Naturally Savvy

Experts say the more processed foods you eat and the longer you eat them can lead to inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, and a host of health conditions in the future.Processed foods are those that have been altered in some way. This category can include food that has been cooked, canned, frozen, packaged. Or, it can be food that’s been fortified, preserved, or prepared.  Minimally processed foods can make our lives more convenient, such as washed and pre-chopped fruits and vegetables or bagged salads. Highly processed foods are the types, however, that should be avoided. There are foods that have sweeteners, oils, flavors, colors and preservatives to improve safety, taste and appeal, like boxed potatoes, jarred tomato sauce, and cake mix. Ready-to-eat foods like cereal, flavored oatmeal, crackers, yogurt, granola bars, cookies, rotisserie chicken, lunch meats, hot dogs, sausage, and cheese spreads fall into the category of highly-processed foods, as well as those that that are packaged like frozen meals and frozen pizzas. Experts say the more processed foods you eat and the longer you eat them can lead to inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, and a host of health conditions in the future. To help remove these foods from your children's diet and your own, health journalist Julie Relevant suggests the following:  Take stock of what your family eats and have a plan that includes goals. Purge your pantry (this will be a gradual process) Make healthy substitutions and find better versions of your kid’s favorite foods Re-think what you pack for school lunch Swap processed snacks for whole foods including fruits and vegetables and nuts/seeds Don’t forget sugary drinks: swap in water, or water infused with cucumbers or strawberries Eliminate all white, refined carbohydrates Shop and cook with your kids—make it fun! We must empowering kids to make healthy choices. Stay consistent and be patient. Listen as Julie joins Andrea and Lisa to discuss the harms processed foods can do to the human body, as well as how to get them out of your life.

Learn about all of the internal and external benefits of using aloe vera.Aloe vera isn't just for putting on sunburns. It can also be used internally for a number of health benefits -- so much so that Lily of the Desert has termed it "the original super juice." Some of aloe vera's best-known benefits include supporting healthy digestion, enhancing antioxidant support, supporting a healthy immune system, reducing harmful toxins, increasing nutrient absorption and soothing occasional muscle and joint discomfort. Kim McClure, Director of Marketing-Natural Brands for Lily of the Desert, joins host Lisa Davis to discuss all of the ways aloe vera can improve your health and well-being.

From allergic reactions to potential links to chronic conditions, many common household products have a variety of disruptive side effects.No one wants a dirty home. Yet, some of the household cleaning products on the market do more than clean -- they actually contain chemicals that can damage one's health.  From allergic reactions to potential links to chronic conditions, many common products have a variety of disruptive side effects.  Bernie Ross, CEO of Nature Clean, has been a part of an initiative his father started when Bernie's mother suffered from chemical sensitivities.  Listen as Bernie joins host Lisa Davis to share the foundation behind the company, what types of alternatives Nature Clean uses, and why chemicals can be so harmful to one's health.

Paralympic skier Danelle Umstead joins host Lisa Davis to talk about the importance of genetic testing and why she encourages patients to take action.At the age of 13, Danelle Umstead was diagnosed with an inherited retinal disease (IRD)—retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rare genetic eye condition that involves the breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. The condition means she has no central vision and is losing her peripheral vision. Danelle recently underwent genetic testing to identify what was causing her blindness. She hopes that through her own experience, she can motivate others to seek testing to get their genetic diagnosis. As part of the initiative, there are a number of resources available, including a free genetic testing kit that HCPs can access on behalf of their patients. Danelle joins host Lisa Davis to talk about the importance of genetic testing and why she encourages patients to take action.

It's a great time to take advantage of the fall produce that is coming into its own this time of year.The leaves are starting to change, the air is a bit crisper, and pumpkin spice lattes have made their debut... all markers that autumn has arrived.  It's also a great time to take advantage of the fall produce that is coming into its own this time of year, such as apples, pumpkins, butternut squash, carrots, onions, and garlic -- just to name a few. Bonnie McDaniel, chef and author of Farm Girl in The City: Of Food and Love, joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share some of her favorite fall menu items. She also shares a delectable recipe for butternut squash soup with homemade croutons. 

Are you ready to be in control of your moods so they're not in control of you?It's a common struggle for women to get enveloped by their moods. Suddenly, your mood is dictating how you think, feel, and act. Go-to Master herbalist RH(AHG) and classical homeopath, Sara-Chana Silverstein, has walked thousands of women through a focused, natural regimen that nourishes their physical, emotional, and spiritual lives. Her new book, Moodtopia: Tame Your Moods, De-Stress, and Find Balance Using Herbal Remedies, Aromatherapy, and More, is a practical, easy-to-use guide to herbs, adaptogens, aromatherapy, color therapy, feng shui, intuition, homeopathy and so much more. Sara-Chana joins host Lisa Davis to share some of the best natural remedies to help combat stress, anxiety, and promote peace of mind and general health.

Uncle Matt's Organic, which was started by Matt McLean 20 years ago, uses only premium, 100% organically-grown fruit that is free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.Uncle Matt's Organic is not your average, everyday citrus company. The company, which was started by Matt McLean 20 years ago, uses only premium, 100% organically-grown fruit that is free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. A real-life uncle to ten nieces and nephews, Matt’s family expertise dates back four generations. With "going organic" being increasingly important in many family's lives, having 100% organic products that are readily available and not overly-expensive has been a welcome option for consumers. Listen as Matt joins host Andrea Donsky to share how the company began, its mission, and why it will continue to position itself for the future with a steadfast commitment to healthy living, organic farming, and quality organic juices and beverages.

Ronnie Citron-Fink had dyed her hair for 25 years... until she started to think about what's really in that hair dye.It's estimated that approximately two-thirds of women color their hair. Some do so to "switch things up," while others do so to cover grey.  Ronnie Citron-Fink had dyed her hair for 25 years, visiting the salon every few weeks to hide gray roots... until she started to think about what's really in that hair dye. As a journalist covering health and the environment, she didn't stop at just wondering -- she decided to take action. Her book, True Roots: What Quitting Hair Dye Taught Me about Health and Beauty, was the result of her investigation into the potential dangers of hair dyes.  Ronnie joins host Lisa Davis to help listeners understand how to protect themselves, whether by transitioning to their natural color or switching to safer products.

All of MadeGood products are made in a facility free from the most common allergens.If anyone in your family has food allergies, you know how difficult it can be to find healthy treats. Many of the popular choices contain nuts, gluten, or dairy.  The Fotovat family has long worked to provide healthy, nutritious snack options like their granola bars and soft baked cookies. All of the MadeGood products are made in a facility free from the most common allergens; peanut, tree nut, soy, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, gluten, and sesame.  The company also sources their ingredients to adhere to industry standards for non-GMO, organic, vegan and gluten-free products in order to ensure the highest quality of ingredients. Nima Fotovat joins host Andrea Donsky to share the inspiration behind the company's initiation and why the family is so passionate about company mission, culture, and the future of the planet.

Can you really trust that food labels accurately reflect what they appear to claim?When you're trying to shop "healthier" it can be overwhelming to understand what labels like USDA certified organic, grass-fed, Non-GMO, or free-range actually mean. Can you really trust that these labels accurately reflect what they appear to claim? What about foods that use natural pesticides versus synthetic ones -- are they truly safe? Host Lisa Davis covers a selection of these labels, as well as the importance of paying close attention to the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists.

What is the real reason you want to change?A lot of people want to make healthy lifestyle changes. Some even start to make those changes, but then "fall off the wagon." The key is uncovering what your "why" is. What is the real reason you want to change? It's not something that can necessarily be answered overnight; it requires peeling away all the layers and digging deep. Once you do identify your why, actually making change takes practice -- weeks, maybe months. But, the end goal will be worth it if your desired change is truly your why. Host Lisa Davis discusses how to find your why, make healthy lifestyle changes, and meet (or even exceed) the goals you set out to achieve.

Lisa Davis discusses the myriad benefits of vitamin C, which foods are highest in the nutrient, and what can happen if you get too much in your system.Are you getting enough vitamin C in your daily regimen? While a diagnostic deficiency is rare, the benefits of including more of this nutrient in your diet are plentiful.  Stimulates the production of collagen, which is critical for supporting and maintaining skin health. Helps ward off lines and wrinkles and other signs of aging skin. Fights inflammation and helps with wound healing. Is necessary for the production of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Works to breakdown (metabolism) proteins, which aids digestion. Fights free radicals. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant, which means it helps destroy cell-damaging free radicals produced by air pollution, cigarette smoke, excessive sunlight, and metabolism. Some research is ongoing to discover the role of vitamin C as therapy in cancer patients, and experts are also exploring its possible role in heart health. In this episode, host Lisa Davis discusses the myriad benefits of vitamin C, which foods are highest in the nutrient, and what can happen if you get too much in your system. She also addresses some common questions about herbs and herbal medicine. You can also learn more by accessing these articles on NaturallySavvy.com: "Vitamin C Health Benefits Rock" and "Herbal Q&A: Common Questions About Herbs"

Hosts Andrea and Lisa chat about their journeys to healthy living.When you're on vacation, it's easy to cheat on your diet. After all, you are on vacation... right? It doesn't have to be all or nothing. You can still indulge in your favorite dishes while keeping a healthy balance. In the end, it's all about living an overall healthy lifestyle. In this episode, hosts Andrea and Lisa chat about how they mitigate food choices whether on vacation or not, how it's becoming easier to find options if you have food sensitivities, and how each of them found their journey to healthy living... and how you can too.

Learn more about Chris Kilham's work with herbs as health solutions.Chris Kilham, "The Indiana Jones of natural medicine," returns to Naturally Savvy to continue the conversation with host Lisa Davis about his work surrounding herbs, his passion for travel and photography, and why it's so important to expose ourselves to other cultures and experiences.  He also discusses herb applications for specific health concerns.  Visit Kilham's website, www.medicinehunter.com to see everything he is involved with.

With a burst of recent studies in pharmacology and medicine, herbs like ashwagandha are gaining popularity in mainstream medical applications.Herbs have been used for centuries, particularly in Ayurveda. With a burst of recent studies in pharmacology and medicine, herbs like ashwagandha, kava, maca, rhodiola, schisandra, tamanu oil, cat’s claw, dragon’s blood, and ayahuasca are gaining popularity in mainstream medical applications. Chris Kilham, who CNN calls "The Indiana Jones of natural medicine," has been studying these herbs for years and has traveled to over 45 different countries to conduct medicinal plant research. In this episode, Kilham joins host Lisa Davis to share stories from his journeys, as well as discuss why herbal medicine has a place in modern medicine. Specifically, he will explain the benefits of ashwagandha, which promotes overall balance in the body.