Have a heart for your heart

Have A Heart For Your Heart

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If February had a symbol, it would be a red heart. While it is beneficial to raise awareness of heart health, I believe it’s an area of health that should be consistently reviewed. Heart disease is the #1 killer in the US. Do you have a heart for your heart?

Have A Heart For Your Heart

As a Functional Medicine practitioner, I look at root causes. The standard American diet and a sedentary lifestyle are key players in heart disease because they lead to the physiological issues that put us at risk. Knowing about these and making choices to correct them will put you on a better path.

Chronic Inflammation – this plays a role in almost every chronic disease people have today. Inflammation is caused by excessive oxidative stress on our cells (think rust) which hinders the function of our mitochondria (energy factories). The heart has one of the highest concentrations of mitochondria of our organs, so it suffers the effects of inflammation more quickly.

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Be The Voice For Your Thyroid

Be The Voice For Your Thyroid

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I see an increasing number of people with symptoms that they think are just part of getting old. But those nagging symptoms may be their body’s cry for support, no matter what their age.

When I was in school for integrative nutrition, I began to realize my body was sending me signals. I was cold no matter what the season, my hair was thinning as were the outer third of my eyebrows. And then there was the brain fog, low blood pressure, stubborn weight gain, dry skin, and history of PMS.

Do I Have A Thyroid Problem?

One area that is often overlooked is the small butterfly-shaped thyroid in your throat. This little gland is your body’s regulator. When it isn’t working well, many functions in your body can seem sluggish.

I suspected my thyroid and took the normal approach – making an appointment to see my doctor for lab work and physical. With those completed, my doctor’s conclusion was “you’re fine.” But I walked out of the office reviewing my symptoms, which had not been acknowledged and thinking there’s more to learn.

You see, the only thyroid-focused marker that had been run was Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. TSH is not actually a thyroid hormone but is released by the pituitary to signal the thyroid to release T4. It is not a reliable measure of thyroid hormone in your body.

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Natural Remedies For A Sore Throat

Natural Remedies For A Sore Throat

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We all know the feeling of waking up to a sore throat. No fun. Luckily, the ingredients you need to help you feel better might already be in your kitchen. Here are a few easy ways I have found to relieve some of the swelling and pain with natural remedies for a sore throat.

A Spoon of Honey

Honey is naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, making it the perfect remedy for a sore throat. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it tastes delicious. Any raw honey works, but certain types – such as manuka honey — contain a higher percentage of antimicrobial properties. Swallow a teaspoon of honey or mix it in some warm water and drink. 

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Working Against Your Thyroid

Is A Daily Habit Working Against Your Thyroid?

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We all brush our teeth, but how selective are you about the toothpaste you use? Oral hygiene is important, but did you know that there can be ingredients in toothpaste that can harm your health? Contrary to popular belief, fluoride is not as good for you as you thought. Today we want to talk about – is a daily habit working against your thyroid?

What Is Fluoride?

Think back to high school chemistry. Fluorine is a halide on the periodic table, and fluoride is the negative ion of fluorine. Fluoride is actually a toxic byproduct of the aluminum and fertilizer industries. Studies indicate that fluoride is a neurotoxin that decreases the IQ of children. Not only that, but 50% of what you ingest accumulates in your body.

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How To Get Back On Track

How To Get Back On Track

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Nothing feels better than knowing that you’re progressing in your wellness journey. Yet the holidays can throw a wrench into your progress with delicious baked goods and traditional meals. There really is nothing wrong with those in moderation, but sometimes a few too many treats can cause you to stray from your path.

Just in case you feel you may have strayed and are having trouble finding your way back, here are five tips that can help you get back on track to continue your wellness journey.

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Savor the Season - Practical Tips for Slowing Down

Savor the Season – Practical Tips for Slowing Down

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From delicious, fancy dinners to spending quality time with loved ones, there’s nothing better than this time of year. However, it all seems to pass by so quickly, and before we know it, we’re back to work and feeling just as burnt out as before. What if we were to slow down the pace? Here are a number of ways to savor the season with practical tips for slowing down.

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4 Tips For Staying Healthy Through The Holidays

4 Tips to Stay Healthy Through the Holidays

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While the holidays can bring out joy and excitement, there is also more stress from added demands on schedule, finances, and travel plans. Though these stressors can take a toll on your mental and physical health, I have good news! It doesn’t have to drag you down. Approach this time of year with 4 tips to stay healthy through the holidays. Read more

Health Benefits of Gratitude

More Than Saying Thank You – Benefits of Gratitude

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Gratitude fuels happiness. Shifting your thoughts to things for which you are grateful, can help you see the joy in life, even if it’s just the little things. Practicing gratitude not only improves your spiritual and mental well-being but also improves your health. Here are some health benefits of gratitude and tips on how you can practice it daily. Remember, it’s more than saying thank you! Read more

Bile Is As Important As Probiotics

Did You Know Bile Is As Important As Probiotics?

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When digestion works, we tend to go through life oblivious to what’s happening in our bodies. And when it doesn’t work, we look for relief. In this case, I’m pretty sure you don’t think much about bile, yet bile is as important as probiotics. 

Bile has many important roles in our bodies. It emulsifies and digests fat, breaking it down into small particles that can be absorbed by the small intestines. It also helps escort toxins and excess hormones from the body and protects the health of the digestive system. Read more

Do You Have Leaky Gut?

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While some fences are effective even when you can see through them, others are only effective when they form a full barrier. This is the case for the junction between your small intestines and your bloodstream. When this internal fence isn’t tight, you have what is called “leaky gut” and this can lead to downstream dis-ease. Do you have leaky gut?

What Is Leaky Gut?

Our gut barrier has the job of letting nutrients into the body while keeping toxins, viruses, parasites and unfriendlies out. When its integrity is impaired, harmful organisms or substances can leak into the bloodstream. Hence the term leaky gut. Read more