Praise for Fish Oils

7 Ways Fish Oils (Omega-3) Help with Metabolic Restoration:

1. They contain insulin-sensitizing effects.
2.They protect our liver from harmful effects of a high-fat diet and improve the insulin sensitivity of liver cells.
3. Stimulate the secretion of leptin - a hormone that decreases our appetite and promot fat burning.
4. Boosts adiponectin- a fat-burning and insulin-sensitizing hormone.
5. Helps us lose fat by activation the fat-burning pathways in our liver and muscle.
6. Encourages the storage of carbohydrates as glycogen rather than fat.
7. They are natural anti-inflammatory agents.


And now you know why I preach Omega-3s!!!!
-Nicole :)

Did you know that the food you consume actually changes how your genes are expressed? Every time we eat we tell our bodies which genes to turn on and which genes to turn off. Did you know that there is more gene expression within two hours after eating than any other time of the day? Why? Because food contains gene signaling substances. This is the fascinating world of nutrigenomics, the idea that food is information not merely calories. The Standard American Diet (SAD) turns on genes for heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, and more. Even many gluten-free diets fall into this category. I see many people swapping out wheat bread for super refined gluten-free imitations of bread. These breads, as well as many other refined gluten-free foods, are not healthy even though they may come from a health food store. Basing your diet around organic, seasonal vegetables and fruits is a way to prevent disease, reduce allergies and inflammation, and maintain vibrant health.

How to ID GMO Foods at the Supermarket

Here are some simple steps for you to take to the Supermarket with you that will help to enhance your shopping experience, and your life!

1) For conventionally grown fruit, (grown with chemicals inputs), the PLU code on the sticker consists of four numbers.
2) Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9.
3) Genetically engineered (GM) fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8.

For example:
1) conventionally grown banana would be: 4011
2) An organic banana would be: 94011
3) A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011

These tips are specially important now that over 80% of all processed foods in the US are genetically m odified. Many countries in the European Union have been banning GM products and produce (including Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary and Luxembourg).
We say: Eat healthy, buy or grow organic.

why I preache about Chlorella - nature's multivitamin:

Chlorella plays a crucial role in systemic detoxification -- because the majority of toxin removal happens through your stool.

Once the detoxification occurs in your intestines, toxins from other body tissues more readily migrate into your intestines -- where chlorella helps effectively remove them.

Chlorella consists of a fibrous, outer shell (20%) with inner nutrients (80%).

It's this fibrous, tough cell wall which binds with toxins.

In addition, a clean bloodstream with an abundance of red blood cells to carry oxygen is necessary to support your strong natural defense system.

Chlorella's cleansing action on your bowel and other elimination channels, as well as its protection of your liver, helps promote clean blood. Clean blood helps assure metabolic waste get efficiently carried away from your tissues.

In short, this is what Chlorella can help with:

1. Help you remove potentially toxic metals from your body

2. Boost your immune system

3. Help you digest your food more efficiently

4. Eliminate bad breath and help freshen your breath at the same time

5. Energize and reinvigorate your body

Green is Awesome,
-Nicole

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season this "winter."

This season I got a new toy for my kitchen - a food dehydrator... oooOOOOOooo
It has been in full use these past few days, with my experimenting with different apple, zucchini, and kale chip recipes.
I dialed in a AMAZINGLY YUMMY kale chip recipe that i must must must share:

"cheesy" kale chips:

1. soak 1/2 cup raw cashews and 1/2 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds for atleast 2hours (I soak overnight) rinse well.
2. add the following to the blender:

• the soaked cashews and sunflower seeds
  
• the juice of one lemon
• 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar (unpasteurized, "with the mother")
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp light brown miso paste (the dark is too strong of flavor, and salty!)
• 1-2 cloves fresh garlic

3. blend all ingredients until smooth
4. rip kale leaves from the spine and then into bite sized pieces
5. massage mixture into kale (use may use less sauce depending on how much kale you have)
6. place on dehydrator sheets
7. dehydrate on 105 for 6-7 hours, or until crispy. for those without a dehydrator, bake on lowest setting until cripsy (not sure of the timing here!)

***this sauce is also delicious as a salad dressing, veggie dip, or even as a spread

Hopefully you find it as tasty as I do!
In Health & Harmony,
-Nicole

Free Preview of "The Greater Good"
A film investigating Vaccinations.


http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/30/the-greater-good.aspx?e_cid=20111103_DNL_FDML_spotlight

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habitso; they become character.
Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny."
-Upanishads

Late Summer

Since its still warm out, why not start your day with this tasty treat:

Cold Matcha Frappe

• 3 ice cubes
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• ¾ cup water
• 1 Tb. raw honey or stevia
• 1/8- 1/2 tsp. match green tea powder

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend :)

In Health and Harmony,
-Nicole

Apple Quinoa Salad

Here’s the thing about quinoa you should definitely keep in mind: it’s naturally coated in saponins, which can impart a strange, bitter-soapy flavor to your dish and, for added fun, can also act as a laxative. Fortunately, for those of us who would rather have the same squeaky-clean effect from a big banana-bran muffin and a double espresso, saponins are easy to remove. If you manage to plan ahead (I’ll admit it, I don’t always get that accomplished), you can soak the quinoa in water overnight and then drain and rinse it away. If you don’t remember to soak it overnight, you can always place it in a fine-meshed strainer and rinse under running water for a few minutes, or for the path of least resistance you can purchase quinoa that’s been pre-rinsed for you. Usually, that includes boxed and/or pre-packaged quinoa, and occasionally with some bulk suppliers.

Apple Quinoa Salad
Makes roughly 4 cups

1 T olive oil
1 shallot, minced
1 c quinoa, rinsed
1 ½ c water
½ c dry white wine
1 t Dijon mustard
½ t fresh thyme, minced
½ t kosher salt
1 t honey
½ t lemon zest
2 T walnut oil
1 T apple cider vinegar
1 T fresh parsley, minced
1 Granny Smith apple, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 c wine-soaked raisins
½ c walnuts, toasted
¼ c goat cheese, crumbled (optional)

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Sweat the minced shallot in the olive oil until translucent, 1-2 minutes.

Add the quinoa, water, and white wine to the shallots. Heat to boiling, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for five minutes, then transfer to a large mixing bowl and fluff with a fork.

Combine the Dijon mustard, minced thyme, kosher salt, honey, lemon zest, walnut oil, apple cider vinegar, and parsley in a food processor and emulsify.

Add the diced applies, celery, raisins, and toasted walnuts to the quinoa, then drizzle the emulsified vinaigrette over the mixture. Toss to combine, transfer to an air-tight container, and refrigerate one hour or until chilled. Serve cold, garnished with the goat cheese, if using.

marinade

Hope everyone has been enjoying summer! Its finally here - hooray!

Now that the BBQs are back in biz - here is a great marinade for keebabs, seafood, grilled veggies, or even as a delicious salad dressing. oh so versatile!

1/2 cup packed fresh spearmint leaves

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)

4 to 5 garlic cloves, peeled

1 small shallot (optional)

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

1 teaspoon sea salt

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil


ENJOY!!!
-Nicole

A must-read: SUGAR

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html

Eastern vs. Western Medicine

Explaining the Differences between Oriental Medicine and Western Medicine to Your Patients

by Curry Chaudoir, Dipl.Ac.

Oriental Medicine, which includes the use of exercise, nutrition, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and massage, has been developing for thousands of years. Although the medicine may seem complex for your patients to understand, it becomes easier if they can grasp logical, basic concepts regarding the simplicity of the body. Use the following with your patients (as you see fit) to explain the differences between conventional Western Medicine and Oriental Medicine.

Oriental Medicine’s view of the body is different than conventional Western Medicine in at least four significant ways:

1. In conventional Western Medicine, more often than not the symptom alone is diagnosed and treated. Whereas in Oriental Medicine, it is always the goal to treat the underlying root cause of manifested symptoms.

2. In conventional Western Medicine, the quantities of bodily substances (for example, the number of Liver enzymes in the blood stream) and images of the body’s internal parts (for example, those images viewed via X-ray or MRI) are the most important diagnostic tools used; in Oriental Medicine, qualities and relationships between systems in the body are the most important diagnostic tools used. The following illustrates this difference: an Acupuncturist may observe – using the diagnostic tools of Oriental Medicine to understand the relationships between bodily systems – that mental stress decreases Liver function, causing the Liver to negatively affect the Heart, which may constrict the blood vessels, in turn leading to high blood pressure. In contrast, a Medical Doctor may check one’s blood pressure, using the systolic and diastolic quantities given to simply indicate that “stress” causes high blood pressure without understanding why the high blood pressure exists, only that the symptom of high blood pressure exists.

3. Conventional Western Medicine is unsurpassed in the diagnosis of health problems; subsequently, conventional Western Medicine is most useful in the treatment of acute, crisis situations. However, it is often unable to effectively resolve chronic conditions, whereas Oriental Medicine is excellent in the diagnosis and treatment of long-term, chronic problems. Additionally, many acute conditions may also benefit from immediate Oriental medical treatment (for example, ankle sprains and similar acute sprains/strains heal rapidly if treated in the first two weeks following the injury).

Upcoming Events

4. Conventional Western Medicine views the body as static and unchanging; Oriental Medicine views the body as dynamic and capable of change in many ways. For example, it is common for a Medical Doctor to say, “You have diabetes and you’ll have to live with it.” An Acupuncturist may say, “Let’s improve Spleen/Pancreatic system function so that the body utilizes more of its own insulin to improve the diabetes.”

This article is an excerpt from the newly released book Oriental Medicine and You by Curry Chaudoir.

Just watched the most inspirational video by Caroline Casey entitled Looking past limits.

Hope you will be equally inspired,
-Nicole

Chlorella is awesome.

Containing more alkaline-promoting chlorophyll than any other plant we know of, chlorella is one of the most powerful superfoods in nature. A freshwater green algae, chlorella's growth rate is unrivaled, making it the fastest growing plant on earth!

But stunning botanical features aside, chlorella is most impressive as a whole food, plant-based supplement. Welcomed by vegetarians as one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin B-12, chlorella is also offers a protein punch, weighing in at 65% protein—complete with all essential amino acids.

Just thought you should know....
-Nicole

The Power of the Brussel

The nutritional low down on BRUSSEL SPROUTS:
1. vit c - one cup has over 160% our recommended intake
2. vit K - 273% of daily value.
Vit K is getting plenty of attnetion as researchers discover more aobut its importance for normal blood clotting, maintaining bone health, preventing calcification of blood vessels and preventing liver and prostate cancer.
3. sulphoraphane - say whaaat? OK- this is a phytonutritient (plant nutrient) formed when you chew on their leaves. This compound boosts our body's detoxification process through activing enzymes, and clear out metabolic waste from our body. That sounds good and important! Studies have shown sulphoraphane may inhibit gowth of colon cancer and help control the spread of late-stage breast cancer cells.
4. Indole-3-carbinol - this wonder is found in all cruciferous veggies. It decreases LDL cholesterol that contributes to plaque formation in arteries.

GREAT! Now let's eat them:

2 tsp olive oil
2 medium onion, sliced
1 tsp oregano and thyme (fresh is best)
sea salt and pepper to taste
2 cups of Brussels sprouts, quartered
2 cups swiss chard leaves and stems, chopped
1/4 c capers
1/4 kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1 clove garlic minced
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

heat oil, add onion, thyme and oregano, season with S &P. Saute 5-10 minutes.
steam brussel sprouts 5mins. Add chard for another 3 mins.
Add steamed veg, capers, olives, and garlic to pan with onion. cook 2-3mins.
Add vinegar, stir, serve with pine nuts on top.

Enjoy it,
-Nicole (())

An easy snack treat

Roasted chickpeas - crunchy, protein packed treats you can eat like popcorn, or add the to salad, stir-fries, soups, etc.

2 cups cooked chickpeas
1 Tbsp mustard
1 Tbsp olive oil
Juice of a lemon
Pepper and sea salt (I like Herbamare)
1 tsp Cajun seasoning

Toss everything together, place on oiled pan and bake @ 375 F for 30 minutes tossing occasionally. Left cool and enjoy!!!!

Yum,
-Nicole x

Gluten

It is common for me to suggest to my patients a gluten-free diet as a trial. Many symptoms are related to this common food sensitivity. It is estimated that up to 40% of our population is gluten sensitive while celiac disease afflicts over 1% of our population - together they form the population suffering from gluten intolerance.

We have discovered that undiagnosed celiac disease and gluten sensitivity creates symptoms well beyond digestive problems and in fact is known to have adverse effects on most symptoms of the body. There are over 100 symptoms associated with gluten intolerance.

Why? Gluten acts as a toxin to many people. It slowly erodes and damages the small intestine. As the small intestine is responsible for turning food into the fuel which nourishes all the cells of the body (we have trillions of cells, by the way), one can imagine what problems might be created when food is unable to be converted into fuel. A damaged small intestine (or leaky gut) also signals a weakened immune system, another reason gluten reactions can create disease in many different areas of the body.

Different bodies react differently to gluten. One person may have irritable bowel syndrome, another may feel exhausted or stressed, and another may develop thyroid problems or an autoimmune disease like arthritis or diabetes. Symptoms truly are all over the map. And therein lies the problem. We live in a medical community which likes to take individual symptoms and give them drugs to mask them. That not only does nothing to address the root cause but it negates the whole concept that there IS a root cause.

Food should be healing. It nourishes the body and provides much needed fuel. If you are thinking of going gluten-free, let me know during your next visit. I would be more than happy to help you in getting started.

To your health,
-Nicole

Words are powerful

How do you talk about yourself? Which words do you choose? When you come in for acupuncture - are your hamstrings say, tight, inflexible, awful?

The first thing that needs to change is the way you talk about yourself.
Your word selection.
You need to choose some new words and new phrasing.
Your back and your shoulder don't want to be called tight, they just want some love, that's all. How about this instead: I am learning. I am opening up. I am becoming more flexible. I am giving these places some much needed attention.
Better, yes?
This does not just apply to certain muscles learning to become flexible - this also applies to your digestion, emotional well-being, sleep, etc.

Learn to talk nicely to and about yourself. Choose words with care and intent.

Can you think with me for a second about what we could really do if we stopped telling ourselves that we couldn't? If we changed old habits of self talk, and rephrased our way to victory?

I challenge you to listen to the way you describe yourself, out loud and in your head.
Stop yourself mid-sentence if you have to, back up, and restate your claim.
Words are powerful.

In Health & Harmony,
-Dr. Nic

2011

The most common resolutions are easily broken. People are simply set back by the dramatic goal setting that the New Year brings. And don't even think that I am telling you not to aim high - because I am.
I just want to add a few tiny goals that you can set for a much shorter period of time.... try them on for size and see how they feel....


My current mini-resolution is:
HUG & TOUCH MORE.


It’s easy to see that hugging, and touching would boost the tenderness in your romantic relationship. However, physical expressions of affection can strengthen all sorts of connections.

Interesting fact: to be most effective at optimizing the flow of the chemicals oxytocin and serotonin – which boost mood and promote bonding – hold a hug for at least six seconds.

And touch is important even with strangers -- studies show that subliminal touching (touching so subtle that it’s not consciously perceived) dramatically increases a person’s sense of well-being and positive feelings toward you, the toucher.

We think we act because of the way we feel, but often, we feel because of the way we act. By acting in a loving way, you prompt loving feelings in yourself.


Hugs,
-Nicole

Updates

Hi Everyone,
Just a reminder that I will be taking off the days between Christmas and New Years, returning to work on Tuesday January 4th, 2011.
January tends to be a very busy time for my practice. With the new year, people are often wanting to make a shift in their lifestyle or just wanting to try something new and different (insert: acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine).
I urge my regulars to book way in advance to avoid disappointment! We have made so much progress together, let's keep the good Qi flowing! :)

I hope to see you soon...
Light & Love,
-Nicole