For ACV to be really beneficial it is essential that it is organic, unfiltered and the apples used, fully ripened. If the ACV is distilled, enzymes are destroyed as is the potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, iron, copper, silicon, trace minerals, and essential amino acids. Distilling also destroys natural acids that fight body toxins and inhibit unfriendly bacteria. The fact that ACV is so potassium rich is incredible as this one chemical is responsible for preventing hair loss, brittle teeth and nails, sinusitis, runny noses and toxic waste in the body, for openers. The reality is that ..read more

We hear a lot about apple cider vinegar and the various health benefits it has for us, but what about plain white vinegar? Some people call this type distilled or spirit vinegar. It doesn’t get the same attention. It is very versatile, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was sold out at stores because of its cleaning uses. Most everyone has it in their pantry because at any time you might need some for cooking, baking, and cleaning. Drinking it by itself tastes much too harsh so it is always an ingredient used for something else.  It is made of 4–7% acetic acid and 93–96% water. It ..read more

Learning the Aloha Spirit? Every time we pick up a newspaper or watch the news, the lead story is always about some person-to- person horror with the foundation being centered around race, culture or religion always resulting in bloodshed, mayhem, chaos or oppression. Seeing this we become fearful and anxious and struggle to remain optimistic and positive. Somehow, in Hawaii, we seem to find a way through this with tolerance, civility and being observant. Coming to Hawaii in the 70’s, in the laid back town of Lahaina, which has now been burned down by a**holes to remodel it,  I was defini ..read more

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects somewhere between 5-10% of the population. This digestive condition is uncomfortable and intrusive upon daily living. Those who suffer from IBS must be careful of certain foods that trigger disruption to digestion. Although having a complete list of possible foods to avoid for a person with IBS is practically impossible, at least eliminating foods that could pose problems is a proactive measure to keep IBS at bay. Attempting an elimination diet is a way to pinpoint what does and does not strike IBS issues to occur. The goal is to maintain regular bowel mo ..read more

In an era where our interactions are increasingly digitized and our social circles can feel cramped by the walls of our own minds, the vibrancy and pulse of a summer festival can be a great antidote. The Pull of Shared Passions Festivals are the embodiments of shared passions, diverse yet united under a common thread, and an undercurrent of belonging. Be it the melodic hum of a music festival where genres transcend barriers and time, or the breathing chants of a yoga retreat that connect breath to movement and hearts to one another, the power of a collective passion is undeniable. In these mom ..read more

Respiratory issues in dogs can be a cause for concern for any pet owner. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a variety of respiratory conditions that affect their airways and lungs, which are essential for breathing. Some of the common respiratory problems in dogs include infectious diseases like kennel cough, inflammatory conditions like bronchitis, and even more serious ailments such as pneumonia. It’s important for dog owners to recognize the signs of respiratory distress and seek veterinary care promptly. Recognizing the symptoms of respiratory issues in dogs is key to providing timely ..read more

Cold therapy, termed cryotherapy, has become a popular form of self-care for the body. It can be done in one or more areas of the body and some people have it done on their whole body. The idea behind cryotherapy is that immersing the body in cold temperatures produces several benefits. The most popular approach is called WBA, which means whole-body-cryotherapy. This is when the person puts their whole body in a chamber that has an opening for the head and the water is nearing 200–300°F. The process is quick and lasts only two to four minutes. For best results, this should be a repeated p ..read more

What if someone or a group of someone’s wanted to keep the people in a state of ill health? How do you suppose they might go about that? What about producing and strongly promoting high fat, highly processed, high caloric, devitalized, highly chemicalized, and genetically modified foods? That would work, wouldn’t it? Do you think that if the land and the oceans were raped and left barren to feed livestock and overfishing, if the air was polluted and the drinking water was poisoned with fluoride, that that could contribute to ill health as well? If hypothetically, someone or a group of  so ..read more

Iliotibial band syndrome (IT) is a pain many workout enthusiasts, runners, and cyclists can experience. The area affected is near the outside of the hip and/or the outside of the knee. The IT is a band of strong tissue that runs from the hip to the tibia which is below the knee joint and at the top of the shin bone. The responsibility of the band is to stabilize the knee when you move. However, excessive training, poor biomechanics, tight muscles and little flexibility, and/or repetitive unbalanced exercises, can cause pain to the IT area. When the IT band is aggravated, the person will feel p ..read more

Migraine relief is a highly desired practice among the 42 million Americans who experience them. Most people (52%) go undiagnosed and attribute their headaches to their sinuses, so the cycle of chronic migraines that strike from time to time continues. 70% of those people who have migraines are women. Migraines are a real issue for most of those who have them (51%) because they do report the impact on their daily productivity be it work/school/household responsibilities. Migraines vary in duration, frequency, and symptoms so treatment modalities can also vary. There are non-drug options to pro ..read more