A diet high in red meat has been touted to either fatten your waistline and lead to heart disease, or to transform you into a leaner, healthier version of yourself. So what's the skinny on eating red meat the healthy way? Beef, lamb, pork*, and venison provide quality protein, B-vitamins, iron**, and zinc. Depending on the cut, meat can be low in fat. When buying meat, pay … [Read more...]
Walking Meditation: You don’t just have to sit!
Deep mental relaxation is one of many health benefits associated with regular meditation practice. Other confirmed benefits include lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, reduced stress levels, improvements in sleep, and stronger immune function. Despite the many positive health associations with meditation, many people find it difficult to maintain a formal sitting … [Read more...]
Alleviate Congestion with Magic Socks
You'd probably never guess that a pair of wet socks could pull congestion from your head and stimulate your immune system. Sounds like hocus-pocus promoted by a traveling charlatan, right? Guess what. It really does work. Historically, this hydrotherapy was called "Wet Sock Therapy." At some point, a marketing savvy naturopath explained to young patients that the … [Read more...]
Fragrance Facts
“Fragrance” is a generic term found on the labels of the personal care products we use day in and day out: Products like shampoo, deodorant, lotion, and in our laundry detergent, dish soap, and makeup. But the term isn’t as innocuous as it seems. Each of these products may have a different scent, yet the labels simply indicate one descriptor: Fragrance. While companies are … [Read more...]
The Science of Bathing
Water is commonly employed to affect the human body using hot baths to relax muscles or ice packs to reduce swelling. In holistic medicine, water is also used as a healing modality to restore proper blood flow and ultimately restore the health of the blood and the whole person. Water is a miraculous substance because it can carry great amounts of energy and heat. It conducts … [Read more...]
Positive Affirmations
The words we tell ourselves and the messages we convey through our own thoughts can play a huge role in how we feel about the world, in our mental and emotional well-being, and even our physical health. Negative self-talk can actually be detrimental to your health. On the flip side, positive affirmations have their place in the big-picture of trying to live your best … [Read more...]
Take a Hike
Hiking takes you out of your usual routine, fills your lungs with fresh air, and lifts your spirits with the sights and sounds of nature. You might even forget that you're giving your body a powerful workout that has many health benefits. A regular trek on the trail is aerobic exercise that is good for the heart and lungs. A weight-bearing exercise, hiking strengthens bones … [Read more...]
Mercurial World
We live in a mercurial world, and that’s not a good thing. Although mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring element—found in the air, water, and soil—exposure to it, even in small amounts, causes serious health problems for adults and children. Mercury has toxic effects on the nervous, digestive, and immune systems as well as on the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. It is a threat … [Read more...]
Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Tips for Children
In an ideal world, kids acquire all the nutritional fuel they need from a healthy, balanced diet. But even with such a diet, there can still be nutrient deficiencies due to exposure to environmental toxins, illness, or poor health habits and lifestyle choices. Or, if your child is following a special diet that includes restrictions, they may be accidentally missing essential … [Read more...]
Immunity Boosting Soup
This immunity-boosting soup is made with a virtual garden of powerful ingredients that contain beneficial nutrients for your immune system: Turmeric adds a subtle flavor and a beautiful yellow color. The active ingredient is curcumin, a powerful antioxidant. Black pepper also has antioxidant properties. Cayenne pepper can clear congestion due to the … [Read more...]
