The Roots of American Wellness

The American wellness movement has deep historical roots, dating back to figures like Sylvester Graham, who promoted dietary reforms in the early 19th century. Graham argued that lifestyle changes, such as consuming unprocessed foods, could address public health concerns without reliance on conventional medicine. His beliefs reflected an early version of wellness, with a strong emphasis on dietary choices impacting both physical and moral health. This theme of intertwining sound medical practices with questionable beliefs continues to persist, as seen through various wellness advocates in American history.