Epigenetics and you
In high school biology genetics is introduced as merely a game of human roulette, determining hair color, eye color, and what diseases you are most at risk for developing. A common lab activity is rolling dice to determine which characteristics you might receive. Epigenetics shines new light on the basic understanding of DNA. We used […]
Small steps to begin a Healthy 2016
As I moved through the holiday season with family and friends, I heard all the chatter of losing weight in the New Year. With a cookie or a dipped chip in hand we talked of our plans for shedding these indulgent pounds that we had gained over the last months, or maybe years. There […]
Dorothy, there is no place like home!
Yard to table blog exists to highlight and integrate natural therapies into the everyday life. Natural, Healthy living is not hard. In fact, the means to live Healthy is all around us. Most just need to start. Most just need to take that first step towards Health. So many of the toxins […]
All things Mushrooms!
Mushrooms! What does that make you think of? Psychedelic mushrooms? Smoking mushrooms? Culinary mushrooms? Gateway drugs? Poison? Mushrooms can be many and all of these. But, I want to discuss the amazing medicinal value of mushrooms. Not the “medicinal” that has been abused and misused for political and/or marketing purposes. I am […]
the journey along the middle prong river trail to Health
It is hard! Health is to hard. Many don’t achieve it because it is to hard. These were the words of a recent conversation I had with a friend and client. Is Health hard? Is Wellness really unobtainable? I may surprise you with my answer—for many the answer is unfortunately yes. The answer […]
Thermography Screenings, June 19, 2014!
Join us at Forum Health Knoxville in Farragut for a Thermography Event Thursday, June 19th 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Appointments are limited. Call (865) 675-9355 to schedule yours. Early detection saves lives. This 15-minute non-invasive test is a valuable procedure and designed to improve detection of breast disease. There is no contact with […]
What is a Heart Healthy Diet?
What is a Heart Healthy Diet? As I mentioned last month, I want to devote this blog to a healthy diet with an emphasis on heart health and disease prevention. My hope is that I will encourage you to be your own best health advocate on what you should eat. One word I want you […]
Eat to Live–Fruits and Vegetables
As we have visited the Farmer’s Market or vegetable stand, we are reminded how colorful and fresh the produce has been during the summer season. However, even with the wonderful variety we have had, I find that few appreciate and understand how vital this food group is to our health. Unfortunately, even the USDA food […]
5 Skin Perfecting Fruits + Acne Fighting Tips
Will eating healthier make it easier to achieve superior skin health? If you’ve had a nutritional consultation at Forum Health Knoxville, then you already know the answer. Yes! The food you put into your body has a direct effect on how you feel and look. Being diligent about applying SPF and regularly visiting your skin […]
Something “Fishy” Is Going On: GMO Salmon, Mislabeling of Fish, and a Healthy Trout Recipe!
The American Heart Association, as well as the 2010 dietary guidelines from the U.S. Government, both advise eating eight ounces of seafood, or two seafood meals a week, particularly because of their “heart healthy” omega-3 levels. However, U.S. consumers are often given inadequate, confusing or misleading information about the fish they are actually buying.
Early Cancer Detection with Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging
Breast cancer is a terrible disease, and early detection is vital to a healthy prognosis. How can we screen early without the radiation exposure? Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging.
Dining Out & GMOs: The Real Price We Pay
It’s a fact: Americans love eating out. But dining out will make you fat and very unhealthy! Read this eye-opening article about food loaded with hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides.
Pulling Back The Curtains On Dr. Oz: The Truth About IV Nutrition Therapy
Recently on his daily television show, Dr. Oz discussed IV nutrition therapy. I was very disappointed when Dr. Oz questioned the validity, benefit, and safety of this invaluable therapy. He had a guest physician on his show to defend IV therapies, but his guest talked in generalizations with no specifics and no scientific data. Dr. Oz’s conclusion […]
Don’t Be A Stupid Cupid! Think Outside The Box (Of Chocolates).
For a little romantic spice for you and your spouse, try Man Power and Woman Power from the rejuvenation line by Sprayology. The rejuvenation sprays replenish the body’s supply of energy to relieve the symptoms of aging, helping you function at a more youthful level. All seven formulas in this collection are FDA-Regulated and help with age-related issues such as low energy, sex drive, menopause, weight loss and bone density.
An Apple a Day? Healthy Choices vs. Inflammation
My pre-60th birthday journey to improve my previous test results from Seasons of Farragut continues! This month I decided to focus on the first tenet in our Forum Health Knoxville wellness regimen – nutrition!
About two years ago I took the ALCAT test and was astonished at my lengthy list of reactive foods! The ALCAT is a fascinating food sensitivity test in which white blood cells are introduced to a variety of foods, chemicals, and herbs. The severity of the reaction determines if a substance is mild, moderate, severe, or normal within my body. Since knowledge is power, I decided to receive the news that gluten and dairy were on my “severe list” as a positive indicator rather than “buyers’ remorse” for having performed the test!
Lyn-Genet Recitas has written a book, The Plan, which explains how inflammation from food intolerance can cause symptoms such as joint pain, skin disorders, fatigue, weight issues, headaches, and digestive disorders. Whereas a food allergy can have almost an immediate effect, a food sensitivity may not show up for several hours to 3 days later. For weight gain, it’s not as much about the calories as the chemistry of the body. One person may benefit from last night’s salmon and broccoli, but someone else may actually gain 2 pounds. Inflammation from food intolerance causes damage to the lining of the gut. As the lining becomes “leaky” with gaps present, foods begin to slip through not completely digested. This causes the body to attack undigested foods.
As we age, inflammation can increase which causes our systems to slow down. Many of us have much less stomach acid and digestive enzymes to break down food. This can ultimately alter our weight and our health. Reactive foods cause our bodies to produce more histamine which causes water retention via dilated capillaries. The brain responds by increasing the production of Cortisol. As more Cortisol is produced, fewer sex hormones are produced since both sets of hormones depend on the same building blocks. Increased Cortisol causes an increase in glucose which causes an increase in blood sugar! This domino effect alters the good bacteria in the gut and can increase yeast production. The altered gut flora leads to a weakened immune response since about 70% of our immune system is in the gut.
Here’s To A Healthy 2013: Simple and Practical Tips To Improving Your Health
After the holidays, most of us like to start anew by establishing health and wellness goals for the New Year. A few important questions to answer after you’ve established your goals are…
Maximize Your Nutrition With These Winter Fruits and Veggies
Winter is full of fruits and veggies that are loaded with vitamin C to ward off colds and the flu. Fill up on your vegetables for meals and have oranges, mandarins, clementines and grapefruit for dessert.
Healthy Holiday Dishes: Don’t Forget Your Veggies!
As the holidays get closer, the temptation to indulge in unhealthy seasonal treats in creases. Here’s why you shouldn’t forget your veggies this winter…
Healthy Holiday Desserts
There is one unwelcome guest that comes around this time of year – weight gain! So how do we enjoy this festive time without sacrificing our healthy lifestyle? One way is to create healthier desserts!
Cheers To Good Health: Drink Your Omega 3’s With This Smoothie Recipe
Flax and chia seeds are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Here is a breakfast smoothie recipe packed with omega-3s, protein, antioxidants, and more!
4 Foods That Build The Immune System
The cooler seasons brings temperatures that challenge our immune systems. Here are 4 foods to build our health and keep our immune system hardier through the fall and winter.
Smart Foods to Help You Focus and Boost Productivity by Cody Larson
You’ve no doubt heard the old saying “You are what you eat.” Well, recent medical research has highlighted links between diet and improved mental functioning, raising the distinct possibility that, in fact, “You think what you eat.”
That could be encouraging news for youngsters diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), seniors struggling with the onset of dementia and anyone who desires to think more clearly and focus for longer periods of time.
Lots of foods are rich in the vitamins and other nutrients that can boost cognitive functioning, some which are well-known and others that are less-familiar. Among them:
10 Ways to Increase Your Water Intake
Water is an essential part of the human body. There isn’t a single bodily function – seeing, hearing, thinking, exercising, singing, and even laughing – that does not rely on water. Here are 10 tips on how to increase your water intake.
Meal Planning Made Easy with Online Recipe Resources!
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail,” said Benjamin Franklin. This statement holds true in many areas of life, including meal planning. Here are some great online resources for planning meals in advance.
Detoxing for YOUR Health!
If you have not been committed to healthy eating, a lifestyle change is needed and foundational in improving your body’s ability to remove toxins. You can start today by making healthier decisions about what you eat.
The Top 5 Summer Skin Sins
With more than 1 million new cases diagnosed each year, skin cancer has become the most common cancer in the United States. Fortunately, skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Avoiding these Top 5 Summer Skin Sins will help you achieve beautiful skin while scaring off unsightly wrinkles, age spots, and other ugly effects of overexposure from UV rays.
Cha Cha Chia! The Amazing Chia Seed!
For centuries, this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians. Known as the running food, this high-energy, endurance food was used by the Aztec warriors during their conquests. The Indians of the southwest would subsist on as little as a teaspoon when going on a 24-hour forced march. It was recorded that Indians running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the chia seeds for their nourishment.
A Cinco de Mayo That Won’t Sink Your Healthy-Eating Habits
Cinco De Mayo is a fun celebration but enjoying it without all of the calories and fat is a difficult challenge. Mexican food from restaurants is typically cooked in lard and covered in cheese and sour cream. Not only are the portions large, but starting your meal with fried chips and salsa, guacamole, and cheese dip […]
Spring Cleaning Through Organic Acids
Last weekend, I needed to find some specific items in my garage. I soon became overwhelmed with all the stuff I had to pick through before I found what I was looking for!
Spring cleaning was more intense than I had anticipated. However, after organizing and “detoxing” this vital area, I began to appreciate the many functions of my garage! As I threw away the last bag of debris, I realized that our bodies also need a thorough review and cleansing. Many times, vague symptoms such as fatigue, apathy, muscle pain, insomnia, and irritable bowel issues need more than a quick fix. Antidepressants and laxatives may initially soothe our symptoms, but they don’t heal our bodies.
A better approach is to assess the situation by getting to the root cause. A unique test at Forum Health Knoxville measures energy production, metabolism, B vitamins, small intestine bacterial overgrowth, ability to detoxify, and markers for emotional and behavioral problems.
Thermography Event, March 22nd!
Early detection saves lives. This 15-minute non-invasive test is a valuable procedure and designed to improve detection of breast disease. There is no contact with the body of any kind, no radiation, and the procedure is painless. It uses Thermography, a process of infrared technology to spot abnormalities in your breasts by measuring temperature variations.
Cinnamon: The Super Spice!
Cinnamon has long been known for its health and healing properties. Benefits include anti-clotting actions, anti-microbial and fungal activity as well as blood sugar control.
Staying on the Health Track through the Holidays
Staying on the Health Track through the Holidays by Carolyn Burris The holiday season is full of sharing wonderful times and good food with friends and family. Unfortunately for many, it also becomes a time for over-eating and weight gain. According to the National Institute of Health, holiday eating can result in an […]
Falling for Fall Fruits and Vegetables
As we move into the fall season with its beautiful colors, we are reminded also of the vibrant colors in our fall fruits and vegetables that are packed with vital nutrients, preparing us for the colder weather ahead. From September to November, the autumn harvest brings a variety of healthful and delicious produce, from […]
Yeast – Not Just the Dough Boy’s Issue
The fall season conjures up images of pumpkin pies, hot biscuits, and steaming lattes. Sweet aromas from county fairs to Dollywood tempt even the staunchest convert from sugar! For those who struggle with a sugar addiction, this can be the start of another vicious cycle of weight gain, depression, muscle aches, indigestion, and fatigue.
One of the underlying complications that usually go undetected is the invasive spread of yeast in the body. Yeast is one of the billions of microorganisms normally found in the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, digestive tract, and genitals. Its growth is controlled by healthy bacteria, but an imbalance can wreak havoc on all the body’s systems.
One of the many culprits is an excessive sugar intake. Yeast feeds on sugar which sets off an intense craving for sugar. As a result, yeast can multiply and take over the body. A vicious cycle develops as yeast causes one to eat more carbs, the carbs fuel the growth and multiplication of yeast, and the growing colonies of yeast demand more sugar leading to increased stores of fat.
Gluten-Free Can Be Healthy and Tasty!
Gluten allergies, wheat allergies, and celiac disease have become a major concern for many adults, children and babies in the United States. One out of six people are sensitive to gluten. One out of six are sensitive to wheat. One out of 100 people has celiac disease and they do not even know it. The rates are on the rise.
Undiagnosed gluten and wheat allergies or celiac disease can cause many health symptoms which possibly could include leaky gut syndrome where undigested food particles leak and enter your blood stream. This leaves your intestinal tract open to bacteria and toxins which can potentially trigger autoimmune responses in your body. Symptoms would include increase in food allergies, skin disorders, inflammation, bloating and gas to mention a few.
Where Do You Get Dietary Vitamin K?
Research has suggested there is a link between dietary intake of vitamin K and varicose veins. Inadequate levels of vitamin K may reduce the activity of matrix GLA protein (MGP), which is involved in varicose wall remodeling. According to researchers, inactive MGP is a key player in the development of varicose veins. Therefore, adequate intake of vitamin K may be a necessity in preventing the development of varicose veins.
Where do you get dietary vitamin K? Excellent sources come from green veggies: spinach, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, green beans, asparagus and greens.
Is it really true that you are what you eat?
If you have had a nutritional consultation at Forum Health Knoxville, then you already know my answer to this question. Yes, you definitely are what you eat. The food you put into your mouth has a direct effect on how you feel!
Top 10 Summer Fruits and Veggies
Summer is in full swing and with the hot weather comes delicious fruits and vegetables! We have an abundance of fresh, local harvest here in Tennessee. You can get these foods directly from local farms or from the farmer’s market. When preparing your fruits and vegetables, you can be creative while keeping it simple. Here are my top 10 ideas on how to enjoy the wonderful flavors of summer:
Reflections from Nan: Detox For Better Health
“I feel stupid, fat, and tired,” is a recurring theme with many of our new patients at Seasons. Many factors play a role in this syndrome.
One common but overlooked contributor is environmental toxins. A new study by the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) found over 48 toxic chemicals in women’s blood and urine. Besides toxic metals, chemicals such as pesticides, BPA, phthalates, etc. were discovered in large amounts.
The Sauna Reinvented
The creation of the Infrared sauna has completely transformed the meaning of the word “sauna.” An Infrared sauna offers 7 times the effectiveness of a traditional sauna because of its ability to penetrate human tissue.
Gold Standard for Healthy Eating: the Mediterranean Diet
A heart healthy eating plan that focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy oils is important to our body’s function and health. As with all heart healthy diets, fruits, vegetables and grains are key. With the Mediterranean diet, more emphasis is placed on whole grains rather than refined as well as fresh fruits and vegetables rather than juice or fruit drinks. Extra virgin olive oil is the principle source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, being used for cooking, baking and for salad dressings and drizzling on vegetables. Nuts, legumes and fish are encouraged to provide the main source of protein.
Peaches: A Sweet Approach to Weightloss
At Forum Health Knoxville, we know wellness is not about taking a prescription medication to control a symptom. True wellness is the result of balancing five key points: nutrition, exercise, hormone balance, inflammation reduction and detoxification. At Forum Health Knoxville we address each of the five points of wellness to help you achieve not only weight loss goals, but more importantly your health and wellness goals.
Nibble on This | Indulge Yourself In Fresh Strawberries!
Strawberries are in full bloom! Local grocery stores and roadside vendors have the best of the best when it comes to strawberries. As with any berry, strawberries are loaded with antioxidants. Strawberries also are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. The antioxidants and vitamin C in strawberries help to clean up the free radicals affecting the eyes and joints. Strawberries are known for helping reduce the risk and symptoms of macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Nibble on This | March
This year for National Nutrition Month the American Dietetic Association is promoting “Eat Right With Color”. Scientists have discovered major health benefits packed in the color of fruits and vegetables. The powerhouse chemicals responsible for this are called phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are what put the brightness in tomatoes and strawberries and the brilliant color in oranges, carrots and kiwi.
Refer a friend and earn a $100 Seasons Priority Card!
Your enthusiasm about the Seasons approach to wellness is infectious and appreciated. And to show you how thankful we are when you share your wellness journey with your friends, we are pleased to extend the Seasons Referral Opportunity with a Wellness Escape Bonus. For every new medical client that you refer to Seasons, you will receive a $100 Seasons Priority Card. It’s just our way of saying thank you for sharing your story with others.
Nibble on This | February
Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month make February a month to celebrate sweethearts. What a perfect time to show your loved one how much you care by preparing a meal with heart-healthy superfoods such as omega-3 fatty acids and fresh vegetables. Adding superfoods to your daily diet has the ability to decrease the risk of cancer, improve heart function, and fight infection. Make heart healthy dishes for you and your sweetheart and you will be doing your part for a healthier heart!
Winter Blues or Something Else?
“Maybe I just have the winter blues,” she said. This statement leads the list of commonly heard complaints from patients who come to me seeking answers for their symptoms.
“Sarah” came to our office frustrated that all of her lab work showed normal levels of everything. “My thyroid levels weren’t even low,” she exclaimed hoping that low thyroid would explain her symptom list including fatigue, sleep disturbance, mild anxiety and depression, as well as brain fog. She even had a prescription for an antidepressant but was reluctant to fill it. “I hate the person I have become! Even my family has noticed a change in me. Can you help me?”
6 Healthy Snacks for the Super Bowl
Super Bowl parties are full of snacks loaded with calories, fat and preservatives. Resist the urge to splurge! These tasty treats will help create a deliciously healthy Super Bowl party.
Nibble on This!
by Carolyn Burris Ah-choo! It’s winter, it’s cold…it’s time for soup! January is National Soup Month! While soup may not be able to cure the common cold or the flu, it can certainly help. Let the warmth of soup soothe you while providing important nourishment to your body. Scientists have discovered that eating soup can […]
Nibble on This! Drink Water!
Most people do not get enough water, especially during these hot summer months. Lack of water or dehydration, can cause many health problems, sometimes severe. These include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, light headedness when standing, headaches and more.
The Seasons Top Five: How to Pursue Wellness
Here are my top five suggestions for the pursuit of wellness.
1. Evaluate Your Diet. Do you make good food choices? Are you overweight? The latest statistics indicate that 58 million Americans are overweight, 40 million are obese, and 4 million are morbidly obese. The vast majority of illness is caused or complicated by being overweight.
2. Evaluate Your Activity. Do you exercise? Small choices add up to increased physical activity, So park further from the grocery store entry and WALK. Take the stairs. Stop working at the computer for 5 minutes and do 50 situps.
3. Have A Wellness Checkup at Seasons of Farragut. The Seasons approach to wellness is centered around balance and prevention. A few medical tests will reveal where your body is deficient. A wellness regimen tailored to YOUR body will relieve hot flashes, sleep difficulties, mood swings and even weight gain.
4. Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Vitamin D. Studies indicate the importance of Vitamin D in disease prevention. The level of cold and flu increases in the winter largely due to the decrease of Vitamin D in our system. Medical research even suggests that Vitamin D is the BEST prevention for flu–even better than the vaccine. At Seasons, we evaluate your Vitamin D levels and offer medical-grade Vitamin D supplements in capsules, drops, and even injections, if needed.
5. Decrease Stress. Stress is the enemy. Don’t spread yourself too thin. Take time to smell the flowers. Find a de-stresser that works for you, whether it’s weekly Bible Study, a good book, or coloring with your kids.