Nutritional deficiencies are very common in the general population and may be even more prevalent in people who suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease. Optimal nutrition–including vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, coupled with weight loss, increased exercise, smoking cessation and moderate restriction of alcohol and caffeine–can help prevent and control nutritional deficiencies in… Read more »
A landmark study by the National Institutes of Health confirmed that acupuncture provides pain relief and improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee. They concluded that the modality serves as an effective complement to standard care. The study—the longest and largest randomized, controlled phase III clinical trial of acupuncture ever conducted— was funded… Read more »
Over 100 forms of arthritis have been identified, and one in five (22%) of all adults in the United States report having doctor-diagnosed arthritis. 50% of people over age 65 are currently being treated for arthritis–a staggering statistic. At the core of any natural treatment for arthritis is reduction of inflammation and effective control of… Read more »
You don’t have to go far for a little sweat this time of year, but sometimes a “good sweat” is what you really need. Many think that the best part of sweating is ridding your body of toxins, but that is not always the case. Sweat does contain trace amounts of toxins, says Dr. Dee… Read more »
Longevity, as understood in the West, relates to the duration of life. It doesn’t always consider the quality of that long life. Longevity, or “Chang Shou,” in China is used to connote the length in years and the blessings of having quality of life unmarred by pain, disease and stress. In looking for ways to… Read more »
There is little doubt that health care in the future will be patient centered, personalized and focused on improving function throughout the body and not just addressing symptoms. The days of “one size fits all” treatment plans are coming to an end. Health care is moving away from simply naming a disease and treating the… Read more »
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the US. Growing scientific evidence supports plant-based, or vegan, diets in halting and even reversing cardiovascular disease. There is also increasing interest among the public about the purported health benefits of vegan diets, in part due to many celebrities who have publicly gone vegan. With… Read more »
The science of Chinese nutrition dates back some 6000 years and is based on the idea that the healing properties of foods can correct disharmonies within the body and promote health. These properties are: temperature (hot/cold/warm); taste (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, pungent or bland); drying or lubricating; and the energetic action as a result of… Read more »
The American diet is filled with calorie-rich and nutrient-poor foods. No wonder there is an epidemic of childhood obesity, ADD/ADHD, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. People are overweight yet nutritionally starving! So what can we do about this crisis? The answer starts with your fork! When talking about nutrition with my patients, I always tell… Read more »
Lyme disease is grabbing headlines nationwide. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) new Lyme disease cases are 4 times more common annually than new cases of HIV/AIDS. It is also thought to be the leading cause of ‘vector-borne’ infections in the U.S. Lyme disease is defined as an infectious illness that results from… Read more »
March is National Nutrition Month and the theme this year is “Revamp Your Plate.” The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is encouraging Americans to follow the guidelines set forth by the USDA’s new MyPlate graphic that illustrates half your plate should be fruits and vegetables, one fourth lean protein and one fourth whole grains. MyPlate… Read more »
Winter and spring are challenging for a person like me for two reasons: the cold weather does not agree with my joints; and my practice is busier during this season due to the influx of desert visitors. As a massage therapist, I give 30 massages a week, approximately 6- 60 minute massages , 5 days… Read more »
When you plan your next meal, don’t forget to include some raw broccoli and a few strawberries…they may just save your life. Heart attack, cancer, stroke and respiratory disease are the leading causes of death in the U.S., and for the most part these conditions are easily preventable. Sulforaphane, diindolylmethane and ellagic acid are three… Read more »
The first official day of spring is March 20th. It marks a time to welcome the beautiful hues and heady aromas nature provides. Morning Glories, Lilacs, Pansies and Lavender open their blooms and thrive. The benefits of Lavender are that it adds beauty to a table in the form of a fresh or dried bouquet,… Read more »
Spring symbolizes rebirth and change. As we reflect on new beginnings, we are motivated to restore and refresh our own lives. Spring cleaning around the house or garage creates a sense of satisfaction, and a fresh start to the new season. Similarly, a colon hydrotherapy cleanse gives our bodies a fresh start, creating that same… Read more »
Many health experts are using a new term to describe the combination of diabetes and obesity called ‘Diabesity’. It is now believed that Diabesity may be the largest epidemic the world has ever faced. Some estimates predict the total number of individuals with “obesity induced diabetes” will reach 366 million worldwide by 2030, with an… Read more »
Diabetes can be managed and prevented with food choices. It sounds simple, but old habits are hard to change and people often don’t know the right choices for their specific requirements. Fortunately, diabetes is one of two conditions for which nutritional counseling is covered by Medicare and most major medical insurance. Desert Health® sat down… Read more »
The art and science of health diagnosis is performed by health care professionals who consider two main bodies of information. First, the health care professional is told the subjective symptoms by the patient. This includes the patient’s medical history, and the nature of the symptoms, such as discomfort, pain, and how well various body functions… Read more »
The average American consumes 160 pounds of sugar each year and the inflammation that this produces can be a killer. In my book, The Family Guide to Naturopathic Medicine, Diabetic Syndrome (DS) is the term I use to describe this inflammatory disease that may affect up to two thirds of the U.S. population. People with… Read more »
Winter is the time when our skin gets the most dry and dull, and suffers a condition called “winter itch.” We moisturize as much as possible to keep our skin from cracking due to cold temperature. Understanding how your skin functions and what natural ingredients are most beneficial will help you choose the proper skin… Read more »