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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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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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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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

Rather than manage your stress, you may find greater benefit if you increase your stress resistance with your vagus nerve.

Increase Your Stress Resistance With Your Vagus Nerve

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These days it is nearly impossible to avoid stress. Many are looking for ways to manage their stress, yet you may find greater benefit if you increase your stress resistance with your vagus nerve.

What is the vagus nerve, you ask? The vagus nerve forms a bi-directional “super highway” between your brain and the majority of your internal organs. Vagus means “wandering” in Latin, an appropriate name for the longest nerve in the body that meanders around your chest and abdomen. Read more

Keep Your Body Hydrated During This Hot Summer

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With the summer heat comes a lot more sweating, and we lose more water than we usually do in the colder months. This makes it even more important to vigilantly keep your body hydrated. Since this can be a challenge for some, here are some helpful tips to make sure you stay hydrated this summer. Read more

Are Your Symptoms Aging or Inflammation?

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Do you have a friend (or two) who claims that “getting old sucks?” Many struggle with growing numbers of symptoms that they attribute to aging, but few realize that most of those symptoms are actually caused by inflammation. What about you? Are your symptoms aging or inflammation?

I firmly believe that many of the symptoms we attribute to age are avoidable. Some call this inflammation that comes with (or accelerates) aging “inflammaging.” Yet there is good news! With proper nutrition and lifestyle strategies, you can slow this inflamm-aging process and reduce your risk of health issues. Read more

Do you battle with stubborn weight? Perhaps you have tried different diet plans with some success, but don't realize hormones are at play.

The Battle With Stubborn Weight

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Do you battle with stubborn weight? Perhaps you have tried a number of different diet plans with some success, but you still hit a wall.  So you visited your doctor and were told to eat less and exercise more. I’m sure you have discovered that’s not your answer either.

While calories can influence weight gain or loss, it’s a more intricate system than most realize. There are a variety of hormones that influence the function of your body and the way it uses the food you consume. Read more

Do your summer plans include a pool or beach and sunshine? Summer sun means you need protection and not all sunscreens are good for you.

Summer Sun Means You Need Protection

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We are nearing the Memorial Day holiday, which many consider the official start of summer. Do your summer plans include a pool or beach and sunshine? Summer sun means you need protection. So how do you choose a sunscreen?

Time spent in the sunshine can be enjoyable and rejuvenating. Given that our skin uses sunlight to make vitamin D, that time is important for optimal health. After all, vitamin D isn’t made in skin covered with sunscreen. Did you know that vitamin D is a nutrient that acts as a hormone? It keeps inflammation in check, supports our immune system and bone health. Read more

Spring blooms can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Handle troublesome allergy symptoms and embrace the season with these natural approaches.  

Natural Tips to Handle Troublesome Allergy Symptoms

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After being cooped up all winter long, the warm weather draws us outside to enjoy the sunshine. Spring blooms also bring pollen, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. You can handle troublesome allergy symptoms and embrace this season’s full bloom with these natural approaches.  

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