TAMPA, Fla. — March is National Nutrition Month and Tampa Bay resident Belinda Rodebaugh said the food she eats is like medicine.

What You Need To Know

  • Belinda Rodebaugh is a double organ transplant recipient

  • Rodebaugh has had diabetes since she was a kid and was diagnosed with kidney failure as an adult 

  • Almost 14 years ago she under went a multiple organ transplant surgery that she says helped cure her of diabetes

Rodebaugh said she started eating organic foods after experiencing a life-threatening situation. 

“I woke up one morning and my legs looked like elephant legs overnight,” she said.

In 1995, Rodebaugh was diagnosed with kidney failure.

She was told by doctors it stemmed from diabetes, a disease she was diagnosed with at the age of 5.

Thirteen years ago, she underwent a simultaneous multiple organ transplant surgery, receiving a kidney and a pancreas. She says the transplant helped cure her of diabetes.

Now, she’s committed to avoiding germs and eating healthy. 

While organic foods are more expensive, and hard for most people to eat only certified organic products, Rodebaugh claims her diet has helped her organs last longer.

“So many of the chemicals that are being sprayed on our food today are linked to illnesses and cancers,” she said. “Obviously, your organs are not going to last that long because everything you eat and do can take a toll on your body.

While she shops at certain grocery stores for organic food, like raspberries and blackberries, she also has a garden in her home.

“It’s an incredible source of magnesium so, its good to mix with the raspberries. And nutritionally, they are a good rotation in your diet,” she said.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, produce can be labeled organic if it’s certified to have grown on soil that did not use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. The USDA also has other guidelines for organic meat and processed, multi-ingredient foods.

Rodebaugh also said it's important to read the ingredients on the back of products at grocery stores to find the healthier option, even olive oil.

“So, since it’s one estate that’s made this, you know they are taking pride in what they are doing,” she said.

She believes what she’s buying is much more than just food or medicine. It’s what she needs to survive.

Rodebaugh started her own business as a wellness consultant to help others live a healthy lifestyle.