5 Ways Walnuts Benefit Your Health
Most of us know that incorporating nuts into our diet is important. If you are like me you don’t necessarily know which nut is going to help with what, so you just eat a mixture and hope for the best. After a lot of reading I’ve found that most researchers are putting walnuts on top!
Walnuts are part of the tree nut family which also includes hazelnuts, macadamia nuts (my favorite!), cashews, pine nuts, pistachios and Brazil nuts. If you find you are having trouble getting your plant based omega-3 fats, grab a quarter cup of walnuts! In that serving alone you will get 100 percent of the daily recommended amount.
HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MANY BENEFITS OF WALNUTS FOR YOU TO SNACK ON:
- Heart Health : Walnuts contain l-arginine (an amino acid) and omega-3’s which both offer numerous vascular benefits. Due to anti-inflammatory properties, walnuts can actually reduce the formation of blood clots. Walnuts will raise ALA (great for your...
10 Ways to Improve Your Financial Health
“Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it buys the kind if misery you may prefer”, is a quote often attributed to comedian Groucho Marx. I would like to say that Groucho is wrong, BUT in my 25 years writing the consumer financial column, $uper $aver and another 23 as a mortgage banker the sad truth is that if you are experiencing money problems and are not “financially healthy” it negatively affects your “health” in other areas. No money for healthy groceries? There goes your physical health. No money for rent, electric bill, school fees? There goes your emotional health. No money for an emergency cushion? There goes your psychological health. The bottom line is that your financial health is directly or indirectly tied to your physical, psychological and emotional health. So where to start?
My own financial health, while probably at any given time is not much different from your own, did not improve until I started to look at it...
Finding Balance
“A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.”
I was reminded of balance today from the owner of The Dailey Method in Lake Forest where I work out. She was discussing the importance of finding the time for yourself, regardless of the obstacles and joys in your life.
Balance has a different meaning for everyone, but I want to focus on the importance of health in your life and how that plays a huge role in feeling centered. We’ve all been in a place where we ate whatever was convenient, didn’t have the time to work out and went to bed still answering emails. More than likely this caused a need for more coffee in the morning and the entire cycle started over. Not only will this decrease your energy and your mental focus, but this will start to increase pain in your entire body.
How do we find balance in a world where we are pulled in multiple directions everyday? It comes...
Chronic Inflammation: A Silent Killer
Inflammation is a word that is used often, yet hard to define. Most of us have a hard time separating inflammation from an ankle sprain vs. inflammation contributing to heart disease and arthritis. In order to understand how to fight it, it’s important to understand how and why it occurs!
Inflammation is a very common and innate response to an injury, pain or stress. It is part of our bodies natural defense system to prevent something worse and/or speed up healing time.
Acute inflammation is the first response to an injury or pathogen. It’s acute because it should only last several days or less.
EXAMPLES OF WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS:
- Illness (virus, bacteria)
- Trauma (punch, kick, sprain)
- Burn
- Frostbite
- Allergic Reaction
There are a lot of players involved in the inflammatory process, but the basics are: heat, redness, swelling, and pain. These four eventually lead to loss of function as a way to prevent future injury. Acute inflammation is...
All About Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a magical food that need their time in the spot light! I’ve been using chia in my protein shakes for awhile now, knowing they were a super food, but never knowing ALL the benefits they possess.
Chia seeds originated in Mexico where they were viewed with such admiration they were even used as currency. The Aztecs used chia to sustain their energy while running long distances or during battle. They would say a spoonful would give them enough endurance for 24 hours. This all makes sense since In the Mayan language, chia means “strength”.
Chia seeds are filled with everything from Omega 3’s, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals AND antioxidants. Due to their content, they have a vast array of health benefits.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS
- Digestive Health – Due to the high amount of fiber alone, chia seeds will help with digestion. The appropriate amount of fiber will help with regular bowel movements and...
The Benefits of Colostrum
Colostrum is a supplement that has been around for a while, but new research is coming to light every day. Colostrum is the first milk produced by cows during the initial days after giving birth. This type is called bovine colostrum. This milk is very rich in immunoglobulins (proteins that help boost the immune system and fight germs). There are also other compounds not found in regular milk such as growth factors, cytokines, and nucleosides.
Enough with the science already, let's review what it can help with. Studies are showing supplementing with bovine colostrum can help improve: (1)
*Immune System Support
*Athletic Performance
*Gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, IBS, Leaky Gut etc.
*Fat Utilization
*Serotonin levels in the brain
*Improve skin tone and texture
*AND MORE!
Basically speaking, the immune factors in colostrum support the resistance to colds and the flu, to acute or chronic bacterial or fungal conditions. In turn, this will also help your gut repair and...
The Number One Supplement to Help you Relax
We all have times we feel on edge. Overwhelmed, burned out and run down. Those feelings can manifest in some individuals as depression and others as anxiety. You may notice you’re having trouble concentrating, even impacting your sleep. Do you eat right, workout and meditate, but you’re still not feeling like yourself? We may have the answer.
Inositol. Never heard of it? I’m not surprised. Inositol is a sugar alcohol but contrary to the name it is neither a sugar nor an alcohol! More confused? Let’s start at the beginning.
Inositol is found in many foods - mainly fruits like cantaloupe and oranges[2]. It is found in bran, nuts and seeds in its phaylate form which is unfortunately indigestible by humans so we don’t get much inositol from our diets.
Inositol serves many functions in the human body from helping to give a cell its shape to giving instructions to a nerve and even breaking down fats! As a clinician we use it primarily for clients with...
5 Morning Rituals To Rock Your Day
I don’t know about you but when the alarm goes off at 5am I am only functioning at about 25%. I’m lucky some days that I my hair is clean and my scrubs are on right side out! Let alone planning to be gone from the house for 14 hours with an infant and prepared for anything!
Below you’ll find my organizational tools - easy tips to incorporate into your day to maybe save you a few minutes, maybe lower stress; ideally help you to live a Salutogenic Life!
Ritual One: I start every day with a protein shake - whether I’m heading to work, the gym or to run errands with the husband. It’s fast, easy, and really good for you. I prefer whey (Dr. Jade likes the vegan). Whey protein powder is a detoxifier and SL vegan protein powder with monk fruit is great if you’re pre-diabetic or trying to lower A1C. It will help regulate your blood sugar - just don’t add high glycemic fruit.
I used to be more ritualistic in my ingredient choices...
The Practice of Meditation
The lawyers I know have great stories of being overworked, stressed out and sleep deprived. Is it possible to reverse all of those effects with one simple activity? Making yourself more productive, less stressed and even sleeping more efficiently? Meditation may be your answer.
Meditation has proven health benefits such as lowered blood pressure, boosted immune health and even slowing aging! For me it was not an easy activity to accomplish. I would either sit and create a to-do list or fall asleep. I took classes with professionals and could never quite get it. Similar to my yoga practice – it took me at least four months of practicing 3-4 times per week until I could quiet my mind and focus on the yoga itself. Now on to mastering meditation.
Below are some of the researched benefits of meditating. If you are not feeling as healthy, happy and energetic as you should; this is an easy place to start. See our other blog posts for the best free resources for...
Functional Medicine Testing at Home
Over the past 90 days we’ve done everything we can to better service our clients from a distance. We’ve changed healthcare portal providers to better allow for HIPAA-compliant virtual visits for both Functional Medicine and Physical Therapy. We’ve simplified our services to include a monthly group plan for stress as well as 3 and 6 month All Inclusive Functional Medicine Programs. We’re proudest of our expanding testing line that can be completed COMPLETELY AT HOME!! Below take a look at the current testing kits available. They can be picked up curbside from our clinic or mailed directly to your door. They are completed in the comfort of your home and the price includes the consultation with Dr. Leasure to discuss results as well as health implications and lifestyle modifications. If you’re interested please contact us directly at 847-362-4476 as pricing is only valid for the next 90 days and quantities are limited.
The FIT22 Food Sensitivity Panel
If...
