The New Yorker

Big news this week: my letter to the editor was published in the New Yorker. If you're like me, you get sucked into reading The Mail every week, so by the time the next issue arrives, you've barely made it to Talk of the Town. When I heard that my letter might be included, I was over the moon - especially because it's such an important topic.

My original letter was heavily edited, so I've included the first draft below.

In case you're wondering what prompted my response, here's the original article. The author is thisclose to hitting the nail on the head, especially when she's quoting Tom Wadden and William Dietz, but never quite gets to what I think is the crux of the matter; namely, that we have created a society where weight loss is nearly impossible - and more importantly, that we have the power to change that!

The problem starts at the highest echelons of government and trickles down through conventional medical education all the way to the obesity epidemic. All is not lost yet, but without change on every level, the article's hypothesis may very well come to pass.

I think we can do much, much better. And I'm committed to doing my part to see it through.

xo
E

***************************

from: emily wade
to: themail@newyorker.com
date: Tue, Oct 4, 2016 at 9:30 PM
subject: Letter to the Editor re: "Bariatric Surgery: The Solution to Obesity?"

Before we all rush off to get bariatric surgery, it would be smart to examine exactly why diets and exercise don't work for obese patients.

First is a systemic problem with medical education. Many doctors are trained to treat symptoms instead of uncover the root cause of disease, and nutrition education in medical school is often minimal. 

Second, patients need more support in making these tough lifestyle changes. Doctors might advise their patients to eat right and exercise, but without any follow-up or a clear plan of action, success is unlikely. 

In addition, patients need more tests, and insurance needs to cover those. Obese patients are often battling dysbiosis, psychological issues, food sensitivities or addictions, or hormonal imbalances, all of which can contribute to the inability to lose weight. Without diagnosing and addressing these contributing factors, patients are more likely to struggle. 

Finally, the biggest hurdle: the food system in the US. People are eating foods that contribute to obesity because these foods are accessible, cheap, easy to prepare, tasty, addictive, and because people are largely misinformed about what's healthy (the low-fat movement discussed in the article is just one such example). 

Obese patients need a holistic, personalized program in conjunction with ongoing support so they can make lasting behavioral change without feeling overwhelmed or giving up. Diets & exercise do work, but there is not a one size fits all solution, and we need to provide patients with not only a strategy, but also the support to help them see it through.

-Emily Adams, Certified Nutrition Consultant

Can Autism Be Prevented?

Photo: Subhadip Mukherjee

One of the staggering facts I shared with the Expectant Mamas' Group on Monday was that the
Center for Disease Control now claims that 75% of all healthcare spending goes towards the treatment of preventable diseases - most of which are linked to diet.

In a world where women are usually responsible for, well, everything - from birthing to bringing home the bacon (and then making sure that it's perfectly cooked) - hearing that we are also responsible for preventing disease can just add another layer of stress.

If you're like me, one way of dealing with that added pressure is to ignore it. That's what I did, for years, until my body literally shut down and forced me to listen.

As women, we tend to put others' needs before our own. I put the needs of my job wayyyy before my own, and it finally caught up with me. My body didn't appreciate my work hard, play hard lifestyle.

But I couldn't (or didn't want to) face the prospect of adding even more tasks to my plate. Working out, food shopping, cooking ... these things take TIME. And time is a precious commodity these days.

Luckily, what I've learned since then is that taking better care of myself wasn't really as hard as it seemed. Which brings me back to my current stance on disease prevention: why bother kicking the can down the road when you can take small actions now that will help your health later?

A great time to do that is when you're pregnant, because it's so much easier to justify taking care of someone else instead of yourself.

Studies suggest that pregnancy super-nutrient folate can prevent autism - even when consumed BEFORE conception!

The tricky thing about folate is that supplements usually include the synthetic version, folic acid. Folic acid has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, maternal infection, and low birth weight infants. In addition, an estimated 40% of the population has a genetic variant that prevents the metabolism of folic acid.

A better choice is true folate.

In supplements, that means 5-methyltetrahydrafolate (or 5-MTHF). The prenatal supplements I like contain this kind of absorbable folate, but you can only order them through a practitioner (head to my store to check them out).

Luckily, absorbable folate is found abundantly in beans and greens, among other food sources.

The bottom line? Choosing folate-rich foods and taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin are two easy steps you can take to help prevent autism. There are many other factors in the development and prevention of this disease, but starting with small, easy modifications is the best way to make lasting change.

As Benjamin Franklin said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." While it's not easy to add prevention to your list of things to do, these simple steps have a potentially powerful outcome.

And hey - we might even be able to change those CDC stats.

9 Ways to Heal PCOS

Photo by Nossirom

There are lots of baby-blocking health issues out there these days: low sperm count, endometriosis, nutritional deficiencies, toxins ... and I'm passionate about helping you find natural solutions to each of them.

Yet another common reproductive syndrome that can screw with your fertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. According to the Mayo Clinic:

PCOS happens when your pituitary gland and ovaries overproduce certain hormones. Because those hormones can interfere with the production and release of eggs, PCOS is a common cause of infertility and may be the reason you have difficulty becoming pregnant.

Ugh. Hormones strike again.

In today's world, we have more exposure to hormones than ever before. And hormones must be in balance for your baby-maker to properly function. Unfortunately, our environments, diets, and lifestyles can sometimes cause us to inhale, absorb or ingest excess hormones that may be partially responsible for fertility issues.

Luckily, there are lots of really easy ways to reduce your exposure to hormones and get your reproductive system back on track:

• Eliminate dairy foods like cheese, butter, milk, and cream. According to one Harvard scientist, dairy accounts for 60-80% of all estrogens consumed! If you must indulge, seek out organic, pasture-raised, or raw milk from small farms, whose cows are likely to have fewer hormones.
• Eat organic - especially meat (and dairy). It's illegal for farmers to use hormones on hogs and poultry, so if you can't afford organic, pork & chicken are better options than conventional beef. Pesticides can have estrogenic effects, and many conventional animals are injected with hormones that disrupt our hormonal balance when we eat them.
• Support your liver. The liver detoxifies and regenerates estrogen. So treat it well by avoiding drugs and alcohol. Even prescription and over-the-counter drugs can negatively affect the liver (e.g., Tylenol). Support your liver by eating bitter foods, cruciferous vegetables, and taking a good, absorbable multivitamin (you can purchase my favorite via my store). Drink lots of filtered water, too.
• Avoid soy. Soy is a phyto (plant) estrogen, so many natural fertility experts recommend that couples avoid it. Perhaps an even more compelling argument for eliminating soy is that over 91% of soy is now genetically modified - and GM soy and corn have been found to decrease fertility in animal studies.
• Stay away from xenoestrogens (chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body). Some common xenoestrogens are pthalates, parabens, BPA, food coloring, birth control pills, PCBs, and DDT. These chemicals are most commonly found in canned foods, plastic-packaged foods, cosmetics, personal care products, and household cleaners. READ LABELS! Your safest bet, food-wise, is to eat organic, fresh foods. Avoid eating large fish, as PCBs accumulate in their fat. And don't store or reheat your food in saran wrap or plastic containers like Tupperware. As for cosmetics, personal care & cleaners, check out Pretty Healthy for tips.
• Balance your other hormones: practice stress-reduction techniques and gentle exercise to lower cortisol, get a good night's sleep to regulate melatonin, and get your thyroid checked to ensure proper function. Hormones work in concert with each other, so by helping one, you benefit them all.

In terms of PCOS specifically, there are a few additional risk factors to address:

• Stabilize blood sugar. Elevated insulin (the hormone that's produced when blood sugar rises) plays a huge role in many cases of PCOS. Keeping blood sugar stable will help prevent insulin spikes. Reduce refined carbohydrates like bread, pasta, flour, and all sweets - including soda and fruit juices. Eat healthy fats & avoid low-fat foods. Eat 3 meals and 2 snacks daily, and make sure each has clean proteins and healthy fats.
• Lower inflammation. Try an elimination diet to see if you have an undiagnosed food sensitivity that is creating an inflammatory response. Eat anti-inflammatory foods and spices such as salmon, veggies, turmeric, ginger, and cayenne. Avoid polyunsaturated cooking oils: use olive or coconut oil when you're cooking at home and, when at a restaurant, ask your server if they can cook your food in olive oil or saturated fat.

The final, and perhaps the easiest way to start healing PCOS?  

• Detox with a whole-foods cleansing program like the New Year Cleanse! Everything but the cooking is done for you, and you'll get to become part of a wonderful group of people who are also committed to health. It's a fun, challenging way to kick off the New Year. The program begins January 1, but the price goes up on December 1, so sign up now for just $29!

Though my tips seem pretty easy when you read them, they aren't always as simple to implement on a consistent basis. More than just information, you need support and accountability to make lasting change that can transform your health. And that's where I come in. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me to discuss how to put the above recommendations into action.

'Til then, I wish you all the best. Happy Thanksgiving!

How to Prep & Store Beans, Nuts & Seeds

Photo by Isaac Wedin

The life cycle of a nut, seed or legume is to be eaten by a bird and eliminated with the bird's natural fertilizers in order to re-grow. In order to survive an animal's digestive tract, most nuts & seeds contain enzyme inhibitors that prevent absorption. The only problem with this is that we can't get the full nutrition benefits from nuts & seeds unless these enzyme inhibitors have been deactivated. 

Since beans contain lots of natural folate, and nuts & seeds have many fertility-enhancing minerals, I frequently recommend that my clients add these healthy foods to their diets. Traditional cultures soaked beans, nuts & seeds in order to improve the digestion & assimilation of their reproduction-supporting nutrients. Here's how.

Beans
I recommend buying dried beans. This is because most commercial cans contain a BPA lining. BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a man-made compound that exhibits estrogen-like properties upon assimilation into the human body (it is one of many chemicals therefore known as a xeno-estrogen). While the FDA hasn't banned BPA yet, many studies have shown its potential dangers - including a strong link to infertility.

To cook dried beans, first you'll need to soak them. Cover them with lots of filtered water (they will expand quite a bit) and place them in the refrigerator to prevent fermentation. Let them soak overnight or for 12 hours. For extra credit & nutritional punch, you can even sprout legumes (Google "how to sprout beans" and you'll find scores of super-easy DIY tutorials). Regardless of whether you simply soak or attempt to sprout, you'll need to rinse & drain the beans before cooking them. Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with several inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Don't add salt until after the beans are cooked - this will help them retain their shape & texture. Cook the beans for 60-90 minutes or until they become tender (but not mushy). Once they're cooked, drain them again.

At this point, you can either use the beans in a recipe or store them. If you're going to use them within a few days, you can simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they'll last for 3-4 days. Or, for longer storage, pat them dry and freeze them in an airtight container. Frozen beans will keep for 6 months to a year.

If soaking, cooking & storing beans seems like too much work for you, you'll be glad to know that some health-minded companies are eliminating BPA in their cans. These cans are labeled "BPA-free" or "No BPA." Eden Organics is one reliable producer who uses BPA-free cans for their beans. But even if you have to settle for BPA-lined cans, try not to beat yourself up too much. Many nutritional experts agree that the health benefits of eating more vegetables and fruits outweigh the risks of exposure to pesticides and other toxins.

Nuts & Seeds
Nuts & seeds only need to be soaked for 7-8 hours, following which they should be dehydrated in a warm oven (150˚) for about 12 hours, turning occasionally. They can then be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent rancidity.

The Importance of Seasonal Eating

Photo courtesy of Can Can Cleanse

Initially published on Can Can Cleanse:

Reasons to Eat With the Seasons

Watermelon. Raspberries. Zucchini. Tomatoes. Summer’s gardens are a veritable bounty of mouth-watering fruits and vegetables, bursting with flavor and nutrients. But now that we can get these foods year-round, why should we bother stocking up on them now?

Eating seasonally is one of the pillars of designing a healthy diet, and for good reason. Nature provides the nutrients we need exactly when we need them to ensure optimal health. Before we were able to enjoy peaches in February, we had a very limited time to indulge in these delicious sweets. And guess what? We didn’t suffer as many preventable health problems as we do today.

Perhaps that’s because most of our summer foods do an excellent job of preparing us for winter. Chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, these fruits & veggies exert potent antioxidant power to get our immune systems in tip-top shape and protect our cardiovascular systems. The complex carbohydrates so plentiful in summer used to help fatten us up for impending fall & winter, when we were forced to rely on limited amounts of wild game, root vegetables, nuts, seeds, and traditional storage techniques (root cellars, pickling, canning and iceboxes).

In-season foods improve health because they have more nutrients. Many vitamins and phytonutrients are denatured with exposure to oxygen, light or heat. So the longer you have to wait to eat a vegetable after it’s been picked, the fewer nutrients it offers. One of the benefits of eating seasonal produce is that it can be grown & sold locally, which cuts down the time between harvest & a fresh salad on your plate. And many local growers choose not to use harmful pesticides, so even non-organic seasonal foods can be safer. Plus, as anyone who has ever tried to eat a tomato or avocado out-of-season can tell you, the taste of fresh produce is beyond compare.

Seasonal foods also provide a perfect counterpoint to the climate. When it’s hot out, a big sweet potato or winter squash just isn’t appealing. But berries, cucumbers, and mint? Bring it on!

Besides being a healthy way to eat, eating seasonally is usually less expensive. Take watermelons, for example. Watermelons can be grown nearly anywhere in the summertime, but if your craving occurs in winter, your watermelon will likely be shipped in from a warmer locale. Shipping requires fuel, and we all know how expensive that is nowadays! In addition, foods grow well when they’re in season, so there is a greater supply available, which also drives the price down.

Affordable, healthy & better-tasting? Sounds like three great reasons to dive into summer produce with abandon. Enjoy!

Is Breast Best? And Does It Matter What Nursing Moms Eat?

Photo by Nerissa's Ring

When it comes to a baby's diet, most experts agree that "breast is best." But what if Mom is eating candy all day? Or consuming foods to which she has a low-grade allergy? If mother's milk has a lot of inflammatory compounds, is nutrient-deficient, or is otherwise compromised, baby's development can suffer.

The resulting complications can be instantaneous. Some babies fuss after the mother has eaten sugar, MSG or gluten (Morell, S. & Cowan, T., 2013). But other problems can arise down the line. A new study found that less-healthy infant diets were associated with higher blood pressure in 7.5-year-old children. And holistic dentist Raymond Silkman reports that severe dental malocclusion is more likely to occur in breastfed children if their mothers were vegetarian or vegan.

The bottom line? Contrary to popular belief, scientific research confirms that a nursing mother's diet is crucial to her baby's proper development. She can improve the quality of her milk by eating a nutrient-rich diet and avoiding toxins.

And babies aren't the only beneficiaries. If their nutrient stores are replete with vitamins and minerals, nursing moms may be able to avoid postpartum health problems like depression. It's a win-win!

Sources:
Morell, S. & Cowan, T. (2013). The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child Care. New Trends Publishing, Inc.: Washington, D.C.

Preventing Low Birth Weight

Photo by Zureks

A new study confirms that DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil) increases birth weight and gestation duration (the total time that your baby's in your belly).

While that might sound like a few more weeks of torture for you, it's actually of crucial importance for your baby. Premature and low birth weight babies are more likely to develop serious health problems later in life, like high blood pressure, diabetes & heart disease.

That said, getting enough DHA safely can be a challenge. While food sources are always the most bio-available source of nutrients, fish poses a problem. Large fish like tuna can have dangerous levels of mercury, so it's not advisable to eat them during pregnancy.

Smaller fish, like salmon, are safer. The NRDC has wonderful resources to help you find & select safe seafood & sushi while you're pregnant.

If you don't care for seafood, or if you're concerned about mercury, a good backup option is to take a supplement. I recommend OmegaGenics DHA 600 gelcaps, as the study used 600mg of DHA to get its results. This supplement is only available through a healthcare practitioner - you can purchase it through me here.

Read more about the DHA study here.

Preventing Autism

Photo by Lance Neilson

A friend of mine recently started volunteering at a local kindergarten. As we enjoyed brunch last week, she described her typical day - chasing down the kids with behavioral issues like autism and ADHD while the teacher tries to keep the rest of the class from falling behind. She was exhausted and frustrated by the situation - a sentiment many of my friends who work in early education (or have school-age kids) share. These parents and educators wonder, "What can we do to stop this (or make it better)? And how did this happen?"

Traditional medicine struggles to address chronic conditions, from behavioral disorders like autism to the obesity and diabetes epidemics that are so rampant today. However, this is precisely the type of situation where an integrative approach really works. We look "upstream" and address the problem at its root. More and more research points to the preventability of illnesses like these - and much of that prevention occurs in the womb.

Science has identified a plethora of prenatal factors that can contribute to the development of autism:

• Folate deficiency before & during pregnancy
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Stress during the prenatal period and maternal neurotransmitter health
• Exposure to toxic metals like lead or the mercury used in dental amalgams
• Maternal inflammation. Inflammation can stem from stress, toxins, lack of exercise, or an improper diet high in sugar, processed foods, oxidized fats, and unidentified (or ignored) food sensitivities
• Older (35-40+) mother or father
• Not enough time between sibling births (child-spacing less than 3 years apart)
• Genetics - though these genes are influenced by environmental factors

So how do we use this information to help slow the spread of autism? Now that we have awareness, how do we take action? The first secret is not to become so overwhelmed that you don't do anything. Pick one of the above bulletpoints and make a couple of changes. You don't have to tackle it all at once. (And of course, a good prenatal nutritionist can help make this process much easier.).

Also, you may have noticed that some of these factors actually come into play before you conceive. Compared to the people of traditional cultures (who spent years eating special pre-pregnancy diets before conceiving), we do very little today to prime our bodies for pregnancy. But I'm aiming to change that with the upcoming launch of my online coaching program, Priming the Bump. This program is perfect for those of you who want to boost your fertility naturally and prepare your body to deliver a healthy baby. If this sounds like you, be sure to check out Priming the Bump - and bring your partner, friends or family.

Armed with the right tools, parents can regain control over these diseases by attending to diet and lifestyle - and that's exciting news for families who've felt helpless.

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Holiday Survival Guide

I wrote this article for non-mamas-to-be on the Can Can Cleanse blog. While some of the tips don't apply to my Natal Nutrition clients & readers, many of the suggestions ring true regardless of what's going on in your uterus at the moment. And even if you are an A+ nutrition student, chances are, someone in your life could benefit from these tips (ahem, husbands!).

If you're having trouble implementing these tips & tricks on your own, you're not alone. That's why I always lead a clean eating program after the holidays. Click here to learn more and join up.

Check out the article below, and have a very happy - and healthy - holiday season.

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Pumpkin pie. Hot toddies. Stuffing.  More than any other time of year, the holidays pose the greatest challenge to our willpower - and our waistlines. But fret not! Try a few of these simple, easy tweaks to enjoy the holidays to the fullest without sabotaging your health.

• Keep it clean: Can’t manage to squeeze in your regular week-long juice fast during the holiday frenzy? Not to worry! Juicing expert Teresa Piro recommends a one-day cleanse every week in December to refocus and keep toxins at bay. Giving your body even just one day off can allow its detox systems to catch up and function better.

• Think before you drink: People who drink more than 1-2 alcoholic beverages per day increase their risk of developing cancers, diabetes, heart disease and more. If that’s not enough to slow you down, consider this: most forms of alcohol have the caloric equivalent of a scoop of ice cream - and that’s before adding mixers! Set a limit for yourself & drink slowly. Savor that champagne! You might also dilute alcohol with club soda or ice.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water throughout the day can curb your appetite. And drinking a glass of water between each holiday cocktail helps your kidneys filter toxins - and prevents hangovers. All the more reason to make water your new favorite holiday beverage.

• Get your greens: Eat a salad before lunch & dinner. This way, you’re more likely to fill up on the good stuff - even if you indulge after your salad.

• Adjust your additives: Baking treats for your holiday party? Try halving the sugar in your recipe. Most baked goods hold up just fine without the added sugar and taste just as sweet.

• Gift yourself some exercise: Park at the back of the lot when you go gift shopping, and avoid using a cart to return your bags to the car. It’s not much, but the extra exercise may help negate that candy cane you nibbled at the office today, and fresh oxygen can aid your metabolism & energy.

• Eat before you eat: Headed to a party? Eat before you go. That way, you’ll be able to control what you eat and ensure it’s healthy. And the more full you are, the more unlikely you are to make bad food choices when you’re there. In fact, if you’re not hungry, you might not visit the hors d’oeuvres table at all!

• Try the turkey, skip the stuffing: Eating proteins & healthy fats will keep you satiated, whereas refined carbohydrates can leave you hungry for more. Eat eggs for breakfast and you may not even miss Grandma’s famous coffee cake.

• Beware holiday beverages: A Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte with whole milk from Starbucks has as many calories as a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese! Enough said.

• Re-gift: If you receive a box of chocolates, you don’t have to eat them. I’m giving you permission to re-gift them to a friend (or to the compost bin).

• Indulge - but don’t binge. It’s OK to have a small treat or a few bites of dessert every day. If you’re about to grab something mindlessly, drink a glass of water and wait 20 minutes to see if you still want it.

Just Use Sugar?

Photo by Maria Kaloudi from FreeImages

I'm thrilled to be partnering with the one and only Can Can Cleanse on monthly blog articles! My
first one went up last week. You'll want to read this one - I give permission to do something this holiday season that no nutritionist will ever give again!

*************

The holidays are approaching, along with that spare tire that seems to appear around your waist this time of year. You’ve heard that sugar is the latest enemy in the war against weight gain, so maybe you’re considering baking your holiday pies with Splenda or using Equal in your pumpkin latte to help avoid those extra seasonal pounds.

Want a nutritionist’s perspective? Just use sugar.

No, that’s not a typo. If you’re going to use a sweetener anyway, it’s my professional opinion that you should just use regular, old-fashioned sugar.

“What?!” you may ask. “But how will I ever lose weight by using sugar?”

Well, to be fair, you won’t. But you won’t lose weight by using artificial sweeteners, either. There is no evidence that artificial sweeteners help anyone lose weight. In fact, they may increase weight*! Think about it: I bet you know plenty of overweight people who drink Diet Pepsi.

How do lower-calorie sweeteners cause weight gain? This excellent article suggests that they confuse your brain. Their sweet taste prepares your body for an insulin surge that never occurs, but your brain still craves that energy boost. You end up eating more carbohydrates to satisfy that craving - and you gain weight. According to the article’s author, “In one study, people who used artificial sweeteners ate up to three times the amount of calories as the control group.” Perhaps that’s why the obesity epidemic has perpetuated despite the plethora of diet foods on grocery shelves.

Worse still, artificial sweeteners may also pose serious health risks. Saccharin (Sweet’N Low) is carcinogenic. Splenda users have reported stomach pain, headaches and skin rashes. Aspartame (NutraSweet) affects mood & behavior, and may cause seizures, migraines, hives, and nerve disturbances* - not to mention its link to diabetes**.

If artificial sweeteners aren’t proven to make a difference to your waistline AND they’re potentially toxic, then there is no reason to use them.

Don’t mistake this for an endorsement of table sugar. Sugar isn’t healthy - unless you’re comparing it to artificial sweeteners. Sure, there are natural alternatives to sugar. You might try stevia, honey, or fruit to sweeten your holiday dishes & drinks. But the single best thing you can do to lose weight and maintain good health is to change your taste for sweets. Stop using sweeteners - even if they’re natural. Once you retrain your tastebuds, you’ll find you don’t need additives to satisfy your sweet tooth - and the pounds will begin to melt away.

It’ll take time and willpower - especially during the holidays - but breaking your dependence on sweet flavors could be the best thing you do for your health. And it may be the only thing that makes a dent in that holiday spare tire.

Sources:

*Murray, M., Pizzorno, J. & Pizzorno, L. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. Safe Eating. New York: Atria.

**Ross, J. (2002). The Mood Cure. Out With the Bad-Mood Foods: Ridding your diet of emotionally hazardous edibles. New York: Penguin Books.

Prop 37: Labeling GMO Foods

October is GMO Awareness Month - the perfect precursor to the Proposition 37 vote in November. The National Association of Nutrition Professionals, of which I am a member, compiled the following resources to educate and assist the public.

About GMOs & Proposition 37 

GMO Education

Learn what a GMO is, which foods are genetically modified, and why we should care.

37 Reasons to Vote for Proposition 37

Learn more about Prop 37 and what it entails, and why it should pass.

Opinion: GMOs - Let's Label Them

Read about GMOs and why we should label them in this article by The New York Times' Mark Bittman.

Updated Infographic             The Cornucopia Institute has updated its infographic, which shows which companies have financially supported or opposed Proposition 37, as well as the amount donated.  View the updated pdf by clicking here.

Non-GMO Shopping Guide Resources

Shop NoGMO by Plum Amazing A non-GMO shopping guide to download to your iPhone or iPad Non-GMO Shopping Guide Pocket-size downloadable shopping guide featuring over 150 brands currently signed on to the non-GMO project

Take Action

Support Yes on 37 Learn how you can show your support by donating, participating, or volunteering with Yes on 37   Just Label It! Find out more about GE foods, sign a petition to tell the FDA that you have the right to know what is in our food, and more!

Natural Ways to Boost Fertility

Infertility can be a frustrating and painful challenge. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy, natural ways you can increase your odds of conceiving.

The first step is to see your doctor. Many cases of infertility are caused by unknown factors, but both partners should be evaluated for potential medical issues to rule out known issues like pelvic inflammatory disease, low sperm count, endometriosis or other health problems. Identifying a problem can make it easier to tackle.

Hormone imbalance can also contribute to conditions that reduce fertility. Sex, stress and thyroid hormones (the endocrine system) are interrelated. If one set of these hormones are ‘off,’ it’s not uncommon for the other hormones to follow suit. Ask yourself: have you been stressed lately, or have you grown accustomed to a consistently high level of stress? Try to reduce stress through healthy eating, sleep, light exercise and relaxation techniques. It’s likely that your doctor will test Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels as part of your medical evaluation - if she doesn’t, ask.

Melatonin, a hormone secreted at night, regulates the endocrine system. Perhaps this is why women’s cycles used to align with the phases of the moon. Sleep in complete darkness to support melatonin production - this can further balance your hormones and may improve ovulation.

Women can also track their cycles to identify their most fertile days. Fertility Awareness is a great way to do this - I highly recommend the book The Garden of Fertility by Katie Singer. FA helps women understand their cycles and optimize the best time for conception.

Proper nutrition is crucial for creating the right environment within your body. Infertility is associated with nutritional deficiencies, so it’s important to consume a broad range of vitamins and minerals through your diet. You may also consider taking a multivitamin. Both overweight and underweight women have increased rates of infertility (Hudson, 2008). Sweeteners & simple carbohydrates can raise cortisol levels and decrease sex hormones (Singer, 2004). The most simple way to ensure a healthy weight, optimal nutrient status and reproductive health is to eat a balanced diet full of a variety of vegetables, eliminate processed foods and refined carbohydrates, and avoid toxins by choosing organic meats, dairy & produce and low-mercury fish.

Toxins can also prevent a fertile environment. Both partners should eliminate nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol - they have all been linked to decreased fertility (Hudson, 2008). Even just one cup of coffee a day can decrease your chance of conceiving by 50% (Singer, 2004)! That said, one study showed that caffeine can increase sperm motility, so an occasional cup may be okay for men if sperm motility is an issue. Marijuana appears to have the opposite effect, decreasing fertility in both men and women.

Taking control of your health is a powerful step towards overcoming infertility. With simple changes, you can increase your chances of conceiving. If you want further assistance or need help putting these concepts into practice, seek out a holistic nutritionist or wellness coach who specializes in fertility.

Sources:
Hudson, T. (2008). Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Infertility. McGraw Hill: New York.
Singer, K. (2004). The Garden of Fertility. Avery: New York.

Obseity Prevention Begins in the Womb

From my latest article on DietsInReview.com:

Nearly 10% of infants in the US are overweight. As they get older, this percentage grows along with them: almost 70% of US adults are overweight or obese. But weight gain is largely preventable - and prevention begins in the womb.

Mama-to-be? Keeping your blood sugar steady can prevent your baby from having an excessive birth weight. It can also help your baby stay lean throughout his life. High maternal blood sugar prompts the fetus to develop more fat cells, which can make it easier to become fat later in life. ...(Read the full article here)