Category: Nutrition

Mix and match and dinner is done.

Here’s the math: Protein + Veg1 + Veg2 (or a Starch) + Fat + Spice. Choose one from each category below for nutritious and complete dinners.

putting it all together

two meal formula dinner ideas for tonight

If you don’t have all ingredients for these recipes, it’s ok, one or two exclusions won’t break the meal.

one bowl chicken tortilla soup

corn tortillas, halved and thinly sliced

1 tbsp coconut oil

3 peppers (or 1 can diced green chilis)

1 medium onion, diced

1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp oregano

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

or breast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

4 cups chicken or veg broth

1-14 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles

2 tbsp lime juice

Top w ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro & 1 avocado, chopped

brown rice if more oomph is needed

Preheat oven to 400 F. On a lightly greased baking sheet, place the tortilla strips. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until brown and crispy. While the tortilla strips bake, place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil and sauté the peppers and onion for 3-5 minutes or until just soft. Stir in the cumin and wait 1 minute before adding in the chicken, broth, tomatoes, and juices. Heat until simmer, and then cook for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Turn off heat. Mix in the lime juice, ladle into rice bowls, and top with the baked tortilla strips, avocado and cilantro.

Modified from EatingWell: September/October 2008

asian turkey burgers with green veggies

1 pound sugar snap peas, broccoli or green beans, trimmed

1 tbsp sesame seeds

1 tbsp plus 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 tbsp avocado oil

½ tsp salt

1 pound ground turkey

½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, grated

2 tsp + 2 tbsp gluten-free soy (tamari)

pinch red pepper

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, rack in center position. Line sheet pan with parchment. Toss snap peas, broccoli, green beans or asparagus w sesame seeds, a tbsp sesame oil, avocado oil, and salt. Arrange on single layer. Place a well-greased wire rack on top of the veggies. In bowl, combine turkey, veggies, garlic, ginger, tamari, pepper, onion and remaining tsp of sesame oil, and cilantro. Form 4 patties about 1½ inch thick. Place burgers on wire rack and bake until veggies are crisp tender ~30 min. Serve burgers on whole wheat buns, brown rice or lettuce cups.

Melissa Gilbert, One Pan & Done

Host healthier virtual meet-ups.

Keeping in touch and virtually catching up with family and friends has been a lifesaver during pandemic. These joyous video happy hours and reunions are typically paired with cocktails, wine and not-so-healthy snacks.

Try these smarter choices and keep the “Quarantine 15†off your waistline.

nutritious bites

Veggies & Dip

If you have time, creating a small but bountiful crudité is very pretty and nutritious. I like to include several colors and varieties of veggies.

Combo #1: Cucumber rounds, radish halves, small grape tomatoes and yellow pepper slices.

Combo #2: Jicama (French-fry style pieces, spritzed with lime and sea salt), red pepper slices, fresh snap peas and carrots.

Serve your veggie plate with one or two of the following dips from Amelia Freer’s Cook, Nourish & Glow.

Mango Avocado Salsa

1 ripe mango (if the store is out of mango, substitute pineapple or peaches)

1 avocado

½ small red onion

1 red chili, deseeded

1 large handful of basil

1 large handful of cilantro

1 lime, juiced and zested

Juice of 1 lemon

A good pinch of salt

1 tsp raw honey

Pepper to taste

Finely chop mango, avocado and onion and transfer to bowl. Finely chop herbs. Add herbs and lime zest and mix. In another small bowl, add lime, lemon juice, salt and honey and mix. Combine the two mixtures.

Season your protein of choice with salt and pepper and sauté until cooked through. Fill lettuce leaves with protein and top with salsa.

Green Veggie Hummus

1 13.5-ounce can of organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed

3 tbsp tahini

1 clove garlic

Handful of spinach, chopped

Handful of basil leaves

1 avocado, chopped

4 tbsp olive oil 2 lemons, juiced

1 small lemon, zested

1 tsp sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until smooth.

Almond Kale Pesto (dairy-free)

1 bunch of basil leaves

1 lemon, juiced and zested

½ cup olive oil

1 garlic clove

4 ounces of soaked almonds, drained

¼ bunch kale, washed, and roughly chopped (sub spinach in a pinch)

Sea salt to taste

Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend to desired consistency. Sundried tomatoes, chilis, cilantro and cashews can be substituted for different flavors.

no time to cook?

Pick up easy Zoom happy hour provisions like hummus, guacamole or Bitchin’ sauce at Whole Foods and serve with cucumber rounds or snap peas or any other combo of yummy veggies. For a treat, add stuffed olives, walnuts, pistachios or cashews and a little bit of dark chocolate.

need more sustenance?

Try this easy sheet pan appetizer.

Asian Ginger Shrimp (or chicken skewers) with Creamy Almond Dipping Sauce

Modified from Dr. Mark Hyman

For the Shrimp

¼ cup fresh lime juice

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

2 inch piece of ginger, minced

3 garlic cloves, minced

¼ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined

For the Sauce

¼ cup plus 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

¼ cup creamy almond or peanut butter

2 tbsp coconut milk (full fat, or not low fat) +/- for consistency

1 tbsp plus 1 tsp melted coconut oil

2 tsp unseasoned rice vinegar (can sub red wine vinegar)

Combine shrimp, lime juice, oil, ginger, garlic salt and pepper. Let sit for 30 min. For the sauce, combine lime juice, nut butter, coconut milk, oil, and vinegar. Stir.

Preheat broiler and place shrimp on a cookie sheet, single layer. Broil for about 3 min. Turnover, broil for 1-2 minutes until no longer translucent.

smarter adult beverages

Keep the Zoom happy hour pounds at bay with slimmer drink choices.

The basics: Choose vodka or gin and soda water with a splash of lemon, lime or orange for the lowest carb and most waist-friendly option. Make a skinny marg with tequila and lime juice. (Beer is not your friend. It’s actually the hardest on the waist.)

A dry red wine normally has less carbs than white wine. If you choose white, turn it into a bubbly spritzer—that way you get two glasses instead of one—a better bang for your carb buck.

Drinks by the Numbers

When it comes to happy hour, sugary and high-carb drinks can add up and sabotage your weight-loss goals. Here’s the skinny on liquid carbs. Make your own decision. These numbers should help.

today’s topic is gas and bloating

At Healthy Nest Nutrition we see a lot of gas and bloating. It’s common and it makes people nuts! There are two types of gas: chronic habitual gas and severe acute gas.

Now and again, you might swallow too much air because you are overly excited or nervous or stressed. This is an acute episode and normally results in bloating and maybe hiccups. It sorts itself out on its own and passes relatively quickly.

Chronic bloat can signal that you’re NOT digesting your food the way you are supposed to. Simply put, maybe there is not enough firepower or oomph to digest properly. Food sits in the stomach and gas develops. You feel uncomfortably full after eating a normal amount of food—as in your stomach starts to get bigger not in a normal way, but in an I-feel-unnecessarily-pregnant kind of way. You might be farting more and you may have heartburn. All of these symptoms point to excessive gas.

This isn’t the only reason for bloat and gassiness, but it is super common. It’s painful, can get worse over time, and usually you need help sorting it out.

why?

Other common culprits for excess gas production:

• Nutrient deficiencies
• Lack of sufficient enzymes
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Stress (acute or chronic)
• Bacteria imbalances in the small and/or large intestine (over/undergrowth)

what can you do to help yourself?

Habit changes that make big progress toward lowering gas and bloating discomfort:

• Chew your food well. It seems silly—but really helps
• Add digestive herbs to help calm the system: ginger and peppermint tea
• Add lemon water to your routine, slowly adding digestive firepower to the stomach
• Slowly increase fiber rich foods (more and more veggies, please)
• Avoiding each of the biggest offenders one at a time to see if you feel better: gluten, dairy, corn, soy and sugar. OR do a full 2-3 week elimination/provocation diet to test problem foods. Ask us about this. We have a do-able and delicious answer.

If these work, YAY for you! We’re happy you are feeling better.

Quiz

Is gas and bloating a problem for you? Find out.

If you answer Yes to any of the following, you could optimize your digestion and get rid of your pesky digestive symptoms.

1. Are you on a restricted diet because some foods don’t agree with you?
2. Did bloating and/or gassiness start after a bout of stress (internal or external, real or perceived) Examples: divorce, awful boss, new baby, sick parent, grad school.
3. Are you a regular burper and/or a farter?
4. Did your digestion problems start after taking antibiotics?
5. Do you get heartburn after eating? Are you living on TUMS?
6. Are you getting stomach aches after eating?
7. Does gas come right after you eat a meal?
8. Do you have skin issues (eczema, acne, etc.)?
9. Do your digestive issues subside on weekends or vacations?
10. Do you have difficult bowel movements?

bringing in the big guns

Maybe your gas and bloat problem IS due to not enough ‘firepower’ like the example above. Maybe it’s not — maybe it’s due to one of the other common issues.

If you need more guidance, Healthy Nest Nutrition has a Digestive Repair Program that will work toward success for eliminating your issues. Together, we team up for four one-hour sessions and work efficiently to untangle your digestive issues.

We use symptom trackers and questionnaires, lifestyle changes, scientifically advanced testing (antibody blood testing, stool or breath tests) and targeted nutrient supplementation to meet your health goals.

Let us help you! It’s what we do.

today’s topic is digestive distress and constipation

Regularly, your bowels should move at least once a day and up to three times per day.

Bowel movements or poops are SUPPOSED to be the diameter of a sausage because that is the size of your intestinal lining. They should be brown (shade is dependent on the colors of the food you are eating) and about 6 to 12 inches in length. If this isn’t happening, that’s a problem and it serves as a red flag that your digestive system could be working better.

Poops carry toxins out of your body. If your system is sluggish and you are not excreting the “bad stuff†out regularly, you run the risk of having toxins recirculate, causing nausea, brain fog, aches and pains, headaches or other flu-like symptoms. Straining to poop is also common and not normal. Hard rocky stool isn’t normal either.

why?

There are a lot of types of digestive distress that lead to constipation. Here are the most common we see:

• food allergies or sensitivities
• lactose intolerance (a problem with eating dairy)
• leaky gut/damaged mucosal lining of the intestines
• impaired breakdown, digestion or absorption of nutrients from your food
• parasites or other outsiders
• prescription drug use (a common side effect of lots of drugs)
• lack of “good†bacteria in the large intestine
• not enough fiber in the diet
• dehydration (super super common)
• not enough exercise or movement in your day
• circadian rhythm out of sync
• lack of sunshine (vitamin D deficient)
• stress or anxiety
• magnesium deficiency
• SIBO or small intestine bacteria overgrowth
• thyroid imbalance
• other hormone imbalance

client success story

We see a lot of digestive discomfort in the form of constipation. I’d like to share an example of how we work with clients to clear up this common complaint.

I spoke with a new client named Kristen (name has been changed for confidentiality) last week for weight loss. As I was going through her history and getting to know her body, it became clear to me that she had struggled with constipation for the last several years and she didn’t even realize it was an issue.

I explained that it was one sign of WHY she couldn’t lose weight, that it’s a symptom of sluggish digestion and that we had to deal with it before we really dug into other factors of weight loss.

Things we tried:

• We added lemon water to hasten metabolism and take care of dehydration
• We added a magnesium product to work as a natural laxative
• We looked at WHAT Kristen was eating daily that might be contributing to constipation and I found that yogurt was a common breakfast for her (possible food sensitivity)
• We added gut repair nutrients

Just eliminating dairy and adding water and magnesium and doing some short-term gut repair was HUGE for Kristen. We got her pooping everyday and started on her weight-loss journey. Big successes for Kristen!

what can you do to help yourself?

Food suggestions:

• consume more fiber
• add water and herbal tea for better hydration
• avoid processed foods or a lot of sugar
• add probiotic foods (fermented cabbage, kim chi, fermented pickles)
• add a probiotic supplement
• eliminate dairy or gluten
• add ground hemp or chia seeds
• eat more dried apricots or prunes

other lifestyle suggestions

• increase exercise or take a walk
• read the side effects for all medications
• acupuncture helps
• sit on the potty and lift your feet to a short stool OR if possible, put your feet on the potty in a squat-like position

If these work, YAY for you! We are happy you are feeling better.

Quiz

Is constipation a problem for you? Find out.

If you answer Yes to any of the following, you could optimize your digestion and get rid of your pesky symptoms.

1. Are there some days that you do not poop? (Pooping should happen every damn day!)
2. Are your poops like rocks (dry, hard small stone-like)?
3. Do you rely on laxatives to poop?
4. Do you have lower abdominal stomach aches?
5. Do you have alternating diarrhea and constipation?
6. Have you been on antibiotics?
7. Is your diet pretty sugary? Are you eating a bunch of bread and milk products?
8. Did you forget to drink water yesterday because you got busy? (Drinking less than 6 glasses of water per day causes constipation.)
9. Is your stress pretty high currently or in the recent past?
10. Have you been out of the country recently?
11. Did you try the keto diet recently?
12. Do you have thyroid issues?
13. Are you on prescription drugs? Is constipation one of the side effects?

bringing in the big guns

If you need more guidance, Healthy Nest Nutrition has a Digestive Repair Program that we successfully use to reveal what is causing YOUR constipation. It’s our goal to eliminate your constipation issues.

Together, we team up for four one-hour sessions and work efficiently to untangle your digestive issues. We use symptom trackers and questionnaires, challenge you to make very specific lifestyle changes, use scientifically advanced testing (antibody blood testing, nutrient deficiency blood testing, stool testing for microbiome balance and parasites, or breath tests for overgrowth) and targeted nutrient supplementation if needed to finally rid you of your pesky constipation problems.

Let us help you! It’s what we do.

About Eggs
Eggs are so nutritious that they’re often referred to as “nature’s multivitamin” containing bio-available vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, other important nutrients, great brain fats, and a good amount of protein.

One egg contains the following:

• 77 calories, 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat and hardly any carbs
• Numerous B vitamins: B12-9% of RDA, B2-15% of RDA, B5-pantothenic acid-7% of RDA
• Vitamin A-6% of RDA + Selenium-22% of RDA
• Small amounts of calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, vitamin E, folate and more
• Choline-113 mg per egg. So important for good brain health (required to synthesize acetylcholine which is an important brain hormone that plays a role in memory, learning, attention and even involuntary muscle movement)
• It’s very important to know that almost all the nutrients are contained in the yolk, the white contains only protein. I highly suggest you eat the whole egg, not just the egg whites because of this important fact

Anti-Inflammatory Helpers
Eggs contain antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are powerful antioxidant properties that are anti-inflammatory. Further, if you’ve bought pastured eggs, then they are a good food source of vitamin D, which also helps with inflammation.

What About Cholesterol?
Although eggs contain a bunch of cholesterol (212 mg per large egg), we know from research studies that dietary cholesterol has only a small effect on our cholesterol blood levels. Your liver actually produces the bulk of your body’s cholesterol and the amount you make depends on how much you eat. If you get more from food, your body produces less and vice versa.

It’s been shown that eggs actually improve your cholesterol profile, raising HDL (the good guy) and changing the LDL (bad guy) to the larger subtype, which is the kind that is NOT strongly associated with increased risk of heart disease. There have been multiple studies (in the sources below) that found no association between eggs and risk of heart disease.

Great Source of Protein
Eggs have all of the nine essential amino acids that we MUST get through food. There are 21 amino acids total, but 9 come exclusively through diet. The rest can be manufactured in the body. Whether you’re following an omnivore, vegetarian or other diet framework, eggs can be an important workhorse protein source.

Quality Matters
Not all eggs have the same amounts of nutrients. Pasture-raised eggs have the most positive nutrition profile followed by organic eggs. For example, the yolk in those types of eggs have less cholesterol and higher levels of antioxidant lutein. Regular eggs at the grocery store have the smallest levels of nutrients.

Eggs + Other Foods
It’s best to eat daily eggs with a whole food diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. This equates to lots of fiber, low added sugars, whole grains, lots of plants, good quality proteins and healthy fats. That way, the body eliminates excesses naturally and is able to use foods properly, not storing too much of any one nutrient.

The Verdict?
If you have no problem tolerating eggs, then they should be a good addition to your diet. Enjoy them daily or whenever the craving strikes!

By Liana Werner-Gray

Have you ever considered what your perfume is made from? Multiple research studies have classified synthetic chemicals used in fragrances as allergens, hormone disruptors, asthma triggers, neurotoxins, and carcinogens. These substances can cause serious health issues, from skin allergies to central nervous system disorders.

The Role of Scents in Human Behavior

Scents play a crucial role in human behavior. While a pleasant fragrance can have a calming effect, an unpleasant odor can lead to anxiety and discomfort. The use of aromatic compounds dates back thousands of years, with the earliest evidence found among ancient Egyptians, who utilized herbs, gums, and resins in their religious rites. This is when they are total natural with no petroleum devried ingredients like there are today. 

Did you know that 95% of the chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum? These include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and many other known toxins and sensitizers capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, and allergic reactions. This alarming fact was highlighted in a report by the Committee on Science & Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, titled “Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace” (Report 99-827).

Watch Out for These Harmful Ingredients:

– Phthalates

– Synthetic Musks

– Parabens

– Benzyl Benzoate

– Methoxycinnamate

– Coumarin

– Benzaldehyde: Found in many household products, it’s a sensitizer and narcotic that can cause irritation and CNS depression.

– Benzyl Acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer and respiratory irritation.

– Benzyl Alcohol: Causes upper respiratory tract irritation and CNS depression.

– Camphor: An irritant and CNS stimulant, it can cause dizziness and convulsions.

– Ethanol: Found in many products, it can cause fatigue, respiratory tract irritation, and CNS disorders.

– Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic that can cause anemia and damage to liver and kidneys.

– Limonene: Carcinogenic and an irritant and sensitizer.

– Linalool: Can cause respiratory disturbances and CNS disorders.

– a-Pinene: A sensitizer that damages the immune system.

– g-Terpinene: Causes asthma and CNS disorders.

– a-Terpineol: Can cause pneumonitis or fatal edema and other serious health effects.

The Problem with Common Fragrance Ingredients

Phthalates, aldehydes, parabens, and aluminum-based salts are significant contaminants in aromatic products. These chemicals can cause a range of side effects, including allergies, breast cancer, reproductive disorders, nervous system damage, and migraine headaches. Phthalates, for example, are used to make perfumes last longer but are listed as toxic and priority pollutants under the U.S. Clean Water Act.

Scientific evidence shows that many perfumes, even in small amounts, can cause neurological disorders in the fetuses of pregnant women. This exposure can also lead to autism when encountered during pregnancy or through breast milk after birth. The complications of using perfumes include neuropathy (depression, autism), neoplasms (breast cancer, prostate cancer), liver effects, migraine headaches, asthma attacks, mucosal symptoms (watery or red eyes, sneezing), neurological problems (dizziness, convulsions, headache, fainting, imbalance), respiratory issues (cough, shortness of breath), skin reactions (rash, urticaria, redness, tingling, dermatitis), immune system effects (swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue), gastrointestinal problems (nausea, bloating, diarrhea), and cardiovascular issues (rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, chest discomfort). 

Fragrances and Endocrine Disruption

Exposure to the chemicals in perfumes can lead to allergic reactions, skin irritation, respiratory issues, and hormonal disruption. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in fragrances can mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, potentially leading to significant health effects. For instance, some phthalates are associated with disruptions in reproductive hormones, while parabens have been linked to disturbances in estrogen activity. Synthetic musks, commonly found in fragrances, also raise concerns about their potential to interfere with hormone function.

In one study, fragrance products emitted chemicals causing various acute toxicities in mice, including sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, decreases in expiratory airflow velocity, and neurotoxicity, which was more severe after repeated exposure. 

Too much fragrance can not only be a turnoff but also cause migraines or allergic reactions. Some people may not have a good sense of smell or have become desensitized to their daily fragrance. Wearing excessive perfume can also be an indicator of depression.

Natural Alternatives

It’s time to rethink our use of synthetic fragrances and consider healthier, natural alternatives for the sake of our health and well-being. A healthier alternative to synthetic fragrances is using natural lotions. For instance, Ecco Bella’s Vanilla Herbal Body Lotion contains natural ingredients like aloe vera, safflower oil, sesame oil, jojoba oil, and vanilla extract. These ingredients are known for their moisturizing, soothing, and nourishing properties, and are free from harsh chemicals, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

I haven’t worn perfume for 15 years. When I had the golf-ball size tumor in my lymphatic system I learned that perfume was incredibly harmful and toxic to my lymphatic system and stopped wearing it immediately. If you are wanting to reduce your risk of cancer I would recommend not wearing it on your skin as well, especially on your neck and wrists which absorbs right into your lymphatic system and blood system. If you must wear perfume spray it on your clothes. But there is a better way, to just not wear it at all and not support the toxic industry. There are so many more natural alternatives like using essential oils, my favorite is rose oil. So I will wear a rose oil with a vanilla lotion. I’ve done this the last 15 years and I get so many comments of how lovely I smell. This is an amazing solution to still smelling lovely to apply this natural lotion to your body especially your neck and wrists. I love this one by Ecco Bella with a beautiful vanilla scent and includes aloe Vera and shea butter. 

Use my code: Liana10 for 10% off all Ecco Bella products.

 Sources: 

– [U.S. House of Representatives Report 99-827](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9163252/)

– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9163252/#:~:text=Phthalates%20such%20as%20Diethyl%20phthalate%20(DEP)%2C%20di%2Dn,many%20perfumes%2C%20deodorants%20and%20fragrances.

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Hear from 15+ FDN graduates who have reached the six-figure milestone. Steal their strategies, and discover how the FDN framework led to their success.

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Receive candid insights from FDN graduates, so you can make an informed decision about your potential future with FDN.

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Saliva is Special: Summary

In this episode about how saliva is special, Patti Milligan, a clinical nutritionist with 40 years of experience, discusses her unique journey into saliva research and its profound impact on human health. Patti recounts her experiences working with high-level executives and her subsequent discovery that saliva quality significantly affects nutritional resilience. She explains how noise vibrations in aircraft can decrease saliva production, triggering stress responses and impacting immune and digestive systems, thereby highlighting the importance of maintaining optimal salivary flow, especially during travel.

Patti emphasizes the critical role saliva plays in overall health, advocating for its potential as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for various conditions. She shares insights into potential future saliva-based tests that could measure markers like viral loads, nutrient deficiencies, and risks for degenerative diseases. Additionally, Patti discusses practical strategies to stimulate saliva production, such as consuming specific foods and employing simple Ayurvedic exercises, to optimize body resilience and digestion.

The conversation also touches on heartfelt client success stories, illustrating the transformative impact of addressing salivary health. Patti’s client testimonials include a child diagnosed with failure to thrive and an adult overcoming the challenges of head and neck cancer. Through her advocacy and educational efforts, Patti aims to bring more awareness to the critical but often overlooked role saliva plays in health, urging clinicians and patients alike to integrate saliva-focused practices into their wellness routines.

Saliva is Special: Topics

00:00 Introduction to Patti Milligan and Her Work

01:05 Patti’s Journey into Saliva Research

02:13 The Impact of Travel on Saliva and Health

06:16 Saliva Testing: The Future of Medicine

11:36 Building Resilience Through Saliva Flow

22:22 The Benefits of Nasal Breathing

23:29 Ayurvedic Techniques for Saliva Flow

25:13 Salivary Testing and Its Future

29:18 Addressing Dry Mouth in the Elderly

36:16 Foods That Stimulate Saliva Production

37:43 Practical Health Tips and Final Thoughts

40:22 Patti’s Work and Client Success Stories

45:32 Signature Question and Conclusion

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By Liana Werner-Gray

If your sofa, bedding, and mattress aren’t made with organic fibers it’s made with petrochemicals, which cause cancer and is one of the reasons why cancer stats are so high these days. That’s the sad reality of it. People are breathing this in their homes where they live, where it’s meant to be a safe sanctuary, but it’s not, it’s a toxic environment created by these industries that have kept this quiet for too long. You’ve got to be aware so that you aren’t a victim. 

I had the opportunity to interview one of the longest pioneers in the organic fibers and furniture movement – yes she is a legend and a health revolutionist. You will be both shocked and inspired with what you are about to read. 

In 1976, Suzanne Diamond, a trailblazer in the organic furniture movement, changed the landscape of American home furnishings. Her journey began with a simple but urgent need: to provide a safe, non-toxic sleeping environment for her newborn. Alarmed by the prevalence of petrochemicals in conventional mattresses, Suzanne took matters into her own hands and crafted her first organic futon.

A Revolutionary Beginning

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, and raised in New York, Suzanne attended the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts. It was here that she met Michio Kushi, a master of Zen living and macrobiotics. Under his guidance, Suzanne learned about futons, which were popular for their dual function as both sofas and beds, fitting perfectly with the minimalist and budget-friendly lifestyle of the time.

In Boston, Suzanne met and married Artie Diamond. They soon moved to Los Angeles, closely associating with the founders of Erewhon Market, Michio and Aveline Kushi. When Suzanne needed a non-toxic mattress for her baby, she leveraged her knowledge from the Kushis to craft an organic futon from natural cotton. This sparked a revolutionary idea: why not offer these organic futons to others?

The Birth of a Business

In 1976, Suzanne started making custom futons from her living room. She was one of the first to introduce organic futons to the American market, handcrafting each piece with care and dedication. Her living room became the heart of a burgeoning business, driven by a simple but profound mission: to provide safe, non-toxic furniture.

“Every day I received a phone call asking, ‘Can you make me a custom futon?’” Suzanne recalls. This demand marked the humble beginnings of The Futon Shop. Her approach was hands-on: buying organic cotton, sewing covers, stuffing futons, and hand-tufting each piece. These operations soon turned into a thriving industry.

Growth and Global Reach

Beyond Futons: Expanding into Sofas

The natural progression from futons to sofas was driven by a personal need. Suzanne wanted an organic sofa and, unable to find one, decided to create it herself. She deconstructed a conventional sofa and replaced synthetic materials with natural ones—wool instead of polyester, latex instead of foam, and water-based adhesives instead of toxic glues. The result was an organic sofa that is not only safe but also resistant to mold and bed bugs.

“Our products are designed with love and the highest quality natural fibers,” Suzanne states. “We want our customers to have peace of mind, knowing they are choosing safe and healthy options for their homes.”

Advocating for Awareness

 

The Futon Shop Today

Visit their showroom or explore their website to discover the difference that natural, non-toxic furniture can make in your life. Join us on our mission to create a healthier, happier world. Welcome to The Futon Shop, where innovation meets sustainability in the world of organic furniture.

Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette
From Foodandwine.com
Make this tart, bright vinaigrette for green salads, and remember it is also terrific drizzled over grilled fish, chicken, or vegetables.

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 1/4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 1/4 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove (minced)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt + pepper

Blend all the ingredients but the olive oil. Puree until smooth. Add the olive oil slowly. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Miso Vinaigrette
This dairy-free vegan dressing can easily be made gluten free if you use tamari instead of soy.

4 tablespoons neutral oil (I use avocado oil)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tbsp white miso
½ teaspoon (a drop) sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon tamari (gf soy sauce)
½ inch of ginger, minced
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tsp sriracha
1 tsp sesame seeds

Mix all ingredients. Drizzle over salad.

Creamy Tahini Dressing
From Cookie+Kate.com

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup tahini
2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons ice-cold water, more as needed

Whisk together olive oil, tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, mustard, maple syrup, salt, and several twists of black pepper. Add the cold water and whisk again. This should make the dressing really creamy. Adjust taste with more lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. This would also be good with some herbs chopped in, such as dill, basil, cilantro or parsley.

Green Goddess Dressing
From Loveandlemons.com
Savor these bright flavors with a bit of tang and a creamy texture.  

1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
1 cup fresh parsley
1 cup mixed soft leafy herbs, dill, mint, tarragon and/or cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped chives
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus ½ teaspoon zest
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons capers
1 garlic clove
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

In a food processor, combine all ingredients. Pulse until smooth. Season to taste. This works well for a veggie dip or a salad dressing (add a bit more water for saucier consistency).

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MRT Food Sensitivity Testing: Summary

“MRT Food Sensitivity Testing” delves into the topic of the MRT (Mediator Release Test) food sensitivity test, providing insights into the controversies and misunderstandings surrounding food sensitivity testing within functional and natural medicine. The hosts discuss the distinctions between allergies and sensitivities, emphasizing that the MRT test measures immune responses in the blood to various foods and chemicals, which can help identify hidden stressors contributing to inflammation and health issues. 

They argue that while traditional IgG, IgA, and IgM tests have limitations and can yield false positives and negatives, the MRT’s patented technology offers a more comprehensive and accurate way to pinpoint food sensitivities by assessing volumetric changes in white blood cells when exposed to potential antigens. The hosts also highlight the practical benefits of the MRT test in enhancing compliance and accelerating the healing process by providing clear, actionable results for individuals struggling with pervasive food sensitivities and chronic health conditions.

MRT Food Sensitivity Testing: Topics

00:00 Introduction to MRT Food Sensitivity Test

00:35 Personal Anecdotes and Casual Conversation

01:34 FDN Dietary Theories Recap

03:58 Understanding Food Sensitivity vs. Allergy

12:00 The Science Behind MRT Testing

15:21 Introduction to MRT Report

15:28 Understanding Food Sensitivity Markers

16:27 Managing Food Sensitivities

17:19 Debating Food Sensitivity Testing

20:37 Personal Experiences with Food Sensitivity

22:33 Compliance and Client Management

26:27 Summary and Upcoming Events

Where to Find Lucy McKellar and AFDNP

Where: San Diego, CA

When: October 17-19, 2024

Join with others who are building their health businesses. Learn how to launch, scale, or expand your business. Gain insight through case studies, personal accounts, practical strategies and understand what you need to make your business a success in the functional health space.

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