Archive for June, 2010

Food Chemistry News

June 30, 2010 Written by JP

When you think of the word ‘chemistry’ an image of a science lab filled with beakers, flasks and petri dishes probably comes to mind. But you don’t need a Ph.D., safety goggles or a white lab coat to apply the power of this science as it relates to food. There are already scientists hard at work doing research in the field of food chemistry. All we have to do is pay attention to the papers they publish in the medical literature. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Food and Drink, Nutrition | 9 Comments & Updates

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

June 29, 2010 Written by JP

I’m really excited about today’s recipe for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, I never thought of myself as the type of guy who could successfully pull off a dish like this. From a distance it just seems too exotic for a simple fellow who was born and raised in Southern California. But I’m equally happy to report that this particular recipe is very easy to make and lends itself well to leftovers and other interesting food combinations. Read more »


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Posted in Food and Drink, Heart Health, Recipes | 4 Comments & Updates

Natural Sinus Congestion Relief

June 28, 2010 Written by JP

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from chronic sinus headaches, today’s column is for you. Several weeks ago my wife was in the throes of a severe sinus headache that had lasted several days. Nothing we tried seemed to help drain her sinuses at all. That is, until she came across a home remedy on the Internet that was attributed to one Dr. Lisa DeStefano. Prior to trying it out we were both highly skeptical. But that soon changed. My Healthy Monday tip of the week is to apply rhythmic pressure to your ethmoid and vomer bone in order to promote sinus drainage. Details to follow. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Detoxification, Interviews | 10 Comments & Updates

Calcium Heart Controversy

June 25, 2010 Written by JP

I was recently asked whether supplementing with calcium increases the risk of calcium deposits in coronary arteries. If the answer to this question is “yes”, then a good portion of modern society could be compromising its cardiovascular system in an attempt to ward off osteoporosis. In order to give an up-to-date and fully informed response to this inquiry I immersed myself in a number of medical studies that have explored this topic. Read more »


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Posted in Bone and Joint Health, Nutritional Supplements, Women's Health | 19 Comments & Updates

Twitter Therapy

June 24, 2010 Written by JP

The topic of this week’s Twitter Thursday is the interplay between the body and mind. There is an erroneous perception out there that we have body related health issues and brain related health issues – the physiological and the psychological. However, an increasing body of research suggests that how we care for our body has both positive and negative consequences on many aspects of mental health and vice versa. Read more »


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Posted in Memory, Mental Health, Women's Health | No Comments;

DHEA and Women’s Health

June 23, 2010 Written by JP

In the United States we’re very fortunate to have access to a wide variety of “dietary supplements” that can be acquired without a prescription. However, this same availability can foster a less than serious attitude towards supplements. Many times the result is wasted money when consumers choose products that are inappropriate for their individual needs. In other instances, there can be more profound consequences such as drug-nutrient or drug-herbal interactions and, possibly, even side-effects that are directly attributable to specific natural remedies themselves. Read more »


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Posted in Bone and Joint Health, Heart Health, Women's Health | 1 Comment

Coconut Dessert Recipes

June 22, 2010 Written by JP

My wife and I had the pleasure of celebrating Father’s Day with my parents and sister this past weekend. It may come as no surprise, but the topic of health almost always pops up whenever we get together. The unfortunate reality is that some of the stories we discuss are rather sobering. For instance, my mother mentioned an old friend of the family who is now in her late 90’s. Apparently she’s lost much of her appetite so that her nutritional outlook isn’t very promising. This is particularly troubling because getting adequate nutrition is all the more important for seniors. This exchange with my mom inspired the following two recipes. Read more »


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Posted in Food and Drink, Memory, Recipes | 8 Comments & Updates

Herbal Tea Revolution

June 21, 2010 Written by JP

It’s not uncommon for me to have a glass of biodynamic or organic red wine with my evening meal. As I was planning dinner last night, I got to thinking about why I enjoy wine and also about the rather substantial number of people who can’t or choose not to include alcohol in their lives. That thought process lead me to a decision to brew a cup of chamomile tea instead of having my usual glass of Pinot Noir. I remembered a study from last year that described the anti-anxiety properties of chamomile. So I wondered whether this herbal brew could provide a similar soothing effect as I’d come to expect from wine. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it did. This experience is the basis for my Healthy Monday tip of the week: Drink more herbal tea! (1) Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Food and Drink, Heart Health | 8 Comments & Updates

Supplement Review

June 18, 2010 Written by JP

A question I’m frequently asked is whether nutritional supplements actually produce meaningful results or whether they are, in effect, expensive placebos. The answer to that question isn’t nearly as simple as some would like. But as an old boss of mine used to say, “It is what it is”. In my opinion, supplements should to be viewed from a holistic perspective. In practical terms that means that you need to establish the relative merits of each product based on individual circumstances and requirements. By applying this criterion, the efficacy and safety profile of what you take is likely to improve. Read more »


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Posted in Mental Health, Nutritional Supplements | 7 Comments & Updates

Twitter Treasures

June 17, 2010 Written by JP

Some health news practically begs to be told. This past week I received two emails and one Twitter message about a possible connection between higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of cancer. So my first item of business today is to review that data which comes courtesy of my favorite naturopathic physician in Oregon, Dr. Orna Izakson. Our second stop on this Twitter Thursday examines a proposed link between a specific type of fat and improved brain function in older dogs. That gem is brought to us by Dr. Michael Eades, a leading authority on living a healthy low-carb lifestyle. Last, but not least, there’s a new superfood recipe straight from the test kitchen of Dr. Jonny Bowden – the natural health guru to Hollywood and beyond. Read more »


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Posted in Memory, Nutrition | 2 Comments & Updates

Age Better

June 16, 2010 Written by JP

There’s no denying that our bodies and minds change as we age. This is evidenced in our appearance and in the way that our physiology copes with everyday activities. A passing glance in the mirror reveals a thicker midsection than we remember. A conversation at a dinner party is only partially understood because some of the dialog is spoken too softly. Even our favorite meals of yesteryear no longer hold the same appeal. Instead of being a source of comfort food, they’re now just a source of indigestion. Aging is inevitable. But there are some natural ways to slow down the process and, possibly, minimize the unwanted effects of growing older.
Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Diet and Weight Loss, Nutritional Supplements | 7 Comments & Updates

Indian Crispy Kale Recipe

June 15, 2010 Written by JP

Parents face many challenges trying to raise healthy children. Convincing kids to eat enough non-starchy vegetables is at the top of that list. This is no accident. Among other reasons, food manufacturers spend millions upon of millions of dollars “educating” the youth market on what’s cool to eat. But with a little creative parenting, there are ways of outsmarting finicky youngsters and junk food marketers at the same time. Read more »


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Posted in Detoxification, Nutrition | 8 Comments & Updates

Berry Season

June 14, 2010 Written by JP

Summertime is berry-time. This year, several encouraging studies have accompanied the seasonal influx of these succulent fruits. My Healthy Monday tip of the week is to include more fresh and frozen berries in your diet in the hope of reducing the risk of blood sugar and cardiovascular danger (metabolic syndrome), liver dysfunction, poor cognition and various forms of cancer. Read more »


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Posted in Food and Drink, Memory, Nutrition | 20 Comments & Updates