Shopping organic isn’t just trendy; it supports your health on a cellular level. You might be anywhere on the organic-eating journey from “curious but yet to take the plunge” to “vigilantly searches for that USDA certified organic seal on each and every product”. But do you know why those chemical-free items are so much better for you? Sure, no one wants pesticides and herbicides in their body. But why? What exactly are those toxins doing to harm you? Let’s dig deeper and get a fuller picture. First things first: let’s get to know glyphosate. There is no denying it; our modern environment is f ..read more

Your body (along with your microbiome) has adapted to Earth’s 24-hour cycle. Millions of years of co-evolution between us and microbes have led to a symbiotic relationship in which the microbiome contributes to many of our human physiological processes and we, in turn, provide a nutritious and hospitable environment to the microbiome1. Further, we have both evolved to adapt to earth’s 24-hour cycle of night and day. In response to this adaptation, we have developed internal circadian rhythms that affect events such as feeding, body temperature, sleep-wakefulness, hormone secretion, and metabol ..read more

Well functioning kidneys help your pets reclaim vital nutrients from their diet. Kidney health depends on RPTs, but what are RPTs? The most delicate parts of your pet’s kidneys are the Renal Proximal Tubules (RPTs). The RPT’s job of cleaning blood means it works to sort through smaller molecules in the blood, reabsorbing molecules that your pet needs while removing waste products from the body. For all types of mammals, RPTs reclaim vital nutrients such as sodium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, glucose, amino acids, bicarbonate, citrate, triglycerides, and water. RPTs remove waste products like ..read more

Allergies can manifest as the result of an imbalanced microbiome and our increasing disconnection from nature. Most of us know allergies all too well: runny noses, watery eyes, itchy hives. These are common results of what happens when our immune system senses a foreign substance. But did you know that your microbiome can decipher friend from foe? And luckily, your barrier systems (skin, nasal passages, gut lining) are teeming with microbiota. Diversity Breeds Health Your microbiome is exposed to foreign substances early on at these barrie ..read more

Getting outside for some moderate intensity exercise at least 5 days a week is one of the easiest ways to maintain heart health. I usually kick off the new year with a list of grandiose resolutions for improving myself. However, given the unique challenges of 2020 I have decided to forgo the list of resolutions this year and instead keep my focus on maintaining my family’s health. When I saw that the retail stores were already selling Valentine’s Day candy (before we had even rung in the new year), I started thinking. This year, I want to dedicate February 14th not only to love, but also to he ..read more

The ubiquitous spraying of harmful chemicals like glyphosate can wreak havoc on immune function. Every year I usually long for a little more summer when fall’s cool days take over and winter is sure to follow. But it is these seasonal changes that are good reminders to appreciate what has kept me healthy throughout the year, what has kept me afloat as cold and flu season approaches. Without question what I have learned to appreciate the most, season after season, is my immune system’s continuous support of my health. I think of it as my always-on life preserver. Unfortunately, that life preser ..read more

Your first line of defense works hard to protect you from environmental toxins. Has anyone ever told you to just “trust your gut”? Of course they have, but did you know you really have no choice? Your gut, which extends all the way from your sinuses to your rectum, is the primary barrier between you and the outside world, protecting you from environmental toxins1,2. Every day we rely on this barrier to keep us healthy. However, pesticides, pathogens, and other pollutants can damage tight junctions (the seals between your cells) in the gut lining3. This type of damage can allow toxins and other ..read more

Now more than ever, we need to know the facts to better protect our families' immune health. This is a time we are collectively called to make wise choices to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing, and fortify our family’s immune systems against contagious disease. In times like these, it is critical to understand the facts that matter most. If we think disinfectants and sanitizers that contain harmful chemicals are the way to clean our homes, hands, bodies, cars, pets, toys, etc. to avoid catching a virus, we are misled and are missing a most salient point! The use of disinfectants and sani ..read more

Be proactive with your immune health by tuning into your body's signals. We know that the gut is the primary battleground for immune health, but how do we correspond with our frontline defense? By recognizing daily signals that may indicate an immune health issue, such as Celiac or Crohn’s disease, we can be more proactive with our health1. Our bodies communicate to us through discomfort so learning to make the connection is key to addressing the problem. Left unchecked, persistent immune issues leave us vulnerable to more serious health conditions. Let us move past this paradigm of accepting ..read more

Colorful meals filled with a variety of fruits and veggies are not just pretty to look at and fun to make, they can help improve a child's overall health. According to a 2010 study, chronic illnesses in children doubled from 12.8 percent in 1994 to 26.6 percent in 20061. The most prevalent chronic conditions were asthma, obesity, allergies, and behavior problems2. Such statistics make me realize I am not alone in struggling to keep my kids healthy; it seems to have become more difficult for us all. So, I did some research on what we can do to boost our children’s immunity right now. Nutrition ..read more