Natural Awakenings Houston April 2023

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REGIONAL MARKETS

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-206-2000. For franchising opportunities call 239-206-2000 or email Natural Awakenings@KnoWEwell.com.

Greetings!

They say that April showers bring May flowers, but this is Texas, and the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes started blooming in March. Because we have five acres around the cabin to work with, Cindy and I started the garden early. We have to in order to get everything planted so that it has time to grow before the weather gets too hot.

We garden for a number of reasons: the fresh food, the exercise and the feeling that we are a part of the natural world. There are also a lot of life lessons to be learned through gardening. Timing and preparation are key, as are persistence and patience. The rewards do indeed come, not just in the harvest, but in the whole process.

This month, our feature article concerns regenerative farming, which has to do with restoring part of the Earth so things aren’t just sustaining, but are actually improving from our efforts.

Maybe you don’t have five acres to play with like we do, but if you only have a little space and time to cultivate a tomato plant in a bucket on your balcony, you are part of the movement to grow your own food and make your life just that much more sustainable. And if you are doing some serious gardening, don’t be too serious; remember to have fun. Life is too short not to have fun.

Cindy & Mike Hart

Revived IV Therapy is Houston's Premier Holistic Health and Wellness Spa. We provide personalized vitamin-infused IV therapy treatments, intramuscular injections, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and more. In partnership with a diverse cast of certified medical professionals, including Medical Directors, Registered Nurses, and Clinical Pharmacists, we have perfectly blended formulations that have been infused to create customizable wellness packages for every customer's individual goals. We optimize wellness, performance, recovery, and health.

HOUSTON EDITION

PUBLISHERS Cindy & Mike Hart

EDITOR Martin Miron

CREATIVES Cindy Hart

SALES Minny Payne

WEBSITE Mike Hart

CONTACT US

11428 Debbie Lane Iola, TX 77861 713-443-3186

NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly Whittle

COO/Franchise Sales Dr. Brian Stenzier

National Editor Sandra Yeyati

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Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert

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Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

CONTACT US

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NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

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Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

EARTH DAY 2023 INVESTING IN OUR PLANET

by Sandra Yeyati

This year’s Earth Day theme—Invest in Our Planet—reminds us that it is not enough to merely celebrate our ancestral home for one day. We are called upon to dedicate our time, money and talents year-round to ensure a sustaining and just world for generations to come. The motto also calls attention to the economic realities and opportunities of the climate crisis. It is no wonder that EarthDay.org, the global organizer of this annual event, decided to keep the same theme as last year, thus underscoring a continuing need to bring global economies together in harmony with the environment.

“In 2023, we must come together again in partnership for the planet. Businesses, governments and civil society are equally responsible for taking action against the climate crisis

and lighting the spark to accelerate change towards a green, prosperous and equitable future. We must join together in our fight for the green revolution, and for the health of future generations. The time is now to invest in our planet,” advises EarthDay.org President Kathleen Rogers. Surmounting the climate crisis is within reach if we all take action. The time is right for innovators to bring planet-saving ideas to market, and for consumers to stop supporting brands that are socially and environmentally irresponsible—instead, spending money with businesses that take the Earth’s future seriously.

In the voting booth, citizens have the power to elect leaders that will help build a green economy through regulations, incentives and partnerships with the private sector. We can press our

congressional representatives to support clean energy jobs and move away from the doomed fossil fuel economy.

There are many ways to make a difference in our daily lives, too. We can eat sustainable foods, pick up trash while on a run, participate in beach cleanups, reduce our use of plastic, write our representative, switch to solar power, take reusable bags to the grocery store, drive an electric vehicle, compost, go pesticide-free, plant a pollinator garden, support local farmers, eat less meat, purchase secondhand clothing, use environmentally friendly cleaning products, turn off lights when not in use, take shorter showers and so much more. Learn about all of the ways to make a difference at EarthDay.org.

This year, join one of the empowering events in Houston and meet planet-loving people that are ready to push up their sleeves, vote with their pocketbooks and dedicate their time to a healthy, equitable and prosperous future on Earth.

Green Mountain Energy Earth Day

April 23 12 noon- 5 pm

Discovery Green Park

Tinyurl.com/GreenMountainEarthDay

EarthShare Texas

March 30-April 24

Online

Tinyurl.com/MyEarth-MyTexas

Earth Month EcoChallenge

April 1-30

Online

earthmonth.ecochallenge.org

Earth Day Cypress

April 22 11 am-4 pm

1774 Cypress Rose Hill Rd.

Cypress, TX 77429

Call 832-779-7928

Creation-Focused Worship for Earth Day.

6 pm April 23rd

Online.

Tinyurl.com/LutheranEarthDay

Hemplification Five-Year Milestone and Fundraiser

Lisa Hilton-McAuley, licensed oncology aesthetician, certified cannabis specialist, licensed cannabis practitioner, certified cannabis chef, Houston mixed media artist and owner of Hemplication, is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Houston’s first cannabidiol (CBD) spa. This free event from noon to 6 p.m., April 20 through 22 at the corner of Preston and Main Street will feature local artists, local music, infused and non-infused food, drinks and fresh baked edibles to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

She says, “Texas-based hemp cultivators, processors and retailers will be onsite to share their knowledge and experience with the public. This is a great chance to learn more about the products on the market, as well as the state of the industry in general.

With more than 1,400 square feet of retail and event space in the heart of Historic Old Town Spring, Hemplication brings hemp-derived products to the general public through sales, education and educational efforts.

Location: 26411 Preston Ave., Old Town Spring. For more information, sponsors can email Kevin.G.Mcauley@gmail. com or visit Hemplication.com.

In Next Month's Issue

TOP WOMEN IN WELLNESS

Women’s Wellness Series

This May, join Natural Awakenings and KnoWEwell for a women’s wellness event entitled Overcoming Stress: How to Balance It All. Each Tuesday at 5 p.m. PDT/

8 p.m. EDT, top integrative and functional medicine experts in women’s health will present cutting-edge insights into the many ways that stress can impact hormones, thyroid function, fertility and libido, and also provide tangible recommendations to improve skin care, aging, sleep and mindset. The speakers are:

n Anna Cabeca, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, author of The Hormone Fix

n Trevor Cates, naturopathic doctor, author of Clean Skin From Within

n Anne Marie Fine, naturopathic doctor, author of Cracking the Beauty Code

n Carrie Jones, functional medicine physician specializing in hormone and thyroid health

n Jaquel Patterson, naturopathic physician, success coach, author of Women and Lyme

n Carol A. Penn, board-certified physician, mindset coach, author of Meditation in a Time of Madness

n Michelle Sands, naturopathic doctor, author of Hormone Harmony Over 35

n Jaclyn Smeaton, naturopathic doctor specializing in hormone health and reproductive medicine

n Kela Smith, holistic-integrative fertility and hormone doctor

n Jyl Steinbeck, personal trainer and lifestyle expert

The $59 event fee includes all Tuesday evening sessions. To learn more and register, visit Tinyurl.com/NAHTX or scan the QR Code.

Anna Cabeca DO, OBGYN,FACOG Stress and Libido

Trevor Cates, ND Stress Impact on Skin

Jaclyn Chasse, ND Stress and Fertility

De-Stress With Sauerkraut

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry has shown that eating more fermented foods and fiber daily for just four weeks significantly lowered perceived stress levels. Forty-five participants with relatively low-fiber diets were split into two groups.

One group met with a dietitian that recommended a psychobiotic diet, which included six to eight daily servings of fruits and vegetables high in prebiotic fibers, such as onions, leeks, cabbage, apples, bananas and oats; five to eight daily servings of grains; three to four servings of legumes per week; and two to three daily servings of fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir and kombucha. The control group received only general dietary advice based on the healthy eating food pyramid.

The group following the psychobiotic diet reported feeling less stressed compared with those in the control group. Moreover, significant changes in the level of certain key chemicals produced by gut microbes were found in these participants. Some of these chemicals have been linked to improved mental health, which could explain why the participants reported feeling less stressed. The quality of sleep improved in both groups, but those on the psychobiotic diet reported greater sleep improvements.

Pomegranate May Offer Skin and Gut Benefits

Pomegranate fruit has been widely used in traditional medicine, and a new, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine looked at the effects of taking pomegranate extract for a period of four weeks on different aspects of skin and gut health. Using facial imaging, researchers found the group that received the pomegranate extract had significant reductions in wrinkle severity and a decrease in the rate of forehead sebum excretion. They also found beneficial effects to the gut-skin axis, noting that participants in the pomegranate extract group had a higher abundance of Eggerthellaceae in the gut with accompanying wrinkle reduction. The scientists concluded that the skin benefits from pomegranate extract may be due to the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of phytochemicals, as pomegranate contains more than 100 bioactive constituents.

Gemstones, Crystals, Geodes, Jewelry, Incense, Himalayan Salt Lamps, Handmade Items & More!

Rebuilding Coral Reefs With Sound

Rapid ocean warming and other effects caused by climate change have stressed and degraded corals around the globe, and scientists have been studying ways to rebuild, manage and conserve these vital ecosystems. A new Australian study published in Journal of Applied Ecology tested whether playing certain sounds underwater at reef restoration sites could boost the recruitment of oysters and enhance their habitat-building activities. Australia’s flat oyster is a key reef-building organism targeted for restoration efforts.

Previous studies had shown that the sound of healthy reefs differs from that of damaged reefs. Using inexpensive marine speakers, the researchers reproduced the sound of a healthy reef at four sites across two of the largest oyster reef restorations in Australia and compared the results to areas that did not receive this soundscape enrichment. The sonically enhanced areas resulted in the presence of more and larger oysters that formed more three-dimensional habitats atop the reef restorations. The scientists propose that the use of marine soundscapes during early stages of new reef restoration projects could reduce the cost of habitat recovery.

Helen Racz

Redirecting the Destiny of Plastic

Nonprofit Ocean Legacy Foundation has produced the first commercially available plastic pellet in North America made from 100 per cent recycled ocean plastics. Legacy Plastic is made from highgrade post-consumer processed recycled plastic recovered during ocean, shoreline and marine equipment cleanups. Now companies can use recycled marine plastics in their products and continue to close the loop on plastic management systems.

“We soft launched Legacy Plastic in 2021 and we are thrilled with the amount of interest that it has received from companies that want to incorporate recycled content into their products.” says co-founder Chloé Dubois. “By using Legacy Plastic, companies become a part of the solution in fighting the ocean plastic pollution crisis.”

Legacy Plastic comprises recovered marine gear such as fishing ropes, buoys, floats, oyster trays and other anthropogenic plastic debris; plastic recovered from shoreline cleanups; and plastics recovered from ocean recovery expeditions.

In Western Canada, Full Circle Plastics, in Nobelford, Alberta, has a line of plastic lumber products used in commercial, industrial and residential construction that replace many traditional lumber applications such as planter boxes, agriculture fence posts, outdoor decking construction, and domestic outdoor furniture.

HOUSTON METRO Chiropractic Guide

Core Chiropractic

Drs.Natalie & Philip Cordova, DC

1770 St. James Place, #210

Houston 77056

713-622-3300

corechiropractic.net

Innate Chiropractic Healing Arts Center

Dr. Jackie St.Cyr, DC

8100 Washington Ave, #210

Houston 77007

713-521-2104

n8chiro.com

HealthPro Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Dr. Alayna E. Pagnani-Gendron, DC

4101 Green Briar Dr. #135

Houston 77098

281-506-0105

healthprochiro.com

Franson Chiropractic

Dr. Brett V. Franson, DC

1652 South Dairy Ashford Rd.

Houston 77077

281-701-1596

fransonchiropractor.com

A Swedish battery manufacturer, Northvolt, in partnership with Stora Enso, one of the largest private forest owners in the world, has developed a battery for electric vehicles (EV) with an anode made of sustainably raised and harvested wood instead of graphite, paving the way for battery production from a renewable source.

The partners figured out a way to extract lignin, a carbon-rich natural binder that comprises up to 30 percent of many trees, and turn it into a material they call Lignode. According to Stora Enso, by replacing graphite or copper anodes with Lignode, lithium-ion batteries will offer faster charging and discharging, higher cycling stability and more efficient performance in low temperature.

More than 50 percent of the EV’s carbon footprint comes from the manufacture of its battery—both in sourcing raw materials and producing the component. Mining graphite is an expensive and labor-intensive process that requires considerable resources that come from parts of the world where workers’ rights are inadequately protected. While Northvolt’s battery is not on the market yet, this development, along with others like solid-state batteries, may help to reduce the carbon footprint of EVs.

Sustainable Grocery Shopping

There are many ways to be environmentally responsible when shopping for food. Here are a few tips.

Bring Reusable Shopping Bags

Americans use approximately 100 billion single-use plastic bags each year, which accumulate in landfills and waterways and never truly decompose. Some states have banned disposable bags, but many still permit them. Come prepared to the grocery store with reusable bags to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Shop the Perimeter

Food packaging and containers make up 23 percent of landfill waste. Shop around the perimeter of the store as much as possible to find the freshest, healthiest foods with the least amount of packaging, such as produce, bulk items, dairy, fresh fish and meat. Bulk items like nuts, dry beans, coffee, tea and grains can be purchased in exactly the amount needed with no packaging.

Plan Ahead

The average American wastes about 21 percent of the food they buy, which equates to about $1,800 a year. To avoid overbuying and shrink the carbon footprint of multiple shopping trips, plan meals a week (or month) ahead and come with a shopping list organized by the sections or aisles of the store.

Shop Local and In Season

Local produce has a drastically smaller carbon footprint than fruits and vegetables that must travel long distances

by truck, airplane or ship. Buying local, in-season produce reduces waste because the produce is fresher when purchased and will not spoil as quickly at home. If the family’s diet includes meats, choose pasture-raised, grass-fed products from farmers that practice regenerative organic agriculture, which improves the quality of the land and maintains local ecosystems.

Read Labels

Choose foods that were produced with the environment in mind by looking for the following labels, seals and certifications:

n USDA Organic

n Biodynamic (BDA) for food produced without chemical pesticides or herbicides, using organic, non-GMO seeds

n Non-GMO Project Verified for foods that were not genetically engineered

n FAIRTRADE Mark and Fair Trade Certified for food producers committed to reasonable wages and the safe, fair treatment of workers

n Climate Neutral Certified for food manufacturers committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions

n Safe Catch for sustainably caught fish

n Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) for sustainably farmed seafood

Chinese Oriental Medicine has Modern Applications

ChiC Wellness founder and CEO Dr. Antonika Chanel, LAc, DACM, uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to bring her clients into total awareness and alignment with their life purpose using all five branches of East Asian medicine. They offer therapeutic treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy. Chanel says, “Using the art of holistic medicine, our holistic doctors gently guide, nudge and aid one’s body and mind to find its own balance. From there, the intelligence of the body knows what to do next. Our role is to aid you in your return to inner harmony, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being so that we can realize our life’s passion without limitations.”

ChiC Wellness is dedicated to integrating the highest standard of conventional, complementary and alternative medicine, nurturing intrinsic healing in the whole person, body, mind, and spirit. “It is our mission to serve, empower and partner with our patients and our community on the path to wellness, transformation and wholeness. We serve as a model for the new paradigm of patient-centered health care dedicated to furthering evidenced-based research and education in integrative medicine. We believe that healing comes from within the individual, and not any external educators or products. That is why we offer private sessions with our trained practitioners.”

The practice offers virtual consultations where anyone can ask questions anytime of day or night through video conferencing software, and provide bespoke services which include in-person consultations. Clients receive a 30-minute phone consultation, 90-minute assessment with the holistic doctor, plus energy field assessment and personalized analysis of lifestyle and treatment recommendations.

Chinese medicine focuses on five flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and salty, which are believed to be associated with different organs in the body and their respective functions. Each flavor can be used as part of TCM therapies to promote physical and mental wellbeing.

Chanel advises, “The only way to remove the cause of the degenerative disease is to allow the body to cleanse itself. Surgery won’t do this; neither will drugs or radiation. It has to be down internally. In today’s world, our environment is laden with glyphosate. The best way to restore out health is through detoxification.” ChiC offers a free Ebook, Why Detox?

For more information, visit ChiCWellness.org.

Kombucha is a fermented drink made from sweetened tea that has been flavored with fruit or other natural ingredients. The Kombucha Company, in Richmond, brews a variety of flavors starting with pure Texas rainwater. Customers can pick up a bottle at their store or at The Trough Juice Bar, in Richmond, or order their home-brew kit.

The earliest written records of kombucha date back to around 221 B.C. in China, where it was referred to as “the tea of immortality”. Despite its long history, kombucha only gained widespread popularity in the West in the 1990s, and has continued to grow in popularity in recent years.

Kombucha is made by fermenting sweetened tea with a culture of bacteria and yeast, which creates a slightly fizzy and slightly sour drink. Some people believe that it has health benefits, although these claims are not always backed up by scientific research. Kombucha is sometimes called a health drink because it contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help support a healthy digestive system.

Location: 611 Jackson St,. Richmond. For more information, call 832-2789322 or visit KombuchaCompany.com.

Make Kombucha Tea at Home

A NEW DAWN ON THE FARM FRONT

STEPPING AWAY FROM INDUSTRIALIZED AGRICULTURE

by Sandra Yeyati

We all have to eat, and the food industry is big business, with wide-ranging implications across many arenas. Because agriculture is controlled by a handful of multinational corporations, the priority to maximize profits often conflicts with what is best for human and planetary health. In many ways, our food production and consumption practices are broken or on the brink of failure. They are inhumane, socially unjust, environmentally unsound and unsustainable.

Viable, achievable solutions to these immense challenges exist, and the emerging consensus is that regenerative organic agriculture is the key to preserving human health and helping solve the climate crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic uncovered weaknesses in the system, such as supply chain vulnerabilities, and altered human behavior as more people started cooking at home and exploring healthier lifestyle choices. The time is right to make positive changes to the way we grow, distribute and consume food.

The Problems With Our Current Industrial Farming Model

For decades, doctors, scientists, farmers and nonprofits at the forefront of the environmental movement have been sounding the alarm about the inherent weaknesses in the national food chain and the harmful effects of industrial agriculture. In his book Food Fix: How to Save Our Health, Our Economy, Our Communities and Our Planet—One Bite at a Time, Dr. Mark Hyman notes, “Food is the nexus of most of our world’s health, economic, environmental, climate, social and even political crises. While this may seem like an exaggeration, it is not.”

In the late 1800s, American farming began to transition from small, diverse operations that produced a variety of crops and livestock to feed a family or community to an industrialized system dominated by multinational corporations that focused on maximizing yields of just a few crops, primarily corn, soy and wheat. Today, these crops overwhelmingly end up as animal feed, biofuels and cheap, processed food ingredients—a staple of the standard American diet since the 1950s.

Industrial agriculture is now the dominant food production system in this country, characterized by largescale monoculture, heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and meat produced in confined animal feeding operations (CAFO). Most modest family farms have been forced to either get into business with a big company (contract farming) or go out of business. The Natural Resources Defense Council reports that 90 percent of the 9 billion chickens raised each year in the U.S. are grown under contract, and 57 percent of hogs are

owned and slaughtered by just four companies. According to Rodale Institute, only 8 percent of farms produce more than four crops, while specialty crops like fruits, vegetables and nuts are grown on just 3 percent of cropland.

With industrial dominance comes numerous devastating consequences.

Human Health Costs

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, industrially produced food is bad for us on several fronts. Heavy pesticide use is poisoning our food, fertilizer is polluting our drinking water, junk food made of corn and soybeans is degrading our health and the overuse of antibiotics in CAFOs is accelerating the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bioethicist Peter Singer advises, “Factory farms are breeding grounds for new viruses. We’ve had swine flu and avian flu coming out of factory farms. It’s quite possible that the next pandemic will originate there.”

Zach Bush, a triple board-certified physician and producer of the documentary Farmer’s Footprint, says, “Over the last 25 years, we have seen the most profound explosion of chronic disease in human history. Research from around the globe now suggests that environmental factors are contributing to a combination of genetic, neurologic, autoimmune and metabolic injuries that underpin the collapse of health in our children and adults.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that chronic and mental health conditions account for 90 percent of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual health care expenditures. Obesity affects 20 percent of children and 42 percent of adults. More than 850,000 Americans die of heart disease or stroke annually, and 37 million have diabetes. Each year, more than 1.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer, while 600,000 succumb to the disease.

“Most of those diseases are caused by our industrial diet, which means they are avoidable if we transform the food we grow, the food we produce and the food we eat. Eleven million people die every year from a bad diet,” Hyman asserts.

Solutions Using Regenerative Organic Farming

Led by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, which includes organizations and brands like Rodale Institute, Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia, the Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) standard helps consumers make informed choices about their food purchases. Its three pillars—soil health, animal welfare and social fairness—are designed to ameliorate the problems associated with conventional agriculture.

Soil Health Equals Planetary and Human Health

Chemical-heavy farming practices employed by conventional agriculture deplete topsoil, draining it of all its organic matter—the very microbiome needed to nourish the plants we grow and ultimately nourish us. In 2014, Maria-Helena Semedo, of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, said that if current farming practices continue, we have only 60 years of harvest left. The clock is ticking.

Farming techniques proposed by the ROC are designed to continually rebuild soil. They are proven by years of science done at Rodale Institute and practical results achieved by regenerative organic farmers already growing food this way. “On the farm that we operate here at the Institute, we know that Native Americans were farming this land 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. We’d like to be farming this land 8,000 to 10,000 years from now. We probably won’t be using tractors or diesel fuel, but we will be using the soil,” says Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Moyer.

Under ROC standards that include a variety of rotating crops, cover crops, no tillage, no synthetic inputs of any kind, no genetically modified seeds and staggered grazing by animals, farms become biodiverse ecosystems with organically rich soil that absorbs water, doesn’t erode over time and produces safe, nutritious food. As J.I. Rodale said, “Healthy soil equals healthy food equals healthy people.”

Healthy soil draws carbon from the atmosphere deep into the ground, and that is a boost for our fight against climate change. “Regenerative organic farming has a very positive impact on climate, because we’re sequestering more carbon than we are emitting,” Moyer explains. “Under its current production model, agriculture is part of the problem. If it’s part of the problem, then it can and should be part of the solution. That’s the whole premise behind the [ROC] standard itself—treating agriculture as one of the primary tools that we’re going to use as a society to improve our relationship with the planet.”

Animal Welfare Is the Right Thing to Do

Under the ROC model, animals must be raised in a humane way that frees them from discomfort, fear, distress, hunger, pain, injury and disease, while also being able to express normal behavior. To achieve these aims, they need to be taken out of CAFOs and reintegrated into farmland, so that they are pasture-raised and grass-fed, creating meat that is more nutritious and less diseased without chemical interventions.

“We’re integrating animals onto the cropland, with livestock, chickens, sheep and hogs. Imagine what the Great Plains of the United States was 500 years ago. You had bison, elk, deer, rabbits, wolves and myriad different birds, because the birds always followed the migrating animals. We’re trying to mimic that to a small degree on our ranch,” says North Dakota farmer Gabe Brown, who started transitioning into regenerative organic practices in the mid-1990s and wrote an influential book on the subject, Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture.

Social Fairness and Farming Resilience

Taking care of the farmers and workers that plant, raise, harvest and transport our food is not just the right thing to do, it also creates a system that is more stable and resilient, says Graham Christensen, a Nebraska farmer and president of GC Resolve. “There are serious issues with how the big agricultural companies are treating workers. We saw horrible situations with COVID in the meatpacking plants and how the workers were being treated. This is just one of the many reasons that this over-centralized, monopolized system is affecting people in bad ways,” he says. “Regenerative organic farming requires

SUSTAINABLE EATING

TIPS TO SHRINK YOUR FOODPRINT

by Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD

Knowing which foods have the least environmental impact is not always easy. Organic blueberries are considered Earth-protective because no pesticides were used to grow them, but if they were shipped from California to a Florida grocery store, the transportation represents a steep carbon footprint. And if we waited too long to eat those blueberries and had to throw them away, all of the resources spent on producing those fruits were wasted.

To get a fuller picture of our food-related environmental impacts, we need to take into consideration the many variables associated with the production, transportation and consumption of food, and that’s where the “foodprint” comes in—a barometer of eco-friendliness. There are many ways to calculate a foodprint; EarthDay.org/foodprints-calculators lists a few automated calculators and food quizzes that can help. Here are noteworthy examples:

n EatLowCarbon.org compares the carbon emissions associated with different meals—ranging from bean soup (lowest CO2 emissions) to a Philly cheesesteak (highest).

n FoodPrint.org offers a questionnaire about a person’s food choices and follows up with tips to reduce their foodprint.

n FoodEmissions.com calculates the foodprint of specific foods like dairy or seafood by asking about the origination and destination of the food to determine transportation emissions, and by asking the consumer to self-report their percentage of waste to calculate the loss of natural resources.

How to Reduce Our Foodprint

BUY RESPONSIBLY PRODUCED FOOD

When shopping for groceries, consider buying from food producers that support environmental stewardship, sustainability and regenerative farming practices in their production systems. A list of third-party certifications that can help identify responsibly manufactured foodstuffs can be found at Foodprint.org/ eating-sustainably/food-label-guide.

BUY LOCAL AND IN SEASON

Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, owner of Sound Bites Nutrition, encourages her clients to eat local, seasonal produce. “[It] spares the environment, as it doesn’t need to be flown across the country, reducing fuel costs,” she explains, adding that local produce is generally more nutritious and cost effective.

STORE FOOD CORRECTLY

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 30 to 40 percent of the available food supply is wasted. While there are many reasons for food loss at all stages of production and

delivery, consumers can have a major impact in reducing how much food is wasted.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides advice for properly storing foods in the refrigerator: leafy veggies go in the high-humidity drawer, while most fruits should be placed in the low-humidity bin. Some fruits like apples and avocados release ethylene gas and can cause nearby produce to spoil, so they should be stored separately. Wash berries just before eating them to prevent mold. Store potatoes, onion and garlic in a cool, dry, dark and well-ventilated place. Freeze bread, meat or leftovers that won’t be eaten before they spoil.

CONSUME SUSTAINABLE FOODS

According to Registered Dietitian Lauren Panoff, one way that consumers can benefit the environment is by transitioning to a more plant-predominant lifestyle. “Plant foods utilize far fewer natural resources than industrial animal agriculture, which is also one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases and drivers of Amazon deforestation,” Panoff explains.

Patricia Kolesa, MS, RDN, founder of the Dietitian Dish, notes, “Plant-based proteins tend to be more affordable and can be stored longer than your animal proteins, helping reduce food waste.”

Nutritics, a food information company, offers a list of the highest-ranking foods when it comes to sustainability, considering inputs like water usage, carbon emissions or capture, land usage and nitrogen storage capabilities. Their list includes mussels, beans, lentils, peas and other legumes, mushrooms, seaweed, cereals and grains, and organic fruits and vegetables.

RESPONSIBLY DISPOSE OF OR SHARE UNEATEN FOOD

Perfectly fresh food that the family has decided not to eat can be donated to people in need. Visit FoodPantries.org to find a nearby soup kitchen or food bank. Compost scraps and spoiled items to divert them from landfills. For composting instructions by the USDA, visit Tinyurl.com/USDAcompost

Ana Reisdorf is a registered dietitian and freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience in the fields of nutrition and dietetics.

UNWRAPPED EGG ROLL NOODLES

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded

1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup purple cabbage, finely shredded

½ cup carrot, finely shredded

¼ onion, sliced

½ cup peanut butter

3 Tbsp coconut aminos

2 Tbsp sesame oil

1 tsp garlic

Salt to taste

Konjac noodles (optional)

Sesame seeds

In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened. Add shredded chicken, cabbage, carrot, coconut aminos, remaining sesame oil, garlic and salt to taste. Once the cabbage has wilted and cooked, add the peanut butter. Mix in noodles.

Serve hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds. For a vegan or vegetarian alternative, omit the chicken.

Used with permission of Madiha M. Saeed, M.D.

Thyroid medication: why less really is more

by Dr. Raquel Espinol

Introduction

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism by releasing hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). When the thyroid underperforms, it causes everything in your body to work less efficiently. This is known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism affects more than 30 million American adults and is five to eight times more common in females.1 By conservative estimates, one in eight women will develop hypothyroidism.1

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This makes up 75-85% of hypothyroid cases. Oftentimes, people with Hashimoto’s struggle to find a medication or treatment plan that works for them and continue to suffer through symptoms like:

• Fatigue

• Feeling cold

• Losing hair

• Gaining weight

• Depression

While there are many treatment options for hypothyroidism, not all are created equal. Selecting the most appropriate one is vital to managing this disease.

What can interfere with hypothyroid therapy?

Some commonly used prescription drugs that can interfere with thyroid medication absorption and efficacy:

• Antacids

• Lithium

• Amiodarone

• Antibiotics

• Antidepressants

• Dopamine agonists

• Colestipol

• Cholestyramine

• Estrogen, testosterone

Thyroid hormones: T3 and T4

The two hormones to remember are T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). T4 circulates throughout your bloodstream and is stored in your tissues until needed. Once your body finds a need, it converts T4 into T3. Establishing the exact levels of T4 and T3, and determining if the conversion process is working normally, are critical to designing the best treatment approach.

While most healthcare providers understand the critical nature of T4 to T3 conversion, many fail to recognize the factors that affect this process. These include:

• Nutritional deficiencies/excesses

• Autoimmune diseases

• Gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome

• Use of interfering medications like proton pump inhibitors (Nexium® and Prevacid®, for example) or H2 blockers (Tagamet®, for example), which inhibit the dissolution and absorption of thyroid hormone tablets

• The body’s own obstacles to converting T4 to T3

Some people continue to suffer from hypothyroid symptoms despite being on medication for years. But with some effort, patients can work with their doctor to find an approach that works for them.

Some commonly used nutraceuticals that can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medicines:

• Iron

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Chromium picolinate

Some foods that can interfere with absorption of medication:

• Soy products

• High-fiber/high-bran foods

• Calcium-enriched foods/beverages

Digestive complications or diseases such as celiac disease, autoimmune gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome can also complicate thyroid hormone therapy.

Make sure to discuss with your doctor all of your medical conditions, medications (both prescription and nonprescription), and nutritional supplements before starting or switching thyroid hormone therapy.

Dr. Raquel Espinol graduated with honors and received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine). She struggled with her own thyroid condition, which was not successfully managed until she discovered naturopathic medicine and worked with a naturopathic doctor to control her condition. This firsthand success inspired her to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine specializing in thyroid diseases.

Dr. Espinol works with men and women addressing thyroid conditions, hormone imbalances, and weight loss. She is licensed to practice in Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Montana.

Common choices for treating hypothyroidism

The most common treatments for hypothyroidism include T4 monotherapy with levothyroxine, natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) aka “glandular thyroid,” and a regimen of T4 and T3 medications taken together. Figuring out the best option for you may take some time. See the accompanying chart for pros/cons of commonly used hypothyroidism therapies.

T4 monotherapy

Pros:

• Current standard of care for hypothyroidism

• Proven safe and effective

• Available at all pharmacies

• Usually low cost

Cons:

• GI conditions, medications, sensitivities to excipients/ inactive ingredients in tablet formulations can interfere with absorption and tolerability

Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT)

Pros:

• Contains both key thyroid hormones: T4 and T3

• An option for people who need supplemental T3

Cons:

• Derived from thyroid glands of pigs – an issue for vegans

• NDT therapies are tablets that contain excipients or “fillers”

• The T4:T3 ratio contained in NDT tablets is 5:1 – different than the normal human ratio of these hormones

• Can lead to cardiac problems like rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and feelings of anxiety

• It comes from pigs and may contain porcine antigens, which may be problematic for some people

• Not all pharmacies carry NDT products. Not all insurance carriers pay for them

Combined T4 and T3 medication therapy

Pros:

• Consistent potency

• Can be an option for those in need of supplemental T3

• Available at most pharmacies

Cons:

• Two separate medicines that need to be taken daily. T4 is taken once a day; T3 may be recommended in multiple daily doses

• Some insurance plans may require two medication copays

• T3 can be risky for some patients with cardiovascular conditions. Some patients can experience heart palpitations and other side effects

Malabsorption and drug underperformance

Most thyroid hormone therapies come in tablet form. These contain inactive ingredients such as wheat starch (gluten), talc, lactose, sugars, and dyes that help hold the tablet together, but also can impede the absorption of their active ingredient, which results in suboptimal or inconsistent levels of thyroid hormones. When this happens, many patients often believe they need to change medication rather than address the factors that contribute to their therapy’s poor performance. They turn to their physician for new therapies in the hope that these can provide long hopedfor relief from their symptoms.2

Nutritional support

Nutrition can play a role in managing hypothyroidism. However, few patients can treat hypothyroidism with nutritional supplements alone. Some examples of helpful nutritional supplements include inositol, nigella, B vitamins, and selenium. However, excess amounts of certain nutritional supplements can also lead to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Always tell your physician about all drugs and supplements that you are currently taking as well as your soy, fiber, and non-animal product intake.

Thyroid treatment: sometimes less is more Less is often more when it comes to hypothyroid treatment. Tirosint®-SOL (levothyroxine sodium) oral solution is a unique liquid hypothyroid medication made with only three ingredients. It contains no fillers or other ingredients that can irritate your stomach or lead to poor drug absorption. Because it’s a liquid, it doesn’t need to dissolve in your stomach like a tablet or capsule before your body starts to absorb it. It’s not made with any ingredients sourced from animals, and it’s easy to swallow and comes in precise monodose ampules that can be conveniently stored for travel. You can pour it into a glass of water and drink it, or you can squeeze the contents of the ampule directly into your mouth.

Since Tirosint-SOL consists of just water, glycerol, and levothyroxine, it’s a very simple yet effective solution for treating hypothyroidism. This is important to me. Additionally, I want to ensure my patients have consistent access to the thyroid medication that works best for them. That being said, Tirosint-SOL has a generous coupon program and low-cost mail-order option to help patients without insurance or with high insurance copays/ deductibles. These can be found on the product’s website.

So, which treatment is right for you?

Share your answers to the following with your physicians so they can work with you to pick the right option for you:

• Have you been treated for hypothyroidism and are dissatisfied with the results?

• Do you want a simpler approach?

• Do you need a drug that is free of excipients like gluten, dyes, lactose, and preservatives?

• Do you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another GI condition?

• Problems swallowing?

Please see Important Safety Information on the following page or toward the back of this issue, and Full Prescribing Information at TirosintSOL.com.

References: 1. American Thyroid Association Website. https://www.thyroid.org/mediamain/press-room/. Accessed December 8, 2022. 2. McMillan M, et al. Results of the CONTROL Surveillance Project. Drugs in R&D. 2015;16(1):53-68.

PM-01-22-0089

Join the ebike Revolution

by Lelac Almagor

Most of us run quick everyday errands to preschool, the grocery store or the gym by car. About half of all American automobile excursions are less than three miles long, and have an outsized impact on emissions. Collectively, they account for half a million metric tons of CO2 every day. Our “drive everywhere” habits also contribute to traffic snarls, parking hassles and a more sedentary lifestyle that affects our physical and mental health. Yet they are hard to break, because few of us live in neighborhoods where we can reach everything we need on foot. The newest trend in sustainable living offers a fun and practical solution: ebikes.

An ebike, short for electric bike, looks a lot like a regular bicycle, with wheels, pedals, a chain and gears. However, it also comes with a considerable battery-powered motor, typically ranging from 250 to 1,000 watts on the heaviest models. Most operate via pedal assist, which means the motor is controlled

by a sensor that is responsive to the rider’s movements. When we turn the pedals, the motor kicks in to add power. Stop pedaling, and the motor cuts off.

The result is an experience that feels just like natural pedaling, but easier. Pedal steadily while coasting along a flat trail, soaring up a big hill or hauling a heavy load—the motor does the rest. Some models offer a thumb throttle option, letting the rider engage the motor without pedaling. These can be especially useful for starting a heavy bike from a standstill. Once the wheels are turning, it’s easy to start pedaling.

Using a regular bike for transportation requires a degree of physical fitness and stamina, plus a careful calculation of the route, the hills, the load and the weather. Ebikes allow almost anyone to get around. Trike styles add stability for riders that may not be able to balance a traditional two-wheeler. With the

help of these newer features, seniors, those with disabilities or aren’t interested in a workout can still join the active transport movement, cutting emissions, saving money and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.

Researchers have found that over the course of a week, ebike riders actually get more total exercise than conventional cyclists because they choose to ride for longer distances. Community college professor Greg Wahl agrees. His commute is a 12-mile round trip, too long and too hilly to tackle on a regular bike. On his ebike, he arrives in 25 minutes every time. He advises, “For me, that’s huge freedom, knowing exactly how long it’s going to take.”

Electric assist also opens the door to a variety of heavier, workhorse bike formats that might be impractical to maneuver using leg power alone. Cargo bikes and trikes allow riders to carry kids, pets, adult passengers, a full load of groceries, a Christmas tree or any other cargo that we typically transport by car. Good quality cargo bikes typically cost several

thousand dollars, quite a bit more than regular bikes. But they can also serve as true car replacements, offering considerable savings on gas, insurance and monthly payments. They’re a much more accessible entry point to low-emission transportation than the electric car.

Social media serves to connect and empower many ebike users and the burgeoning community has proven effective at local organizing by advocating for protected bike lanes, traffic calming and other infrastructure improvements that make it easier and safer to travel beyond the car. Mary Pustejovsky, a Wisconsin mom of three and geospatial software product manager says, “I was never a bike person until I got an ebike. Now I use it for 90 percent of my trips.” That is the magic of ebikes—transforming everyday errands into a happier, healthier, more sustainable future.

Lelac Almagor lives in Washington, D.C., and works for Texas-based Bunch Bikes. For more information, call 817-393-1794 or email Lelac@BunchBike.com.

JOIN US LIVE ONLINE

Tinyurl.com/NAHTX

Anna Cabeca DO, OBGYN,FACOG Stress and Libido

Michelle Sands, ND Stress and its Impact on your Hormones

calendar of events APRIL 2023

Send your event information to mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com

FRIDAY MARCH 31st -

SATURDAY APRIL 23rd

My Earth-My Texas. EarthShare Texas is sponsoring an Earth Month sustainability challenge Open to individuals, groups and businesses, Participants may complete sustainability challenges at homeEach challenge completed earns the participant points that could win them cool, eco-prizes. For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/ MyEarth-MyTexas or email estx@earthshare-texas.org.

SATURDAY APRIL 1st –

SUNDAY APRIL 30th

Earth Month EcoChallenge. All Houston-area residents are invited to participate in the online Earth Month EcoChallenge. This event offers you the opportunity to care for the earth and all its peoples by taking on a challenge in: climate & ecosystems, economy & communities, health & equity, education & livelihood or basic needs & security. https://earthmonth.ecochallenge.org/! Have questions about the teams? Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

SUNDAY APRIL 2nd

First Sunday Dharma Talk 10:30-11 am. Brief talk about an aspect of Buddhist dharma. In person 4916 Main St, Suite 100 within the Houston MET Dance space. Online Tinyurl.com/DawnMtPodCast

TUESDAY APRIL 4th

Teaching Tuesday at Dawn Mountain. Current series of classes on Impermanence. See dawnmountain.org for details and registration.

SATURDAY, APRIL 8th

Guided Prayer Walk in the Park 9:30 am. Connect with God as revealed through creation at Hermann Park in this guided prayer walk in the park, using the park’s beautiful natural setting to stimulate prayer and reflection. Hermann Park. . Register on Tinyurl. com/PrayerWalk23 Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information.

SATURDAY APRIL 8th

Extended Yoga Practice. 9:30-11:00 am. Enjoy a 90-minute class in the small studio that includes philosophy, pranayama, meditation, asana with hands-on adjustments and an extended savasana. Hosted by Kim Taurins. Tinyurl.com/ExtendedYoga

TUESDAY APRIL 18th

Teaching Tuesday at Dawn Mountain. Current series of classes on Impermanence. See dawnmountain.org for details and registration.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 20th

Connecting with Essential Oils Workshop. 6-7 pm. Stepping deeper into the medicine of essential oils, beyond the extraction and unique aromas are their energetic signatures. In this experience of connecting with essential oils, we find ourselves in a sacred pause. This sacred connection has the potential to align us on all levels and transport us into the here and now, into our home in the heart. In AMANO in The Montrose Collective 888 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006. For tickets: Tinyurl. com/OilsEarth

THURSDAY APRIL 21th

Old Town Spring Sip & Shop. 6-9 pm. Enjoy a the evening shopping in Old Town Spring and refreshments courtesy of select merchants.Call 346-382-6463 for more information. kristensgems.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 22th

Creation-Focused Worship for Earth Day. 6 p.m. central, online. Join other Christians to celebrate Earth Day by participating in a streamed pre-recorded creation-focused worship service. https://tinyurl.com/LutheranEarthDay. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs. lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

SUNDAY, APRIL 23th

Pure Plant Houston Potluck 1 pm. Meet local Houston vegans, share a healthy plantbased meal and vist with local doctors who promote a healthy plant-based way of life. Lifestyle Docs 4500 Bissonnet Suite 355, Bellaire, TX 77401. plantpurehouston.com

Willow Waterhole Greenspace 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Calling people of all faiths or no faith at all in Houston to care for our shared environment during Earth Month! We will engage in hands-on environmental stewardship at the Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve, including mulching around plantings, cleaning up the park and painting. Tinyurl.com/ WillowWaterhole Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 26th

Dawn Mountain Welcome Event 12:301:30 pm. Interested in knowing more about our lamas, our programs and meet some of our sangha? Dawn Mountain invites you to attend our new Welcome Event. 4916 Main St., Suite 100, Houston. Register at Tinyurl. com/DawnMtWelcome

SATURDAY APRIL 23rd

Green Mountain Energy Earth Day. 12 n-5 pm. This year’s Green Mountain Energy Earth Day theme is water. As a central environmental issue, the proper care and management of Houston’s water is a topic that affects everyone. The city’s present and future relies on it.The Water Works Festival will bring their interactive exhibits to Discovery Green to educate families about this vital natural resource. Expect family-friendly performances, live music, art installations, face painting, crafts and activities. Educational talks, panel discussions, spoken word performances and more will be provided. And, of course, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the water features at Discovery Green. Discovery Green 1500 McKinney St Houston, TX 77010. discoverygreen.com

SUNDAY APRIL 28rd

Pure Plant Houston Potluck 1 pm. Meet local Houston vegans, share a healthy plantbased meal and enjoy the presentaton by the Climate Action Team. First UU Church 5200 Fannin Street (at Southmore Blvd) Houston, TX 77004 plantpurehouston.com

Send

monday

Free Outdoor Zumba 6:30 pm. Join the party and sweat with Tiny Fitness to rhythms from around the world! This hour-long Zumba fitness class will have you grooving, shaking, and toning to salsa, hip hop, samba, and bhangra beats - and so many more. Open to all fitness levels and recommended for ages 16+ Levy Park, 3801 Eastside, Houston 77098. tinyfitnesshouston.com

IGNITE! Sessions. 10am-5pm. Find your purpose with igniter/artist/intuitive guide Sarah Gish in 30- or 60-minute sessions ($50 or $100). You’ll leave with a personal mantra that reinforces what the heart-centered connection uncovered. Call for appointment: 713.993.0550. Body Mind & Soul. 7951 Katy Freeway.

tuesday

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am In person and online. A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. South Community Center (The Woodlands) 2235 Lake Robbins Dr, Spring, TX 77380 houston-meditation.org

TUESDAYS, February 21st – May 9th

Living the Change Weekly Discussion Group 6 p.m. central, online. Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com at: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/living-the-change-weeklydiscussion-group-tickets-504063065197. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

wednesday

Blissful Quests® with Doyle Ward-The Pocast. 1:00pm.Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Maybe the real question to explore is not IF you are intuitive, but HOW you are intuitive. Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive medium, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Call in during the show at: 1-760-456-7277, access on-demand episodes or listen live! blissfulquests.com/podcast

wednesday

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am In person and online. A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. Katy Library 5414 Franz Rd, Katy, TX 77493 houston-meditation.org

Delivering compassionate regenerative oral healthcare

Family Dentistry

Invisalign

Professional Whitening

Dental Emergencies

Checkup & Cleaning

Biocompatible Fillings

Comfort Dentistry

Airway Therapy

Biological Extractions

Mouth & Sports Guard

saturday

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am Online. a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. houston-meditation.org

Reiki Circle 11:00 am. Reiki Holy Fire Experience healing circle, held on 2nd Saturday of every month. A chosen issue for healing will be the focus of each circle. Everyone is welcome.Location: 9039 Katy Freeway, building 500, suite 504, Houston, TX 77024. Fee: Love offering. Contact: April 713-922-3474. Website: dharmareikiacupuncture.com

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center 4510 C Hwy 6 N, Houston, TX 77084. houston-meditation.org

sunday

Free Outdoor Zumba 9am. Join the party and sweat with Tiny Fitness to rhythms from around the world! This hour-long Zumba fitness class will have you grooving, shaking, and toning to salsa, hip hop, samba, and bhangra beats - and so many more. Open to all fitness levels and recommended for ages 16+ Levy Park, 3801 Eastside, Houston 77098. tinyfitnesshouston.com

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am Online. A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. houston-meditation.org/

Meridian Energy

Invisalign

Veneers

Children’s Dentistry

Safe Mercury Removal

Ozone Therapy

Ceramic Implants

BiocompatibleTest

Biological Perio & Endo

Flouride Free

Adore Dentistry

540 W 19 Street Houston, TX 77008 832-930-7844

adore-dentistry.com

Dawn Mountain Free Weekly Meditation from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon Online. Led by senior members of the Dawn Mountain sangha (community), this meditation offers a chance to take a mindful pause from your busy life, enjoy serenity and fellowship, and learn a bit more about Buddhist practice at Dawn Mountain. https://www.dawnmountain.org/upcoming-live-webcasts-2/

Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.

~Carl Sagan

Trevor Cates, ND Stress Impact on Skin

Jaclyn Chasse, ND Stress and Fertility

Carol Penn, DO Aging Gracefully

Carrie Jones, MD, FAAP Stress and your Thyroid

Jaquel Patterson, ND, IFMCP Sleep, Cortisol and its Relation to Stress

Anna Cabeca DO, OBGYN,FACOG Stress and Libido

Arti Chandra, MD, MPH Healing Your Gut

Anne Marie Fine, ND Cracking the Beauty Code

Kela Smith, PhD DNM Stress & Fertility

Jyl Steinbeck Women’s Health & Homeopathy

healthy living guide

ACUPUNCTURE

DHARMA REIKI & ACUPUNCTURE

9039 Katy Freeway, Suite 504 Houston, Texas 77024 (713) 922-3474

www.dharmareikiacupuncture.com

We are a Traditional Chinese Medicine and Reiki clinic, offering alternative healing services since 2008.

• Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

• Reiki energy healing, individual sessions and classes

• Internal medicine, pain management

• Women’s health, pre-post natal, menopause

• Emotional, trauma healing

• Chakra clearing and balancing

• Stress, anxiety, mood disorders

• Hormone, energy, sleep imbalance

• Diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, gastrointestinal, and more…

FREE CONSULTATION

Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki Practitioner Training is offered monthly. Dates & details on website

Reiki Healing Circle on 2nd Saturday of every month. See Calendar of Events.

BATH PRODUCTS

CONNIE’S BATH SHACK

211 Midway St, Bldg E Spring, TX 77373 (281) 288-9595 conniesbathshack.com

A quaint shop in the heart of historic Old Town Spring Texas, offering unique handmade bath and body products and lots of rubber ducks. Small Batch Handmade soaps by Connie. Wonderful lather and amazing Scents. Enjoy the aromatherapy of a bath in your shower with Shower Steamers. Put little bit of heaven for your bath with Fizzies. We also have bath salts, scrubs, shampoos, lotions, creams, shaving creams & soaps, and batch accessories of all kinds. Shop conveniently on-line or drop by our store.

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY

ADORE DENTISTRY

540 W 19 Street Houston, TX 77008

832-930-7844

adore-dentistry.com

Re-designing dentistry in Houston Heights by creating a personalized, comfortable, and fun experience to deliver excellent patient satisfaction. From preventative dentistry to smile makeovers, our team of dental professionals have the skill-sets to provide remarkable quality and compassionate care to give you that smile you’ve always wanted. Services include cosmetic, preventative, restorative, and a full range of family dentistry services. Lead by Drs. Emilyann Pham and Ann Blair our team provides compassionate human-centered patient care. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment. Insurance accepted. See Ad on page 29.

MARILYN K. JONES, DDS

Houston Dental Health Center

800 Bering Dr. Houston, TX 77057

713-497-1355

houstonbiologicaldentist.com

Natural Dentistry supports the body and the mind by finding the cause of dental problems. The dental examination includes noticing systemic and habitual influences. If you have dental issues or currently have silver amalgam fillings, call me today to schedule an appointment.

See ad on page 27.

SMOKE ENVY/BETTER DAYS CBD

2524 Yale Street, #2, Houston, TX 77008

832-744-9944

18123 Egret Bay Blvd, Houston, TX, 77053 smokenvy.com/

CBD vape pens, gummies, tintures, flower,oils, apparel and accessories. We stock Better Days CBD products.

HYDROSHACK HYDROPONICS

1138 W 20th Street, Houston, TX 77008

Open 7 days a week

713-292-1921

Hydroshack.com

Hydroshack proudly carries some of the most beautiful high-CBD hemp flower and Delta 8 products in Houston! We also sell the highest quality 1.5 gram pre-rolls packed with actual bud and never trim. Our bud-tenders will be more than happy to let you experience true legal Hemp Flower from our open sample jars.While you are in check out our complete line of hydroponic growing products. See Ad page 20.

COACHING

BLISSFUL QUESTS

Positive change starts now!

832-628-4113

blissfulquests.com

Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Tune in to his weekly PodCast, Wednesdays at 1 pm on inflowradio.com

See ad on page 17.

COLONICS

JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

1308 James Street

Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336

joycelongwellness.com

Established 1989. Call to schedule any of the following services: massage therapies, lymphatic drainage massage and facials, reflexology, infra-red sauna, ion cleanse foot or hand baths, Chinese cupping or colon hydrotherapy (prescriptions only- yours or ours). By appointment only. Be well-Stay well. CALL TODAY!

URBAN COLONICS

Barbara Ellis, Retired RN

5042 Briscoe St. Houston, TX.77033

713-738-8199

urbancolonics.com

Serving Houston and the surrounding area since 1979. We now offer the first and ONLY mobile colonic service in Houston. We continue to irrigate with State Of The Art Equipment (closed colonic systems cleared by the FDA). We utilize totally disposable colonic setups and sterile water. A prescription is required for this procedure. Our Medical Director at a different location will make an assessment and write a prescription for OUR clients only. Visit our website to learn more details. Please call us to schedule an appointment.

See ad page 6.

CONCIERGE MEDICINE

ChiC WELLNESS

Holistic Health at Your Fingertips

Dr. Antonika Chanel LA.c DACM chicwellness.org

Concierge Intergrative medicine is a type of integrative medicine that focuses on providing individualized care to patients. One of the aspects we emphasize is nutritional therapy and food therapy to restore balance in the body and reverse wellness concerns. ChiC Wellness offers a variety of nutritional supplements, meal plans, and cooking classes that are designed to help people improve their health and wellbeing. We focus on providing individualized care to our patients. Visit our website today to book and appointment.

ESSENTIAL OILS

OILS.EARTH

Heart-Centered

Wellness for every stage of your life. Houston, Texas oils.earth

We focus on keeping nature’s wisdom and power at the heart of all our products.

We strongly believe in the wisdom of plants and their ability to support us in harmonizing our state. All our creations are inspired by nature using therapeutic certified essential oils, and infused and empowered by gemstones. We want to bring forth solutions that are 100% natural, simple, and efficient. Solutions that align with our nature and thus create coherace in every stage of our life. Handcrafted in Houston, TX. Purchase online or scan the QR code for a map to the local stores where you can find our products. Use NATURAL10 for 10% off entire online order. Local pick up, custom blends, workshops and consultations available.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

ERIN THOLE, CNHP

ErinThole.com

Thole.erin@gmail.com

Get to the Root Cause of your Health Conditions. Erin has been working in the health and nutrition field for over 11 years specializing and working extensively with those suffering from: autoimmune, digestive, hormonal and inflammatory disorders. She works with each client’s unique biochemistry to determine what dietary, supplementation and lifestyle changes will work best for them as an individual. There is NO one-size-fits-all program. All appointments are conducted via phone! This makes it very easy and convenient to receive care from any location. If you want to reach your true health potential, Email Erin today to schedule your FREE 45 minute initial phone consultation. Hours until 5 pm Fridays.

HYPNOSIS

CLAUDIA AUTRY, HYPNOTIST (by appointment only)

281-849-4610

ca@claudiaautry.com

claudiaautry.com

Want to stop smoking or lose weight? Looking for ways to relax, find balance and increase the joy in your life? Hypnosis can help you. Call SOON to book your appointment. Let’s work together to create the life you want!

HEALTHY CHANGES HYPNOSIS

Suzanne Sears, RN, ACCH

9219 Katy Freeway, Ste. 113 Houston, TX 77024 713-562-2864

HealthyChangesHypnosis.com

Our mission is to promote wellness for the wholefamily. We have programs and services for adults, teenagers and children. If you or your child need help coping with anxiety/fear/ stress, changing habits, pain management,sleep problems or weight management and more, we can help. Call today to schedule a conultation.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

PHOENIX RISING INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

3100 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77098 713-806-9927

phoenixrisingacu.com

We offer comprehensive and customized therapeutic plans that address chronic illness & autoimmune disease for patients seeking support both in-person and virtually.

Phoenix Rising Integrative Medicine takes an integrative approach to addressing chronic illness and autoimmune by combining ancient healing tools of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern functional medicine, including evidence-based lab testing, clinical nutrition, lifestyle modifications, herbal medicine and acupuncture protocols that are customized for each patient. We also work with patients suffering from environmental and food allergies, reproductive and fertility issues, breast implant illness, and emotional health issues. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment.

ND

REVIVED IV DRIP SPA

3339 W Lamar St, Houston, TX 77019

855-483-7477

myrevived.com

Welcome to a relaxing way to optimal wellness: IV drip therapy in Houston as you’ve never experienced it before. Each IV formula is loaded with hand-selected ingredients provided by high-quality, accredited local American pharmacies. We provide two ways to bring your body back into wellness: at your home through our first-class concierge service, or while taking some time to rest and rejuvenate in our serene wellness lounge. As the premier IV drip spa in Houston, we take pride in being the top-rated experts in the Houston holistic health and wellness community. Revived provides cutting-edge remedies and innovative services catered towards an optimal you. We look forward to our journey together.

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KOMBUCHA

THE KOMBOCHA COMPANY

611 Jackson Street, Suite B Richmond, TX 77469

832-278-9322

Thekambuchacompany.com

Looking for a tasty and healthy beverage, kombucha is the perfect choice! This fermented tea drink is full of probiotics and vitamins that are great for your gut health. Take the short drive down to Richmond and pick up a few bottles or order a starter kit and brew it yourself, at home! Visit our website today. When you order your kit be sure to mention in the order notes that you saw us in Natural Awakenings.

CELEBRATE MOTHER EARTH!

AUSTIN ORGANIC VILLAGE

Online sales only. 833-AUSTIN-1

austinorganicvillage.online

Focused on helping others achieve greater balance in life, our high-quality kratom products combine the best in variety with affordability. Sourced directly from top-rated kratom vendors that share our vision of helping others, Austin Organic Village is proud to offer a diverse line of kratom products for sale online. We believe that nature holds the key to true wellness, and offer our high-quality kratom products in the hopes of improving the health of others, the natural way. We ship nationwide and check out our prices and our quality. Call or visit our website for more information or to place an order. See ad page 8.

KREAT DAY BOTANICALS

1973 W Gray, Suite 23 Houston, TX 77019 713-369-0946

KreatDay.com

A BBB Accredited Business

We provide the choicest healthy Botanicals garnered from some of the most exotic corners of the world. Only The BEST! We ensure quality by going to the source, checking our international vendors 1st hand, and using USDA Certified Organic vendors when applicable. We stand by our products and our services! If you are unsatisfied with your order we will return, exchange and or refund your money. We got you covered!

See ads on pages 2, 10, and 11.

JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

1308 James Street

Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336 joycelongwellness.com

Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs where it can and may cause blockages. Lymphatic therapy can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. By appointment only. Be well –Stay well. CALL TODAY!

MASSAGE

STAN’S HANDS MASSAGE & WELLNESS

2990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 440 Houston, TX 77098 832-526-6520 stanshandsmassage.com

Are you in pain? Well, you don’t have to live like this. We are here to heal your body and mind through massage and energetic practices.

We offer a wide variety of massage modalities designed to fit your needs. We offer both onsite chair and concierge table massage. Call today to book your appointment at 832-526-6520. Our mission is to heal your mind and body.

PHOENIX SCHOOL OF MASSAGE

6600 Harwin Drive Houston, TX 77036 713-974-0360 massageschoolhtx.com

Learn massage and holistic health. Train for a career you will love. New Program: Online classes combined with on campus classes! Open your own practice. Find employment at Luxury Spas, Fitness Centers & Rehab Clinics. Finish in as little as 5 ½ months. Join one of the fastest growing Health Care Professions. Visit our website or call today for more information or to schedule a tour of our school. See ad page 20.

REVERSING MEDICAL DISEASE CLINIC

Dr. Mary A. Washington, FACP

2525 N. Loop West, Suite 600 Houston, TX 77008

832-306-3941

marywashingtonmd.com

Are you overweight or obese? Do you suffer from diabetes or have high blood pressure? Are you ready to take back control of your health? Dr. Mary A. Washington is Houston’s first plant-based kidney doctor and has over two decades of experience as a Nephrologist. Let her design a diet and exercise plan customized just for you. Dr. Washington doesn’t just tell you, but she shows you and motivates you to make the changes you need. Visit her website TODAY for more information about her programs and events or to schedule your first appointment.

See ad on page 21.

MEDITATION

DAWN MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR TIBETAN BUDDHISM

Online only at this time. 713-630-0354

dawnmountain.org

The mission of Dawn Mountain is to further the spiritual growth of our diverse community as a living bridge between traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings and curious people everywhere. Dawn Mountain offers a number of free online services including: Weekly Meditation from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon each Sunday, “First Sunday” teachings on the first Sunday of each month at 10:30 am, and monthly “Dharma Conversations” via Zoom on the first Sunday of each month at 12:00 noon. All sessions are archived on their YouTube channel. Please visit our website for more information and consider taking advantage of our many offerings.

METAPHYSICAL SHOPS

ODYSSEY EMPORIUM

123 Midway St, Bldg C Spring, Texas 77373 888-492-3584

odysseyemporium.com

We are a retail shop and also have an online store. We can also custom-make many of our product lines. Our products include a range of metaphysical items, clothing, books, stones, jewelry, candles, soaps, teas, incenses, herbs, blades, and accessories for spiritual work. We also have some unique renaissance festival and gothic clothing and accessories. Check out our gaming and sci-fi themed products as well. We offer daily in-house Tarot reading and conduct private Old Town Spring Ghost tours. Open 7 days a week.

Indigo Moons

1900 Blalock Rd Ste P Houston, TX 77080 281-974-1043

indigomoons.net

We serve our customers with knowledge, enthusiasm, generosity, and humor. Come visit us for a wide range of crystals and gems, fossils and specimens, silver and gemstone jewelry, sage and incense, home decor, new and used books, Tarot and oracle decks, and an ever-growing supply of handcrafted products by local artisans. Or stay informed with upcoming classes and events. Start your journey, learn something new, make new friends - it’s all possible here at Indigo Moons.

See ad on page 8.

NATURAL HORMONES

DR. FISHER ROAD 2 WELLNESS

Dr. LaTronica Fisher, DNP, APRN-BC

4544 Post Oak Place Dr. STE #254

Houston, Texas 77027

DrFisherRoad2Wellness.com 713 520-8188

Services:

nHormone Rejuvenation

nVaginal Dryness

nUrinary Incontinence

nLow Libido

nErectile Dysfution

nLow Stamina

nWeight-Loss

nSexual Dysfunction(men & women)

nHair Restoration

nNatural Face Lift

Call today to schedule a consultation

NATUROPATH

HOUSTON HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC “Better Health Naturally”

Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991

HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com

Dr. Gracie Chukwu is a Doctor of Naturopathy and a Certified Nutrition Counselor. She has been assisting people for over five years with holistic medicine, diet, nutrition and supplement support to enhance her client’s health and overall well-being. If you are suffering and cannot find relief, give Dr. Gracie a call.

See ad on page 6.

ORGANIC HEALTH & BEAUTY PRODUCTS

ALL THINGS ORGANIC BOUTIQUE

By Gelcys Basulto

Helping people pursue a more mindful lifestyle. 1923 Ave G Rosenberg, TX 77471 allthingsorganicboutique.com 832-449-2600

Are your health and personal care products putting your health at risk?

Take the short trip to Downtown Rosenberg and visit A Journey To Wellness. All of our products are 100% Organic and made with natural ingredients. (You can also order online and we’ll ship our products to you.) We also offer Health and Wellness coaching. Book a free consultation and let’s get started embracing your new life in health today!

See ad on page 11.

PAIN REMEDY

AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream

973-715-9097 info@AlbertasPainRelief.com albertaspainrelief.com

Need Relief from Arthritis? Try Aunt Alberta’s Remedy to ease muscular aches and joint pain. Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissues. Get beneficial relief from sciatica, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuralgia, gout, and more. All-natural ingredients! Do you want to feel a real difference from the nagging aches of arthritis? Feel less pain & have more range of motion? Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $15! Visit website for other options.

See ad on page 6.

PERSONAL FITNESS

TINY FITNESS

Tiny changes Big Results

832-730-3048

tinyfitnesshouston.com

Let’s make your life feel amazing! See results fast with personal training...join the Zumba Fitness party, FREE...put yourself to the test in HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), Kickboxing, or Beginner Bootcamp...or just let it all go in a Recovery Workshop...but whatever you do, start today for an even better tomorrow. Visit our website to sign up for a class or make an appointment for personal training.

THERMOGRAPHY

MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY CENTER

“Better Health Naturally”

Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991

HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com

Breast thermography has the ability to warn woman up to 10 years before any other procedure that a cancer may be forming; thus, allowing for prompt and timely treatment. Thermography uses no radiation and poses absolutely NO health risks to the patient.

If you are a woman, over 20 years old and have not had a breast thermograph, call Dr. Gracie TODAY.

See ad on page 8.

VEGAN RESTAURANTS

THE TRAVELING CARROT with Raw Chef Renee’ 3427 N. Fry Road Katy, TX 77449 281-433-5928

thetravelingcarrot.com

Houston’s one and only fully raw, fully vegan eatery. Order online for pickups or deliveries. Walkup orders accepted. Food Truck is open Thurs. – Sat. 11:30 am-4:00 pm. Call to confirm that we are open before driving over. Discover the flavors and the health benefits from eating raw vegan today! You will be glad you did.

TRENDY VEGAN

3821 Richmond Ave.

Houston, TX 77027 713-621-9488

trendyveganhouston.com

Trendy Vegan offers delicious dining and takeout to Houston, TX. Trendy Vegan is a cornerstone in the Houston community and has been recognized for its outstanding Vegetarian cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. Our Vegetarian restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.

See ad on page 21.

YOGA

UNION YOGA STUDIO

600 N Shepherd Dr., #449 Houston, TX 77007 800-215-3190

unionstudio.yoga

The studio is dedicated to self-study through movement, breath and meditation, and is committed to upholding the tenets of authenticity, sincerity, inclusion, and integrity without exception. We offer a variety of classes including Vinyasa, The Rest of Yoga (™), Yin, Hatha, and Myofascial Release. Classes are in-person, streaming and on-demand. Owner and lead instructor, Kim Taurins has been practicing yoga since 2001. She is a 500 hour E-RYT level with an emphasis in yoga therapeutics, Daoism, Reiki, and bodywork. Visit our website for more informationor to sign up.

TOP WOMEN IN WELLNESS

Tinyurl.com/NAHTX

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.

~Warren Buffett