Columns Expert commentary and opinion pieces from industry leaders covering natural health, supplement science, regulatory policy, retail insights, and business strategy. https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/rss en-us When Evidence Meets Expectation: Rethinking Shatavari’s Role in Modern Women’s Wellness Systems As Shatavari expands from traditional Ayurvedic medicine into modern products to support fertility, menopause, and women's wellness, emerging clinical research highlights both its potential benefits and the importance of evidence-based positioning.

As Shatavari expands from traditional Ayurvedic medicine into modern products to support fertility, menopause, and women's wellness, emerging clinical research highlights both its potential benefits and the importance of evidence-based positioning.


]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/blogs/1/post/17999 Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/blogs/1-wholefoods-magazine/post/17999-when-evidence-meets-expectation-rethinking-shatavaris-role-in-modern-womens-wellness-systems Shatavari-root-GettyImages-1447834536.jpg The Future of Animal Health Supplements: NASC's Vision for Quality, Innovation, and Regulatory Clarity As the National Animal Supplement Council celebrated its 25th anniversary, industry leaders focused on initiatives that could shape the future of animal health supplements. As the National Animal Supplement Council celebrated its 25th anniversary, industry leaders focused on initiatives that could shape the future of animal health supplements.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18022 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:08:14 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18022-the-future-of-animal-health-supplements-nascs-vision-for-quality-innovation-and-regulatory-clarity NASC-conference-2026.jpg 2026 Leadership Spotlight: Amy Summers, Pitch Publicity wfcontribute@wfcinc.com Amy Summers, Founder and President of Pitch Publicity, believes the best leaders rise by lifting others along the way. Amy Summers, Founder and President of Pitch Publicity, believes the best leaders rise by lifting others along the way.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18014 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:51:35 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18014-2026-leadership-spotlight-amy-summers-pitch-publicity Amy Summers WFCover1_LMI_4006-2026.jpg 2026 Leadership Spotlight: Adel Villalobos, Entrepreneur & Founder wfcontribute@wfcinc.com Adel Villalobos has helped champion ideas that have become foundational to modern dietary supplement manufacturing, keeping in mind that "every mistake you make is an opportunity to get better." Adel Villalobos has helped champion ideas that have become foundational to modern dietary supplement manufacturing, keeping in mind that "every mistake you make is an opportunity to get better."

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18015 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:46:32 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18015-2026-leadership-spotlight-adel-villalobos-entrepreneur-and-founder imagem_2026-06-01_162031139.png 2026 Leadership Spotlight: Shane Durkee, Monterey Bay Herb Company wfcontribute@wfcinc.com The mission at Monterey Bay Herb Company (MBHC): to provide high-quality, trusted ingredients while helping customers innovate and grow. The mission at Monterey Bay Herb Company (MBHC): to provide high-quality, trusted ingredients while helping customers innovate and grow.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18013 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:38:18 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18013-2026-leadership-spotlight-shane-durkee-monterey-bay-herb-company imagem_2026-06-01_160144101.png 2026 Leadership Spotlight: Joshua Baisley, SGS Nutrasource wfcontribute@wfcinc.com Joshua Baisley, Head of SGS Nutrasource, brings a perspective grounded in technical expertise, clinical understanding, and operational integration to his role as company leader. Joshua Baisley, Head of SGS Nutrasource, brings a perspective grounded in technical expertise, clinical understanding, and operational integration to his role as company leader. 

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18016 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:35:12 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18016-2026-leadership-spotlight-joshua-baisley-sgs-nutrasource Josh Baisley 1.jpg 2026 Leadership Spotlight: Dr. Jennifer Gu and Mark Thurston, AIDP wfcontribute@wfcinc.com Discover how company leadership at AIDP prioritizes a collaborative team culture to encourage cross-functional support beyond defined roles. Discover how company leadership at AIDP prioritizes a collaborative team culture to encourage cross-functional support beyond defined roles.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18017 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:31:42 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18017-2026-leadership-spotlight-dr-jennifer-gu-and-mark-thurston-aidp AIDP-Logo-for-press-release.jpg The Summer of Advocacy heatherwainer@wfcinc.com The natural products industry makes its voice heard as policymakers debate supplement regulation and consumer access. The natural products industry makes its voice heard as policymakers debate supplement regulation and consumer access.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18007 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:11:47 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18007-the-summer-of-advocacy NPA-Fly-In-Day-2026.jpg Group photo of attendees at the Natural Products Association 2026 Fly-In Day in Washington, D.C., where dietary supplement industry leaders met with lawmakers to discuss DSHEA reform, FDA oversight, and supplement regulation. What's Selling: June/July 2026 info@wfcinc.com Take a look at the dietary supplements, organic foods, and clean beauty products driving natural products sales from coast to coast! Take a look at the dietary supplements, organic foods, and clean beauty products driving natural products sales from coast to coast!

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18008 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:10:48 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18008-whats-selling-june-july-2026 Grocery-Cart.jpg AI, Your Website, and The Great Dietary Awakening With so much digital noise competing for shopper attention, a simple, uncluttered website with clear messaging and a strong SEO, AEO, & GEO strategy is essential. With so much digital noise competing for shopper attention, a simple, uncluttered website with clear messaging and a strong SEO, AEO, & GEO strategy is essential.


]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18011 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:04:33 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18011-ai-your-website-and-the-great-dietary-awakening AI-website-strategy.png Herb of the Month: Fo-Ti The common uses for the herb fo-ti are vast, and it is often recommended for longevity, vitality, and full-body wellness. The common uses for the herb fo-ti are vast, and it is often recommended for longevity, vitality, and full-body wellness.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18012 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:52:10 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18012-herb-of-the-month-fo-ti fo-ti.png California Wine Festival: Sun, Sea, and a More Relaxed Kind of Wine Weekend nancy@trentandcompany.com The California Wine Festival in Dana Point showcased the evolving world of wine culture, featuring boutique wineries, ready-to-drink beverages, sustainable sourcing, wellness-focused experiences, gourmet food brands, and coastal lifestyle trends shaping today’s premium beverage market. The California Wine Festival in Dana Point showcased the evolving world of wine culture, featuring boutique wineries, ready-to-drink beverages, sustainable sourcing, wellness-focused experiences, gourmet food brands, and coastal lifestyle trends shaping today’s premium beverage market.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/blogs/1/post/17998 Sun, 31 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/blogs/1-wholefoods-magazine/post/17998-california-wine-festival-sun-sea-and-a-more-relaxed-kind-of-wine-weekend Wine-GettyImages-1444688753.jpeg Dietary Supplement Claims: Navigating Today’s Enforcement Trends From “clinically proven” challenges to Proposition 65 actions and pricing lawsuits, AHPA’s latest workshop explored how dietary supplement brands can strengthen claims substantiation, reduce liability, and stay ahead of mounting regulatory and litigation pressures. From “clinically proven” challenges to Proposition 65 actions and pricing lawsuits, AHPA’s latest workshop explored how dietary supplement brands can strengthen claims substantiation, reduce liability, and stay ahead of mounting regulatory and litigation pressures.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18018 Thu, 28 May 2026 15:07:59 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18018-dietary-supplement-claims-navigating-todays-enforcement-trends Herbs-Supplements-GettyImages-1937777000.jpg Eggs: The Protein Chameleon Powering Culinary Creativity Discover how the kitchen staple continues sparking recipe creativity while providing a dependable source of protein. Discover how the kitchen staple continues sparking recipe creativity while providing a dependable source of protein.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17990 Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17990-eggs-the-protein-chameleon-powering-culinary-creativity GettyImages-2249546340.jpg Rethinking Lactose Intolerance: The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics Explore what the science suggests regarding specific probiotic strains for lactose digestion and supporting management of lactose intolerance. Explore what the science suggests regarding specific probiotic strains for lactose digestion and supporting management of lactose intolerance.]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18004 Fri, 22 May 2026 10:15:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/18004-rethinking-lactose-intolerance-the-role-of-probiotics-and-prebiotics Yogurt-probiotics-GettyImages-2217529941.jpg Research suggests yogurt and specific probiotic strains may help improve lactose digestion, support the gut microbiome, and reduce symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. An Open Letter to John Oliver Blaming DSHEA for “gas station drugs” misses the real issue: enforcement gaps, not lack of laws, according to a dietary supplement industry perspective. Blaming DSHEA for “gas station drugs” misses the real issue: enforcement gaps, not lack of laws, according to a dietary supplement industry perspective.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17996 Tue, 12 May 2026 13:06:21 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17996-an-open-letter-to-jon-oliver Nutritional-Supplement-GettyImages-1423012730.jpeg Consumer Insights: Trends and Opportunities in the Microbiome Market With anticipated growth over 15%, the human microbiome market represents a huge commercial opportunity for suppliers, brands and service providers to address current and emerging consumer needs. With anticipated growth over 15%, the human microbiome market represents a huge commercial opportunity for suppliers, brands and service providers to address current and emerging consumer needs.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17982 Thu, 07 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17982-consumer-insights-trends-and-opportunities-in-the-microbiome-market Microbiome SIP.jpg Body, heart and stomach of a woman for health and wellness on a white studio background. Fitness, g. Beyond the Gut While gut health remains the top driver in the U.S., other motivations are emerging in the microbiome space. Explore the opportunities with prebiotics. While gut health remains the top driver in the U.S., other motivations are emerging in the microbiome space. Explore the opportunities with prebiotics.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17983 Thu, 07 May 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17983-beyond-the-gut Microbiome-Prebiotics-for-Wellness.jpg Defining the Future of Intimate Apparel nancy@trentandcompany.com Explore the 2026 trends shaping intimate apparel and the evolving priorities of both retailers and consumers. Explore the 2026 trends shaping intimate apparel and the evolving priorities of both retailers and consumers.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/blogs/1/post/17980 Fri, 01 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/blogs/1-wholefoods-magazine/post/17980-defining-the-future-of-intimate-apparel Loungewear-GettyImages-91766091.jpg The End of Scientific Advisory Boards… and the birth of Innovation Advisory Boards What are Innovation Advisory Boards (IABs)? Discover how IABs are driving product innovation in in the dietary supplements market. What are Innovation Advisory Boards (IABs)? Discover how IABs are driving product innovation in in the dietary supplements market.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17979 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17979-the-end-of-scientific-advisory-boards-and-the-birth-of-innovation-advisory-boards Dirverse-Groups-Innovation-GettyImages-2193212876.jpg Initial Prebiotics Monograph Marks Milestone for Prebiotic Category in Canada A new prebiotics monograph in Canada sets clearer rules for ingredients, claims, and labeling—marking a major shift for the NHP and supplement industry. A new prebiotics monograph in Canada sets clearer rules for ingredients, claims, and labeling—marking a major shift for the NHP and supplement industry.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17978 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:25:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17978-initial-prebiotics-monograph-marks-milestone-for-prebiotic-category-in-canada prebiotic-product-development.jpg Why Your Supplement Brand Isn’t Showing Up in AI (Even If You Rank #1 on Google) jane@knowagency.com Ranking on Google isn’t enough anymore. Learn why supplement brands are missing from AI-generated answers—and how to fix it with trust, authority, and clinical content. Ranking on Google isn’t enough anymore. Learn why supplement brands are missing from AI-generated answers—and how to fix it with trust, authority, and clinical content.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17974 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17974-why-your-supplement-brand-isnt-showing-up-in-ai-even-if-you-rank-1-on-google AI-Search-GettyImages-2096698682.jpg how AI selects trusted supplement brands for recommendations Food Synergy: The Ancient Wisdom Behind Modern Plant-Based Nutrition Explore food synergy, the art of eating real foods in combinations that nourish not just our bodies, but our connection to the earth and to the generations of wisdom that came before us. Explore food synergy, the art of eating real foods in combinations that nourish not just our bodies, but our connection to the earth and to the generations of wisdom that came before us.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/blogs/1/post/17973 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:53:18 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/blogs/1-wholefoods-magazine/post/17973-food-synergy-the-ancient-wisdom-behind-modern-plant-based-nutrition food-synergy-GettyImages-984300844.jpeg The Stakes Are Higher for Consumers Right Now Smart self-care, science-backed supplements, and testing: Organic & Natural Health outlines a prevention playbook for 2026. Smart self-care, science-backed supplements, and testing: Organic & Natural Health outlines a prevention playbook for 2026.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17964 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:15:55 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17964-the-stakes-are-higher-for-consumers-right-now Preventative-Health-GettyImages-1609991495.jpeg Beyond Better-for-You: The New Rules of Natural at Expo West 2026 nancy@trentandcompany.com Explore 14 cutting edge trends (and the brands that deliver!) from Natural Products Expo West 2026. Explore 14 cutting edge trends (and the brands that deliver!) from Natural Products Expo West 2026.


]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/blogs/1/post/17969 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:04:49 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/blogs/1-wholefoods-magazine/post/17969-beyond-better-for-you-the-new-rules-of-natural-at-expo-west-2026 2026-Trends-GettyImages-2243635170.jpg Herb of the Month: Curry Curry leaves are celebrated for their culinary versatility and their medicinal uses. Curry leaves are celebrated for their culinary versatility and their medicinal uses.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17945 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17945-herb-of-the-month-curry GettyImages-956693940.jpg How to Value Retail Health-Food Store Businesses Starsend24@gmail.com There will come a day when you need to know the value of your natural-products business. Here's help. There will come a day when you need to know the value of your natural-products business. Here's help.


]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17948 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17948-how-to-value-retail-health-food-store-businesses Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3.21.50_PM.png What's Selling: April 2026 info@wfcinc.com Take a look at the dietary supplements, organic foods, and clean beauty products driving natural products sales from coast to coast! Take a look at the dietary supplements, organic foods, and clean beauty products driving natural products sales from coast to coast!

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17944 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:44:29 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17944-whats-selling-april-2026 GettyImages-2200805864.jpg Smarter Search for Smarter Business: Introducing Ask WholeFoodsMag AI This new feature is designed to help you quickly access the depth of knowledge contained within the WholeFoods Magazine editorial archive. This new feature is designed to help you quickly access the depth of knowledge contained within the WholeFoods Magazine editorial archive.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17942 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:25:08 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17942-smarter-search-for-smarter-business-introducing-ask-wholefoodsmag-ai Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3.28.05_PM.png Highlights from the 2026 Integrative Healthcare Symposium nancy@trentandcompany.com Integrative health is no longer on the fringes; it’s actively redefining prevention, performance, and patient care. Integrative health is no longer on the fringes; it’s actively redefining prevention, performance, and patient care.

]]> http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17940 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/17940-highlights-from-the-2026-integrative-healthcare-symposium Mind-Body-Integrative-Wellness-Health-GettyImages-823901192.jpeg