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 »
Most people know that B vitamins are “good” for your health, but why? If you don’t know, B ready to B informed. B vitamins are one of the most commonly deficient nutrients in Americans. Very common medications, such as cholesterol lowering medication (statins), oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, anti-biotics, and antacids, rob our body of… Read more »
Recently there has been a renewed interest in one of the most ancient of medical practices: cupping, or the application of suction cups to the body. Although we don’t know where cupping originated, as far back as 2,500 B.C. in China and Egypt cupping was highly respected as a treatment, and ancient Greek physicians practiced… Read more »
Diabetic neuropathy is defined as damage to the nerves that occurs due to long-term, unregulated high blood sugar levels from diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy, the most common form of diabetic neuropathy, is experienced as a loss of sensation, numbness, tingling or burning in the arms and legs. Toes and feet are the most affected areas, and… Read more »
The Coachella Valley Health Collaborative will kick off its 2012 Healthy Lifestyle Challenge on January 11. Almost 1,000 Coachella Valley residents have participated in the collaborative’s previous challenges. It is expected that more than 1,500 people will participate in the 2012 challenge. Geared toward local organizations, businesses and residents, the Challenge is a community call-to-action… Read more »
Many people have heard of the terms oxidative stress, antioxidants and free radicals, but may not understand what they really mean. The process of oxidative stress can be difficult to comprehend, but a basic understanding is very important. Oxidative stress is a general term used to describe the steady state of oxidative damage in a… Read more »
We live in a toxic world. Our air, water, land, and foods are loaded with toxic chemicals. A recent study of infants (blood drawn from the umbilical cord at birth), indicated that the average child at birth had over 250 different toxins. From an evolutionary perspective, these toxins are a relatively recent problem. Our current… Read more »
Color is known to affect our mood and emotions, but did you know that the colors in foods do more than just look tasty? I often tell my clients to eat a rainbow everyday, and here’s why… Colors in foods promote the expression of healthy DNA coding and are called phytonutrients – chemicals in foods… Read more »
Resiliency, the ability to move and adapt to our changing world, is what keeps us alive. This same quality is also what keeps us young. On the surface we look for resiliency in our skin as a sign of youth, but that resiliency is even more important in our organs and our joints. Over time… Read more »
The Fever Fallacy Contrary to popular belief, fevers are GOOD and a positive indicator that your body has the strength to fight off pathogens. A fever is part of your body’s defense mechanism and actually kills off bacteria and viruses that can’t live in higher temperatures. Fevers up to 104ºF are benign and of short… Read more »
Laser therapy is gaining worldwide recognition for its ability to reduce pain and enhance healing without drugs or invasive surgery.[sup]1[/sup] Low level laser therapy is safe, non-invasive and free of side effects. It speeds recovery time, increases joint flexibility and reduces inflammation. In 1917 Albert Einstein presented mathematical equations that were later used in the… Read more »
Today, we live in a world where stress erodes every facet of our lives. When stress becomes chronic, we are susceptible to a myriad of stress-related disorders, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), migraines, sleep disorders, depression, and chronic pain.[sup]1[/sup] In some cases, these illnesses can… Read more »
For many people over 40, episodes of fatigue are not uncommon. For many, having low energy is a chronic problem for which they’ve been to doctor after doctor trying to find a reason for their prolonged state of fatigue. Other symptoms may include depression, muscle pain, brain fog, weight gain, hypoglycemia, or digestive problems. Many… Read more »
San Diego Selected for Second Campus Bastyr University recently announced that it is establishing a new campus in San Diego and first classes will begin in Fall 2012. “We are thrilled to have secured a location for our Southern California campus,” said Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD. “To become the first regionally-accredited naturopathic… Read more »
Osteoporosis is a devastating consequence of aging. Post menopause, bones lose stores of essential minerals and calcium needed to remain strong. The progression toward osteoporosis is a quiet one, many women not even aware they are at risk. Bones are living tissues that go through a process of breakdown and remodeling that in a young… Read more »
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the basics of good health are a moderate lifestyle; a broad spectrum of cooked and fresh food and spices; regular exercise; adequate rest and relaxation; and a good attitude. In Chinese culture, these strategies are part of everyday life and Chinese herbs are a part of every meal. You may… Read more »
“When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath.” —Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika The body can go weeks without food, and days without water or sleep, but can survive… Read more »
As a newcomer to Coachella Valley I was delighted to find Desert Health[sup]®[/sup]. I see it as an informative health guide and applaud its role in bridging the gap between diverse medical professions. Since my arrival, I have discovered that most desert dwellers know little about Naturopathic Doctors (ND’s). To remedy this, I have prepared… Read more »
The power of the breath and its central role in health and longevity was something that the ancient Taoists verified more than 2,500 years ago. Now, centuries later, we know that breathing plays a very powerful role in energizing and detoxifying the body, and reducing the levels of pernicious, destructive stress. In our normal, everyday… Read more »