Feeling trapped in a cycle of chronic pain and inflammation? You're not alone. Millions struggle with inflammatory conditions that conventional medicine often manages with medications rather than addressing root causes. But what if your kitchen could be your pharmacy?

In this revealing episode, Dr. Craig Keever and his wife, Amy Keever, explore the powerful connection between what's on your plate and the inflammatory response in your body. They break down the crucial difference between helpful acute inflammation and the destructive chronic inflammation that contributes to heart disease, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, and even neurodegenerative disorders.

The standard American diet creates the perfect storm for chronic inflammation – processed foods, refined sugars, and foods high in omega-6 fatty acids fuel the fire. Meanwhile, the delicate balance of our gut microbiome gets disrupted, potentially leading to a "leaky gut" that allows substances into our bloodstream that have no business being there.

Dr. Craig shares his remarkable personal journey from taking multiple medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol to transforming his health through plant-based nutrition. Through continued dietary refinements focused on omega-3/omega-6 balance and reducing fat intake, he's achieved near-normal blood sugar levels without medication.

You'll discover specific foods with powerful anti-inflammatory properties: dark leafy greens, omega-3-rich seeds like flax and chia, berries packed with antioxidants, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, and healing spices. Learn how these foods work together to calm inflammation at the cellular level and potentially reverse conditions once thought to be irreversible.

Ready to fight inflammation at its source? This episode offers practical ways to incorporate these healing foods into your daily routine. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain or simply want to optimize your health, this conversation might just change your relationship with food forever.

Thanks for listening to Roots To Health!

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video. Dr. Craig Keever is a licensed pediatrician, but the content shared here is general in nature and may not be applicable to your individual health needs.

Stay connected and keep the conversation going:

🌱 Follow Dr. Craig Keever for more plant-based pediatric insights:
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozarkpediatrics/
📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkpediatric/
📍 Website: https://www.ozarkpediatrics.org/

🎨 Connect with Amy Keever for art, creativity, and inspiration:

Website for plant-based Cuisine : https://www.wildflowercuisine.com/
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykeevergallery/
📍 Website: amykeever.com

📩 Have a question or a topic you’d love to hear about? Send us a message or tag us on social media!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover Roots To ...

The journey toward optimal health often begins with what's on our plate. Dr. Craig Keever and his wife Amy reveal how the Food for Life program, developed by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, has revolutionized their approach to health and chronic disease management.

Their personal testimonials are powerful: Craig reversed his metabolic syndrome, shedding nearly 100 pounds and eliminating five medications for diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Amy conquered debilitating fibromyalgia and high blood pressure that once dominated her daily life. Now, with Amy becoming Arkansas's fourth certified Food for Life instructor, they're passionate about helping others achieve similar transformations.

Food for Life classes combine science-based education with practical cooking demonstrations that dispel common myths about plant-based eating. Far from bland "rabbit food," participants discover delicious recipes for everything from hearty lasagna to delicious desserts. The program offers specialized tracks addressing diabetes, heart health, cancer prevention, and navigating food deserts—providing solutions for various health challenges and living situations.

One eye-opening revelation shared by the Keevers illustrates why this knowledge is so critical: a typical steakhouse meal contains 350-400 grams of fat—approximately two weeks' worth of recommended fat intake for someone managing insulin resistance. This stark contrast helps explain why chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer remain so prevalent despite medical advances.

The transition to plant-based eating represents a significant mindset shift that happens gradually. Tools like the Chronometer app can help newcomers track nutritional intake while making this transition, and communities like the Keever's Facebook group "The Keever's Plant-Based Tribe" provide ongoing support and inspiration. For those interested in learning more, Amy's upcoming classes will be listed on her Wildflower Cuisine website and through PCRM's instructor directory.

Ready to transform your relationship with food and take control of your health destiny? Connect with Food for Life and discover that when it comes to chronic disease, your plate may be more powerful than your prescription pad.

Thanks for listening to Roots To Health!

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video. Dr. Craig Keever is a licensed pediatrician, but the content shared here is general in nature and may not be applicable to your individual health needs.

Stay connected and keep the conversation going:

🌱 Follow Dr. Craig Keever for more plant-based pediatric insights:
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozarkpediatrics/
📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkpediatric/
📍 Website: https://www.ozarkpediatrics.org/

🎨 Connect with Amy Keever for art, creativity, and inspiration:

Website for plant-based Cuisine : https://www.wildflowercuisine.com/
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykeevergallery/
📍 Website: amykeever.com

📩 Have a question or a topic you’d love to hear about? Send us a message or tag us on social media!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover Roots To ...

The destructive cycle of chronic inflammation affects millions, yet conventional medicine often addresses symptoms without resolving root causes. In this candid conversation, Dr. Craig Keever and his wife Amy reveal the profound connection between diet and auto-inflammatory conditions through both scientific evidence and personal testimony.

Amy's journey from debilitating fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and thyroid issues to vibrant health at age 54 demonstrates the transformative power of plant-based nutrition. After decades, facing what seemed like a genetically predetermined future of illness, she discovered that food could be her most effective medicine. "I want to tell that woman out there who's struggling that there is hope for your pain," she shares with raw emotion.

The science behind this healing centers on what gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz calls "leaky gut"—damage to the single-cell-thick intestinal lining that allows inflammatory triggers to enter the bloodstream. The standard American diet, rich in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids from meat, dairy, eggs, and oils, creates a perfect storm for chronic inflammation. By contrast, omega-3s from sources like flaxseeds and chia seeds help decrease inflammation and repair cells.

Particularly striking is how even after adopting a plant-based diet, Amy continued to refine her approach with digestive enzyme support and focused nutrition that ultimately continued to reduce her chronic pain. The couple explains how consuming diverse plant foods—aiming for 30 different plants weekly—rebuilds the gut microbiome that influences not just digestion but immune function, hormone balance, and even mood.

Whether you're facing rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, or unexplained joint pain, this episode offers practical strategies for healing through nutrition. Visit ozarkpediatrics.org for evidence-based resources that could change your relationship with chronic pain forever.

Thanks for listening to Roots To Health!

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video. Dr. Craig Keever is a licensed pediatrician, but the content shared here is general in nature and may not be applicable to your individual health needs.

Stay connected and keep the conversation going:

🌱 Follow Dr. Craig Keever for more plant-based pediatric insights:
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozarkpediatrics/
📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkpediatric/
📍 Website: https://www.ozarkpediatrics.org/

🎨 Connect with Amy Keever for art, creativity, and inspiration:

Website for plant-based Cuisine : https://www.wildflowercuisine.com/
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykeevergallery/
📍 Website: amykeever.com

📩 Have a question or a topic you’d love to hear about? Send us a message or tag us on social media!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover Roots To ...

Confused about what "processed foods" really means? You're not alone. In this eye-opening conversation, we unpack the critical distinctions between different levels of food processing and why they matter for your health.

Most of us have heard we should avoid processed foods, but the reality is more nuanced. Processing exists on a spectrum – from minimally altered foods like frozen vegetables (which are perfectly healthy) to ultra-processed products engineered with additives, preservatives, and flavor enhancers designed to maximize "craveability" and profits rather than nutrition.

We explore how to navigate grocery store aisles with confidence by decoding food labels and identifying red flags. Those long ingredient lists with unpronounceable chemicals? That's your first clue you're dealing with an ultra-processed food. Even terms like "organic" or "plant-based" can be misleading if you're not looking at the complete nutritional picture.

The health stakes are high. Research shows clear connections between ultra-processed foods and increased risks of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Some processed meats are even classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization – information that rarely makes headlines due to industry influence.

But this isn't about perfection or deprivation. We share practical strategies for creating delicious, satisfying meals without relying on ultra-processed ingredients. Whether you're plant-based or an omnivore, understanding the processing spectrum empowers you to make informed choices that support long-term health.

Ready to transform your relationship with food? Listen now to gain clarity on what processed foods really are and discover simple ways to build a healthier plate.

Thanks for listening to Roots To Health!

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video. Dr. Craig Keever is a licensed pediatrician, but the content shared here is general in nature and may not be applicable to your individual health needs.

Stay connected and keep the conversation going:

🌱 Follow Dr. Craig Keever for more plant-based pediatric insights:
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozarkpediatrics/
📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkpediatric/
📍 Website: https://www.ozarkpediatrics.org/

🎨 Connect with Amy Keever for art, creativity, and inspiration:

Website for plant-based Cuisine : https://www.wildflowercuisine.com/
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykeevergallery/
📍 Website: amykeever.com

📩 Have a question or a topic you’d love to hear about? Send us a message or tag us on social media!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover Roots To ...

"What's on your child's plate today shapes their health tomorrow." This isn't just a catchy phrase—it's the reality facing parents navigating a food landscape dominated by processed options, clever marketing, and conflicting nutrition advice.

In this candid conversation, Dr. Craig and Amy Keever tackle one of the most challenging aspects of plant-based living: getting kids on board. Drawing from both clinical knowledge and personal experience, they unpack why the standard American diet has become so problematic for children, with unprecedented rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease appearing in kids at younger and younger ages.

The discussion moves beyond simply listing health benefits to address the practical hurdles families face. How do you handle school lunches when the cafeteria offers few plant-based options? What strategies work with picky eaters who turn up their noses at anything green? How can you navigate social situations like birthday parties without your child feeling left out? Each challenge is met with thoughtful, realistic solutions that acknowledge the complexity of family dynamics around food.

Amy shares kitchen-tested strategies that have proven successful, from creating visually appealing bento box lunches to involving children in meal preparation. The conversation explores how smoothies can serve as a gateway for introducing vegetables to reluctant eaters, and how children's taste preferences can transform surprisingly quickly with consistent exposure to healthier options.

For parents concerned about nutritional adequacy, Dr. Craig breaks down common misconceptions about protein needs and explains how plant-based eating can provide all necessary nutrients for growing children. The couple emphasizes that perfection isn't the goal—progress is. Whether your family commits to one plant-based meal per week or embraces the lifestyle fully, every vegetable-forward meal represents a win for your child's long-term health.

Ready to transform your family's relationship with food? Download our free PDF of kid-friendly plant-based recipes and join our supportive community of parents navigating similar journeys. Your family's health revolution begins at the dinner table—and we're here to help you make it delicious.

Click here for free downloadable PDF for Kid's Recipes! https://www.ozarkpediatrics.org/plant-based-resources

Thanks for listening to Roots To Health!

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video. Dr. Craig Keever is a licensed pediatrician, but the content shared here is general in nature and may not be applicable to your individual health needs.

Stay connected and keep the conversation going:

🌱 Follow Dr. Craig Keever for more plant-based pediatric insights:
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozarkpediatrics/
📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkpediatric/
📍 Website: https://www.ozarkpediatrics.org/

🎨 Connect with Amy Keever for art, creativity, and inspiration:

Website for plant-based Cuisine : https://www.wildflowercuisine.com/
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykeevergallery/
📍 Website: amykeever.com

📩 Have a question or a topic you’d love to hear about? Send us a message or tag us on social media!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover Roots To ...

Have you ever questioned whether dairy deserves its health halo? Dr. Craig Keever and his wife Amy challenge the dairy industry's marketing claims with scientific evidence and personal experience in this compelling episode.

The hosts explore how milk is primarily a sugar drink containing lactose that most of our bodies naturally stop digesting properly after infancy. They discuss how dairy contains significant saturated fat linked to heart disease, proteins that trigger allergic reactions, and hormones from lactating cows that enter our bodies through consumption.

Most surprising is the revelation about calcium absorption – despite America being one of the world's top dairy consumers, we have alarmingly high rates of osteoporosis. Meanwhile, the calcium in green leafy vegetables is more bioavailable than milk's mere 30-35% absorption rate. The hosts don't shy away from addressing the environmental devastation caused by dairy production, including the shocking fact that 50% of U.S. waterways can no longer support aquatic life largely due to agricultural runoff.

Dr. Keever candidly shares his journey from consuming dairy for 58 years to embracing plant-based alternatives, resulting in losing 100 pounds and significant health improvements. The episode offers practical guidance on delicious alternatives like oat milk (their personal favorite), soy milk, and pea milk for young children, while dispelling myths about soy's effects on hormones.

Whether you're curious about improving your health, concerned about environmental sustainability, or simply looking for tasty dairy alternatives, this episode provides science-backed insights that might forever change your relationship with dairy. Share your thoughts and experiences with us – we welcome all perspectives on this often controversial topic!

Thanks for listening to Roots To Health!

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video. Dr. Craig Keever is a licensed pediatrician, but the content shared here is general in nature and may not be applicable to your individual health needs.

Stay connected and keep the conversation going:

🌱 Follow Dr. Craig Keever for more plant-based pediatric insights:
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozarkpediatrics/
📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkpediatric/
📍 Website: https://www.ozarkpediatrics.org/

🎨 Connect with Amy Keever for art, creativity, and inspiration:

Website for plant-based Cuisine : https://www.wildflowercuisine.com/
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykeevergallery/
📍 Website: amykeever.com

📩 Have a question or a topic you’d love to hear about? Send us a message or tag us on social media!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover Roots To ...

Ever found yourself desperately scanning gas station shelves for anything remotely plant-based while traveling? You're not alone. Plant-based eating can feel particularly challenging on the road, but Dr. Craig Keever and his wife Amy are here to show you that with the right preparation, you can maintain your health-supporting diet anywhere your adventures take you.

From their amusing experiments with "flying by the seat of our pants" (spoiler: leads to greasy bean burritos) to their more sophisticated approach of packing their Vitamix and pre-prepped meals, the couple shares their hard earned wisdom about maintaining a plant-based lifestyle while exploring the world. They candidly discuss how their strategies have evolved over time, offering practical solutions for everything from weekend road trips to extended vacations.

The discussion covers essential apps like Happy Cow for finding genuine plant-based options (not just "places with lettuce"), equipment recommendations including specialized backpack coolers and stackable food containers, and communication strategies for working with restaurants to create oil-free meals. Their creative approaches to pre-trip food preparation and portable "hotel room kitchens" provide actionable ideas for travelers at every experience level.

What sets this episode apart is the balance between idealism and practicality. While committed to their health goals, Craig and Amy acknowledge that different destinations require different approaches—sometimes packing everything, sometimes enjoying the abundance of plant-based restaurants in places like New York City. Their framework helps listeners develop personalized travel strategies that honor both their health commitments and their desire to experience new places fully.

Ready to transform your travel experience? Listen now and discover how to maintain your plant-based lifestyle without sacrificing adventure, convenience, or flavor. Your future traveling self will thank you for the preparation!

Thanks for listening to Roots To Health!

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video. Dr. Craig Keever is a licensed pediatrician, but the content shared here is general in nature and may not be applicable to your individual health needs.

Stay connected and keep the conversation going:

🌱 Follow Dr. Craig Keever for more plant-based pediatric insights:
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozarkpediatrics/
📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkpediatric/
📍 Website: https://www.ozarkpediatrics.org/

🎨 Connect with Amy Keever for art, creativity, and inspiration:

Website for plant-based Cuisine : https://www.wildflowercuisine.com/
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykeevergallery/
📍 Website: amykeever.com

📩 Have a question or a topic you’d love to hear about? Send us a message or tag us on social media!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover Roots To ...

Take a journey beyond the dinner plate as we explore the comprehensive framework that creates true health and vitality. While nutrition forms the foundation of wellness, it's just one of six essential pillars that work together to create optimal physical and mental wellbeing.

Drawing from personal experience and evidence-based research, we dive into the exercise pillar, sharing how starting with just 5,000 daily steps can snowball into a transformative fitness routine. You'll discover why resistance training isn't just for bodybuilders—it's a longevity powerhouse that increases bone density and combats age-related muscle loss in as little as 20-30 minutes daily. Whether you're currently sedentary or already active, learn how to create sustainable momentum without overexertion or injury.

Sleep emerges as another critical component, with practical strategies for improving both quantity and quality. We discuss the disruptive effects of blue light on melatonin production and simple sleep hygiene practices that signal your body it's time to rest. The conversation extends to stress management techniques, from meditation to creative pursuits, acknowledging that discipline in these practices creates freedom rather than restriction.

Our exploration of avoiding toxic substances tackles not just the obvious culprits like tobacco and alcohol, but also considers how processed foods introduce similar harms to our systems. Finally, we examine how supportive relationships and community connections complete the wellness picture, emphasizing the importance of boundaries with relationships that drain rather than nourish.

Whether you're just beginning your health journey or looking to strengthen specific pillars, this episode provides actionable strategies for creating systems that support rather than restrain you. Subscribe now to continue learning how to build these pillars into your daily life for lasting health transformation.

Thanks for listening to Roots To Health!

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video. Dr. Craig Keever is a licensed pediatrician, but the content shared here is general in nature and may not be applicable to your individual health needs.

Stay connected and keep the conversation going:

🌱 Follow Dr. Craig Keever for more plant-based pediatric insights:
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozarkpediatrics/
📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkpediatric/
📍 Website: https://www.ozarkpediatrics.org/

🎨 Connect with Amy Keever for art, creativity, and inspiration:

Website for plant-based Cuisine : https://www.wildflowercuisine.com/
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykeevergallery/
📍 Website: amykeever.com

📩 Have a question or a topic you’d love to hear about? Send us a message or tag us on social media!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover Roots To ...