As fall approaches, we’re reminded of sweater weather, apple pies, falling leaves, soups, and pumpkin spice everything. In this time of year, we think there is nothing better than hot chai! The word “chai” means “tea” in Hindi (so when saying “chai tea” you’re actually saying “tea tea”). Chai dates back more than 5,000 years in southern Asia near India. It is a mixture of herbs and spices believed to have medicinal properties so it Read more…
A pumpkin’s beautiful orange color means that it has a high level of carotenoids, which assist in staving off free radicals and help with premature aging. Pumpkin seeds are a rich protein source- one ounce is the equivalent of 7 grams of protein. They are also rich is essential fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits including promoting healthy skin, brain power, and prevention of health diseases such as arthritis and high blood pressure. Enjoy Read more…
What is Yoga? Yoga is a body movement technique that has been around since the ancient times. It is made up of different unique aspects such as synchronization disciplines of mind, soul and body, ancient teachings and the power of observation. Due to the many health benefits that are associated with the practice, this has driven many medical experts to recommend it as a conventional cure to many disorders that affect the human body. From Read more…
People—particularly us in Wisconsin—seem to love dairy products: milk, cheese, cream, half & half, certain types of yogurt, whipped cream, cream puffs, ice cream, and on and on… Can dairy make you fat? As good as these things taste, we have seen clinically that they may cause or worsen many health problems including weight gain, digestive issues (such as acid reflux, abdominal gas, bloating, IBS, constipation and diarrhea), allergies, sinus problems, asthma, fatigue, and others. Read more…
What is Monosodium Glutamate? Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer traditionally found in Chinese food. For over 50 years in the United States, it has been added to everyday foods from potato chips, soups, breakfast sausage and gravy to seasoning packets, fast food, prepared meals and baby food. It activates a fifth taste (in addition to sweet, salty, bitter and sour) called “umami,” which is the Japanese word for “pleasant savory taste.” Why is Read more…
With the hot weather rapidly becoming the new norm, the importance of drinking water has again popped up. But how do we make it part of our daily habits? First, let’s look at a couple reasons why drinking water is so important. Water can help aid weight loss. Drinking water often will replace those high-calorie drinks like soda, juice and alcohol. It is also a great appetite suppressant, we often eat when we think we’re Read more…
With the hot and sticky summer months here again, it’s a good reminder to make sure to stay hydrated. Getting plenty of water throughout the day is a necessity as the temps rise; however, we also need to be aware of how many electrolyte minerals we are losing when we sweat and resupply those as well. What are Electrolytes? Electrolytes are substances (minerals) that become ions (charged particles) in solution in order to conduct electrical Read more…
The immune system is composed of specific cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from outside influences (invading organisms like viruses, bacteria or molds, toxins, chemicals, radiation or allergens). It operates on many levels: Intact skin that creates a barrier from outside invaders Complex workings of the different types of white blood cells in destroying invasive organisms or substances. The word immune is defined (in the modern medical sense) as “exempt” Read more…
Organic vs. Non-organic: why it makes a difference (and when) Organic foods have become a popular concept in the modern quest for better health and wellness. They have become much easier to find, with more variety available than in previous times. Lots of people swear by the “organic only” rule when it comes to what they eat and it’s an admirable goal, but others are put off by the higher cost of these products and Read more…
Ah summer! It’s a much anticipated and longed for time of the year for so many of us in the Midwestern U.S. After the winter holidays, it’s pretty much on the minds of most of us as we endure the cold, sun-starved months of the late winter and early spring. Once it gets here though, it can hit with force. It can be only a matter of days between the last overnight frost occurrence and Read more…