It’s well known that both calcium and vitamin D are important for maintaining bone density as we age. However, research on the role of calcification in heart disease and a recent study showing that high doses of vitamin D failed …
Nutrient requirements, drug response, and disease risk are influenced by gene variants (mutations) called SNPs. The term SNP stands for single nucleotide polymorphism. Research on nutrient-gene interactions or nutrigenomics is evolving rapidly. One area of focus relates to SNPs affecting …
Having just enjoyed a July 4th “Independence Day” celebration featuring nurturing food and friendship, I would like to share some “food for thought” from Parker Palmer’s book HEALING THE HEART OF DEMOCRACY–The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the …
I’ve been thinking about gratitude lately, and the connection between gratitude, appreciation, a caring community, and healthy aging. Some of these reflections were prompted by a beautiful and thought-provoking video that uplifts my spirits every time I view it. This …
We are celebrating Earth Day this week and I’ve been thinking a lot about earth-friendly eating. Our food choices really do matter — to our own personal health, to the health of others (see “Tale of a North American Tomato”), …
A healthy gut (digestive system) is critically important for optimal functioning – healthy guts = healthy people. The digestive system plays a central role in our immune system, affects our metabolism, makes vitamins, and communicates with every other cell in …
Food sustainability was included for the first time ever in the recently released Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report. This report is updated every 5 years, and it provides the scientific basis for the next version of the Dietary Guidelines for …
Need a good excuse to enjoy some good-quality dark chocolate and/or a glass of your favorite red wine? And maybe especially in February, when we celebrate Valentine’s Day and heart health! Well, here’s at least one good reason – both …
I was inspired this past weekend by Tieraona Low Dog, MD, speaking about her life journey and her latest book, “Life is Your Best Medicine.” A leader in the integrative health movement, she has had a multi-faceted journey—high school dropout …
Reducing sugar intake may be more important for preventing and controlling high blood pressure than restricting sodium, according to a recently published article. Authors DiNicolantonio & Lucan point out that average reductions in blood pressure achieved by salt restriction tend …