About Lifestyle Medicine
SALMA aims to establish and expand the practice of Lifestyle Medicine in South Africa by providing resources, facilitating certification and providing support to its members.
What is lifestyle medicine?
Pillars of change
Physical Activity
Recommendations support 75 -300 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week.
Healthy Eating
Lifestyle Medicine supports the use of a whole food plant-based diet as treatment for lifestyle-related chronic disease, which increases the intake of nutrient dense, antioxidant rich foods.
Stress Management
Mind-body and cognitive behavioral therapies have been associated with improvements in immune function, chronic pain, anxiety and depression.
Avoidance of Risky Substances
The presence of an addiction or risky use doubles the risk of chronic diseases.
Restorative Sleep
The recommended hours of sleep are 7-8 hours each night.
Positive Social Connections
Positive moments of social connection correlate with positive physiological responses.
We are excited to invite you to our August Webinar!
AUGUST 2026 Webinar
Join us for an insightful webinar with Mia Lombard!
We are delighted to welcome Mia Lombard, Mia is an MSc Med Neuroscience graduate from the University of Cape Town, with training in psychiatric genetics and epigenetics. Her academic work focused on how early-life environments – particularly maternal psychological distress during pregnancy – can influence child neurodevelopment and mental health through epigenetic pathways. This work shaped her passion for translating complex neuroscience into practical, evidence-based strategies. She now applies this knowledge through neuroscience-informed academic coaching, supporting students to strengthen cognitive skills, executive functioning, and overall wellbeing by bridging science and everyday, actionable solutions.
In this session, you’ll:
- Describe the prevalence and clinical relevance of maternal psychological distress in South Africa and other LMICs.
- Explain how prenatal psychological distress may influence child neurodevelopment and mental health through epigenetics.
- Interpret key findings from a South African birth cohort study linking maternal distress to early language development outcomes.
- Recognise pregnancy as a biologically sensitive window in which maternal mental health may influence child health outcomes via epigenetic mechanisms.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to apply neuroscience-informed strategies to support healthier lifestyles!
MISSED OUT ON OUR WEBINAR?
WATCH it here….
What is Lifestyle Medicine?
WHAT WE OFFER
Education
We provide CPD accredited education for medical and health professionals to support the integration of Lifestyle Medicine into their practices
Certification
Membership
Join the Lifestyle Medicine movement and support us to advocate for a change in healthcare so together we can address the underlying drivers of non-communicable diseases in South Africa.
Find a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Health Professional
Lifestyle medicine certified clinicians have specialised knowledge in the practice of lifestyle medicine. They are trained to apply evidence-based, whole-person, prescriptive lifestyle change to treat and, when used intensively, often reverse chronic conditions including, but not limited to obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
FEATURED ARTICLES
Whats new…
Dietary Fibre: A Simple Strategy with Profound Health Benefits
By Dr Lydia Altini MBBCh DipIBLM NBCHWC “No western disease has been reported to be other than rare or uncommon in communities subsisting largely on foods rich in starch and fibre and low in fat, salt and sugar.” Dennis Burkitt, MD As a medical student, I remember...
Digital Overload: How screen time is disrupting sleep, stress and mental health
By Amanda Oakes-Cornellissen Living in a hyperconnected world In today’s digital age, screens have become inseparable from daily life – used for work, education, social connection, and entertainment. However, what was once a tool for convenience has increasingly...
TLC Calming Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup
TLC Calming Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup (From TLC Lifestyle Medicine and Stress Management 21-day Whole Body Reset Challenge) Sweet Potato soup – a warm, comforting soup made with sweet potatoes, ginger and cumin– all known for their mood boosting properties....
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
There’s something quite luxurious about its simplicity, just a few whole-food ingredients transformed into an indulgent Chocolate Avocado Mousse for you to enjoy. Makes 2 to 4 servings Ingredients: 2 large avocado 3/4 tablespoon of almond milk (or any plant-based...
The Power of Lifestyle Medicine to Restore Health
By Dr David Glass We fall and scrape our knees, and a few weeks later, the scars are barely visible. We slip off a rock and land hard on our chest, breaking a rib. For a few weeks, we have to sleep at night lying propped up in bed because of the pain. But six...
Summer Bean Salad
As the summer temperatures go up, refreshing ingredients and bright flavours become more appealing. This bean salad combines grilled veggies with a herb-filled dressing to make a delicious plant-based bite. Beans of all varieties are a great way to get in plant...