Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
SHILAJIT~WHAT IS IT AND WHY DO YOU NEED IT? By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT Shilajit, pronounced she-lah-jeet, is one of the most versatile nutraceuticals available. However, it is not commonly discussed and is beginning to gain traction within the wellness community. But just …
Summary on Respiratory Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I hope that this blog series on respiratory health has been both fun and informative! I have tried to review some of the most common respiratory concerns that come up here at Invite health. Additionally I …
APRIL HEALTH AWARENESS~ AN INTODUCTION TO OUR TOPIC OF THE MONTH
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
April is an interesting month when it comes to health and wellness. It’s Public Health Awareness Month, but as always, awareness months are always sharing and overlapping. April also reminds us to be aware of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Alcoholism. Due to many of these being connected by lifestyle, the reproductive system, the liver and kidneys, it makes a lot of sense for these issues to all be part of our awareness for April.
As the hot summer months are fast approaching, many of these health related topics can more easily impact day to day lives. Many people are out and about, vacationing, swimming, participating in summer parties and sometimes this can lead to some over indulgence and letting our guard down.
Throughout the month, we’ll be discussing topics such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Pinkeye, Herpes/Cold Soars and Hepatitis. Having a basic understanding on how some of these viruses are spread and contracted can be invaluable. As we explore each topic throughout the month, we’ll also take a look at common ways these are spread and contracted, as well as ways to lower our risk of exposure.
Learning how to incorporate the right supplementation the appropriate way can be a key factor in protecting ourselves or recovering from certain public health issues. This month is a great time to discuss the benefits of such nutrients like L-Lysine, Green Tea, Mushrooms, Resveratrol, D-Mannose and Olive Leaf. Understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system and how to detox in a safe and healthy way can make all the difference.
SUMMER IMMUNITY PINA COLADA POPSICLE
1 cup ice
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup coconut milk
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup pineapple chunks
1 scoop Oranges Hx
1 scoop Daily Detox
2 capsules Probiotic Maintain Or 1 capsule Probiotic Hx
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add everything into a blender with the contents of the Probiotic Maintain Or Probiotic Hx capsules. Blend until smooth and pour into Popsicle molds. Freeze until solid, overnight is best. Eat and enjoy!
MORNING POWERHOUSE TEA
1 cup hot water
1 green tea bag
3 droppers Green Tea Tx
Lemon wedge, optional
Seep green tea bag in hot, boiling water for 5 minutes. Add in Green Tea Tx and stir until combined into tea. Add Lemon if desired. Sip slowly and enjoy once tea is at your preferred temperature.
COOL OFF GAZPACHO
2 beefsteak tomatoes
3 capsules Mushroom Hx
2 capsules Aged Garlic
Fresh black pepper, to taste
Sea salt, to taste
1/4 avocado, diced
Cilantro, for garnish
Combine the tomatoes, pepper, sea salt and the contents of the Mushroom Hx and Aged Garlic capsules into a blender or food processor. Pulse until you have the consistency of a chunky soup. Pour into a bowl and garnish with cilantro and avocado. Eat as a mid-day snack and enjoy!
As you can see, we’ll be navigating these public health related issues this month with ease and learning how to manage our risk through lifestyle, supplementation and delicious, healthy recipes. I look forward to navigating this journey of learning together with you.
WATER~THE INCREDIBLE LIFE FORCE By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT Water is our life force. It is such a necessity but something that very few people seem to get enough of on a daily basis. As I discuss this topic numerous times each day, …
PROTEINS~WHAT ARE THEY? By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT While we all know protein, do we really know how much we need on a daily basis? It’s also something we all like as there seems to be endless choices. There is also no wrong …
Seasonal Allergies!
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Achoo! Achoo! Is it a cold? It is just dusty? Nope! Its allergy season! And along with allergy season is all the symptoms of allergies. Having symptoms of allergies tend to come during what is known as allergy season. Some people have symptoms during every allergy season, whereas other people have symptoms only during “bad” allergy seasons. But what exactly do we mean by allergy season? What causes us to feel so poorly? And lastly what are the symptoms of allergies and what can you do to alleviate them?
Basically allergy season is the time when certain allergens, especially pollen are released by plants. This seasonal release of pollen triggers seasonal allergies to flare up. In the US we tend to consider there to be 2 main seasons for pollen to release. In fall there is mainly ragweed. In spring there is tree pollen, in many parts of the US there may be grass pollen throughout a great deal of the year. In addition to ragweed pollen and tree/grass pollen other plants that commonly trigger allergies include Burning bush, Cocklebur, Lambs-quarter, Pigweed, Sagebrush, Mugwort, Tumbleweed and Russian thistle. (1) Just to sum things up allergy season is basically the times during the year when plants are releasing their pollen and this triggers the symptoms of allergens.
Now I bet your thinking but doc HOW does pollen cause me all these troubles? Basically when our body comes into contact with something your allergic to it treats it as a pathogen or bad guy. In order to protect us from the allergens the immune system releases histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins. These trigger a chemical reaction that is responsible for the symptoms of allergies.
Let’s review some of the more common seasonal allergy symptoms. First off it is very common to feel congested. This can lead to a runny nose, runny eyes and a post nasal drip. There is often sneezing as well as cough. In addition to a runny nose there may be an itchy nose, eyes and throat. Very often there is fatigue. (2) There may also be headache and sinus pressure. You may also develop dark circles under your eyes. Your eyes may also become red where the whites are. If you experience severe allergies you may have wheezing and even trouble breathing. (3) What is the difference symptoms wise between having seasonal allergies and a cold? Take a look at the following chart to help answer that question. (4)
What kind of tests can you do to determine if allergies are causing your symptoms? To start with the doctor can do a skin test. When you do a skin test the doctor will prick the skin and then inject a tiny amount of what you suspect you may be allergic to. A positive test will result in your skin becoming red, inflamed and swollen. The other option is to get a blood test done. Both tests have different benefits so it’s important to discuss your options with an allergist. (3)
What can you do to help reduce the signs of seasonal allergies? The first thing you can do is to pay attention to the daily pollen and mold spore count. When the levels are high it may be better to avoid outdoor activities. When pollen counts are high it is also helpful to close the windows to seal out the pollen. It’s also helpful to wear a hat and a mask when you are outside. Then once you come back inside its important to change your clothes as well as shower. It can also be helpful to begin medications as well as supplements before the start of allergy season. (2) Speaking of supplements what can you do to help with allergy symptoms?
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