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Nutrigenomics: the Genetic power of Food

Nutrigenomics Have you ever wondered about how a good diet or a bad diet could affect your body? I’m not just talking about how nutrition can play a role in how you feel or how the number of calories in and the number of calories out can affect the size of your waist-line. I’m talking […]

Epigenetics and Nutrition

Imagine before you is a large salad, well-seasoned, loaded with bright and colorful vegetables, topped with lightly grilled salmon, and a large glass of water. Beside that dish is another, a heavily processed cheeseburger from any popular fast-food joint, with an extra-large side of fries, and a tall chocolate milkshake. Now, ask yourself, which of […]

Tis the Season for Lighting up Your Nucleus Accumbens

    It is estimated that Americans consume 22 teaspoons of sugar a day.  Studies have shown that sugary, processed foods trigger a special region in the brain called the nucleus accumbens.  This is the pleasure center which when activated can lead to addictions.   In other words, once this pathway is stimulated, the intoxication […]

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 […]

Keep on Track with your Health–Simple Nutrition

  Keeping On Track With Your Health- It Really Can Be Simple.         January, February, March have passed by and we are now moving into April.  So, how is your health?  How are your new year resolutions to improve your Health going?   By this time each year, many have fizzled in […]

Dr Goodyear Speaks at AFMA in Atlanta

Dr Goodyear was  honored to speak at the American Functional Medicine Association Fall Conference in Atlanta.  Dr Goodyear joined an all-star line up of speakers including: Eldred Taylor MD, David Zava PhD, Matthew Sandry MD, Tim Guilford MD, Russell Jaffe, MD PhD, Aristo Vojdani PhD and many others, at the Functional Medicine Conference in Atlanta.   Combined, […]

Have you Heard of Einkorn?

Have Your Heard of Einkorn?   Einkorn.  Now that is an interesting word; but what is it?  It is an ancient variety of wheat primarily grown in Europe and is quite different than the modern wheat we in America are eating.  However, it is beginning to gain some interest, and I will tell you why. […]

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 […]

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 […]

What is Healthy Heart Eating?

  Carolyn Burris MS, Nutrition   What is Healthy Heart Eating?   February was American Heart Month.  Cardiovascular disease (CVD) was responsible for 32.3% of deaths in the United States in 2010.  This means that one out of every 3 deaths is caused by this preventable disease.  The incidence of CVD is expected to continue […]

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 […]

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.

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.

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.

Nuts Over Walnuts!

  Nuts over Walnuts! by Carolyn Burris Walnuts are a delicious way to boost a meal’s nutrition, flavor, and crunch. While walnuts are harvested in December, they are available throughout the year and are a great addition to your diet. Walnuts, are nutrient dense, packed with healthy fats associated with heart health, and reduce the […]

Get Your Plate In Shape!

Be sure you also make one-half of your plate full of fruits and vegetables which should include dark-green, red and orange vegetables plus legumes and peas. Fruit is a tasty dessert alternative and great for in between snacks. Pears and apples, for example, have soluble fiber called pectin which helps fill you up and stay satisfied until mealtime. It is also essential to cut back on processed foods that are high in refined sugars, sodium, bad fats, and artificial colors, preservatives and additives.

What’s for Breakfast?

What’s for breakfast? Coffee? Or did you skip? Do you hardly glance at the kitchen most mornings? Are you rushing out the door before a day packed with work, school and family activities? If you eat breakfast, is it healthy or a convenient fast food?

Staying on the Health Track through the Holidays

healthy eating

    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 […]

Pumpkins: More Than Just Fall Decorations

Fall brings an abundance of gourds and flavorful crop. Pumpkin is one of the many colorful vegetables that is plentiful this time of year. Not only is pumpkin a good source of fiber, but the color is a great indication that it is rich in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A in the body. This important vitamin has many functions including reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease.

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 […]

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!

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!

strawberry

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.

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!

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.