Health & Wellness Industry Trends - Chronic preventable diseases are becoming the new norm, often attributed to genetics and age [2] - Poor diet is now the leading cause of early death worldwide, according to a 2023 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association [13] - A 2024 study in the Lancet shows that a plant-rich whole food diet can add up to 13 years of life expectancy [13] - Diets high in processed food and refined sugar are directly linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, according to a study in nutritional neuroscience [14] Dietary Recommendations & Gut Health - Ancestral wisdom emphasizes eating real food, trusting food, and respecting it as medicine, survival, and sacred [3][4] - The gut is a lush living sacred ecosystem with trillions of beneficial bacteria that protect immunity, elevate mood, sharpen the mind, manage cravings, and influence thoughts [17][18] - Individuals who ate over 30 different plant foods per week had a more diverse and resilient gut than those who ate 10 or fewer plants, according to the American Gut Project which studied over 10,000 individuals [24][25] - Ultra-processed food, refined sugars, toxic oils, and chronic stress are soil killers that destroy the gut microbiome [28][29] Practical Steps for Healing - Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, sending a message of safety to the body and promoting healing [20][21] - Regardless of diet, eating more diverse plants is essential for a vibrant gut [23] - Focus on crowding out toxic elements from the diet, such as ultra-processed foods and refined sugars [28][30]

Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. has announced the establishment of National Kefir Day, to be celebrated annually on June 18, recognizing the cultural and nutritional significance of kefir and the company's legacy in promoting gut health for nearly 40 years [1][3] Group 1: Event Details - The official proclamation will occur at a press event in Chicago, featuring remarks from key leaders in government, medicine, and nutrition, including Lifeway's President and CEO Julie Smolyansky [2] - The event will highlight the connection between gut health and chronic disease prevention, with Smolyansky discussing kefir's role in supporting immunity and overall wellness [2] Group 2: Company Initiatives - Lifeway Foods aims to promote gut health, sustainability, and mindful nutrition through National Kefir Day, reflecting a cultural shift towards fermented foods for better health [3] - The company will distribute free Lifeway Kefir samples in major cities including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami on June 18, and will sponsor a drone show over Lake Michigan to celebrate Chicago as the "Kefir Capital of the World" [5] Group 3: Marketing and Engagement - Lifeway is launching a tattoo challenge as part of the National Kefir Day festivities, rewarding fans who showcase their love for the brand with a year of free kefir [6] - Participants are encouraged to share photos or videos of their Lifeway-inspired tattoos on social media platforms [7] Group 4: Company Background - Lifeway Foods is recognized as a leading supplier of probiotic kefir and has expanded its product line to include various cheeses and a ProBugs line for children, with products sold in multiple countries [8]