With the coronavirus pandemic continuing unabated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to postpone travel and stay home to protect themselves and others against COVID-19. If it is impossible to avoid travel, here are some suggestions regarding supplements that increase immunity and can be used to help prevent illness. Melatonin is… Read more »
This past year, we have collectively experienced profound physical, mental and emotional stressors that have pushed us all to the limits and disrupted our self-care routines. We fall back on our “comfort foods” and what’s easy. We tend to overindulge with sugar, carbs and alcohol, and our bodies feel the impact of the resulting added… Read more »
COVID-19 has forced us all to adjust to a new normal. Classes, meetings and happy hours are just a few of the former face-to-face interactions that are now done virtually – substantially increasing screen time. Initially, there was more optimism toward it. People were no longer burdened by their commutes, and their go-to pair of… Read more »
The body is an amazing and complex machine. It is comprised of several systems that all have to run in sync to operate at peak capacity. It is something we don’t give much thought or credit to unless there is a malfunction or breakdown that causes pain or incapacitates us in some manner. The lymphatic… Read more »
Happy New Year, my dear friends. I know on a collective level, most of us are glad to see the end of 2020. That in itself is a reason for celebration with the good, bad and the ugly behind us; we did it! I want to personally congratulate you on getting past the worst of… Read more »
In current culture, vitality is frequently associated only with youthful enthusiasm. In the field of naturopathic medicine, vitalism is the lifeforce, the spark within each of us. It was taught and passed down by our founders and is woven throughout our medical education. Unfortunately, the constraints of testing and diagnosing do not elaborate much on… Read more »
As I was walking through the forests of Big Sur during the holidays, taking a socially-isolated reprieve from work and daily life, I was struck by the magnificence of how light expresses itself in the forest. In some areas, sunlight illuminates the burnt orange leaves of Oak trees. Around another corner, it reveals itself in… Read more »
There comes a point in chaos where finding the silver lining becomes key to coping with it all. This positive focus helps us move forward while continuously facing a multitude of uncertainties. As a doctor specializing in naturopathic medicine with a research background, there have been many silver linings for me. One silver lining is… Read more »
The upcoming flu season is causing concern for many people, compounding their worries about contracting coronavirus. Fortunately, the same behaviors that prevent transmission of COVID-19 – avoiding in-person gatherings, physical distancing when in public and wearing face masks – also protect you from the flu. Flu statistics and projections. The flu affects 3-10 percent of… Read more »
This holiday season is a great time to experience much-needed light, laughter and celebration amidst the craziness of 2020. However, this excitement can also bring stress, especially in these uncertain times. Here are a few tips to help combat feelings of anxiety to have the productive and positive holiday season we all deserve. Harness the… Read more »
This year has taken a toll on us all. Many feel out of balance, and anxiety, stress, fear and depression are on the rise. Amidst the chaos, more people than ever are turning to meditation, yoga and other calming practices to help restore balance while adding peace and tranquility to their day. When considering self-care… Read more »
There comes a pivotal time for each of us, where our life changes. No one is immune to change, especially by unforeseen circumstances. Sometimes it may feel the change is for the better; other times, it may feel like we have lost total control. I have been through several impactful changes in my life. I… Read more »
The more I understand forgiveness, the closer I come to understanding that forgiveness is an inside job. It truly has nothing to do with the other person(s) or situation(s) which have done you wrong. Until you have done some serious and deep internal work, you may keep telling yourself that you have forgiven the other… Read more »
Perhaps there is no better time than the present to explore our creative potential. During this current pandemic, creativity can minimize lethargy and helps us find sustaining experiences and innovation. The challenge at hand reveals creativity to be an attribute some feel in plentiful amounts while others feel depleted. How can we express our creative… Read more »
Humans are creatures of habit. We have heard this time and time again, yet what does it mean? Psychologically, our brains are working to determine the most efficient ways to navigate our life and make it through our day. Some of us make thousands of decisions a day, and habits allow us to become more… Read more »
2020 has been a monster of a year, with shelter-in-place orders and constant, head-spinning policy changes. It’s no wonder people fall back to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as poor eating and drinking habits. In April, the World Health Organization issued a press release warning against alcohol consumption. At the same time, according to Nielsen ratings,… Read more »
Ashwagandha is a revered herb in India, and it’s a workhorse of traditional Indian medicine known as Ayurveda. Indeed, its name means “smell of horse,” both for its aroma and its ability to make one as strong as a stallion. Ashwagandha can be given to emaciated children to restart growth and to adults to increase… Read more »
The medicinal mushroom craze has arrived. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine for their potent health benefits, these superfoods can now be found, not only in health food stores, but also in coffee shops serving up chaga chais, cordyceps lattes, and lion’s mane matcha teas. There is even the “Shroom Room” in Venice Beach, one… Read more »
As we continue to struggle with settling into the new norm, we know that establishing routines is important for our mental and physical health. This is especially true when considering diet and exercise. Even if you’ve let yourself go over these past few months, it’s never too late to get back on track. Remember, you… Read more »
Electrolyte hydration drinks are big business. The market is valued at $1.5 billion per year and growing due to increased awareness about health and fitness, along with a desire to avoid carbonated beverages. But before you gulp down a Gatorade or Emergen-C, let’s discuss what electrolytes are, whether you need to supplement them and potential… Read more »