Naturally Savvy

Tatiana Forero Puerta learned to use yoga to heal her scars, open her soul to forgiveness, and allow her to reconcile herself with a past that had threatened to snuff out her life.Orphaned in her early teens and shuttled between abusive foster homes, Tatiana Forero Puerta found herself in her early twenties in New York City, haunted by the memories of her tumultuous youth and suicidal. Following emergency hospitalization, she was advised by her doctor to take up yoga. Over days, weeks, months, and then years, she embraced yoga’s honesty and discipline -- delving more deeply into its wisdom, literature, and, vitally, its practice. In so doing, yoga healed her scars, opened her soul to forgiveness, and allowed her to reconcile herself with a past that had threatened to snuff out her life. Tatiana's book, Yoga for the Wounded Heart, is an unsparingly honest memoir of a childhood lost and of courage and resilience gained. It’s also an exploration of the fundamentals of yoga... as a technology that focuses our awareness, as a practical application of mindfulness and attention to what is really going on in our lives and bodies, and as a vehicle for the body to guide the mind and heart toward healing. Listen as Tatiana joins Lisa Davis to share her personal story, as well as how yoga is a viable tool to heal physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

The semi-unclear part of the keto diet for some is what foods should and should not be eaten.The keto diet puts your body in a state of ketosis, upon which your body burns fat instead of glucose to meet its energy needs. This way of eating is not only helpful for weight loss, but experts argue it's good for your brain health as well. The semi-unclear part of the diet for some is what foods should and should not be eaten.  In this episode, host Lisa Davis discusses the keto-friendly and keto-unfriendly foods, which can also be found in this article on NaturallySavvy.com.

Dr. Nieves offers hands-on, research-proven ways to practice self-love and practical ways to immediately begin finding health, happiness and success.Many people find themselves "stuck" -- in life, work, relationships, and more. Along with that feeling often comes fear and loneliness.  In addition, we often perpetuate our own cycles by living in the negative personal stories we've told ourselves over, and over, and over again. Dr. Dinorah Nieves went through her own journey of feeling afraid, alone and stuck but found her way out of that pattern to feel well, loved, connected and free.  In her book, LOVE YOU 12 Ways to Be Who You Love + Love Who You Are, Dr. Nieves offers hands-on, research-proven ways to practice self-love and 12 practical ways to immediately begin finding health, happiness and success. Listen as Dr. Nieves joins Lisa Davis to share insights from the book and how you can find wellness for your mind, body and soul.

Jennifer Noel Taylor, CEO of Quantum-Touch, Inc., found herself in a tough spot when she'd racked up $135,000 in debt. Learn how she turned it around -- and how you can too.Why are so many people struggling with money these days? Some people are happy with what they do but still worry about finances. Others are torn between following their heart and making a living. Jennifer Noel Taylor, CEO of Quantum-Touch, Inc., found herself in a tough spot when she'd racked up $135,000 in debt.  As long as she felt like she was a victim and not empowered, Jennifer realized she would stay in that cycle of debt forever. Once she changed her consciousness around money, she was able to turn things around.  Her upcoming book, Spiritual and Broke: How to Stop Struggling With Money and Live Your Purpose, includes all the things Jennifer did along the way. The book is a practical guide for entrepreneurs, writers, artists, healers, and anyone who wants to follow their heart, without feeling like a martyr for the cause. Jennifer joins Andrea and Lisa to share how you can create genuine prosperity, while honoring your true calling in life.

When you lose someone dear, that hurt and pain can stay with you for a lifetime in varying degrees.The idea that "time heals all wounds" is not realistic.  When you lose someone dear, that hurt and pain can stay with you for a lifetime in varying degrees. Many questions remain, and the "permanence of never" starts to set it.  However, the emerging research into both science and spirituality is offering hope for those left behind. In her book, Where Did You Go? A Life-Changing Journey to Connect with Those We’ve Lost, Christina Rasmussen provides a groundbreaking exploration of the afterlife that reveals we all have the power to connect with our loved ones on the other side. As a professional grounded in science, Christina was initially a skeptic who shied away from the conventional mystical, supernatural, and religious descriptions of the afterlife. So, she turned to what seemed “provable” to unravel the mystery of life beyond life: physics. What she found was beyond anything she could have expected. Not only is there life after death, but we all have the ability to connect with loved ones who have passed on. Listen as Christina joins Andrea and Lisa to discuss how her and others' work can change the way we grieve, the way we live, and how we define our potential... in this life and the hereafter.

For too long, commerce has ignored the health of our planet and our bodies.From global warming to drought, genetically modified foods to harmful chemicals in our beauty products, for too long commerce has ignored the health of our planet and our bodies. But, according to Marci Zaroff, now a new age is dawning. In her book, ECOrenaissance: A Lifestyle Guide for Cocreating a Stylish, Sexy, and Sustainable World, Zaroff reveals eye-opening and groundbreaking resources to transform your life through supporting companies making significant, practical ecological change. ECOrenaissance provides inspiring tips and tricks for how to live and shop in harmony with nature without sacrificing style or luxury, and how best to benefit from the current renaissance—a global rebirth of sustainable economics, progressive ethics, and green culture—through the wisdom of eco-entrepreneurs, green fashion designers, organic food purveyors, and innovative leaders of this new movement. Listen as Zaroff joins Lisa Davis to share points from her book and discuss the changes we all need to make to ensure future health and happiness.

Chocolate -- specifically dark chocolate -- has some significant health benefits.Chocolate is nearly universally loved. There are a few people who can resist its temptation, but many individuals would list it as one of their favorite sweet treats. The good news is, chocolate -- specifically dark chocolate -- has some significant health benefits. Naturally Savvy host Lisa Davis discusses these benefits, including: fights free radicals promotes healthy blood flow and may lower blood pressure reduces risk of stroke possesses cholesterol-lowering properties To get more information and discover what kind of dark chocolate you should be eating to reap these health benefits.

Don't let your chronic pain trap you, and don't let others make you feel guilty for hurting.When we’re faced with pain, our impulse is to stop it and get rid of it. Sarah Anne Shockley discovered the area between her clavicle and first ribs had collapsed in 2007. She tried everything she could to rid herself of the pain, but nothing worked. With no solution in place, she focused on living life as best she could. She endured the pain and tried medications. She refused to believe that she had to live in chronic pain for the rest of her life. Since external treatments didn’t help, Sarah Anne looked inside. She found she was living with a lot of emotional distress regarding her physical pain, upset that she couldn’t participate fully in her life. There is a lot of shame and guilt connected to chronic pain. Outside sources find clever ways to tell you you’re wrong for having your pain.  Pain is a signal that something is amiss. Giving it appropriate attention can help you live with the  pain. People still need you and still love you. Be present with them as best you can with your pain. Recognizing that you can contribute to the pleasure of others can be very healing. Listen as Sarah Anne joins host Lisa Davis to share how she has lived with and moved beyond chronic pain.

Too often, expectations turn into a judgmental approach.One of the definitions of "expectation" is "the degree of probability that something will occur." Too often, expectations turn into a judgmental approach. Whether these expectations are coming into play from family, friends, colleagues, or yourself, expecting too much from someone typically leads to disappointment.  Joyce Knudsen, PhD, joins Andrea and Lisa to explain why expectations can be so damaging in relationships and your own mental health, as well as tips for managing them.

Learn about the newest and best breakthrough therapies in skincare and beauty.Skincare is something that can be viewed as a "chore," but the benefits of proper skincare are worth it. A facial or other treatment like IPL is more than just being pampered. Professional estheticians cite many reasons for treating the top layer of your skin, including removing dead skin cells and addressing age spots or acne. Michelle Nunez has been in the skin care industry for over eight years. She is a Master Esthetician and a graduate of the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics. Michelle joins Andrea and Lisa to discuss some of the newest breakthroughs in skincare, including a new therapy called the Ultherapy® procedure, which stimulates collagen production by delivering focused ultrasound energy to the skin’s foundational layer.

Learn how to improve your nutrition and reduce your risk for breast cancer.Excess weight of 15-20 pounds increases the chance of getting thirteen types of cancer. Registered dietician and nutritionist Rachel Beller recommends maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce risk of breast cancer. Women who gain weight during treatment are encouraged to lose that weight to reduce chances of cancer recurrence. Rachel suggests having 30 to 35 grams of fiber per day. Get eight to ten grams of fiber for breakfast to kick your day off. She also advises reducing your intake of animal protein, as the hormones can contribute to cancer growth. Listen as Rachel joins hosts Lisa Davis and Andrea Donsky to discuss how improved nutrition can decrease your cancer risk.

While the body produces collagen, you can get additional benefits -- such as anti-aging effects, both inside and out -- by supplementing with collagen products.Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It is the major component of connective tissues that make up several body parts, including tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles. Collagen has many important functions, including providing your skin with structure and strengthening your bones. While the body produces collagen, you can get additional benefits -- such as anti-aging effects, both inside and out -- by supplementing with collagen products. Susan M. Piergeorge, MS, RDN, LDN, joins hosts Andrea Donsky and Lisa Davis to discuss collagen facts 101, the health benefits collagen provides, and how the different types of collagen work in the body.

The "Andrea & Bryce" Facebook video series includes topics on everything from diets and nutrition to bad breath and arthritis.You may be familiar with Naturally Savvy host Andrea Donsky's expertise. Now, she's spreading that knowledge and advice even further with her partner with "Andrea & Bryce," a new Facebook video series. The two wellness powerhouses combine their years of experience in the holistic and integrative medicine spheres to share their expertise with their audience. The series includes open discussions with celebrity guests, thought provoking debates, and the latest research on healthy living--with topics on everything from diets to bad breath. Listen as Naturally Savvy host Lisa Davis chats with Andrea and Bryce to get the scoop on the breadth of topics they're broadcasting--and how you can propose a topic for them to discuss in the future.

"The Happy Healthy Guys" share tools necessary to live a happy healthy life.Randall B. Johns. DC & Rob Vasquez, DC, known now as "The Happy Healthy Guys," are both Chiropractic Physicians by profession. After Dr. Johns recovered from late-stage cancer via integrative means, the two came together to become lifestyle entrepreneurs with the goal of empowering and equipping people with the tools necessary to live a happy healthy life. The duo travels all over the country speaking and educating both regular people and doctors, informing them how to best take care of the body among all the confusion about what constitutes "healthy," from nutrition and exercise to treating disease. Dr. Johns and Dr. Vasquez join host Lisa Davis to share their own personal health struggles and how they've used their expertise to not only heal themselves but many individuals across the nation.

Because gluten is good at hiding in different foods, you may feel overwhelmed with knowing what you can and can't eat.Going gluten-free has unfortunately gone through the ringer in terms of being deemed a "trend." Some individuals have very serious reasons for removing gluten from their diets, including those who suffer from celiac disease and other gluten-related sensitivities. The symptoms these people experience manifest in many different ways, such as rashes, digestive distress, and even behavioral outbursts. Because gluten is good at hiding in different foods, you may feel overwhelmed with knowing what you can and can't eat.   According to Jet Widick, author of Gluten Free Soul Pilot: Simple and Soulful Self-Care for the Healthy, Inspired Life You Want to Live, "being healthy does not have to be difficult." Jet joins Andrea and Lisa to share her own personal journey with silent celiac, information from her book, and why health and happiness are linked.