I was asked this week to speak about the effects of genetically modified foods on the cardiovascular system for a group of health care providers and the public. Was I shocked to learn that eating GMO foods can increase the rate of heart attacks, strokes, and bypass surgeries in multiple medical studies in humans? No … Read more
Hydrogen Peroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent. So, considering that this is a health-oriented site and not a chemistry textbook, why would this matter? The answer is relatively simple: In a world where we circulate lists of “The Dirty Dozen” foods in the produce aisle, focus on organic food and the combination of toxins and … Read more
Our bodies need food to restore and replenish themselves. But paradoxically, intermittent fasting can actually help your cells revitalize and rejuvenate. Occasionally depriving your cells of food—say, for twelve to sixteen hours at a time one day a week—can support better function of the mitochondria, the powerhouse that generates energy for the cells and can help … Read more
If springing to your feet causes you to feel light-headed, see black or white spots, or nearly keel over, you may have orthostatic hypotension. Put simply, orthostatic hypotension—orthostatic means “standing upright” and hypotension means “low blood pressure”—is the body’s temporary inability to adjust to changes in gravity. Usually when we stand up, our bodies automatically … Read more
The right food at the right time can get you ready for a good night’s sleep. Can’t sleep through the night? If you find yourself tossing and turning instead of sleeping soundly, you are not alone. Experts say that at least once in our lives, most of us will suffer from severe insomnia. But before … Read more
Raise your hand if you’ve ever dreamed of using a juice fast to lose your love handles or compensate for holiday excesses. You’re not alone. Americans spend more than $100 million on cleansing and detoxifying products in an effort to lose weight, gain energy, or purify themselves of harmful toxins, according to market research firm … Read more
It seems like everywhere you look there’s another food package labeled “gluten-free”. Is this the latest food fad or is this really a healthy choice for you? And what is “gluten free,” anyhow? There is a lot of confusion in both the media and the grocery aisle, and as you read on, I hope to … Read more
Why do we use antibacterial creams and harsh soaps when acne begins deep inside the body? Acne isn’t just skin deep. Breakouts, pimples, and deep cystic eruptions are actually signs of inflammation in the body. Typically, we develop acne when: Hormones fluctuate. We eat certain foods. We drink alcohol. We have irregular bowel movements. We … Read more
Anyone who has grown up with the cartoon Popeye has an image seared into their brain of Popeye defending Olive Oyl’s honor, his superhuman strength fueled by a can of spinach. While the cartoon’s nutritional depiction is, well, cartoonish, spinach is still a food your body desperately needs. I yam what I yam … Spinach … Read more
Gluten intolerance is not “just another food intolerance.” In fact, it is one of the most common genetically predisposed chronic inflammatory diseases driven by food. It is also frequently complicated by various metabolic disturbances and autoimmune processes. One of my patients, Mary, demonstrates the typical challenges people with this condition face. A 42-year-old woman dealing … Read more