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 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 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 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 Read more…
Soup or Salad: it really depends on the season! Let’s talk about why….. Soup and salad are the quintessential American lunch staples. There are so many varieties and options that you can eat them every day and not get bored. They are both quick and easy to transport and prepare Read more…
What is Caffeine? Caffeine is an alkaloid chemical that occurs naturally in many foods and beverages, and in modern day is often added to others. It stimulates the nervous system, slightly increases metabolism, is diuretic (causes water loss), decreases sleep time, raises fatty acids in the blood, increases the output Read more…
There has been much debate about pH levels in the human body. The general consensus of any holistic-minded individual is that you want your body to be alkaline. The theory being that disease cannot survive in a alkaline state. Many scientists and chemists will tell you that it doesn’t matter what Read more…
Spring in Wisconsin is, at best, a time of sometimes turbulent change. Warm and sunny one day, and 10 inches of snow the next. That’s how the seasons change from winter to spring in this part of the world. In Oriental Medicine, we are reminded to transform our eating patterns to prepare Read more…
If you have had your gallbladder removed, there are some things to consider: Digestive Function: The liver produces bile and sends it to the gallbladder. Normally, when one consumes a fat of any kind, the gallbladder automatically releases the bile to break down the fat in the large intestines. Your Read more…
Although Quinoa has risen in popularity over the past few years, the seed is actually nothing new…in fact, its quite ancient. It is believed that quinoa was first cultivated in the Andes Mountains in Peru, Chile, and Bolivia around 4000 years ago. The Incas called it “gold of the Incas” Read more…