Food as Medicine Symposium speaker Dr. Russell B. Marz (’83) on diversified eating to improve emotion and cognition.
At the upcoming 11th annual Food as Medicine Symposium at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) on May 3-4, Dr. Russell B. Marz will present two talks examining the role of dietary diversity in promoting health and longevity.
In presentations for both the public and professional symposium tracks—titled “Eating a Diversified “Blue Zones Diet” for Your Microbiome and Your Budget” and “Your Mental Health, Your Microbiome and the Diversification of Your Diet”, respectively—Marz will focus on how specific food choices can support better health outcomes.
As a naturopathic physician, clinical nutritionist, and Chinese medicine practitioner, Marz has spent more than three decades studying the relationship between nutrition and mental health—with a particular emphasis on the gut microbiome and its influence on emotional well-being and cognition.
Several years after earning his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from NUNM in 1983, Marz returned as an associate professor for the Nutrition program, where he often discussed the impact of the “Blue Zones” diet on longevity.
With interest in the gut microbiome surging in recent years, he says it’s important to share emerging nutrition research with a wider audience.
In his symposium talk, he points to findings from the world’s five identified Blue Zones—regions with the highest per capita rates of people living into their 90s and 100s—where diets are rich in whole foods, phytonutrients and low in processed ingredients.
“It is as naturopathic as you can get—in terms of talking about diet and how that affects your microbiome, as well as our emotions, mood and ability to think clearly,” Marz said.
“The increased incidence of Alzheimer’s diagnoses is currently happening at an epidemic level, and we all need to get educated on how our gut microbiome may be affecting our mental health.”
After graduating from NUNM, he opened his first clinical practice, developed a line of science-based nutraceuticals, and authored “Medical Nutrition from Marz”, a comprehensive textbook on naturopathic medicine.
Marz has taught clinical nutrition at various naturopathic medicine programs across the U.S., including the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM), where he earned his master’s degree in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Today, he is CEO of Marz Nutrition and runs the Tabor Hill Clinic in Southeast Portland, where he specializes in naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and clinical nutrition, with a focus on digestive and metabolic disorders.
Considering nutrition “the most fascinating topic” across his professional interests, Marz emphasizes this year’s symposium theme, “Feeding Change: Community-Centered Approaches to Food as Medicine“, as a call to provide shared, sustainable health solutions.
“We also need to understand that ‘community’ is essential in the nutritional status of the people,” he said. “I hope participants will gain a newfound understanding of the gut microbiome and how it relates to the overall health of their minds.”
Written by Ashley Villarreal, Marketing Content Specialist
Editor’s note: The 2025 Food as Medicine Symposium, organized by NUNM’s Food as Medicine Institute, is set to take place May 3-4, with optional event tracks for both the public and healthcare professionals. Learn more or register today.
Founded in 2010, the Food as Medicine Institute provides evidence-based nutrition education to individuals, families, and communities while nourishing healthy relationships with whole foods and educates health care professionals on the use of food as medicine in the prevention and reduction of chronic disease.