had successfully reversed chronic diseases through a macrobiotic diet sparked a glimmer of hope. Witnessing his father’s remarkable recovery after adopting a rigorous whole plant-based diet was a turning point. Not only did his father experience a reduction in tumor masses, but he also regained vitality and quality of life. This pivotal moment inspired Dr. Weiss to explore the power of lifestyle changes further.

Planting Seeds of Change: Holistic Health and Sustainable Farming

Dr. Weiss’s journey led him to found Ethos Farm, a 342-acre sustainable farm in Long Valley, New Jersey. At the farm, he merges sustainable farming practices with plant-based healthcare, exemplifying the synergy between human well-being and the environment. This innovative endeavor showcases the interconnectedness of our choices and their impact on health, nature, and society.

Educating Future Healers: Bridging the Gap

Dr. Weiss’s commitment to holistic health extends to educating future medical practitioners. Through a month-long rotation at Ethos Farm, medical students are exposed to the transformative potential of holistic approaches. Witnessing patients thrive on whole plant-based diets and lifestyle adjustments challenges the conventional narrative and inspires a new generation of healers.

Challenges and Opportunities: The Road Ahead

While Dr. Weiss’s work has been groundbreaking, he acknowledges the challenges of reaching a broader audience within the medical community. Despite the successes he has witnessed, there remains a need to bridge the gap between conventional and holistic medicine. The journey towards a more integrated healthcare system is ongoing, but Dr. Weiss’s contributions have ignited a spark of change.

To learn more about the Ethos Farm Project, its initiatives, and how you can get involved, visit www.ethosfarmproject.org.  Embrace a holistic approach to health, join the movement of regenerative agriculture, and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Farm Days 2023

Currently, Dr. Weiss is involved with Ethos Farm Project Farm Days 2023 at their beautiful 342-acre farm in Long Valley, NJ.

This year’s Farm Days Festival will be on Sept 9th and 10th, 2023. It will be a weekend of insight and inspiration provided by a stellar list of guest speakers: Peter Singer, Rich Roll, Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, Dr. Meagan Grega, Dr. Columbus Batiste, Sara Farley – Vice President, Global Food Portfolio at the Rockefeller Foundation, Bob Quinn – Founder of Kamut grain and author of bestselling book: Grain to Grain, Janette Spiezio, Lianna Levine Reisner, and Dr. Weiss.

They will talk about plant-based nutrition, environmental health, and animal advocacy, and will discuss how our diets not only affect our health but also the health of the planet.

Brittany Jaroudi of the Jaroudi Family will conduct cooking demos as well as nice cream making and art sessions to engage kids while the parents listen to our inspiring speakers.

You can join in person or virtually. https://www.ethosfarmproject.org/farmdays

Episode Highlights

[02:15]             Dr. Weiss’ love of music was the start of his life of passion.

[04:30]             Disillusioned with traditional health care.

[08:30]             From crestfallen to transforming his role in medicine.

[10:00]             Dr. Weiss’ father’s cancer diagnosis cements his resolve.

[13:30]             A whole food, plant-based diet starts the healing process.

[17:30]             The China Study book leaves a lasting impression.

[20:30]             Corporatization of healthcare leads to Physician Burnout Syndrome

[25:30]             In reality, organic doesn’t mean clean… or healthy… here’s why.

[31:00]             Ethos Farm Project hosts Farm Days 2023

[34:30]             Three-pronged approach of Ethos Farm Project

[38:00]             Collaborative partnership with Rodale Institute, Rutgers University and
                           Princeton University for EFECT

[41:45]             A plea for help for Ethos Farm Project et al

[43:00]             Final thoughts… Food IS Medicine… don’t serve with a side of poison

About Ron Weiss

Dual Board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine, Ron Weiss, MD is a primary care physician in New Jersey and New York, who serves as Executive Director of Ethos Primary Care and as Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Weiss is not only a physician but also a botanist and farmer, and he offers an evidence-based, food-as-medicine approach to healing from chronic illness and optimizing wellness. He has been featured in top media, including The New York Times, The New York Post, The Today Show, New Jersey Monthly, and the feature-length documentary, “Eating You Alive.”

A vegan-friendly plant-based doctor in New Jersey and New York, Dr. Weiss prescribes the Ethos Diet – an all-organic, ecologically-sustainable, and Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB)  diet – as the cornerstone of his work with patients.  Not only has a growing body of research indicated that a whole food plant-based diet helps patients dramatically heal from chronic illness, but over the years, Dr. Weiss has found the Ethos Diet to have an exceptional success rate in reversing most chronic diseases. 

https://www.ethosprimarycare.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ethosprimarycare/

https://www.instagram.com/drronweiss/

https://www.youtube.com/@ethosprimarycare3992

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethos-primary-care

About Dr. Frank Sabatino

As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.

Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation, stress management.

About NHA

The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.

More information: https://www.healthscience.org/

Scholarships

A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.

Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship.  [email protected]

NHA membership

For a very nominal investment, you can enjoy incredible benefits of the NHA membership.

Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine),  the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.

Only $35 a year for basic membership within the United States.  https://www.healthscience.org/join-renew/

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