Through simple body hacks, we positively affect our mood, focus, and productivity. In this video, explain the gist of how the nervous system reacts to stress, and I introduce the concept of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and polyvagal theory in a fun and easy-to-follow...
Smart choices for a happy brain In last week’s post I explored the ways in which inflammation can cause depression. The science shows that we cannot blame genetics alone for depression, and that’s a good thing: it means there is a lot we can do to heal our brains....
Eating gluten may drive autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the body’s master of metabolism, regulating important functions like digestion, energy production, mental sharpness, sweating, skin healing, fat burning, and heart rate.1...
Understanding celiac disease, wheat allergy, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and other gluten-related disorders It used to be quite rare to meet somebody who avoids gluten – the protein found in wheat, rye, spelt, semolina, and triticale. Nowadays, however,...
“Detox” is one of those edgy yet deceptively vague terms used to market anything from supplements to fragrances to yoni steam baths. (Yes, that really is a thing.) But do you really need to drop tons of money on designer products or fancy supplements to support the...
Low-carb diets like the paleo, Atkins, and ketogenic programs are all the rage. How did they come to be so popular? And are they sustainable in the long run? This is Part I of III in my series on low carb diets and fiber. In this entry I explain the history...
From heart health to trim waist lines to healthy bowel movements, fiber's got you covered. This is Part II in my three-part series on low-carb diets and fiber. As explored in my previous post, the paleo and ketogenic (“keto”) diets are powerful therapeutic tools. It’s...
No matter the time of year, there seems to always be some excuse for dessert. If it isn’t pumpkin latte season, then it’s the winter holidays, or Easter, or Passover, or somebody’s birthday. Or maybe the first real warm days of the season have finally found you,...
Let's skip the personal essay. I loathe the long essays people write at the introductions of recipes, so I'll spare you the blatherings about how much my family loves this recipe and how it smells so good baking in the oven, yadda yadda. But I will say this: this...