Issue 17: Celebrating Women's Contributions to Health, Nutrition, and Ancestral Wisdom
I want to use this issue to highlight the remarkable role of women in driving transformative changes in health, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. I'm going to call out a few of my favorite people in this issue - those women that give me hope and inspiration, and move me to do more and raise my voice beyond my small world to spur what change I might.
Throughout history, women have been the heart of communities, nurturing not only families but also the rich tapestry of cultural and nutritional heritage. Their roles have been pivotal in preserving ancestral wisdom, promoting health, and empowering future generations. From the meticulous preparation of traditional meals to the safeguarding of medicinal knowledge, women's contributions have laid the foundation for holistic well-being. Recognizing and honoring these contributions is essential in striving for a healthier and more equitable world.​
#1 - A Personal Hero:
One of my favorite people in this realm is Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. I was fortunate to meet Dr. Natasha at a nutrition conference a couple of years ago - she is as kind and gracious as her work is groundbreaking and necessary. She is a true pioneer whose work has reshaped our understanding of the gut-brain connection. As a medical doctor in neurology and human nutrition, she founded The Cambridge Nutrition Clinic in 1998, driven by her experience as a mother searching for answers for her own child’s autism diagnosis. Her work and research led her to create the GAPS Protocol (Gut and Psychology Syndrome).
Dr. Natasha has given thousands of families hope by demonstrating how targeted nutrition can support children with autism, ADHD, and other neurological conditions. Her insights into gut dysbiosis, toxicity, and their impact on brain function remain some of the most profound yet underappreciated contributions in the field of health and childhood wellness.
Dr. Natasha’s work didn’t just influence me—it shaped my entire approach to nutrition and healing. Her research was the reason I became a GAPS Practitioner, and her insights continue to guide my work with families of children with autism and other chronic conditions.
This International Women’s Day, I celebrate her brilliance, her courage, and her relentless commitment to educating the world on how true healing begins in the gut. She has empowered parents, practitioners, and countless individuals to take charge of their health, proving that one mother’s mission can change the course of so many lives.
#2 - Livestock's Role in Women's Empowerment
Last March, for International Women's Day, I wrote about how women's access to livestock improves family nutrition, economic stability, and social equity while at the same time addressing systemic gender disparities in agriculture. It's actually one of my favorite newsletters that I put out - even though it had nothing to do with my work or GAPS. But I loved researching it and writing about this topic - it's something I feel really passionate about. So I'm sharing it here again - I hope you'll take a moment to read it. Thanks!
#3 Vandana Shiva, Kelly Ryerson, and Nina Teicholz
There are millions of other women out there that deserve a shout-out, not just today or this week, but everyday... Three additional women that I'll quickly mention are Vandana Shiva, Nina Teicholz, and Kelly Ryerson. They don't even know I exist (yet!), but I find their work so inspiring and knowing they're out there doing their thing gives me hope. Their relentless pursuit of truth, willingness to challenge broken systems, and dedication to food sovereignty, nutrition, and environmental health push important conversations forward. Their daily resolve is a lesson. Their work not only informs but empowers, reminding me that real change begins with knowledge, conviction, and the courage to question.
Who are your heroes? Famous or not, I'd love to hear who you'd give a shout out to and why.
Remember, health is a birthright. Claim yours.
Lubna
