May 9, 2024

Vitamin D Helps Support Cancer Immunity

A recent article titled, “Vitamin D regulates microbiome-dependent cancer immunity,” published April 25, 2024, in the journal Science, reported that vitamin D supports the growth of the intestinal bacterium Bacteroides fragilis in mice, which improved immunity to cancer. Bacteroides fragilis is also part of the human microbiome. It has been observed that the composition of the gut microbiome in people with cancer who respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapies differs from that of nonresponsive patients. Less Tumor Growth in Mice Among numerous findings revealed by the current research, mice that were bred to have greater vitamin D availability showed improved […]
May 8, 2024

Heart Health: Top 5 Foods for Blood Pressure

Hypertension, a common cardiovascular concern affecting 1.3 billion people worldwide, is also called high blood pressure. It’s a condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management with a focus on preventive care. While medication plays a crucial role, dietary choices can significantly impact your blood pressure levels and should be a first line treatment. In this article, we explore five Foodtrients® foods that provide blood pressure management benefits that you can start incorporating today! Before we dive into the foods you should be including, be sure that you have a plan to know your numbers and have meaningful discussions with […]
May 7, 2024

Sacred Cow: Making a Case for (Better) Meat 

We’re told that if we care about our health—or our planet—eliminating red meat from our diets is crucial. That beef is bad for us and cattle farming is horrible for the environment. But science says otherwise. Beef is framed as the most environmentally destructive and least healthy of meats. We’re often told that the only solution is to reduce or quit red meat entirely. But despite what anti-meat groups, vegan celebrities, and some health experts say, plant-based agriculture is far from a perfect solution. In Sacred Cow: The Case For (Better) Meat, registered dietitian Diana Rodgers and former research biochemist […]
May 7, 2024

Loma Linda Is Hot ‘Blue Zone’ for Longevity

This is the second part in our 5-part series (Part 1: Okinawans Know the Secrets of Long Life) on life in the “Blue Zones,” where people live longer, healthy lives. Each part will look into the diets and lifestyles of the areas where longevity is a normal part of aging better. Who doesn’t want to know their secrets? Loma Linda is a city within San Bernardino County, California, with just over 24,000 residents. It is considered a “Blue Zone” and is one of five regions in the world where the population has notably exceptional longevity. Loma Linda is a unique […]
May 7, 2024

The Pegan Diet Is a Menu for Aging Better

Functional medicine practitioner Mark Hyman, M.D., dedicates his new book, The Pegan Diet: 21 Practical Principles for Reclaiming Your Health in a Nutritionally Confusing World, to “the confused eater committed to better human and planetary health.” We are all probably a bit confused about what to eat to stay healthy these days. Nutritional advice is, at best, conflicting, and at worst, confusing. Dr. Hyman attempts to cut through the clutter with his “un-diet—a simple set of principles blending science and common sense into guidelines promoting health, weight loss, and longevity that can easily be adapted to any philosophical or cultural preferences.” […]
April 23, 2024

Women’s Health Over 50: Top 4 Labs You Need

Women’s health is a complex topic, especially as you age. A crucial area of focus for overall health and preventing chronic diseases is your nutritional status. If you are a woman over the age of 50, or you have someone in your life who is, it is important to stay up to date on labs that help indicate your health and nutrition status. As women age, the body experiences significant changes, including hormonal shifts, leading to a higher risk for chronic health issues. Consistently monitoring certain labs can offer insights into your health and guide you to prevent nutritional imbalances […]
April 23, 2024

10 Ways To Eat Healthy and Save Money

  Eating healthy on a budget is not just achievable, it’s an excellent way to energize your body and mind without straining your wallet! Changing your diet (for the better) and buy less expensive, yet still high quality foods is key.  You might be surprised to know that there are many relatively inexpensive foods that can actually improve your health.  A few of my patients shared some of the ways they were able to cut their food bills, and I’d like to pass those on to you – my readers.  I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well you […]
April 23, 2024

Feeling Anxious? Relax with Holy Basil

Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States. Roughly 18% of Americans have this condition and many go untreated. It’s actually estimated that about two thirds of those suffering forgo medical treatment. Many are concerned about the side effects associated with anxiety medications, and rightfully so. They’re not exactly risk-free. Luckily, there are a number of safe herbs that not only alleviate anxiety, but offer additional health benefits as well. Below, we’ll explore the anti-anxiety effects of holy basil, one of nature’s best stress-relieving herbs. Holy Basil Offers Multiple Health Benefits Holy basil has been used traditionally in Asia for thousands of years. […]
April 23, 2024

Want To Reverse Disease? Here’s How To UnDo It!

When you make a mistake on your computer, there’s often a very simple way to fix it: just select the “undo” option. It’s like magic – allowing you to reverse what you’ve done and proceed as if it never happened. If only there were as simple a solution to our health problems! Dean Ornish, M.D., has directed revolutionary research proving, for the first time, that lifestyle changes can often reverse—undo!—the progression of many of the most common and costly chronic diseases and even begin reversing aging at a cellular level. The Ornish diet was developed in 1977 by Dr. Ornish, […]
April 9, 2024

Here’s Your Guide to a Gluten-Free Pregnancy

It’s certainly common to worry during pregnancy. Things like what vitamins to take, what to eat, how much to eat and what to pay attention to when getting blood work done are just some of the common worries that women have. These questions carry even more weight for those of us who have celiac or gluten-intolerance. A few months ago, I shared my personal journey regarding celiac, fertility, and successfully getting pregnant once starting a gluten-free diet. Because I was diagnosed with celiac just a couple of months before I became pregnant, I had lots of questions. Were there extra steps I […]
April 9, 2024

Spring Vegetables Are Ready for Action

After a very challenging winter (at least here in Southern California where we actually had blizzards that left ten feet of snow in the local San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains), we are so ready for spring! In most of the country, you can get most any vegetable any time of the year, because we import many items from places like Mexico and Central America. But beginning in March and April, spring vegetables are ready for action and local produce becomes readily available at markets—farmers and super. Here are a variety of spring vegetables that are especially sweet and delicious […]
April 9, 2024

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Us?

Ever wonder if all those too-good-to-be-true-sounding claims about apple cider vinegar (ACV) are true? Let’s break down the research! ACV is created from ripe, high-sugar apples that have undergone a fermentation process to convert the sugar to alcohol and then to acetic acid. Many of the health benefits of ACV are linked to the “mother” — a combination of yeast, probiotics, and enzymes created during the fermentation process. The “mother” is the cloud-like glob in the bottom of the bottle of many ACV bottles on the market. ACV has long been considered a cure-all in some traditional medicine circles, but […]
April 9, 2024

Fight Allergies and Inflammation with Nettles

You may have noticed nettles growing alongside your hiking trails and avoided them because of their notorious stinging bite. But next time you’re out, think about bringing some gloves to collect them – nettles are a nutrition powerhouse! Stinging nettles are one of nature’s many superfoods so read on to learn about the nutritional and healing benefits of this medicinal plant. Growing naturally in many areas of the world, there is good reason that nettles have been used medicinally in Africa, Asia, Europe and America for centuries. Chemical compounds have been identified in the roots, leaves and hairs of the […]