
Dear reader, here is some excellent news about Costa Rica to lift your spirits.
What follows may surprise you in a good way. I guarantee you will not find this on any other Costa Rica website.
I will begin with a short story.
In 2003, in Canada, I had been doing weeks of rigorous study at university, including all-nighters, to get assignments done. I was extremely exhausted. In my rundown condition, I caught SARS.
Oddly, it settled into my spleen. I was treated for platelet depletion at the local cancer clinic at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario. One year later, I fully recovered. The specialist who treated me told me he’d never seen anyone recover from such a low blood platelet count. Such things proved fatal. Even he had to admit there had to be something to my immune-boosting diet. (Most M.D.s despise any mention of dietary effects on vitality.)
Aside from that highly unusual situation, I have rarely been sick, even during my many years in the U.S. and Canada during l-o-n-g winter months of cold and flu seasons. Growing up in Costa Rica with a very conscientious mother from Nicoya, Guanacaste, proper nutrition and an active, physical lifestyle were the norm. (Some of the world’s oldest citizens live in the Nicoya area.)
I was raised on brown rice and beans, fresh veggies, fruits, clear deep well water – and no sugary drinks. We were always encouraged to play soccer or work out in the nearby park or school gym. I was a national track star in my teens, as was my daughter decades later. Sickness remains a very infrequent occurrence.
As a spry and delightful 88-year-old widow, Mom now lives with me. I am returning her the favors.

Why am I telling you this story?
We have all been through a harrowing experience called COVID-19. Variants of the virus are still lurking to make us miserable and, in some instances, continue to claim the lives of the most vulnerable. In May of 2021, I had my COVID encounter with the Omicron variant. Eight days of struggle later, I was back to full function.
FYI: I was vaccinated months later but only did so to obtain travel privileges. I have no opinion one way or another I wish to express here about vaccines. If you believe in them, have at it. If you do not, fine. Such opinions are rooted in one’s frame of reference – like all opinions. What I am offering up here is another frame of reference that has been very thoroughly vetted and tested – over and over.
Please don’t shoot the messenger.
It has been abundantly proven by highly esteemed institutions and professionals that masks and social distancing do little or nothing to protect you. Nor do supplements such as vitamin pills although the latter may benefit in certain specific instances.
There are far more straightforward ways to maintain an adequate defense through a robust immune system. All evolved – not invented – by Mother Nature.
This is where the most significant benefit of living in Costa Rica enters the picture.
My quick point here is that living in Costa Rica presents one of the most robust defenses against all viruses or common chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, or arthritis.
I remind you again of all those Blue Zone Costa Ricans… the oldest living folks on the planet.
It all gets down to the sustained condition of your immune system.
98% of us are born with a brilliantly resilient autoimmune system. It puts forth a relentless and automatic defense against anything threatening our health. This fantastic natural phenomenon maintains its effectiveness through habits of adequate rest, a healthy environment, and proper nutrition. IE: Feed it unmolested whole foods, and then leave it alone to do what it does best.
Regarding the environment and nutrition, Costa Rica offers something superior to just about any other country on the planet due to its unique natural elements.
It has an optimal blend of meters-deep volcanic soils, topography, heat units, breezes, and near-perfect rainfall/sunshine patterns between two oceans. Violent storms are rare. All of it is compressed in a small country for local access or rapid transit of produce to your locale.
The world-famous Blue Zones, such as Nicoya, testify to how much these unique elements affect the population’s health here. It’s been going on for thousands of years!
Living in Costa Rica’s many peaceful and pleasant rural environments also dissipates lifelong stresses.
For many, stresses lodge deep inside, driving them to poor dietary habits and pharmaceuticals. Yet, the fundamentals of human health will never change.
To repeat: When we feed our bodies unmolested nutrients and allow them proper rest, our immune systems perform astounding feats of body self-protection.
Most diseases and viruses cannot ever prevail over an adequately supplied immune system. Period.
I am living proof.
Please read on and connect the dots.
Something to sink your teeth into.
Costa Rica’s countless farmer’s markets have fully ripened produce and are available only hours after being harvested from the field. The longer a veggie or fruit ripens in the soil, the higher its load-up of nutrients. That is even more significant here in Costa Rica because its meters-deep topsoil is laden with volcanic-sourced minerals. Billions of years in the making, the optimal cycles of sun and rain, growth, decomposition and re-growth in the country’s central agricultural sections also contribute to abundant year-round supplies of the best produce on the planet. Field to the table, fully ripened, in the shortest time frames.

There are many reasons ex-pats move to Costa Rica. Many sought to stretch limited healthcare dollars at an age where medical episodes are bound to increase.
The big surprise for many is that they effortlessly experienced improvements in their well-being and physical health just one year after moving to Costa Rica.
I encounter such highly grateful and surprised clients every year.
Many lose kilos of unwanted weight without any diets or extra effort. They notice a greatly diminished need for prescriptions. They sleep better. Have fewer aches and pains and a lot more energy.
They are happier!
All due to the relaxed lifestyle, climate, clean air, and the spectacular variety of fresh, field-ripened produce within easy reach. Fundamental, measurable changes for the better.

Some may take this for granted, while others have no idea how much this element of Costa Rica makes such a difference to your vitality and immune system.
Incidentally, immune health is seldom mentioned in the media due to no promise of profits, power, or prestige. (Big Pharma spends the biggest bucks on lobbying in Washington D. C. by a massive margin over the next vigorous influence peddlers.)
For the full story, take a short trip over to the following and find out how easily accessible a high quality of life really is for you.
This site is based on the incredible work of Dr. T. Colin Campbell, whom I have personally gotten to know since my first visit to his home in 2006. In July this year, I again visited him and his wonderful wife, Karen.


FYI: Weeks after my visit, 88-years young, unvaccinated Dr. Campbell and his wife Karen contracted covid for the first time while attending a conference. Neither encountered any severe symptoms. They resumed their robust lifestyles within a week—from practicing what they preach about nutrition and lifestyles.
Dr. Campbell’s 60 years of great work, books, and Netflix Special illustrate the simple way to vitality through the genius of nature.
And nature shines brightest right here in Costa Rica.
After “digesting” what you find on this site, https://nutritionstudies.org/topics/ you will no doubt view Costa Rica through different eyes.
Laura – c. 2023

In Costa Rica:
- The year-round climate is considered the best in the world.
- Retirement is less expensive than in the U.S., Canada, and the EU, so you can better enjoy your golden years.
- Costa Rica has areas with unique climates to suit every personal preference.
- Unique and abundant biodiversity offers unlimited, year-round visual stimulation.
A Costa Rica Residency Card gives you peace of mind and the essential feeling that you belong.
Where is Costa Rica?
The country of Costa Rica is in Latin America. The population considers themselves Americans. Geographically, Costa Rica is between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south.
