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

Exercise

Physical Activity

Recommendations support 75 -300 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week.

Plant-Based Diet

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 February webinar!

FEBRUARY Webinar

Join us for an insightful and inspiring webinar with Dr Nyasha Gogoma, President of the South African Lifestyle Medicine Association. A passionate advocate for primary care and preventative health, Dr Gogoma combines her medical expertise with practical, evidence-based lifestyle strategies to help people lead healthier, happier lives. 

In this webinar, you will: 

– Explore the origins and evolution of Lifestyle Medicine

– Understand its impact and relevance in South Africa in 2025

– Gain insight into the 6 core pillars of Lifestyle Medicine

– Learn more about the South African Lifestyle Medicine Association and other African societies

 – Discover how to become a certified Lifestyle Medicine practitioner

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and be part of the Lifestyle Medicine movement! 

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

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International Board Certification

Obtaining Board Certification from the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine demonstrates your competency in Lifestyle Medicine to an internationally recognised standard.

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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.

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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…

Title: Fermented Foods: New craze or true evidence?

Title: Fermented Foods: New craze or true evidence?

By Dr Odette Vos Fermented foods have in recent years, taken social media and the food industry by storm. They have been linked to gut health and improving the gut microbiome, a relatively new and growing topic in the medical field itself. I have enjoyed experimenting...

Vegan Mexican Fiesta

Vegan Mexican Fiesta

        By Dr Megan Michaux This Mexican Fiesta recipe brings all the delicious flavours of Mexican food to life while being plant-based, high in fibre, and providing a great amount of protein. Mexican favourites like guacamole, salsa, and vegan...

Plant-Based Diets Could Cut Costs in South Africa

Plant-Based Diets Could Cut Costs in South Africa

Written by Dr Roxie Becker “Healthy” lifestyle choices are often equated with buying food from Woolworths, only eating organic food, and drinking bottled water, and essentially only for the rich and privileged. Why should we even speak about eating healthy food with...

Home-made Sauerkraut Recipe

Home-made Sauerkraut Recipe

Sauerkraut, a traditional German dish, is made from fermented cabbage and has been a staple in diets worldwide for centuries. Not only is it incredibly easy to make at home, but it also comes with an array of health benefits, particularly for gut health. Let's dive...

Exercise: The Gateway to Lifestyle Change

Exercise: The Gateway to Lifestyle Change

By Dr Megan Michaux The implementation of behaviour changes associated with the pillars of lifestyle medicine is an effective way to improve health and wellbeing. However, bridging the gap between behaviour change theory and the practical ways to make the change...