Barriers to Better Health

I recently watched the classic heartwarming movie “Swiss Family Robinson” about a family shipwrecked on a Polynesian island. Beyond battling with pirates and wild animals, they make a home and thrive on the abundant foods found on the island. There are no foods in bags or boxes…no food labels…nothing is processed. If we are careful… Read more »

The Greatest Health Influencer

If you have glimpsed at magazine racks in grocery store check-out lines lately, you know that “anti-inflammation” appears to be the latest and greatest health craze. Yet, anti-inflammation has been at the core of health care for centuries and addressing the cause has always been a core principle of naturopathic medicine.  So, while not the… Read more »

Liver Health 101

The liver may just be our most under-appreciated organ. It is commonly known as the star of detoxification, but what about its role in metabolism, digestion, nutrient storage, protein synthesis, immune function, hormone regulation and blood filtration? Protecting, supporting and regenerating your liver can positively impact your health in holistic ways as it works behind… Read more »

Medicine in Your Kitchen

Everyday food items have been used medicinally for thousands of years. By harnessing the healing properties of common foods found in our kitchens, individuals can access cost-effective, potentially effective therapeutic interventions. Allium vegetables (onions, garlic, etc.), cayenne pepper, vinegar, olive oil and turmeric offer a treasure of medicinal benefits that align with the principles of… Read more »

Seed Oils: Industrial Revolution to Health Revelation

You’ve probably heard the buzz – researchers and health professionals everywhere sounding off on the potential health risks associated with consuming industrial seed oils, such as soybean, canola, corn, sunflower and safflower oils. These oils, once heralded as heart-healthy alternatives to saturated fats, are now being scrutinized for their destructive effects on our brains, guts,… Read more »

The Healing Power of Honey

Honey is an extremely effective homeopathic treatment for a wide variety of ailments. It has been used in the treatment of disease for thousands of years, as evidenced by early Stone Age paintings depicting its use and extensive references in religious texts. Traditional medical writings outline honey’s use as a treatment of eye disease, bronchial… Read more »

A Love Letter to Chickpeas

What superfood is considered both a vegetable and a protein, and is probably sitting in the back of your pantry right now? It’s the beloved chickpea, which in my opinion could use a little more notoriety. Superfood, by definition, is when a food offers high levels of desirable nutrients that are also linked to the… Read more »

A Guide to Healthy Weight Gain

While health conversations predominantly revolve around weight loss, there is a frequently overlooked group whose goal is to achieve healthy weight gain. This includes athletes or fitness enthusiasts, patients recovering from illness or surgery, some elderly individuals, people with medical conditions that contribute to weight loss (e.g. cancers, gastrointestinal disorders, hyperthyroidism) and those who are… Read more »

Trending Towards the Greater Good

A shift is taking place in the choices we make about food. For generations, we’ve been influenced by taste, traditions and often our waistlines, prioritizing appearance, pleasure and personal satisfaction. But according to international advertising agency TBWA’s new Future of Food report, growing trends are putting people and our planet first. The fascinating compilation was… Read more »

Why and How to Go Organic

Why is today’s younger generation facing more chronic diseases such as joint pain, autoimmune, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular than our grandparents’ generation? What we are putting in our bodies on a daily basis has much to do with it.  Our bodies are built to process and receive all our nutrients from food, which should maintain… Read more »

International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference Returns

Registration is now open for the 11th annual International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference (PBNHC) taking place September 8-11 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert.  This annual CME-accredited medical event brings together health care professionals from around the world to learn the latest research on the power of nutrition to… Read more »

Go(A2)t Milk?

Maybe you are like me, and although you don’t have a full-blown diary allergy, you consciously consume dairy and have earmarked which forms affect you and how – stomach grumbles, maybe a bathroom trip and/or sinus congestion. I’ve tried alternatives, each with their pros and cons (taste being a theme in the con column) and… Read more »

Fiber: The Carb You Should Be Counting

Average American adults eat 10-15 grams of fiber daily, significantly less than the 22-34 grams recommended to prevent common health maladies including obesity, cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders and colon cancer. Current research supports even higher recommendations of 50 grams daily for ideal metabolic health, which includes optimal blood sugar (fasting glucose), triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, blood… Read more »