Naturally Savvy

Getting the clutter off your desk or tidying up your space can be a cleansing task. But, what about all the emotional clutter that resides in your mind?Getting the clutter off your desk or tidying up your space can be a cleansing task. But, what about all the emotional clutter that resides in your mind? Emotional clutter is truly invisible; not readily recognizable like the papers and magazines that pile up.  It may come from past childhood experiences or trauma, worries about the future, or simply the day-to-day chaos of life. This clutter keeps you from embracing the present moment and performing in those moments. It's not easy to keep your mind clean. Research suggests that the average mind tends to wander about 50 percent of the time and has about 75,000 thoughts in the course of the day. There are so many distractions and choices to make in modern-day lives, so it's important to filter out those thoughts. How many are accurate and relevant? How many are just old toxic thoughts or a result of your brain on autopilot?  Donald Altman, LPC, author of Clearing Emotional Clutter: Mindfulness Practices for Letting Go of What's Blocking Your Fulfillment and Transformation, has coined the term "inner Facebooking," which is a metaphor for how we make mental posts in our mind. Notice these mental posts and how they make you feel.  Where you place your attention and the thoughts you have can actually rewire your brain. This is something you can do in just a few minutes a day.  Donald also encourages what he calls fidelity to the moment or faithfulness to one moment. This involves uni-tasking instead of multitasking. Wash your dishes just to wash them, not to get that task out of the way. Notice how the water feels on your skin, the artistry of the plates. When you're on a walk, just walk. Embrace the scenery.  Listen in as Donald explains how you can start to rewire your brain and embrace the beauty of the present moment.

Your body needs some stress to function at optimal levels, but too much stress can wreak havoc on your systems.Contrary to previous belief, women have a stronger fight or flight response than men when faced with stressful or dangerous situations. Your body needs some stress to function at optimal levels, but too much stress can wreak havoc on your systems. The thought of "handling your stress" is somewhat of an impossible task, because stress is a physical event that occurs; a metabolic response.  Here are just a few of the physical responses that occur when stress hits your body: cortisol levels go up immune system is altered lipid profile changes store more fat and lose muscle insulin response diminished sleep is affected negatively James B. LaValle, RPh, CCN, joins host Lisa Davis to explain exactly what happens when you're affected by chronic stress, as well as effective ways to reduce the stress in your life.

Eating mindfully can get you out of that "good food/bad food" mindset.We all eat, and we all eat mindlessly at times. But, when this leads to painful and constant struggle over most meals and many foods, it may be time to consider other ways of relating to your eating, yourself, and the many, many food choices you face each day. Mindful eating is simply another powerful way of relating to your experiences of food, your relationship to your body, and the joy that is possible in savoring your experiences. Eating mindfully can get you out of that "good food/bad food" mindset.  Jean Kristeller, PhD, creator of the NIH-funded Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training (MB-EAT), says one way to think of mindful eating is to cultivate your inner gourmet. You might realize the foods you thought you loved aren't all that wonderful anymore when you truly tune in to taste. Jean also explains the difference between self-regulation and willpower. Self-regulation is about balance, not struggling with yourself, and recognizing both your hunger and your fullness. Willpower disconnects you from all the experiences that give you true feedback.  By eating mindfully, you can get back in touch with a sense of fullness or a sense of what is "enough." Fullness shouldn't be a result of stuffing yourself.  Listen in as Jean joins host Lisa Davis to discuss how mindful eating can help you achieve a variety of health goals. She also shares some details about the MB-EAT program.

The FDA recently unveiled its new nutrition facts label, but is it really for the better?The FDA recently unveiled its new nutrition facts label. While there are some improvements, Registered Dietitian Ashley Koff says there is also much left to be desired. Koff joins Naturally Savvy host Lisa Davis to share the "hits and misses" of the new design. Hits Calories are bold and in large type. Serving sizes have been updated. New column for added sugars. Essential nutrients are indicated as well as amounts of each. Misses No matter how big the calorie count appears to the eye, the quality of calorie matters. Missing essential nutrients. For example, calcium and magnesium offset each other, but while calcium is highlighted, magnesium is not.  Artificial sugars or sugar alcohols aren't quite clear. In terms of serving sizes, it's still important to educate the public as to what an appropriate portion size is.

How can music help heal your mind, body and soul?If you’ve been in a yoga class in the last five years, you have no doubt heard Wah!'s music. The first female to bring kirtan music (call-and-response chanting performed in India's devotional traditions) to the West in the 1990’s, Wah! has been playing bass guitar with her wildly joyful rock band at yoga festivals and centers around the U.S. since 1997. A few years ago, Wah! took time to sit with people... just sitting, and singing, toning, and leading simple meditative exercises. “Our lives are filled with distractions and disruptions that take us away from ourselves and leave us with an experience of overwhelming stress and disconnection." Wah! feels a new kind of musical experience is necessary. “I want to explore more deeply how we are living our lives and create events which inspire and expand our receptivity.” Her new book, Healing: A Vibrational Exchange, introduces audiences to the concepts behind her music, focusing on ways you can create more space and healing in your life. Her workshops expand the detail of her wisdom, exploring sensory awareness and perception, and giving audiences both the idea and experience of healing and renewal. Listen in as Wah! joins host Lisa Davis to share more about her music and how it can help heal your mind, body and soul.

When it comes to your little ones and nutrition, the first 1,000 days are crucial for instilling healthy eating habits.When it comes to your little ones and nutrition, the first 1,000 days are crucial for instilling healthy eating habits. There’s an increasing demand from parents wanting to know more about the ingredients in the foods they feed their babies and the level of transparency companies are sharing about these products. Happy Family, one of the largest and fastest growing organic food brands to offer a comprehensive line of nutritious foods for babies, toddlers, kids and their mothers, has taken the lead in answering the call for more transparency. The company’s most recent product line, Clearly Crafted, is the first clear baby food pouch that allows you to see exactly what’s inside. Clearly Crafted pouches also list the exact recipe, including specific ingredient amounts, directly on the back of the pouch, and include a link to HappyFarms.com, where parents can learn more about the farms the brand partners with to supply its ingredients. Founder/CEO Shazi Visram’s goal is to make delicious and nutritious options, which is especially helpful if you have a picky eater in your household. Listen in as Visram discusses more about what inspired her to start Happy Family, some of the company’s most popular products, and the importance of introducing new foods and flavor profiles to children at an early age in order to encourage healthy eating habits that will last into adulthood.

Science has touted wine's benefits, but when it comes down to it, do those benefits outweigh the health detriments?Science has touted wine's benefits, but when it comes down to it, do those benefits outweigh the health detriments? Carol Alt believes not. Yes, wine contains healthy elements like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. But, vegetables, fruits, and raw foods provide the same benefit.  Wine is very acidic to the body. You need to keep a perfect pH balance for optimal energy, anti-aging, and overall wellness. That's nearly impossible when you consider you'd need 35 glasses of alkaline water to neutralize the body after just one glass of wine. Listen in as Carol joins host Lisa Davis to explain why wine's benefits pale in comparison to its detriments.  

What's going on in Flint, Michigan, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to lead in our water supply and in our environment.What's going on in Flint, Michigan, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to lead in our water supply and in our environment.  Many other communities have lead levels higher than acceptable.  We're being exposed to small amounts of lead on a regular basis. The exposure is more intense in large cities. Even though lead exposure has been determined "safe" by the EPA's standards, it's still doing harm. Dr. Stewart Lonky, an expert in toxic exposure, joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to discuss the many dangers of lead, including a link to violent behavior. 

We live in a pleasure-deprived society. The withholding and restricting of pleasure is a source of mental health angst.We live in a pleasure-deprived society.  The withholding and restricting of pleasure is a source of mental health angst.  Dr. Theresa Nicassio, "The Inclusive Chef," believes we need to embrace more pleasure and forget about the judgement that surrounds it. Pleasure can encompass sexual, sensual, food, and beauty pleasure.  How can you overcome a restrictive, guilt-infused life? Choose to be a kid. Allow yourself to enjoy pleasure. Dr. Nicassio suggests using her "twice as long technique." If you're looking at a sunset, hugging a loved one, or eating a decadent dish, you may typically give yourself a set period of time to enjoy those activities and then it's on to business as usual. Let yourself reside in the moment and relish it a little longer. Listen in as Dr. Nicassio joins Andrea and Lisa to explain why pleasure is needed for a healthy, happy life, as well as tips for increasing the amount of pleasure in your life. 

Many personal care products contain dangerous ingredients and toxins, including feminine hygiene products such as tampons and pads.Do you really know what's in your personal care products? Many contain dangerous ingredients and toxins, including feminine hygiene products such as tampons and pads.  It's something Susie Hewson, founder of Natracare, has been working to change since 1989. She became increasingly disappointed with the status quo of the feminine hygiene and personal care product industry and the many toxins women were being exposed to via everyday products.  Susie knew she needed to provide a solution to this toxic exposure. It's one thing to say, "Don't use this product," but unless you have an alternative, it's nearly impossible to follow through.  The problem is the vast disconnect between trust in brands and the lack of oversight and regulation from an organization or government agency who is truly looking out for you. Susie joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share her personal journey through the world of personal care products, as well as why it's so important to become aware about what your products contain.

With so much violence in the world and so much media coverage of that violence, how do you keep your children calm and help them develop a sense of well-being?With so much violence in the world and so much media coverage of that violence, how do you keep your children calm and help them develop a sense of well-being? You want to protect kids and shelter them from harsh realities, but it's important to expose them to real world events to prepare them for the future.  Amy Alamar, author of Parenting for the Genius: Developing Confidence in Your Parenting through Reflective Practice, suggests providing context and conversation around difficult issues and events. Let them know that they're safe and it's your job to keep them safe and healthy.  A little bit of anxiety is good; it helps get them through the day. Fear and anxiety is actually an essential part of a child's development.  Amy also advises incorporating reflective practice, which involves learning from mistakes and then doing something about it.  Listen in as Amy joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share tips for parenting in troubled times.

Food may play a role in disorders like ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other neurological disorders.Food may play a role in disorders like ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other neurological disorders. Research has proven that there is a two-way street between your gut/immune system and your brain. Dr. Robert Melillo’s Brain Balance program has helped thousands of families across the country, offering a drug-free, scientifically based method for addressing a wide range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. In his new book, THE DISCONNECTED KIDS NUTRITION PLAN: Proven Strategies to Enhance Learning and Focus for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders, he presents the nutritional side of the Brain Balance Program, featuring guidelines, tips, and kid-friendly recipes based on the latest scientific research on how food affects the brain. Listen in as Dr. Melillo joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more about the research he's done, as well as the many types of conditions that can be addressed with a deeper look at nutrition.

When a veteran returns from service, he or she can be damaged physically, mentally and emotionally.When a veteran returns from service, he or she can be damaged physically, mentally and emotionally.  It's extremely important to get these individuals reconnected to themselves and their loved ones.  Veterans often feel a loss of value and purpose. However, their greatest contribution may lay ahead in life.  The Boulder Crest Retreat (BCR) is one organization that provides Horse Inspired Growth and Healing (HIGH) and other therapeutic activities for its PATHH Programs (Progressive and Alternative Therapies for Healing Heroes). Suzi Landolphi, staff member at BCR, has witnessed firsthand just how healing horses can be for veterans. The energy coming from the horses is so incredible; overpowering in a positive way.  Why are horses such great animals for this type of healing? For one, they believe in teamwork, just like the veterans. They don't want to live alone (or even in a stall). Rather, they prefer to stay together as a way to keep each other safe, also similar to the mentality of veterans.  Suzi says that as humans, we often have "too much brain, not enough heart." The horses set a standard of inter-dependence, not co-dependence. They provide a connection to authenticity and allow the veterans to begin to trust themselves once again. Listen in as Suzi shares more about what BCR does, as well as why it's so essential we take care of our veterans. 

It seems that now, more than ever, so many of us doubt ourselves.It seems that now, more than ever, so many of us doubt ourselves. We don’t believe ourselves to be wise enough, strong enough, smart enough, clever enough, or spiritual enough... when nothing could be further from the truth. We find ourselves searching for meaning in life, wondering what path to take, and asking ourselves “Why am I here?” or “What is my purpose?” and “What will make me happy?” With her guides illuminating the way, Michelle Stevens helps individuals to find answers to all these questions and more. The messages take you on a practical (and profoundly spiritual and personal) journey that leads to the well of confidence, clarity, strength, wisdom, creativity, fearlessness, love, and joy that already exists in our souls. With this discovery of your inner self and strength, you will never again feel as if your life is at the mercy of forces outside of your control, and as a result your experience of yourself and of the world around you will be changed forever. Stevens joins host Lisa Davis to explain more about her book (and blog), The Soul's Agenda, as well as how the messages can help you live and thrive.

You have trillions of bacteria living in your gut, and they are not just passive riders.You have trillions of bacteria living in your gut and they are not just passive riders. While many people understand that probiotics are beneficial bacteria, they may not quite understand why they are beneficial. The gut has a strong role to play in immunity: as a barrier and as the site of a large volume of immune tissues/activity. Gut bacteria actively participate in this immune activity... helping to send "messages" that down regulate inflammation in the gut, improving barrier function and fostering a gut environment that antagonizes potentially harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacteria also influence the nervous system in the gut and produce molecules such as short-chain fatty acids that have systemic effects. Research is making new discoveries every day, and while we are a long ways off of definitive answers, we are now more aware than ever that bacteria help influence overall health. Listen in as Desiree Nielsen, BSc, RD, joins host Lisa Davis to explain why probiotics are so essential for optimal health, as well as the best types of probiotic strains to incorporate into your everyday regimen.