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

Vinegar has had a long and venerable history. One of the very first medicines, Hippocrates treated patients with vinegar and it was used as a healing dressing on wounds and infectious sores in Biblical times.

Vinegar can be made from almost anything that contains sugar or starch. There are wine vinegars, white vinegar and fruit and grain vinegars, such as apple cider, raspberry, pomegranate and rice.

Including vinegar regularly in the diet can increase calcium absorption[1], help control blood sugar[2] assist in weight loss[3] [4]and allow the health conscious cook to reduce fat and sodium.

Researchers believe that the amino acids in vinegar are, to some degree responsible for its therapeutic effects. These amino acids help counteract the effects of lactic-acid buildup in the body that can cause irritability, fatigue and tender, aching muscles and can also be a factor in the onset of disease. …read more of Tasty, Healthful Rice Vinegar here

Kale has become quite the celebrity among the leafy greens these days and if you don’t arrive early to the Farmer’s Market, it is oftentimes sold out.  That’s how popular kale has become.

Kale is featured in restaurants and many smoothie chains offer kale in their green smoothies.

Food manufacturers are cranking out the baked kale chips, always at stratospheric prices.   If you bake kale chips in an oven at home, you are most likely left with a tiny pile of crispy kale chips, unless, of course you have one of those nifty dehydrators.

Bloggers just can’t seem to write enough about this “new” green wonder veggie.  “Massage it raw with lemon and . . . “ or “Hide it in a fruit smoothie.”

Have you brought home a lovely bunch of leafy green kale and wondered what to do with it?  …read more of Best Kale Salad Ever – Kale with Creamy Avocado Dressing 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