Naturopathics to speak on depression, superfoods

More than 25 percent of Americans are on antidepressants, but a New York naturopathic physician says there are ways, besides medication, to improve emotional well-being.

Peter Bongiorno will speak about the healing power of herbs, exercise and food during the 18th annual Holistic Health Fair, sponsored by Delmarva Community Wellnet and Eden Delmarva, Saturday, March 17, in Lewes.

Bongiorno, a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist, said many natural medicines aid emotional disorders, but in the United States, doctors are more likely to prescribe antidepressants before other options are explored.

"Mood imbalance is just a symptom of imbalances in the body. Only 30 percent of the time the medicine works," said Bongiorno. "We promote ways to improve digestion - which is key. We also look at sleep cycles."

Bongiorno's wife, Pina LoGiudice, also a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist, said superfoods can improve the entire body. When people have optimum body systems, they feel better and heal more quickly, LoGiudice said.

The pair founded Inner Source Health, which has two locations in New York. While it is their first time to Delaware, they said they are excited to meet the community and discuss healthcare concerns.

"Food can be medicine. When you have good produce, it does help optimize health," said LoGiudice. She suggested three superfoods people can start eating more of now:

• Lingonberry has a high concentration of antioxidant phytochemicals in its skin as a way to protect the fruit. These phytochemicals protect against oxidation and radiation damage, and can do the same for humans.

• Broccoli is a rich source of vitamins A, and C and bone-building vitamin K. It also has fiber to satiate and control weight.

• Quinoa is a whole grain, high in protein, fiber and a good source of iron. It also has zinc, vitamin E and selenium to help control weight and lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

• Salmon has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which studies have shown help protect the heart.

Bongiorno said, "When people aren't eating healthy it changes their brain chemistry. Exercise has also been shown to work better than any medication alone. Mood really improves with movement."

A regular speaker on The Dr. Oz Show, LoGiudice graduated from Bastyr University in Washington, a leading university for science-based natural medicine. She completed five years of training in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture. She received her bachelor's degree and completed pre-medical studies at the University of Rochester.

Bongiorno also graduated from Bastyr University and completed five years of training in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture. He is vice president of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians and is working on legislation to license naturopathic doctors in New York.

They now live in New York with their 3-year-old daughter, Sophia.

For more information on LoGiudice and Bongiorno, go to innersourcehealth.com.

Learning more in Lewes

The Holistic Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 17, at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes.

At 11 a.m. the group will discuss Replenish, a method for recovering organic materials from Rehoboth Beach restaurants to create compost for local farmers.

LoGiudice will speak at 1 p.m., followed by Bongiorno at 3 p.m. Vendors will provide information on yoga, tai chi, organic food and community networking. There will also be demonstrations, live music and kids activities, said Kim Furtado of Delmarva Community Wellnet and Eden Delmarva.

Furtado describes holistic health as, "the vital state of physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing, which enables a person to be engaged in life."

For more information on the Delmarva Community Wellnet or the upcoming health fair, go to edendelmarva.org or call 302-645-6681.