In a study of over 100,000 women, it was found that those who had eaten the highest amount of anthocyanins, which is notably found in blueberries, had a reduced risk of high blood pressure. The people who were eating the most anthocyanins weren't even eating great numbers of fruits. They were eating approximately six strawberries or eleven blueberries. This is equivalent to about a tenth of a cup … [Read more...]

People have used water fasting for a very long time. It has several health benefits, including a reduction in inflammation, and producing new stem cells for the regeneration of tissue. People are often afraid of what they may experience in a water fast, and that's understandable. When you begin a fast, the first thing that happens is that your body begins to use any stored sugar for fuel. This can … [Read more...]

Many people find pleasure in walking barefoot on the beach. But there is actually science behind why people like this. The feeling we get having our bare feet touch the sand, can actually be therapeutic. It has health benefits, including a reduction in inflammation, a rise in antioxidants, an improvement in sleep, and good blood flow. Walking barefoot is sometimes referred to as grounding. One … [Read more...]

As people have seen a greater need for rejuvenation, there has been a rise in people taking what are known as wellness vacations. Wellness vacations can encompass anything from immersing in culture, to spa services such as massages. Wellness vacations can be handled either by creating your own wellness style itinerary, or by going to an actual wellness resort. The Caribbean is the perfect location … [Read more...]

There are three natural medicines that people often already have at home. The first one is garlic. Garlc is considered to be one of the most practical medicinal herbs in existence. Garlic has both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal benefits. And when combined with the right diet and the right amount of sleep, it can even get rid of a cold. Apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy that has been … [Read more...]

Green powders are created by concentrating leafy green vegetables, and turning them into a powder. Ingredients in green powders include vegetables, fruit, herbs, and other natural extracts. Some also include other things, such as digestive enzymes. Green powders are generally considered to be supplements, even though they are made with whole foods. The biggest issue in determining whether green … [Read more...]

Body mass index, or BMI, is intended to provide a measure of a person's health by comparing their weight to their height. It is less accurate, though much cheaper and easier, than using a DXA machine. Having too much body fat is associated with a number of diseases, including type-2 diabetes and hypertension. Having too little fat is also problematic, as it can compromise immune function or lead … [Read more...]

It is thought that upwards of 70% of cancers are related to diet. And while medicines can help to treat cancer, it doesn't get at the main cause. Functional medicine goes to the cause. The reason diet is so important in the treatment and prevention of cancer, is insulin. Insulin is considered a growth factor, and as such, it can lead to obesity, and it can fuel the growth of cancer cells through … [Read more...]

While we often think about seeing and hearing as our most important senses, the one that is most tightly connected to our emotions is our sense of smell. This is because the olfactory receptors that are in our brains are directly connected to our limbic system, which is where emotions start. Essential oils can utilize the sense of smell to impact the body and mind. Over 90 types of essential oils … [Read more...]

Many people take medicines to combat pain, but those pain medicines can often have gastrointestinal side effects. Ginger, on the other hand, can actually improve the functions of the digestive system. One of the things ginger does best is reduce nausea. But ginger works on other types of pain as well. It can work for such things as osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and migraines. In … [Read more...]

Shamans are considered healers, or priests. Shamans use the invisible forces around us, to promote healing. There are many different shaman cultures around the world, and they all have differing beliefs, but at their core, there are similarities. In modern times, some places where you can find shamans are Korea, Ireland, South Africa, the United States, Mongolia, Canada, and Australia. People … [Read more...]