We live in a highly estrogenic world today. Many women—and men—suffer from “estrogen dominance”, having too much estrogen relative to progesterone—and other hormones. Being in a chronically estrogen-dominant state is linked with an increased risk of hormone-dependent cancers, like breast cancer, as well as ovarian and uterine cancers. Xenoestrogens are “foreign” (xeno) estrogens that contribute […]
4 Ways to Get Savvy about “Green Clean” [personal care products]
If you’re Irish—even a smidge, like my nephews Thomas and Christian (one-eighth Irish)—a shout-out to you: Happy St. Patrick’s Day!! Today, whether you’re officially Irish—or not—green is celebrated with a vengeance—from shamrocks and leprechauns, to green beer and green “couture”. If we channel this same passion for green into “green clean”—making informed choices about everyday […]
Homemade Hand Sanitizer
A few years ago when my immune system was weak, and I seemingly caught every virus that came my way, I started toting hand sanitizer with me everywhere I went. But I quickly fell out of the habit and went back to using plain soap and water because I didn’t like the way Purell felt—icky […]
5 Non-toxic Holiday Stocking Stuffers (and a chance to save!)
Wondering what to give as a stocking stuffer? It’s easy to be overwhelmed by trendy “must-haves”, from a $3,150 Asprey amber decanter and a $330 LED projector, to the latest anti-wrinkle retinol eye mask for $63. Meaningful gifts don’t have to be fancy. After all, stockings were traditionally stuffed with fruit (usually oranges), nuts, coins […]
Cast-Iron Skillet Coconut Flour Pancakes
Following a Paleo approach to eating has done what I would have once thought impossible: I lost my near-daily cravings for refined carbs! My favorite “pleasure foods” about which I used to obsess—and would sometimes compulsively seek out (especially when feeling stressed!)—included: brown rice, noodles, multi-grain bread, muffins, chocolate chip cookies, buttercream-frosted chocolate cupcakes and […]
The Skinny on Doing a “Cleanse” vs. a “Detox”
Happy Spring! Are you thinking about doing a spring cleanse or detox? Or maybe you’re confused which to do? In this Q & A, Dr. Andrea Maxim, Naturopathic Doctor and author of the forthcoming MAXIMized Health: The New Intelligent System for Optimal Digestion and Hormones, explains the difference between doing a cleanse vs. a detox; […]
Unmasking Sugar (The Good, The Bad and The Hidden)
The end of October ushers in shorter days and chilly evenings. The kids are knee-deep in school activities. As our work and social obligations multiply, our stress levels climb…and, boo!! We’re primed for a taste of sugar. Happy Halloween! To crave sweet-tasting foods is human. Primitive man was drawn to the naturally occurring sweetness in […]