Natural Nutmeg March 2023

CT’s Top Nutrition/ Functional Medicine

Are You Ready to Detox Your Home?

Carolyn Tierney, CSBA

The Real-but Hidden-Dangers of Postpartum Depression

Dr. Cora Stover, ND

DetoxificationIt All Starts at the Mouth

Dr. Kevin Norige, DMD

How to Make a Hard Decision Easy in 3 Quick Steps

Ray Beyor

The Missing Piece in the “Autism Awareness” Puzzle

Lisa Candera

ADAM BREINER, ND DAVID JOHNSTON, DO DAVID BRADY, ND, CCN

JENNIFER LETITIA, MD ELENA SOKOLOVA, ND

Feature

Departments

11 Buzz Feature: Challenging Minds— Thinking Outside the Box

By Andrew Matusiak, LCSW

Detox

DeCrosta,

37 Are You Ready to Detox Your Home?

By Carolyn Tierney, CSBA

a Healthy Gut and a Healthy Weight

By Jane Grant, RDN, CD-N

34 What’s the Best Diet for Chronic Illness?

By Dr. Henry Sobo, MD

42 The Missing Piece in the “Autism Awareness” Puzzle

By Lisa Candera

Purpose

14 Meet Agnes Daddona! An Interview with Dr. Di

By Agnes Daddona and Dr. Diane Hayden

22 Grounding, Gazing, Earthing, and Breathing for Peace

By Charleen K. Miele, LPC

24 How to Make a Hard Decision Easy in 3 Quick Steps

By Ray Beyor

30 Top Tips for a More Organized Home

By Chelsie Kirk

44 Don’t Fit the Same Old Mold—Find Your Own Unique Style

By Sharon Sklar, BFA, LMT, CAR

49 Taking Responsibility for Your Own Happiness Is the Greatest Gi You Can Give

By Lauri Ingram

Hey, I’m Dr. Diane!

Ihave come to realize that anything worthwhile in life requires time, patience and persistence.

Patience is indeed a gift. It helps us to deal with frustrations and failures without losing our vision or becoming irritated and depressed. It helps us maintain a sense of calmness when we encounter unexpected situations that upset our schedule or require us to wait for something.

When there is no time to wait and be patient, there is often no time to think, to connect to other people at deep levels, or to create lasting memories. Emotional and spiritual maturity requires patience. In the absence of patience there is impatience, and when impatience rules, immaturity follows. Impatience can easily grow into anger, harsh words, and unpleasantness toward others.

Meditation is a wonderful way to train your mind and body to be patient. I’ve dabbled in meditation over the years, but this year I made a firm commitment to meditate regularly—well, I was sort of forced into it because I’m attending Dr. Joe Dispenza’s Week Long Advanced Retreat in April. It is an amazing intensive week where you practice meditating for multiple hours a day, so I figured I better start practicing now! Dr. Joe teaches about the limitless possibilities that exist when the mind, body, and spirit of both an individual and a community merge into one field of consciousness. This event has been on my bucket list for years, and I am beyond excited to go!

about experience

I’ve brought on 13 new practitioners! Those are unheard-of in the last month. So I would say, give meditation a chance—

What I can tell you so far about my experience meditating daily is that not only have I had a tremendous increase in patience I’ve had, but I have also seen some truly remarkable things happen in my life since I started. As you can see, this month’s issue is 52 pages with 23 articles! In my meditations, I’ve been focusing on growing and diversifying our writers and advertisers, and over the last month I’ve brought on 13 new practitioners! Those are unheard-of results in all the years I’ve been publishing. Unbelievable synchronicities and amazing people have come into my life in the last month. So I would say, give meditation a chance— even if you only have 5–10 minutes a day.

One of the interesting opportunities that has presented itself is that I was approached by an audience engagement company who has encouraged me to consider offering a subscription package to our readers. Over the years, many people have asked to buy a subscription for home delivery, but I’ve always hesitated, for a number of reasons. I wanted to get some feedback from all of you on whether that would be of interest to you. Please take the time to email me at diane@naturalnutmeg.com and let me know!

unfolding of things occurring exactly when they are supposed

nature to slow down, relax, and know that everything will happen

But back to patience—examining nature is a great way to observe patience. You don’t see nature struggling against the natural course of time to speed things up. It is a beautiful unfolding of things occurring exactly when they are supposed to. What things in your life are you finding you’re lacking patience with? Are you expecting too much too soon? Take some time in nature to slow down, relax, and know that everything will happen exactly when it should.

Wishing you health and happiness,

“ When there is no time to wait and be patient, there is often no time to think, to connect to other people at deep levels, or to create lasting memories.”

—Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

Our 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.

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Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD Diane@naturalnutmeg.com

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Lori Emelander essentialeditorlori@gmail.com

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com

ADVISORY BOARD

Frank Aieta, ND

Adam Breiner, ND

Mark Breiner, DDS

Deanna M. Cherrone, MD

Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N.

Steven R. Frank DISTRIBUTION

Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg.

FFC—Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

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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—23 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved. Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, with permission. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your feedback.

Hello! I’m Angela, a personal wellness guide. I saved my own life from severe chronic illness using Medical Medium protocols and biohacking tools for foundational healing.

860-856-8567

AGBWellness@protonmail.com www.angelagballardllc.com

"Justin transformed my life. I had a year of no energy and unexplained tingling in my arms and legs. I went from doctor to doctor with no solution until I found Justin. Justin is a very gi�ted healer who made me feel better at the first visit... I highly recommend him."

Angela G Ballard LLC Holistic Wellness Guide and 'Medical Medium'TM Coach

Wholeness Acupuncture Center— Mind, Body, Spirit

Wholeness Acupuncture Center promotes holistic healing medicine using the principle of unity of the body. Our services include:

• Pediatric acupuncture is a safe and natural approach to your child’s healthcare. There are varieties of noninsertive or needle-free techniques that allow for a painless and a holistic approach to pediatric care.

• Laser acupuncture : The laser creates more available energy for the cell, increasing nitric oxide production, which is responsible for better blood circulation.

• Shonishin : This method does not involve the use of inserted needles. It is effective in treating a wide range of mental-emotional disorders, insomnia, GI imbalances, and headaches and suitable in children with ASD. Shonishin restores and stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanism, regulates the autonomic nervous system, and releases oxytocin into the body.

•Cupping: Cupping therapy is used by people from all over the world from a wide range of cultures, as part of their folklore healing traditions, dating back thousands of years. Cupping can loosen stiff muscles, improve blood flow, and calm the mind and body. It’s useful to treat a wide variety of conditions, from sore neck and shoulder muscles to lung issues such as chest congestion, phlegm, cough and asthma.

• Gua Sha : Gua means to “scrape” and Sha is “skin rash.” The technique of Gua Sha intentionally brings the Sha to the surface using a smooth, carved stone and a bit of oil. This technique helps increase circulation, calm anxiety, improve health, promote sleep, and boost the immune system. It can also help alleviate coughs and colds, inflammation, and tension.

Powerful benefits of Chinese Medicine can help to heal and restore the wholeness and harmony of the mind, the body, and the spirit.

Guljan Nurmuradova, L.Ac., owner of Wholeness Acupuncture Center in Farmington, CT. Guljan is licensed as a practitioner of Acupuncture by the state of Connecticut and is nationally certified. She is a member of the Connecticut Society of Acupuncturists and the American Society of Acupuncturists. Her focus is on providing her patients with thorough, individualized, and comprehensive care, treating a variety of specific conditions and symptoms. Contact Guljan at 860.404.2197 or wholenessacupuncturecenter@gmail.com and visit wholenessacupuncturecenter.com.

Experience

Life-Changing Transformation with Intuitive Agnes Daddona

Agnes Daddona is one of the most successful Psychic/Mediums in New England and the tri-state area. Over the last 20 years, Agnes has worked with thousands of people worldwide, performing Psychic Readings, Mediumship, Channeling Angels, and in-depth counseling. She is also a gifted Healer and Spiritual Teacher.

Her life began in Poland, where she got her degree in law and a master’s degree in sociology in human behavior. She later moved to the U.S. and earned her education in psychology, art therapy, and theology.

With her unique gift of intuition that has run in her family for generations, her therapeutic counseling skills, and her years of education in holistic arts, Agnes will unlock your inner soul and amaze you by reading various aspects of your life—past, present, and future—in a matter of minutes. She helps to solve the most challenging issues for people when it seems no one else can help.

Agnes has transformed many clients’ life journeys by helping them answer their deepest questions, activate their soul purpose, heal, and manifest their biggest dreams.

Are you searching for answers to some big questions right now in your life about your relationships, loved ones that have passed, career, finances, health, or your future and your dreams? Agnes has your answer. Start your journey to empower your life today!

Agnes o ers her services via phone, Zoom, and at her Holistic Spa in Avon, CT. Please visit her website, www.AgnesDaddona.com, today to book an incredible personalized Intuitive Reading Session or find out about other fantastic healing services or products. See ad on page 9 >

Live a Nourished Life!

TheNourished Life supports you in your journey from feeling lost, exhausted, overwhelmed, and tired of missing out on enjoying life. Our programs meet you where you are, help you understand your relationship with food and your body, break food rules, and create a life without worries about food or hating how you look and feel every day.

Jenn Braun, owner of The Nourished Life, dietitian, personal trainer, mom, and busy working woman, understands the challenges of feeling like you have to take care of everyone and everything. She has worked with thousands of women on creating a confident life and feeling comfortable in their skin by breaking through food rules, empowering their value, and reestablishing their best life.

Jenn’s approach helps you learn to trust yourself and wake up excited about the person you see in the mirror every day.

Through Jenn and The Nourished Life’s Programs you will: STOP

• Worrying about “good” and “bad” foods

• Feeling too overwhelmed to take care of yourself

• Hating your body and how you look

• Avoiding family pictures because of how you feel

• Counting every morsel of food out of fear of spiraling out of control

• Enjoying ALL foods

• Enjoying taking care of yourself without guilt

• Celebrating your body

• Joining family pictures because you’re making memories

• Having confidence with food choices

• Getting your life back

Jenn is accepting 1:1 and group program clients. You can contact her at jennifer@nourishedlifect.com or through her website www.nourishedlifect.com. See ad on page 17 >

Greater

Natural Options for Body, Mind and

Saturday

777 Hartford Tur npike (Route 30), Vernon

For events schedule and more info: www.vernonhealthfest.com

Admisson: $5 for adults

Free for children under 16 with a parent. A wide variety of practitioners, vendors, and artists, plus hourly workshops will be offered.

Decadent, Dairy- and Gluten-Free Dining with Divine Treasures

Sometimesour health demands us to take a step back and reflect on what we’re putting in our bodies. At our doctor’s and loved ones’ requests, we begrudgingly force ourselves to alter our diets in hopes that the challenge and misery will be worthwhile. It appears grim—but it doesn’t have to be.

Where many people see “food elimination” and “craving struggles,” Diane Wagemann saw an opportunity. When she realized dairy and gluten had to go, she took her knowledge and talent and redesigned recipes to fit her needs. These days, she and the customers of her Divine Treasures shop in Manchester satisfy all their cravings—and then some.

Many people on gluten-free and dairy-free diets see positive shifts in mood, reduced inflammation, fewer digestive issues, and better skin health. We’ll let the specialists explain the specifics—we’re just here to let you know that your nutritional needs are ours as well, and we have created a healthy space where dairy and gluten are never a concern.

Our kitchen is dedicated free of both, and here we make creamy cheeses, pizzas, calzones, quick meals to heat-and-eat on a lazy day, and even a decadent slew of cakes, brownies, cookies, and ice cream for dessert. And of course, using organic ingredients adds to the fresh taste and health benefits.

At Divine Treasures, we don’t eliminate the “good stuff”—we create the good stuff from better stuff. Because what feels good should always taste good!

Written by Samantha Skeels, marketing and design with Divine Treasures, a glutenfree, vegan artisan treat shop located in Parkade Plaza, 404 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT. Visit dtchocolates.com, email diane@dtchocolates.com, or call 860.643.2552. See ad on page 19 >

RAY Life Coaching—Come Out with Your Authentic Self

Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest

Returns April 15–16, 2023

The 11th Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest returns on April 15–16, 2023. We are very excited to bring this highly popular and successful Healthfest back after a couple of years of hiatus due to the pandemic.

Many of us are interested in holistic practices, but the number of choices and the time needed to research each option to make informed decisions can be overwhelming and confusing.

The word “holistic” means make whole. This refers to our physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, financial, relational, recreational, and social components. The Vernon Healthfest will feature vendors from these areas.

Creativity is a huge part of holistic health, so we have invited craft vendors as well. We will be presenting various workshops throughout both days so attendees can not only learn but also be able to ask questions about various topics that interest them.

RAY

Life Coaching serves to support people who are ready to come out into the world as their authentic selves. I believe that once more of us begin to share our sometimes taboo, unique ways of thinking and doing things, we will start to solve the world’s multitude of problems.

To me, coming out means saying “Hell, yes” to what absolutely sparks a passion in my heart, ignites my soul, and pushes me to act with loving abandon After a ten-year drought consisting of a sexless marriage, a toxic work environment, and a depressed, overweight body, I finally took control of my life at age 35. I created a practice that has led me to have filled my life with love, financial security, and, most importantly, purpose.

That purpose is to uncover my clients’ secret wishes that they have been hiding not only from the world but from themselves as well. This uncovering is what I call the Coming Out Process. Getting honest with yourself about why you are here is the first step. It changed my life, and I have seen it change my clients’ lives.

Focus, clarity, confidence, braveness, and direction are right at your fingertips.

Ray Beyor, owner of RAY Life Coaching, provides her clients with resources and practices that clarify their values, set steps toward their purpose, and master confidence while facing fears with patience, compassion, and accountability. Ray’s training in attachment theory, codependency, yoga, meditation, polyamory, consent work, dance, and astrology is used to guide her clients into their authentic and abundant selves. To schedule a free call or learn more, please visit www.reneebeyor.com. See ad on page 7 >

This event is a fundraiser for the Youth Services Bureau of the Town of Vernon. We have had up to 1700 attendees and 90 vendors at some of our past Healthfests. We are making a comeback from COVID-19, and we look forward to great participation and two exciting and enriching days!

After you’ve visited our exhibitors and joined one of our informative workshops, you’ll be pleased to visit our local restaurant vendors, including Monet’s Table, for a nutritious and fully-satisfying meal—and there are plenty of healthy snack choices!

The practitioners, product vendors, workshops, and authors will provide you with a much greater understanding of how holistic modalities can enhance your overall well-being. Come learn about your natural health options and make informed decisions about what’s right for you.

The Healthfest will be held at the Vernon Center Middle School, 777 Hartford Turnpike, 1 0am–4 pm, April 15–16. Admission is $5 and free for those under 16 if accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit http://vernonhealthfest.com. Vendors may inquire on the website as well. See ad on page 7 >

Psychic Medium Counselor Agnes Daddona, MA

Experience Deep Relaxation with Sound Healing, Reiki, and Mindfulness

Biostress Relief is a highly effective three-part system of healing created to relieve:

•Stress • Anxiety • Sleeplessness • Pain

Biostress Relief sessions combine the complementary healing effects of Mindfulness, Sound Healing, and Reiki into one 60-minute deep relaxation experience. Your hour will begin with a grounding Mindfulness practice, transition to a Sound Healing session, and end with a Reiki treatment. The harmonious effects of these three channels of healing reduce anxiety, stress, pain, and sleeplessness. Biostress Relief clients experience a deep state of relaxation, an increase in energy and focus, and an overall feeling of peace and serene awareness.

Kristina customizes unique stress relief and deep relaxation experiences by carefully listening to her clients’ needs. She meets clients where they are and without judgment. Kristina works with each client at the beginning of every session to set two healing intentions that will be the focus for the hour. Clients usually pick one healing intention for the physical body and one for the mind or heart.

Along with Biostress Relief sessions, standalone Sound Healing, Reiki, and Mindfulness sessions are available. Kristina also hosts group Sound Baths, Mindfulness Workshops, and Stress Relief Seminars.

Biostress Relief is a traveling stress relief clinic. Sessions will take place in your home or your workplace, or at our studio in Oxford, CT. Safety and personal comfort are at the core of our practice. All accommodations will be discussed and met prior to the appointment date.

Kristina Arlene is a Sound Healing facilitator, Reiki practitioner, and Meditation/Breathwork specialist from Central Connecticut. She has been studying metaphysical healing modalities since 2006 and has a strong understanding of the Chakra system and Astrology, which complement her practice and healing principles. Contact Kristina for a free phone consultation to learn more about BioStress Relief services. Call 860.593.8224, email biostressinfo@gmail.com, and visit biostressrelief.com.

1:1 Coaching for Moms

Raising Kids With Autism

FREE VIDEO COURSE:

Keeping Your Cool During An Autism Meltdown

In this video series, Lisa will teach you her before, during and after process for managing your mind and regulating your emotions during an Autism meltdown.

Scan this QR Code to sign up! Visitmailchi.mp/theautismmomcoach/course

email address theautismmomcoach.com

& Workshops

Our unique combination of Reiki, Therapy, and Workshops works! Whether you want to get to the next level in your life...or just nd more balance. Scan me! mindfultransformationsllc.com

Reiki Sessions Therapy Meditations

PAGE 42 “The Missing Piece of the ‘Autism Awareness’ Puzzle” BY LISA CANDERA

< PAGE 14 “Meet Psychic Agnes Daddona! An Interview with Dr. Di” BY AGNES DADDONA

It’s Time for the Ultimate Detox at Imagine Float!

Our bodies, with their natural systems in place to detoxify, are magical, but they can become overwhelmed, congested, and sluggish. The services at Imagine Float, individually or combined, can aid recalibrating our systems.

An infrared sauna session is a relaxing, soothing way to promote detoxification through sweating without exposing the body to potentially harmful high temperatures. Infrared saunas use heat-producing light waves to penetrate the body and heat from within, producing a deeper, longer, sustained level of sweating than a traditional sauna. Studies indicate that when you sweat in an infrared sauna, you’re sweating 20% toxins and 80% water vs. 3% and 97%, respectively, in a traditional sauna!

One of the benefits of a 60-minute float session is to gently float away tension and stress, but don’t underestimate its ability to aid in detoxification: Your body floats effortlessly and without gravity, relieving it of the pressure of its own weight and contact points. This allows your blood vessels to fully dilate, aiding in toxin removal. Additionally, the parasympathetic system, the rest and digest system, is activated while our sympathetic nervous system, responsible for fight or flight, surrenders. Additionally, Epsom salt is the catalyst to float therapy, which itself is believed to draw out toxins.

Finally, the Ballancer® Pro is a touchless compression therapy based upon the principles of manual lymphatic drainage that helps flush out swelling and eliminate toxins by decongesting problem areas in your body. Not only is it effective in recalibrating your lymphatic system (essentially, your body’s “sewage” system), but it’s also profoundly relaxing due to its gentle, consistent, rhythmic massage technique.

While each of these services are effective individually, the three combined are the “Ultimate Detox”! For more information about our services, visit ImagineFloat.com or call to book your Ultimate Detox today, call 860.255.7771.

Practitioners, Start Your Journey to Bloom at The Bloom Center!

The Bloom Center, a Holistic Wellness Center & Artisan Boutique, is located in a quaint area of Farmington, CT, housed within the historic Canal House on Garden Street. With the banks of the Farmington River in its backyard, those who enter the space of The Bloom Center experience flowing, grounding energy emanating throughout creating a safe, cozy environment to begin, or continue, a self-care and self-aware Journey to Bloom.

We’re currently seeking Partner Practitioners to join our Bloom Team as monthly/weekly/hourly renters using our Blossom and Meadow Energy Rooms. These spaces are beautifully appointed, well-equipped, and are perfect for either a satellite space to enhance your already established practice or to launch your new practice.

Jumpstart your Journey to Bloom in a community of supportive individuals rooting for your success! Our space is welcoming Reiki Healers, Massage Therapists, Cranial Sacral Therapy, EMDR, Life and Transition Coaching, Mediumship, and more.

TBC is also the place to visit the Bloom Boutique – our little retail piece of heaven, where we procure local, one-of-a-kind, artisan-made items and other holistic treats! If you’re looking for a small boutique to host your items on a consigned or wholesale basis, please reach out – we’re always welcoming new and aligned partners.

All this goodness in an intimate space is waiting for YOU! Begin your Journey to Bloom and contact us to schedule a complimentary Tea Chat with Christine today! Looking forward to seeing you, and Always Stay Bloomin’! Call 860.997.7196 or email bloom23productions@gmail.com. See ad on page 29 >

Imagine Float is a locally owned, award-winning, woman-owned wellness center in Avon, CT. We o er several innovative healing therapies that when used in synergy they have endless benefits for your physical and mental well-being. See

Challenging Minds— Think Outside the Box

HAPPENINGS

MARCH & APRIL 2023

Tuesday, March 21

Q&A: Is Natural Medicine Right for Me? 7:00pm. FREE

Challenging

Minds originated as a group behavioral health practice in Torrington, CT. Over the first two years, the practice added clinical providers to treat the whole person rather than focusing only on a client’s primary issue. As this holistic approach is adopted, clients tend to improve more quickly as they can independently put into practice the many things they learn in therapy. We currently employ nine mental health therapists, including two telehealth therapists. We frequently work with interns who are motivated to finish their degree work and join the field.

We offer online and in-person mental health therapy groups that are meant to foster a different style of therapy and encourage like-minded clients to learn and grow from each other’s experiences. This approach to therapy is highly beneficial and we hope to do more of it in the future.

Challenging Minds is aware of the impact that trauma can have on a person’s nervous system and ability to thrive in life. Three of our providers are trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, an evidence-based therapeutic treatment that utilizes features of EMDR and Gestalt therapy to consolidate painful memories so that, over time, they have less effect on the central nervous system. Many of those who receive this therapy overcome years of troubling cycles of behavior in a much shorter time than with traditional methods of talk therapy only.

Research in mental and behavioral health recovery has shown a strong correlation of additional holistic support and an individual’s ability to heal and maintain healing over time. In 2021, Challenging Minds opened a Wellness Center in Bantam, CT, to offer a separate set of holistic services, many found to reverse the damage done by trauma and/or chronic stimulation of the nervous system. Our diverse professionals at the Wellness Center offer therapeutic massages, Reiki, reflexology, yoga, meditation, and breathwork programs, as well as an infrared sauna. Each modality is meant to encourage the body to release tension, especially as they’re also working with a licensed therapist.

The Wellness Center offers each medium in specific treatment rooms designed to reduce stress and enhance well-being. The converted Victorian home where the Center is located has a studio feature, allowing services to be received all in one place. For complex cases, this can be an invaluable resource, as it allows different providers to work with the same client in tandem to support best outcomes.

Along with honoring different therapeutic modalities in-house, over the past two years, Challenging Minds has offered on-site services to local agencies, including on-site yoga and meditation and mindfulness for local residential programs, schools, and sports teams. Co-owners and therapists Melissa Hurley and Andrew Matusiak have given presentations at a local Woman’s Club Symposium and Prime Time House in Torrington and supported Torrington Middle School to celebrate and educate their students for Mental Health Awareness Day. Mental health features do not live in a vacuum. It is the genuine purpose of our agency to treat the whole person and provide easy, direct access to a menu of evidenced-based service options to support healing and recovery.

The Wellness Center o ers weekly Yoga/Meditation Classes in our studio in Bantam. In the lower part of the building, Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, and an Infrared Sauna are also available. Clinical providers are available in Torrington, Bantam, and online! Call 860.361.6204 or email andrewm@challengingminds.net, and visit www.challengingminds.net for more information. See ad on page 5 >

New to Naturopathic Healthcare?

Interested in improving your health? Are you tired from heading from specialist to specialist? If you’re curious, come check us out via Zoom!

Location/Contact info Meeting ID: 793 4796 5326 passcode: ECHA

You may also reach out directly at dr.corastover@protonmail.com

Wednesday, March 22

Finally Financially Fit, Fun, and Free! 6:00pm–9:00pm. $35

You can be proud of getting an F on this! Heck, you can get 3 Fs—Fit, Fun, and Free!

We will go through the practical steps of getting yourself set for success. These steps are (1) FIT: Know where you stand with your money through daily practice. (2) FUN: Know what’s worth your money by uncovering your wildest dreams with a values assessment and learning how to create a fun relationship with money. (3) FREE: Know what makes you free by envisioning what free feels and looks like in your life so you can recognize it when it appears. We’ll rewrite the money stories and beliefs to create a fresh new plan for success around money. For more information, visit reneebeyor.com/workshops

Mondays–Saturdays in March/April

Yoga and Meditation Classes in Bantam Studio. Check Current Class Listings for Dates and Times

$15 per class, or group packages are available. The Wellness Center offers weekly Yoga/Meditation

Classes in our studio in Bantam. In the lower part of the building, Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, and an Infrared Sauna are also available as different ways to promote positive health and well-being. Each of our classes can also be accessed online and at your location!

Challenging Minds Wellness Center, 896 Bantam Road, Bantam, CT 06750 challengingminds.net/what-we-offer/

Have a Happening?

www.naturalnutmeg.com

Do you have an event (virtual or live) that you want Natural Nutmeg readers to know about? Reach out to us at calendar@naturalnutmeg.com for information on listing your event and sponsorships. Event listings are in print and online. We also accept classified listings.

CT’s Top Nutrition/ Functional Medicine Practitioners

Functional medicine is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness. It requires a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors and leverages that data to direct personalized treatment plans that lead to improved patient outcomes. By addressing root cause, rather than symptoms, practitioners become oriented to identifying the complexity of disease. They may find one condition has many different causes and, likewise, one cause may result in many different conditions. As a result, functional medicine treatment targets the specific manifestations of disease in each individual.

Swan Integrative Health & Wellness

Swan Integrative is a functional/integrative medicine practice whose mission is to guide and inspire individuals to discover the root cause of their symptoms so they can heal from the inside out. We are a team of talented nurse practitioners and are proud to be a female-owned business.

Act Natural Health and Wellness Act

Natural Health & Wellness has moved!

After 8 years in Torrington, we have relocated to 131 Main Street in downtown Thomaston with plenty of free parking!

Act Natural Health & Wellness carries a wide variety of professional grade vitamin, supplements, minerals, homeopathic remedies, herbal tinctures, loose herbs and teas. You will only find many of our brands on our shelves. All of our products are PPA (Pam Pinto Approved), so our customers can trust that if we won’t use it ourselves, we won’t sell it.

Looking for hemp and isolated terpenes? We carry third party certified, non heat extracted hemp gummies, tinctures, capsules, balms, salves, chocolate bars, protein bars, seltzers, and herbal teas. Need something with the added sweet? Try a hemp brownie or cookie! Don’t know where to begin? Let Pam Pinto, our Hemp Consultant, help you. We also carry that hard to find herb, Kratom, in white, red and green vein capsules and powder.

Think you can’t afford organic? Think again! Act Natural offers a 30% Off Food Buy Club. With an annual membership of just $30 members save 30% off of retail prices on organic produce, grass-fed meat, local dairy, cheese and baked items. The list changes every week as we are part of the “Save The Food” movement educating the community on how to afford organic on a budget. Those “best buy dates” are not expiration dates and allow affordable organic food at “Crazy Deal” prices.

Act Natural Health and Wellness

•860.482.8477 actnaturalhealth.com

info@actnaturalhealth.com

Lisa Shettle, MS, RDN, CD-N

Swan Integrative’s registered dietitian, Lisa Shettle, MS, RDN, CD-N, is passionate about translating the ever-changing science of nutrition into simple, meaningful information so patients can achieve optimal health without feeling deprived.

Many people feel overwhelmed when they’re newly diagnosed with a condition or when they have been unsuccessful in trying to manage an existing condition or lose weight. While primary care providers can provide general nutrition guidance, registered dietitians are experts who provide ongoing individualized nutrition support to manage disease and promote health. Lisa collaborates with the care team in an integrative manner to address the underlying root cause. Two people can have the same diagnosis with very different past medical histories, lifestyles, and preferences and therefore require different nutrition interventions.

During appointments, Lisa discusses nutrition but also reviews the specifics of lifestyle, including daily schedule, sleep patterns, job, medications/supplements, medical history, and physical activity. Together, barriers are identified and Lisa provides practical solutions to support her patients’ goals, emphasizing goals that are realistic and achievable. Lisa is credentialed with most major insurance companies and provides customized meal plans. Call today to schedule an appointment with Lisa and start your journey to better health!

Maura Aaberg, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC

Withthe addition of our newest clinician, we are accepting new patients again! Maura Aaberg is a seasoned nurse practitioner and midwife with over a decade of experience caring for women. Her focus is integrative/holistic women’s healthcare, including gentle gynecological care, thyroid health, hormone management (PMS, PCOS, fertility concerns, perimenopause/menopause), mind/mood concerns, gut health, and more.

While Maura is not accepting patients as a primary care provider, the care she provides can serve as a complement to the care provided by your PCP. At Swan Integrative, we spend extra time hearing your story, looking at you as a whole person, and putting together the pieces to help you feel complete. Maura is enrolled with most major insurance companies. Call 860.325.2679 or email info@swanintegrative.com to join us!

Swan Integrative Health and Wellness • Glastonbury, CT 860.325.2679 • www.swanintegrative.com

Christine Najjar, MD, MS, ABOM

Iaman Internal and Obesity Medicine physician and founder of Food First MD, a Connecticut-based medical practice focused on empowering people to regain control of their health with the most underutilized medicine—food.

I was first drawn to the intricacies of the human body and nutrition from my own experience. I spent summers in my parents’ native land, Lebanon, where I grew to love Mediterranean cuisine. I recognized that every summer spent there, I was left feeling vibrant, clear, energized, and light, and my waistline always seemed to shrink. When I came back to the United States, everything quickly reversed.

Yearning to understand how food affects the body, I studied biochemistry at McGill and medicine at St. George’s University, during which I worked in various Brooklyn hospitals, where I was exposed to the BandAid of modern medicine and the overwhelming cases of chronic illness and disease. Wanting to deepen my nutrition-specific education, I earned a Master’s in Human Nutrition at Columbia concurrently with medical school clinical rotations.

Despite my education, I struggled to optimize my health and wondered, “How am I going to heal patients if I can’t heal myself?” Committed to finding solutions, I built upon my years of education, took a deep dive into literature, and expanded my views beyond the tools in front of me.

After completing my residency at UConn, I worked as a weight loss consultant and a primary care physician. In 2022, I launched Food First MD with a mission to bring health back to healthcare. I’m driven to help patients avoid years of frustration, ineffective treatments, and debilitating ailments, and I reach patients with knowledge and compassion. Using a food-first approach, I have helped patients reverse disease, reach optimal weight, and reduce or eliminate the need for traditional medications.

I am accepting new patients in my office and via Telemedicine. Combining my unique medical and nutritional background, I provide customized evaluations and food-first prescription plans. Patients have access to weekly Empowerment Group Zoom meetings I host live. I also love to experiment with new recipes and dishes. Leading by example, I encourage my patients to take control of their health with my favorite medicine…food!

To connect with me, visit @foodfirst.MD or foodfirstMD.com. To see what food the doctor is dishing up, head to @doctorsdish.

Food First MD • South Windsor, CT 203.441.1075 • foodfirstMD.com

Mary Gilbertson Wellness

Mary Gilbertson, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, MSc, is a board-certified nurse practitioner, clinical nutritionist, and certified detoxification specialist. Mary Gilbertson Wellness was created in 2013 out of a need to educate patients on their chronic illnesses so they could move from struggling to manage their health to reversing illness and creating a lifestyle that promotes optimal wellness.

At Mary Gilbertson Wellness, we’re creating a new paradigm of health care that encouragse the patient to act as an active participant in their care, decrease their dependence on medications, address mental health and well-being, and develop a care plan that integrates the whole person.

Services offered at our Functional Medicine & Lifestyle Clinic include:

•Gut disorders: IBS, IBD, SIBO, leaky gut, Candida, H. pylori, motility disorders, and more.

•Gluten intolerance, food allergies and sensitivities

•Preventive cardiology: Hypertension, high cholesterol/lipids, high-risk screening

•Blood sugar disorders: Insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, PCOS, fatty liver

•Thyroid conditions: Hypothyroid and Hoshimoto thyroiditis

•Adrenal fatigue, anxiety, stress disorders, immunosuppression

•Testing for food allergies and sensitivities, most gut disorders, stool testing, heavy metals, parasites, molds, and more.

• Detoxification protocols, including liver cleanse, gall bladder flushes, kidney cleanse.

•Detox from vaccine adjuvants, spike proteins, and more.

New for 2023 is the Metabolic Health & Weight Loss Center

Our new Weight Loss Center was developed to address the needs of children and adults who struggle with their weight, often impacting other health conditions. We have the In-Body Scale for in-depth metabolic testing and offer multiple ways to approach weight loss:

• Tier One uses nutritional interventions and lifestyle techniques including exercise, stress management, and motivational support.

•Tier Two adds supplements and fat burners when weight loss is more difficult.

•Tier Three corrects metabolic imbalances with the addition of drugs approved for weight loss and blood sugar imbalances.

Although we like to use a holistic approach, we recognize that weight loss is often difficult to achieve and maintain. Metabolic issues can cause multiple disruptions in a patient’s health. Therefore, we offer popular weight loss drugs Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and Mounjaro, with average weight loss 15–20% of a patient’s total body weight.

We also have a beautiful healing chamber where we facilitate:

•IM and IV therapies, including IV drips to promote health and healing.

•Red light therapies: Infrared sauna with red-light therapy and ozone.

•Photo-light therapy: Facial collagen rejuvenation, acne, scarring, migraines.

We also offer functional lab testing and customized Supplement Prescriptions utilizing Fullscript®.

Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 10 am–5:30 pm and Fridays 12pm–5 pm.

Meet Psychic Agnes Daddona! An Interview with Dr. Di

By Agnes Daddona and Dr. Diane Hayden

Irecently had the opportunity to work with Agnes Daddona, a Psychic whose Holistic Spa and Intuitive Counseling services are based out of Avon, CT. After that incredible experience, I decided I wanted to reach out to learn more about her background and her practice (my comments are in bold).

How are you different from other psychics out there?

I am not only a psychic. I am also a Medium, Counselor, Healer, Life Coach, and Spiritual Teacher, so I can help my clients in many ways. I have a unique gift of intuition, which has run in my family for generations, from my grandmother to my mother to me.

Another factor that makes me different is that I am highly educated. I got my master’s degree in sociology in human behavior. My other areas of study are psychology, art therapy, and theology, and I have earned over 30 healing certifications in healing arts. All of this allows me to have a good therapeutic foundation for my clients.

I worked with you, so I can attest to that for sure! From my perspective, what makes you different is that compared to other psychics I have been to, sometimes they will only give you the information. And with you, there is healing, soul lessons, and teachings. You are helping that individual to integrate things and grow.

That’s for sure! I specialize in removing the roots of traumas, blocks, and fears. I also love activating my clients’ soul purpose, gifts, and full potential so they can manifest their biggest dreams. I offer my clients a kaleidoscope of enhanced services, treatments, and products to help them continue their healing journey.

What’s the difference between a psychic and a medium?

A psychic is a gifted person who can see the future. A medium is someone who can communicate with loved ones on the other side. I am lucky to have both these skills.

Why are your Intuitive Readings so popular? I know you have a thriving business based on word of mouth. From the very first moment, I focus on answering my client’s biggest questions and connecting them to their angels, spirit guides, and loved ones on the other side. To clarify, every soul has this Divine support. I use a holistic approach, addressing physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual levels. I look into my client’s soul history, soul purpose, soul lessons, wounds, traumas, and gifts. By doing that, my client can gain a bigger picture of themselves and their life journey. The healing and transformation can happen much faster this way. It’s important to know how it looks on the other side to navigate this one better.

Why do you do your work?

I am an old soul who received a calling to help people (and the planet) heal and thrive. I love people! My work is my passion and joy. I have experienced many hardships, so I understand what my clients are going through. People come to me not only to ask about their future but also to find solutions to the issues and problems in their lives.

How do you help your clients succeed?

My clients are both women and men, and I also work with teenagers and children, especially sensitive ones. My clients gain clarity about their life, activate their higher soul purpose, heal, manifest soulmate relationships, find a better job, make more money, balance their life, and most importantly, manifest their dreams and a happier life.

What do your new clients need when they come to a reading for the first time?

I always recommend that my clients write their questions down to prepare for an Intuitive Reading. I offer in-person sessions at my spa in Avon. I also do phone and Zoom sessions. During the phone or Zoom sessions, I only need my client’s date of birth to access their energy. In-person and virtual sessions work essentially the same way.

Agnes Daddona is one of the best Psychic/Mediums in New England. The gift of intuition runs in her family for generations. For more than 20 years, Agnes has worked with thousands of people worldwide through Psychic Readings, Mediumship, Channeling Angels, Counseling, Healing, and Teaching in English and Polish. Agnes has transformed many people’s lives to meet their dreams. She continues to solve the most difficult issues when it seems no one else can help. To book your Intuitive Reading, contact Agnes at www.AgnesDaddona.com, email at agnes@IntuitiveCounselingllc.com, or call 860.941.2667. See ad on page 9 >

“I look into my client’s soul history, soul purpose, soul lessons, wounds, traumas, and gifts and talents. By doing that, my client can gain a bigger picture of themselves and their life journey. The healing and transformation can happen much faster this way.”

—Agnes Daddona

Dieting is nothing new to Americans. On average, 45 million Americans go on diets every year. Being constantly surrounded by messaging that says, “eat this, don’t eat that,” or “eat less, weigh less,” and social media filters that create unrealistic expectations of what bodies should look like can lead to long-term ramifications.

The average person sticks to a diet for 3–6 months. Because diets are unrealistic to sustain, an individual generally “falls off” and has feelings of guilt or failure. These feelings can lead a person to start another diet, hoping this time they will be consistent and stay on track. This leads to a continuous cycle of on-and-off dieting.

With every diet you start and stop, rules surrounding food and your body begin to accumulate. The keto diet, for example, calls for extremely minimal carbs. Even when “done” with this diet, a message is left behind that says, “Carbs are bad. Fewer carbs means less weight.” Imagine the mental space being taken up by multiple diets and the messages they leave behind. This leads to confusion, frustration, and ultimately to binge eating.

Binge eating involves eating unusually large amounts within a specific amount of time and eating uncontrollably. Stressful situations, such as relationship challenges or trauma, can trigger binge eating episodes, as can conversations around food, including “good” and “bad” foods and how they relate to weight and body image. Many of these concepts come through media messaging.

Pressure to stay “good” to be thin and weigh less can create a lifestyle of eating “good” all day and then binging at night or when alone because it feels safer. This creates distrust in ourselves and feelings of guilt for not complying with what we’re “supposed to” eat. This cycle is dangerous, lonely, and debilitating. Not only can it spiral into full-blown eating disorders, but it steals years from

Dieting Can Actually Cause Binge Eating and Body Image Distortion

your health and touches every area of your life, slowly consuming each part of it. Here are some tools to support your freedom from binge eating/restriction and support a healthy relationship with food and your body.

Release Food Rules/Expectations

Learning how you feel around foods and why they make you feel like you should or shouldn’t have them allows you to change that relationship. Maybe you don’t eat carbs because they were off-limits as a child. This food rule that “carbs are bad” has been ingrained in you for years, so you don’t eat them now, even though you enjoy them. When you understand where those thoughts come from, you can rewrite them. Learning how carbs support the body and enjoying them when you want can prevent you from binging because there isn’t constant thought about restricting them.

Limit Social Media Time

Limiting time spent on social media and muting and unfollowing accounts that don’t support your healing process is also important. Mindless scrolling can lead you to think of how you “should” be doing things to align with others while constantly seeing other peoples’ progress pictures, dieting “wins,” and “clean eating” recipes continues this narrative about the rules surrounding food and your body. Put the phone down, stop scrolling, and focus on things you can enjoy in the moment. Give yourself grace in this journey as you work against YEARS of diet culture and generational messages to step against the “norm” of how to think about food and your body. Breaking free of dieting, binge eating, and restriction will lead you to be able to trust yourself and feel more confident within your body and will pour into every area of your life. You are worth that.

By Jennifer Braun, RD

“Binge eating involves eating unusually large amounts in a specific amount of time and eating uncontrollably. Stressful situations, such as relationship challenges or trauma, can trigger binge eating episodes, as well as conversations around food, including “good” and “bad” foods and how they relate to weight and body image.”

—Jennifer Braun, RD

Jennifer Braun, Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer, opened The Nourished Life to support clients in healing their relationships with food and their body and understanding their needs and desires. Her approach is to meet you where you are and support you in living life with purpose, energy, and happiness. Call 860.506.6212, email jennifer@nourishedlifect.com, and visit www.nourishedlifect.com.

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Cleansing Isn’t Just for Your Mind and Body Here’s How to Detox Your Home

By Cristina DeCrosta, LCSW

With spring upon us, it’s fitting to talk about what the season symbolizes. For many of us, it signifies a new beginning, a fresh start, a time to detox. Not only can we detox our bodies and minds, but also our homes. When we talk about detoxing our homes, it’s with the intention of creating a more inviting space in which to work, be creative, or simply enjoy. When the space is comfortable, we’re encouraged to spend time there and use it to its full potential.

Detoxing your home can have a positive impact on your mental health and overall well-being. I’m sure we can all think of a time when we went into our kitchens, looked around at the clutter or mess, and decided not to cook because of the overwhelming chaos. When our homes are out of order and chaotic, we often feel the same. It can lead us to feel unsafe or uneasy, which often leads to increased anxiety or distress.

These feelings can make it hard to get started on a project or housework because the state of your home is weighing on you. While detoxing your home can feel like a daunting task, my advice to you is to start small and make sure the project is manageable and achievable. That way, any time is a good time to detoxify your home.

Step 1

First, think about the amount of time you have available. No time is too little—the expectations just have to match. If you have only a limited amount of time, pick a small area of your home; for example, your coat closet. If you need to break it down even further, pick one area of the closet—perhaps just the shoes or the coats. If you do have the time to dedicate to the entire closet, take everything out, and if not, just remove the items of focus.

Step 2

Second, think about your intentions with the space. Ask yourself: What do you use the space for? What do you want to use the space for? Perhaps the coat closet contains not only your coats and shoes, but your vacuum and mop as well. Although you want to use the space for your coats and shoes, the space is currently being used for your cleaning materials. This shows you may not be using the space to its full potential.

Step 3

The next step is to declutter the space. To do this, you’ll need to have categories for the items, such as keep, donate, throw out, or sell. Keep in mind that selling items does take additional time. I generally don’t choose to sell because I enjoy giving things to those who need them, and I don’t always have the extra time. This is a personal decision for you to make if you have time and patience to resell.

Begin sorting through the items and place them in their respective categories. Take a moment to think of the last time you wore or used the item. If you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably don’t need it. And even if you have used the item, you’ll want to ask yourself if you truly need it or if it’s worth the space it’s taking up in your home.

Also think about the quantity of the item. It’s not likely that any one person needs more than one rain jacket, unless perhaps you work outside or live in a particularly rainy climate. You also want to make sure you feel good about what you are purging from your closet. If you are unsure about an item, that’s ok—you can try putting it away for a while and revisiting that item in the future. Remember, everything you remove opens up more space in your home.

“Detoxing your home can have a positive impact on your mental health and overall wellbeing…. When our homes are out of order and chaotic, we often feel the same. It can lead us to feel unsafe or uneasy, which often leads to increased anxiety or distress.”

—Cristina DeCrosta, LCSW

Step 4

Once you’ve sorted through all the items, you should clean the space (sweep, dust, vacuum, etc.) and discard the items in your “throw away” category.

Step 5

The final step is to organize the area and put everything back. You will do this by putting them back in the closet in a way that provides the most functionality, and you will relocate any items in your “keep” category that don’t belong. I caution you not to simply relocate everything—it’s necessary to remove items from the home that no longer serve you at this time in your life.

Don’t forget about your “sell” and “donate” categories. The closet will need to be maintained periodically, but the maintenance will now be a much shorter process.

Repeat!

Now that you have the method down, you can move throughout your home with the same approach. It will be a freeing experience—as you remove items and clutter from your home, you will start to feel lighter and less bogged down. As you detox your home and spaces, you make room for new beginnings and invite new ideas and creativity into your life. This will improve your quality of life and mental wellness.

I encourage everyone to give this a try. You can start today with your wallet, handbag, or car. Once you begin, you will find yourself eagerly awaiting to detox the next room or space. Enjoy the process and the result.

Cristina DeCrosta, LCSW, is a therapist at Mindful Transformations, a private psychotherapy practice in West Hartford, CT. At Mindful Transformations, Cristina‘s special interest is in perinatal mental health. Cristina uses a variety of therapy modalities including mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Mindful Transformations, 16 Brace Rd, West Hartford CT 06107. Contact Cristina at 860.308.2807 or email mindfultransformationsct@gmail.com.

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Reduce the Odds of Chemical Exposure in Your Home

By Angela Ballard, BSN

Ifyou’ve ever chosen an organic food or product over the conventional option, you likely already grasp the concept of reducing your odds of exposure. Yes, sometimes there are still toxins in or on our organic product, but we understand that there are undoubtedly more toxins in the conventional option. One of the simplest ways to promote health and healing is to eliminate potential barriers, like toxins. Yes, you can detox, but you’ll see far greater results if you don’t re-tox! The goal is to reduce your odds of exposure.

As a first step, simply tour your cabinets and start reading labels. The more label-reading you do, the more you’ll become familiar with the most common chemicals being used. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) databases are an excellent resource for beginner label-readers to get a sense of how dangerous each chemical is and its associated symptoms and conditions.

Let’s break this household tour down into categories of common exposure in the home.

Water

Most U.S. municipal water contains chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals in amounts that are acceptable to our EPA but aren’t really acceptable to me. For smaller quantities, consider a Berkey system. It’s a pour-through tabletop system with robust filters that require infrequent replacement.

For larger quantities or a whole-house solution, consider something like a reverse osmosis (RO) system. Take care to research before pulling the trigger, as RO is considered “dead water,” with nearly no mineral content left after filtering. RO is a great way to ensure that bath, shower, and laundry water are chemical-free. If you’re simply looking to reduce exposure, a Berkey system used for drinking, cooking, humidification, and other smaller-quantity household purposes will take you in the right direction.

Food

This is a huge topic for another article. The gist is that organic is likely less exposure than conventional (when store-bought). The beauty of buying directly from the farm or farmers’ market is that you can simply ask what was used on the current produce.

Medicine/First Aid Cabinet

A few non-pharmacologic staples in my medicine cabinet are silver hydrosol spray and gel, iodine tincture, food-grade hydrogen peroxide, and herbal antimicrobial tinctures. I rely on Anthony William, the “Medical Medium,” for clean supplements guidance since metals and toxins can be found even in alternative or non-pharmacologic products.

Toiletries (bath and body)

If you’ve never looked up the ingredients in everyday products, such as shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste/mouthwash, deodorant, lotions, makeup, and feminine products, you’re likely in for a surprise. Use the EWG Skin Deep database to see how your choices rate.

Air Fresheners

Synthetic fragrances have long been shown to disrupt the endocrine (hormone) system. Hormones have overarching control of nearly all body systems and actions. Removing all synthetic fragrances from your life is perhaps the easiest and most impactful environmental detox you can perform.

If a fragrance doesn’t come from a whole food or plant, its oil, or its essential oil, it is likely synthetic. In addition to the plug-ins, hangers, potpourri, and room sprays, remember to check toiletries, cleaners, and other product labels for perfume or fragrance.

At least one houseplant in every room is a great way of adding air filtration and healthy frequency to the environment.

Household Cleaning Products, Kitchen, and Laundry

The trick with these products has to do with labeling laws. Have you ever flipped over a bottle of cleaner to find no ingredient list? Some newer products that claim to be less toxic or more environmentally friendly offer a bullet-point list of what’s in the bottle. The public has become wary of chemicals they can’t pronounce, so marketers use recognizable language like “plant-based surfactant” on these lists. They give the look and feel of an ingredient list, but they don’t always list everything in the bottle. Current U.S. law does not require all chemical names to be listed on a product label.

“The public has become wary of chemicals they can’t pronounce, so marketers use recognizable language like “plant-based surfactant” on the bullet list. These new lists give the look and feel of an ingredient list, but they don’t always list everything in the bottle.”

—Angela Ballard, BSN

My own cleaning staples include organic Castile soap, organic white vinegar, baking soda, vitamin C powder, sodium borate, food-grade hydrogen peroxide, and thyme, rosemary, and tea tree essential oils.

I realize some jobs, like de-greasing and removing serious scale, may require something heavier duty. If you perform your routine cleaning with the products above, however, you’ll reduce your odds of exposure.

Appliances That Create Contact with the Body

I created this category for things like cookware, food storage and drink bottles, and diffusers, where the food or water contacting the product will either be ingested or inhaled. Steer clear of metal-on-metal grinding parts, non-stick chemical coatings like Teflon, BPA plastics where heat will be applied, and perhaps the most prevalent but problematic metal—aluminum.

Textiles

Sadly, we live in a time where even our clothing and linens are often coated in fire-retardant or anti-mold chemicals. Imagine the contact time these textiles get with your largest absorbent organ— your skin! Where possible, opt for organic bed sheets, and—at a minimum—launder new clothes and textiles at least once prior to use.

Finding the Right Products

While vital to your holistic health, detoxing your home can be another rabbit hole that ultimately leads to unnecessary expenditures. Yes, many products out there will one-up the big-chemical product line of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, but odds are you don’t really need those either. Truth is, it doesn’t take much to keep a clean and tidy home.

So now that you’ve made your throw-away pile, what to do? Visit AngelaGBallardLLC.com for a comprehensive list of my favorite products that help reduce the odds of exposure.

Haven’t made the throw-away pile yet? Feeling overwhelmed? I offer home evaluations, where I will visit your home and work hands-on with you to evaluate, sort, remove and replace sources of exposure. Call Angela G Ballard LLC to schedule your evaluation and start reducing your odds of exposure now!

Angela’s 25-year background in nursing, 46 years living with chronic illnesses, and a 6-year journey back to health make her a natural Wellness Guide. While every individual is unique, her services lay a foundation for healing to occur. For more information or to schedule, call 860.856.8567 or visit https://www. angelagballardllc.com/.

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in Natural Nutmeg’s 10 Best 2022 Reader Nominated Award for Esthetician/Holistic & Organic Spa

“Decadent, Dairy- and Gluten-Free Dining with Divine Treasures” BY SAMANTHA SKEELS

Momming Is HARD! The 5 “Happy” Hormones to Help Your Mood

By Mischa Hadaway, LCSW

Asmoms, the momming never seems to end. The hours spent doing both visible and invisible tasks throughout our day that often go unrecognized. The time spent cleaning, scheduling, problem-solving, the arranging and rearranging, all while feeling like you’re somewhere between “just let go” and “there is no other option.” We persevere and continue to push forward because we know that when someone is sick, asks what’s for dinner, or needs that thing they can’t find, someone must be there to help, to do, and to find—and that someone is often Mom.

When pulled in so many directions, between some correlation of work, home, and personal life; wearing so many hats— chauffeur, chef, housekeeper, nurse, teacher, assistant, scheduler, volunteer, party planner, timekeeper, and so on—momming can begin to feel exhausting, overwhelming, stressful, and intense and cause guilt, resentment, sadness, and irritability.

The negative thoughts come one after the other, and the “shoulds” start. I should have done more with them today. I shouldn’t have let them have

so much screen time. I should not have lost my cool. I should be feeding them something other than chicken nuggets. I should take better care of myself. I should be able to ask for help. I should be able to handle this better.

While we easily can’t shorten the to-do list, get your partner to understand, or ease all the burdens, there are certain hormones that can help with regulating our moods. They promote positive feelings and will make the negative feelings that are sometimes associated with momming less intense.

Tap into Those 5 “Happy” Hormones When You Feel Tapped Out

The first two, dopamine and serotonin, are also known as the “feel-good hormones.” They work together to maintain a chemical balance in the body. Dopamine is involved with the part of the brain that is associated with pleasurable sensations, movement, and coordination. Serotonin can help increase happiness by alleviating depression and anxiety and helps to regulate digestion, sleep, and memory.

“The key to accessing higher levels of endorphins is laughter, so find time to have a good laugh with loved ones.”

—Mischa Hadaway, LCSW

To activate these two hormones, we have to do things like stand in the sun and go outdoors. Try spending 15 minutes a few times a week in the sun. You could also listen to music. Listening to instrumental music can increase dopamine, while listening to music that makes you happy or that you connect with can increase your serotonin.

Next, we have endorphins, considered to be the “body’s natural pain reliever,” as they’re centered around how the body responds to pain, which causes an increase in stress and discomfort. The key to accessing higher levels of endorphins is laughter, so find time to have a good laugh with loved ones. Dancing is another way to access an endorphin release, by yourself or with a partner. Bonus—if you choose to dance with someone you care about, you’ll create a double hormone release, which leads us to our next hormone, oxytocin.

Oxytocin, the “love hormone,” is increased when we’re excited by our sexual partner, when we smell a newborn baby, and when we fall in love. A few ways to access it are by getting a massage (bonus if it is from a loved one), cuddling, giving someone a hug, or petting a beloved pet.

The final hormone on the list is estrogen. It is very complex, and it acts everywhere in the body. When estrogen is increased, all these hormones are impacted. Low doses of estrogen are linked to mood disruptions, such as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), and postpartum depression, as well as brain fog. Stress management is a way to increase this happy hormone. Tap into it by creating a quiet restful sleeping environment, take a break from the source of your stress, and try engaging in physical activity.

While these hormones may help promote happiness and pleasure and aid in reducing anxiety, depression, rage, and feeling overwhelmed, they’re not always the answer. If you’re having difficulties, talk with your healthcare provider, who can recommend additional therapies and treatments that may help.

Mischa Hadaway is a perinatal therapist with over 10 years of experience. As the owner of Gentle Mama Counseling, she provides personalized therapy to hopeful, new, and soon-to-be parents. Mischa creates a safe space free of judgment for her clients who experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, shame, and guilt. Telehealth and evening appointments available.Call 860.215.4710 and visit gentlemamacounseling.com for more information. See ad on page 7 >

Grounding, Gazing, Earthing, and Breathing for Peace

By Charleen K. Miele, LPC

“If you are in a truly quiet place, take time to focus and listen closely… create your own sounds by slightly moving your feet and noticing the sound it makes as leaves crunch or tiny twigs snap on the ground. Welcome the sounds of the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and even the slight buzz of a bee as it hovers on nearby flowers.”

Weare living in stressful times. Emotions are heightened, division is prevalent, and anxiety seems to be the norm. We cannot deny that we are greatly affected by our surroundings: environment, people, media, and so on. We often forget that we have the ability to reduce our stress, lower our anxiety, and be the master of our bodies and spirits. It takes a bit of practice, but it is possible to calm our nervous systems, activate the Parasympathetic nervous system, strengthen our immune systems, reduce inflammation, and reconnect with ourselves at a deeper level.

As part of my practice, I have been using the journal developed by the 369 Project. It is based on manifesting what is already ours through affirmations, visualization, and reflection. In one chapter, the author suggested Grounding, Earthing, and Sungazing. I have found all three of these to be incredibly powerful in my own life, and the best part is that they are available to all of us free of charge!

Grounding

Grounding has to do with reconnecting with the earth. We are electromagnetic creatures, and our earth is an electromagnetic field. Walking barefoot (when it is safe to do so) allows us to connect with the earth in a powerful way. Walking on rocks, grass, dirt, and sand can each offer the gift of grounding. Of course, being mindful while you are doing this is key! Pay attention and notice what you are experiencing.

Earthing

Earthing can simply be described as experiencing the earth in its natural form. Walking in the woods, touching trees, picking up leaves and

exploring them closely, feeling the dirt in your hands, connecting with the earth in all its forms. Again, mindfulness during the experience is an integral part of the practice.

Sungazing

Sungazing can be incredibly powerful and should be done when the sun’s UV index is at its lowest…at sunrise and sunset. The Creator knew it was good for us to gaze into the sun at those times and therefore made them the most beautiful and inviting. I don’t think any of us would deny how powerful it can be to experience a sunrise or a sunset in silence…no words are necessary. We know this can help reduce our stress levels, strengthening our immune systems and overall mood.

5-4-3-2-1

I sometimes use the “5-4-3-2-1” technique when working with my clients. This practice is helpful to those who are prone to panic attacks and can help them remain grounded, reduce the feeling of panic, and thwart the onset of an attack. This technique can be incorporated into the above three practices as well. If you don’t have access to a forest, no worries—this can be done anywhere.

While outside, take a moment to be still by sitting or standing connected to the earth. In silence, look around and find five things you see. I like to start with something really big (like a tree) and then find things smaller and smaller as I move from one to five. Really notice them.

Now find four things you can feel. Pick things up or try feeling the bark of four different types of trees. Have fun with it. Then, find three things you

—Charleen K. Miele, LPC

can hear. If you are in a truly quiet place, focus and listen closely. You can even create your own sounds by slightly moving your feet and noticing the sound it makes as leaves crunch or tiny twigs snap on the ground. Welcome the sounds of the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and even the slight buzz of a bee as it hovers on nearby flowers.

Move on to finding two things you can smell. Breathe deeply. Notice what the air smells like. Hold something in your hand and smell it closely. Dr. Zach Bush recommends that we “breathe in the biome” in nature. He reminds us that in the breath of nature, we reconnect to the vast ecosystem around us. The trees, plants, mosses, and soil all offer us something beneficial to our systems. It’s a gift offered to us, free of charge.

Finally, find one thing you can taste. If you are not familiar with the plants in nature, it is not advisable to eat something unknown as it could be harmful to your system. Bring something small—a raisin, a small piece of chocolate, an apple. Truly allow yourself time to eat mindfully and notice how it tastes. This act alone can help reduce our stress, slow us down, and make us more mindful and connected to our bodies and our environment.

Give it a try! It’s amazing what these practices can do to help reduce our stress and anxiety and increase our sense of connection and calm. The earth is a gift. The earth is our home. Welcome home.

•

Charleen K. Miele, LPC , is a Licensed Professional Counselor who started her journey as a teacher, church music director, and fitness instructor.

Charleen works with clients both in person and via telehealth and has recently added Trauma Informed Breathwork to her work. She offers her clients the opportunity to experience IFS and/or breathwork through in-person and online sessions and is currently offering group breathwork sessions online and will be hosting workshops and group sessions in person in the new year. Life coaching and spiritual life coaching, including breathwork and IFS work, are also available both as individual sessions and as packages of two, four, or six sessions. Charleen will soon be offering self-paced online courses as well as interactive groups that will meet for a series of weeks and will include lectures, discussions, journaling, and experiential somatic work through breathing and movement. Visit https://www.thesacredselfllc.com/.

Contact Charleen at thesacredselfllc@gmail.com or call 860.614.8382. Located at 171 Market Square #102, Newington, CT.

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PAGE 31 “7 Steps to a Healthy Gut and a Healthy Weight” BY JANE GRANT, RDN, CD-N

How to Make a Hard Decision Easy in 3 Quick Steps

By Ray Beyor

We all struggle at one time or another with making decisions in our lives. Since the pandemic, most of us have experienced the need for certainty in an uncertain world. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t. This makes those hard decisions weigh harder on us, especially during times when the simplest of decisions seem overwhelming—like when choosing a salad dressing among hundreds of options can flood us with heart palpitations. It’s no wonder stress, depression, and rage are on the uptick around things that seem so unimportant in the scheme of our lives.

How do we get out of decision paralysis? I have created a quick guide you can use whenever a decision stops you in your tracks. I call it my VPN (Values, Priorities, and Neutralizer) Questionnaire. It’s my inner guidance system that leads me to my heart and soul’s destination. This is where I can fulfill my wishes through conscious decisions and consistent, committed actions.

The first time this worked for me was at age 23 when I started working at a picture frame shop. The shop was completely disorganized, and it seemed no one knew how to do their job. I wanted to leave, but I really liked the work and the people—so I had to make a decision.

Values

“What was getti  ng in the way of what I really wanted?”

I wanted to feel successful at my job and be respected. What was getting in the way of that was that the frame shop did not have an informed leader to solve the problems, which created a stressful environment.

Priorities

“What would happen if…I do nothing? If I do what I usually do? Or if I do something out of the ordinary?

I knew if I did nothing, nothing would change. What I usually would do in this situation is leave the job to find another; however, I had a feeling I’d find another job with the same problem. If I did something out of the ordinary, it would be to become the leader the place desperately needed and create systems that helped us all work stress-free.

Neutralizer

“Which decision would make me feel relieved and free?”

I had to sit with each previous answer and feel it out to answer this last question. I imagined myself succeeding at doing it another way and boldly taking charge. I realized that even though it would be difficult, it gave me what I truly wanted—my values.

Although the decision is hard because it requires standing up for ourselves, facing conflict, and stepping out of the status quo, it’s also easy because it opens us up to the truth of what works for us and frees us to do it our way. This can be a neutralizer to the nervous system, which is why many experience a feeling of relief when they finally make the right decision.

Once I decided I’d take the road less traveled and become the leader, I broke my decision down into small problems to be solved. I asked myself what would relieve the stress at the frame shop and help us all work seamlessly together so that our customers praised us instead of complaining. I created a step-by-step action plan that I would propose to the manager.

After doing this exercise back in my twenties, I found an inner guidance system that taught me how to know what I want, find my yes, and bravely make the small steps toward it. I challenge you to step into your brave self and make hard decisions easier, too!

Ray Beyor, owner of RAY Life Coaching, provides her clients with resources and practices that clarify their values, set steps toward their purpose, and master confidence while facing fears with patience, compassion, and accountability. Ray’s training in attachment theory, codependency, yoga, meditation, polyamory, consent work, dance, and astrology is used to guide her clients into their authentic and abundant selves. To schedule a free call or learn more, please visit www.reneebeyor.com. See ad on page 7 >

“My VPN (Values, Priorities, and Neutralizer) Questionnaire is my inner guidance system that leads me to my heart and soul’s destination. This is where I can fulfi ll my wishes through conscious decisions and consistent, committed actions.”

–Ray Beyor

Therecent events with the Clancy Family in Duxbury, MA, have deeply impacted me. It has driven me to provide some education on postpartum depression (PPD) and autoimmunity and their roles in the mother’s—and the whole family’s—well-being.

Feelings of sadness called the “baby blues” are often experienced after labor and delivery, starting about 3–5 days after delivery, and may resolve around two weeks post-delivery. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, can begin anytime within the first year and affects around 1 in 10 women. Signs include unimproved baby blues, sadness, guilt, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, trouble making decisions, worry that you are a good mom, sleep changes, stressful changes (e.g., new baby), thoughts of harming yourself or others, and general anxiety. If you are unsure if this fits your bill, visit www.psychology-tools.com/ epds/ to test your symptoms.

The Dangers of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a common disorder, yet women are suffering silently. PPD should be carefully monitored, and any hallucinations or psychotic features should be discussed with and taken seriously by your provider, particularly when you have a family history of mental illnesses. This could be a manifestation of postpartum psychosis (occurring in every 2.6 out of 1000 births) or bipolar I or II. Both parents should be present during these encounters and understand the risks for the mother and child(ren). If your practitioner ignores your concerns, RUN! Leave the office, never return, and find someone who will listen to you and get the help you deserve.

PPD and Autoimmune Conditions

Often, I find mothers with postpartum depression have an additional underlying autoimmune condition. Autoimmunity may have either gone away

The Real—but Hidden— Dangers of Postpartum Depression

during pregnancy or started up during pregnancy or post-delivery, and it can occur during any period for the mom with any (or all) of her children. Autoimmune conditions often wear out our energy cycles, create inflammation, and disrupt hormones, leaving symptoms of tiredness, fatigue, low energy/drive, inflammation (which may appear as weight gain), aches and pains in the body, digestive issues, skin issues, swollen glands, and (low-grade) recurrent fever. But sometimes, there are no symptoms at all. Because autoimmune conditions can be hard to recognize, they may go untested and untreated. If you have a family history of autoimmunity or are interested in checking, make an appointment so you and your doctor can review your symptoms and decide if further testing is necessary.

The connection between PPD and autoimmunity is that one can feed into the other, creating a cycle that may not resolve and may even become worse. For instance, if you have a disruption in your sleep cycle, your hormones (thyroid) are likely getting further disrupted—being pregnant disrupts them automatically to sustain a new life.

We do the most healing during sleep, between the hours of 10 pm and 2 am. Without sleep, your body becomes inflamed—particularly if it’s not able to heal. This causes us to hold onto toxins that disrupt our natural homeostatic state, leading to a cascade of impairments and symptoms, such as a disruption in pH buffer systems. This allows for certain bacteria to reside (as an overgrowth) in the gut, where they would be limited and in balance with other microbes. Or, our happy hormones (dopamine and serotonin) might see disruptions, leading to further depression—and, if there is a rapid surge, they may appear as schizophrenia.

I want no woman to go unheard or feel out of control of her mind or body—I want her to feel blessed and happy with her new child. If you need help, reach out—you deserve to rest and have support.

By Dr. Cora Stover, ND

“Postpartum depression is a common disorder, yet women are suffering silently. PPD should be carefully monitored, and any hallucinations or psychotic features should be discussed with and taken seriously by your provider, particularly when you have a family history of mental illnesses.”

—Dr. Cora Stover,

ND

Dr. Cora Stover, ND, operates Emerald City Health Associates, LLC as an all-natural telehealth clinic. At ECHA, Dr. Stover assists her patients through challenging health conditions while sifting through the symptoms to find the common factor. Dr. Stover works with complicated issues such as hormones and autoimmunity, addressing core issues for her patients. Call 203.963.1932 and visit www.emeraldcityhealth.com for more information.

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By Brenda Sullivan

How Herbs Can Help Detox Your Home for a Healthier Environment

Cleansing your home of toxins can be beneficial for your health and well-being. Removing hazardous materials and chemicals from your residence can reduce the risk of certain diseases.

1. Breathing issues: Toxic materials may inflame the respiratory tract, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in respiration.

2. Allergic reactions: Some toxic substances may lead to allergic outbreaks such as rashes, hives, or asthma.

3. Skin troubles: Some toxins result in skin sensitivity, such as redness, itching, or dryness.

4. Headaches: Ingestion or inhalation of certain toxins can bring about headaches.

5. Nausea and vomiting: Consuming or breathing in toxic elements can lead to nausea and vomiting.

6. Neurological issues: Exposure to certain toxic substances can produce neurological difficulties like shakes, memory loss, and difficulty in focus.

7. Cancer: Long-term exposure to specific toxins has been linked to a heightened risk of certain cancers.

Herbs to Detox Your Home

Herbs have been used for centuries to purify and cleanse the body and home. They’re natural, safe, and effective in reducing toxins and promoting good health. Here are some herbs you can use to detoxify your home and bring in more wellness:

•Citronella:This herb is a must-have to clear the air and keep insects away.

•Eucalyptus:Helps break down dirt and grime, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.

•Frankincense:This one is primarily used in body care products but can be added to any cleaning concoction to purify the living spaces.

• Lavender: This is a very versatile herb, helping clean dirt and grime and providing a relaxing atmosphere when used as a room fresher.

•Lemon:This herb has powerful aromatics, which make it the perfect choice for clearing up dirt, greases, and odors.

•Lemongrass:Lemongrass is the ideal herb to use if you want to remove bad smells while repelling pests.

•Orange:This will make your home sparkle with cleanliness while making you feel much better with its positive energy! It can help eliminate odors as well as grease and grime.

•Peppermint:This herbal remedy has a stimulating scent and is excellent for purifying the air and getting rid of toxins inside your home.

•Pine:Pine is excellent for freshening up the air and banishing any unpleasant smells.

•Sage:An ancient way of purifying the air is through burning sage. You can also add it to your cleaning products or use its coarsely ground leaves to scrub sinks.

•Rosemary:Effective for purifying the air and tackling toxins, this one is also great for adding to cleaning solutions or grinding down into a coarse powder for scrubbing sinks.

•Tea Tree: This is the go-to herb for mold or mildew. It’s ideal for adding to any non-toxic cleaning mixture you may already have.

Use the Herbs to Detox Your Home

If I want a more aromatic scent, I have found it more economical to infuse white vinegar with my herb of choice and then add the infusion to the cleaning solution than it is to add essential oils.

Orange- or Lemon-Infused Vinegar

Mason jar – 1 quart

White vinegar – to fill jar up to neck

Citrus slices – 1 orange slice or 2–3 lemon slices

Lavender buds – enough to fill 1/4 of the jar

Instructions:

•Fill the jar to the neck with the white vinegar and add citrus slices or lavender buds.

• Cover with parchment paper and put the lid on.

•Place in a dark spot for 1–2 weeks, depending on how warm it is outside.

•Strain off the citrus slices or lavender buds and put the infused vinegar back in the jar.

“Essentially, if I want a more aromatic scent, I have found it more economical to infuse white vinegar with my herb of choice and then add the infusion to the cleaning solution than it is to add essential oils.”

—Brenda Sullivan

All-Purpose Cleaning Spray

Spray bottle – 1 bottle

Liquid soap – 1–2 drops of Castile or liquid dish soap

Essential oil – 10 drops (optional)

Infused vinegar of your choice

Water

Instructions:

•Fill the spray bottle with 50% infused vinegar.

•Add several drops of liquid soap and essential oil.

•Fill the rest with water.

•Shake gently before using.

Mold and Mildew Remover

Mix one cup of white vinegar and twenty drops of tea tree oil.

Herbal Scrubber

•1/2 cup baking soda

•1/2 cup dried sage leaves coarsely crumbled

•1/4 cup dried rosemary coarsely chopped

•Combine half a cup of baking soda, half a cup of crumbled, coarsely cut sage leaves, and a quarter cup of coarsely chopped rosemary in an air-tight container.

• Note: Do not use herbs found in the spice section of the grocery store. They are too fine. Other steps to help detox your home include removing traditional cleaning products with chemicals and replacing them with natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, borax, Castile soap, and essential oils. Additionally, open windows for several minutes daily to help ventilate the space and bring in the fresh air. With these tips and consistency, you can effectively detox your home and provide a safe living space for your family.

Mold and Mildew Remover recipe credit: Essential Oils for a Clean and Healthy Home, by Kasey Schwartz

Herbal Scrubber recipe credit: The Naturally Clean Home, by Karyn Siegel-Maier

Brenda Sullivan is the proprietor of Thompson Street Farm and Farm to Bath and is an avid herbalist. Her garden, where she grows medicinal flowers and herbs for her bath and body products, is a source of endless joy and knowledge. Using herbs has given Brenda and her family an improved quality of life. Brenda loves sharing her herbal insights on her podcast and YouTube channel, Living and Lovin Herbs. Websites: https://www.farmtobath.com/ www.livingandlovinherbs.com.

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How Food Can Help Heal Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

By Dr. Nicole Aviles, ND

“Comprehensive approaches to managing PCOS and its complications must include targeting the underlying cause—i.e., insulin resistance.”

Irregular menstrual cycles of longer than 35 days, acne, abnormal body hair growth, hair loss, and weight challenges are just a few of the symptoms that characterize polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a multifactorial disease theorized to be caused by susceptible genes whose expressions are influenced by environmental factors.

One of the most common environmental factors contributing to the manifestation of PCOS is insulin resistance, a condition defined as an impaired response to insulin in the body that results in elevated levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood.

Insulin Resistance

Under healthy, “insulin-sensitive” conditions, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin as glucose begins to enter the blood after digesting a carbohydrate-rich meal. The function of this insulin is to stimulate the cells of the body to take up the glucose from the blood and use it to generate the body’s energy. As the glucose is removed from the blood into the cells, insulin levels also begin to decline.

Under insulin-resistant conditions, the cells become less responsive to insulin, requiring the pancreas to release more of it to continue removing glucose from the blood. Increased levels of insulin lead to inflammation and imbalances in hormones that control appetite and weight, as well as stimulating the ovaries to secrete excess testosterone, which accounts for many of the symptoms associated with PCOS.

Natural Strategies to Heal PCOS

Although PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged individuals assigned female at birth worldwide, it is often underdiagnosed, leaving many to deal with frustrating symptoms and the associated risks of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, obesity, and infertility. Comprehensive approaches to managing PCOS and its complications must include targeting the underlying cause—i.e., insulin resistance.

Nutrition and exercise play a significant role in the natural management of PCOS. Making more mindful food and movement choices aimed at preventing or reversing insulin resistance can result in reduced testosterone levels and associated symptoms (acne, abnormal body hair growth, hair loss), improved ovulatory function and menstrual cycle regularity, and reduced risk of comorbid conditions (type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and so on).

Choose Healthier Carbohydrates

Our body is designed to use glucose from digested carbohydrates to generate energy. These carbohydrates should be derived from whole grains and low-glycemic fruits and vegetables, which contain fiber that slows the release of sugar into the blood. This includes foods like brown or wild rice, quinoa, leafy greens, beans, lentils, chia seed, ground flax seed, organic apples and pears with their skins, peas, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. Limit consumption of processed

—Dr. Nicole Aviles, ND

sugars, especially high fructose corn syrup, and white breads, pizza dough, pasta, pastries, and breakfast cereals.

Include Protein and Fat with Every Meal

Combine quality protein and healthy fats with carbohydrates to help prevent the rapid spikes in blood sugar that lead to insulin resistance. Quality proteins include lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. Plant-based sources include quinoa, buckwheat, and hemp seeds, or any combination of nuts/seeds, whole grains, and beans. Healthy fats include avocados, nuts and seeds, olive oil, pastured butter, and cold-water fish (wild-caught salmon, mackerel, sardines). Unhealthy fats found in fried foods, processed foods (commercially baked goods or “junk” foods), and seed oils (soybean oil, canola oil, sunflower oil) should be limited.

Eat a Balanced Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and influences how well your body manages blood sugar throughout the rest of the day. Start the day with a meal that includes protein and healthy fats, like sourdough toast with avocado and hard-boiled eggs or organic Greek yogurt with nuts and fresh berries (if you can tolerate dairy).

Exercise

Exercise, like daily walking and regular resistance training, is one of the most efficient ways to restore insulin sensitivity. Exciting research shows that simply performing “soleus push-ups” (an activity that works the calf muscle while seated) after meals can also have lasting positive effects on the metabolism.

Dr. Aviles is a naturopathic doctor at Whole Health Natural Family Medicine in Hamden, CT, where she specializes in women’s health and pediatrics. She has a special interest in the management of gynecologic, hormonal/ endocrine, and mental health conditions, acute and chronic pediatric care, as well as chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high cholesterol. Whole Health Natural Family Medicine, 203.288.8283 admin@ wholehealthct.com

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By Chelsie Kirk

Top Tips for a More Organized Home

You may often not even realize how much clutter affects your day-to-day life, the way you interact and engage with others, or how focused you really aren’t. Getting your home in better order may seem like a daunting task—you don’t know where to start, it’s too overwhelming, and there isn’t enough time in the day. But there are ways to get around this and make the task at hand easier than you ever imagined.

“When was the last time you used or wore the item?

If you haven’t worn or used it in 6 to 12 months, you can likely dispose of it. Does the item make you feel happy? If your immediate reaction is no, get rid of it.”

—Chelsie Kirk

Making the decision to purge, declutter, and detoxify your environment is one of the best decisions you’ll make in your life. Once you reap the benefits of a clean, organized, well-functioning home, you’ll ask yourself why you didn’t do this sooner!

You can always start small, with that linen closet, for example. And once you see how this change affects your life, concentration, and overall mood, you’ll want to keep going. Maybe the next task will be your master bedroom, storage area, or basement.

No matter where you begin, there are some tips and tricks you can follow to help you optimize your time and enjoy the process along the way.

Be Accountable

If you’re easily distracted and/or overwhelmed, have someone in your life hold you accountable. Let them know you’re working on cleaning out your closet and want to be done with the task within two days. Ask them to check in or send you some motivation/positive vibes!

Set reminders on your calendar or a timer so that you dedicate and allot enough time to your project.

Remain honest with yourself about what you really need to keep and what should be thrown away or donated. When was the last time you used or wore the item? If you haven’t worn or used it in 6 to 12 months, you can likely dispose of it. Does the item make you feel happy? If your immediate reaction is no, get rid of it.

Come Prepared

• Bins and garbage bags: Create keep, donate, and throw-away piles. Keep track of how many bags you’re donating or giving away. Someone out there can use the items that have been sitting in your closet for years. These items are going to make someone else happy, and that should bring a smile to your face!

• Broom and vacuum cleaner: Cleaning as you go will make the task more rewarding and you’ll more quickly and easily see the progress you’re making.

• Timer and music: Set your timer for 2 hours or even 30 minutes—whatever amount of time you can give to the decluttering process that day. Add in some upbeat music to keep the motivation going!

Stay Focused on One Area at a Time

As you’re purging, stay in one area or room of your home. If you find something in that room that belongs elsewhere, simply put it aside for the time being. Once you’re done with the project for the day, pick those items up and move them to their new homes. This will help keep you from getting distracted during the decluttering process.

Staying focused on one area means you’ll see progress, which is very motivating. If you move from room to room, you’re more likely to leave the original project/goal unfinished.

Old and unused items, disarray, and general disorganization can be toxic to the energy of your home and how you function every day. Follow these tips and tricks to start immediately reaping the benefits of a more organized home and life. You won’t believe how much lighter and happier you’ll feel.

Chelsie Kirk is a home organizer with a passion for minimizing clutter and creating beautiful spaces that bring joy to your life. She can be reached at chelsie@cchomeorganization.com or by phone at 860.510.1431.

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Did you know that what we eat affects our gut bacteria and can cause weight gain or weight loss resistance? In fact, your weight may be controlled more by your bacteria than by what you eat. Gut bacteria thrive on what you feed them.

Research has suggested that we have about 100 trillion bacteria—about three pounds!—living inside our gut (microbiome), playing a huge role in our health and disease. The good bacteria in our gut flora promote healthy gastrointestinal functions, providing protection from infection and regulating metabolism, and comprise more than 75% of our immune system. Researchers believe an overgrowth of bad gut bacteria plays a big factor in the metabolic diseases that plague us today, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Our dietary habits have a dramatic impact on the mix of good and bad bacteria. What we eat dictates the kind of bacteria that grow in our gut. Here are some simple steps to take to support a healthy gut.

1. Omit Processed and Refined Foods

A diet that’s high in highly processed, high-sugar, high-fat, and low-fiber diets significantly alters the bacteria that generally grow in our digestive tracts, and the change has been linked to weight gain and diabetes. These types of food allow those undesirable gut bacteria to thrive.

2. Avoid Sugar

Studies have shown that a diet high in sugar can lead to an overgrowth of yeast species and other pathogenic bacteria. For good bacteria to thrive, they require complex carbohydrates like vegetables, beans, and whole grains—not sugar. When you get too many calories from sugar the good bacteria will go hungry and eventually die off, allowing for an overgrowth of the bad bacteria.

3. Eat More Fiber

Eating fibrous plant foods is an important strategy for improving the robustness of gut bacteria. These plants provide the raw material to feed the bacteria through a process called fermentation. The diversity and number of plants you eat will be reflected in the diversity and number of bacteria in your gut—the more, the better. Aim for at least 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day.

7 Steps to a Healthy Gut and a Healthy Weight

By Jane Grant, RDN, CD-N

4. Embrace Fermented Foods

Fermented foods provide probiotics. Greek yogurt and kefir are a good start. Look for products that say “live and active cultures” and avoid those with added sugars. Other probiotic powerhouses include naturally fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles—these contain live bacteria and prebiotics that nourish good gut bacteria.

5. Include Prebiotic Foods

Prebiotics are soluble fiber found in certain plant foods that act as “food” for probiotics. They’re like fertilizer, helping probiotics grow and flourish in your gut. Prebiotic-containing foods include Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, leeks, asparagus, and bananas. You should eat prebiotic food every day.

6. Be Particular with Your Meat

A diet heavy in factory-farmed animal protein feeds a type of bacteria called Bilophilia, which has been linked to inflammation in animal studies—and chronic inflammation is a major contributor to obesity. If you’re a meat-lover, choose grass-fed beef. It’s a good source of omega-3 fats, which helps lower inflammation and promotes healthier gut bacteria.

7. Change the Type of Fats You’re Using Studies show that most omega-6 fats, like canola and soybean oils, promote the growth of bad bacteria in the gut. Replace these oils with those high in healthy omega-3 fats, like coconut oil, avocados, and grass-fed butter, and eat fish rich in omega-3s. Changing your dietary habits can help regulate gut function and flora. If you need help improving gut health or meeting your weight loss goals, contact Grant’s Nutrition & Wellness to make an appointment.

Jane Grant, RDN, CD-N, has been a registered dietitian since 2005 and is trained in Integrative and Functional Nutrition to address the root cause of disease and help promote optimal health. Jane is the founder of Grant’s Nutrition and Wellness in Berlin, CT. She can be reached at 860.357.2282 or admin@grantsnutrition. com. Visit www.grantsnutrition.com and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

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“A growing body of research has suggested that we have about 100 trillion bacteria—about three pounds!— living inside our gut (microbiome), playing a huge role in our health and disease.”

—Jane Grant, RDN, CD-N

Put a Spring in Your Step with Internal Cleansing

By Erika Dworkin, BCHN®

Do the cold weather and excess comfort foods get you down…literally? Do you feel overweight, sluggish, less interested in life? While it is ideal to avoid environmental toxins and detoxify daily, you can awaken your wellness this spring with a gentle, short-term internal cleansing program.

our food, our environment, and

products we put on our bodies. EDCs influence our health by mimicking or enhancing or changing metabolic regulation. These compounds interfere with hormone production and metabolism in ways that may— especially over the long term— create biological conditions that make us more susceptible to cancer and other diseases.”

—Environmental exposures and cancer: Using the precautionary principle, Ecancermedicalscience. 2019; 13: ed91.

Why Cleanse?

Thousands of damaging toxins bombard our bodies daily due to exposure to environmental pollutants, eco-unfriendly consumer products, and unhealthy food and water. These include heavy metals, chemicals like pesticides that take years to break down, tobacco smoke by-products, phthalates in plastics and solvents, microbial toxins produced in the gut, and preservatives and dyes in processed foods.

Ongoing exposure to toxins can cause disease in many ways. It imbalances hormones (especially during menopausal years), displaces bone minerals, damages organs, accelerates aging, interferes with healthy gene expression, and prevents proper cell signaling by impairing cell membranes.

Some indications that your body needs an internal cleansing include:

• Extreme fatigue and insomnia

• Headaches, brain fog, difficulty concentrating

• Chronic depression

• Female issues

• Unexplained muscle pains/soreness

• Poor digestion, bad breath, or smelly stools

• Neurological problems

• Weight gain/obesity

• Skin conditions and dark circles/bags under the eyes

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure

• Allergies, chemical sensitivities, asthma

• Compromised immunity

Some Options for Cleansing

If you’re not feeling your best, experiment with these effective cleansing programs:

1. Three-day fresh, organic, vegetable juice/bone broth fast—a quick way to promote toxin removal that can cause detoxification reactions.

2. Thirty-day comprehensive elimination diet— eliminate the most common allergenic foods

and beverages and replace them with non-allergenic choices; gradually add back the eliminated foods and journal their effects.

3. Daily intermittent fasting (see “The Many Amazing Benefits of Intermittent Fasting” in the Jan/Feb 2022 issue of Natural Nutmeg).

4. Ten-day/ongoing daily core food plan that follows the exclusions below and includes organic vegetables, healthy fats, certain nuts and seeds, cooked legumes, berries, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised chicken, turkey, and eggs.

These additional guidelines for following a cleansing program can also be beneficial:

1. Detox when you will have ample time to rest and restroom access.

2. Prepare by eating only raw foods for the last meal or for the full day before the fast begins.

3. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of alkaline spring or filtered water daily and avoid other drinks except green and herbal teas.

4. Avoid all processed foods, meat (beef, pork, lamb), shellfish, alcohol, non-prescription drugs, sugar, added salt, tobacco, and caffeine.

5. Support your body with fiber, vitamin C, a high-potency multiple vitamin/mineral, a lipotropic formula, and other detoxifying supplements (see below).

6. Use a sisal brush twice daily to stimulate the lymphatic system.

7. Avoid heavy exercise—do yoga or other gentle deep-breathing exercises, especially in nature.

8. Break your fast by slowly introducing solid foods in limited portions.

Dietary Supplements That Promote Internal Cleansing

These nutrients can greatly enhance your body’s ability to detoxify and function effectively:

• Amino Acids:

• L-cysteine and L-methionine, whose levels greatly dictate how much the cells produce glutathione, the “master antioxidant.” N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supplementation reduces heavy metal and drug toxicity and can extend longevity.

“Endocrinedisrupting chemicals (EDCs) can be found in

in the

• SAM-e (S-adenosyl-methionine) deficiency is associated with impaired detoxification and can exacerbate liver injury/disease.

• Dandelion Root: Widely recommended for liver, gall bladder, and bile duct conditions; used as a diuretic, blood tonic, and for minor digestive problems. Avoid if allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.

• Fulvic Acid: Derived from humus (dark, organic material that forms in soil from the decay of plant and animal matter), a natural chelator that can bind and break down toxins and metals.

• Green Tea:One of the most powerful liver supporters; helps the body release fat from storage; helps fat-soluble toxins leave the body with the stool. One key component (EGCG) is associated with the inhibition of cancers and metastasis.

• Milk Thistle/Silymarin:Conserves glutathione and reduces oxidative stress in the liver from toxin metabolism. It is effective against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and hepatitis C.

• Minerals:Magnesium supports diseasefighting methylation in the liver, ensures proper energy production in liver cells, and increases glutathione synthesis. Selenium is required for glutathione synthesis and detoxifies mercury and other heavy metals. Combining an appropriate cleansing program with detoxifying dietary supplements can promote optimal wellness. Consult a practitioner before using these methods, especially if you are ill, over age sixty-five, or more than forty pounds overweight.

Submitted by Erika Dworkin, BCHN (Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®), Wellness Guide and former owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe in Manchester, CT (www.cthealthshop. com), which operated for 65 years. See this full article online at www.naturalnutmeg.com. To read more about this topic, contact to get a copy of her chapter in the 25 practitioners’ collaborative book, The Energy Medicine Solution: Mind-Blowing Results to Live Your Extraordinary Life. All statements in this article are practice- or scientific evidence-based, and references are available upon request. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, are for educational purposes only, and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. Erika is available for nutrition consultations and to speak to groups, in person or on Zoom. She can be contacted by phone at 860.646.8178 or by email at edworkin@vitathena.com. Ask about her office hours by appointment, FREE 20-Minute Wellness Assessments, and FREE Wellness Chats!

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What’s the Best Diet for Chronic Illness?

By Dr. Henry C. Sobo, MD

Thehealthiest diet for those who have chronic illness should be able to pass muster if analyzed for these four factors:

1. Nutrient density

2. Alkaline for body chemistry, not acidic.

3. Anti-inflammatory

4. A diet that promotes a healthy weight. Although this also applies to the general population, those with medical conditions need to be aware that these factors may impact their chronic condition.

Let’s take these four factors one at a time.

1. Nutrient Density

Nutrient density simply means you’re eating foods that have a generous supply of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and proteins. An unprocessed diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and good protein sources (which will contain some fat) is key to eating a nutrient-dense diet.

A diet high in processed foods has too much sugar and unhealthy oils and fats, with little or no healthy proteins and lacking vitamins and minerals. This may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, which only worsens chronic disease. Include these nutrient-dense foods in your diet:

• Broccoli is a high-fiber, high vitamin C food with vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.

• Blueberries are anti-inflammatory due to their content of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins.

• Bell peppers contain quercetin, a powerful anti-inflammatory/antioxidant nutrient.

• Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb because of its content of curcumin.

• Olive oil—use extra-virgin, cold-pressed, unrefined olive oil containing oleocanthal, a natural anti-inflammatory substance.

• Green tea contains EGCG, a strong antioxidant that studies show may help prevent cellular damage, improve cardiovascular health, and perhaps prevent cancers.

• Salmon, tuna, sardines, and other fatty �ish contain rich amounts of omega-3 and vitamin D.

2. The Alkaline Diet

The average American’s diet is excessive in foods that cause the body chemistry to be more acidic, which promotes chronic disease. A diet containing more foods that combat acidity and encourage a more alkaline body chemistry is beneficial. 60–70% of all the foods ingested should be alkalinizing.

Keep the following alkaline foods in mind:

• Fruits and vegetables: Broccoli, mustard greens, sprouts, garlic, kale, endives, nectarines, tangerines, raspberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, olives, and citrus fruits.

• Alkalizing beverages: Mineral water, green tea.

• Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, almonds

• Spices: Pepper, ginger

• Lentils, yams, onion, daikon radishes

• Low-acid protein sources: Choose lower-acid proteins (e.g, goat/sheep cheese, yogurt, eggs, and fish) vs. those that are highly acidic (ice cream, processed cheeses, beef, and pork).

3. Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This diet calls for the removal of all foods that cause an underlying inflammatory reaction, which exacerbates chronic disease. These need to be tested via cellular reactivity testing, not antibody testing. Reactions from food sensitivities are not the same as “allergy” reactions tested for with IgE antibody tests, most appropriate for the reactions that occur with the type of allergic response that show immediate onset symptoms. A person could be testing negative for such IgE testing, yet they may be eating inflammatory foods. This information can be uncovered by cellular testing in an appropriate lab.

4. Weight Control

A healthy diet for anyone with chronic disease must consider the effect on a person’s body weight. Extra weight on those with a chronic health condition will only exacerbate their condition. This taxes the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, which have to struggle with carrying that extra weight. Excess body weight will also specifically hinder any attempt to control diabetes and high blood pressure.

The basic rule to be followed for weight control is to avoid excess simple carbohydrates—sugars in all forms, breads, baked goods, pasta, alcohol, and sugary drinks and candies. If a person eats a high-produce, nutrient-dense diet, it will naturally lead to better weight control.

Dr. Henry C. Sobo, MD, has a practice in Stamford, CT. He can be reached at 203.348.8805. More information is available at www.drsobo.com.

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“A diet high in processed foods is going to be too high in sugar and unhealthy oils and fats, with little or no healthy proteins and inadequate vitamins and minerals. This may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, which only worsens chronic disease.”

—Dr. Henry C. Sobo, MD

Detoxification— It All Starts at the Mouth

By Dr. Kevin Norige, DMD

Toomuch of anything can be toxic. Even drinking water has a toxic dose. When one reaches the toxic dose of something, negative things happen to our bodies and affect our health and well-being in often unpleasant ways.

A toxin is a poison that interferes with the proper functioning of a specific organ or tissue or the body as a whole. Most toxins enter the body through that 8-cubic-inch opening in the front of the face – i.e., the oral cavity (or mouth). Some toxins act slowly over months and even years to steal our health and vitality, while others act so rapidly that there isn’t enough time to reverse or stop their toxic effects. Some toxic effects are even labeled “side effects” to hide the assault they’re making on our bodies. Not only that, but different people react differently to the same exposure level of these poisons.

Detoxification, therefore, is the set of actions of restricting, limiting, or reversing the negative effects of toxins on the optimal functioning of the body. All toxins work at the cellular level, interfering with the proper cellular reactions that make life possible.

The Big 3 Categories to Avoid

The single most effective way to minimize or even eliminate the adverse effects of toxins is to prevent or eliminate their entry into the body in the first place—that is, individuals must take personal responsibility for what they put in their mouths!

Of all the things that are possible to put into your mouth, there are three major categories that can be considered toxins which account for more than 90% of all toxic health problems:

1. Re�ined carbohydrates and highly processed foods (i.e., low nutrient-density “foods”)

2. Alcoholic beverages and other recreational compounds

3. Smoking, vaping, and other aerosols

Another category of ingestible toxic materials is drugs and pharmaceuticals, which, although they are prescribed for health, are by their very nature toxins—for example, “antibiotics,” which literally means “against life.” Notice all the caveats and warnings in prescription medicine ads and product literature. We should heed the precepts of the Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates: “First, do no harm,” followed by “Let food be thy medicine.”

There is a multitude of direct and indirect signs and symptoms of toxicity that can be observed, and most can be reversed by detoxification as long as the affected tissues and organs have not been irreversibly damaged or destroyed. The following is only a partial listing of some common signs and symptoms of potential toxicity:

• Decreased mental health and increased mental problems, including irritability, sharpness, acuity, cognitive decline, and memory problems

• Decreased cardiovascular health

• Increased metabolic syndrome issues, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and poor wound healing

• Decreased muscle tone, strength, and mass

• Certain cancers and neoplasms

• Increased cavities

• Increased gum disease issues

• Decreased saliva flow and increased oral dryness

“Notice all the caveats and warnings in prescription medicine ads and product literature. We should heed the precepts of the Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates: “First, do no harm,” followed by “Let food be thy medicine.”

—Dr. Kevin Norige, DMD

ON BY SUBSCRIBERS,AGAIN BASED ON NO OTHER SPECIFIC CRITERIA. RANKINGSARE SOLELY BASED ONTHE NUMBEROFVOTESRECEIVED.THENATURALNUTMEGMAGAZINE’S10BESTAWARDRECOGNITIONSHOULDNOTBECONSTRUEDBYACLIENTORAPROSPECTIVECLIENTASAGUARANTEETHATHE/SHEWILL EXPERIENCEACERTAINLEVELOFRESULTSIFTRINITYPOINTWEALTHORANYOFITSINVESTMENTADVISORREPRESENTATIVESAREENGAGED;NORSHOULDITBECONSTRUEDASACURRENTORPASTENDORSEMENT OFTRINITYPOINTWEALTHBYANYOFITSCLIENTS.INVESTMENTPERFORMANCEISNOTACRITERIONFORTHERECOGNITIONANDTHERECOGNITIONISNOTINDICATIVEOFTRINITYPOINTWEALTH’SFUTURE PERFORMANCE.TRINITYPOINTWEALTHDIDNOTPAYAFEEFORTHISRECOGNITION.THEINCLUSIONOFA10BESTAWARDONTHENATURALNUTMEGMAGAZINE’SLISTSHOULDNOTBECONSTRUEDASAN ENDORSEMENTOFTHEINVESTMENTADVISORYREPRESENTATIVEBYNATURALNUTMEGMAGAZINE.THEAWARDDOESNOTEVALUATETHEQUALITYOFSERVICEPROVIDEDANDTHEINVESTMENTADVISOR REPRESENTATIVEMAYHAVEHADUNFAVORABLERATINGS.WORKINGWITHA10BESTAWARDWINNERORANYINVESTMENTADVISORREPRESENTATIVEISNOGUARANTEEASTOFUTUREINVESTMENTSUCCESS.

In addition, there are plenty of food allergies and sensitivities (notice the increase in dairy sensitivities and gluten intolerance).

What to Do—and What Not to Do— to Help Eliminate Toxins

So now, what can a person living in a sea of potentially toxic materials do to take back their health and move forward to optimal symptom-free living?

Here are a few do and don’t suggestions that help detoxify our lives:

1. As author Chris Crowley famously said in his book Younger Next Year, “Don’t eat crap!”

2. Reduce the amount of refined carbohydrates and over-processed foods you consume.

3. Drink plenty of water (approximately half your weight in ounces of water) but make sure you are also getting enough electrolytes too.

4. Reduce the amount of alcoholic and other “recreational” compounds you ingest.

5. Eliminate all “recreational” smoke or vapors.

6. Reduce your need for prescription medicines, especially those having many caveats and warnings on their labels.

7. Stay active physically, mentally, and spiritually. As you can see, it is possible and desirable to live a toxin-reduced life, if only we listen to what our parents said to us when we were kids: “Eat your vegetables” and “Don’t put THAT in your mouth!”

To learn more about oral health as part of the wholebody system and how a healthier mouth allows you to live a healthier life, visit www. SouthWindsorSmiles.com to get Dr. Norige’s Healthy Smile, Healthy Life book with FREE shipping! You will learn secrets that can help you live healthier, happier, and longer—this book can change your life!

Kevin Norige, DMD, is the founder and chief dentist at South Windsor Smiles, a private dental practice that focuses on oral health as part of the whole-body system. For over 35 years he has worked with patients to achieve a healthy mouth and live a healthier life. Call 860.288.2111 or www. SouthWindsorSmiles.com.

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MASCALO

Are You Ready to Detox Your Home?

By Carolyn Tierney, CSBA

We support our health in many ways—such as eating healthy, exercising, and self-care— but often, we forget our environment’s role in the well-being of our minds and body. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 87% of their life indoors and 62% of their waking hours in their home…homes that are typically found to contain more than 500 chemicals. Yikes! With those stats, it’s clear that cleaning up our home should be a priority.

The thought of detoxing or cleaning up your home can be overwhelming, but you can impact the health of you and your family by taking small steps, just as you do on the journey of eating healthy or starting a new exercise regime.

Are You Ready to Detox Your Home?

Here’s Your Smart First Step

First and foremost, create a NO shoes policy. Scientists have found that toxins are regularly present

on our shoes. Bacteria such as E. coli, pesticides, and lead contaminants have all been found on a typical shoe in our home! The practice of no shoes in the home can reduce the toxins we usually would find by 60%.

Designtip: Leave a stylish basket or bin for an easy solution to corral those shoes in your entrance. In wet weather, a good tray to leave damp footwear is a great solution, too.

That quick, smart step is simple but hugely beneficial. Now let’s talk about five more areas we should look at when detoxing our home.

1. Improve Your Air Quality

• Ventilate your home: Open those windows and use mechanicals to get fresh air and toxic air out of the house. Bonus detox points if you check the bathroom, laundry, and cooking vents to confirm they are working correctly.

• Get rid of dust: Start with a good old-fashioned wet/damp mop and dust off all surfaces. Keep this up regularly to prevent dust build-up containing toxins like lead, mercury, asbestos, and flame retardants. Plain water is the perfect answer for weekly cleaning. White vinegar and water are great natural cleaning solutions when needed.

• Use an air purifier: A good air purifier in your home makes a huge difference. A good filter will capture and remove germs from your air, which helps during cold and flu season, and can also help to reduce and even remove harmful pollutants such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and reduce chemical particles.

• Change your filters: Furnace filters, whole home filters, and air purifiers must be changed and cleaned regularly to ensure they can do their job. A simple reminder on our calendar, just like making a yearly doctor checkup, can be a game changer. Bonus points if all vents and grills are wiped down regularly to avoid the expelling of dust while in use.

• Get your air tested: If you’re concerned about your air quality, there are tests that can be done with home kits and professionals if you suspect radon, toxic off-gassing by Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), or formaldehyde, to name a few.

• Source healthier products to clean your home with: As you reach the end of a bottle of cleaner, be conscious about the next one you buy. Use verified databases such as EWG to find products and educate yourself about what’s in the products.

2. Make Sure Your Water Is Clean

Do you drink enough water every day? It seems like the doctor always asks us this. Water is essential for the healthy operation of our body. Our water comes to us via a private well or city water, and we use it for everything—drinking, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Getting to know your water and selecting a filtration system accordingly are essential, and here are suggestions on how to go about that.

•Get your water tested by a professional or reputable home test.

•Do some research and leg work to get to know your water.

•The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to get you started on its website. It has an Annual Drinking Water Quality Report from your water supplier. Based on your location, it will let you know where it comes from and what is found.

•The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a simple Tap Water Database where, if your home has city water, you can enter your zip code and get research on your water. When inputting my zip code, I found 26 Contaminants, 11 exceeding the EWG Health Guidelines.

• When selecting a water filtration system, base your decisions on what’s in the water and if it meets your needs and goals. Based on your findings, you can decide the type of water filtration you may need.

•Options can be as simple as a standalone system to a whole home system. Don’t forget your shower when thinking about water—most city water contains chlorine, and the way we ingest the most significant amount of chlorine is through that shower we take daily to wake us up or relax us after a hard day. Chlorine is linked to nose, throat, and eye irritation, exacerbating asthma to impaired neurobehavioral functions and hyperactivity.

3. Say No to Synthetic Fragrances

We all love a good-smelling or clean house, but that doesn’t have to be created artificially. What needs to be avoided:

•air fresheners

• paraffin candles (yes, those scented candles need to go) and wax melts

•plug-ins and air freshener sprays

Why? Most scents are created with a petroleum base. These chemicals contain phthalates, which are

“Design tip: Leave a stylish basket or bin for an easy solution to corral those shoes in your entrance. In wet weather, a good tray to leave damp footwear is a great solution, too.”

—Carolyn Tierney, CSBA

found to be endocrine disruptors that disrupt our body’s hormones. Many also have carcinogens, such as benzophenone and styrene.

4. Basic Cleanups in the Kitchen

The kitchen can have its own miniseries on how to clean it up, but for now, let’s dive into a few easy cleanups:

•Replace your old plastic food storage with glass containers.

•Look at your pots and pans: Avoiding all nonstick pans is a good rule of thumb. Scratched or not, PFA or some new chemicals are just a no-no to your health.

• Options for replacing pots and pans: Stainless, cast iron, or glass. And yes, before you ask, a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet can be used for eggs.

•It is not just the pan but what you cook in or on. Swap your tin foil and plastic wrap with parchment paper (if needed).

•If you are looking for new dinnerware or glassware, check if they say it is lead- and cadmium-free.

5. Be on the Lookout for Mold

Mold is a huge health problem we must be aware of. It can cause allergic symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, and coughing. It can also lead to difficulty breathing, headaches, and fatigue. Extended exposure can lead to an even more severe reaction, so it needs to be taken seriously.

•Be conscious of areas with too much moisture, whether from a leak or a primary bathroom without proper ventilation.

• A dehumidifier is helpful in damp areas where the relative humidity is above 60%

If you are concerned about mold, have a professional test this. This way, you can double-check the results. With mold, you always use one company to test and a different company to remediate if needed.

It’s essential to remember that our homes will never be toxin-free, but we can make a significant impact by reducing toxins that will benefit our bodies and mind!

Carolyn Tierney, CSBA, GREENleader

AP, is a Holistic Interior Designer and Wellness Specialist. Ms. Tierney guides families seamlessly through the design experience, from construction to decoration, creating a non-toxic and stylish home. She leads studios in Simsbury, CT, and New York City. Contact at 929.390.1742, info@carolyntierney. com, www.CarolynTierney.com.

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Improve Your Fertility by Detoxing Your Home

By Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc

Yes! Removing excess environmental toxic burden to the body that we surround ourselves with day in and day out can improve the natural function of the body and allow it to work properly. Reproduction is one of the most delicate and vulnerable systems in the body that toxic burden overload negatively impacts. Science has proven that chemical/toxic exposure, in either partner, can increase the time to conception and loss of pregnancy.

The human body is designed to remove an enormous load of toxins when there is an adequate amount of nutrients available for the task. Unfortunately for most Americans, there are two problems with this statement.

1. Toxin exposure and overload are increasing in our daily living space and work environment.

2. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is known to be nutritionally deficient and exposes us to more toxins.

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that injure our endocrine organs, which are the ovaries, testes, thyroid, adrenals, and pituitary. When the body is overexposed to these chemicals normal function of these organs will be disrupted.

Household Endocrine Toxins That Can Affect Fertility in Male and Female Partners

See chart on opposite page.

This is not an exhaustive list of adverse chemicals we are exposed to in our homes, but they are the largest cause for concern for fertility. If you’re able to avoid products with these chemicals, you’ll be one step closer to taking home the baby you’ve been dreaming of. Take a moment to assess how many toxic chemicals you are exposed to each day, from cleaning products to cosmetics, and you will understand this is a burden the body may be having a difficult time cleaning out.

Switch from purchasing more commercial, mainstream products to natural and plant-based products. There are great websites that are DIY for making cleaning products with non-toxic ingredients. As for cosmetics, natural beauty is beautiful, and there are many more companies starting to make clean cosmetics.

It may seem unimportant to make changes to the toxins you are exposed to because they’re presented on the shelves as completely safe to use without limitation. But research has proven how harmful these everyday products actually are for our health. As the consumer, it’s your decision on what to use. Show how important health is to you by purchasing safe products.

“Take a moment to assess how many toxic chemicals you are exposed to each day, from cleaning products to cosmetics, and you will understand this is a burden the body may be having a difficult time cleaning out.”

—Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc

ChemicalWhere FoundPotential Health Issue

Bisphenol A (BPA): impacts over 200 different genes in the body, which is why it has so many damaging e ects.

•Plastic labeled #7 or PC: water bottles, plasticware

•Lining of metal food and drink cans

•Water supply pipes

•Menstrual products, toiletries

•Household electronics

•Receipts

•Decreases estradiol, ovarian response, number of fertilized eggs and blastocysts

•Cardiovascular disease

•Obesity

•Metabolic disorder

•Chromosomal damage leading to miscarriage

Proper Nutrition Is Key

The next step to getting closer to optimal fertility is replenishing the nutrients needed to clear these damaging toxins. AU.S. national survey of 16,444 individuals four years and older reported specifically that the U.S. population did not meet the daily requirements:

•~94.3% for vitamin D

•~88.5% for vitamin E

•~52.2% for magnesium

•~44.1% for calcium

•~43.0% for vitamin A

Parabensbutylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, and isobutylparaben

•Moisturizers, face and skin cleaners, sunscreen, nail polish, perfumes, deodorants, shaving gels, toothpaste, makeup

•Preservative in beer, sauces, desserts, soft drinks, jams, pickles, frozen dairy products, processed vegetables, flavoring syrups

•Food dyes

•Indoor dust

•Decreased testosterone and sperm count

•Increased DNA damage of sperm

•Diminished ovarian reserve

•Failed implantation

•Allergic skin reactions

Phthalates

•“Fragrance” in air fresheners, cleaning products, laundry products, perfumes

•Soaps, shampoos, hair spray

•Flexible plastic/PVC

•Plastic wrap/food packaging

•Building material-flooring, wall coverings

•Foods: cream-based diary, poultry, and cooking oils

•Thyroid problems

•Early puberty in girls

•Endometriosis

•Reduced sperm concentration and motility

•DNA damage of sperm

•Immune disruption

•Contact dermatitis

•Obesity

•Brain and behavior changes in children

•~38.9% for vitamin C

For the nutrients in which a requirement has not been set had intakes lower than the adequate intake for:

•~100% for potassium

•~91.7% for choline

•~66.9% for vitamin K

All the B vitamins and several minerals, including copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc, were inadequate. These deficiencies not only make it harder for the body to clean out toxins, but they also make it harder for the body to do basic functions, like making adequate levels of hormones.

A whole foods diet, avoiding packaged and processed foods, with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, high-quality protein, and whole grains can help feed the body correctly. We truly need good food for the body to perform its expected functions well each day, not to mention the importance of quality food and adequate nutrients when trying to build an entirely new human being, a baby.

Triclosan

•Antibacterial soaps/ cleaners

•Dish soap

•Hand sanitizers

•Toothpaste/mouthwash

•Clothes, toys

•Sponges, countertops, cutting boards

•Napkins, tablecloths

•Decrease testicular weight and sperm density

•Decrease progesterone and ovarian function

•Cancer of breast, ovaries, and prostate cells

Chlorine

•Disinfectants like bleach

•Tap water

•Swimming pools, hot tubs

•Cleaners

Electromagnetic Field (EMF)

•Microwave ovens

•Wi-Fi, phones, computers

•Increased risk to miscarriage and stillbirth

•Reduced sperm motility and count

•Decreased fertilization rate and ovarian reserve

•Reduced sperm quality and number

•Increased miscarriage

•Developmental impairment of embryo’s reproductive system

Know that these and other unmentioned chemicals are affecting the health of you and your children, born or unborn. Small changes can make a huge impact when considering toxic overload and fertility. Trying to change too much at once can be overwhelming, so start with one area of your life first, say cosmetics, since these products are applied directly to your largest organ, the skin. Or try putting the Wi-Fi on a timer to turn off overnight to reduce your exposure to EMF when not using it. These changes will improve your family’s everyday health, regardless if you’re struggling with fertility.

Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc, operates an all-natural fertility clinic in Wallingford, CT, Fertility Oasis. At Fertility Oasis, Dr. Kerr teaches her patients the importance of preconception care and about all treatment options available to couples struggling to conceive. Dr. Kerr addresses male and female infertility factors to offer comprehensive fertility care to her patients. Fertility Oasis, 857 N Main St Ext Suite 1, Wallingford CT, 203.265.0459. www.fertilityoasis.com. See ad on page 17 >

The Missing Piece of the “Autism Awareness” Puzzle

By Lisa Candera

It’salmost April, and soon people will be abuzz about “Autism Awareness.” There will be walks, runs, building and bridges will light up blue, and there will be the obligatory news reports and social media posts, where you will hear:

• Autism is a spectrum disorder that is identified by a range of conditions, which may affect how individuals behave, communicate, interact, and learn.

• Approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with ASD, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls, and it’s estimated that more than 2% of adults in the U.S. have ASD.

• Some signs of autism include delayed language development; avoidance of eye contact; restricted interests; repetitive behaviors; and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights, and/or colors.

What you will not hear is that behind every child with autism are an untold number of parents who are experiencing elevated levels of stress, fatigue, and depression.

Burnout

Burnout among parents raising kids with autism is not surprising since these parents balance the roles of parenting and caregiving; implementing behavioral plans; acting as co-therapists in reinforcing positive behaviors while simultaneously trying to extinguish negative behaviors; managing teams of educators, doctors, and therapists; and advocating for their child’s needs, all the while living with their heads on swivel waiting for the next meltdown, self-injurious behavior, the next call from the school, or other disruption to their child’s delicate ecosystem.

What is surprising, however, is that parental well-being is not addressed as part of the overall treatment plan for children with autism. This is a missing piece of the treatment puzzle because, as studies have shown, parental well-being is directly linked to the long-term outcomes of their children. It seems this would be even more so for children with autism as, oftentimes, it is the parents who are single-handedly driving the efforts on multiple fronts to secure resources and provide for their child’s longterm needs.

As a result, more resources for parents raising kids with autism would not only positively impact the parent themselves, but they would also directly impact the short and long-term prognosis of their children who rely on them to manage, advocate, and provide for their needs.

In the absence of a systematic approach to provide parents with the resources they need to cope with the ever-present challenges of raising a child with autism, it’s incumbent upon the parents themselves to seek out, find, and avail themselves of whatever resources they can find.

If you’re a friend or a family member of a parent raising a child with autism, here are some things you can do to lighten their load.

Being There

It sounds easy enough, but parents of children with autism need someone to listen and ask how they are doing. They often get so busy with autism-related activities and therapy that it doesn’t leave much time for anything else. Offering to come over for a cup of coffee or to get together just to talk can be one of the best ways to help your friend get out of his/her autism bubble and combat isolation.

“In the absence of a systematic approach to provide parents with the resources they need to cope with the everpresent challenges of raising a child with autism, it’s incumbent upon the parents themselves to seek out, find, and avail themselves of whatever resources they can find.”

—Lisa Candera

Listening without Judgment

Many times, parents of kids with autism hesitate to tell you what’s really going on out of fear of judgment. One way you can support your friend or family members raising a child with autism is to ask them about their struggles and just listen. You can do this by simply saying, “I may not be able to relate to your experiences, but I’m here to listen.”

Help with Respite

Whether the child is a toddler, adolescent, or adult with autism, respite is often a complicated issue for parents because it can be difficult to find someone you trust to watch your child. An offer to provide a brief respite from a trusted friend or family member who knows how to appropriately interact with the child is such a gift. It seems like a simple favor, but it can mean everything to an overwhelmed parent to have a few hours to go grocery shopping or to just spend some alone time with their spouse.

Resources

If you are a parent raising a child with autism, here are three parent resources you can explore:

Autism Services and Resources, Connecticut

Contact: info@ct-asrc .org

Sun Moon & Stars, Inc.

Circle for Autism Resources, Education & Support

Monthly Parent Support Group Meetings

Contact: info@sunmoonandstars.org

Torrington Area Families for Autism Monthly Support Group Meeting

Contact: TafaIncorporated@gmail.com

If you are a mother raising a child with autism: The Autism Mom Coach 1:1 coaching program

Podcast

Contact: lisa@theautismmomcoach.com

The Autism Mom Coach is a 1:1 coaching program founded by Lisa Candera, a certified life coach, podcaster, lawyer, and full-time single mother to a teenager with autism. Lisa also hosts a podcast, The Autism Mom Coach, where she shares practical, actionable tips to support parents raising a child with autism. Lisa is currently accepting applications for 1:1 clients. To learn more about my 1:1 coaching program, visit my website and schedule a free consultation: theautismmomcoach.com

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Don’t Fit the Same Old Mold— Find Your Own Unique Style

By Sharon Sklar, BFA, LMT, CAR, and Warrior Queen

When I was in the first phase of my two-part Rolfing® training over forty years ago, I was young, a bit uncentered, and had a hard time staying present in our classroom. While the student practitioners learned how to Rolf their clients, we auditors had to just observe. I was very sensitive to the energies of six people at a time being worked on, and I struggled to stay grounded. I took two-hour lunch breaks instead of the allotted one hour because I was so off-center. My principal teacher didn’t like me, and I could tell. He would answer other students’ questions with flowery words and a smile. He answered my questions with a “yes” or “no” sharp answer and would then move on.

Thankfully, my assistant teacher took me under her wing. And what a big wing it was! Stacy was a sixty-eight-year-old grand dame of a woman. A psychologist, a lover of jewelry and finery, a pillar of social grace with a street-smart adventurous side, you had to listen when she spoke. Her message to me during our course evaluation was, “Find your style.” Thank you, Stacy, for believing in me and for giving me the encouragement I needed to grow, change, mature, and become myself!

I did thank her at that time and several times in the following years before her death at a ripe old age. Through her kind words, she helped shaped me—I didn’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold. I would grow to understand and nurture myself. With that solid footing, I could then help others who are seeking something for themselves and their own well-being. My chosen gateway for this is through my work as a Rolfer.

Rolfing for Change

My Rolfing® clients are people who seek change. Some have chronic pain and issues related to old injuries, surgeries, or past trauma. Starting the process with a 90-minute consultation, I ask questions about where they were raised, about their siblings and parents, their attitudes, and their medical history. I then ask a series of lifestyle questions so that I can begin to understand how they live, what they choose to eat, drink, and how they recreate and exercise (or not!).

Since change is multi-faceted, seeing where YOU are, is the place you start YOUR journey. That journey is different for every person—we are all unique beings. We each have our own history, our own way of seeing the world, and our own set of life circumstances. These events affect the body, the mind, and the spirit of each of us.

Rolfing® addresses change by creating balance throughout the connective tissue of the body over a ten-session series. The bumps, crashes, upsets, accidents, and injuries of life knock us out of balance. We Rolfers use the body’s web of connective or soft tissue as the medium for change. And change does happen.

A recent client wrote this Google review:

“I had a fairly significant complication after having had hip surgery. I sought out our cardiologist and pulmonologist and was told there was nothing else to do. I knew something wasn’t quite right. I could not get air into my lungs and felt as if my body had betrayed me.… I didn’t know what to expect, and I wasn’t going to give up. Sharon provided expertise and a context for healing. She was attentive and intuitive. She literally returned my body to me. I can now breathe with ease and power. I have regained a connection and loving relationship with my body…”

“We each have our own history, our own way of seeing the world, and our own set of life circumstances. These events affect the body, the mind, and the spirit of each of us.”

—Sharon Sklar, BFA, LMT, CAR

Don’t Force Yourself into Someone Else’s Mold

Over the last forty-two years, I have seen some amazing things happen to the clients in my practice. It’s all about each person finding their own way—finding their own style of self. For many of my clients, becoming pain-free, more fluid, and more aware of themselves and how they use their bodies is life-changing.

I remember sitting on the beach a couple of summers ago, enjoying a book in the shade. There were three beach towels slightly ahead of me. Several minutes later, three girls in their early teens emerged from the water. They were the same age, walked with the same gait, wore the same style of bikini, and had the same long hair. Completely synchronized, they walked up to their towels, flopped down on their bellies, and in complete silence, picked up their phones. There was no conversation, no laughter, no chatting, no movement besides their busy thumbs.

I was struck by their sameness. I remember wondering to myself, when do personal awareness and personal style begin to evolve? We become more socially conscious at around age nine so, until then, we’re in it for ourselves. It’s easier to assume a safe role in the company or in the shadows of others.

My hope for those young women—and for all my clients—is that they each awaken to the power within themselves and find what makes them individuals. That seems to be the goal of a happy life—being quiet enough to hear the messages, obtain inner guidance, and feel personally secure so that we each know and begin to live in our own strengths.

What will you do to uncover that for yourself?

Try to live in the question and wait for the answers. Turning off the TV, your phone, and your social media feeds will allow you some freedom to quiet down and perhaps allow the emergence of yourself. You will be pleasantly surprised when you align yourself with those who can help and nurture you to live YOUR truth in YOUR life—finding your style.

Sharon Sklar is in her 42nd year of private practice as a Certified Advanced Rolfer and has been voted one of Natural Nutmeg’s 10Best Bodyworkers for the last four years.

Sharon works with direct manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and movement re-education over a ten-session series to help her clients feel freer, get more balanced, and reduce chronic pain. Great for athletes, children, and adults recovering from injuries, stress, or traumas of life. State licensed. Call 860.561.4337 for more info or to schedule a consultation. Inquiries are encouraged! www.SharonSklarRolfing.com.

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Detox Your Skin for Optimal Breast Health

By April Beaman, RDH, CTT

Toxins

aren’t easy to see, smell, or feel – but we’re surrounded by them daily. They can be found in our air, foods, cleaning products, and personal-care products. In the U.S., there are over 80,000 chemicals used commercially that have undergone little to no testing to assess their longterm impact. Because we’re exposed to them constantly, these toxic substances can have a negative impact on our health—including breast health.

Typically, detox implies following a specific diet or using certain products that help rid the body of toxins, thereby improving health. The good news is, you don’t need to follow strict protocols because the body is well-equipped to eliminate toxic substances by way of the lymphatic system, liver, and other organs. But you can help the body’s natural detoxification process by implementing simple strategies and easy lifestyle adjustments.

When you’re thinking about detoxification and eliminating the toxic substances lurking in your home, don’t get overwhelmed. First, replace the products you use daily, such as personal-care products, that may contain fragrance, phthalates, parabens, aluminum, and so on. The skin, which acts as a barrier to the outside world, is the largest and most vulnerable organ. The skin is defenseless and very permeable, so when something is applied to the skin, it can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

Consider this: The average woman will start the day by applying nearly 200 chemicals to the skin by way of personal-care products. Something as innocent as the daily moisturizer and antiperspirant may contain parabens and aluminum, which can be problematic. In fact, these ingredients have been found in breast cancer tissue.

Next, you’ll want to ensure the immune system is functioning adequately, which allows for an efficient lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the body’s primary immune defense and manages the elimination of toxins from the body.

Consider the following simple strategies to keep the lymphatic system functioning efficiently so it can be proficient with its job of detoxification. It will benefit not only your overall health but your breast health, too.

Ditch the Antiperspirant

This is so important for breast health! Antiperspirants prevent sweating—but sweating is essential to release the toxins we’re exposed to daily. Preventing the sweating process prevents the breast tissue from draining properly into the axillary lymph nodes and can create a toxic buildup. Using an all-natural, aluminum-free deodorant is a great start to encourage proper lymph flow. Just like your food label, the deodorant you choose should have a short list of ingredients. Look for brands with baking soda or charcoal. These ingredients will neutralize the bacteria that cause body odor but still allow the sweating process necessary for detoxification.

Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil has a unique immune-enhancing effect because it improves lymphatic flow. You may have heard of castor oil for liver detoxification, but it can also assist in detoxifying breast tissue. Applying a castor oil pack to the breasts helps improve tissue circulation, lymphatic drainage, and the elimination of toxins. In addition, castor oil packs are great for sore, tender, and fibrocystic breasts. When choosing a castor oil, be sure to choose one that is organic, cold-pressed, hexane free, and stored in glass. Castor oil packs are easy to use but can be messy since the oil is thick and sticky. I personally use a ready-to-wear pack from Queen of Thrones. Apply a small amount of castor oil to the pack and secure the pack on the breasts for 30 minutes. This detoxification method can be done 1–2 times a month or as often as you feel is necessary. (Consult your physician before trying this method if you’re currently dealing with a breast challenge.)

“The skin is defenseless and very permeable, so when something is applied to the skin, it can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.”

—April Beaman, RDH, CTT

Dry Skin Brushing

This is a powerful way to stimulate lymph movement and to help detox breast tissue. Dry brushing is simply brushing the skin with a dry bristle brush. The skin is the largest organ and is responsible for a quarter of the body’s detoxification, so its ability to remove toxins via the lymph system is vital. Dry brushing is best done in the morning before showering. Always choose a natural bristle brush, apply light pressure, and gently brush one breast at a time. Brush toward the armpit, being careful around the nipples. Emphasis should be on the regions where the bra/underwire sits since this is typically the most congested area of breast tissue. Focus on areas where lymph nodes are concentrated, such as the upper outer portion of the breasts and the armpits.

Rebounding

Jumping on a mini trampoline is a fantastic way to circulate lymph flow. The up-and-down movement from rebounding stimulates the lymphatic system, increasing the flow of lymphatic fluid and helping clear toxins andwastes from all tissues in the body, including breast tissue. Rebound 5–10 minutes twice daily for optimal results. If you do not have a rebounder, you can sit and lightly bounce on a yoga ball or take a walk outside for 15–20 minutes or more. Whether you rebound, bounce, or walk, be sure to move your arms to facilitate upper-body lymphatic flow.

Assisting the body with detoxication is vital for overall health, and applying these simple strategies is an invaluable step in keeping the breasts healthy as well. My mission as a medical thermographer is to empower women to take a proactive approach to their breast health. I have seen many women over the years simply implement a dry skin brushing or rebounding routine and eliminate the use of antiperspirants that have observed a significant difference in their breast health. Better yet, they can also see these positive improvements on their next thermogram.

April Beaman, RDH, CTT, medical thermographer, is certified by the Professional Academy of Clinical Thermology and a professional member of Breast Thermography International.

Beaman has worked in the wellness industry for over 17 years and provides medical thermal imaging and wellness support for both women and men. She is the founder of CT Thermography, located in Farmington, with satellite offices in Glastonbury, Hamden, Westport, CT, and Hadley, MA. Connect at 860.415.1150 or CTThermography.com.

See ad on page 39 >

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By Dana R. Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®,

Ask Dana! A Column Where Personal Finance and Life Intersect

New rules for your retirement wellness! A new law was passed on December 29, 2022, called the Secure Act 2.0. The Secure (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) ACT 2.0 added over 92 new retirement plan provisions that will roll out over the course of the coming years. Below is a concise list of a few changes to be aware of for individuals:

1. Increase in age for required mandatory distributions (RMDs). This is when the IRS requires that you draw out (and pay taxes on) a minimum amount of retirement funds. This used to be 70.5 years old, then 72, but has increased to age 73 beginning in 2023 and age 75 beginning in 2033.

2. Penalty for failure to take RMD is reduced from 50% to 25%, potentially down to only 10%. This is good news for anyone who makes a mistake!

3. Higher catch-up contribution limits. This means you may be able to SAVE MORE in your retirement plans.

4. Student loan matching retirement contributions. Section 110 permits an employer to make matching contributions under a 401(k) plan, 403(b) plan, or SIMPLE IRA with respect to qualified student loan payments.

5. The Saver’s Match, an incentive to save for retirement for lower-income individuals, is updated beginning on 12/31/2026.

6. Savings “Lost and Found.” Yippie! There will be federal assistance to states in locating owners of matured and unredeemed savings bonds. For retirement savers, the Department of Labor will create a database within two years to assist those who may have lost track of their retirement savings accounts that were held at former employers.

7. 529 to Roth IRA transfer. This is AWESOME and has financial advisors and planners like myself rejoicing. It is not effective until 12/31/2023 and has a number of limitations, but is still exciting for savers. Some considerations:

•There is a $35,000 lifetime cap

•The rollover is subject to annual Roth IRA contribution limit ($6,500 in 2023) and can only be made to the beneficiary of the 529, not the account owner (parent)

•The account must have been open for at least 15 years

•The account holder cannot roll over contributions or earnings on those contributions made in the last 5 years

8. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs. QCDs are for those over 70.5. There is an added opportunity to make a one-time $50,000 distribution to a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRUT), Charitable Annuity Trust (CRAT), or a Charitable Gift Annuity.

9. Elimination of 10% penalty on early withdrawals from retirement accounts for certain persons or circumstances, effective 12/31/2023. Check with your custodian or plan provider for more information.

The above list represents only a portion of the changes included in the Secure Act 2.0. There are many more provisions that will impact small businesses and retirement plan sponsors as well. You can find summaries of these relatively easily if you search online—and as always, you can also reach out to us or visit www.TrinityPointWealth.com.

Dana R. Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P® is a Managing Partner with TrinityPoint Wealth, an independent Investment Advisory firm in Milford, CT and Charlotte, NC. Dana advises high net worth clients with complex needs and is sought after by individuals, families, business owners and executives all over CT and the United States. Acting as their personal CFO, Dana looks at a client’s entire financial life with a visionary lens, advising on investment portfolios, retirement planning, stock options, life transitions, exit planning for business owners, customized advanced cash-flow planning and multi-generational wealth transfer strategies.

This material presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. TrinityPoint Wealth, nor its investment advisory representatives are permitted to provide legal or tax advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as legal or tax advice.

See ad on page 36 >

“There will be federal assistance to states in locating owners of matured and unredeemed savings bonds. For retirement savers, the Department of Labor will create a database within two years to assist those who may have lost track of their retirement savings accounts that were held at former employers.”

—Dana R. Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P®

C(k)P®

Taking Responsibility for Your Own Happiness Is the Greatest Gift You Can Give

Ourlives are full of relationships. From the moment we are born until the moment we transition out of this life, we encounter family, friends, and co-workers. Many of us will find a partner with whom we feel an attraction and passion and find ourselves deeply in love with the other person. We may even decide to marry with the intention of the union lasting a lifetime.

One day we may find that something is lacking. Perhaps the passion has dimmed, perhaps interests have changed. With pressures of career, home, and family, we may lose the deep soul connection we once had with another person—the mutual trust, security, and unconditional love—may have faded.

Rebuilding and Maintaining Connection

There are ways to build and maintain that deeper connection, on a spiritual level, with our partner. Meeting them not just as a partner, but as an extension of the other, with vulnerability. Partnerships that are able to maintain that deep spiritual connection often have deep listeners who are able to meet their partner where they are and communicate authentically and truthfully in a non-judgmental relationship.

There are ways those in romantic relationships can deepen their spiritual connection. As an interspiritual minister who creates and officiates weddings, I also companion couples in creating a vision for their marriage. There are practices they can actively engage in to strengthen the foundation of their marriage and help them navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs. These are also practices I observe as opportunities when I work with couples—ways they can build the basis for a partnership that will last.

Being Present to Your Partner’s Soul

The eyes are the gateway to the soul, and being present with another by looking at them and seeing their soul and wholeness is intimate, affirming, and respectful.

Explore the Spiritual Lessons Your Partner Is Teaching You

Having a spiritual relationship is about growing spiritually. Our partners often hold up a mirror to us, even if they’re not aware they’re doing it. We always have the opportunity in relationships to pause when triggered and investigate why. What is happening that has triggered us, and what is this telling us about ourselves?

Have Deep, Meaningful Conversations on a Regular Basis

When was the last time you asked your partner what was on their heart? What new awareness have they had about themselves today? What are their deepest fears, longings, and desires? To have these conversations on a regular basis, without trying to fix or solve but to be present in what the other is sharing, deepens your connections.

Openly Communicate Emotions

Communication, being able to share from a place of respect and nonjudgment, is something many relationships lack. To be able to love someone unconditionally is a true act of love. To be able to hold space for vulnerability builds a relationship of mutual trust and respect. To be able to share hurts and disappointments in an open and honest way builds a secure relationship.

Self-Love

The most important place to be in a relationship is where you love yourself first, you know you are whole and you don’t seek completeness outside yourself. You’re in your relationship not because of need but because your partner is an extension of you, they’re on your path with you. They help you grow spiritually and accept and love you just as you are. To take responsibility for your own happiness and not rely on it being filled by another person is a gift you give to yourself and your partner. Every relationship goes through seasons, and healthy relationships take effort, time, and understanding. Spirituality is the key to appreciating the other person and building a strong relationship that will last through all seasons of life.

Ordained by One Spirit Interfaith Seminary and certified as an Interspiritual Counselor, Lauri offers spiritual counseling in person in her Bethany location, The Liminal Studio, as well as by phone and Zoom. Grounded in mindful practices and with a lengthy corporate career, Lauri is uniquely qualified to companion others as they navigate careers while searching to live authentically. She creates and officiates life event ceremonies, including weddings, partnership commitments, and celebrations of life. You can learn more about her at www.lauriingram.com, email her at lauri@lauriingram.com, or call 203.435.5650. See ad on page 33 >

By Lauri Ingram

“To take responsibility for your own happiness and not rely on it being filled by another person is a gift you give to yourself and your partner.”

—Lauri Ingram

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Local Experts In and Around Connecticut

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture of Greater Hartford Stan Baker, LAC West Hartford, CT 860.836.1068

acupuncturestanbaker.com

AUTISM COACH

Lisa Candera, CLC lisa@theautismmomcoach.com theautismmomcoach.com

The Autism Mom Coach is a 1:1 coaching program founded by Lisa Candera, a full-time single mother to a teenager with autism. Lisa also hosts a podcast, The Autism Mom Coach, where she shares practical, actionable tips to support parents raising a child with autism. Lisa is currently accepting applications for 1:1 clients and offers a free consultation.

BREATHWORK

The Sacred Self, LLC

Charleen K. Miele, LPC Newington, CT • 860.614.8382 thesacredselfllc@gmail.com thesacredselfllc.com

Licensed Professional Counselor (IFS level 2 trained); Trauma Informed Breathwork Facilitator; Life, Spiritual Life, and Wellness Coach. Somatically release stored trauma and foster healing as you discover your sacred self within.

CBD STORE

Natural Harmony

100% Organic & Vegan CBD Products

860.992.7213

naturalharmony.life

Nature’s Gi s

304 W Main St., Avon, CT • 860.995.4444 naturesgi s-usa.com/

Nature’s Gifts is an independently owned, family run CBD Store in Avon, CT. Stress, sleep, and pain solutions available. Our knowledgeable staff will happily guide you through our offerings to find the perfect CBD product for your needs. Don’t pay too much for your CBD—stop in, say hello, and let us help you feel like you again.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

prevent, and heal the root cause of our patients’/ clients’ ailments. Handicap accessible.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Dana Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P® Managing Partner, TrinityPoint Wealth Milford, CT • 203.693.8521 Fax: 203.693.8524 dana@trinitypointwealth.com

GLUTEN

FREE

DESSERTS

Divine Treasures, LLC

Vegan & Gluten-Free Chocolates & Treats Manchester, CT • 860.643.2552 dtchocolates.com

Since 2007, Divine Treasures has been handcrafting chocolates with artisan tradition and unique flair in a vegan and gluten-free facility, all made with organic European dark chocolate. Visit not only for gourmet chocolate, but artisan non-dairy soft-serve sundaes and cheese alternatives, as well as a growing selection of signature desserts and savory frozen meals.

HOLISTIC COUNSELING

Samantha Alzate Mindful Transformations LLC West Hartford, CT • 860.308.2807 mindfultransformations.com

Samantha Alzate is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Mindful Transformations Therapy Group. Samantha received her Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in group work and a Master’s certification in Conscious Studies and Transpersonal Psychology. Apart from traditional clinical education, Samantha is a certified Reiki Master and law of attraction coach.

James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC ProNatural Physicians Group, LLC Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 pronaturalphysicians.com

James Osborne is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Professional Counselor, Board Certified PTSD Clinician, and a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association with over 40 years of clinical experience.

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT Fairfield, CT • 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com

Vitalized Performance Group

Glastonbury, CT • 860.800.6775

VPGwaves.com

VPG Waves is a holistic practice that offers acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, naturopathic medicine, and GAINSWave therapy. We offer affordable programs that integrate holistic modalities to treat,

A recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry, Dr. Breiner treats patients for a myriad of dental concerns including sleep breathing disorders, TMD, mercury toxicity, and hidden infections from cavitations and root canals.

“If you have unexplained symptoms that won’t go away, the answer could be in your mouth.”

Dr. Steven F Hinchey, DMD

South Glastonbury • 860.633.6518

drhinch@agd.org • dochincheydmd.com

Thank you to our wonderful patients who trust our team to care for their improved oral health. Please let your family and friends know that a healthy, disease-free mouth will help your overall health. It is all connected—the mouth and the body. And we can help you get there.

HOME ORGANIZATION & DECOR

Chelsie Kirk

860.510.1431 • cchomeorganization.com

chelsie@cchomeorganization.com

A tidier and decorator by nature, Chelsie started helping fam people with their home needs at the age of 16. Chelsie transforms people’s homes to a place that brings a great sense of pride and comfort by decluttering, organizing and decorating.

HOMEOPATHY

Abby Beale, CCH RSHom(NA)

Homeopathy Healings

HomeopathyHealings@gmail.com

HomeopathyHealings.com • 413.426.1024

Want to get to the root cause of your chronic symptoms? Homeopathy can relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, women’s issues, headaches, digestive troubles, child behavior problems, and so much more. Appointments possible over Zoom and Skype.

HYPNOSIS

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH Middletown, CT • 860.704.9054

mprousseau@sbcglobal.net

micheleprousseau.com

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Emerald City Health Associates, LLC

Telehealth • 203.693.1932

emeraldcityhealth.com

drcorastover@protonmail.com

Serving people with autoimmunity, digestive, and mind-body concerns. Be heard! Start your journey to health and well-being with natural changes.

INTEGRATED MEDICINE

Tamara Sachs, MD

Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC

15 Bennitt St., New Milford CT 860.354.3304 • tsachsmd.com

Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illness by uncovering and correcting the underlying root causes of your health concerns while respecting the uniqueness and complexity that make us human. She comprehensively and thoughtfully creates personalized plans explaining why and how each area of your healing will be addressed.

LIFE COACHING

Channeling Your Wisdom Coaching

Lynda Mettler, ACC • 203.623.6066

lynda@yourwisdomcoaching.com yourwisdomcoaching.com

Is self-criticism holding you back? Embark on a soulful journey to discover your strengths and hidden talents. We combine the powers of IFS Parts Work, Reiki energy, meditation, and life coaching to shift you from stress and confusion to calm and clearheadedness, with a deep sense of self-compassion. This isn’t a new perspective—it’s lasting change.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness

Farmington, CT • 860.778.0315 abundanthealthct.com

Kristina Mozzicato is Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork by the NCBTMB and has been practicing massage for the past 12 years. She provides professional, therapeutic, customized sessions. In addition to massage, she offers cupping, medicupping, body contouring, Himalayan salt stone massage, and Reiki sessions. Convenient online booking.

NEUROFEEDBACK

Jake Williams, MA, LPC

Rocky Hill, CT • 860.208.6964 CT Neurohealth.com

Jake is an experienced therapist, neurofeedback provider, and cat lover. He has dedicated his life to helping people resolve traumatic experiences and overcome challenges created by focus or anxiety.

NUTRITION

Erika Dworkin, BCHN®

Certified in Holistic Nutrition

Vitathena Wellness

South Glastonbury, CT • 860.646.8178 edworkin@vitathena.com • vitathena.com

Through education, Erika empowers her customers to make the decisions that best enable them to maximize their well-being and longevity. She offers private nutrition consultations and speaks regularly about various health topics.

Grant’s Nutrition & Wellness

Jane Grant, RD CD-N Berlin, CT • 860.357.2282 grantj@grantsnutrition.com grantsnutrition.com

Jane is trained in integrative and functional nutrition utilizing a personalized, holistic approach to chronic disease and weight management. Integrative and functional nutrition combines the very best of modern science, clinical wisdom, and integrative therapies to address the root cause of disease and promote abundant health.

ORGANIC PRODUCT CO.

Farm to Bath

South Glastonbury, CT, and Virtual 860.266.5682 • info@farmtobath.com farmtobath.com

Brenda Sullivan, herbalist and maker of herbal products, uses lavender, one of her primary crops, to make natural soaps, soothing salves, aromatic oils and more. She loves knowing the medicinal benefits of herbs, because it ensures her recipes are made with only the best ingredients.

PHYSICIANS, M.D.

Optimal Health Medical, LLC

Henry C. Sobo, M.D.

111 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, CT 06905 203.348.8805 • www.drsobo.com

Member, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Board Certified in obesity medicine, Dr. Sobo believes that the best of both medical and nutritional approaches to medical care is more effective than either approach alone. Dr. Sobo offers eight loss programs, IV vitamins, allergy evaluation and desensitization, stem cell treatments, bioidentical hormone replacement, PRP, and more.

REFLEXOLOGY

Holistic Hands

Tara Cornish, Specializing in Reflexology, Reiki, Aromatouch & Human Energy Scans Torrington, Bantam, & Farmington, CT 860.921.8307 • HolisticHandsCT.com

Tara Cornish is an IIR Certified Reflexologist and Usui Reiki Master/ Teacher since 2005. She also offers reflexology lymph drainage and energyfield measurement. These therapies are non-invasive and safe. Tara has seen amazing benefits using holistic approaches to help heal, relax, renew, and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.

PSYCHIC/MEDIUM

Intuitive Counseling Holistic Spa

Agnes Daddona • 860.941.2667 Avon, CT • AgnesDaddona.com

Agnes@intuitivecounselingllc.com

Agnes Daddona is one of the best Psychic/Mediums in New England. She is also a Counselor, Healer, and Spiritual Teacher. For more than 20 years, Agnes has worked with thousands of people across the world in both English and Polish. Her Holistic Spa in Avon, CT, is a one-stop shop and offers high vibrational healing for the mind, body, and soul.

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ROLFING

Rolfing®—The Art and Science of Body Change

Sharon Sklar, BFA, LMT, Cert. Adv. Rolfer West Hartford • 860.561.4337 sharonsklarrolfing.com

Rolfing®—The Art and Science of Body Change. A dynamic 10-session bodywork series that eases pain, improves movement, and restructures your body when you feel “out of whack.” A hands-on and educational approach that establishes order and balance after life’s injuries, stresses, and accidents. Since 1981.

SPAS/WELLNESS CENTERS

Imagine Float 290 West Main St., Avon 860.255.7771 • imaginefloat.com

SPIRITUAL COMPANIONSHIP

Lauri Ingram

Hamden, CT • 203.435.5650

www.lauriingram.com

Services available in person, and via Zoom/Skype.

Lauri Ingram is an ordained interfaith/ interspritual minister, offering spiritual counseling, crystal dreaming, crystal light, and color therapy, along with workshops and ministerial officiant services.

STRESS RELIEF

Kristina Arlene Oxford, CT • 860.593.8224

biostressinfo@gmail.com •  biostressrelief.com

Sound Healing, Reiki and Mindfulness together in one sixty minute deep relaxation experience! BioStress Relief is a traveling stress relief clinic designed to reduce anxiety, stress, pain and tension. Private sessions take place in your home or office or at our studio. Group Sound Healing and Stress Relief Workshops available!

THERMOGRAPHY

April Beaman, RDH, CTT

CT Thermography

Farmington and Glastonbury, CT 860.415.1150 • ctthermography.com

CT thermography specializes in medical thermal imaging. Breast thermography is a compression and radiation-free screening tool that’s used to monitor breast health to detect physiological changes that may be early warning signs of a disease process. As a Certified Thermographic Technician, I help empower women to take a proactive approach following their thermography screening for optimal breast health.

YOGA STUDIO

Sacred Rivers Yoga

East Hartford, CT • 860.657.9545 sacredriversyoga.com

Paula Scopino, E-RYT 500-Hour, C-IAYT, CT Licensed LMT, YACEP, is the owner/director of Sacred Rivers Yoga and Allied Health Therapies and “Sacred Rivers Yoga for Every Body,” a Yoga Alliance 200- and 500-hour registered school, as well as a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga herapy.)

WOMEN’S HEALTH

The Nourished Life

Jennifer Braun, RD • 860.506.6212 nourishedlifect.com jennifer@ nourishedlifect.com

Jennifer Braun, Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer, opened The Nourished Life to support clients in healing their relationship with food, their body, and understanding their needs and desires. Her approach is meeting you where you are and supporting you in living life with purpose, energy and happiness.