Returning Fertility

Lately I’ve been doing a lot of research about returning fertility. It is such an interesting topic and you will find many different conflicting opinions on the subject, especially when it has to do with moms who are still nursing their babies or toddlers. Some will insist that a mother must wean in order to conceive again. Others, especially those who strongly promote breastfeeding, insist that weaning is unnecessary and fertility will return when the body is ready. I also came across a third point of view, which has nothing to do with breastfeeding or weaning, and more to do … Continue reading

What Are Adaptogens?

I was at a holistic health expo this weekend and visited a booth offering “adaptogen sprays”. I’d never heard of adaptogens before, and grabbed a brochure. Adaptogens are plants and/or herbs that supposedly have the ability to increase the body’s resistance to fatigue and stress. Although certain adaptogens have been in use since ancient times (many were and still are popular in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine), modern investigation into adaptogens did not begin until the 1940s. In 1947, an adaptogen was defined as an agent that helps the body counter physical, chemical, and/or biological stress. Adaptogens help boost the … Continue reading

Tweaking the Diet

I received this email and since there is so much in it that we can all learn from, I wanted to share it and my response: “My husband said he read something that said it was dangerous to consume less than 1200 calories per day without a doctor’s supervision. I’ve been averaging around 950 calories per day for my meals. I have lost 24 lbs, averaging 0.6 lbs/day, 4 lbs/wk. I have been surprised by my progress, but I feel great, lots of energy, etc. I have a basal metabolic rate of approx. 15 calories per day per pound of … Continue reading

Alternative Medicine and Your Doctor

Alternative medicine is gaining in popularity. It comes in all sizes, shapes and colors. As we learn about it’s diversity and benefits, more and more Americans are giving it a try. Let’s face it, as a whole we’re a very unhealthy bunch. We are beginning to recognize that, and some of us look for more “natural” ways to reclaim our bodies than others. Most people, I think, try to strike a balance between the medical world and our alternative worlds. The bad part is we don’t always tell our medical doctors what else we are doing and vise-versa. That can … Continue reading

Let’s Talk About Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

There are two types of herbs when it comes to pregnancy: Those you can use, and those you can’t. Within the can-use category, herbs can be broken down by trimester. Some herbs are very safe for your entire pregnancy, and others shouldn’t be used until the third trimester. For a full comprehensive list you can visit your library or do an internet search, but I will touch on some of the more popular herbs here. Let’s start with the herbs you should AVOID, especially in early pregnancy. Many herbs should never be used during pregnancy. Those containing high quantities of … Continue reading