Exploring Immune-Boosting Supplements for Fall Wellness Series – Vitamin D

Did You Know? If you want to boost your immune system, it doesn’t start when you get sick with a cold or flu. Studies show that taking vitamin C after the onset of a cold doesn’t help. Prior to getting sick, it’s best to measure vitamin D and zinc to make sure that you have […]
Read More

Embracing the Fall Harvest: Forging Connections with Farmers and Nurturing Conscious Protein Choices

As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to display their vibrant hues, the arrival of fall brings more than just a change in the weather. It marks the culmination of a year’s hard work for farmers as they gather the bounties of their labor, presenting us with an array of fresh, and seasonal produce. […]
Read More

The Complex Interplay Between Herpes Family Virus Reactivation: Epstein-Barr Virus, CMV, and Infectious Strep A

In the intricate web of human health, the immune system acts as the guardian, tirelessly defending against invaders that threaten our well-being. However, certain viruses and bacteria have evolved mechanisms to evade the immune system’s vigilance, potentially leading to a range of health issues. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) are […]
Read More

Is It Epstein Barr Virus Reactivation?

Did You Know? Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): 90% of us are carriers. EBV is part of the herpes virus family. EBV is known as a promiscuous virus. One study showed that 80% of Hashimoto Thyroiditis cases correlated with EBV and, EBV can enter the thyroid gland. EBV Reactivation Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus […]
Read More

The Freezing Truth: Are Frozen Fruits and Veggies More Nutritious?

You often hear “eat seasonally” yet every day of the year my local supermarkets sell blueberries, apples, melons, tomatoes, potatoes and sometimes even citrus fruits. Modern advances have allowed for fruits and vegetables to be stored longer and travel longer distances. Retail stores rarely sell locally grown fruits and vegetables. My questions: are frozen fruits […]
Read More

Staying Hydrated in the Summer: The Importance of Adequate Hydration During Hot Weather and Tips to Ensure You’re Getting Enough Fluids

This July I headed to one of my favorite summer spots – the Gorge in Eastern Washington. Summer isn’t summer without a concert at the Gorge. When we arrived it was 100 degrees out. Prior to the concert, many concert goers were partying in the camping area at the Gorge. We sat 6th row center […]
Read More

Lavender: Exploring the Nutritional Content and Health Benefits of Nature’s Aromatic Treasure

Every year my family travels to Sequim, Washington to the Lavender Festival. This year we visited B & B Family Lavender Farm (that’s a picture of me in their drying house). I use lavender essential oil regularly to sleep, add it to my lotion and love it in culinary dishes. While at B & B […]
Read More

Physical Sunscreen vs. Chemical Sunscreen: Understanding the Differences and Safety Concerns

As summer approaches, protecting our skin from harmful UV rays during intense and longer stretches of sun exposure becomes a top priority. Sunscreens should be used for activities like hanging out at the beach all day, engaging in water sports, playing a sport for longer durations or for boat rides. Sunscreens are widely used to […]
Read More

The Consequences of “NO Sun Exposure is Safe”

In the early 20th century, rickets, a bone formation disorder that’s cause by vitamin D deficiency, brutalized children in the United States and the UK. At the time, this was mainly driven by malnutrition. Unfortunately, rickets is not a disease of the past. The rise in rickets, a condition characterized by weak or soft bones, […]
Read More

The Benefits of Sensible Sun Exposure: Protecting Against Skin Cancer

For years, the prevailing message has been that sun exposure without sunscreen is inherently dangerous and increases the risk of skin cancer. However, recent studies have challenged this notion, suggesting that moderate sun exposure, especially without sunscreen, can actually have protective effects against skin cancer. In this article, we will delve into the scientific evidence […]
Read More

The Case Against Sunscreen in Makeup: Understanding the Limitations and Risks

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of incorporating sunscreen into makeup products, offering the promise of sun protection while enhancing our appearance. However, it’s important to critically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sunscreen in makeup. This article aims to shed light on the reasons why I do not recommend relying solely […]
Read More

Harnessing the Power of the Sun: The Importance of Vitamin D and Sun Exposure

The Power of Vitamin D: Vitamin D is technically a vitamin that our bodies can produce when our skin is exposed to sunlight. In fact, it’s a pro-hormone: it can be turned into a steroid hormone produced from cholesterol when your skin is exposed to the sun. It’s involved in numerous physiological processes, such as […]
Read More