“Santa Barbara Woman Finds Hope and Healing in Innovative Food-Based Health Program for Chronic Illness” | News Channel 3-12

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Sarah Boyajian, a Santa Barbara resident, has discovered hope not through pills, but through her plate. Living with multiple chronic illnesses can feel like an invisible struggle, but Sarah is learning to fight back with food.

“I don’t sweat like most people. My sweat glands don’t work, so I can’t perspire,” she explains. This is just one of the challenges that comes with her condition. For years, she felt exhausted and isolated, often feeling overlooked by traditional healthcare.

“I have many allergies and can’t eat or drink a lot of things. I try to eat well to avoid the pain from the wrong foods,” Sarah shares.

Now, she is turning a new leaf at the Organic Soup Kitchen in Santa Barbara, which is launching a food-based health program.

Andrea Slaby, the nonprofit’s chief operating officer, explains, “We want to show how food connects to our health and engage people in everything they consume.” The program will open enrollment soon.

Registered dietitian Natasha Nazerian adds, “Our goal is to support clients on their healing journeys through nutrition and real whole foods.” The program specifically targets individuals with cancer, chronic conditions, or aging-related issues.

This approach marks a shift from conventional care, aiming to empower those often left behind in the system. As Sarah puts it, “Learning is something we do every day.”

Recent studies highlight the connection between nutrition and health. For instance, a survey by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics indicated that over 80% of participants felt better after making dietary changes. This shows that the right foods can indeed make a significant difference.

With support from initiatives like the Organic Soup Kitchen, many are finding a new path to wellness through food. Sarah’s experience underlines the importance of nutrition in managing health, offering hope when traditional medicine falls short.

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