Recipe - Vegan Holiday Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Get ready for the holidays with this tasty vegan treat
Ingredients:
- ¼ c of organic almond butter
- ½ c of organic coconut oil
- ½ c of raw cacao powder
- ½ c of pure maple syrup or organic agave nectar
- 1T of pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt to taste
- ¾ c of raw walnuts, roughly chopped
Cooking Instructions:
- Beat together the coconut oil and the almond butter with an electric mixer
- Sift in the raw cacao powder and beat again until combined
- Add the maple syrup, vanilla and salt and beat until smooth
- Stir in walnuts
- Line a pan with parchment paper, add the mixture into the pan and spread until smooth
- Sprinkle and lightly press a handful of chopped walnuts onto the top of the fudge
- Freeze uncovered for approximately 1 hour, or until solid.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Importance of Detoxing during the Holiday Season
Everyone knows it’s hard to resist the tempting treats and libations that come along with holiday celebrations.
After each meal or party, we vow not to indulge at the next party. We eventually give up altogether and are back at square one. If you are having a hard time sticking to your diet over the holiday season, you are not alone. So, how do you detox after holiday festivities? Follow these simple detox tips and you will be on track and ready to achieve your nutrition and fitness goals come January 1st.
- You will feel better
- You will lose weight
- You will reduce cravings
- You can reduce or eliminate food sensitivities
- You will give your body a well-needed rest so that it may repair itself
Detoxing after overindulgence
- Hydrate – water flushes out toxins as well as prevents problems from dehydration such as headaches due to overindulging
- Start taking probiotics – They will help to improve the digestion of ll of those holiday meals
- Deep Breathing – relaxing the body and mind and getting your metabolism back on track to counteract the cortisol production due to stress during the holidays
- A good night’s sleep – It will keep you energized which will keep your cravings at bay. You won’t be looking for a quick cookie fix to boost your energy
- Watch what you drink – sugary drinks, including coffee sodas and eggnog are worse than sugary food because they go straight to the liver without going through the breakdown and filtration process and they don’t tend to make you feel full. They also tend to be very high in calories.
- Exercise – Exercise oxygenates the body. The more oxygenated your body is the easier it is to get rid of toxins. It also promotes sweating which is another way your body releases toxins.
- Detox your life – food and drink are not the only toxins in your life. Take time to clear your home of harsh chemicals and unnatural products. This is also a good time to take inventory of what you can release from the life that isn’t serving you.
Get a clean start – Start the New Year off right with The PaleoCleanse Plus 14 Day Detox Program. For more information about the program CLICK HERE.
Treatments for Brain Fog and Fatigue in Fairfield County CT
Brain Fog and Fatigue in Chronic Lyme Disease
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VGypfboyGw
In our clinic, we see many patients that are diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease. One common thread with all these patients is brain fog and fatigue. Brain fog and fatigue are common symptoms that result from chronic stress. Chronic stress may be from emotional influences such as death of a spouse, financial difficulties or hardships, divorce, physical, and emotional abuse.
Chronic stress may be the result of chronic physical inflammation from dysbiosis, food sensitivities, weight problems, joint and muscle pain, low thyroid, high blood sugar, viral load from Epstein-Barr or herpes, bacterial load from tick-borne infections and defective root canals, and chronic heavy metal absorption.
Once symptoms start and do not resolve, the condition is considered chronic: Headaches, joint and muscle pain, reflux, gas and bloating, constipation and diarrhea, pain and ringing in the ears, allergies, and of course, BRAIN FOG AND FATIGUE.
Both emotional stressors and physical stressors contribute to chronic stress, also known as Allostatic or Total Load.
Chronic Stress from Lyme Disease Causes Brain Fog and Fatigue
Here is an important point: Chronic Stress has more to do with the heart than any other organ system because the electrical field and rhythm of the heart impacts all of the cells of the body.
Most people think of the heart as simply a pump. Well, in fact, in addition to producing its own hormones for signaling other cells throughout the body the heart transmits a very strong electrical field that can be measured well beyond the surface of the body.
When you are under constant stress from whatever source, your body reacts by sending hormones and neurotransmitters into your bloodstream. These chemical signals are picked up by your heart and result in an in a change in heart rate variability. Heart rate variability is the way your heart speeds up and slows down from moment to moment. It is not the same thing as heart rate.
To explain heart rate variability consider the analogy of passing a car on the highway. You’re driving your car and in the lane ahead of you is a slower car. You signal, move gradually into the left lane, accelerate, pass the slower car, gradually move back into the right lane, then de-accelerate to your cruising speed. Nice and smooth, Right? Suppose in a different way, you drive within a few feet of the slower car, slam on your brakes, jerk the car into the left lane, smash the accelerator to the floor and pass the car, again you abruptly jerk the car back to the right lane, and finally slam on the brakes to bring the car to its cruising speed. So in the first scenario, we call the variability smooth or coherent, in the second scenario choppy or incoherent variability.
It turns out that the variability in the heart’s moment-to-moment rate can also be incoherent or coherent and this heart rate variability is transmitted by nerve impulses to your brain. An incoherent heart rate variability causes your brain to shunt or detour impulses away from your brain’s frontal cortex, the thinking area, into the emotional areas of the brain. As a result, it is harder to process thoughts when you become more engaged with your emotions. This phenomenon is experienced as brain fog and fatigue. Usually, we arrive at a diagnosis of Chronic Lyme because the patient has reached the tipping point and the body may no longer be able to balance and handle the symptoms associated with multiple chronic stressors.
Treatments that Cure Symptoms of Brain Fog in Chronic Lyme Disease
We have treatments that help patients manage their emotions and build resilience in order to strengthen the immune system and cure symptoms like Brain Fog and Fatigue, particularly in chronic Lyme disease.
If you would like more information about treatments like HeartMath or Inner Balance that we regularly use with our patients check out the research at www.HeartMath.org.
Heart Rate Variability Testing in Fairfield County CT and Surrounding Local Areas
Family and Environmental Medicine help patients with Holistic Solutions that support health and well-being. Dr Gary Gruber provides private appointments for patients from around the country who seek health and healing with Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The majority of patients are from the local area of southern Fairfield County (including Greenwich CT, Stamford CT, Darien CT, Norwalk CT, New Canaan CT, Wilton CT), Westchester County, NY, NYC, and Northern NJ. For personal questions about Regulation Thermography testing, please contact us at (203) 539-1149.
10 tips to Prevent Colds and Stop the Flu
Cold and flu season is upon us.
Getting a cold or the flu is miserable and in some case can be debilitating. Here are ten simple tips that can help you get through the winter season feeling happy and healthy. If you do get a cold or flu, we have natural remedies that support your immune system so the recovery period is quick and complete.
- Get a good night sleep - Sleeping can boost your immune system which is crucial for defending against cold viruses. It allows your body to repair and heal itself and to fight infection.
- Exercise - Moderate exercise 30 - 60 minutes a day increases immune function and leave you feeling happy and stress free.
- Stimulate your lymphatic system - The lymphatic system’s function is to cleanse toxins and to protect against harmful invaders. The lymphatic system doesn't have a pump and relies on the relaxation and contraction of muscles. Jumping jacks, jumping on a trampoline or turning on cold water for 30 seconds at the end of your daily hot shower are great ways to stimulate the lymphatic system.
- Eat foods containing zinc - Zinc enhances and supports the immune system which aids in the prevention of colds as well as decreases the duration of a cold should you get one. Example of foods high zinc are oysters, pumpkins seeds and toasted wheat germ.
- Eat Garlic - Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can ward off bacteria and viruses. It is very easy to be creative and include garlic in your meals.
- Wash your sinuses - Nasal irrigation using net pots and saline sprays help to rinse bacteria, viruses and allergens from the nasal passage.
- Be happy - A positive attitude can go a long way to keeping you healthy. It promotes changes in your body that strengthens your immune system and makes you less susceptible to illness.
- Drink water - The winter air and indoor heating can be very drying. Drinking plenty of water hydrating the body keeps your body and immune system working efficiently.
- Hand washing - Being diligent about washing your hands can prevent the spread of viruses to yourself and others.
- Use Dr. Gruber’s Emergency Pack at the first sign of a cold or fever - The emergency pack is a three day supply of high potency Vitamin D3 and Vitamin A. These vitamins act like hormones to communicate with your innate immune system. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and can dramatically reduce your risk of getting a cold or the flu. Vitamin A plays a role in immune system health and may prevent a cold from taking hold.
If you want to have an emergency pack on-hand, please call the office (203) 539-1149 to order.
Recipe: Curried Pumpkin Soup
This is a wonderful fall soup, this soup is creamy yet light - a perfect choice for a holiday party or dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of fresh pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cubed (small cooking pumpkins at Trader Joe’s)
- 1 cup of organic yellow onions chopped
- 1 clove of organic garlic
- 1 Tablespoon of curry powder
- 1.5 tsp of sea salt
- 1 quart of organic vegetable broth
- 1 can of organic coconut milk
- 2 Tablespoons of Organic Ghee or olive or coconut oil
Cooking Instructions
- In a 4 quart saucepan, heat the oil and sauté the onions, garlic and pumpkin until they sweat but do not brown.
- Add curry powder, sea salt and vegetable broth.
- Cover and cook on medium low for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Turn off heat and add coconut milk.
- Using a hand blender, blend to desired consistency or cool and transfer to a blender and blend for 30 seconds.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy
What to Expect From a Naturopathic Physician
What to Expect From a Naturopathic Physician
An initial appointment with a naturopathic physician (ND) lasts about 1.5 hours and includes questions about your medical history, lifestyle and health habits. An ND might order lab testing if he or she believes it’s indicated.
Your ND will prepare a personalized plan to bring you to optimal health. That might include any combination of natural healing treatments, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, counseling, botanicals, biofeedback for stress reduction, and others.
When you visit an ND, be prepared to take an active role in your own health! You’ll receive personalized recommendations regarding diet, exercise, and any other factors that might affect your well being. Ultimately, you’re in control of your health, and only you can decide to make healthy changes. But with an ND, you have a guide to lead you through the confusing maze of nutrition, exercise, and general health information.
When You Feel Ill
When you do feel ill, NDs are well trained to diagnose your disease. They treat the root cause, leading to true wellness. Symptoms, while uncomfortable, are often signs of an underlying disease process. Your ND will identify and prioritize obstacles to your health. Your treatment plan will always address your whole self, physical, emotional, and spiritual. It will help lead you to a condition of well being and empowerment for your health.
A Naturopathic Physician Can Help You With These Areas:
NEUROLOGICAL
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and Panic
- ADD/ADHD
- Migraine
- Tinnitus
- Dementia
CARDIOVASCULAR
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Neuropathy
- Anemia
- Claudication
- Congestive Heart Failure
ENDOCRINE
- Obesity
- Diabetes I & II
- Insulin Resistance Syndrome
- Hypoglycemia
ACUTE
- Sore throat, colds, & coughs
- Physical Injury
IMMUNE
- Allergies
- Psoriasis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Lupus
- Sjogren
- LYME Disease
INFLAMMATORY
- Pain
- Arthritis
- Sinusitis
DIGESTIVE
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Irritable Bowel
SPECIALTIES OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
- Surgical Preparation
- Cancer Support
Probiotics
There are over 400 species and thousands of strains of bacteria that are supposed to inhabit the lower intestines and colon.
These 400+ species are collectively called probiotics, which means "for life", and were initially discovered in the early 1900's. These bacteria have many roles in good health such as making short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), polyamines, vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids. Another function, especially in the case of Lactobacillus species, is to prevent food from decaying, preserve antioxidants and vitamins, remove toxins, and keep pathogenic organisms at bay. A third and major role of probiotics is to maintain proper immune function. Among the various effects on the immune system, a specific action is to stimulate the action of white blood cells like the macrophages, natural killer cells, monocytes, and neutrophils.
When buying a probiotic (see Natural Pharmacy), you want a multi-strain product called "broad spectrum". It should have at least 8 different types of probiotic bacteria. Avoid supplements with fillers or preservatives. The probiotic formula should be designed to by-pass the stomach and deliver essential bacteria to the lower intestines. Extended periods of elevated temperatures will diminish the viability of the organisms. Therefore, probiotics should be kept refrigerated and used immediately.
References
Jeanne A. Drisko, MD, CNS; Cheryl K. Giles, MD; Bette J. Bischoff, RD. (2003). Probiotics in Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention. Alternative Medicine Review. Volume 8, Number 2.
John A. Catanzaro, N.D. and Lisa Green, B.Sc. (1997). Microbial Ecology and Probiotics in Human Medicine (Part II). Alternative Medicine Review. Volume 2, Number 4.
Yehuda Ringel, Eamonn MM Quigley and Henry C Lin. (2012). Using Probiotics in Gastrointestinal Disorders. The American Journal of Gastroenterology Supplements 1, 34-40.
Detoxification is a Spring Thing
During spring, nature goes through the lovely process of renewal. Cleansing and detoxification is a gentle and effective way to bring the energy of renewal into our own lives. Spring cleaning is more than just detoxifying the body, it can also mean avoiding toxins in our thoughts and emotions, as well as our environment. Below are some gentle and safe ways to bring the energy of spring cleaning into your life, from the inside out.
Detoxification is Cleansing the Body
Our bodies are exposed to toxins on a daily basis from the air we breathe to the products we use. There are several body systems that help us eliminate these toxins such as our liver, our kidneys, and even our sweat. But, these systems can get overwhelmed and often need a little help and support. This is often referred to as doing a “detoxification”. Modern living can bring us into contact with so many toxins that everyone could use a good detox, especially in the spring!
Detoxification is the process of reducing the amount of toxins that we are exposed to in order to rest the detoxification pathways in the body, as well as encourage the release of toxins that are stored in the body. There are a variety of methods for detoxing the body. Most consist of resting the body by eliminating solid foods for a short time and instead consuming cleansing foods such as special broths, juices, teas, herbs or supplements. Supporting the metabolic pathways of the liver and kidneys are so important (see 14-Day Detox Program). After the cleansing period is over, a very clean diet is slowly reintroduced.
Several hidden factors can complicate a detox such as blood sugar issues, or if a person has been exposed to heavy metals or other dangerous toxins. It is important to seek the professional assistance of a for any detoxification.
Cleansing the Environment
A clean body will only benefit us so long without the support of a clean environment. There are several sources of toxins in our environment that need to be addressed. The most important is toxins in our food supply. It is important to be eating organic fruits and vegetables, organic meats, non-GMO whole grains, and limit processed foods as these contain dyes, flavor enhancers, preservatives, and other industrial chemicals. Clean water is also a must, including filtered water in non-toxic containers. Glass is the best storage container for water, followed by stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic.
Another area of toxic exposure is in our homes. Household cleaners, laundry products, lawn care chemicals, and bug sprays expose us to numerous chemicals and petroleum based toxins. Even cosmetics, perfumes, shampoos, face washes, deodorants, and toothpastes have chemicals that can disrupt our health. Health food stores offer environmentally-friendly, all-natural products.
Cleansing the Spirit
One overlooked area of detox is our thoughts and emotions. To truly embrace the benefits of a spring clean, we must also look at the mental and emotional environment we live in every day. Chronic stress is one of the most toxic emotions to live with on a daily basis. Not only can it tax the body by stimulating stress hormones, it taxes the spirit and positive mental outlook. Other toxic emotions such as anger, resentment, jealousy, anxiety, and depression need to be dealt with. Naturopathic Medicine helps support more than just your body, it helps support the whole person including one’s emotional state.
Some strategies everyone can use to help support their spring cleaning are deep cleansing breaths, meditation, staying hydrated with clean water, and exercising.
References
Lindlahr, Henry, and Jocelyn C. P. Proby. 1975. Philosophy of natural therapeutics. Saffron Walden: C.W. Daniel Co.
Pizzorno, Joseph E., and Michael T. Murray. 1999. Textbook of natural medicine. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Vasey, Christopher. 2009. The naturopathic way: how to detox, find quality nutrition, and restore your acid-alkaline balance. Rochester, Vt: Healing Arts Press.
Family and Environmental Medicine help patients with detoxification programs. Dr Gary Gruber provides private appointments for patients from around the country who seek health and healing with Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The majority of patients are from the local area including Greenwich CT, Stamford CT, Darien CT, Norwalk CT, New Canaan CT, Wilton CT, Westchester County, NY, NYC, and Northern NJ.
Family and Environmental Medicine help patients with Natural and Holistic Treatments for a healthy immune system.Local areas served are CT, NY, NJ.
Local area including Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, Wilton CT, Westchester County, NY, NYC, and Northern NJ
Natural treatment for weight loss: L-carnitine
Natural treatment for weight loss
L-carnitine is a natural compound that is found mostly in animal foods such as red meat, chicken and fish. A well-balanced diet provides about 100 to 300 mg L-carnitine per day. L-carnitine deficiency is rare if moderate portions of meat are ingested daily. In addition, our body produces this amino acid naturally and requirements can be reached by this way.
Recently, the supplement L-carnitine has been found to be useful as a Natural treatment for weight loss as this compound is essential for the oxidation of certain fats. L-carnitine enables long chain fatty acids to enter the cell and then be oxidized, thus facilitating the generation of energy and weight loss.
Until now, doctors believed that the use of L-carnitine as a natural treatment for weight loss was only effective in people who have a deficit of this compound as in the case of vegetarians and those with high energy requirements as athletes. However, new studies have shown that L-carnitine supplementation in people with no deficits can be an effective measure to supplement the diet for weight loss. In one study supplementation with 3 doses of 1 gram of L-carnitine daily for 10 days resulted in an increase of fat oxidation in healthy individuals without shortage of this amino acid.
Those who often follow a natural treatment for weight loss such as low-calorie diets may have lower levels of L-carnitine and, thus, likely to benefit with the addition of a dietary supplement of L-carnitine. Blood levels of L-carnitine are also influenced by the macronutrient composition of the diet. Thus, those diets that are low in calories and carbohydrates but, moderate in fat may further increase the level of L-carnitine in blood compared with high-carbohydrate low-fat diets.
Due to its facilitating role in fat metabolism, L-carnitine contributes to better utilization of these nutrients as an energy source during exercise. L-carnitine improves the uptake of fat as energy substrate in those exercises of long duration and medium intensity. As a result, people who perform physical activity endurance (running, swimming, walking, etc.) to lose weight will gain additional benefit from supplementation with L-carnitine as a natural treatment for weight loss .
A natural treatment for weight loss supplement
The addition of a supplement of L-carnitine as a natural treatment for weight loss may also be beneficial for people who are overweight associated with alterations in blood lipids (high cholesterol or high triglycerides levels). L-carnitine takes part in the normalization of these parameters, especially when associated with diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
There are some nutrients that are essential to maintain high levels of L-carnitine in blood and facilitate fat oxidation and weight loss:
- Vitamin C: melon, citrus, kiwi, berries, tomatoes, peppers.
- Vitamin B12: eggs, meat, dairy products.
- Vitamin B2: cereals, nuts, milk, eggs, green leafy vegetables, meats.
- Lysine: eggs, milk, legumes.
Finally, supplementation with lecithin can also diminish the levels of L-carnitine. For all this you should consult with your doctor before starting the use of a natural supplement of L-carnitine.
Family and Environmental Medicine help patients with Natural treatment for weight loss. Dr Gary Gruber provides private appointments for patients from around the country who seek health and healing with Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The majority of patients are from the local area including Greenwich CT, Stamford CT, Darien CT, Norwalk CT, New Canaan CT, Wilton CT, Westchester County, NY, NYC, and Northern NJ.
Family and Environmental Medicine helps patients with Natural treatment for weight loss. Local areas served are CT, NY, NJ.
Local area including Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, Wilton CT, Westchester County, NY, NYC, and Northern NJ
Contact Dr Gary Gruber for a natural treatment for weight loss directly via phone or fill out the contact form.
References
Muller DM, Seim H. Effects of oral L-carnitine supplementation on in vivo long-chain fatty acid oxidation in healthy adults. Metabolism 2002 Nov;51(11):1389-91.
Lurtz R., Fischer R. Carnitine as supporting agent in weight loss in adiposity. Medical Journal for natural Therapy, 39, 1(1998) pg 12-15.
Naturopathic Medicine: Top Ten Tips for Good Health in a Tough Economy
Naturopathic Medicine Principles
A guiding principle of naturopathic medicine is the physical body will heal itself when the obstacles to that healing are removed. This principle is called vis medicatrix naturae - the healing power of Nature. A second principle is to treat the whole person. This principle recognizes that a person is not only the physical body. The physical, emotional, and spiritual are integral parts of the whole person.
To live within these principles of naturopathic medicine should not be expensive. The greatest obstacles to health that we face as a culture today are the tens of thousands of man-made chemicals and natural toxins that suppress our immune system. These chemicals also trigger gene expression that leads to diseases. Avoidance is critical for good health. It is a matter of making conscious choices about the foods that are consumed.
Stress plays an important role in our health. But it is not only how we manage stress. Releasing negative feelings while focusing on positive thoughts is the most powerful practice of natural medicine that leads to well-being and happiness.
The tips in the following list support these naturopathic medicine principles:
- Eat colorful vegetables and fruits; avoid processed sugar, potatoes, flours, or hydrogenated oils.
- Drink the purest water available.
- Eat raw and lightly cooked seasonal foods so that you limit exposure to roasted, baked and fried foods.
- Use natural cleaners and glass containers so that you avoid plastics and harsh chemicals in the home and in food preparation. Grow house plants that absorb toxins in the air.
- Enjoy relaxing heat therapies such as baths, steam and saunas.
- Eat organic and free-range foods when available.
- Expand your mindfulness by daily spiritual practice of meditation and/or contemplation.
- Move your body; walk, don't drive; take the stairs.
- Work on body mechanics by stretching and strengthening weak muscle groups.
- Stay connected: strengthen relations with your family and friends. Be active in your community!
Family and Environmental Medicine help patients with Natural Solutions that support health and well-being. The information contained in this article is not intended as the only natural solutions but should be considered as part of a holistic program of healing. Dr Gary Gruber provides private appointments for patients from around the country who seek health and healing with Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The majority of patients are from the local area including Greenwich CT, Stamford CT, Darien CT, Norwalk CT, New Canaan CT, Wilton CT, Westchester County, NY, NYC, and Northern NJ. For other Natural Solutions please contact us at (203) 966-6360.