Tea Time

No longer just for grannies and stuffy Englishmen, tea is an important beverage to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle. In fact, after water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world—and it possesses a host of health benefits. If you haven't joined the crowd, here's what you need to know before pouring a cup: Tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and the processing of the leaves results in different types of tea.

GREEN TEA
Origin: Comes from tea bushes from either China or Japan. Fresh leaves are picked and then are steamed or pan fired to release moisture. Leaves are then rolled and dried and given a final firing to ensure that all moisture is gone.

Flavor: China-style: light, smoky, and nutty. Japan-style: grassy, bright, and oceany.

Health Benefits: Green tea is by far the most researched tea out there, and for good reason: Its high level of antioxidants may help the body fight everything from cancer to skin disorders like psoriasis and dandruff. Studies have shown that in populations where green tea is consumed frequently, cancer rates tend to be significantly lower.

BLACK TEA
Origin: Picked leaves are left to oxidize completely until they turn black, and they are then pan fired. Black tea contains the highest amount of caffeine.

Flavor: Pungent, thick, rich, and tends to be on the sweeter side.

Health Benefits: Researchers found that chemical compounds in black tea may stop the growth of bacteria that causes bad breath. Other research has shown that the high amounts of amino acids may help strengthen the immune system.

OOLONG
Origin: Leaves are shaken or rolled to bruise their edges, and after a short fermentation they are pan fired. Oolong tea is often served at Chinese restaurants.

Flavor: Rich and fruity (like a cross between green and black teas).

Health Benefits: Research suggests that drinking oolong tea may promote weight loss as well as help boost one's immune system. It is also said to help prevent tooth decay and is effective for fighting dermatitis.


Drink up!

Dr. M

Creating Awareness

Almost all forms of spiritual practice come down to one thing: the more we bring our individual lives into alignment with the whole of existence, the more we feel nourished and at peace.

Awareness practices can help connect that alignment. They are designed to help quiet the busy mind, relax the body, and bring a sense of attunement with existence. Prayer, meditation, and ritual meals are all common awareness practices found in many religions and spiritual traditions. 

As you deepen your connection to the greater processes of life, you may find yourself coping with stress and emotions more easily, relating more lovingly with others, and finding more job in life.

Be still for several minutes in the morning and take the time to think grateful thoughts about all of the blessings you have in your life. When you are grateful for your life, family, health, body, job, etc., continued blessings come your way. Work on thinking more positively and turning all negative thoughts into more positive ones. You will love what happens from there!

All is well,

Dr. M

Deconstructing Cravings

Chocolate, bread, steak, eggs, french fries, ice cream, coffee -- it really doesn't matter what you crave. The important thing is to understand why you crave what you crave. The key to deconstructing cravings is to look at the foods, deficits, and behaviors in your life that are the underlying cause of your cravings. 

Food is the only half the equation when it comes to creating health. Eating well helps, but don't expect it to work miracles. It can fill you but not fulfill you.

Whenever your body is craving something, please pause and wonder, "What is really going on here?" For example, if you are craving ice cream, ask yourself what it is, exactly, that you crave. Do you want something creamy? Or is it the sugar? Maybe you need comfort? Perhaps your body is in need of fat? Or it could be that you simply need to cool off. Once you determine what it is about the ice cream you crave, you can make well-informed, and possibly healthier, food choices. If you discover that it is the fat that you crave, you can eat some avocado or nut butter instead of gorging on a pint of sugary ice cream.

We can, and must, develop dialogue and relatedness with our bodies because they are talking to us all the time. Please remember, your body loves you. It does everything it can to keep you alive and functioning. You can deprive it of sleep, but it still gets you up and running in the morning. It loves you unconditionally. 

The real issue here is whether you love your body. In any relationship, if one partner is loving, faithful, and supportive, it's easy for the other to take the person for granted. That's what most of us do with our bodies. It is time to shift this paradigm. Working to understand your cravings is one of the best places to begin.

Be Well,

Dr. M

My top eight, right now...

Hello Everyone,

Here are 8 of my favorite super-foods to integrate into your daily diet. Remember to choose organic food every chance you get!

Blueberries

These have an extraordinary amount of anti-oxidants, but many people are surprised to learn that one of their compounds, flavonoids, makes you smarter by boosting neuron signals in your brain. Look for wild varieties, which pack more antioxidants.

Garlic

This is a powerful organosulfate that's important in detoxification. It will help clean your body of leftover chemical residue from drugs or pollutants, secondhand smoke, and metabolites from alcohol.

Kale 

Possibly the healthiest food on earth, kale is rich in isothiocyanates, a phytochemical that suppresses tumor growth. Kale also contains indoles, nitrogen compounds that prevent lesions from converting into cancer cells.

Goji berries 

Have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to: protect the liver, help eyesight,  strengthen the legs, boost immune function, improve circulation, and promote longevity, and improve sexual function and fertility. Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. 

Beans

Like other legumes, kidney and garbanzo beans are high in saponins, which are compounds that shield your DNA from invasion by so-called free radicals—unstable atoms that damage tissue and are associated with cancer.

Carrots

Besides beta-carotene—which helps prevent many types of cancer—carrots contain falcarinol, a chemical that slows the growth of cancer cells.

Tomatoes

Eat ripe tomatoes every summer. They're loaded with lycopene (an important phytochemical with antioxidant properties) and glutamic acid (an amino acid), which work together to prevent prostate cancer. Shop for organic varieties with a deep red color at your local farmers' market.

Strawberries

If you do a lot of grilling, eat strawberries. They're high in folic acids that scavenge the carcinogenic amines that are created when meat is cooked over high temperatures. They're one of the most important foods to buy organic, because they have a unique capacity for leaching pesticides.

Be Well,

Dr. M

Burn baby, burn!

Approximately 44% of persons in the United States experience Heartburn at least once per month.  Of these, 7% to 10% have heartburn on a weekly or more frequent basis, to such an extent that there is a disruption of lifestyle.  This is a disorder that does not have a favorite season or time of day; it effects people year round.  

The worst thing to do is take an antacid such as Tums because these products actually increase your acidity. The way to properly treat heartburn is to first heal the tissues that have been damaged from ulceration, while also strengthening the pyloric sphincter.  The basis for this is that the pyloric sphincter is not closing properly, allowing hydrochloric acid from the stomach to make its way into, and burning, the esophagus, which does not have the protective mucus lining that the stomach has. 

Poor Eating Habits

Many people eat under stress (on the go, standing up, quickly, etc).  Eating should be a pleasurable experience. The first part of the digestion process starts in the mouth.  Most people do not properly chew (masticate) their food.  When this happens, there is no time for the food to mix with saliva, which is where the breakdown of carbohydrates begins.  Each mouthful should be chewed 32 times before swallowing!  (It also helps with weight management!)

Also remember, food is fuel. Avoid processed foods and keep your acid/alkali balance in mind. Eat organic, raw fruits and vegetables as much as possible. See previous post for more on the acid/alkali balance.

Hydration is a key element to the digestive process.  We consider a person properly hydrated when they consume 1 oz. of water for every 2 lbs. of body weight daily.  Also, you should NOT drink while eating as it dilutes the gastric contents and digestive juices, and slows digestion, preventing much of the carbohydrate breakdown.  The more hydrated you are beforehand, the less need to drink during eating. 

Avoid Allergenic Foods

Allergenic foods set the stage for chronic gastric problems and as a side note may I mention, chronic sinus problems.  You must cut out all allergenic foods and be very strict with it. Allow at least two weeks in order to notice a difference in your acid reflux. It will only get better from there. After being free of the allergenic foods for two months, you may try to add in different foods one by one and you will be able to determine which foods are most irritating to your digestive system.

The common allergenic foods (in order of importance) are:

• Wheat/Gluten, containing grains
• Dairy Products
• Soy
• Nuts

OTHER CAUSES OF ACID REFLUX:

Interestingly, hydrochloric acid production in most people goes down as we age.  So why do so many of us experience heartburn, acid reflux, and the feeling that there is too much acid? Upper-bowel dysbiosis, also known as gas or burping 15 – 30 minutes after a meal as the result of unbalanced bacteria in your intestines and colon. 

In most cases, my patients eliminate their acid reflux quickly with simple dietary changes with the addition of probiotics and digestive enzymes.

Remember digestion, absorption, and elimination must be working properly in harmony!

Be well,

Dr. M

You won't believe your eyes!

This weekend I had a little time to watch a movie and it was unbelieveable!

PLEASE take the time to rent/borrow/buy "The Future of Food" by Deborah Koons Garcia.

You will be amazed at what you learn and see.

Be well,

Dr. M

What I am loving right now...

Hello Everyone,

From time to time with each season I plan to post what I am loving right now. Here are some products that I have been using this summer and I think you might like them too! Enjoy.

BEAUTY

Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Make-up

www.organicwearmakeup.com

I have used Physician's Formula for years so naturally I was excited when they came out with a totally organic line of makeup. I am happy to report I tried it and I love it! Products I use: concealer, blush, bronzer, and pressed powder.

Dr. Haushka’s Deodorant (Fresh Scent)

www.drhauschka.com

It hasn't been easy finding a deodorant that is not toxic. Most deodorants are made of Aluminum, which has been proven to contribute to breast cancer! After trying several brands of "natural" deodorants, we have a winner!! I tried the floral scent and the fresh scent. They both are good, but I prefer the Fresh scent.

Lavera Self Tanning Lotion

www.lavera.com

No Parabens, no toxins! This wonderful self-tanner is STREAK-FREE and not stinky. I LOVE IT! You will too.

Coral White Toothpaste 

www.amazon.com

Coral White toothpaste, the World's only natural toothpaste, is formulated with Eco-Safe ionic coral minerals from above the sea. Coral White® is perhaps the cleanest and most effective toothpaste available. Coral White contains: No Fluoride, No Artificial Flavors or Colors, No Preservatives, and No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

BABY

Under The Nile Organic Toys

www.underthenile.com

I love these 100% organic cotton toys and Aiden does too! His favorite is the carrot.

Burt’s Bees Diaper Cream

www.burtsbees.com

My son is 6 months old and I have always used this on his bottom. I love it. Aiden has never had diaper rash.

California Baby Sunscreen and SuperSensitive Bubbles

www.californiababy.com 

This company is great.  I love the Super Sensitve Bubblebath and Bodywash. It leaves our skin soft and soothed everyday. Not only are the bath bubbles great, but what a wonderful sunscreen! You have to be careful what you put on your baby's skin. I am confident with both of these products

The Beaba

www.williams-sonoma.com

It is a French-made blender, steamer, defroster and re-heater all in one unit. The defrosting function is ideal if you prepare and freeze food in batches. The steaming function is good for when your toddler is eating whole foods—steaming vegetables retains more vitamins than other cooking methods.

 

CLOTHING

Life Is Good Clothing 

www.lifeisgood.com

This optimistic wear is soft and fairly made with non-toxic dyes and organic cotton.

FOOD AND DRINK

Virgil’s RootBeer

www.virgils.com

No High Fructose Corn Syrup, No Artificial Flavors… this is good stuff! This is just a wonderful soft drink without the guilt. There is nothing artificial about this root beer. The taste is divine!

Ener-G Gluten-Free Sesame Pretzel Rings

www.glutenfree.com

I love these as a snack in between patients!