Teleclass on Stress and the Mind-Body Connection

Join me for my teleclass, Stress and the Mind-Body Connection on May 5th 9-9:30am Pacific Time. I will be discussing how stress affects the body and how to manage it. Don't let stress drain you of energy and joy! Connect to this teleclass by dialing (712) 432-0900. Then put in the access code 608626. Be well! Linda

Enjoy Fresh Berries

Try this tip to avoid moldy berries and have them last longer. MOLDY BERRIES? ~ Berries are delicious, but they're also kind of delicate. Raspberries in particular seem like they can mold before you even get them home from the market. There's nothing more tragic than paying $4 for a pint of local raspberries, only to look in the fridge the next day and find that fuzzy mold growing on their insides. Well, with fresh berries just starting to hit farmers markets, we can tell you how to keep them fresh! Here’s a tip I’m sharing on how to prevent them from getting there in the first place: WASH THEM WITH VINEGAR When you get your berries home, prepare a mixture of one part vinegar (white or apple cider probably work best) and ten parts water. Dump the berries into the mixture and swirl around. Drain, rinse if you want (though the mixture is so diluted you can't taste the vinegar,) and pop in the fridge. The vinegar kills any mold spores and other bacteria that might be on the surface of the fruit, and voila! Raspberries will last a week or more, and strawberries go almost two weeks without getting moldy and soft. So go forth and stock up on those pricey little gems, knowing they'll stay fresh as long as it takes you to eat them. This tip comes from Truthful Simple Health

The Power of Green

Increase Leafy Green Vegetables

Most American diets are lacking in leafy green vegetables. Greens strengthen our circulatory and respiratory systems. Greens are high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. They are also full of fiber, folic acid, and chlorophyll.

Some of the benefits of eating greens are:

• blood purification
• cancer prevention
• immune strengthening
• energy
• promotion of healthy intestinal flora
• improved liver, gallbladder, and kidney function
• reduced congestion in the lungs

Broccoli is popular, but be adventurous and try other greens as well. Try bok choy, napa cabbage, kale, collards, watercress, mustard greens, broccoli rabi, spinach and swiss chard. 

Nourish yourself with greens and watch your energy soar!

Be Prepared for Allergy Season

Tips, Tricks, and Natural Remedies for Allergy Season

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Integrative Nutrition

Many Americans have welcomed an unusually early spring with open arms this year. Plenty of sunshine and higher temps have most us in high spirits until we remember what else is on the way. That’s right, allergy sufferers – pollen is on the prowl.

The dreaded itchy eyes, stuffy nose and constant congestion combo is an unpleasant side effect of spring’s arrival, especially if you call one of these allergy capitals home.  Studies have shown that a high pollen count can also affect your mood. The good news is there are several simple ways to prepare for allergy season!

1. Hold one massive spring cleaning session, then stick to a regular cleaning schedule based on what works for you and how bad your symptoms are.

2. Use a vacuum cleaner (once a week) that has a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, or a double-filter bag.

3. As part of your regular cleaning schedule, use a damp rag and a mold-killing cleaner to wipe down wood or metal surfaces that accumulate dust, including table tops, books shelves, dressers, and bed frames.

4. Regularly wash all linens with hot water, and if you don’t have shower curtains with an antifungal agent you’ll want to wash those too.

5. Clear out all the dust-collecting clutter! Not only is spring cleaning a perfect way to organize your space, but your nose will thank you as well.

6. Don’t forget about our furry friends. As much as it pains you, keep your pets out of your bed and bathe them regularly.

7. Use an air conditioner (on the re-circulate setting) and keep windows closed to keep pollen and mold outside.

Still suffering? Try these natural remedies

You’ve gone to great lengths to eliminate possible allergy triggers from your home, but chances are you can’t stay there forever. A few steps outside into a windy day with a high pollen count and you’re frantically reaching for the closest nasal spray.

We asked our community for their favorite natural remedies for seasonal allergies, and these three came out on top:

• Local honey: Right before going to bed, consume 1 teaspoon of honey mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, or try chewing a piece of honeycomb from a local bee farm or farmer’s market. According to Earth Clinic, symptoms may disappear within 30 minutes! 
• Neti Pots: Flush sinuses and keep them clear with this small teapot-shaped vessel. Pick one up in the Whole Body section at Whole Foods or your local health food store, and opt for ceramic. Be sure to always use distilled, sterilized, or previously boiled water.
• Bee pollen: The natural supplement produced by bees, available at health food stores, has been known to improve symptoms. Try to start taking it before allergy season is in full swing to build up a tolerance before maintaining a daily intake.