February/March 2016
Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living
How Echoes in the Energy Body Inhibit Fertility Natalie Griffin There is No “One Size Fits All” Diet Holly Niles, MS, CNS, LDN, CFSP
Is My Diet Affecting My Ability to Conceive? Patty Almeida RN, BSN Learning Lessons Bernie Siegel, MD
What Makes Her Fit Could Make You Fat! Jenna C. Henderson, ND
www.NaturalNutmeg.com
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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2016
Price $7200 Happy Valentines To YOU! Be Centered on You and bring a friend for the price of one.
Contact Juliette at 203.305.8091 or juliette@juliettetaylor.com
Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Issues March Probiotics & Immune Health April Environmental Allergies & Food Sensitivities May Mindfulness for Busy Moms June Stress Reduction for Men July Overvacation Syndrome August Metabolic Exercise September Childhood Vaccinations October Overtreatment of Breast Cancer November Holiday Eating Strategies December Sleep Hygiene
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In This Issue 9
Got Milk? Get Real! Coca Cola Super Processes Milk Ann Aresco, ND
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Coconut Flour Cinnamon Swirl English Muffin Julie Wern
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The Common Cold of Mental Illness Lili Daoud, LCSW
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What the Mind Believes, the Body Can Conceive Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BC
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How Does Our Diet Affect Inflammation? Tonya Pasternak, ND
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Oral Ecology: Prebiotics, Probiotics, & Alternative Natural Sweeteners
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Beyond Calcium: Nutrients Critical to Bone Health Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN & J. Erika Dworkin
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36 HAPPENINGS
Holly Niles, MS, CNS, LDN, CFSP
38 RESOURCES
What Makes Her Fit Could Make You Fat! For the Love of Diets! Americans Love Diet Trends Jessica Pizano
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Is My Diet Affecting My Ability to Conceive? Patty Almeida RN, BSN
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Finding Fertility in the Grocery Store Aisle Tally Jacobs
Kevin H. Norige, DMD
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Ask Dr. Jeff! Your Veterinary Homeopath Jeff Feinman, VMD, CVH
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Got Winter Depression? How Moms Can Find ‘Better’ Feelings this Season Andrea Anderson
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How Echoes in the Energy Body Inhibit Fertility Natalie Griffin
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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2016
8 The BUZZ
There Is No “One-Size-Fits-All” Diet
Jenna C. Henderson, ND
30
In Every Issue
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PUBLISHER'SLETTER
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ll of my life I’ve been a risk taker. For me, the fear of “what if I miss this opportunity” was, and still continues to be, so much greater than the fear of “what if it fails.” This mentality continually leads me down a path of taking risks, but I have no regrets. The fear of regret is greater than the feeling of safety. I realize that not everyone thinks that way, in fact, the majority of the population is probably the complete opposite of me! However, I know that this outlook is one of the reasons for many of my successes. Of course some of the risks I took failed, but that’s how you learn. That’s how you grow. That’s how you become a better person. That’s how you help others. The biggest tragedy to me is a missed connection or opportunity. You see someone on the street, on the bus, in a bar, in the grocery store and something about the way he looks, his smile, how his voice sounds, sends a shiver up your spine. You are compelled to talk to him. But you don’t. You let him walk by, get off the bus, leave the bar or go through the checkout. You let him walk out of your life before he even had the chance to walk in. What did you just miss? And it happens every day, every hour, every minute. So how does taking risks make you different and allow you to create your reality? First, you’ll be part of the 1% of the population who actually does this. That right there makes you stand out. Second it forces you out of your comfort zone. This is essential to making the changes in your life that you need to in order to create what you really want. Do you think it’s easy to lose weight, to find love, to make more money? Of course not! But anything worth gaining is going to take some work. The risk doesn’t even need to be related to what you are actually trying to accomplish. For example, if you’re trying to lose weight – I don’t think the risk has to be related to your nutrition or exercise program. The risk could be taking a vacation by yourself, talking to a stranger, asking your boss for a raise, bungee jumping, or anything that gets you excited, nervous, uncomfortable and OUT of your comfort zone! The reason I suggest people do this is because once they do they feel empowered, and that empowerment is what makes people take action. Every day…one small step…closer to the life of your dreams. This month I’m taking a risk and launching a new business…a dating and relationship coaching and education company and you can learn more at www.drdianehayden.com. In order to move in this new direction, we’ve brought a Marketing Director/Publishing Assistant on board and I’m excited to introduce her! Jane Beup has spent the last decade as a strategy consultant specializing in marketing in Connecticut, Boston and New York. Highly passionate about all things natural, healthy and sustainable, Jane is an adventurous natural foods cook, avid student of wellness practices both ancient and innovative, a devoted yogini and an aspiring organic gardener. She is thrilled to bring her strengths, skills and passion to Natural Nutmeg. Welcome Jane, we are excited to have you on board! In Health and Happiness,
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ur mission is to provide valuable insight, information and resources that will allow our readers to maintain a healthy, active, sustainable lifestyle. Natural Nutmeg contains timely information on natural health, complementary and alternative medicine, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle. PUBLISHER Dr. Diane Hayden Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Percival Deb@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Jane Beup Jane@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.) Debra Gibson, ND Lauren Young, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Paul Tortland, DO DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg. FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC
Natural Nutmeg Magazine
A big Thank You to our wonderful writers and advertisers who make this free resource possible! Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw them in
P.O. Box 447, Avon, CT 06001 Phone (860)508-0894
In keeping with our concern for the environment, Natural Nutmeg is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy based inks. Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut. Please call for a location near you. (860) 508-0894 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com. © 2007-15 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved. Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that permission be obtained in writing. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the ar ticles and adver tisements, nor are we responsible for the products and ser vices adver tised. We welcome your feedback.
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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2016
A New Book Collaboration by Nutmeg Creative NOW Available For Purchase
http://naturalnutmeg.com/coaching-for-powerful-change “We can all benefit from the wisdom of life coaches which can guide us through the difficulties of life but we need to show up for practice. The experience and information shared by the coaches who authored this book makes it an excellent resource for us all as we experience the various tests that life presents us with. Have the courage to learn from their wisdom, pass the tests and be a survivor rather than have to learn from your personal disasters.” ~ Bernie Siegel, MD, author of A Book of Miracles and The Art of Healing
COACHING FOR POWERFUL CHANGE The Keys To Unlocking Personal And Professional Transformation
Compiled by Diane E. Hayden, PhD Foreword by Kelley Biskupiak, MA, CPCC Deb Elbaum, MD, CPCC, ACC
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THE BUZZ For Coffee Lovers Only
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or over half of America’s population, the first thing they do when they wake up is make a cup of coffee. Because coffee is so widely loved and consumed daily, people should have access to fresh, warm, high-quality roasted coffee. The Coffee Trade located in Avon, Connecticut serves delicious coffee blends and loose tea that will make a coffee lover’s day. With blends from the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, the blends from the Coffee Trade are freshly imported. From bold to sweet, popular brands such as Harney and Sons Tea and Taylor of Harrogate are brewed and served to their costumers. The Coffee Trade also offers loose teas, coffee beans, coffee mugs, and antique tea sets. With every cup of coffee served, the Coffee Trade puts a smile on consumers’ faces from Avon, Burlington, West Hartford, Bristol, Canton, Farmington, Grandby, and Simsbury. If you are a dedicated coffee lover, the Coffee Trade is the place for you. Visit the famous coffee and antique shop in Avon today! See ad on page 33.
Care For You Launches New Service for Home Care
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s the nation ages, our elders and their caregivers face many choices about care. Care For You, LLC Home Care Agency is a private home care agency specializing in comprehensive, high quality support services customized to meet the needs of our clients. We provide the extra pair of hands and comprehensive home care services including: Companionship, Homemaking, Personal Care, Trained Alzheimer’s care and Specialized Service for Family Caregivers including Care Coaching and Respite Care you and your loved ones need in a professional courteous and compassionate manner. Care For You’s ultimate goal is to conveniently deliver a suite of service customized to meet the needs of our clients straight to their door. We ensure that we exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with exceptional service that is second to none. Our approach is to continuously educate and create networks and partnerships in order to provide our team members with knowledge so they understand what it takes to be a great caregiver. This allows our clients, family members and loved-ones the opportunity to take time off, catch up on life’s challenges or explore new endeavors knowing themselves and their loved-ones will receive exceptional care in their absence. For more information, please contact Camille N Roye-Fisher, Aging Life Care Professional at Care For You LLC, www.careforyoullc.com, Camille@Careforyoullc.com, 860.993.6788 See ad on page 15.
ProNatural Physicians Group in Berlin Welcomes Dr. Sara Zambarano and Brian Cameron
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roNatural Physicians Group, Berlin CT is growing in response to the local demand for more choices in healthcare. The center welcomes the addition of Naturopathic Doctor Sarah Zambarano and Licensed Massage Therapist Brian Cameron to the expanding practice. Sarah Zambarano, RN, ND provides integrative, individualized health care to patients of all ages. Prior to getting her degree in Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Z was a nurse for 14 years and worked in the fields of neurology, obstetrics, and emergency medicine. Her volunteer work has included multiple sessions at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, with Barefoot Workshops and Ocean’s Classroom aboard the Harvey Gamage schooner, and she has been privileged to attend a retreat at the Gesundheit! Institute with Dr. Patch Adams. She particularly enjoys working with adolescents, providing adjunct oncology care, working with genetic variations in metabolism, and helping patients with long-term health issues. Brian Cameron graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in Newington, CT in 2013. Brian specializes in orthopedic techniques for clients in pain from accidents, injuries, or chronic pain. Many clients come in for shoulder pain, rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, reduced neck range of motion/pain, bad posture, low back pain/injury, and sciatica. Brian also enjoys working with athletes and doing relaxation massages. Brian is also a level II Reiki practitioner and has been volunteering at Hartford Hospital since 2013 in the post operation/recovery room. ProNatural Physicians Group, is located at 120 Webster Square Rd. Berlin, CT06037. For more information, go to www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com or call 860-829-0707 to schedule appointments. See ad on page 19.
Auricular Therapy is Now Being Offered at Lotus Center in Avon
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re you experiencing pain, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, depression, menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, or fertility challenges? Auricular therapy may help you. Auricular therapy is based on the idea that the ear is a microsystem, which reflects the entire body represented on the auricle. Much like acupuncture but without the use of needles, auricular therapy uses small “beads” made of gold, silver, magnet or vaccaria seed to stimulate acupuncture points on the ear. For more information & to schedule your Auricular therapy session contact Patty Almeida RN, BSN, LMT at (860) 987-3823 or patty@ lotuscenter-llc.com www.lotuscenter-llc.com. See ad on page 23.
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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2016
Got Milk? Get Real! Coca Cola Super Processes Milk By Ann Aresco, ND essage from the American Dairy Association: “Please buy this homogenized, pasteurized, defatted, fortified “milk”, from animals that have been fed GMO corn, antibiotics and hormones. Drink it at least three times a day, every day of the year.” What food can any human eat that much of without experiencing some consequences, let alone food that has been completely altered from its natural form?
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It was only a matter of time before one of the most basic foods around became a big target for a corporate juggernaut. Fairlife milk, the new Coca-Cola product, boasts 50% more protein, 30% more calcium and less sugar than regular milks. It is processed using patented filtration technology which basically takes the original milk apart, then puts it back together again leaving out some of the naturally-occurring sugars but including more protein and calcium. It sells for roughly twice as much as regular milk. The milk may be changed but our digestive systems probably didn’t get that memo. The components in a natural food are there for a reason and work synergistically for maximum absorption and assimilation. “It’s basically the premiumization of milk,” Sandy Douglas, president of CocaCola North America, said at an analyst conference in November. If developed properly, Douglas said it is the type of product that “rains money”. Rains money!? When it becomes all about the marketing and profit, sooner or later the jig is up. “GET REAL” isn’t in this picture, but just may be the best advice for the dairy industry. With far too many other healthy options for consumers to choose, there is no way for dairy to be the only answer for bever-
age consumption any longer. Maybe dairy producers should consider going back to the less processed, more organic, whole milk, delivered to your door. More expensive, yes. Better for the smaller local dairy farms, you bet. And what’s wrong with that? Big business dairy producers selling the most processed forms of milk won’t be jumping up and down about that idea (see CocaCola “raining money.”) But what is better for the public? Real milk. For real people. As the market for dairy changes, the question the dairy association should be asking is what are wiser consumers looking for? It’s doubtful the answer is milk created by Coca-Cola, as consumption of soda is dropping. Our bodies need fewer processed foods, not more. Consumers shift supply and demand. Consumers should demand real food, local food, food that is more about health and sustaining local food resources rather than “Raining Money” on big corporations that seduce us into thinking that what they have created is better than anything nature can provide. Still wondering why we have the best health care in the world, but not the best health? Think about it. Submitted by Dr. Ann Aresco of ProNatural Physicians Group. Visit our new location at 120 Webster Square Road in Berlin, 860829-0707. ProNatural is simply joining a small group of likeminded practitioners together for the benefit of our likeminded patients. The group will consist of 3 NDs: Dr. Summer McAllister, Dr. Sarah Zambarano, and Dr. Ann Aresco. APRNs Lara O’Neil, pediatrics and Amanda Swan, General Practice. Licensed Massage Therapists: Brian Cameron specializing in orthopedic and Thai massage and Helen Sandquist. See ad on page 19.
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Coconut Flour Cinnamon Swirl English Muffin By Julie Wern oconut flour is made from dried coconut meat and contains no grain or gluten. It is light in color and texture, although it becomes much more dense when baked. Its flavor is fairly mild, with just a hint of coconut taste. It is a great flour substitute for those on gluten or grain-free diets. It is also a healthful option for those watching their blood sugar, looking to increase fiber in the diet, and wishing to reduce total carbohydrate intake. This is because coconut flour has a comparatively high fiber content. Further, a large percentage of the carbohydrates in coconut flour are indigestible so that coconut flour products, unless filled with sugar and other carbohydrates, tend not to spike blood sugar levels. Coconut flour is also fairly high in protein. It does contain saturated fat, however. Yet the fat in coconut flour consists mainly of medium chain fatty acids thought to be beneficial for health. In fact, medium chain saturated fatty acids may provide a quick source of energy for our cells, support metabolism, balance blood sugar, and even decrease LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
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Cooking with coconut flour can be tricky until one learns its unique properties. Coconut flour is more absorbent than other flours so that more liquid is needed when baking to produce moist results. Further, because it tends to cook up dense and heavy, it benefits from added leavening. Eggs and coconut flour make a beautiful partnership, as the egg serves both as a powerful leavening agent and a source of moisture for the heavy flour. Thus it is not unusual to use six eggs in one loaf of coconut flour bread (one egg for every ounce of coconut flour is a good rule of thumb). In general, it is recommended that when substituting coconut flour for other flour in a recipe, one add in an equal amount of liquid. For example, if 1/3 of a cup of coconut flour is added to replace 1/3 cup of regular flour, the liquid in the recipe should be increased by 1/3 of a cup. Because of its inherent density and the fact that baked goods tend to be on the “soft” versus crispy side, many recipes call for a blend of flours. Bakers often recommend using only up to 20% coconut flour in baked goods to keep them light and airy. However, 100% coconut flour in baking is common, particularly in strict Paleo or low-carb recipes. The key to successful baking with coconut flour is to start with proven recipes in order to get a feel for this flour’s unique properties before attempting to experiment. Coconut flour can successfully be used in pancakes and waffles, cookies, brownies, muffins, pizza dough, biscuits, cakes or breads. It can also be used as a binder in meatloaf and crab cakes. Another potential use is as a thickener in soups and stews. It can also serve as a coating, as with chicken fingers.
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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2016
Coconut Flour Cinnamon Swirl English Muffin Serves 1 Ingredients: • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, preferably grass fed • 1 large egg, preferably organic free range • 1 scant tablespoon coconut flour, lumps removed • 1 tablespoon full-fat milk, like coconut, almond, or cows milk • pinch of salt • 1 teaspoon honey • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 heaping tablespoon raisins • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1. In a very small bowl, whisk together baking soda and vinegar. Mixture will bubble. 2. Place butter in a 4-inch round ramekin and microwave for about 1 minute or until melted. Whisk in egg until well blended, then whisk in the rest of the ingredients besides the cinnamon until no lumps remain. Sprinkle cinnamon evenly on top and gently swirl it into the batter. Microwave for one minute 45 seconds or until muffin is puffed and dry in the center. Run a knife around the edge of the muffin and turn out onto a work surface. Cut muffin in half. Place in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet in a hot oven to toast (Do not use a stand-up toaster as the muffin may bend over and get into the coils, causing it to burn or start a kitchen fire).
Above is a fun recipe for making a single English muffin in a matter of minutes. I found the original technique in a blog called Beauty and the Foodie. I have tweaked the recipe to make a scrumptious and easy cinnamon swirl English muffin. This is a great way to showcase the singularly unique baking properties and taste of coconut flour without hiding it among a flour blend. Julie Wern is a psychologist turned stay-at-home-mom turned caterer. She is currently in training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to become a Nutrition and Wellness coach. She is the author of Holcomb Farm CSA’s Simply Fresh blog (http://holcombfarm.org/blog)and currently teaches cooking and cookie decorating classes. Contact Julie at jwern@comcast.net for comments and inquiries.
The Common Cold of Mental Illness by Lili Daoud, LCSW
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ecause of its prevalence in our society, depression is often referred to as the “common cold” of mental illness. It may be common, but depression is a serious illness. Depression interferes with daily life making it difficult to function or engage in the activities that otherwise would have been pleasurable. As common as depression may be the complexity of depression challenges individuals, whose vulnerability and resilience will be determined by medical issues, the schemas formed in childhood, current cognitive style, and coping skills, and available social support. The challenge lies not only in correctly assessing factors that contribute to dysfunction, but also in formulating a plan that includes interventions that will result in positive outcomes for the disturbance. Although the notion of external causation is a popular view regarding depression and other mental health issues, a cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT) conceptualization is less likely to create a state of helplessness and blame, and is more likely to support empowerment of the individual and potentially a more rapid healing. A CBT conceptualization leads the depressed individual away from a negative view of the future and external circumstances, and instead emphasizes an internal locus of control, where internal resources of empowerment and strength are discovered, regardless of the existing external circumstances. Of course a wide variety of external events or life circumstances that generate stress can be contributing factors in precipitating a depressive episode. Nonetheless, despite an association between stress and depression, many people who are subjected to high levels of stress do not develop depression, and ongoing stressful experiences, do not lead inevitably to vulnerability, failure to adapt, and psychopathology. Cognitive behavioral theory attempts to deconstruct individual differences in vulnerability, adaptation, and development of psychopathology, through systematic assessment of ones thoughts and behaviors, and use of empirically validated interventions. In a study done by The World Health Organization, common elements of depressive experiences were identified in subjects across four different countries: Iran, Japan, Canada, and Switzerland. The symptoms included sad affect, loss of enjoyment or pleasure (anhedonia), anxiety, tension, lack of energy (lethargy), loss of interest, inability to concentrate, and ideas of insufficiency, inadequacy and worthlessness. Depressive experiences around the world appear to share a common foundation. So where does one begin in addressing the symptoms? The research demonstrates that two best initial interventions for depression are behavioral activation and CBT. Peter Lewinsohn and colleagues at the University of Oregon were the first to develop Behavioral Activation as a treatment for depression, and developed the treatment to increase pleasant activities for depressed individuals. It is natural for a person that feels sad and is no longer finding pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed, to attempt to cope by withdrawing
socially, ceasing to engage in activities and lying on a sofa waiting for something to change. The problem is that such coping strategies do not help alleviate depression, they make it worse. The other intervention that has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of depression is cognitive restructuring, or changing ones beliefs to beliefs that are more reality based, i.e. rational. The normal ratio of positive to negative thinking is 1.7 positive to 1 negative thought. Themes of hopelessness about the future, guilt about past behaviors, blame, worthlessness, disinterest, and sometimes death can permeate the inner thinking lives of depressed clients. These cognitive symptoms are powerful factors in terms of perpetuating dysfunction, particularly from the perspective of a cognitive model. If a depressed individual can become increasingly competent at identifying and restructuring cognitive distortions, the dark cloud of depression will often lift. The key to interventions directed at distorted, dysfunctional or irrational cognitions is to challenge oneself to change the cognitions related to environmental stressors, life’s daily struggles, self-evaluations, and predictions about the future. The solution is not to change negative thoughts to positive thoughts or to think positively. The solution is to become conscious/aware of the cognitions that are maintaining the depression, and change those negative thoughts to more reality based thoughts. Let’s take the example of Alex who is depressed. She may be thinking, “I shouldn’t be depressed“…”This is catastrophic”…”I can’t stand feeling this way”….. “I am worthless and will never amount to anything”. These thoughts will likely either bring on a depression or maintain it. Thinking in this manner is simply not helpful. A more helpful way of thinking would be to say to herself the following, “I wish I wasn’t depressed, but it isn’t catastrophic or horrible. I don’t like being depressed, but I can stand it. I am a fallible human being. I am not perfect and like everyone else, never will be.” With this more flexible thinking and engaging in activities that were pleasant prior to the depression, the depression will likely alleviate, as the brain metabolism goes back to its normative state. Submitted by Lili Daoud, LCSW. As a cognitive behavioral therapist and Supervisor certified by the Albert Ellis Institute, I use evidence based interventions that get clients feeling better quickly. My style is genuine, supportive, empathic and directive. Unless someone has experienced trauma, there is often little need to delve into one’s past, as current thinking and behaviors maintain most dysfunction in life. My training is in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy through the Albert Ellis Institute, as well as with experts in the area of anxiety disorders. My clients are often pleasantly surprised by the quick positive results they are able to experience, if they choose to engage in the process. Center for Cognitive Therapy, 176 West Main Street, Avon. 860.677.2991, TeenPsych1@aol.com, www.ct-cbt.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com
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What the Mind Believes, the Body Can Conceive By Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BC
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he Infertility statistics in the United States are a bit inconsistent, depending on the source you reference; but let’s face it, if you’re someone who’s struggling to get pregnant, statistics are the least of your concern. It doesn’t matter what the numbers say, all that matters is what you’re going through personally. If you’re like most women (and men) I’ve worked with, you feel that you’re on a rollercoaster consisting of the strong desire, or even what feels like a need, to have a child; flashes of hope turning even the slightest physical sign into a sense that something different is happening inside your body, anticipation of a positive outcome, then the emotional plummet when your hopes are dashed. The upset, the anger, the strain on your relationship, the hopelessness and then the energy and effort required to pick yourself up to get on the ride again can be overwhelming. If you’ve had the additional challenge of having a miscarriage, there is a whole other range of emotions that you’re dealing with. In fact, 55% of people polled believe that difficulties getting pregnant are more stressful than being unemployed, and 61% feel that problems conceiving are more stressful than getting a divorce. Thankfully there is help, and that help lies within you. I know you’ve probably spent a lot of time researching, consulting and paying for outside resources, but I can honestly say that the best one I know of is your subconscious mind. The mind that’s known as “the body’s mind” or “the emotional mind.” The mind that’s fine-tuned to what’s really going on versus what the conscious or rational mind believes, fears or has been told is going on.
In hypnosis, your subconscious mind can identify your body’s full potential to conceive and carry a healthy child to term. Once it has identified your body’s full potential, it can also identify the various blocks and barriers that are in your body’s way of realizing that potential. Having worked with hundreds of couples that were struggling to conceive, the key word being “were”, I can say that I’m consistently amazed at the variety of mental and emotional blocks that the subconscious mind finds. And once those are cleared, I am time and time again pleasantly surprised by the body’s ability to do what it was born to do, which is to create and give birth to a beautiful baby. Statistics are clear that stress is one of the leading causes of infertility in this country. Stress effects the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain that helps regulate the hormones FSH and LH that are involved in conception. It also controls the pituitary and adrenal responses, which regulate the levels of stress hormones in the body. A delicate balance of hormones is needed for every stage of conception, and stress (otherwise known as fear) will throw that balance out of whack. When you do become pregnant, hypnosis is an amazing tool to enable your body and your baby to have a comfortable birth experience. As a new mom or dad, self-hypnosis will come in very handy because 10 minutes in hypnosis equals a half hour of deep sleep. How great will it be to drop yourself into hypnosis for 10-20 minutes and emerge rested and ready to continue being the best parent you can be. Call for a free consult today, there’s nothing to lose (aside from your fear) and much to gain. Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BC is the owner, lead hypnotist and hypnosis instructor at Mind Matters Hypnosis Centers in Avon, Rocky Hill and Guilford, CT. She is Board Certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists and has numerous additional certifications in all aspects of hypnosis and the subconscious. In addition, she’s a sought-after lecturer and high-level Executive HypnoCoach. For more information or to schedule a lecture, workshop or appointment, call Mind Matters Hypnosis Center at (860) 6936448 or visit MindMattersHypnosis.com. See ad on page 40.
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How Does Our Diet Affect Inflammation? By Tonya Pasternak, ND t is no longer a question as to whether or not inflammation contributes to chronic disease. While it is a process essential to human existence, it can easily get out of control thus worsening our health. It is always important to search for the cause of disease, so we must consider the potential sources for persistent inflammation. More often than not, the answer lies in our diets.
I
It is the unfortunate reality that our food source is continuing to diminish in quality; a reality that means it is harder to nourish our bodies through food. As we try to understand how the implication of food quality contributes to disease, we must first understand the natural role of inflammation and how it is affected by what we eat. Obtaining this knowledge will enable us to take control of our health and make choices that will impact the future of our wellbeing. Inflammation: the Good and the Bad Inflammation is a natural process that occurs throughout our bodies and serves the purpose of protecting us from disease. It is the activation of the immune system, particularly white blood cells, which fights infections, destroys cancerous cells, and heals injured tissues. In this view, our immune system is a powerful and thorough response whose main goal is to keep us healthy. However, chronic inflammation is entirely different. In this situation, the body’s immune system is over active, and instead of it fighting harmful substances, it can begin to cause damage to healthy tissues. Take any autoimmune condition as an example. In these cases the immune system is over active and essentially confused as to what is normal. Our bodies natural defense begins to attack organs, joints, red blood cells and so on, contributing to chronic disease. Food Allergies and Intolerances Food allergies and intolerances are major contributors to chronic inflammation. A food allergy is a reaction driven by the immune system in response to a food one is allergic to. Once present, the food can cause an immune response that can result in symptoms such as itching, throat swelling, or
hives. These reactions can range from mild to severe to life threatening.
cascade is triggered as the immune system defends the body against the unknown substance. This is a contributing factor to the inflammatory response that feeds into autoimmune conditions, as well as the development of multiple food allergies. This process goes to show we need to not only focus on the foods we eat, but also the health of our digestive system.
Food intolerances on the other hand are not driven by the immune system, however still feed into the inflammatory cycle. Symptoms of food intolerances vary in manifestation and severity, but often include fatigue, headaches, pain, skin problems, or digestive issues.
Avoiding Chronic Inflammation The first step is to work with your physician to determine any specific food allergies or intolerances you may have and find healthy alternatives. Next, the health of your digestive system can be evaluated. Additionally, as a general principle, eating foods in their fresh, unprocessed, and whole forms and minimizing foods that are highly processed is a great way to avoid chronic inflammation to begin with.
When trying to control inflammation within the body, it is crucial to know if you have an allergy or intolerance. Specific tests can help determine this. Avoiding certain foods is usually enough to make people feel drastically better. General Inflammatory Foods Diets high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and saturated or trans fats also contribute to chronic inflammation. Examples of these foods include breads, pasta, candy, vegetable oil, and red meat. Conversely, diets high in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and protective to our health. One good anti-inflammatory diet is the traditional Mediterranean diet, which is great for heart health, autoimmunity, and musculoskeletal conditions. The Health of the Digestive Tract Sometimes it is not our diet that is the problem, but rather the health of the digestive tract. The proper breakdown and metabolism of food depends on our stomach acid, digestive enzymes, the microbiome within our intestines, and the structural integrity of the intestinal lining. If any of these factors are suboptimal food does not get broken down adequately. Subsequently larger, more undigested molecules pass through the intestines into the blood stream. Because this is not how food is normally presented, an inflammatory
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Oral Ecology: Prebiotics, Probiotics, & Alternative Natural Sweeteners By Kevin H. Norige, DMD FICD
I
n high school biology, a small amount of time is spent on the topic known as ecology. Most students study this subject to pass a test, but few realize the real life ramifications of this topic when it comes to optimal health. It is estimated that the adult human body is composed of more than 10 trillion cells, but is inhabited by more than 100 trillion microbiotic organisms including bacteria, yeasts, and other single celled creatures. To paraphrase the comic strip character Pogo, “we have found the enemy, and they are among us.” Ecology is defined as the branch of biology concerned with the interrelationships of organisms and their environment. Applying this definition to everyday oral health can give us an understanding of why some folks are more or less prone to the ravages of cavity disease and gum disease. The basic relationship of ecology is a host (you and me, i.e. human species), an agent (our microbes), and suitable environmental factors (water, nutrients, and acid-base balance). When the ecology of our mouth is in appropriate balance, we consider our microbial partners to be beneficial. When the ecology of our mouth is out of balance, we consider our microbial partners to be pathogens, i.e. capable of producing disease reactions by us as the host. Factors that Shift our Ecology from Health to Disease This involves our heredity and the genes that make up our specific genetic expression. About 10% of our DNA is devoted to coding-specific proteins that either serve as anatomical building blocks or serve as enzymes that regulate our metabolism and growth/ repair biochemical reactions. The other 90% of our DNA serves to code for proteins that either turn on or turn off genes, that allow for appropriate or disproportionate expression of regulatory genes. Up until recently, our genome could not be changed, but with the use of advancing technologies, research is changing this factor experimentally.
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The second factor is the relative composition of our resident microbial species. When beneficial species of microbes successfully compete for nutrients and places to live on their human host cells, health exists. However when conditions change in the oral environment, such as increased sugar consumption, increased dry mouth from medications or age-related decrease of saliva gland function, use of alcohol containing broad spectrum mouthwashes, use of broad spectrum antibiotics either prescribed for an infection or consumed as antibiotic treated meats and poultry, or lack of appropriate daily oral hygiene, the composition of our resident biome shifts to opportunistic species and ultimately to pathogenic species, resulting in disease and dysfunction. The third factor involves our host dietetics and fluids consumption. It is estimated that the average adult American consumes more than 100 pounds of sugar annually. Some of this consumption is the result of using granulated sugar to sweeten everything from our morning coffee to adding sweetness to breads and pastries. But much of our sugar consumption comes under pseudonyms like dextrose, high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, agave, and honey to name a few. When we increase the amount of sugar we consume, this tends to shift our resident microbes from mostly beneficial to increasingly detrimental. Additionally, the amount of water equivalent that we consume daily modifies our acid-base chemistry which regulates all of our host biochemical reactions. Preserving Healthy Environmental Conditions Enter prebiotics, probiotics, and alternative natural sweeteners. Probiotics are orally administered preparations taken daily over many weeks which contain billions of beneficial bacteria composed of multiple strains that tend to crowd out detrimental bacteria and return the numbers of beneficial bacteria to health promoting numbers. Probiotics can be derived from natural sources such as ferment-
ed foods and yogurt or from commercially available preparations. And although natural sources would be the preferred choice, the levels of bacteria present and the variety of strains are limited. Alternatively, many different preparations are available in pharmacies and health food stores. The best contain no gluten or soy, are refrigerated, contain four or more different strains of beneficial bacteria, and report more than 1 billion live bacteria (cfu’s) at the time of use. However, probiotic bacteria need nutrients and attachment sites, which bring the need for prebiotics. These are foods and preparations that support your healthy bacterial species and that contain high levels of fiber such as bran, fruits and vegetables. Alternative natural sweeteners give us a natural way to get the sweetness we crave in our foods without the bacterial growth promoting capabilities of sucrose (sugar) or its excess calories. Some examples of alternative natural sweeteners include erythritol, mannitol, and the five carbon sugar alcohol derived from the birch tree called xylitol. Xylitol is 6 times sweeter than sugar, comes in multiple forms (granulated, powdered), is bacteria-static (i.e. inhibits bacterial growth), and can be used by diabetics and prediabetics to help regulate blood sugar.
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So, remember your basic ecology: create a healthy balance for optimal health and reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease by incorporating prebiotics, probiotics, and alternative natural sweeteners in your daily health promoting regimen. Submitted by Kevin H. Norige, DMD FICD of South Windsor Smiles. (860)644-0113 SouthWindsorSmiles.com. See ad on page 23.
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Ask Dr. Jeff!
Your Veterinary Homeopath By Jeff Feinman, VMD, CVH
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’m honored and excited to be here to answer all of your natural and holistic veterinary care questions! Many of the readers of this magazine have already adopted a holistic lifestyle. You might have even seen the voluminous and expanding research that living more naturally promotes a longer and happier life.
Every month I invite you to submit your holistic veterinary care questions directly to me at drjeff@certifiedvethomeopath.com or post on Facebook: http://facebook.com/drfeinman or Twitter: twitter.com/drjeff_feinman Susan from Wilton writes: “Henry, our 9 year old Golden retriever, just had his semi-annual wellness appointment. He has always been on the lean side. The doc found that Henry had lost 5 pounds in the past 6 months. Henry has also been drinking more water in the past few months. Our veterinarian is recommending further tests to see what is going on. We treat our family holistically and naturally and probably would not use any strong drugs to treat Henry. What do you think we should do?” Wow, I love this question Susan! I hear it frequently and hopefully can help you decide what to do. In general, making medical decisions has two parts…the diagnostic and therapeutic. Your vet will start by figuring out if there is a problem and if so, what it is. This is where the history and examination inform her decision about which tests to run. For Henry, a basic senior screen might be a great place to start this inquiry. Other non-invasive tests like radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, etc. may then be needed to pin down a definitive diagnosis. Now comes the second and all important treatment decision phase. What do you do with this information? It’s at this point that knowing your holistic and natural therapeutic options are most critical (IMHO)! If your regular veterinarian knows about them in addition to the conventional ones, then you can discuss everything at once. If not, I strongly advise you to consult a trained integrative vet before opting to treat Henry with any strong drugs or surgery. You can find certified vet homeopaths at: http:// bit.ly/1fSLvtE, certified vet chiropractors at: http://bit.ly/1OosCNR and certified veterinary acupuncturists at: http://bit.ly/1QNVZdX Bottom line? Go for the initial diagnostics then decide where to go from there. Feel free to send me any follow-up questions.
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June in Redding worries: “My 16 year old kitty had to go to the ER because he suddenly started breathing fast. They’re advising tests that cost over $1,000 and I just can’t afford it. I love my cat but what can I do?” Hi June. I’m so sorry to hear about your kitty. You have a few options to help him. First is to see if his breathing can be stabilized empirically. Meaning without the treatment guided by a definitive diagnosis and expensive tests. If not, consider looking for financial help from a local animal welfare group such as http://bit. ly/1XBBqAD. You can also find many other resources by searching online and through the Humane Society. Steve in Newtown says: “I have a new puppy and want to do everything possible for his health care.” Fantastic Steve! Congratulations on your new family member. Now is absolutely the best time to practice proactive prevention. You can start with the overview article at http://bit.ly/16q9QT5 and find lots of other useful tips at http://bit.ly/1NqLj3x. Also, take a look at my advice (below) to Joan from Augusta. Joan from Augusta ME wonders: “I’ve been considering a pet insurance policy for my new rescue pup. She’s about 1 year old and seems healthy but I was taking my last dog to the vet and ER all the time.” By all means Joan. I am a huge advocate for taking out pet insurance policies. They can dramatically reduce veterinary expenses. One trip to the ER alone can cost thousands of dollars. I’d especially consider a wellness policy which will cover most vet visits, training, supplements, etc. I’m most familiar with Embrace’s wellness policy. It seems to cover just about everything (up to 80%). By all means give them a call to discuss or use this link to investigate further and get a 10% discount: http://bit.ly/1MZGKZv For many other answers and to join Dr. Jeff’s holistic pet care community at: http://bit.ly/1LCbIGo More of your questions are answered at: http://bit.ly/1LHfVqX
Please send your questions to Dr. Jeff at drjeff@certifiedvethomeopath.com For many other answers and to join Dr. Jeff’s holistic pet care community at: http://bit.ly/1LCbIGo . More of your questions are answered at: http://bit.ly/GXmLYA. Dr. Jeff is a University of Pennsylvania 1981 molecular biology and 1985 school of vet med graduate. In 1982 he was chosen to be a University Scholar. This allowed him to choose any of the university’s graduate or medical schools. Being a lifelong animal lover, he chose to become the first veterinary University Scholar. By 2000 he became the first certified veterinary homeopath (CVH) in Connecticut. He is a past Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (AVH) president and is the current president of the non-profit AVH Foundation. Dr Jeff’s clinical practice currently focuses on both prevention and treatment of serious diseases in dogs and cats. Dr. Jeff can be reached at: drjeff@certifiedvethomeopath.com. See ad on page 14.
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Got Winter Depression? How Moms Can Find ‘Better’ Feelings this Season By Andrea Anderson
T
oward the end of last winter, I found myself crying one day- for what seemed like no apparent reason at all. I felt horrible. Horrible about myself, my life, everything. The truth was my life was pretty good. Not perfect, but overall good. I had two sons who were doing well, a caring husband, a comfortable house, and all of us were in good health. However, regardless of what was going well in my life, I felt like crud! And, I didn’t know why. My symptoms mirrored extreme sadness or depression, but I refer to it as experiencing disconnection. But, disconnection from what? Disconnection from the things that help all human beings feel happy and good about ourselves. Disconnection from sunlight, being outside and being active. I was jogging most days outside, yet still, I wasn’t spending as much time outside as I would in the warmer months. My body and emotions needed me to be out MORE. Breathing in fresh air, moving around, absorbing sunlight. Our bodies require all of this to function optimally. Without one of these components, you’ll probably notice your emotions or energy take a dip. Absorbing sunlight is a natural healthy way for our bodies to receive vitamin D. Vitamin D helps us to absorb calcium, and calcium is not just good for our bones, but is actually essential to primary functions within us: our heart beating, our lungs inhaling and exhaling air. When I looked more closely, I also found that I was disconnected from the pace of life my body really wanted me to be living. I was just “too busy” to listen. And, I was also disconnected from some of the foods my body wanted me to eat more of. What exactly was a more feasible pace for me and what were the foods my body desired and needed from me to thrive physically and emotionally? Eating more natural sweets and less sugar During the winter months, it’s normal to eat a bit more. Our body will intuitively send us cravings for more food during these months. Winter is when animals go into hibernation, and slow down. What do bears do in the Fall? Eat extra food, pack on a few pounds and then go into hibernation for a few months. Well, while we’re not hibernating, our natural rhythm and the natural rhythm of winter would normally be to slow down and eat more to keep warm. When you go against your natural rhythm and run around completing your to-do list day in and day out, that’s a recipe for feeling stressed and, as we all know, this routine is not very uncommon. When you feel stressed, your body is tight and contracted and consequently your body will eventually send you a craving for something 18
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light and uplifting so that it can naturally balance itself.The typical craving that surfaces is for sugar or a glass of wine. This cycle simply happens because people forget to listen to their body and instead forge forward with what they think they have to do. How can you remedy this? Yes, you guessed it. S-L-O-W Down. No, you don’t have to hibernate, however, you NEED to make your body and emotional state a priority, otherwise you will find yourself feeling neglected and depressed. And, I say this with gentleness but Truth, constantly being busy is a form of self- neglect. Look at your to do list and ask yourself this? Will I be ok if I don’t get all of this done? Go through each item on your list. And, get really, really honest with yourself. How much of what’s on there really has to get done? Probably not much (if you’re really being honest with yourself.) For what does need to get done, give yourself more time to get it done. Relax more. Remember, winter is meant for resting. As for when the sweet cravings do come, try eating foods that are made with natural sweeteners that add nutrients to your body instead of depleting your body of nutrients (cane sugar /sucrose depletes your body.) Add more sweet veggies If you don’t already, bring more sweet vegetables into your diet. Veggies like butternut squash, acorn squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and even onions when they’re sautéed. By the way, I recommend baking these veggies. Here’s the deal, eating more sweet veggies can help you decrease and even bypass some of those cravings for sweets. Because these veggies taste sweet, your body very often feels satisfied. And, each of these veggies is a little powerhouse of an assortment of vitamins and nutrients, so instead of eating sweets that add zero nutrients and deplete you, you’re adding nutrients that replenish you. Here’s to a winter of lighter more comfortable thoughts! Submitted by Andrea Anderson. If something Andrea shared resonates with you and you’re ready to take this further, you’re invited to schedule a private or group Healthy Food Shopping Tour. Andrea meets with clients at the store, showing them what specific foods they can eat to bring more healing to their conditions, which foods to skip and new healthy meal ideas that match the type of foods they prefer to eat. Interested? Email andrea@IHealedMySons.com or text 860.485.4118 with your appointment request. See ad on page 35.
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How Echoes in the Energy Body Inhibit Fertility By Natalie Griffin
T
here is a specific kind of pain that results from the loss of life in the womb. Many people have experienced this nameless pain and rarely find a safe setting where they can talk freely and heal from the experience mentally, physically and energetically. Miscarriages, terminated pregnancies and intrauterine deaths (still births) can leave an “echo” in the Luminous Energy Field that sends mis-information to the physical body, sometimes preventing new life from taking root. Shamanic energy healing techniques can help clear these echoes, making room for new projects, dreams and life to find their way into the world. What is the Luminous Energy Field? Various cultures around the world make reference to a luminous architecture, energy body or energy field. Modern shamans compare the Luminous Energy Field (LEF) to a software operating system. The LEF contains programs for living, loving and dying. These programs are created from beliefs, inherited by ancestors and gathered through experience. This software system includes the meridians and is connected to the body through chakras and the electromagnetic pulses of the brain. The purpose of the LEF is to collect and interpret data from the energetic/unseen world and provide information to your physical body (the hardware). Your physical body will react based upon the data it receives from the LEF. As much as the LEF influences the physical body, the physical body can also influence the LEF. This mutual influence can create optimal health when energetic healing and awareness occur, and can create disruptive patterns when left unattended. LEFs collect data, use it, and release it when the information is no longer needed. You might walk around a corner in NYC, “get a vibe” from your LEF that says, “This street isn’t safe.” and so you turn around and grab a coffee someplace else. While you are having coffee, your physical body sends messages to the LEF that all is well and your LEF releases any data associated with that event. You might not even be aware that you chose a different route due to your energy field or its “vibe” because this sort of data transfer happens all the time and at high rates of speed. What is an “Echo” in the Energy Body? When we encounter trauma, our energy bodies can hold on to data past the point of being useful, thereby creating an “echo” or energetic scar. Maybe you walked around a corner in NYC and “got a vibe” to get out of there and as you turned around to leave, a guy in a black cap whacked you on the head and stole your money. If you 20
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got up, brushed off your clothes and experienced a sense of wellbeing, the LEF would release this event data as well. More commonly, our experience with severe fear or pain will set off a chain reaction of emotional and biological responses that in turn blast information into the LEF. At that moment an energetic scar or echo is created in our energy body. The energy field will hold on to the data, “NYC and men in black caps are dangerous.” What is amazing about this, is that the LEF has no idea what year it is. As long as there are potential trips to NYC or men in black caps, your LEF will continuously send signals to your brain to be on high alert. As you can imagine, these echoes take up much space in the LEF. The bigger you perceive the trauma to be, the more space the echo will take up, hijacking energy that you could be using for living, loving, and creating life. Traumatic events have to be healed physically, mentally and energetically for lasting or significant change to occur. Releasing the Energetic Babies If you have had loss of life in the womb, you may have healed physically and even mentally. If you have truly developed full sense of wellbeing after this event, then your LEF has released the event data and any energetic echo is gone. If however, you know all the right things to think and say about your experience and are hiding some of your deepest fear, regret, or shame, then your energy body might be holding onto the data to protect you from feeling pain ever again. Often, these energies will appear to shamans as “Energetic Babies.” This is NOT the soul or spirit of the baby, but the “echo” of the emotional trauma surrounding the loss of the baby personified symbolically. Case Study My client lost a baby due to miscarriage about six months before she came to see me. She took her health seriously and through beautiful work with therapists and doctors, she came to understand that the miscarriage was not her fault and she released much of her guilt and shame surrounding the loss. However, she and her partner had grown distant. And although they had both done work individually to heal, their connection seemed to be damaged. They both really wanted a child and were struggling to get pregnant. In this struggle, many of her fears
surfaced. When I asked her to name her biggest fear, she said “I am afraid that I am too old to have a baby and that was my last chance.” As I searched her energy body for the roots of this fear, an energetic baby appeared to be taking up much of the space around her heart and abdomen effectively blocking the flow of energy through these major energy centers. When these energy centers are blocked, loving and creating anything - projects, new life, new businesses - is interrupted. Because at our most energetic pure nature we are compassionate, we can sometimes get tied up with these energies out of love. In this case, the energetic baby wanted to stay around to help my client feel less alone. And my client wanted to keep a tie to the energetic baby because she was afraid it might have been her only chance to love a little one. When we cling to what was, even out of love, we diminish possibility for our future creations of all kinds to take root. I asked her to release her fear into a stone through a few different breathing techniques and in a simple ceremony, to thank and let go of this little one who came into her life for only a brief time. She cried the last few tears and said thank you and goodbye. Totally. The release created a ton of space in her energy body and after a few weeks, she and her husband were able to reconnect in loving ways again. Their connection grew so strong that they decided their marriage would be OK even if they didn’t have a baby, and guess what? They had a baby.
Clearing the Echo 1. Change your perspective. In order to begin the healing process at all levels, you must do this physically, mentally and energetically. Update your thinking on the event and change the telling of the story to an empowering story. Most popular stories and certainly all TV dramas include a story of the down-and-out Victim - endearing, but not possessed of her/ his own power. The Bully - the one who ruined everything. And the Rescuer - the one who is coming to save the day. This story is good for TV dramas, but bad for living. In order to update your story, you have to be able to tell it to a loved one without anyone playing the Victim, Bully or Rescuer in the story - especially you. 2. Ceremony of Thanks and Surrender. When we sit in ceremony either by ourselves or with others, we are in sacred space. In sacred space we are held by something larger than ourselves. In ceremony, our intentions are brought into brilliant focus when we are in the presence of Spirit. Create sacred space. Gongs, chanting, praying, burning sage, honoring the four directions, heaven and earth, or tapping into the wise one within are all great ways to create sacred space. Write on a piece of paper the loss that you wish to release. Write on the same piece of paper all of the good things the experience gave you and thank the lost one for giving you these gifts. Feel the gratitude in your whole body. If you can’t find the gratitude because the grief is still too heavy, then write down what you are grieving, and thank the lost one for the lessons that you are sure will unfold. Even if they are not yet
known. Burn the paper with gratitude and surrender. Repeat this ceremony until true gratitude can come into your whole body. There is a difference between clinging to the past, and honoring and remembering. Ceremony will allow you to let go of the past while honoring and remembering the gifts. 3. Shamanic Healing. Shamans work in the world of energy/Spirit on behalf of clients. There are many energetic occurrences that can interrupt optimal health despite your best efforts in the physical world. Shamanic Healing can complement your efforts with doctors and therapists, often discovering patterns and connections hidden in the unseen world. Natalie Griffin is a life artist, international spiritual teacher, author and rock and roll star (at least in her own mind). She is the founder of Naughty Shaman, home of the Dharma School. Dharma School helps students identify their Soul’s Truth and release the fear holding them back from stepping into their Calling. As the Director of Executive Development at a Fortune 100 Company, her thoughts on leadership were published in the Harvard Business Review on Leadership. Still, something was missing. After a series of life changing events, concluding with her mother’s death, she couldn’t deny her Soul’s Calling any longer and started a high velocity journey inward. She studied with and worked for Alberto Villoldo and was initiated by the Q’ero Shamans of Peru on the sacred mountain of the Undomesticatable Feminine Life-Force. Now she is able to coach and support leaders on the deeper level that she always craved. www. NaughtyShaman.com 860-430-1788 Natalie@naughtyshaman.com. See ad on page 9.
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Beyond Calcium: Nutrients Critical to Bone Health By Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN & J. Erika Dworkin There is a general presumption, fed by dairy industry advertising, that adequate calcium is all you need to maintain strong bones. However, several other minerals and vitamins are also necessary for strong bones, and the absence of any one of them will interfere with the bone regeneration process. . . . [O]steoporosis prevention and treatment require a combination of exercise, diet, targeted nutrients, and, in some cases, bioidentical hormone therapy. ~ Julian Whitaker, MD - 4 Steps to Strong Bones – www.drwhitaker.com
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o you wonder whether you have, or are at risk for, bone disease? Multiple factors determine the extent to which you need to be concerned. An integrative approach that incorporates healthy lifestyle choices, and dietary supplements in the correct doses, may prevent and even reverse bone deterioration. Causes & Risks for Bone Disease Uncontrollable Factors. Patients have increased risk for bone disease who are: (1) female (but up to 1 in 4 men age 50+ experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetimes); (2) menopausal (due to reduced estrogen) or andropausal (due to reduced estrogen and testosterone); (3) Caucasian or Asian; (4) children of parents who had bone disease and/or a hip fracture; (5) small in body frame (due to lower starting BMD); and/or may have (6) excess thyroid hormone (produced or prescribed); or (7) overactive parathyroid or adrenal glands. Controllable Factors. Risk for bone disease increases in patients who: (1) smoke; (2) drink heavily; (3) are inactive; and/or (4) consumed low amounts of calcium throughout their lives. Medical Conditions, Procedures, and Treatments associated with a higher bone disease risk include: (1) hormonal imbalances; (2) high blood sugar/diabetes; (3) inflammation; (4) metabolic syndrome; (5) atherosclerosis; (6) gastrointestinal surgery (stomach reduction or intestinal bypass/removal); and (7) long-term or reoccurring intake of various drugs, including corticosteroids (prednisone, cortisone), and those for seizures, acid reflux, and cancer. Disadvantages of Conventional Drug Treatments Bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, ReClast) are frequently prescribed to stop bone loss. Since the drugs in this class disrupt the natural bone remodeling cycle (see below), they have demonstrated limited success and are associated with various potential side effects, including: atrial fibrillation; jaw deterioration; thighbone fracture; and digestive ailments (including esophageal ulcers/inflammation).
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Conventional practitioners also regularly prescribe synthetic estrogen therapy for post-menopausal women (can increase risk of blood clots, endometrial and breast cancers, and heart disease), or testosterone for andropausal men [can increase risk of stroke, heart attack, and death. Nutrients Critical to Maintaining Bone Health Bone remodeling, a lifelong process that adjusts bone architecture to meet changing mechanical needs and prevent accumulation of old bone, involves three consecutive phases: (1) resorption (osteoclasts digest old mineralized bone); (2) reversal (new cells appear on the bone surface); and (3) formation (osteoblasts lay down new mineralized bone until the resorbed bone is completely replaced). Robert Heaney, MD, internationally recognized bone biology expert, has especially emphasized the importance of the nutrients discussed below. Numerous comprehensive formulas are available that combine most of the nutrients in a single dietary supplement product. Boosting hormone levels has also proven helpful. Minerals Bone is primarily composed of calcium (70%, as hydroxyapatite, a combination of various types of calcium) and matrix protein (30%, see below). According to Heaney, calcium deficiency leads to bone loss, and high calcium intake from food or supplements slows that loss and may even prevent it. Small amounts of other trace minerals are also essential for normal bone function. These include: magnesium [regulates calcium transport; promotes calcium absorption by converting vitamin D into its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (aka calcitriol)], phosphorous, copper/manganese/zinc, strontium [chemically similar to calcium, and boron. Vitamin D3 Since vitamin D3 increases the intestinal absorption of calcium, insufficient levels results in depletion of calcium from the bones (and increased deposition of calcium in arterial walls that contributes to atherosclerosis). Experts recommend serum blood levels of 75 nmol/L (or 30 ng/mL), especially to prevent falls and fractures. Vitamin K2 & K1 Vitamin K is available as K1 [phylloquinone; found in green leafy vegetables; absorption is inefficient] and K2 (menatetrenone; includes several menaquinones, including MK-4 in meats, and MK-7 in fermented foods). Vitamin K (especially MK-4 and MK-7) supplementation helps: (1) build the protein matrix that holds calcium in bone; (2) maintain proper bone strength and mineral density; and (3) reduce bone resorption.
Collagen/Silica Type 1 collagen, a protein molecule that comprises 30% of bone as a spongy matrix of fibers, is critical to achieving optimal bone strength. More collagen in bones means more calcium-binding sites in the bone and greater ability of bone to bend without breaking.
The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. Unless otherwise supported by specific research and stated herein, the natural remedies discussed herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Silica (silicon dioxide) in the form of orthosilicic acid (OSA) is one of the nutrients necessary for optimal production of type 1 collagen, and higher dietary silicon intake is associated with greater BMD in both men and premenopausal women. Research suggests that silicon also regulates bone mineralization by helping to trigger the deposition of calcium and phosphate, reducing osteoclasts, and increasing osteoblasts. A dietary supplement containing cholinestabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) provides maximum benefits.
Submitted by Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN, a Registered Pharmacist and State Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CT Cert. No. 232), with J. Erika Dworkin, Certified Lifestyle Educator and Board Cert. Holistic Nutrition (Cand.). Owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178, 378 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT, www.cthealthshop.com), Pharmacist Dworkin has been guiding patients since 1956 and is available for consultation by appointment. Erika is available to speak to groups. All statements in this article are research-based and references are available upon request. See ad on page 5.
Boosting Hormone Levels Hormones (estrogen, testosterone, and DHEA) monitor bone remodeling. When hormone levels drop in aging adults, bone breakdown in remodeling often exceeds bone building. Julian Whitaker, MD, maintains that supplementing with natural bioidentical hormones can help slow down this process and prevent osteoporosis. Natural estrogen sources include soy isoflavones, black cohosh, and red clover. Natural testosterone boosters include Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia), puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris), and horny goat weed (epimedium).
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According to John Lee, MD, international progesterone authority and pioneer, women can increase bone mass and density, and possibly reverse osteoporosis, by using progesterone in the form of a natural transdermal cream derived from wild yams or soybeans. (What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause 2004) Some Bone-Supportive Diet & Lifestyle Choices As noted above, diet and lifestyle choices impact bone health, including: (1) adequate protein intake (per Heaney, above 1.2 g/kg/ day, or 25–30 grams/meal, to allow the body to rebuild lost bone and benefit fully from high calcium intake); (2) regular intake of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, and fish; and (3) regular exercise and weight-bearing activities.
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There Is No “One-Size-Fits-All” Diet by Holly Niles, MS, CNS, LDN, CFSP
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here are so many diet books out there in stores, on TV and online. Each one offers “the answer” to what ails us. High fat, low carbs, no carbs, high protein and the list goes on! Each plan offers a set of promises from increased energy and better sleep to weight loss and improved metabolism. There are many claims and guaranteed results. All these choices create a lot of confusion for people and bring up as many questions as there are diets. Questions like: Which one is the “right” diet for me? How do I decide what’s right? How can certain nutrients like fat or carbs be both good and bad? What will work best for me? Here’s the short answer... There is no one size fits all diet for everyone. I have counseled hundreds of clients and have found that it’s not that simple. We all have a unique history, constitution and lifestyle. To decide the best option, we need to look deeper into our individual story including topics like body type and history. This is such an important component to unlock the mystery of what is the best eating plan or diet for you. The Idea of the Diet First, let us consider the whole idea of a diet. In a global sense, we use the word diet to connect a culture, region or nationality to the food that is commonly consumed there. Think Mediterranean diet, Asian diet, etc. These are historical and often ancient eating patterns that were adapted to that region based on the food sources available or easily grown there. For the average American when we think diet, we think of a short term plan that includes some type of food restriction that will hopefully lead to weight loss. Research shows us that “diets” don’t really work since they usually include changes that people let go of once they finish the “diet”. Then any gains they made are lost and the cycle continues. Because of this, we know that in the long run, these types of ‘diets’ are not really an effective choice. Yet there are new diets popping up every day and people jumping on board with the newest plan. The reasons people choose these plans are to feel better, reduce weight and improve their overall health. What if there was a way to achieve these goals without a quick fix short term plan? Let’s begin by looking at the how and why of that process and learn the 7 keys to unlock the answer for you. Let Go of the Short Term Diet The First Key in this process is to let go of the idea of a short term diet. They don’t work and in order to make sustainable healthy changes, we have to think more long term. When we are in the market for a diet, we are usually looking to improve our health in some way and often to lose weight. To make the best choice for change, it’s important to look at the ways our bodies have gotten out of balance that put us in the market for a “diet” in the first place. That imbalance might show up as extra weight, low energy, blood sugar 24
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issues, high cholesterol or insomnia, just to name a few. Generally, these changes happen over time or after a significant health challenge like a diagnosis from a doctor or moving into a new phase of life like motherhood or menopause. Most of the time we can trace it back to a time when we first noticed that our body started to change. People will often say things like, “5 years ago I seemed fine” or “after I had that bad sinus infection I didn’t feel the same” or “I was under a lot of stress for several months and after that I never got my energy back.” We all have our own story. This story is helpful when ‘putting the pieces together’. When we take our history into account we can make more effective changes. Considering our individual health challenges and goals, what research does tell us is that a more long-term lifestyle plan is effective to sustain changes. That plan should include several pieces like: moving your body, reducing the impact of stress as well as paying attention to what you eat. Just focusing on food alone is not enough to feel better, improve your health and make lasting changes. As I mentioned before, most people have a story of where and how things started for them. That is an important step in choosing the best plan for you. Get to the Root of the Problem Let’s review this Second Key through the philosophy of Functional Medicine. The basics of Functional Medicine are simple: get to the root cause or causes of why someone doesn’t have energy or is overweight. This approach doesn’t just try to fix symptoms but looks deeper at why. To illustrate this approach, consider a tree with its roots in the earth. If the tree is “sick” we want to not only look at the leaves which are like the “symptoms” but also look at the roots of the tree or the “cause” of the problem. This means we have to look at the person’s whole life story including their personal medical history from the time they were a little kid, family medical history, day-to-day life including work and family life as well as the foods they eat and don’t eat. This is an important step to creating a plan that someone can follow for the long term. This is also why one diet does not work for every person. Write Your Story The Third Key is writing your story. While you may not have the training in Functional Medicine to put all the pieces together, I have found it to be so helpful for patients to reflect back on their story. This can help us learn more about our tendencies and may help us decide what to change in our lifestyle. Here are the kinds of questions to ask yourself: • What was my health like when I was little? • Am I someone who always gets colds and flu? • Can I remember a time when I felt great? • What is my family’s health history? (Mother/Father, Grandparents, Siblings) For example: Do I have a family history of
diabetes? • Do I have a history of allergies? • Do I have a history of dieting or food cravings? Functional Medicine practitioners use all of this information to help create a more personal plan. This is called personalized medicine which is the opposite of one-sizefits-all. Create Your Personalized Plan That leads to the Fourth Key: Personalized plans. Crafting a plan that is specific to you and your story will likely lead to better results. For example: you are a female who is peri-menopausal and your doctor told you you are pre-diabetic. You have had some challenges with your weight since you were little and several of your family members have Type 2 Diabetes. We know you need to avoid simple carbohydrates like pasta and bread, among other dietary and lifestyle changes to help your body rebalance which can lead to weight loss and improved blood sugar levels. As you go forward you are likely someone who will have to be pretty consistent with these changes, keeping an eye on your choices and quantities of carbohydrates for the long term. You are the person who may be more likely to gain weight. This is because both your family and personal history shows that you may have a stronger tendency. Another example: you are a female who is peri-menopausal and things in your life have recently changed. You got a new job which has you eating out a lot, having much more quick packaged food and reducing your exercise. Your doctor told you that your blood sugars levels are higher than usual. We learn that no one in your family has any challenges with Type 2 Diabetes and you have always been able to maintain your weight easily. In this scenario, we would likely create a similar plan as the prior scenario with similar dietary focus, by limiting simple carbs as well as lifestyle changes. The difference is that after your body rebalances, you may tolerate a few whole grains as part of your carbohydrates as you go forward. You might find things change more quickly or more easily. This is a simple example of how a similar person may have different plans based on their story. As the foundation of a personalized plan, there are some basics that can be true for everyone.
The Basics of Good Nutritional Support for the Body The fifth key uses these concepts to create a framework and then we can personalize based on the person’s individual story. 5 BASIC Do’s: 1. Eat plants; especially the colorful ones. They contain vitamins, minerals, and phyto-nutrients which are powerful compounds that give veggies and fruits their color and fiber which helps detox and make beneficial bacteria in our gut. These bacteria keep our immune system healthy. 2. Legumes and beans are an excellent source of plant protein and good fiber. 3. Fats like olive oil, olives, avocado and coconut oil should be eaten at every meal. 1 TBS of olive or coconut oil or ¼ of an avocado is a good start. Nuts and seeds are also part of this group. 4. Lean and clean protein like poultry, beef, fish, and eggs are important to have at each meal. 5. Water helps the body detox and lubricates our joints, cells, eyes and tissues in general. 5 BASIC Don’ts: 1. Stay away from plans that include packaged foods with long lists of ingredients even if they are gluten free, fat free, diet friendly, all natural, etc. If you don’t know what it is or can’t pronounce it, it’s best not to eat it. 2. Stay away from plans that limit or avoid a whole group of foods like: No fat, ZERO carbohydrates, and low protein. 3. Stay away from plans that focus on one food group like: High fat or high protein. 4. Stay away from processed and concentrated ‘Sugar’ in all of its forms as much as possible, including: Splenda, Equal, Truvia, white/brown/raw sugar, molasses, high fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, white grape juice concentrate. Sugar in its more natural forms should be limited: raw honey, coconut sugar, whole leaf stevia, maple syrup. 5. Don’t skip meals on a regular basis. 5 areas that need to be more personalized, and are more dependent on your story: 1. Wheat, rye, barley and grains in general 2. Gluten free grains and products like rice, millet and quinoa 3. Dairy products 4. Fruit quantity 5. Protein sources and types As we look at the whole picture of your life we also need to include movement or exercise and consider the impact of stress.
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Movement and Exercise The Sixth Key is movement. Research is consistently telling us that exercise and moving our bodies is a really important part of being healthy and staying that way. Often when people write their story they will note that things like weight and energy started to shift when they stopped moving or exercising. There are many ways that moving our bodies helps to keep us in balance. The first thing that comes to mind is heart health and muscle building which are the foundation of movement. Building muscle helps us burn calories more efficiently and even helps our bodies detoxify. Muscles have more glucose or sugar receptors to help us balance blood sugar and improve energy levels. Your heart is a muscle that needs to be exercised but this also improves our circulation which
helps with digestion, immunity and reducing inflammation. Beyond heart health and muscle building there are other ways that movement improves our health. Increased flexibility and the ability to move easily helps us prevent falls and injuries. Moving can raise our energy levels, make us feel more vibrant and often puts us in a healthier mindset. The key is to find something you like to do and find simple ways to add it to your daily life. Walking, stretching, dancing, tennis, bike riding, swimming and the list goes on. We all know the adage, “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” Find ways to add short sessions, even 15 minute exercise increments, to improve your health. Here are a few ideas: Walk in the mall during winter months, use your home
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stairs as an aerobic tool, find 10-15 min videos that use dumbbells/free weights and exercise bands or just dance. Adding this to a personalized plan puts you on the path to staying well. Reduce Stress The Seventh Key is reducing stress. This is such an important key and maybe should have been the first key on our list. Having prolonged stress is a factor that many people report prior to feeling a change in their body or health. We hear a lot about stress reduction today. Life moves quickly with so many responsibilities and often we feel like we are in a constant state of emergency. I have seen so many clients who eat a really healthy personalized diet but they are so stressed that it actually reduces the positive impact of that diet. What are the effects of stress on your body? It can deplete your immune system, increase your blood pressure, challenge your digestion, increase inflammation in your body and imbalance blood sugar. There are two parts to our nervous system which help our bodies as we move through our day and handle life. Part 1: Sympathetic nervous system- a.k.a. “fight or flight” system. Imagine you are running from a tiger. Part 2: Parasympathetic nervous system a.k.a “rest
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and digest” system. Imagine you are sitting down to a nice leisurely meal with family or friends. The challenge comes when we live our life in Part 1 most of the time. Our body was not designed to be in a state of emergency all the time and this is why it can negatively affect our health. The key here is to activate the rest and digest system and the easiest way to do that is with breath, specifically exhalation. Long deep breaths can help us turn “off the emergency.” Other options include listening to relaxing music, walking in nature and meditation.
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Each of us is unique and when you are choosing the “right diet” you need to be creating a sustainable plan that looks at the root of why you need a plan, includes sound basics of healthy eating, considers your personal story, adds movement and includes times to relax. That is the right diet for you. Holly Niles, MS, CNS, LDN, CFSP is a Functional Medicine Licensed Clinical Nutritionist, Integrative Health Practitioner and Wellness Educator. Most recently, she has been working for several years as part of the nutrition team at Dr. Mark Hyman’s Ultra Wellness Center in Lenox, MA. Working with such a diverse client population has deepened her commitment to the art of Functional Medicine. Her approach is to help patients find practical ways to enjoy making healthy changes to create wellness. She believes that not only is our food a key to creating a well-being but that our food is our medicine. See ad on pages 17 & 26. Log onto Natural Nutmeg’s Facebook page for more tips on the right diet for you!
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What Makes Her Fit Could Make You Fat! By Jenna C. Henderson, ND
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ieting. Oh what a daunting task! Counting calories, daily trips to the bathroom scale, enjoying ALL those Valentine chocolates vicariously through someone else. Discipline! Discipline! Discipline! Something about it is just so intimidating. But when we don’t understand how specific foods affect us, eating becomes a daily struggle. For those who are overweight, it’s often a never-ending effort of trying to find the magic diet to lose those extra pounds and keep them off. There are those who drop the pounds with a strict vegetarian diet, and others who slim down eating meat three times a day. And what happens? We hear everyone else’s stories of weight loss success and then try the exact same diet that worked so well for them. But often the results are disappointing. The truth is—there is no one diet that fits all. Each one of us has a unique biochemistry and we need to fuel our bodies with foods that are appropriate for us as individuals. In other words, if you try someone else’s diet, what makes them fit could make you fat. The problem is, we need more specifics. In the doctor’s office weight loss is usually addressed briefly, a comment in passing. The doctor suggests that weight loss will help a particular condition and then you’re sent on your way. There’s a hope that at your next visit there will be some progress in that area, but all too often the scales continue to tip the wrong way. Even with good practical advice to help weight loss, patients tend to fall back into old habits over the course of a few months. We know that diet matters, but somehow we never seem to make those important changes. Good Food/Bad Food Early on, most of us made a connection between what we eat and how we feel. We noticed that a healthy meal helped us feel energized, calm and alert but if we filled up on “junk food” we might get headaches, jittery, or even an outbreak of acne. Maybe we didn’t make those connections, but usually a firm inner voice reminds us that there is a reason why we have to eat vegetables and that we can’t eat chocolate all the time. Even with our best intuition, it’s still not easy to decide what the best diet is. Nutritional advice is always changing. Those of us who were around in the 70s remember a time when wheat germ and whole grain bread were considered healthy foods. Now gluten is considered bad, and if someone wants to lose weight they’re told that they’d better give up bread altogether. Once yogurt was the secret to a long life; after all in some places in the world where people routinely live to 100, they eat yogurt every day. Then dairy products were put on the list of bad foods. We’re told that people can’t tolerate lactose, and since no other species has milk past infancy, maybe humans shouldn’t either. Even a food as nutritious as broccoli may have a down side and suppress the thyroid. It seems that for every good food out there, there is some reason not to eat it. Often it seems the more we read, the less clear it is and the harder it is to simply enjoy our food. 28
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Of course there are some universally bad foods that don’t do anybody any good. Some nutritionists call them “food-like substances”. Artificial colors, even more than artificial flavors and preservatives, are best avoided. Hydrogenated oils—fats that come out of a factory, promote inflammation and serve only to extend a food’s shelf life. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a concentration of everything bad about fruit and none of the benefits. HFCS is associated with obesity and is an independent factor driving up blood pressure. We might as well just throw away all diet products made with artificial sweeteners. There may be fewer calories, but artificial sweeteners slow down the liver and our metabolism, making us burn calories at a slower rate. Do we ever really see people reach their weight loss goals with diet sodas? As a general rule it is best to avoid foods made in factories or foods that didn’t exist somewhere on earth 100 years ago. After that, it can be difficult to clarify what foods are good for a particular individual. Some people include low fat products in their diet. We use the same word “fat”, to describe lipids in the diet and adipose tissue on our bodies. But one type of fat does not equal the other. The more as a society we incorporate fat free and low fat foods, the more our obesity rates soar. Modern people are often shocked to see recipe books from colonial America where many foods are covered in cream, butter and lard. Interestingly enough, the colonists did not struggle with obesity, even those who didn’t earn their living through hard manual labor. Our sedentary lifestyle is often blamed but in the 1950s people worked office jobs and didn’t go to a gym—and yet they were not obese. Which Diet Works For You? What really matters is that you eat foods that work for your body. Just as someone wouldn’t knowingly put unleaded gasoline in a car that requires diesel, a body should be given the right food based on the particular requirements. In the early 20th century Dr. Weston Price studied the diets of native populations around the world. Dr. Price found a wide variety of diets from India where people ate mostly vegetarian food to the Masai of African who ate almost all animal products to the Eskimos who had whale blubber as a staple in their diet. Despite the differences, over many generations, the population had adapted to their surroundings and lived well with their local resources. The science of genetics is confirming this idea of natural variety and adaptation. We now know that those with ancestry from cold climates have mitochondrial DNA that helps them burn more calories to stay warm compared to those with ancestry from a tropical environment. Just as our genes define our uniqueness in terms of our height, the color of hair and eyes, and the structure of our facial features, our genes play a role in our metabolism. They define our nutritional requirements as well as what foods are right or wrong for us.
It’s true. We are all different. Some people require a high daily intake of protein. Others thrive with rice and beans. Some need a small percentage of calories from fat and others need a greater amount. Discovering a new relationship with food can be an eye opener. Often the foods that were eaten in abundance are the ones that need to be limited. And if the patient is open minded, hopefully they will discover the need for healthier choices among foods they hadn’t previously considered. True lasting change doesn’t always come easy as habits can be hard to break. Most of us have blind spots when it comes to our diet. It’s easy to kid oneself and eat a sugary treat here and there, and still think it’s eating healthy. In fact 80% of the time dieters either don’t make their goals or make their goals and then gain the weight back. Some of us want to lose 20lbs. but others need to lose over 100lbs. Just having a list of good foods is not enough for most people. We need support to change emotional eating and the comforting habits that often started in childhood. If this is going to happen, it’s essential to have the accountability of seeing a trained professional once a week and going over the details of what you’re actually eating and how you’re feeling. An individualized diet, the right diet for your metabolic uniqueness, has a built-in reinforcement. With the right diet, many people gradually lose their taste for eating the garbage they used to consume. Unhealthy food cravings start to go away with food that satisfies their nutritional needs and balances their blood sugar. Their own body gives them the feedback that they’re on the right track. They notice right away that eating fast food or other processed garbage makes them feel “off”. For many who have struggled for a long time with food, there’s a great sense of liberation to know what is working for them and they’re less likely to fall prey to the fad of the month. The right diet not only helps one lose weight, it improves their quality of life. The proper diet may even slow the aging process and improve mental clarity as well. A healthy side effect of good nutrition is increased focus and memory. But many patients find improvements in long standing conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Some patients find a lessened need for prescription medications. Obstacles that Prevent Weight Loss Identifying the right diet can be a struggle. Then implementing the diet and sticking to it is a challenge. But what happens if you’re on the right diet and you stick to it, but still the weight doesn’t come off? Working with a medical professional, especially a naturopathic physician can help identify and address some of the other obstacles that can hold us back from weight loss. Low levels of specific nutrients like iron, iodine, magnesium or zinc can affect our ability to lose weight. Ideally we should be able to find all our nutrition through food, but there are cases where targeted supplements can help. Problems with our hormonal system can also hold us back from achieving our ideal body mass index (BMI). Low thyroid function and adrenal fatigue are issues that naturopathic physicians can address. Even if our initial screening tests look normal, a naturopathic doctor often looks deeper into the situation, getting to the root cause of why we feel fatigued and can’t lose weight. Sometimes detoxing from environmental toxins is called for. Sometimes we need to address digestive health and the bacteria in our gut. Inflammation associated with chronic pain or allergies can be another factor holding us back.
To make it more complicated, the specific foods that work for us are not set in stone. After we’ve addressed specific health issues like a low thyroid, eliminated foods of low nutritional value, exercise, get more sleep, and drink more water, our bodies shift. Sometimes the diet that worked for 6 months needs to be revised. We may need more or less protein, fats or fiber. A trained health professional can guide us through the modifications we need to make along the way. Get the Help of a Professional Because naturopathic physicians are trained to see the whole person, they are often able to help patients identify a diet that will work for them. A structured program can help a dieter through challenging situations. Grocery shopping and meal planning can be a challenge, especially when the dieter has to cook for their whole family. A trained life coach can help a person implement the changes in a targeted, well-informed way rather than being forced to make purchases in a random, haphazard fashion, based largely on guesswork about what might or might not be good for them and their family. A Life Coach can also help you work through any emotional eating issues you may have. Regardless of how good a diet may be, if you don’t deal with your emotional hunger, it may grow along with your waistline. From the very beginning of our lives we associate food with being protected and comforted. Perhaps you fell and scraped your knee and your mom soothed you with a cookie, or rewarded you with food for a good grade. This memory of food as comfort stays with us as adults. We have more receptors for serotonin (the feel-good hormone) in our bellies than in our brains. But food is only a quick fix. Consciously we say we want to lose weight, but somehow we end up sabotaging our success. Why? Because our subconscious mind is what really determines our behavior. Without addressing the underlying emotional needs, we are not getting to the root of the problem. Chances are it’s not just the weight on the scale, but something else is weighing heavy on the heart. A life coach can help you get to the bottom of what is getting in your way and will help you avoid self-sabotage. Eating right on a whole foods diet shouldn’t be complicated. But each individual is unique and we all face our own challenges in achieving optimal health. Losing weight takes diligence and commitment, but with the right tools and good support, anything is possible. Naturopathic doctors are trained to look at each person as an individual and help them understand their unique nutritional needs. The right diet not only helps people achieve their ideal weight but improves our overall health, allowing us to feel more calm, alert and energized. Submitted by Dr. Jenna C. Henderson. The Life Center offers medically supervised weight loss using the metabolic typing system. Patients meet with a life coach weekly and a licensed naturopathic physician once a month. These services are covered by most insurance. Members of the weight loss program eat real, whole foods, and while results are not always quick, they are almost always lasting. The Life Center has a very high success rate, and their weight loss program was voted #1 in New Haven County 2 years in a row. The Life Center has offices in North Haven and West Hartford. See ad on page 27
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For the Love of Diets! Americans Love Diet Trends By Jessica Pizano
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he Standard American diet (SAD diet) is always changing and Americans are always up for a new trend. In the late 1980s, we saw a turn to low fat diets to stave off weight gain and heart disease. Of course, when you remove the fat from food it becomes less satisfying and less flavorful. Enter sugar. Yes, the best way to make a fat-free or low-fat food more palatable is to add more sugar. Of course, good sugar is expensive. So food manufacturers turned to high fructose corn syrup (more on this later!). The SnackWell Effect In the early 90s we saw the rise of products like SnackWells. These low- to fat-free goodies included cookies, crackers, yogurt, and other snacks to replace their full-fat counterparts. The only problem is that you might eat two or three regular cookies and be satisfied. SnackWell chocolate chip cookies, on the other hand, tasted good but never satisfied you. They had no fat to slow the sugar or to slow gastric emptying. So we ate, and ate, and ate some more. Good marketing leads to bad health. This phenomenon was so rampant that they actually have coined the “SnackWell Effect.” According to Wikipedia, “The SnackWell Effect is a phenomenon that states that dieters will eat more low-calorie cookies, such as SnackWells, than they otherwise would for normal cookies.” Americans were forced up at least one clothing size by these sugar-laden treats. Scary enough this brand still seems to lurk in supermarket aisles somewhere between bags of 100 calorie snacks (another trend designed to make us want more!). The Atkins Diet After endless bowls of fat-free pasta, cookies, candies, and cakes Americans were sick of being hungry and fat. We needed a new way to eat because clearly this wasn’t working. So a new trend started to arrive in the mid-1990s. Carbohydrates became the devil and protein was king. Surely if all carbohydrate didn’t work, then all protein would? Diets like Atkins and the somewhat more moderate South Beach and Zone diets became the rage. True, getting rid of your carbohydrates can certainly help you lose weight quickly. Of course, this occurs by dehydration which is not the best way to become slim. Not to mention the problems associated with the limiting of fruits and vegetables! Of course, just one bite of bread and ten pounds of water weight returns. At some point your body will force you off this high protein diet in favor of our preferred energy source, carbohydrates. So we lost some weight on Atkins, but unfortunately put it all back on plus some. So our waistlines grew some more! The Paleo Diet So how could we improve on the beauty of Atkins? Enter the Paleo diet. Eating like a caveman will help us be thin and healthy, right? Grass-fed meats, fish and seafood, eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and healthy oils are on the safe list. We now 30
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banish grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, potatoes, processed foods, salt, and refined vegetable oils. Okay, wait, this time we might see some sense in this fad. Are Americans really starting to come around? Perhaps, but we are all about the products. We can still have cookies right? Yes, just use almond meal instead of flour. Bread? No problem, use coconut flour. We get that there are foods we cannot eat, but we refuse to give up our favorite things. The Cost of Fad Diets So as you can see, I am passionate about the high cost of fad diets. Why is it? In the end we find ways to get sugar back into our diet. We are designed to crave sugar. We are busy too. We work all the time, sleep very little, and rely on restaurants and prepared foods to fill our bellies. So the more we like a product, the more we will buy. Food manufacturers are intelligent and they know what we crave. They want to keep food costs low so they use high fructose corn syrup. Fructose catabolism in the liver can disrupt fuel metabolism by moving us from creating fuel to storing fuel. This means that if we don’t need any more energy immediately than we will store this sweet treat as fat. Even more important to understand is that fructose has no effect on leptin (a hormone secreted by adipose tissue). This is simply because fructose does not trigger insulin secretion. Without insulin, our satiating friend leptin is nowhere to be found. Why is this? Well, if we go back to our Paleodays fructose was only found in fruits and vegetables. No release of leptin meant that when we found the nutritional jackpot of fruits and vegetables we would eat as much as we could. Leptin has a role in the obesity epidemic. This hormone is designed to reduce hunger levels after a meal. When food is needed leptin levels decrease to trigger hunger. However, as more and more leptin is released cells become resistant. As a result, the hunger/ satiety mechanism is not appropriate in modern times where there is plenty of feasting and relatively scarce famine. Of course, we now pay the fructose consequence. It is such a highly addictive item because it cannot ever end our hunger. Further, many people can’t even absorb fructose in large amounts (20 to 50 grams). In almost 60% of adults, high fructose intake may lead to intestinal distress, symptomatic of malabsorption, which frequently appears following intake of 50 grams or more of pure fructose. While this may be hard to do eating your fruits and veggies, a 25 ounce coke will get you there in no time flat! What we see is that fructose is not only addictive, but it will cause malabsorption and malnutrition as it crowds out healthier foods. People often ask whether our diet really affects our behavior and attitudes. The answer is a definitive yes. We are truly addicted. The worse the food is, the more we want. Pile it on. Fructose, salt,
MSG, gluten, dairy, soy. Pick your poison! The more sensitive you are, the more you will crave the substance. It will hold you captive until you are an inflamed mess. We gain weight. We get grumpy. We can’t think straight. It affects every ounce of our being. Switching to a healthy diet free of these drugs is difficult, but can certainly clear our minds and our bodies. It allows us to function in ways that most Americans will unfortunately never know. The next time you decide to try a fad diet, skip purchasing the latest diet book. Concentrate on the things that we all know are true. Eat your fruits and vegetables. Work your way up to seven to 11 servings per day with only one to three being fruit. Avoid processed foods and consume whole grains if you choose to eat grains. Choose lean sources of protein including fish, eggs, poultry, lean meats and beans. Incorporate healthy fats like fish oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, coconut and olive oil. Eat a wide range of natural foods. Avoid excessive sugars, cookies, candies and cakes. In the end Michael Pollen said it best in Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” Jessica Pizano is the owner of Fit to You, LLC, which offers clinical nutrition and nutrigenomic counseling, as well as personalized training programs. She completed her training to practice Health Coaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and is certified as a holistic health practitioner through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She earned a master’s degree in human nutrition that emphasizes functional medicine at the University of Bridgeport. She is continuing her studies at Maryland University of Integrative Health where she is pursuing a doctor of clinical nutrition. Currently, Jessica practices nutrition counseling, nutrigenomics, and personal training in her studio in Avon. She may be contacted at (860) 321-7234 or online at www.fittoyouct. com. See ad on page 3. Log onto Natural Nutmeg’s Facebook Page for more tips on American diets.
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Is My Diet Affecting My Ability to Conceive? By Patty Almeida RN, BSN
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any people have heard the saying “you are what you eat”, well this saying is especially true for a couple trying to conceive. Never has nutrition played such an important role in a person’s life as when they are trying to have a baby. Just as an athlete who is training for a marathon makes dietary changes to optimize their health and improve their performance, so too should a couple consider the important role that nutrition plays on the functioning of the reproductive system. Numerous studies have shown that dietary choices can have an effect on ovulation, decrease your chances of miscarriage and improve sperm health. The foods you eat form the basis of building blocks of cells in your body. There are foods that can improve your health and fertility and yet some can have a negative effect and be harmful and diminish your fertility. Harvard Nurses Health Study completed a research study looking at the effects of diet on a woman’s body. The research only showed the effect of diet on ovulatory infertility, it did not consider physical impediments nor did it explore male infertility. The basis of this study can apply to anyone trying to conceive because it helps prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy. Whenever I work with a couple that is having fertility struggles one of the first topics I discuss with them is diet and nutrition. They are given a daily dietary journal to complete and report back. It surprises me how people who are trying to conceive do not consider how important their diet is. When asked how they would rate their diet, many men and women say “healthy” however, after delving deeper into the subject, they are surprised with what they learned. Some people often have a bowl of boxed sugar-laden cereal for breakfast and consider that to be a healthy choice, some skip meals all together, neither of which is healthy. So what should you eat? The goal of a fertility diet is to bring the body to a state of balance so that it can function optimally. A fertility diet aims to include foods which have specific nutrients and minerals needed for hormone function and egg and sperm health and healing. There is no magic recipe or dietary protocol to follow but there are basic nutritional principles. Diet fads come and go and it can become very confusing about what foods you should and should not eat. The nutritional guidelines have changed throughout the ages. There was a time when nutritional guidelines were based on a food pyramid. The base of the food pyramid encouraged you to consume the most of your daily calories from grains and carbohydrates. Research now shows that carbohydrates and specifically which type of carbohydrates you choose can influence your fertility. Carbohydrates affect your sugar and insulin levels. When there is an imbalance in sugar and insulin it disrupts the balance of hormones needed for reproduction, which 32
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disrupts ovulation. What is important to note is that it is not the total number of carbohydrates that affects your fertility, rather more importantly the type of carbohydrates you choose. According to the Harvard Nurses Health Study participants who consumed foods with high glycemic load, in general cold breakfast cereal, white rice, potatoes and other easily digested carbohydrates increased the odds of ovulatory infertility, while those who ate slow carbohydrates decreased their odds. Fats are another controversial topic. I have always been fond of eating nuts and seeds and I remember fellow nurses always asking me, “aren’t you afraid you’ll get fat eating nuts all the time, they are so full of fat.” What one needs to realize is that just as not all carbohydrates are bad the same holds true for fats. It is important to note that often times packaged foods that are labeled fat-free often have other additives that are harmful. Fats are important for the reproduction system of women. Women with decreased body fat often have a lack of or irregular menstruation or ovulation. Although many people may shudder at the word “cholesterol” thinking it is bad, what you need to know is that cholesterol is actually a precursor to reproductive hormones. So what types of fats affect your fertility? The Harvard Nurses Health Study indicated that trans fats are a deterrent to ovulation and fertility. They also found that fertility decreases most among nurses who consume trans fats vs. monounsaturated fats. Avoiding hydrogenated oils and vegetable oils and including good fats such as avocados, coconut oil and nuts may improve your fertility. Eggs are another great food choice, both the white and the yolk. There are many seeds and nuts that actually help the body to produce reproductive hormones. Seeds such as sunflower, sesame, pumpkin and flax seeds have lots of great nutrients. So what should you avoid? There are many other things that one should consider eliminating or reducing from their diet to improve fertility. Plastic is one of those things. Plastics can cause a disruption in hormone balance due to their phytoestrogen properties. You may want to avoid drinking from plastic bottles and storing foods in plastic. Avoid warming up foods in the microwave in plastic as this may also cause more of the harmful chemicals to be released. Many studies have shown that chemicals in plastic such as Bisphenol A (BPA) can affect both male and female fertility. A study by the American Society of Reproductive Health states that BPA can inhibit the embryos ability to attach to the uterine lining. Although you cannot completely eliminate the use of plastic you can greatly reduce it and this can decrease your exposure to toxic chemicals.
Soy foods have become increasingly popular, however, it is another food to limit or avoid. Soy has been shown to have estrogen-mimicking properties. This can have a negative impact on your reproductive system. Many soy foods are also genetically modified. Genetically modified foods have not been adequately tested for their effects on human reproduction. Knowing what to eat can be sometimes daunting; it doesn’t have to be so. If you choose whole organic foods and eliminate processed and packaged foods you can greatly impact your health and fertility. For more information on nutrition for fertility and to learn about the Shared Journey Fertility Program tm schedule a consultation with Patty Almeida RN, BSN at the Lotus Center 45 East Main St. Avon, CT 06001 (860) 987-3823 and you can also visit www.lotuscenter-llc.com. See ad on page 23
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Finding Fertility in the Grocery Store Aisle By Tally Jacobs he secret ingredient to improving fertility might just be in the grocery store. While no single food can magically help someone conceive, a well-rounded diet that includes fruits, vegetables, low-fat protein, essential fats and complex carbohydrates helps women have more predictable ovulation cycles and balanced hormone production. But with today’s grocery store averaging 45,000 square feet, finding fertility-friendly foods may be daunting. Hidden among labels that scream “Natural” and “Low Carb” are foods that are actually, well, food. Creating a diet that enhances fertility starts by finding these.
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First, it is important to understand the relationship between diet and infertility. Throughout our bodies, hormones are working to maintain a regular sequence of events, such as waking and sleeping, hunger and digestion, ovulation and menstruation. Much of our reproductive health is determined by the production of reproductive hormones. For many men and women, infertility stems from endocrine disorders, which have to do with the production of hormones. Reproductive hormones don’t act in isolation; they are linked to other hormones throughout our bodies such as insulin, a metabolic hormone. According to a 2014 report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 40 percent of American adults suffer from diabetes, a disease caused by an imbalance of glucose (blood sugar) and insulin. Since the food we consume affects our metabolic hormones, our diet can impact – positively or negatively – our fertility. The repercussions don’t end at conception; the effects of a healthy diet continue through pregnancy. Healthy food choices positively impact fertility, gestation and beyond throughout a child’s life. Carolyn Gundell, MS, who leads the Nutrition Program at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (www.rmact.com), says, “At the onset of treatment, many of my patients are pleased with the added energy they feel from rebalancing their food intake. Eating a range of quality, nutrient-dense foods not only optimizes health, but also supports the body as an individual handles the physical and mental stress of their busy lifestyles.” As part of her work with RMACT patients, Gundell teaches them (and often their partners, too) how to buy and cook healthy food. Gundell’s approach puts an emphasis on fresh food while avoiding processed foods that are typically found in the center aisles of a grocery store. This means spending the bulk of any trip to the grocery store in the perimeter of the store, where the produce, dairy, meat and frozen food aisles are located. Here are some tips as you travel around the store. 34
Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2016
Produce Section Any healthy diet includes a wide range of foods, which is best represented by a wide range of colors. By filling the cart with reds, yellows, greens, whites and purples, shoppers are loading up on a variety of nutrients and vitamins. While in the produce section, many shoppers worry about the expense of organic foods versus the potential hazards caused from genetically altered or pesticides used on non-organic fruits and vegetables. Studies have found that pesticides have a negative impact on sperm quality and ovarian function. Informed shoppers are selective; they buy organic produce based on the “Dirty Dozen” list, which identifies the worst offenders. The 2015 list, which is compiled by The Environmental Working Group, includes apples, peaches, nectarines, strawberries, grapes, celery, spinach, sweet bell peppers and cucumbers. More information about the “Dirty Dozen,” as well as the “Clean 15,” can be found on www.ewg.org. Dairy Section With many trendy diets warning that adults should restrict or eliminate dairy, it may seem counterintuitive to stock up on it. But dairy, including low-fat cheese, eggs, yogurt and skim milk, is part of a healthy diet. It is important for women to consume calcium, especially women who are pregnant or preparing to be pregnant. Some studies support eating one serving per day of whole fat milk or yogurt. To avoid synthetic hormones and antibiotics, buy organic dairy when possible. “When it is time for a snack, start by looking in your refrigerator,” says Gundell. “Perishable items that we keep refrigerated, such as mozzarella sticks, yogurt and hummus, are fresh and healthy. Just beware of options that are packed with sugar and starch; some examples are yogurt with candy toppings and chocolate milk made with high fructose syrup.” Meat & Fish Sections A well-balanced diet includes protein, which can be found in chicken, beef and fish. Most nutritionists recommend eating lean meat such as chicken and fish without antibiotics and hormones, and consider buying organic when possible. The best fish to consider comes from the sea, rather than fish farms where fish are treated with antibiotics and may have lower amounts of protein. It is important for everyone in the family, including the dad-to-be, to eat low mercury fish such as salmon and trout. This is important before becoming pregnant as well as during and after.
Alternatively, beans and legumes are a great source of protein without some of the headaches of animal-based products. Lentils, split pea and kidney beans are good bases for stews and soups. And hummus is a good snack, especially when paired with carrots or other vegetables. Incorporating vegetarian lunches or even just one dinner per week can help improve a diet overall. Frozen Foods Aisle In a journey where shoppers are looking for foods that are not processed, it may seem like the frozen food aisle is an area to skip. But alongside the prepackaged dinners and processed snacks, there are options that can be nutrient-dense and low cost. Frozen fruits and vegetables have the same nutrients and health benefits as their fresh counterparts, often for a fraction of the price. For example, frozen fruits are perfect for making smoothies and frozen vegetables can be added to soup. Avoid any packages that include sauces, which are typically packed with preservatives, fat and sodium. Bread Aisle While many dieters are trying to cut out bread, pasta and other “carbs,” women trying to have a baby should include complex carbohydrates in their diets because they are a good source of folic acid. Complex carbohydrates, including whole grain and old world grains, are also a good source of energy. Smart grocery store choices and home cooking can be an essential part of a fertility treatment plan. Like anything else, practice makes perfect. And until then, keep Gundell’s mantra in mind: “If it wasn’t in your grandmother’s pantry, try to avoid it.” Submitted by Tally Jacobs. Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) is Fairfield County’s leading fertility practice. Their five Board Certified reproductive endocrinologists and two nutritionists lead several free seminars and workshops throughout the year, including a Grocery Tour Workshop and Preconception Wellness Seminar. For a list of upcoming events, please go to www.rmact.com and click on “events.” See ad on page 5.
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HAPPENINGS Monday, February 1st The Empowered Heart with Jennifer Johnson. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $35.00. Learn about the characteristics of people who possess an Empowered Heart allowing you to increase your own divine potential to live a life from the Empowered Heart energy. With the help of all the IET® Healing Angels and the sacred geometry of the Mudra, you will learn your Life’s Essential Action that expresses what you love to do in order to live your truth and be of service to others. We will be using the IET® Blessing Bowl to draw in all the people, places, settings and circumstances that will enable you to live your Life’s Essential Action. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.
Tuesday, February 2nd Lessons of Ascension: Mastering the Essence of the Three-fold Flame with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. Learn about the Ascension process from World Teachers El Morya, Lord Kuthumi and Djwal Khul as they share their teachings of the Three-fold Flame. Each plume of the flame represents a quality for mastery in our life. You will learn about the Ascension process, the Masters teachings and the essence of the Three-fold Flame. A powerful guided meditation will help you connect with your own heart center and unlock the essence of the Three-fold Flame within you. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.
Wednesday, February 3rd Angels of the Four Corners Crystal Attunement with Christine Cartwright. 7 – 8:30 p.m. $40.00. Meet the Angels of the Four Corners and explore the ways in which they help protect and guide you. Christine will introduce you to crystals which will deepen your connection to these powerful guardians. You will then experience a guided meditation where these angels and crystal vibrations come together to aid you on your spiritual journey. Crystals included in your registration. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.
Thursday, February 4th Naturopathic Perspective on Detox. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free. The Conduit Center, East Hartford. Detoxing is a great way of cleaning up the body from the many toxins we accumulate on a daily basis. Our approach is one that focuses on decreasing the chemical burden placed on our
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February/March 2016 bodies, while at the same time supporting the organs of elimination to optimize internal cleansing. This is done through the use of nutrition, gentle exercise and supplementation with herbal medicine, vitamins, and minerals. Connecticut Natural Health Specialists, 315 East Center St, Manchester, CT 06040 www.ctnaturalhealth.com, (860)533-0179, Fax (860)812-2025. Yoga for Cancer. 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. Free. WHY Outreach is honored to offer a 75 minute complimentary yoga class for anyone coping with cancer—whether newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or in recovery. Mindfulness meditation, a gentle yoga flow, and restorative yoga poses are designed to build strength and flexibility, boost your immune system, and cultivate a sense of wellbeing. Join us in a safe, nourishing and healing environment. Caregivers welcome! 23 Brook Street, W Hartford CT, Info@westhartfordyoga. com, 860-953-9642.
Friday, February 5th Yogawoman: A Screening and Fundraiser. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. All proceeds to WHY Outreach. YOGAWOMAN is a groundbreaking film that captures this fascinating time of awakening female power. Through rich personal stories, the film reveals how yoga has utterly transformed the lives of thousands of over-stimulated, overscheduled, and multi tasking modern women. It illuminates how yoga has transformed the lives of women in prison, cancer survivors, and those struggling with body image — allowing them to give back to others with full hearts and creative minds. 23 Brook Street, W Hartford CT, Info@westhartfordyoga.com, 860-953-9642.
Saturday, February 6th Yoga 4 Cancer: Navigating Cancerland. 1 -3:00 p.m. $35. In this two hour workshop with national teacher Tari Prinster, you will learn some of the science behind yoga, exploring the poses and breathing exercise that deliver its cleansing benefits. This class will help you navigate your recovery and modify the life-long side effects of cancer treatments. If properly used, yoga can be a way to reclaim life during and after cancer treatments. A yoga practice can serve as an intimate friend, helping guide you towards a longer happier, healthier life. 23 Brook Street, W Hartford CT, Info@westhartfordyoga.com, 860-953-9642. Community Acupuncture. 1 - 2:30 p.m. $30. At WHY Community Acupuncture, we provide effective, affordable, and high quality acupuncture care in a peaceful, warm, comfortable environment. Points will be individually chosen based on your main health issue, tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments take place in a group setting and last an average of 40 minutes. 23 Brook Street, W Hartford CT, Info@westhartfordyoga. com, 860-953-9642.
Sunday, February 7th IET® Healing Angels of the Energy Field with Jennifer Johnson. 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. $100.00. This class is for anyone who would like to increase their angel consciousness. By learning how to call upon the Integrated Energy Therapy® Healing Angels, you will be able to understand how each one represents a divine quality that touches your soul. Workbook and Certificate provided. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Chinese Herb Series. 1—3:00 p.m. $78.00. February 7, 14, and March 6. February 7: Introduction to Chinese Herbal Therapy. This class is designed to teach individuals how Chinese herbs work, the differences between “Superior” and “Inferior” herbs, Formulas Making theory, basic Chinese Medicine Theory as well as covering some commonly used herbs. February 14: Chinese Herbs to Maintain and Regain Health. Learn many herbs used by the Chinese for Centuries to balance the body. Specific organ disharmonies and herbal Tonics (herbs that keep you well) will be discussed as well as preventative health teas for season changes. March 6: Chinese Herbs to Calm the Spirit. Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies 912 Corbin Ave. New Britain, CT 06052, www.CTHerbschool.com, Laurachina@AOL.com, LauraMignosa5 Facebook.
Tuesday, February 9th The Nuts and Bolts of Spirituality: A monthly group for Men with Ken Freschi. 7 – 8:00 p.m. $15.00. Join Ken Freschi each month in this spirituality group just for men. Meet with like-minded individuals to discuss a variety of life and spiritual topics. Ken’s book, Our Walk to Eternity, will be used as a guideline for the group and aid in exploring the human journey and the lessons we are here to learn. Open for all levels of spiritual seekers. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Feng Shui Fit: The Office with Pat McGrath. 7 – 8:30 p.m. $35.00. Discover how the Command Position can help you focus and feel more productive within your office. The position of your desk in the building, its proximity to the front door, and the presence of large glass walls can significantly influence your sense of empowerment and can have a major impact on your energy and your ability to concentrate. Bring photographs of your work space to get personal recommendations for aligning that energy. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.
Wednesday, February 10th Healing in Harmony Night. 5 – 7:00 p.m. FREE. Stop by the center for a FREE healing service. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive an 8 – 10 minute healing. No reservation required. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The healing services are offered one night each month. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.
Thursday, February 11th Tarot 101 with Melinda Urquizu. 7 – 8:30 p.m. $175 (payment plan available). Learn how to connect with the Tarot cards, interpret and learn their meanings in an easy format. In this 7-session workshop, you will explore each section of Tarot so you are comfortable and confident with your connection and messages. Bring to the first session a deck of Tarot cards and a cloth, bandana or scarf for your cards. Class meets February 11, 18, 25, March 3, 10, 17 & 24. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.
Friday, February 12th So you want to be a Medium? with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. Are you ready to take your intuitive skills to the next step by connecting with angels, guides and loved ones in the spirit world? Participants will learn the differences between mediumship and psychic ability, how to receive messages clearly and how to know who you are working with in the spirit world. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.
Saturday, February 13th Love, Desire & Attachment 10am – 12pm How can we develop stable minds of love so that our relationships grow and deepen over time? By applying Buddha’s practical advice on love and getting to know our own mind, we can overcome all obstacles in our relationships and fully enjoy and delight in all of our interactions with others. Resident Teacher, Kadam Eve, will guide meditations and share Buddha’s advice about love, desire and attachment. There will be time for discussion and Q & A, followed by a delicious vegetarian brunch. A Kids class will be held simultaneously. Odiyana Buddhist Center 36 Main Street East Hartford CT 860-266-3041 info@ odiyana.org meditationinconnecticut.org. $20. Membership discounts apply. For more information or to preregister contact: info@odiyana.org | 860-266-6041 Psychic Saturday. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $25.00 for a 20-minute reading. Receive a private reading to connect you to guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Check the web site for Readers. Pre-scheduling is highly recom-
mended. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.
Sunday, February 14th Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. $25.00. This guided meditation is specifically designed to the energy of the group. We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck. The energy of the group helps us to release those things that no longer serve our highest good and allow us to live an empowered life. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.
Tuesday, February 16th Crystal Healing Meditation with Christine Cartwright. 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $45.00. Accelerate your spiritual growth by learning about the Chakra system, corresponding crystals and related Ascended Masters. Feel the power of the crystals and your Ascended Masters as they work in unison to provide additional physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing. You will be taken through a guided meditation for healing, specific to your individual needs, where we will place the crystals on each chakra and call in the related Ascended Master. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.
Thursday, February 18th Yoga for Cancer. 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. Free. WHY Outreach is honored to offer a 75 minute complimentary yoga class for anyone coping with cancer—whether newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or in recovery. Mindfulness meditation, a gentle yoga flow, and restorative yoga poses are designed to build strength and flexibility, boost your immune system, and cultivate a sense of wellbeing. Join us in a safe, nourishing and healing environment. Caregivers welcome! 23 Brook Street, W Hartford CT, Info@westhartfordyoga. com, 860-953-9642.
Saturday, February 20th Spiritual Counselor Certificate Program. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. both days. $350.00 (financial assistance and payment plan available). This course is designed for people who are being called to service and ministry. Participants will earn how to assist people in moving past sticking points in their lives and help them view life from a higher, spiritual perspective. Visit web site for more details. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. psyche-institute.com. Reiki II with Christine Cartwright. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. $160.00. Receive attunements to higher frequencies of universal energy and
enhance your healing work. Learn how to do distance healing, as well as heal mental, emotional and past life issues. Participants receive a manual and certificate. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.
Sunday, February 21st Integrated Energy Therapy (IET)® Intermediate Level with Dan Lupacchino and Christine Cartwright. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $215.00. Attune to the energy ray that activates the 3rd and 4th DNA pairs and will empower you to pull energy imprints out of the human energy field. Learn to clear energy imprints from past life karma and methods to esoterically dowse and interpret the blockages. Fully illustrated training guide and certificate provided. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com. Spiritual Counselor Certificate Program. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. both days. $350.00 (financial assistance and payment plan available). This course is designed for people who are being called to service and ministry. Participants will earn how to assist people in moving past sticking points in their lives and help them view life from a higher, spiritual perspective. Visit web site for more details. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.psyche-institute.com.
Tuesday, February 23rd Meet your Angels and Guides with Priscilla Bengtson. 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $50.00. Receiving spiritual guidance is easier when you understand who you are connecting with. During this workshop you will learn about your primary spiritual guides and guardian angels. Through meditation, we will meet them and receive information from them on how they would like to work with you. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Love from the Green-world with Dan Lupacchino. 7 – 8:30 p.m. $35.00. Join the spirits of green world as we explore the realm of the heart and ways to connect deeper with our own self-love, as well with our loved ones both living and passed. Connect with a few essences to enhance, entice and spark passion within, and with our partners through a guided meditation. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Get Your Detox On!! 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Holly Niles, Clinical Nutritionist. Everyone is talking about detox, but how does it work? Join us for this lecture that gives you the 411 on what detoxification is all about. Learn what detox
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HAPPENINGS means, why we are all talking about it, and simple lifestyle changes to support your body’s natural detoxification system. Location: Integrative Wellness & Physical Therapy, 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 305 Bloomfield, CT 06002, (860) 519-1916, www. IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com.
Wednesday, February 24th Home Message Circle. 7 – 8:30 p.m. $20.00. The session is open to anyone who wishes to practice their mediumship message delivery in a group. Your ability doesn’t matter as we are all here to get some practice and learn from each other. A group facilitator will help you stay on track with your message if needed. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.
Friday, February 26th Gallery Night with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Join us for an intimate evening of experiencing intuitive readings with medium Priscilla Bengtson. Priscilla is a certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, Medium and Psychic Intuitive who connects with angels, spirit guides and those who have crossed over. Readings will be done gallery-style with Priscilla providing messages to the audience as they come through to her. The group is kept small so that everyone receives guidance. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.
Saturday, February 27th Integrated Energy Therapy (IET®) Steps to Transformation Intensive with Jennifer Johnson. 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. $245.00. This workshop is designed to create an environment of joy-filled energetic expansion and personal transformation. These Steps to Transformation will help you heal your trauma without having to relive the drama or pain. In this workshop you will learn to establish your own energetic “Heartlink” connection with the energy of nine Healing Angels. You will learn to use sacred geometry, combined with special techniques to “get the issues out of your tissues for good”. The second class will be held on Sunday, November 15. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Community Acupuncture. 1 - 2:30 p.m. $30. At WHY Community Acupuncture, we provide effective, affordable, and high quality acupuncture care in a peaceful, warm, comfortable environment. Points will be individually chosen based on your main health issue, tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments take place in a group setting and last an average of 40 minutes. 23 Brook Street, W Hartford CT, Info@westhartfordyoga.com, 860-953-9642.
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ONGOING Mondays Sound Healing Concerts, 6:30-8:00pm. These healing events will have a blend of channeled messages, energy work, voice, Alchemy Crystal Bowls, brass bowls and gongs to create the necessary environment to support an evening of transformation. All of these tools will be chosen in advance based on the energetics and the requirements of the group for that evening. Each Concert will be unique and will be an environment full of potential to heal, change and grow on many levels. Fee: $25 Call 860-358-9272 or email info.rondamico@ gmail.com to reserve your spot.
Tuesdays Cranial Sacral Study Group, 7:00-9:00pm. Joe Belanger, PT, has created this ongoing study group as a way to further support practitioners of cranial technique after their cranial class(es) have finished. This group is designed to answer any questions you may have as well as review, re-learn and practice whatever is helpful to you. No one gets quizzed on what they know or don’t know. The focus is to embody helping someone heal using Cranial Sacral Therapy versus just trying to get rid of their symptoms. Location: Ron D’Amico, LLC, Center for Integrative Healing and Education, 595 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Portland, CT. Fee: $20. To register, call 860.316.5604 or email joeb.pt@snet.n Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop. Tuesdays, 1/26-3/22, 10-12:00 PM for 9 weeks. Learn how to be less critical of yourself, handle emotions with more ease and deal with relationships more effectively. Co-led: Angela Mazur, LCSW, LLC & Cynthia Glasser, LCSW. Fee: $475, most insurance accepted. Farmington location. Please call 860676-1193 or email mindfulscway@gmail.com.
Wednesdays The Feldenkrais Method ®Awareness Through Movement® Classes with Karen Emerick, A powerful way to eliminate stress and pain while dramatically increasing flexibility. Through stress and injury we develop habitually chronic tight muscles and stiff joints leaving us feeling older than we are. Through slow, deceptively simple and ingeniously designed movements done on the floor, these chronic old patterns ingrained in our body melt away, leaving relaxed muscles, improved coordination and balance and an effortless sense of movement. Glastonbury, 10:15am – 11:30am, $15, drop-ins $20. Register: 860-6337667.
Thursdays Healing Groups, 6:30-8:00pm. Ron D’Amico, Intuitive Healer, Spiritual Guide and Teacher, has created a class for people to experience healing in a group setting. These group healings are created to facilitate healing at the root level, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual/karmic. Group dynamics are very powerful. Ron has created a way of tapping into this potential to channel this energy to increase changes exponentially. Each group is unique and is an expression of the people
who attend that evening. Within the experiences you will find this is a journey to the Heart and Soul of you and a way of bringing yourself through your current and past challenges as well as opening doors to your higher potential. Fee: $25 Call 860358-9272 or email info.rondamico@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
Saturdays Homeopathic Study Group. 1:00 - 2:30PM. Third Saturdays. Come and learn the principles of homeopathy and how to use the homeopathic remedies for different acute conditions so you can treat yourself, family and friends. Small fee TBD for photocopying etc. Group Leader: Louise Sanchione, ND, CCH, MA, MS. Held at: CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy, 299 Washington Ave. Suite 18S, Hamden, CT. Please RSVP your interest at connecuticuthomeopathy@gmail.com Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop. Saturdays, 2/6-4/2, 9:30-11:30 AM for 9 weeks. Learn how to be less critical of yourself, handle emotions with more ease and deal with relationships more effectively. Co-led: Theresa Nygren, LCSW & Angela Mazur, LCSW, LLC. Fee: $475, most insurance accepted. Farmington location. Please call 860-6761193, email mindfulscway@gmail.com
CLASSIFIED Beautiful Office Space, Portland. Integrative healing center looking for holistic practitioners who have their own practice, interested in sharing space with other like-minded professionals. Seeking naturopath, nutritionist, life coach, yoga therapist, acupuncturist, energy healer or other healing modality. Includes waiting room, internet and break room. Also available - 1000 sq ft class room space. Very accessible building, ample parking close to Rte 9 in Middletown area. www.rondamico.net Contact Angela at 860-358-9272 or info.rondamico@gmail.com
RESOURCES ACUPUNCTURE Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. Dipl. NCCAOM 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 • www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com. See ad on page 19. Mayflower Acupuncture, LLC Chinese Medicine services and herbs Steve Paine, OMD, L.Ac., Ginger Harris, L.Ac. 536 Hopmeadow Street. Simsbury, CT 06070 860-413-2118 • www.mayfloweracupuncture.com
ALLERGY TREATMENT Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 19.
COLON HYDROTHERAPY Constance Jones - Colon Hydrotherapy Center for Progressive Therapies 192 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT 06040 860.287.4558. www.cleanmycolon.com
CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY Holistic Family Medicine, Domenick J Masiello, DO Board Certified in Homeopathy, Osteopathic Manipulation and Family Practice. Midtown Manhattan and Ridgefield, CT 212-688-4818, 203-826-3582. www.drmasiello.com See ad on page 41.
DENTISTRY Livingstone Dental Excellence Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT 888-888-SMILE www.livingstonedentalexcellence.com See ad on page 31. Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 26.
FINANCIAL PLANNING Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC Lawrence Ford 381 Hubbard St. ste. 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 6598299 • Lford@consciouscapitalwm.com www.consciouscapitalwm.com See ad on page 41.
HEALTH FOOD STORES Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester Parkade, 378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 M-Sat 8am-9pm • Sun 9am-6pm See ad on page 5.
HOLISTIC CENTERS Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy 35 Jerome Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860) 519-1916 info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ad on page 17 and 26. Ron D’Amico, LLC Center for Integrative Healing and Education 595 Main St., 2nd Floor, Portland, CT 860-358-9272 info@rondamico@gmail.com www.rondamico.net
HOMEOPATHY CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy Awareness - Education - Consultations 299 Washington Ave., Suite 18S, Hamden, CT Contact: Louise Sanchione, CCH, ND, MA, MS Email: connecticuthomeopathy@gmail.com VM: 413-320-9158 (CT Based)
Holistic Family Medicine, Domenick J Masiello, DO Board Certified in Homeopathy, Osteopathic Manipulation and Family Practice. Midtown Manhattan and Ridgefield, CT 212-688-4818, 203-826-3582. www.drmasiello.com See ad on page 41.
HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 15. Mind Matters Hypnosis Center Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI Board Certified Hypnotist & Instructor 12 Waterside Court, Avon, CT 06001 (860)693-6448 • MindMatters@comcast.net www.mindmattershypnosis.com See ad on page 40. Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860-704-9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com
PSYCHIATRY David London, MD 567 Vauxhall St. Ext. #218, Waterford, CT (860) 443-5822 - davidlondonmd.com
RESOURCES Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102 Ridgefield, CT 06877 • (203)431-4443 See ad on page 3. Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Rd, Kensington, CT (860) 829-0707 • drannaresco@comcast.net kensingtonnaturopathic.com See ad on page 19. Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center Dr. Marie Mammone, Dr. Renee Mammone, NDs John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860)529-1200 • www.NAHcenter.com Stacey Munro, N.D. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic 340 Broad Street Ste.300, Windsor, CT 06095 info@natureshelpermedical.com www.natureshelpermedical.com 860-688-2275 The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 35.
LIFE COACH
West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 15.
Balanced Living Now Kristen Werblow, M.A., CPC 36 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin, CT 06037 (860)707-0908 • kristen@balancedlivingnow.com www.balancedlivingnow.com See ad on page 41.
ProNatural Physicians Group LLC 355 New Britain Road Kensington, CT 06037 • 860-505-0702 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 19.
MASSAGE Elisabeth Moss 12 Old Farms Rd, Avon, CT 06001 860.550.0882 www.elisabethmoss.com elisabethmossart@gmail.com
MEDITATION Odiyana Buddhist Center Meditation Classes For Everyone E.Hartford, Avon, Branford, E.Longmeadow info@odiyana.org - 860-266-6041 meditationinconnecticut.org
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE CT Natural Health Specialists Dr. Lauren Young, Dr. Ashley Burkman, Dr. Tonya Pasternak and Dr Craig Fasullo 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 12.
ProNatural Members Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 P: 860-829-0707 • F: 860-829-0606 E: draresco@comcast.net • See ad on page 19. Dr. Ginger Nash 260 Amity Rd. Woodbridge, CT 06525 203.777.7911 • Fax: 203.777.7796 drgingernash@gmail.com
NUTRITION Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 31.
PHYSICIANS, M.D. Natural Health & Healing, LLC Deanna M. Cherrone, MD 61 S. Main St, Ste 210, West Hartford, CT (860) 677-4600 • naturalhealthandhealing.net See ad on back cover.
www.NaturalNutmeg.com 39 NaturalNutmeg.com 39
THERMOGRAPHY
Optimal Health Medical, LLC Henry C. Sobo, M.D. 111 High Ridge Rd. ,Stamford, CT 06905 203-348-8805 • www.drsobo.com
Sophia Natural Health Center 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804. (203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Angry?
YOGA / PILATES CENTERS
Inner Change Holistic Counseling Deni Weber, MA, LPC, DCEP Weston, CT. • 203-544-6094 DeniWeber.com
Sacred Movement Yoga 10 Sims Road (Bishop’s Corner) West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 860.990.2555 • www.mysacredmovement.com. Visit our Facebook page! See ad on page 41.
SCHOOLS Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies LauraMignosa, NCCH 912 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052 (860) TCM-2705 • www.ctherbschool.com. See ad on page 41. The Graduate Institute Mike Hayes, Director of Admissions & Recruitment. (203) 874-4252 • www.learn.edu
Call for help!
West Hartford Yoga 23 Brook Street, West Hartford, CT 06110 PH: 860.953.9642 • www.westhartfordyoga.com info@westhartfordyoga.com www.westhartfordyoga.com Offering 70 weekly classes. See ad on page 19
SKINCARE
Get help
Hypnosis. with
Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center Melissa Martin, 16A Ensign Drive, Avon. (860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net See ad on page 27.
(Yes, Hypnosis)
www.mindmattershypnosis.com 860-693-6448
BRIGHTER, BRILLIANT, BEAUTIFUL SMILES First appointment is FREE Listen to music or watch your favorite shows during your treatment. Enjoy our warm neck and eye pillows help relieve tension. The pleasant and soothing scents of carefully placed candles and aromatherapy oil helps to make your visit more relaxing.
Contact Us Today! 860-236-8000 836 Farmington Avenue, Suite 215 West Hartford, CT 06119 Contemporary General Dentistry, LLC.
We accept all major dental insurance and offer Complimentary Consultations for new patients
Mon-Tues 8am – 5pm • Wed - 1pm – 8pm Thurs - 8am – 2pm • Fri - By Appointment
hartford-dentistry.com
40 Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg February/March - February/March2016 2016
Mercy By The Sea welcomes your group or business to enjoy our newly renovated campus! Meeting Rooms, Corporate Conferences or Events and Overnight Accommodations on 33 acres of peaceful Connecticut Shoreline. Ideal location 3 minutes off I-95 Meeting rooms for groups of 10 to 350 Discount pricing for nonprofits Private rooms with full bath, water views and balcony Contact Laura Schroeder: lschroeder@mercybythesea.org 203-245-0401 (ask for Laura) 167 Neck Road Madison, CT 06443 mercybythesea.org
Shoreline Physical Therapy ~ Since 1985 ~
Providing evidence based physical and occupational therapy for all ages. Orthopedics • Pediatrics • Hands • Sports • Balance Neurologic • Urinary incontinence/pelvic pain
(860) 739-4497 131 Boston Post Rd, East Lyme Www.ShorelinePT.com
intuitive readings angel therapy® medical intuition reiki workshops development circles certificate programs
Priscilla Bengtson Scan with your smart phone to learn more
99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury www.healinginharmonycenter.com860.430.9801
Sacred Rivers Yoga Center 28 Main Street East Hartford, CT 06118 Phone: 860.657.9545 Fax: 860.657.3161 www.sacredriversyoga.com Paula Scopino ~ Owner/Director Yoga Alliance 200 & 500 Hour Teacher Training Yoga Therapy Workshops
Music Jewelry Hazelden Books Angels & Fairies Books & Cards Teas & Herbs Journals Meditation CD’s Recovery Tokens & Gifts Aromatherapy Essential Oils 1414
Tues., Wed., Fri. 10-6, Thurs. 10-7, and Sat. 10-5
www.NaturalNutmeg.com
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BERNIE
By Bernie Siegel, MD
Learning Lessons
W
hen I was a young boy several of my friends became seriously ill and one was hit by a car while bicycling to my house. When they all died I asked my father, “Why did God make a world where terrible things happen? Why didn’t God make a world free of diseases, accidents and problems?” He said, “To learn lessons.” I didn’t like that answer and asked my rabbi, teacher and others. They said things like, “God knows, Why not?, Who knows?, That’s life, To bring you closer to God.” Some were honest enough to just say, “I don’t know.” This didn’t leave me feeling satisfied or enlightened. When I told my mother what they said she answered, “Nature contains the wisdom you seek. Perhaps a walk in the woods would help you to find out why. Go and ask the old lady on the hill that some call a witch. She is wise in the ways of the world.” As I walked up the hill I saw a holly tree had fallen onto the path. As I tried to pull it aside the sharp leaves cut my hands. So I put on gloves and was able to move it and clear the path. A little further along the path I heard a noise in the bushes and saw a duck caught in the plastic from a six pack. I went over and freed the duck and watched him fly off. None of this seemed enlightening. Further up the hill I saw five boys lying in a tangled heap in the snow. I asked them if they were playing a game and warned them the cold weather could lead to frostbite if they didn’t move. They said they were not playing but were so tangled they didn’t know which part belonged to whom and were afraid they’d break something if they moved. I removed one of the boy’s shoes, took a stick and jabbed it into his foot. He yelled, “Ow.” I said, “That’s your foot now move it.” I continued to jab until all the boys were separated but still no enlightenment. “As I reached the top of the hill I saw, in front of the old woman’s cabin, a deer sprawled on the ice of a frozen pond . She kept slipping and sliding and couldn’t stand up. I went out, calmed her and then helped her off the ice by holding her up and guiding her to the shore. I expected her to run away but instead of running away she and several other deer followed me to the house. I wasn’t sure why they were following me so I ran towards the house. When I reached the porch and felt safe I turned and the deer and I looked into each others eyes before I went into the house.
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I told the woman why I had come and she said, “I have been watching you walk up the hill and I think you have your answer.” “What answer?” “Many things happened on your walk to teach you the lessons you needed to learn. One is that emotional and physical pain are necessary or we cannot protect ourselves and our bodies. Think of why you put on gloves and how you helped those boys. Pain helps us to know and define ourselves and respond to our needs and the needs of our loved ones. You did what made sense. You helped those in front of you by doing what they needed when they needed it. “The deer followed you to thank you, their eyes said it all, for being compassionate in their time of trouble. What you have learned is that we are here to continue God’s work. If God had made a perfect world it would be a magic trick, not creation, with no meaning or place for us to learn and create. Mankind is not yet ready for a perfect world. We do not know how to appreciate perfection. Creation is work. We are the ones who will have to create the world you are hoping for. A world where evil is to not respond to the person with the disease or pain whether it be emotional or physical. God has given us work to do. We will still grieve when we experience losses but we will also use our pain to help us know ourselves and respond to the needs of others. That is our work as our Creator intended it to be. God wants us to know that life is a series of beginnings not endings. Just as graduations are not terminations but commencements. Creation is an ongoing process and when we create a perfect world where love and compassion are shared by all suffering will cease. For many, Dr. Bernard Siegel-or Bernie, as he prefers to becalledneeds no introduction. He has touched many lives all overthe Planet. In 1978, he reached a national and then international audience when he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. As a physician who has cared for and counseled innumerable people whose mortality has been threatened by illness, Bernie embraces a philosophy of living and dying that stands at the forefront of the medical ethics and spiritual issues our Society grapples with today. Read Bernie’s regular blog posts on his website where you will also find his books, articles, and CDs: http://www.berniesiegelmd.com. Bernie currently holds a cancer support group the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month 6:30 to 8:30PM at Coachman’s Square at 21 Bradley Road, Woodbridge. If interested contact Lucille Ranciato: lranciato2@yahoo.com 203 288 2839; or Bernie: bugsyssiegel@sbcglobal.net.You can find Bernie’s books ad CDs at Wisdom of the Ages in Simsbury, Ct. See ad on page 41.
WHY AN ORGANIC MATTRESS IS RIGHT FOR YOU
While we sleep, our immune system recovers and prepares for the day ahead. If your mattress is filled with airborne allergens and chemical toxins, your immune system will battle these rather than
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When we found out what was in our mattress, my husband said, ‘Every mother in the world should know what they are putting their child on at night.’ That was 2004, and the Clean Bedroom was born. —Chris Chamberlin, Co-founder
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Deanna Cherrone, M.D.
Internal Medicine Functional Medicine practitioner
“Do you believe you should feel better than you do?” I help restore balance so that you can look, feel and function your best. Areas of Focus: • Adrenal Fatigue • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Bone Loss • Detoxification • Food Sensitivities • Heavy Metal Testing & Oral Chelation • Leaky gut • Menopause & Andropause • Mind Body Medicine
Many of my patients are simply looking for someone who will listen.
Functional Medicine explores the root cause symptoms: Fatigue • Brain Fog • Sugar Cravings • Headaches • Depression • Stress & Anxiety • Decreased Libido • Aches & Pains • Decreased Stamina • Constipation • Allergies • Inability to Lose Weight • Insomnia Dr. Cherrone, founder of Natural Health & Healing, provides Functional Medicine with emphasis on patient education and self care for optimal health.
CALL DR. CHERRONE TODAY AT (860) 677-4600
• Neurotransmitter Testing • Nutritional & Lifestyle Counseling • Thyroid • Weight Loss
61 S. Main St., West Hartford, CT • www.naturalhealthandhealing.net
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