About Us

Who is Doc Dawa?

Douglas Margel, also known as "Doc Dawa," is a holistic physician, author, and entrepreneur with a background in chiropractic medicine. His work centers on the connection between nutrition and overall health and beauty. Doug has written books on the concept of nutrient-dense eating and the importance of diet for healthy hair, skin, and nails as well as developing a nutritionally-based metabolic approach to weight loss. He is also the founder of a health food company and has lectured at universities in Colorado.

‍Career and background

Holistic Physician: After graduating with honors from Western States Chiropractic College, Doug worked as a holistic physician for more than 20 years.

‍Educator: He has served as an instructor and guest lecturer at several higher education institutions in Colorado, including the University of Colorado at Boulder, The Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies, and the Colorado Mountain College.

‍Entrepreneur: Doug founded Crystal River Organics, a company that produced nutrient-dense foods. He also operates his own publishing house, DocDawa Publications, to share his wellness philosophy.

‍Traveler and Meditator: His interests include travel, particularly in Asia, and maintaining a personal meditation practice informed by his explorations of Buddhism.

Books

‍The Nutrient-Dense Eating Plan (2005): This book introduced the concept of consuming nutrient-dense foods to the American public. It emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods as a way to combat what Doug calls our modern cultural "eating disorder" driven by industrial agribusiness and processed fast food. The book presents a tiered approach with practical advice on shopping for nutrient-dense foods and includes many creative recipes.

‍Beautiful from Within: The Surprising Power of Nutrition for Hair, Skin, and Nails (2015):  (Written under the pen name D. Lewis) Details the nutritional foundations of healthy hair, skin, and nails using targeted nutrients, foods, and supplements. The book expands upon programs that Doug has taught to cosmetology and esthetician students.

The Nutrient-Dense Diet: A Metabolic Approach to Weight Loss (2015) (Written under the pen name D. Lewis) In this book Doug introduces the concept of "unlocking cellular dormancy" by using targeted nurients to optimize mitochondrial efficiency to produce more ATP in order to burn calories more efficiently, leading to weight loss.
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Business and products

‍In addition to his published works, Doug has been involved in several business ventures related to health and wellness.

‍Crystal River Organics: As the founder and CEO, Doug oversaw this company, which produced nutrient-dense food products.

‍DocDawa Publications: Doug established this independent publishing house to release educational content aligned with his work, including research into the history of the health and natural foods movement.