May 12, 2025

Adobo! A Delicious Dish Heard Round the World

As the song goes, “You say, Adobo and I say, adobo….” Yes, it’s confusing. There’s Spanish adobo (the original adobo from Spain), Mexican adobo, Filipino adobo, and others. How can these dishes, created so many miles apart, have ended up with the same name? Adobo is a Spanish rub or marinade typically made with paprika, oregano, salt, garlic, and vinegar to flavor meat before cooking. It comes from the word, adovar, which means ‘to marinate.’ Mexican adobo is a fusion of indigenous and colonial influences. In the Mexican version, crushed chilies, spices, and vinegar are used to make a marinade […]
May 12, 2025

The Beauty of Essential Oils: Here’s Our Guide to the Top 50

Interested in how essential oils could enhance your life? Whether you’re a seasoned essential oil user or a novice, these health-promoting aromas have gained a lot of recognition as people turn to them to treat a variety of ailments, mental health and sleep concerns, and to replace fragrances and conventional home and body care products. Essential oils are produced by steam distillation or cold pressing to capture the aromatic (“volatile”) compounds in plants that give them their characteristic scent. They can be used for aromatherapy by inhaling the scents with a diffuser or by applying directly to the skin. Because […]
May 12, 2025

Apple Cider Vinegar: Nature’s Magic Potion

When I attended the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim, CA., I came across a number of exhibitors sampling beverages containing apple cider vinegar. Organic apple cider vinegar is recognized as a healthful ingredient, and it’s amazingly versatile in cooking and as a natural health and beauty aid. I always have a bottle on hand. Most vinegar starts out as fermented grapes, but it can be made from any number of fruits, even honey. It’s good for you because it is infused with minerals, vitamins and amino acids, plus it helps fight bacteria and aids digestions as well as other healthful […]
May 12, 2025

Astaxanthin: An Antioxidant With “Star” Qualities

Many of my patients are on the lookout for anti-aging news and products that will help them stay younger-looking, stronger and healthier as they age.  Perhaps you, too, are looking for the best anti-aging products and information you can find.  Well, you’ve come to the right place, as anti-aging medicine is my specialty. I’d like to tell you about one of the best anti-aging substances out there – literally a “star” amongst antioxidants. Astaxanthin – An Amazing Carotenoid The Greek word “asta” means “star-like” and even has been translated as “love” itself.  Xanthin means yellow in Greek and is a […]
April 7, 2025

How Does Anger Affect the Body?

We’ve all heard the adage: don’t go to bed angry. We want to add to this sage advice: try to avoid excessive anger, in general. Why? Anger could reduce your lifespan. In fact, a new study published by the American Heart Association found that even brief flashes of anger can potentially increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Of course, acknowledging that your feelings are valid is important. Furthermore, it’s human nature (and healthy, even) to experience a wide range of emotions, including anger. However, if you find yourself getting hot under the collar on a regular basis, it might be time for […]
April 7, 2025

We’re Designing Dishes for Great Gut Health

Gut health refers to the overall wellness of your digestive system, particularly the balance and function of the microorganisms that live in your gastrointestinal tract. Did you know that your digestive system is a whole plant/animal kingdom of its own? The GI tract is a complex system responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste from the body. It’s inhabited by trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, collectively known as the gut microbiota or gut microbiome. Chew on this: There are more microbes in your digestive system than there are cells in your body! It’s estimated that […]
April 7, 2025

Part I: Which Food Additives Are Safe to Eat?

In today’s world of processed foods, food additives have become a common part of our diets. You may have heard that some researchers believe artificial additives in processed foods contribute to health issues like type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. However, what you might not know is that some food additives are actually safe and even beneficial. In this first part of a two-part article, I’ll introduce you to food additives that are considered safe for consumption. Can You Have Food Additives and Good Health? I’ll admit—there are certain processed foods I enjoy, like yogurt, peanut butter, and packaged […]
March 18, 2025

Tofu & Veggie Stir-Fry: A Tasty, Nutrient-Rich Delight!

Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry Tofu is an excellent alternative to meat, and this stir-fry will provide you with plenty of health-boosting vegetables. Broccoli is a good source of lutein, a hedge against macular degeneration. Cauliflower and kale have phytonutrients that protect against cancer. I use a wok to prepare this dish, but a large skillet will work, too. The tofu doesn’t have to be fried first, but frying gives it a nice texture. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 1 package (8 oz.) firm tofu 6 Tbs. peanut oil 1 Tbs. grated gingerroot 2 Tbs. minced garlic 1 cup baby carrots 1 cup […]
March 18, 2025

Do You Have Trouble Swallowing?

Sometimes I’ll see patients with the complaint that they’re having trouble swallowing, or a sensation that food is getting stuck in their throat and doesn’t go down easily.  The medical term for this is a hard word to pronounce –dysphagia (dis-faj-ah) – and could stem from a number of causes.  If you experience difficult swallowing, here’s what you should know about it. Dysphagia – What Trouble Swallowing Could Mean Trouble swallowing – dysphagia – rarely occurs on its own.  It usually accompanies some other condition of which it is a symptom.  It most frequently occurs in older people, and those with […]