Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from allergies and it is no wonder so much money is spent on over the counter (OTC) antihistamines during allergy season.[1] Data from two healthcare industry sources, Euromonitor and Nicholas Hall, estimated a range of $1.175 to 1.5 billion spent in 2008 on OTC allergy medications.[2]

A nationwide survey found that 54.6 percent of all US citizens test positive for one or more allergens.[3] Unfortunately, over the counter medications often lead to undesirable side-effects.

When allergies hit, it often means itchy, watery, eyes, uncontrollable sneezing, congested nasal passages and a runny nose.  In the worst case, spring allergies can lead to a sinus infection.

However, nature has provided us with supernutrients that can help to combat the underlying cause of allergies – overstimulated mast cells and excessive histamine secretion. …read more of Supernutrients That Fight Seasonal Allergies here

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause grew to prominence in the 1990’s when millions of women were sold hormones made from horse urine. The makers of Premarin (pregnant mare urine) promised HRT would prevent age-related diseases.

When the truth got out in 2002 that the opposite was true, that it actually increased risk of heart disease, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and invasive breast cancer, the number of prescriptions dropped and so did the rates of breast cancer.

Thanks to some high-profile celebrity endorsements, interest then switched to so-called “compounded bio-identical hormones,” from plant rather than equine sources, which were said to work the same without carrying the same risks. But what does the science say?

In the video Plant-Based Bioidentical Hormones, I note there have been several new reviews on the subject from the American College of OB/GYN’s, the Mayo Clinic and the editors-in-chief of the journal of the International Menopause Society. …read more of Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe? here

You have only to look at how extensive the pain-relieving products section is at your local pharmacy to know that pain is big business.

The problem is that pain medications are often not effective enough, and certainly not over the long-term.  Pain-relieving medications often have dangerous side effects, as well.

If you are among the more than 100 million Americans who suffer from chronic pain, there are better ways to control pain than taking a daily painkiller.

Nutrition plays a larger role in chronic pain than most people realize.  The documentary, “Fat, Sick and nearly Dead,” makes the case that switching to the plant-based, nutrient-dense diet will reduce inflammation and restore natural balance in the body. …read more of 12 Rules for Controlling Chronic Pain with Nutrition here

The governor of New York has declared a state health emergency, as the flu epidemic that has sickened more than 19,000 people in his state.

We are in the midst of one of the worst flu outbreaks in recent years.  Massachusetts General Hospital has already treated more confirmed flu cases than it did by this time during the swine flu “pandemic.”

You don’t need to check the Center for Disease Control’s national flu trend map to know that’s the case.

The typical flu symptoms are a fever of around 100°, chills, exhaustion, cough, chest congestion, sinus pressure, runny nose, sneezing and body aches.

The typical flu also causes heaviness or pain behind the eyes.  A nasal swab can detect it, but this type of testing is not 100 percent accurate.

What is confusing for medical professionals and patients alike, is the fact that experts continue to encourage the flu shot, claiming it is well-matched to the circulating H3N2 strain of this flu virus, many patients getting the flu had received the flu vaccine. …read more of Natural Flu Treatment Alternative here

The Holidays are upon us and once again food, drink and sweets will be plentiful.  The mere presence of these holiday treats in the office can challenge your willpower and lead to bloating, constipation, indigestion and heartburn.

Often this leads to the kitchen-sink mentality. You’ve already done it, so why not throw all vestiges of willpower out the window and continue to indulge, vanishing all hopes of that ‘bikini’ body with each tasty morsel.

Before you resign yourself to Holiday bloating, heartburn and a ten pound weight gain, try these simple tips to keep your taste buds pleased without feeling it in your waist.

1.  Eat first, not last.  When you’re going to holiday parties, never go hungry.  Don’t drink alcohol before you eat.  By eating small, healthy snacks like an apple, carrot sticks or hummus before the event, you will avoid being ravenous when you get there. …read more of 7 Tips to Beat the Holiday Bloat here