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Are you confused about the differences between food allergies and food sensitivities? You're not alone, these often get confused!
Food Allergies Food allergies are IgE mediated immune reactions that happen immediately upon eating a problematic food. These types of reactions have the potential of being severe and even life threatening, often requiring a person to carry an epipen with them. These reactions occur when your immune system overreacts to a food protein, thinking it is an invader and initiating chemical reactions that can cause swelling, airway constriction, watery eyes, dizziness, itching, headaches, nausea/vomiting, congestion, difficulty breathing, blood pressure changes and potentially anaphylaxis. Food allergies are irreversible and can worsen over time. Oftentimes individuals will already know their food allergies since they have immediate and serious symptoms.
Many people tend to get food allergy testing through an allergist, since it is commonly done in conventional medicine practices. At AHM we can also test for food allergies using ELISA IgE food antibody testing through the lab of your choice.
Common food allergy examples include (but are not limited to): peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, cow's milk , wheat and eggs. Food Sensitivities Food Sensitivities are IgG, IgM and IgA mediated responses that are considered delayed reactions, sometimes taking up to three days for symptoms to manifest. This is why many people will have a difficult time with identifying food sensitivities without the help of testing. Food sensitivities can also be due to difficulty with food protein breakdown, such as lacking enzyme production for the proper digestion of a food. Although food sensitivities are not life threatening, continual exposure to a food sensitivity can worsen existing conditions and put you at increased risk of other chronic illnesses. Symptoms of food sensitivities include skin reactions (such as acne, eczema and rosacea), joint pain/muscle pain, headaches, brain fog, inflammation/swelling, fatigue, memory issues/mental changes, difficulty concentrating, tinnitus, bloating, gas, bowel changes, heartburn, weight gain or loss and more. Common food sensitivity examples include (but are not limited to): wheat, milk, nightshades, legumes, eggs and soy.
Sensitivity reactions do not carry the risk of anaphylaxis, but are a sign that you have lost tolerance to the specific food protein you are reacting to, have autoimmune problems or leaky gut. This is why your practitioner will often opt to make sure your gut is in good shape, before doing food sensitivity testing. If you do conduct food sensitivity testing while having an issue such as leaky gut, you may have many more food sensitivities show up on your test that are a result of a leaky/damaged gut barrier, rather than true sensitivities. This is why having a practitioner to help guide you through the process can be helpful in assessing what your problem may be and the risk it may carry.

A low carb diet aims at restricting carbohydrates in high sugar food items such as bread and pasta. This diet emphasizes lean protein, vegetables and healthy fats. Depending on the person and their situation, I usually recommend counting net carbs ranging from 75-40 or less per day. I typically pick this number based on regular eating patterns and goals. This is a less extreme diet than the popular ketogenic diet which promotes ketosis through typically consuming 30 net carbs or less per day (although I utilize this diet as well). The following is a great general guideline to base your low carb diet on:
Say yes to:
-Lean protein (preferably wild, grass fed and free range): fish, eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, etc. -Non-starchy Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, spinach, swiss chard, leeks, onions, carrots, etc. -Low Sugar Fruits (in moderation): blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, citrus, strawberries, kiwi, etc -Nuts and Seeds: walnuts, almonds, chia, flax, macadamias, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds -Healthy Fats: olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, grass fed ghee/butter, walnut oil -Hydrate: half your body in ounces of water per day. Black coffee and unsweetened tea can also be great low carb beverage choices.
Not all "whole foods" support a low carbohydrate diet. Although some of the below foods can be healthy choices in other instances, they are foods that contain higher carbohydrate content and may not be the best choices for a low carbohydrate diet plan. Be Careful to consume the following in moderation:
Be careful with:
-High starch vegetables: potatoes, sweet potatoes, plantains -Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, black beans, navy beans, pinto beans, etc -Dark chocolate: try to get the highest % cocoa possible (70%+) for the lowest sugar content -Alcohol -Grains: brown rice, quinoa, oats Although sticking to whole foods is always preferable, there are some low carb items that can be used to stay on track in your weak moments! Try out these ideas to replace some of your higher carb/high sugar foods: Bread ---> Carbonaut Low Carb GF Bread Pasta ---> Low Carb LuluPasta (made with Lupin) Noodles ---> Miracle Noodles (also can try any shirataki noodle) Rice ---> Riced Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes ---> Mashed Cauliflower Cookies ---> HighKey Cookies Pizza ---> Cappello's Keto Pizza Not only do low carb diets promote weight loss, but this diet is very useful in reducing abdominal belly fat. This is due to this diet's impact on improving insulin sensitivity. Adopting a low carb diet can also reduce inflammation and decrease your risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Other positive impacts of a low carb diet include reduced triglycerides, "bad" LDL cholesterol, better blood glucose homeostasis, blood pressure, lower hunger hormones and improved "good" HDL cholesterol. Not only will you reach your wight loss goals with this diet, but you will be promoting reduced inflammation and optimal health!

Taking good care of yourself is more important than ever before and we all know it's not always easy to make time for. Many of us have stressful lives, demanding jobs and are constantly bombarded with technology. With the world slowly getting back to normal post-COVID quarantine, fitting in some time for self care is a must. Check out these self care tips to incorporate into your daily routine for a happier and healthier lifestyle.



1. Learn how to breathe. Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing can be a great stress management strategy. This breathing technique helps your brain signal your body to lower your blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production and help your body relax. Start by lying down, with one hand on your belly and one on your chest. Practice taking deep breaths that only raise your belly and not your chest. Breathe in through your nose and out with your mouth, making your exhale a bit longer than your inhale. Try this 3-10 times and see how relaxed you feel!


2. Get regular exercise! Exercise has a host of benefits including better memory and brain function, supporting cardiovascular health, improving your sleep cycle, supporting muscle strength, endurance, insulin sensitivity, protecting against various chronic illnesses and reducing stress hormone production. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to incorporate any kind of movement into your life. This doesn't mean running marathons and hiring a personal trainer! Just a 15 minute walk is enough to positively impact your cardiovascular health! Start with something small and see where it takes you.


3. Meditate: Try to establish a mediation practice centered around a "safe space". This may be a place you felt safe as a child, a beach that always calms you or a place in a movie that puts you in a calm frame of mind. Returning to this space and deep belly breathing while meditating will help your body transition into a more "rest and digest" nervous system mode and help you rid yourself of these stressful feelings from being in a "fight or flight"state caused by the stressors of the day. Meditation promotes emotional health and self awareness in so many ways. It also has been shown in various studies to help reduce age-related memory loss, improve blood pressure, sleep and even help control pain in chronic pain syndromes.


4. Take a technology break. Taking a break from your phone or computer can not only improve your productivity and focus, but it can also help you with reducing your stress levels. It's easy to be overwhelmed with messages and emails, but allowing yourself some time to disconnect and setting some boundaries can be incredibly healthy. When it comes to social media specifically, studies have shown that many people experience decreased self worth due to the curated photos and posts in their feed that can lead to feelings of inadequacy. It's important to keep in mind that many times real life is completely different than what is being shown to the world. Taking a break from technology can also give you better connection in person by helping you put down the phone!


5. Practice gratitude. Yes, giving thanks can make you happier! Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can improve your psychological and physical health. People who regularly practice gratitude report less feelings of frustration, aggression, regret and resentment. As far as physical health is concerned, they report feeling healthier as well with fewer aches, pains and better sleep. Not sure how to start? Begin your day by jotting down 5 things you are grateful for every morning. Keep it simple! You can be grateful for how your dog came to you the first time you called his name or you can be grateful for the beautiful sunset you witnessed on the way home from work. This helps change your perspective and will help you to notice the little pleasures in life that pass you by. When you're having a challenging moment, reading your gratuity journal can help you to enjoy how beautiful life can really be!
All of the above self care strategies don't cost a thing and can significantly contribute to your quality of life and overall happiness. Pick one to incorporate today, it doesn't have to be difficult or complicated! Self care is really about checking in on yourself, listening and slowing down enough to hear the answers. Acknowledge your needs and take small action steps to provide those needs on a regular basis, because you're worth it!

Depression and anxiety have been on the rise for quite some time, but a new survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics and the Census Bureau, has further revealed that one in three adults now have symptoms of depression and/or anxiety post-quarantine.1 It's more important than ever to address the array of factors contributing to this issue, including genetics, nutritional status, physiological factors, health conditions, stress, sleep patterns, activity levels, medications, social factors and more. Diet can have a particularly profound impact on your mood, since your food choices can directly influence your body in a number of ways that maintain mental health. Check out these 5 strategies to help you eat your way to a better mood.

1. Nutrient Deficiencies

Maintaining a healthy, nutrient rich diet can have a big effect on your mood. Evidence now shows that consuming excess processed foods, sugar, caffeine and alcohol all have detrimental effects on your mental health. 7 Poor diet can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, which have also been associated with many mental health complaints.8 This may be due to the fact that many neurotransmitters require specific vitamins and minerals to be efficiently produced. Eating a nutrient rich, plant based diet with lots of vegetables and fruits can help ensure that you are providing your body with the substances it needs to positively impact yourmood and help you feel your best.

Nutrient Deficiencies Associated with Anxiety and Depression: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
-Manganese
-Magnesium
-Zinc
-Iron
-Copper
-Vitamin D
-Omega 3 fatty acids
-Folate
-B1
-B3
-B6
-B9
-B12
-Amino acids


2. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Research has demonstrated that incorporating sources of omega 3 fatty acids may help treat and prevent depression. One study even found that fish oil supplementation had comparable effects to taking an antidepressant. 10 This makes sense since omega 3's are critical for brain development and function.9 There is also evidence of omega 3 fatty acids being effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, likely due to the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of these beneficial fats.24

Sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acids:
-Salmon
-Anchovies
-Halibut
-Sardines
-Mackerel
-Trout
-Walnuts
-Avocado
-Flaxseeds
-Chia seeds
-Dark leafy greens
-Algae


3. Protein:

Lean protein is also key for mood regulation and is broken down into amino acids. One amino acid in particular is called tryrosine and is used to make two important neurotransmitters called dopamine and norepinephrine. 12 These neurotransmitters make you feel alert, energized and help you feel pleasure.11 Research has shown that there is a deficit of dopamine and norepinephrine in those with depressive illness.13, 16

Sources of protein:
-Eggs
-Lentils
-Fish
-Cheese
-Beans
-Nuts
-Chicken
-Beef
-Turkey
-Spirulina


4. Cultivating a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Your gut sends signals to your brain though what is referred to as the gut brain axis.14 Studies indicate there is decreased diversity in the gut microbiomes of those with psychiatric disorders and altered behavior.15 There is also evidence supporting probiotics as an effective intervention in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. 4,5 Eating foods that promote a diverse gut microbiome, such as a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, along with eating sources of pre and probiotics, can help you accomplish this goal.

It's also important to note that while many neurotransmitters are made in the brain, it is estimated that up to 95% of the happy hormone serotonin is produced in the gut.17 Cultivating certain species of beneficial gut bacteria can actually aid in the production of serotonin, which is frequently deficient in those with depression and anxiety. It is also important to note that pesticides on conventional produce can negatively impact yourgut microbiome, encourage nutrient depletions, leading to metabolic alterations that may also contribute to mood disorders.18

Sources of Prebiotics
-Asparagus
-Onion
-Sunchokes
-Garlic
-Chicory
-Leeks
-Sweet potatoes
-Plantains
-Dandelion greens
-Apples
-Flaxseed
-Jicama
-Seaweed
Sources of Probiotics:
-Yogurt
-Kefir
-Kimchi
-Miso
-Pickled vegetables
-Sauerkraut
-Kombucha
-Tempeh
-Cheeses with active cultures


5. Mindful Eating

Why is mindful eating important?

Because even if you are eating the right foods, you still want to promote proper digestion, absorption and utilization of the food you are eating.

With mindful eating, it's important to make an effort to be self aware and undistracted when you eat. This will ensure that your body is relaxed and able to perform at its best, when digesting your food. It also involves the practice of slow eating with thorough chewing and staying away from distractions such as TV. Aiming for 20-30 minutes per meal in a relaxing environment can promote a beneficial state of parasympathetic relaxation rather than a fight or flight stress response which could impair digestion. This will also give yourbody the opportunity to produce signals needed for you to feel full and to leave you satiated. Slower eaters are also less likely to experience heartburn and gas than those who eat more quickly, because they typically chew their food more thoroughly, making it easier for digestion and absorption of important nutrients. Mindful eating is a great technique to make sure that you utilize all of the nutrients you need for better mental health.


References:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/mental-health.htm
2. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-10/iepa-ssl101716.php
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4367209/
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889855316300826?via%3Dihub
5. https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(17)35557-9/fulltext?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.verywellmind.com%2Ffoods-for-a-better-mood-89889
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22968153/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24027581/
8. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(14)00051-0/fulltext
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404917/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4872453/
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224629/
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209058/
13. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/481645
14. https://jech.bmj.com/content/70/3/299
15. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/mental-health.htm
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3131098/
17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2694720/
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4392553/
19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6521019/
20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781043/
21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738337/
22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2918427/
23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27655070/
24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3191260/

Both BCAA and creatine are popular in the workout world to build muscle, especially when it comes to aerobic exercise. The amino acids categorized as branch chained amino acids are Valine, Leucine and Isoleucine. Nearly half of the amino acids derived from the protein in your diet are made of BCAAs. When you exercise, BCAA are utilized as a source of energy, helping protect existing muscle and assisting in building new muscle. They can also help prevent post-gym soreness and improve muscle recovery. 
Creatine is also derived from dietary protein (found in beef, chicken and fish) and is transformed into a substance that helps your body make ATP (energy). Your muscles need ATP for muscle contraction, so making sure your body has creatine can aid in increasing your power and strength during workouts. 
Since BCAA and Creatine serve different purposes when it comes to exercise, taking both before a workout can be helpful if you're looking to build muscle and increase performance.  
The idea of BCAA causing weight gain came from an animal study (5) using mice that observed over eating/increased food intake and weight gain when the mice were fed BCAAs. Exercise was also not a part of this study, so it's difficult to see how this would translate to humans and play out with increased activity. If you are using BCAA for exercise benefits, there is plenty of research documenting the benefits of supplementing that way. 
References: 1.  https://www.consumerlab.com/encyclopedia/term/herbs-and-supplements/branched-chain-amino-acids-bcaas/21527/ 2.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14600563/ 3.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900717300953 4.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28934166/ 5.  https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-019-0059-2

October is breast cancer awareness month. In the 1950s, 1 in 40 women had a chance of getting breast cancer in their lifetime. Now it's 1 in 8. Why have these numbers increased so significantly? One theory is our increased exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals (check out the paper: State of the Evidence - The Connection Between Breast Cancer and the Environment).


Chemical exposure has significantly increased over the past several decades and are found in our plastic containers, the flame retardants coating our furniture, cleaning products, in your food, personal care products, etc. We now carry hundreds of synthetic chemicals in our bodies, many of which are endocrine disrupting chemicals, meaning they can change the chemical signaling in your body and cause problems. It is estimated that bout 2,000 new chemicals are introduced into the environment every year. These chemicals persist for hours to years, depending on the substance. You may be surprised to learn that more than 80,000 chemicals have been introduced in America, although some are no longer in use, they persist in the environment. About 34,000 are registered for current use in the US today and many don't have safety studies. 


Think about your cumulative exposure to these chemicals overtime and your actual body burden of these contaminants. The biggest culprits are: pesticides, parabens, phthalates, triclosan and more. These chemicals act as estrogen mimickers and can increase your risk of hormone positive breast cancer. These not only impact your own health, but the health of your children, with an average of 200 chemical contaminants found in cord blood at birth. I encourage you to use the EWG.org's guides to look into your cosmetics, personal care products and cleaning products to reduce your exposure. 
What else can you do? 
1. Maintain a healthy diet. Aim for lean protein, healthy fats, fiber rich fruits/vegetables, avoid processed foods and excess sugar. Carotenoid rich foods, as well as high fiber food choices will especially help reduce your risk.


2. Watch your alcohol intake: 2-3 drinks per day will increase your risk of breast cancer at least 20%


3. Don't smoke cigarettes. This is one of the biggest risk factors for breast cancer, especially in younger women (that have not gone through menopause). Smoking alone will raise your chance of developing breast cancer by 35%.


4. Exercise! This can help you reduce your risk of breast and other cancers.


5. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases your risk of breast cancer. Excess fat promotes inflammation and other physiological changes in your system that can promote disease.


6. Optimize your vitamin D: suboptimal levels of this vitamin increase your risk of breast and other cancers. 


7. Get enough sleep! Insufficient sleep and abnormal shift work increases your risk of breast and other cancers. Check out my posts on circadian rhythm for more information on this.

Functional medicine aims to find the root cause behind health issues, examining genetics, environment, diet and lifestyle factors. It asks not only how, but why is this health concern occurring? It looks at every person as individualized and considers all components of human biology and how they interact with the environment.
With more than 75% of healthcare costs coming from chronic illnesses, functional medicine offers a new care model that has the potential of providing long term solutions and reduced cost of care. Mainstream healthcare focuses on masking symptoms, with interventions such as pharmaceuticals, often leading to long term dependence on drugs. Although this approach can work well for acute care, it has been less than ideal for chronic conditions. Most primary care doctors have little knowledge about nutrition and its impact on the body's physiology. The food and drink you choose to consume, the amount you sleep, your activity and stress levels all have a profound effect on how your body performs. Many chronic illnesses are a result of poor diet and lifestyle factors, such as cardiovascular disease, lung disease, diabetes and fatty liver disease. 
Functional medicine investigates where your body is struggling and uses conservative, natural interventions to optimize your body's own physiology to facilitate wellness. This model also recognizes the idea that one condition can have many different causative factors and stems more from dysfunctions in your physiology and the biochemistry of the human body. Detailed testing is often used in conjunction with very thorough history taking to accomplish this. There is the perception that all lab work is the sam, but functional practitioners usually utilize more in depth testing. Not all labs are created equal and the standard screening panels often are short versions of tests checking for states of disease. Functional testing investigates vitamins, minerals, physiological processes such as amino acid breakdown and absorption, neurotransmitter production/metabolism, urea cycle and ammonia detox, glutathione production, inflammatory markers, methylation, exposure to toxic elements, energy production, circadian rhythm/adrenal stress index testing, plasma fatty acid profiles, liver detoxification, food allergies, microbiome panels, stool analysis, comprehensive hormone panels and more. This in depth testing really allows for a more complete picture of how your body is behaving and oftentimes reveals blocks in your body's performance that must be addressed. 
Functional medicine is an excellent in depth, systems oriented health model. That being said, it is also a team approach, involving both the patient and the practitioner. This model aims at shifting habits, addressing diet on a long term level, understanding genetic components, lifestyle and environmental factors to get the body’s physiology working the best it can. This is what makes functional medicine a personalized, effective and long term solution to promote optimal health.

1. What are
the parameters/requirements that determine produce's
dirtiness/cleanness?


The Environmental Working Group (EWG) uses the USDA's test samples from fruits and vegetables to determine the produce with the least and most amounts of pesticides. They use this information to construct a shopper's guide of the "Clean 15" and "Dirty Dozen" to help consumers avoid pesticide exposure. 


 2. What about the farming methods?Pesticides? GMOs? Why are those 12 products "Dirty" and why should you avoid them? Are they really that scary?


Over half of all the produce sold in the United States is grown with pesticides. The "Dirty" list is made up of fruits and vegetables that tested highest in pesticide residues. One of the most popular pesticides in the US is made by Monsanto and is called RoundUp. It contains the active chemical Glyphosate, which is problematic to animals (including humans) in many ways. Glyphosate is an endocrine disrupting chemical, meaning that it can mimic certain hormones in your body and has the potential to make changes to your physiology, such as fertility issues. The actual mechanism of how glyphosate works involves its ability to inhibit the shikimate metabolic pathway. This pathway does not exist in animals, but it does exist in the trillions of microorganisms that colonize your body and make up your gut microbiome. By glyphosate disrupting this pathway, it not only effects your gut diversity (which we now know is very important for health), but it alters nutrient delivery, your gut barrier, inflammatory responses, production of aromatic amino acids (used to make neurotransmitters in the body such as thyroid hormone, serotonin and dopamine) and even genetic regulation. There is also some newer literature examining a possible link between pesticide exposure and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. There are very few studies investigating the possible consequences of long term pesticide exposure. The World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has deemed glyphosate a probable human carcinogen based on human and animal studies. California's Environmental Protection Agency lists glyphosate as a carcinogenic chemical known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm and cancer. This is why agencies such as the EWG have made such an effort to inform consumers of the "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean 15" https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php


3.Why does this list of items change? Why do things get kicked off
these lists and added to them?


It's all determined by the pesticides found on testing conventional produce items and farming practices/pesticide uses has some variability from year to year.


 4. Who makes these decisions on
dirty or clean? 


It is a list produced by the EWG (Environmental Working Group) to help inform consumers of produce items with the highest and lowest amounts of pesticides. The conventional produce with the highest amount of pesticides found from their testing are the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean 15" are the fruits and vegetables with the lowest concentrations. 


5. Can you "wash" a product and make it go from
dirty to clean? Why or why not? 


There was a study that found soaking produce in baking soda water for 12-15 minutes can remove a significant amount of pesticides. You use 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every 2 cups of water. 

To check out the full article online: https://www.pressreader.com/usa/oxygen/20200305/283386243944505

Q&A From Thrive Global interview: - Even though it might be more
difficult, why is it so important to continue eating healthy
foods and moving our bodies at this point in time?
Healthy eating is imperative to maintaining a healthy immune system. For example, high sugar intake have been shown in studies to  decrease immune activity, specifically NK cells, for several hours after consuming the sugary food. Partially hydrogenated fats you'd get in fried foods have an impact on your antioxidant status, which is important when your body is faced with an infection. Antioxidant/flavanoid rich foods in general like dark leafy greens, blueberries, blackberries, acai and raspberries are helpful in improving your antioxidant status, which declines as we get older. One of the most important antioxidants that your body produces is glutathione. Sulfur containing vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc can help encourage your glutathione production. So you really do have a lot of power over your health and immunity by supporting your body with beneficial foods and healthy eating styles. 
 - What are
some strategies to avoid stress-eating/reaching for comfort
foods during this time?
Only purchasing healthy food items can really help. We can't go out unless it is for essential things during this quarantine, so keeping problematic foods out of your house can be a great way of preventing detrimental eating habits. Stick to your list when you go shopping and keep unhealthy foods off of it. Also paying attention to your emotions when you go to reach for food is important. Are you eating because you are truly hungry or because of an intense emotion? This strategy can help with identifying eating patterns. 
 - How can we still make healthy food
choices as we are limiting trips to the grocery story and
largely relying on pantry/shelf-stable foods?
Meal prepping is essential. I have been making stews, veggie quinoa mixtures and soups. I make them in bulk and then freeze them in individualized portions, so I still have access to fresh delicious food. I'm also buying a lot of frozen leafy greens and other vegetables that are quick and easy to prepare. You can also buy canned items such as tuna, chickpeas, black beans, coconut milk, jackfruit and other healthy items are available and last a very long time. I stocked up on many gluten free legume pastas and bought bulk quinoa as well. You can definitely find healthy pantry/shelf-stable foods.
 - What are some
strategies for fitting movement into the day while we are
staying home and not going to the gym?
My favorite way to exercise is HIIT training. Science has shown that this type of exercise is excellent for your mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cells in your body), helps burn belly fat, boosts metabolism and increases insulin sensitivity. In fact, it is one of the most efficient exercise methods for reducing visceral fat and total trunk/abdominal fat. It has also been shown to stimulate production of human growth hormone, which can slow down the aging process, improve bone density and muscle mass. 
 I really enjoy HIIT because I can do it in the comfort of my own home and it only takes a short amount of time to preform and to see/feel results. There are tons of free videos on youtube that you can use as guides, or you can just make up your own routine. I usually do some combo of forearm planks, jump squats, plank jacks, lunges and donkey kicks, but I like to switch it up with videos.  https://thriveglobal.com/stories/coronavirus-healthy-eating-immune-system-support-tips/

1. Broccoli is a low glycemic, antioxidant rich superfood with plenty of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin A. It also contains an important phytochemical called sulforaphane which assists with liver detoxification, reduces inflammation, has pain suppressing abilities, a nti-cancer properties and has been shown to improve insulin resistance. Studies have also shown that sulforaphane has immune boosting effects, especially when it comes to your immune cell's antiviral responses. This amazing phytochemical is also found in other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, brussel sprouts and cauliflower. 2. Dark leafy greens such as Swiss chard, kale, collard greens, spinach, etc, are all nutrient packed superfoods with notable amounts of calcium, carotenoids, vitamin C and antioxidant phytochemicals. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that have been shown in research to protect against cancer and reduce your risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These carotenoid rich superfoods can help protect your body from disease by supporting a healthy immune system. 3. Asparagus is a fiber packed, antioxidant rich, anti-inflammatory superfood. It's a rich source of vitamin C, A, E, K, B6 and folate. Something you may not know about this vegetable is that it is a great source of inulin, which is an important prebiotic for your gut health. That means it promotes the growth of good bacteria and also has anti-cancer properties. It's important to remember that most of your immune cells live in your gut and diversifying your gut microbiome can help modulate and improve immune activity to help protect against infections. 4.  Turmeric  is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice with many immune boosting properties. It has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries to fight infections, improve digestive complaints and help inflammatory conditions. The active polyphenol in turmeric is called Curcumin and acts as a natural COX inhibitor, much like NSAIDS such as aspirin, but without the gastrointestinal side effects. This means it can help regulate inflammatory responses and important immune cells involved in adaptive immunity. Studies have demonstrated turmeric's anti-oxidant capabilities can help lower inflammatory markers such as CRP, which can be useful in helping with infections, preventing cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative conditions, pain and arthritic flares.
5.  Ginger  has powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial effects that can help with colds and flu. This is because of its ability to boost immunologic function by stimulating important immune cells. It's especially useful in soothing a sore throat, because of its ability to combat pain through its anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Ginger contains powerful antioxidants such as oleoresin, which act as a natural cough suppressant and has been shown to improve symptoms of asthma.

What exactly is an elimination diet? Could you clarify its medical basis, and that it’s not just cutting out sugar or carbs to lose weight? An elimination diet is designed to help identify foods that are potential triggers for inflammation, allergens, intolerances and sensitivities. It is used as a tool by practitioners who are attempting to help patients get to the root cause of their condition, symptoms or health concerns. Certain conditions ranging from acne to IBS, may be triggered by unidentified problematic foods. Potential food triggers can also lead to vague symptoms such as gas, bloating, heartburn, abdominal pain, abdominal rigidity, bowel changes, cough, congestion, fatigue, joint pain, feeling swollen, skin problems (acne, rashes, eczema), sleep disturbances, headaches and more. While testing is available for allergies, sensitivities and intolerances, these tests can be flawed and expensive, which is why I often times prefer using an elimination diet. For instance, many of the mainstream tests used to identify problematic foods only utilize IgE testing, which identifies a type of reaction that has the potential to cause anaphylaxis. While this is an important thing to know, this type of allergy is only one of several different ways your body may react to a particular food and is often already known by the patient . This is because IgE food reactions cause severe, often life threatening responses (these patients usually have to carry an epi-pen). Some reactions to food don't involve IgE responses, but are mediated by your digestive tract and other physiological responses. These reactions more so represent your body having difficulty breaking down a food. Symptoms take much longer to appear than an IgE allergy and may be less severe. An example of a food intolerance is lactose intolerance, where your body does not produce enough of an enzyme (lactase in this case) to properly digest a food. These reactions are not often investigated by conventional practitioners and testing. Food intolerances can also be a temporary problem, caused by a more complex GI issue such as an infection or gut bacteria imbalance. Additives/preservatives, flavorings, certain lectins, histamine rich foods (or histamine producing foods) and other chemicals added to food can also cause these type of reactions. Common foods leading to intolerances include wheat, dairy, processed foods with artificial sweeteners/colorings/chemical additives. Another issue with food testing is that most companies test using raw food proteins, rather than cooked. The protein structure of a raw food vs cooked is different, resulting in less accurate testing. An example of this would be receiving a test result indicating you have a problem with eggs, but the testing company may have used a raw egg protein rather than cooked to assess this. You may in fact be fine with cooked eggs, but only have a problem with raw eggs, which I'm assuming many of your aren't eating to begin with. If someone is having medical issues, how can they know if food is the culprit? Why is an elimination diet a good thing to try? It is sometimes difficult  to know whether a food is the cause of certain symptoms. This is why trying an elimination diet with a qualified practitioner is a must. A knowledgable practitioner is going to be informed when it comes to symptoms caused by food issues and will be versed in what conditions may be influenced by certain foods. How do you assess someone and determine what foods they should start cutting out? The elimination diet is some what standardized to remove the biggest food offenders for everyone, which are: gluten (wheat, rye, barley, etc), dairy, corn, chemical additives/preservatives, refined sugar, peanuts and soy. Depending on the health condition at hand, your practitioner may choose to add additional foods to the elimination list. Research has demonstrated that certain foods have the potential to cause something called "molecular mimicry", which can cause enhanced autoimmune responses in the body. An example of this is gluten with Hashimoto's disease. Patients with Hashimoto's may actually worsen their autoimmune response to their thyroid by eating gluten, so removing it is essential when it comes to promoting health. Specific conditions may merit eliminating additional foods such as eggs, beef, chicken, legumes, shellfish, nightshades or foods that the person eats more than 3 or 4 times per day. It just depends on the condition and an experienced practitioner will know what is best for your individual case. What food groups tend to cause the most problems, generally? Generally speaking gluten, dairy and soy are the biggest offenders. How do elimination diets work? Is it best to cut out one food at a time or a bunch all and once and slowly reintroduce them? A true elimination diet works like this: Step 1:  Eliminate all foods on elimination list for 2-3 weeks (gluten, dairy, corn, chemical additives/preservatives, refined sugar, peanuts and soy). You will likely show improvement in your symptoms. This is because it takes about 2-3 weeks for inflammatory cascades in your body to be reduced. The aim is to resolve these responses completely before testing problematic food and noting responses. Step 2:  At completion of your first 2-3 weeks, start reintroducing problematic food list in its purest form, one at a time. You must consume the food you are reintroducing 2-3 times in one day and wait 24 hours before testing a new food. An example of this is eating wheat berries (gluten) 3 times on Monday, eat no wheat berries on Tuesday and then start testing dairy on Wednesday. Journal symptoms of how you feel after reintroduction. How long does someone typically need to give up a food to determine its effect? How do you recommend patients keep track of everything? It is imperative to remove all potential problematic foods for at least 2-3 weeks. This is to give the body time to calm down inflammation and immune responses that may be causing symptoms and gives the patient a "clean slate" to assess foods and symptoms upon reintroduction. I have my patients keep a food journal to jot down symptoms, so it's easy to identify problematic foods. What conditions/health issues can the elimination diet commonly help with? I know you can’t share patient specifics, but do you have a couple of specific examples of how an elimination diet helped someone? I've found the most benefit in utilizing an elimination diet with autoimmune patients or with those experiencing gastrointestinal problems. Many times patients with IBS or acid reflux are actually just consuming unidentified foods that their body is reacting to. Foods can be triggers in patients with migraines and chronic acne as well. I've seen the use of an elimination diet be incredibly helpful when it comes to improving acid reflux, arthritis, various skin issues, and autoimmune problems (such as Hashimotos, psoriasis, SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, etc). Why are treatments like elimination diets sometimes better than medications or other treatments? Medications are designed to treat symptoms. Elimination diets are aimed to get to the cause of your symptoms, but identifying problematic foods. By finding the root cause of your problem, you can prevent the symptoms from occurring by avoiding the food, rather than putting a bandaid on the symptom once it's there. For example, the elimination diet may help you realize that eating gluten is what triggers your acid reflux and other gastrointestinal problems. These symptoms may be completely eliminated if you just adhere to a gluten free diet. This dietary change could prevent the need for long term medications with side effects to manage the acid reflux and GI problems. It would also help you avoid the financial burden of continued medical care and medication, along with any side effects the medication may have. What is often misunderstood about the elimination diet? I think many patients don't actually understand the basis of the elimination diet or the importance of following the elimination time frames or reintroduction periods. The elimination diet guidelines were actually developed based on your body's physiological responses. So you want to give the body time to calm down inflammatory responses by eliminating all the possible problematic foods for 2-3 weeks and then upon reintroduction, wait for delayed symptoms to show up. If you're not strict with the timeframes, it may alter your results. It can be a tedious process, but it works and is really a small amount of time to commit to in the long run.

Why do I choose to use natural deodorant?
1. Conventional deodorant and antiperspirants contain parabens, which are used to extend shelf, life as well as prevent bacteria and mold growth. Long chain parabens (which can mimic estrogen) are particularly harmful, causing hormonal shifts, fertility problems and are now linked to cancer. Examples of long chain parabens are butylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben and isopropylparaben.
2. Aluminum accumulation from antiperspirants can be concerning, because it does have the capability of damaging DNA and acting as a carcinogen. A recent animal study (Aluminium chloride promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in normal murine mammary gland epithelial cells) investigated this further using aluminum chloride in doses comparable to deodorant in mice and scientists found it did encourage the formation of metastatic tumors. Human studies have shown mixed results and merit further investigation. Earlier reviews (in studies before 2014 such as Systematic review of potential health risks posed by pharmaceutical, occupational and consumer exposures to metallic and nanoscale aluminum, aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxide and its soluble salts) found no evidence that aluminum-based antiperspirants caused breast cancer in humans. Another more recent study (Use of Underarm Cosmetic Products in Relation to Risk of Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study) found that not only did women with breast cancer have higher amounts of aluminum in their breast tissue than those without, but women who used antiperspirants were at higher risk of breast cancer. As with any heavy metal that accumulates in your body, aluminum accumulation causes other physiological issues as well. As far as I'm concerned, there are too many effective alternatives to these products than to risk the potential health concerns.
3. Deodorant and antiperspirants are also a source of triclosan (an antibacterial), which is often not listed on these products as an ingredient. Triclosan was originally developed as a pesticide, but is now purposely put in many personal care products (such as Colgate toothpaste). The CDC now found triclosan to be detectable in 75% of Americans, with one of the highest exposure groups being young women and teens. Triclosan has been shown to directly interfere with thyroid hormones and may also cause changes in reproductive hormones. There is also some evidence that higher triclosan levels may contribute to increased risk of allergies.
4. Most natural deodorants aim at providing safer ingredients and leave out aluminum, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances/colors/flavors, propylene glycol and PEG and sulfates. They also aim at improving odor, but don't necessarily prevent sweat, which is a necessary function of the body for detoxing and important for temperature regulation. I feel it's important to facilitate the body's natural physiology and avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals.