Vitamin K2 for Strong Bones and Flexible Arteries
The vitamin that sends calcium where it’s needed. Calcium is an important mineral for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.[1],[2] But more calcium isn’t necessarily better: If calcium deposits in the walls of arteries, it can cause the blood vessels to become stiff, thus increasing the risk of heart disease. [3],[4],[5]…
Magnolia Bark for Nervous System and Stress Support
Honokiol and magnolol to soothe stress, mood, and neuroinflammation The bark of the magnolia tree (Magnolia officinalis) is native to China, where it is known as Hou Pu and has been used as a health supplement for thousands of years. Traditionally, magnolia bark has been shown to help with conditions of “nervous tension.”[1] This…
What are Antioxidants?
How Do Antioxidants Support Healing? Certain foods – including beautifully-marketed “superfoods” – are celebrated for their antioxidant properties. But what does that even mean? What are antioxidants, and why are they important? What is oxidation? Oxidative stress? As the name implies, antioxidants fight oxidation. But what is oxidation? Let’s take a closer look: If…
What is autoimmune disease?
How a confused immune system can do harm. The immune system is brilliantly designed to protect us from the complications of infection, injury, and disease – but it isn’t perfect. In a condition known as autoimmunity, the immune system can cause harm by attacking the body’s own cells, tissues, and organs. Let’s take a closer…
Herbs for Times of Stress
Herbs from around the world to help with stress, fatigue, and the chaos of life “What doesn’t bend breaks,” as the saying goes, and the degree to which we are expected to “bend” is ever increasing. Our ability to stay focused, adaptable, and calm is of the essence in our fast-paced, outcome-oriented culture. Although…
Reflux Remedies
Soothing heartburn naturally In last week’s post we described the real cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and explored why conventional strategies for managing the condition can come with negative health risks over time. Today we’ll take a look at some simple, natural, remedies for alleviating reflux at its root cause, primarily by (1)…
Acid Reflux 101
The real cause of GERD, and why we need stomach acid Most people think that acid reflux is caused by an excess of stomach acid. This is a common medical myth, and one that has resulted in widespread misunderstanding of the condition and how to best treat it. To properly understand what happens in…
Fighting Depression and Anxiety Through the Gut
Vagus nerve stimulation for mood support (Part 2 of 2) Last week’s post examined the vagus nerve (the tenth cranial nerve) and the important role it plays in connecting the body to the brain. We explored how breath, laughter, and exercise all “tickle” the nerve to send soothing, calming signals to the brain and…
Fighting Depression and Anxiety Through the Body
Vagus nerve stimulation for mood support (Part 1 of 2) There are many ways in which the physical body can influence the mind and mood. One very important link in the mind-body connection is the vagus nerve. Also known as the tenth cranial nerve X (abbreviated CN X), the vagus nerve “wanders” from the…
Chocolate for Heart Health
Cacao may stave off cardiovascular disease History of chocolate Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a box of chocolates. In addition to being a token of affection, however, chocolate is also a medicinal super food that may support cardiovascular health. Perhaps it’s no wonder that we like to present chocolate in a heart-shaped box….
Breastfeeding for Mom’s Brain Health
Moms who breastfeed may be protected against cognitive decline later in life. Data suggests that breastfeeding a child may protect a woman against cognitive decline later in life. Specifically, a 2021 study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) assessed the cognitive performance of women over the age of 50 to see if…
Alcohol and Tylenol Can Be a Deadly Combination
Why taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) for a hangover is a dangerous idea. The over-the-counter pain medication acetaminophen is a surprisingly controversial drug. Sold under the brand name Tylenol in North America and known as paracetamol in other countries, acetaminophen can be taxing to the liver. Acetaminophen is the number one cause of acute liver failure…
