Naturally Savvy

Can your thoughts actually impact the health of your bodily cells?The mind is a very powerful tool in health and wellness. In fact, according to Shaman Isabella Stoloff, your thoughts can actually impact the health of your bodily cells. For optimal health, you need to be able to feed both your physical body and your mental/emotional thoughts positive, healthy nourishment. Listen in as Stoloff joins Naturally Savvy hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more about the "consciousness of your cells," as well as some tips for warding off colds and flu this season.

In the same way someone might prepare for hurricane season, you should also prepare for flu season so you are “flu-ready."Flu season is here. Dr. Ken Redcross says that in the same way someone might prepare for hurricane season, you should also prepare for flu season so you are “flu-ready” this year. Dr. Redcross is the founder of Redcross Concierge, a personalized medical practice designed to enhance the patient-doctor relationship while providing convenient access to a full spectrum of healthcare services and holistic and wellness counseling.  If you wait even two days after experiencing the first signs of flu-like symptoms to see a doctor, you can dramatically delay recovery time for an extra two or three weeks. In this segment, Dr. Redcross shares the seven common flu symptoms to be on alert for this season and how to get flu-ready with his ultimate flu survival pack. These scientifically-studied flu fighters (probiotics, Oscillo, chicken soup and zinc lozenges) are items you should keep in stock and on hand for everyone in the household, because they can help you recover from the cold and flu quicker if taken within 48 hours of the first signs of symptoms (whether you have gotten your flu shot or not). Dr. Redcross also dispels flu shot fallacies that abound this time of year and gives you the straight facts you need to get prepared this flu season. Listen in for everything you need to know about the flu this season and for years to come.

Many conventional toothpastes contain toxic ingredients, some of which have been linked to cancer.You know how important it is to brush your teeth and have overall good dental and oral health. But, many conventional toothpastes contain toxic ingredients. Lisa Beres, Certified Green Building Professional, discusses the top five toxins you should avoid in terms of your oral and dental care. Fluoride: very toxic when ingested at high levels.  Saccharine: a sweetener that has been linked to bladder cancer among other health issues. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS): has been known to cause microscopic tears in mouth (which can lead to canker sores). Carrageenan: linked to gastrointestinal inflammation and ulcers.  Propylene Glycol: main active ingredient in anti-freeze that's used to soften cosmetic products. It has been linked to damage to the central nervous system, liver, and heart.  The dangers can also reach beyond these toxins. The average toothbrush can contain 10 million bacteria, including E. coli and staph.  Listen in as Beres joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more about toxic toothpastes, as well as some healthy and safe alternatives.

Approximately 30 percent of bullied teens say that they have felt sad for the past year; 22 percent of these teens say that they have considered suicide.Approximately 30 percent of bullied teens say that they have felt sad for the past year. And, 22 percent of these teens say that they have considered suicide. The good news is that this study also found that getting active four times a week can reduce these suicidal thoughts and actions by 23 percent. According to special guest and Certified Personal Trainer, Joey Thurman, "These teens might think that they don't have the ability to be active. They are ashamed to fail so they don't even want to try. The less they exercise, the more weight they gain, and the less athletic and powerful they feel." Fortunately, there are ways to make bullied teens feel more confident about exercise. "You have to start small," Thurman says. "These teens probably aren't going to want to exercise in public or places where they could get made fun of. But, they might like the idea of trying a hip hop dance DVD in the privacy of their basement, or taking a hike along a nature path. Or, a bullied teen might flourish in a self defense class or in a more alternative exercise class like a tap dance class. The idea is to help them understand that they have the right to be active... as well as the responsibility." Listen in as Thurman joins Naturally Savvy hosts, Andrea Donsky and Lisa Davis, to share more about the connection between bullied teens, suicide and exercise.

Energetic "sweet spots" can help you run on all cylinders, perform at the top of your "game," and, most of all, let you enjoy yourself."Our bodies are incredibly intelligent instruments and we can use them to discover the specific energy we need and what resources will give it to us. Listening to your body will help you achieve the power and balance you require to live your best life." -Dr. Joseph Cardillo Dr. Cardillo identifies an energetic "sweet spot" as when you're running on all cylinders, performing at the top of your game, and, most of all, enjoying yourself. All of these "feel good" events or times in your life depend on energy flowing in the right direction and at optimal levels. You have to match the right energy with the right activity; when your energies and activities are mis-matched, you become drained and lethargic. Listen in as Dr. Cardillo joins Andrea and Lisa to share more about these energy "sweet spots," as well as tips for tapping in to your own energy potential.

If you're following a vegan or vegetarian diet, what options do you have for your Thanksgiving feast?Traditional Thanksgiving dinners often include turkey, dressing, gravy, and of course, pumpkin pie. But, what if you're following a vegan or vegetarian diet? What options do you have for your Thanksgiving feast? Laura Theodore, the award-winning host of public television's Jazzy Vegetarian, recently released her newest cookbook, Laura Theodore's Vegan-Ease. The book offers full menu plans, shopping lists, and over 130 delicious, quick-and-easy vegan recipes, each complete with nutritional analysis. Enhanced by over 200 full-color photographs, each recipe is ranked with an "Ease-Factor" to make it easy to choose dishes that fit into any busy schedule. There is even a "holiday" chapter, dedicated to holiday dishes... everything from stuffed butternut squash to pumpkin spice cheesecake. Laura Theodore's Vegan-Ease includes all you need to know to embrace cost-saving, healthy, and delicious plant-based meals for you and your family. Listen in as Laura joins Naturally Savvy host Lisa Davis to share specific recipes from the book, as well as tips for making a vegan holiday meal both simple and delicious.

Confused about vitamins? Overwhelmed when you walk down the aisles at your drugstore?Confused about vitamins? Overwhelmed when you walk down the aisles at your drugstore? You are not alone. Many individuals face questions and concerns when trying to determine the right vitamins, minerals, and supplements to take. The tricky part is, everyone is different. In fact, people who eat extremely healthy diets and live clean lifestyles still might suffer from vitamin deficiency. Why? For one, the soil is not as rich in nutrients as it used to be. Many people are eating less red meat, which can result in an iron deficiency. Cutting back on your iodized salt intake may cause a lack of essential iodine. And, the focus on skin cancer and staying out of the sun has resulted in quite a few individuals suffering from not enough vitamin D. The goal is to achieve a balance for all vitamins and minerals. It's one of the reasons guests Romy Block, MD, and Arielle Miller Levitan, MD, created their company, Vous Vitamin, which works to personalize vitamins and supplements for each individual. The website even offers an online assessment to help determine where you might be deficient.  Listen in as Dr. Block and Dr. Levitan join Naturally Savvy host, Lisa Davis, to explain more about the specificity of vitamins, minerals and supplements, as well as why supplementation is so essential, even if you live a clean, healthy life.

It seems everyone is talking about probiotics these days... why is that?It seems everyone is talking about probiotics these days... why is that? According to Mitch Sirgent, Senior VP at Bio-K+, there really, truly is something to this movement of increasing your "good bacteria." Sirgent says there are so many varying health benefits of consuming probiotics. "Good gut health" is more than not suffering from symptoms like bloating, gas, and constipation. Gut health impacts your immunity, your nervous system, and your body's inflammatory response.  Fermented food products like kefir, kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut often reap the praises of probiotic proponents, but are supplements just as effective (or more effective) for gut and overall health? Sirgent joins host Lisa Davis to share the "411" on probiotics, as well as why you should be supplementing with probiotics on a daily basis.

You can do a lot through diet to reduce your inflammation and lower your risk of disease and early death.Inflammation is a huge health issue in today's world, especially because it can lead to so many deadly chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Silent inflammation occurs when you don't have typical symptoms or a diagnosis of a disease, but your body is still harboring the potential. According to Dr. Michael T. Murray, you can do a lot through diet to reduce your inflammation and lower your risk of disease and early death. For instance, sugar increases inflammation, as do the "wrong kind" of fats (saturated, omega-6, cholesterol).  On the other hand, richly colored fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties are essential for reducing inflammation. Omega-3 fish oils and monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds) are also beneficial for fighting inflammation. A hot supplement in the natural health world is curcumin (turmeric). Research suggests there is great promise for this being a safe and effective alternative to NSAIDs. Theracurmin is an advanced form of curcumin; it is more bio-available and better absorbed by your body. What other supplements does Dr. Murray advise? His top three include a high-potent multivitamin, extra vitamin D3 (2000-5000 IU/day), and a good pharmaceutical grade grade fish oil. You can also request a C-reactive protein blood test, which is a strong predictor of those chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer, diabetes).  And, finally, remember that anytime your waist is larger than your hips, you're at a higher risk for inflammation. While supplements can help lower inflammation, you also need to control your weight and eat healthy, whole foods. Listen in as Dr. Murray joins host Lisa Davis to share more about the importance of diet and nutrition in reducing inflammation and lowering your risk for common chronic diseases.

Once considered a "man's sport," strength training is gaining popularity on the female front.It's an emerging trend... today’s women want to be strong, with lean and athletic physiques. Once considered a "man's sport," strength training is gaining popularity on the female front. In fact, men can learn a lot from women and the exercise science that has come out recently regarding how important strength training is for women... not just for weight control, but for longevity and even cognitive health. But, this means more than slaving away at weight machines, day after day. According to special guest Lou Schuler, certified strength and conditioning specialist and the author of several popular books about diet and strength training, it's easier to burn fat and lose weight when you get OFF the machines. A few moves can keep your health in check over the holiday season, as well as all year long. Listen in as Schuler joins Naturally Savvy host, Lisa Davis, to share why strength training is so beneficial for women... not just for their waistlines, but for overall health as well.

Do you pine for the smooth, supple skin of your younger years? The key may lie in ceramides.Do you suffer from dry skin? Do you pine for the smooth, supple skin of your younger years? The key may lie in ceramides. Ceramide oils make up 35-40 percent of the binding matrix that maintains moisture and protects the surface of your skin. Think of them as the mortar that binds bricks together. But, ceramide levels decline as you age, and you won’t get enough of these nourishing lipids through creams, lotions, or topical formulas. In fact, special guest Dr. Mike Smith of the Life Extension Foundation says that ceramides are the most important thing you can do for healthy skin; even above improving your collagen. None of the other methods work optimally unless you boost your ceramides and solve the problem of transdermal water loss. In the Life Extension formula, the essential fats are pulled from wheat germ oil. Because no proteins are used, the process avoids the potential for an allergic reaction in those who may have a wheat sensitivity.  Listen in as Dr. Mike joins Andrea and Lisa to share more about what ceramides are and why you should be supplementing with them on a daily basis.

As you head into the winter months, your daily diet may change to adjust to the cooler temperatures and shorter days.As you head into the winter months, your daily diet may change to adjust to the cooler temperatures and shorter days. For instance, instead of an iced tea, you may choose a chai tea latte. Rather than a salad with raw veggies, you may turn to hearty soups and stews. While these warmer options may taste delicious, it's important to remember that you're also getting more salt and less water.  Registered Dietitian Ashley Koff says one way you can combat all that extra salt is to keep a food journal as the weather is transitioning. If you notice you're thirsty or having sweet cravings after a hearty soup, it's a sign of too much sodium. You can always choose smaller portions or look for low-sodium options. Or, add avocado and/or potato, which are good sources of potassium and will balance out the extra salt. You can also turn to the foods and spices that are naturally warming. Chai has spices that have a warming impact on the body. Adding herbs and spices to your soups will also have the same effect. Finally, to up your nutrition overall and "beat the winter blah," Ashley advises that you make sure you're getting your vitamin D, magnesium, and other essential nutrients.  Listen in as Ashley joins Andrea and Lisa to share more tips for winterizing your liquid nutrition, as well as tricks for making sure you stay hydrated, healthy, and happy this winter season.

Most skin disorders, like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, involve inflammation.Inflammation can exist in a number of areas of the body, including the skin. In fact, most skin disorders, like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, involve inflammation. Probiotics are just a part of the right direction for treating skin inflammation; but, a more complete anti-yeast program is required to resolve these issues effectively. How are yeast, gut health and skin health related? According to Alan M. Dattner, MD, the connection is quite clear: yeast overgrowth leads to gut inflammation... gut inflammation leads to leaky gut... and, leaky gut distributes allergens throughout the body.  Dr. Dattner has been a pioneer for over 30 years in integrating nutrition, dermatology, Applied Kinesiology, and Holistic Medicine into the practice of dermatology, and says that because our culture is so high in sugar consumption, high yeast and high inflammation follows. Tune in as Dr. Dattner joins Naturally Savvy hosts, Andrea Donsky and Lisa Davis, to share more about the yeast-gut-skin connection, as well as ways to properly address the issue.

Can greater productivity, increased confidence, and a more balanced life be attainable in three simple steps?For almost a decade, life coach Dr. Renate Reimann has moved people from stuck to done. In her latest book, she shares her proprietary Beyond Procrastination™ Program... an easy and effective path to greater productivity, increased confidence and a more balanced life. This simple three-step method is extremely flexible and can be tailored to anybody’s procrastination issue. First, you identify reasons for getting stuck. Procrastination is information. If your'e not doing something, it's for a reason. Next, learn techniques that address your hot spots. The last step is dedicated to implementing positive new behaviors for the long-term. Dr. Reimann’s success lies in her focus on unresolved internal or external conflicts that cause procrastination rather than on personality deficits. Instead of wasting energy on self-blame, she directs all resources toward solving very specific procrastination challenges. Listen in as Dr. Reimann joins Naturally Savvy hosts, Andrea Donsky and Lisa Davis, to share more about this three-step program, as well as tips you can implement right away to stop the procrastination of your life.

A new procedure is giving hope to aging hands.It's always been said, especially in women, that your hands show your age.  Now, a new procedure is giving hope to aging hands. Carol Alt joins Naturally Savvy hosts Andrea Donsky and Lisa Davis to share more about this procedure, which is very similar to the procedure to eliminate and minimize varicose veins. Essentially, a saline solution is injected into the veins and they close up. Because these are superficial veins, the process is very safe. Carol also discusses how your diet can contribute to healthy skin, including eating more raw oils, as well as the importance of collagen.