Natural Awakenings Houston May 2020 EXPANDED DIGITAL EDITION by Holistic Choice Publishing/Natural Awakenings Houston

C 0 5

T N E

S HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

Eye Care for Kids A Clear Path to Healthy Vision

FINDING

CALM During Trying Times

Soul Nourishment the kitchen as sacred space Healing the Immune System

Premium Digital Articles begin on Page 33

May 2020 | Houston-Edition | NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

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BUSINESS

Publish a Natural Awakenings Magazine CHANNEL YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKILL SETS AND BUILD YOUR OWN BUSINESS THAT EMPOWER YOU TO BE AN INFLUENCER IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Natural Awakenings is a franchise family of 65+ healthy living magazines, celebrating 26 years of publishing! This rewarding home-based franchise opportunity provides training and ongoing support, following an established and proven business model.

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Contents 13

12 Finding Calm During Trying Times 13 Virus Fighters 14 Healing the Immune System

17 Soul Nourishment

19 5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

21 Eye Care for Kids

HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 713-927-6540 or email: mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com. Deadline for ads: the 5th of the month.

24 Getting to the Root of Plant Medicine

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Email articles, news items and ideas to: mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com. Deadline for calendar: the 5th of the month. If you have missed the deadline ask about our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Red-Eye Specialâ&#x20AC;? and our digital placements.

4 letter from the publisher

9 business briefs

5 affirming naturally

13 eco tip

6 news briefs

24 plant medicine

7 health briefs

27 calendar of events

REGIONAL MARKETS

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28 resource guide

Subscribe to our Expanded Digital Edition for even more interesting and informative articles. Text NAHTX to 66866.

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

letter from publishers Greetings! As I type this letter, it has been a month since everything really changed…social distancing began followed up quickly with stay-at-home orders and mask-wearing. Cindy and I are healthy and safe. It’s a bit surrealistic being out here. We took our basenjis for a walk down our dirt road this morning. The sky is clear blue. It’s cool and breezy and everything smells of wild flowers and new grass. The garden is growing and soon we will have fresh tomatoes to go with all the lettuce and arugula. The times we’ve gone into Houston on business or College Station to wash closes or buy groceries, I’m struck by the drastic change. These are changes that I’m sure many of you live with daily: streets empty of traffic, stores closed, and lines outside grocery stores of people wearing masked waiting for their turn to go in… I am lifted up by the stories I have heard and situations I have witnessed where people are supporting one another— caring for the ill, feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely. In order to support others—in our families and communities—we need to find ways to reduce our stress and increase the health of our immune system. The best way to remain healthy is by staying rested and hydrated; eating well; exercising; getting outside for fresh air, Vitamin D and a connection with nature; and by finding ways to stay calm and grounded, perhaps by connecting with others online/by phone, through meditation and journaling, getting lost in a good book, creating art/ music, learning a new hobby or playing a game. Some days are certainly better than others and we need to give ourselves permission to be okay in each moment with where we are. Then take a deep breath and move on to the next moment. If you need professional assistance or guidance, I hope you will get the support you need; there are many local practitioners and businesses offering virtual or modified services to help This month, there are articles that don’t talk directly about the COVID-19 Crisis but do address improving our immune system and de-stressing ourselves. Please patronize our advertisers, check their websites for new hours and virtual services. They are what makes it possible for us to bring Natural Awakenings to you. Take advantage of your new print and digital subscriptions so you don’t miss an issue. Until next time, stay safe and be kind. bright blessings,

Cindy & Mike Hart

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

HOUSTON EDITION PUBLISHERS

Cindy & Mike Hart

EDITOR & DESIGN Mike Hart CREATIVE

Cindy Hart

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Doyle Ward Minnie Payne Linda Sechrist J.Garnett SALES & MARKETING Carmen Jules Barbara Silberg Heather Richmon WEBSITE

Mike Hart

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman COO/FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Lisa Doyle-Mitchell © 2020 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are weresponsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

© 2020 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

affirming naturally

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I use the power of the present moment. by Doyle Ward

Anthony Rios Shamanic Practitioner Traditional “Limpias” Energetic Cleansings

You have more than 55,000 thoughts each day. Many are the same thoughts over and over again. Every single one is an affirmation; this also includes everything that you say. By reducing your negative thoughts and words and increasing the positive ones, you can reshape your life. Expecting a better day helps to create a better life. The only place we have to take action or make changes is the present moment.This month’s affirmation can help create a better life.

I use the power of the present moment. The only place we have to take action or make changes is the present moment. If we are caught in the past going over and over something that didn’t make us feel good or in the future planning what we are going to say to someone or how our lives will be better when something in particular happens, we are wasting the only time we have—now. Use this moment! Take steps to get where you want to go.

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The only thing that you are guaranteed in life is this moment. Working with positive affirmations can radically change your mindset. Say them and write them repeatedly with the feeling that they are your truth. You have the power to make great changes in yourself and the world. I know this is true because I have made huge changes in my life by changing my thoughts.

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Doyle Ward is a successful life coach, workshop leader and lecturer in the field of personal development. Listen to his podcasts on InFlowRadio.com, Apple Podcasts or GooglePlay Doyle Ward, See ad on page 10

Visit LetsGetChecked.com today. This ad contains affiliate codes to products. Natural Awakenings may receive a commission for purchases made through these codes.

Get to the Root Cause of Your Health Conditions Specializing in: • Digestive Issues • Fatigue • Food Cravings • Mood Swings • Hormonal Imbalances • Fertility • Weight Issues • Auto Immune Conditions • Aches & Pains • and More Erin Thole,CNHP Reach Your TRUE Health Potential With: Food Sensitivity, Hormonal, Toxicity, and Nutritional Deficiency Panels Nutritional Programs & More Set up your FREE consultation by emailing: thole.erin@gmail.com To learn how Erin has helped others just like you visit: www.ErinThole.com

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news briefs

Discovering Our Texas Native Lady Beetles

Sunday, May 31, at 6 p.m., online

Lady beetles, or ladybugs, have long been

recognized as one of the best biological controls for many insect pests in both home gardens and agri-business. The diversity in this family of insects has been well-characterized yet they have largely been represented by only a few select species which have been introduced in the U.S. via different methods. So, who are our native lady beetles? What are their dietary preferences and habitat needs? This presentation is an introduction to some of the native lady beetles in the greater Houston area and an overview of their biology and habitat needs. Additionally, the presentation will explore threats to lady beetle populations, how iNaturalist can be used as a tool to discover who our native lady beetles, and some of the misconceptions about these fascinating insects. Join this conversation with Rebecca Lloyd, Texas Master Naturalist, as we wonder at Texas Lady beetles! Please register for this talk on www. eventbrite.com. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

JUNE

Coming Next Month Transformative Staycations plus: Brain Health

Natural Awakenings Delivered toYour Home New Subscription Service Many of our readers just prefer print.

During the current Coronavirus Crisis it may be inadvisable to go out to pick up a copy from one of the local businesses where we deliver our magazines and many of those businesses may be closed. In response to this need, we will be accepting print subscriptions once again. Our magazines are printed in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania and shipped on a shrinkwrapped pallet to our warehouse in Houston. National Institutes of Health, Princeton, and the University of California, Los Angeles studies indicate the coronavirus remains virulent on paper surfaces for up to 24 hours. So any possible contamination occurring at the printer would be non-virulent by the time the magazines arrive at our warehouse 5 days later. I will be working in gloves and mask to prepare the mailing and any contamination at this point would be non-virulent by the time it is delivered to your home. The new magazines will be mailed out from the US Post Office in Iola, Texas on the last Saturday of the month. Any subscriptions received before the 15th will receive that month’s issue mailed out within 2 days of receiving the subscription. Subscriptions received after the 13th will receive the following month’s issue. To cover the cost of postage and handling, the cost will be $29 for 12 months and $50 for 24 months. You may subscribe by filling out the online form on our website and paying via PayPal or using the printable order form and either emailing it back for credit card payment or mailing it to us for payment by check. Mailed in forms will be processed on the last Friday of the month so there may be a few week’s delay in getting your first copy if you choose that method. We look forward to bringing you the best and latest information to help you stay healthy and together build a more sustainable world.

Natural Awakenings Digital Website, Flipbook & Mobile Stories

If you prefer to read on your laptop, tablet

or mobile device, we have you covered. Natural Awakenings Houston is available on our mobile responsive website NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com complete with a link to downloadable discount coupons. You can subscribe by texting NAHTX to 66866 and we will email you our digital flipbook version for FREE so you don’t miss an issue! You can also read our magazine on your mobile devise in a special mobile stories format by downloading the ISSUU app and subscribing to Natural Awakenings Houston. Not only that, but our digital edition also includes many articles that we were unable to fit in the limited space of our print edition. These are accessible on both our web version for a nominal subscription fee of $1.99 to read all the premium articles in one month’s issue or $9.99 for 12 issues, and on our flipbook version for only $0.50 per issue. While you are spending time online, be sure to “like” and “follow” our Facebook page for updates, events and articles daily. Natural Awakenings Houston, we want to be your go-to place online for useful information to keep you healthy and happy.

JUNE

Coming Next Month

Brain Health plus: Transformative Staycations

health briefs

Consume Date Vinegar to Boost Heart Health and Reduce Inflammation

In a study of 76 people with mildly high total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, research published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine found that consuming 30 milliliters of vinegar made from date pulp and pits daily for four weeks significantly improved total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride and HDL levels, as well as several biomarkers of inflammation.

Exercise to Boost Sperm Quality

A new Harvard study of 746 young sperm donors reports that men that exercise more have better sperm quality. The men, with an average age of 26, at least a high school education and no radiation exposure or sexually transmitted diseases, were qualified to donate to a sperm bank in their area. Compared to men that seldom exercised, those that reported the most total exercise and logged the most time doing intense workouts had better sperm motility, which increases the chances for sperm to move through the female reproductive tract to reach an egg.

Take Quercetin to Reduce Blood Pressure

Tuck Kids In Early to Reduce Depression and Cognitive Issues

Fewer than seven hours of sleep for a child is not only linked to anxiety, depression, impulsiveness and cognitive difficulties, but also impacts a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brain structure, suggests new research from the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Warwick University published in Molecular Psychiatry. Researchers used data that included MRI scans of more than 11,000 children ages 9 to 11 from 21 centers in the U.S. Parents also provided information about their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep duration and mental health conditions, and children performed a battery of cognitive tests. Researchers found that compared to children that slept between the recommended nine and 11 hours, those receiving less than seven hours had 53 percent more behavioral problems and scored 7.8 percent lower on cognitive tests. In children that slept less, volumes were smaller in five brain regions. Children that slept longer showed less depression and higher cognitive scores, and felt safer and more secure in their homes and neighborhoods.

Supplementation with quercetin, a plant pigment found in capers, cilantro, fennel, onions, red leaf lettuce, watercress, elderberries, asparagus, kale, cocoa, apples and chia seeds, can significantly reduce both diastolic and systolic blood pressure, lowering each by about three milliliters/Hg, reports a new review of research published in the Oxford Academic Journal, of 17 clinical studies that tested 896 participants. Quercetin also improved HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels when consumed for eight weeks or more.

Avalon School of Massage Classes Start Soon Avalon School of Massage prides itself on providing world class teachers and dedication to studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; personal growth for over a decade. Though most trade schools are closed, Avalon has transitioned its classes to an online environment. Students will learn how to start a new career, set their own schedule, and be their own boss. From the comfort of home, learn about Anatomy, Physiology, & Kinesiology and how to apply that knowledge to their own body and help heal othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; aches and pains from stress, working out, sleeping improperly, or binging on the couch for too long. Our teachers have interactive online classes where students can ask questions and get feedback, and they have spent countless hours creating new videos and online material so they can provide the highest quality education. The next semester starts June 8th. Call 713-333-5350 M-F 10-4pm to register today. $100 early bird discount for enrolling before May 31st.

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business briefs

A Moveable Feast is OPEN for Curbside Orders There is no place in Houston that can compare to A Moveable Feast, part health food store and part café. There is a friendly vibe that is immediately noticeable when you walk through the front doors. Patrons often comment on the positive “energy” of this community meeting place. Customers are always seeing their friends, neighbors, and meeting long time acquaintances here. It’s a great spot to have a business meeting, or a place where the family can have dinner and actually hear each other talk! Dining alfresco on the patio is very calming watching the butterflies flit around the “jungle” alongside it. A Moveable Feast has always offered Houstonians an alternative to over-processed, additive-packed, preservative soaked foods. We have resourced local food sources for years, way before local became the “it” word for foodies, and have always featured menu and grocery items for those sensitive to dairy and wheat. Many items in the kitchen are organic, and most everything is made fresh each day. A Moveable Feast is more than just a restaurant, as the store shelves are packed with top quality nutritional supplements, skin care products, essential oils, gluten-free groceries, local honey, beeswax candles, incense, and much more. We have a very knowledgeable staff that frequently attends manufacturer trainings so they can be up-todate on the latest information. The impressive herb wall is truly unique with nearly 400 bulk herbs and teas. There is no place in Texas that has an herb wall like this. Call in your restaurant or store order, or shop online, and we’ll deliver your order to your car when you arrive.

Select Choice Digital LEADS THE WAY! Do you need to get your business in front of potential customers who are sitting at home spending way too much time online? We have the solution for you. Natural Awakenings Houston has just opened their new digital ad division, Select Choice Digital. We offer a unique premium product that sets us apart from ALL other digital ad agencies. The 3 key differences between us and everyone else are: n No tracking cookies so your ads are not affected by cookie blockers n All ads are “above the fold”. 46% of ads placed below the fold are never seen. n Your ad is placed on preselected sites that your potential customers visit. Call 713-927-6540 today to schedule your free, no obligations Zoom meeting to learn the details. Select Choice Digital 713-927-6540 naturalawakenings-houston.com/digital

Factory Eyeglass Outlet is OPEN Alex Atuesta learned the business working with his father in Colombia. After relocating in Houston, he purchased the Factory Eyeglass Outlet from the original owner in 2011. Factory Eyeglass Outlet specializes in sports ware, premium sunglasses and eye ware. The do their own lens cutting in house and feature both premium Zeise lenses and generic lenses. The premium eye ware is 20-30% off list prices and their generic lenses start at only $99. Alex is currently offering free eyeglass cleaning and adjustments. Cash, credit card and most insurance accepted. Conveniently located on the Katy Freeway, stop by Factory Eyeglass Outlet the today, get your glasses cleaned and adjusted and check out his HUGE selection for frames and lenses while you are there. Factory Eyeglass Outlet 7921 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024 713-468-5665 factoryfineeyewear.com See ad on page 22

A Moveable Feast 9341 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77024 713-365-0368 amoveablefeast.com See ad on page 25

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Wild Things

Wildness a Big Factor in Urban Parks

A new study led by the University of Washington (UW) has found that not all forms of nature are created equal when considering benefits to people’s well-being. Experiencing wildness is particularly important for physical and mental health, according to the study published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Cities. This is the first study to show that wildness in urban areas is profoundly important for human well-being. “The wilder areas in an urban park seem to be affording more benefits to people, and their most meaningful interactions depended on those relatively wild features,” says lead author Elizabeth Lev, a graduate student in the UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. Senior author Peter Kahn, a UW professor of environmental and forest sciences and psychology, says, “Everywhere, development is chipping away at wild areas. Humanity has caused so much destruction and there’s no stopping it—unless we stop. We’re trying to show that if you’re going to develop an area, you at least need to understand the human costs.” The researchers hope studies like this can be used as part of the decision-making process for development proposals in parks and urban natural areas. They compiled their analysis methods into a handbook that can be used in other cities around the world.

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Jolly Good

King of Bhutan Requests Selfless Gift

The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, turned 40 years old on February 21. Rather than ask for gifts, he asked his people to either plant a tree, adopt a stray animal or clean up their neighborhood in his honor. The Himalayan nation is consistently ranked one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world. In May 2016, Wangchuck and his wife celebrated the birth of their firstborn son by asking each of the nation’s households to plant a sapling, resulting in more than 108,000 trees planted.

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Great Britain Coal Use Falls With Carbon Tax

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A tax on carbon dioxide emissions in Great Britain has led to the proportion of electricity generated from coal falling from 40 percent to 3 percent over six years, according to research led by University College London (UCL) and the University of Cambridge. In a report entitled The Value of International Electricity Trading, researchers showed the British Carbon Price Support tax caused electricity generated from coal to fall from 13.1 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2013 to 0.97 TWh in September 2019, and that coal was replaced by other less emission-heavy forms of generation such as gas. The decline in coal generation accelerated substantially after the tax was increased in 2015. The tax is one part of the Total Carbon Price, which also includes the price of EU Emissions Trading System permits. Project leader Dr. Giorgio Castagneto Gissey, of the Bartlett Institute for Sustainable Resources, says, “Should EU countries also adopt a high carbon tax, we would likely see huge carbon emission reductions throughout the continent as we’ve seen in Great Britain over the last few years.”

If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.

FINDING CALM During Trying Times by Laurie Nadel

From the moment we wake up and log on

713-927-6540

to our day, we are flooded with news about people whose days started off much the same, with an expectation of going from point A to point B, to lunch, to point C and then back home. But something happened. A tornado touched down in the neighborhood. Or a train derailed in a cousin’s hometown. Or, like now, an invisible killer stalks the globe, threatening to take our life or the life of someone we know. Within seconds, we are flooded with horror and helplessness. Unable to stop the cascade of acute stress hormones, our bodies shift into fight-or-flight mode or leave us frozen like deer in the headlights. Whether we see what is happening online, on screen or in real time, we feel unsafe in our own skin. Although disturbing images can be swiped away, when something bad happens to us, we don’t know what to do. We can’t change the channel. Even during these tough times, we can find opportunities to develop new strengths and grow individually and together. To start with, we need emotional first aid to help us find calm quickly. We can do this by locating the tension points in our body and asking them what color would help them feel calm. Then we can inhale that color, letting it find its way within to soothe our cells, and exhale our stress by breathing out a different color. We can repeat this technique as long and as often as needed. Teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida, report that this really works for kids, too.

To heal means to make whole. It doesn’t mean to make something go away. Hardship is part of life’s journey. Even this global pandemic can serve as our spiritual wake-up call to learn how different spiritual traditions heal from life-shattering events. Five gifts offer us the keys to wholeness:

Humility helps us accept what we cannot change.

Patience takes the edge off when the hurt lasts longer than we want.

Empathy keeps us connected for the long haul.

Forgiveness means forgiving ourselves, our leaders and God.

Growth lets us look back with thanks for what we learned when the journey of life was anything but comfortable and easy. Let’s journey together. Laurie Nadel, a Manhattan psychotherapist, is the author of The Five Gifts: Discovering Hope, Healing and Strength When Disaster Strikes.

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

Fears are nothing more than a state of mind. ~Napoleon Hill

eco tip

Virus Fighters

Essential Oils for Challenging Times

In these coronavirus days, an essential oil mixture with legendary origins in the Bubonic Plague offers soothing scents for the homebound and might add some viral protection. The mixture of five oils: eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, lemon and rosemary, is known as Thieves. As the story goes, in the 1500s, as the Black Death decimated Europe, when four unemployed spice merchants that turned to robbing the bodies and homes of the dead were captured and threatened with being burned alive, they confessed to the judge their secret to avoiding infectionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the spice blend that they rubbed on their hands, ears, feet and temples. They were all hanged, but their formula survives as Thieves, and is today one of the most popular essential oil blends in the market, sold under that name and also as Five Guards, Health Shield and Fighting Five. Although shown to sharply reduce three kinds of airborne bacteria in 10 minutes, its antiviral properties have not been extensively studied. Its components, however, have proven antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral properties: n Eucalyptus, long used for respiratory infections, has been proven effective against a number of viruses, particularly the swine flu and herpes type 1 viruses. n Clove has exhibited strong antiviral activity against such viruses as the adenovirus type 3 respiratory virus, poliovirus and coxsackievirus. n Cinnamon leaf shows antiviral activity and can prevent pneumonia due to influenza. n Lemon oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and is often used in cleaning products. n Rosemary eases stress and has antiviral, antimicrobial and antidepressant qualities.

Thieves can be purchased in natural health stores or online. For a homemade blend, Jennifer Lane, an aromatherapist, registered nurse and founder of LovingEssential Oils.com, recommends combining these essential oils: 4 35 drops lemon 4 20 drops cinnamon leaf 4 15 drops clove bud 4 15 drops eucalyptus 4 10 drops rosemary Adding five drops of the blend, along with water in a diffuser, can waft the scent throughout a room and diminish airborne odors and germs. For respiratory support, put a few drops into a cup of steaming, but not boiling, water, drape a towel around the cup and face, and breathe in the fumes. Add it to a carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil at a 1:30 ratio (such as one-half ounce Thieves to 15 ounces jojoba) and rub it on pulse points in the wrist and neck. But do not ingest the blend. If a child under 10 is in the house, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t diffuse it or use it topically on them, because rosemary and eucalyptus can be unsafe for a child, advises Christina Anthis, author of The Beginnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Essential Oils: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started.

Coming Next Month JUNE

Brain Health

plus: Transformational Staycations

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call 713-927-6540 13

feature article

Healing the Immune System

Autoimmune Breakthroughs Offer New Hope by April Thompson

Some 23 million Americans suffer from one or more autoimmune diseases—a category comprised of more than 80 conditions, including fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and Type 1 diabetes. These pernicious disorders are notoriously difficult to diagnose, even harder to treat and can be debilitating, diminishing the quality of life for sufferers. Another commonality is the increased prevalence of autoimmune disease in women versus men; in the case of lupus, for example, a nine-fold difference. Some early indicators are that this may be related to a “gene dosage effect”, as men with XXY chromosomes have the same risk of developing lupus as other women, and women with XXX chromosomes (known in medical parlance as “superwomen”) have

an even higher risk of autoimmune disease, according to Judith James, chair of the Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, in Oklahoma City. Yet there is hope on the horizon, as scientific discoveries unlock important insights about the manifestation and progression of autoimmune diseases leading to new treatments and prevention tips. Evidence is also mounting around the role of diet and lifestyle in autoimmune conditions, giving patients new avenues for taking charge of their health instead of simply waiting for a cure. Autoimmune diseases are chronic and can affect almost any part of the body, including the heart, brain, muscles, skin, eyes, joints, lungs, kidneys, glands, digestive tract and blood vessels. Each disease

carries its own set of symptoms, but inflammation is nearly always present, and are all connected by how the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues. “Those shared characteristics hold the potential for shared treatments, and ultimately potentially common cures,” says Jane Buckner, president of the Benaroya Research Institute (BRI), at Virginia Mason, in Seattle, which works to advance the prediction, prevention, reversal and cure of immune system diseases. “I’m excited about our progress toward prevention. We are working to understand those tipping points in transitioning into disease that help us understand who is at highest risk, and helps give very directed therapies,” says James.

Self-Healing from Autoimmunity

By her early 20s, Mickey Trescott, of Willamette Valley, Oregon, was bedridden and had lost her job to autoimmune disease. At one point, doctors thought it was multiple sclerosis (MS); she was dizzy, numb, falling over and slurring her speech. Eventually, she was diagnosed with both Hashimoto’s and celiac diseases, affecting the thyroid and small intestine, respectively. Trescott, a nutritionist, chef and author of The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, had been vegan for 10 years, but had a feeling that her body needed something different. She found an early version of what would become known as the autoimmune protocol (AIP), and in following its guidelines, began to find relief. Trescott connected with other women and started a private Facebook group to share information on what was improving their condition from which the AIP community sprung. AIP, an elimination diet that seeks to reset the immune system by cutting out inflammation-causing foods and treating leaky gut, has much in common with the paleo diet and promotes vitamin- and nutrient-rich foods. However, every individual comes out of the AIP process with a customized diet. For Trescott, “Gluten is a forever-no, and I am also allergic to dairy and sensitive to a lot of nightshade vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers.” It took three years to recover most of her functioning, and although she had been a personal chef, it was still challenging to determine a new approach to eating that didn’t include the grains and legumes that had been staples of her diet. Trescott is still on medications, including the same thyroid support she’s relied on from the start. “There is a misconception that the AIP is an alternative to conventional medicine. We really pride ourselves on using all the tools in our toolbox, including surgery, medication and lifestyle changes,” she says. Anecdotal successes like Trescott’s have led researchers to pursue funding to test the AIP’s efficacy. In a pilot study of 18 individuals with an average sick time of 19 years that didn’t respond to traditional medication, 73 percent were in clinical remission at the end of the trial, having followed the AIP. “It was a small sample size, but the results are promising,” says Trescott.

Physician, Healed Thyself

Like many physicians, Terry Wahls focused on treating her patients with drugs or surgical procedures—until the Iowa City doctor was diagnosed with MS in 2000. Within three years, despite conventional medical treatments, her back and stomach muscles had weakened to the point where she needed a tilt-recline wheelchair, and by the summer of 2007, she could no longer sit up. Though Wahls had been a vegetarian on a low-fat diet for 20 years, she went back to eating meat and gave up all dairy, wheat and grains, but still wasn’t improving. Delving back into the science of her condition, Wahls realized that mitochondrial support was key, and the speed of her decline slowed while taking a cocktail of vitamins to support its functioning. It wasn’t until she took a comprehensive approach to optimize everything she could take in through her food rather than relying on supplements that she saw radical results: Her brain fog, fatigue and pain went away and she biked around the block for the first time in six years. “Taking in nutrients in the form of food rather than supplements, you get related compounds and thousands of others in biologically anticipated ratios,” explains Wahls. “I still do take some supplements, but the magic is the food.” Those key ingredients, says Wahls, include magnesium, zinc, selenium, sulfur, amino acids, cholesterol, omega-6 and

omega-3s, fats, carnitine and creatine. Her rule of thumb for daily intake is three cups of leafy green vegetables; three cups of sulfuric vegetables like cabbage, mushrooms and onions; and three cups of deeply pigmented vegetables, plus sources of protein for meat eaters and vegetarians. While her work was initially not accepted, today she has funding from the National MS Society and her research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. “Basic science is now showing that the microbiome has a huge impact on the immune system activity and the brain; the food we eat can turn gene expression on and off,” says Wahls, who hasn’t taken any drugs for her autoimmune condition since 2008. Buckner cautions against patients trying to manage disease with lifestyle changes alone, without giving available allopathic treatments a fair try. “People do better if they are treated early and aggressively. They are reliant on fewer medications down the road and don’t have permanent damage if they seek treatment early.” However, even researchers focused on pharmaceutical approaches acknowledge the importance of diet and lifestyle. Meggan Mackay, professor of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, at Northwell Health, in Manhasset, New York, believes this can play a critical role in disease management. She cites numerous studies showing exercise as a stress-buster positively influencing disease outcomes, as well as a more specific study looking at the benefits of adding fish oil and vitamin D to the diets of lupus patients. “The rise in obesity, which is linked to increased inflammation in the U.S., may be one of reasons we are seeing more autoimmune disease than ever,” says Mackay. At-risk individuals should be aware of factors under their control, adds James. “If someone is worried about autoimmune disease running in their family, monitoring and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and avoiding smoking and other high-risk behaviors can help improve their chances.” Even sleep patterns can play a role in disease manifestation, says the researcher. In one study, individuals at high risk for autoimmune disease that slept less than seven hours per day were more likely to develop an autoimmune condition, according to James.

Common Links Serve as Research Clues

There are some clear links between autoimmune diseases, such as the genetic predisposition that runs in families. “Someone with rheumatoid arthritis may have a sister with celiac disease, for example, and one individual may suffer from multiple autoimmune conditions. We can learn from these common genetic links,” says Buckner. These common links can serve as important clues. For example, Buckner says they are able to demonstrate changes in T cells in diabetes and MS that are the same, which might lead to common treatments for the two conditions. While the process from basic scientific discovery to development of effective treatment can be slow, there are some concrete breakthroughs autoimmune researchers are excited about, having demonstrated ability to both prevent and delay disease. Citing a recent clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, “They have demonstrated in kids at high risk for developing Type 1 diabetes the ability to delay onset for at least two years. It’s an incredibly exciting finding,” says Buckner. Mackay is hopeful about advances in basic science addressing specific immune system abnormalities linked to inflammatory problems. “Lupus is very challenging to diagnose and treat because it can affect every

system in the body,” says Mackay, whose research team has focused on lupus for decades. “The only forms of treatment have been very immune-suppressive medications that shut down the immune response. None of these medications are specific, so in shutting down the immune response to treat lupus, they in turn interfere with the body’s ability to fight off infection and cancer.” Researchers are now honing in on single cells from biopsies that indicate which proteins are abnormal, thereby helping develop more selective therapies, she says. Seeing progress in the lab is one thing; seeing it in the waiting room is another, and that’s where autoimmune scientists and clinicians are really beginning to note a difference. “I’ve seen patients for 25 years, and when we started, we had very few options in my clinic, which was full of wheelchairs,” says Buckner. “In the last 20 years, we have seen an explosion in research and available treatments. I don’t have wheelchairs in my office anymore.” Connect with Washington, D.C. freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

sentimental treasures, dried flowers and other seasonal delights to nourish daily contentment. Conjuring an element of joy adorns the mundane. “Put on some music to put you in either a peaceful or joyful mood,” says Molly Larkin, author, healing practitioner and blogger at Ancient Wisdom for Balanced Living (MollyLarkin.com), in Corrales, New Mexico. “Turn off the TV and give everyone in the family a job. Laugh throughout the meal preparation. Dance as you cook. Do the same thing if you live alone.” Preparing food, whether a healthy smoothie or a gourmet weekend dinner for two, is a way to express love for ourselves and others. Baron loves the presence of plants, lovely ceramics and interesting platters and dishes, and notes, “Families can definitely shop, chop, cook and mealplan together to make the kitchen a fun place to be. Doing these things together is very bonding and sends the message that looking after yourself is important.”

conscious eating conscious eating

Practical Magic

Soul Nourishment The Kitchen As Sacred Space by Marlaina Donato

In our busy lives, grabbing food on the

run or eating while standing at the kitchen counter is often the norm. Designating the kitchen as a practical sanctuary and seeing the sacredness of food not only makes it more conducive to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but also gives our spirits much-needed satiety. “If we don’t touch the transcendent—emotionally and spiritually—physical nourishment won’t fill us up,” says Ronna Kabatznick, Ph.D., former psychological consultant to Weight Watchers International and the author of The Zen of Eating: Ancient Answers to Modern Weight Problems. “Seeing the kitchen as sacred is something that represents gratitude, beauty and blessings.” Delia Baron, co-author of Better Together Kitchen: Beautiful Recipes to Share With People You Love and the host of seasonal food workshops with partner Ronnit Hoppe in Melbourne, Australia, concurs, “The kitchen is often the heartbeat of the

home and the best place to gather, feast, chat and create beautiful memories and rituals. The kitchen is also a place to connect to our food source.”

Fun and Felicity

Preparing meals the old-fashioned way can slow us down and foster mindfulness, but Kabatznick emphasizes that cooking is irrelevant. “Look at the kitchen in terms of possibilities: ‘What can I create in this space?’ You don’t have to turn into Julia Child,” she says, adding, “You could be eating Chinese takeout or a prune; it’s all about mindset and simple rituals like saying a blessing, appreciating what we eat as a great gift.” Kabatznick encourages everyone to eat with dignity, and this includes using the good dishes, putting fresh flowers on the table and eating with awareness. Seeing the kitchen as the inspired nucleus of the home, it’s natural to add favorite items like art prints, colorful jars,

Meal prep can be enjoyable and even relaxing in a calm environment. For Baron, organization is key. She advises, “Having all the ingredients you need and working in a clean space also helps make the experience rewarding.” The smallest of kitchens can be abundant and organized with the help of a little innovation. A simple bookcase can offer additional shelf space for dry goods, bowls of produce or favorite cups. A small end table can hold a favorite tea pot and a jar of gourmet dark chocolate. A beautiful basket can hold go-to spice jars, and a pretty pitcher near the stove can accommodate a multitude of cooking utensils. “If you can’t fit it all out of sight in a cabinet, get some glass jars, fill them with grains, flours and legumes and line them up on the countertop. It will be neat, and you can see what you have,” suggests Larkin. In the end, a well-nourished body and spirit fosters a beautiful life and inspires the same in others. An advocate for supporting the hungry in all communities, Kabatznick underscores local efforts and seeing the big picture of our relationship with food: “Taking out the garbage and cleaning up is also a sacred act if we bring that attitude into it. Food connects us to the Earth, the moon and the stars. From the seed to the truck driver—everything and everyone involved—the process of food is miraculous.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

SACRED SERVINGS Spring Fever Salad with Flowers and Fruit Yields: 4 servings

1 head romaine or green leaf lettuce 8 medium-large organic strawberries, thinly sliced, or 2 small packages of fresh organic raspberries Handful of fresh, chemical-free flowers from the garden or store’s produce section: nasturtium, pansies and/or calendulas; gathered wild: spring violets and dandelion blooms

In-the-Bowl Dressing:

Juice from one fresh tangerine 1 part organic apple cider vinegar to 2 parts avocado oil Dash of sea salt

Moroccan-Spiced Red Lentil Soup Yields: 4 servings

Add avocado oil, apple cider vinegar and salt into a large bowl, swirl around twice. Tear (don’t chop) lettuce and add to the preliminary dressing. Squeeze tangerine juice over lettuce and toss lightly until well-dressed. Place strawberry slices over salad. Sprinkle (don’t toss) flowers on top or artfully place where desired. Serve immediately.

4 cups water 1½ cup red lentils 1 tsp sea salt 1 medium-size organic carrot, chopped in bite-size pieces 2 soft, dried apricots, chopped, or 1 Tbsp golden raisins or 2 dates, chopped ¼ tsp ground cloves ¼ tsp ground turmeric ¼ tsp ground coriander seeds or ½ tsp crushed coriander seeds ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp coarsely ground black pepper 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp crushed or ground cumin seeds 2 tsp extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil

Whole-Grain Dark Chocolate-Banana Muffins Yields: 12 muffins

½ cup organic whole-wheat flour, sifted (protein-rich, gluten-free option: 1 cup organic brown rice flour and ½ cup organic soy flour or 1 cup organic brown rice flour and ½ cup garbanzo flour) ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup coconut sugar, evaporated cane juice or turbinado ½ tsp salt 3½ tsp fresh baking powder 1 cup water or unsweetened non-dairy milk (or half of each to make a cup) 2 tsp extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil or cold-pressed sunflower oil 2 organic eggs, beaten (for vegan option: ¼ to ½ cup unsweetened apple sauce) 2 tsp natural vanilla extract 1½ mashed ripe bananas 2 tsp molasses 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp cloves ¼ tsp dried ginger 2 dashes of nutmeg 1 dash of allspice (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 400° F and grease muffin tin with sunflower or olive oil (or line with cupcake papers). Sift flour and cocoa powder into bowl. Add baking powder, salt, sugar and spices; mix well. Combine water/ milk, vanilla, molasses, oil and eggs (or apple sauce), and add to dry mixture. Stir, lifting the spoon high with each stirring to get air into the mixture. Do not beat or overmix. Leave it a bit lumpy.

Bring water, carrots, apricots and all spices and seasonings to boil. Add red lentils, stir once and set heat to low. Cover pot with lid. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, remove from heat. Add olive oil and allow to sit for five minutes before serving.

Fold in bananas. Fill muffin cups half to three-quarters full and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden toothpick comes out clean. Place muffin tin on wire rack and allow to cool for 15 minutes before removing each muffin by hand (avoid turning tin over to get muffins out, or the extra-moist, fruitfilled muffins might come apart).

Optional toppings for each bowl: finely chopped red onion, red pepper flakes, fresh cilantro and/or a sprinkle of turmeric.

Optional treat: Dip muffin tops into melted coconut oil and roll in coconut sugar or turbinado. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

Recipes by Marlaina Donato, author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

role in complex cell signaling. Researchers estimate that about one-third of the world’s population is zinc deficient. That means that lowered immune function due to zinc deficiency is common.

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plant-based wellness

Getting to the Root of Plant Medicine by Jeffrey Green

It’s been eleven months since Natural Awakenings debuted the

Plant Medicine section. In just that short amount of time, plant medicine has become more visible and certainly more popular. Each day brings new discoveries of how plants are becoming the new pharmaceuticals. Natural Awakenings remains focused on educating its readers about alternatives to pills, tablets or capsules and helping them notice the medicine cabinet that is Mother Nature. Seeing that plant medicine has to begin with a plant, it’s necessary to examine the structure of the numerous different kinds of vegetation that grows on the planet. The one element that they all have in common is having a type of root system which anchors the plant to the environment where it’s growing. The roots of the plant are the life strings that keep the plant thriving. Roots are responsible for getting water and nutrients to every other area of the plant. There are two main types of root systems. Monocots, also known as the adventitious root system, are fibrous. They look like veins that span out from side to side and are most often near the surface of the ground like grass and those pesky weeds. The second kind of root system are dicots, which consist of a taproot. The taproot grows downward into the soil and will form smaller roots from it. A simple way to remember the difference between the two systems is monocots are planted with a single seed, and the edible outcome grows above ground. Popular monocots include bananas, pineapple, and plantains. High in potassium, these fruits help boost the immune system, aid in respiratory health, create strong bone structure, can help cure coughs, offer relief from stroke and high blood pressure and help regulate blood sugar. This is certainly a tasty bite of information regarding natural health solutions. Dicots are planted from a seed that can be split into two halves like a bean. Their taproots grow underground and become swollen. They fill up with minerals, water and nutrients. They’re a storage unit, in a way, where the plant can pull what it needs from the root. Carrots, radishes, turnips and beets are all examples of a taproot. These vegetables, and their colors, are packed full of antioxidants. Remember, colorful fruits and vegetables are some of the most beneficial foods for the body. So, what about the potato? It would seem that potatoes are taproots because of their bulging size and growing underground. But potatoes are not a taproot; they are tubers. Tubers grow at the base of the roots, and store nutrients in the form of starch to support new growth for the plant. Examples of tubers include potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, jicama and yams. Considered an underground plant organ, potatoes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, rank fourth as a major food staple worldwide.

Plant-Based Wellness Section sponsored by A Moveable Feast

The potato belongs to the nightshade family and was believed to be poisonous, and even though it was grown by the ancient Incas thousands of years ago, this tuber was not accepted as being edible in Europe until the 1500s. It took so long to become accepted because, in fact, all parts of the potato plant, except for the edible tuber, are poisonous because it contains the substance solanine. Potatoes were introduced to the U.S. in the mid-1600s, and “French fried potatoes” were made popular when Thomas Jefferson, in the early 1800s, served them at the White House during his presidency. Trailing Russia, Ukraine, China and India, the U.S. is fifth in the world for growing potatoes. Per capita, however, Americans eat nearly twice the world average. Disappointingly, more than half of that is in the form of fast foods, scalloped potatoes and mashed potatoes with lots of butter. Perhaps this is why the potato was listed as a taboo food during the low-carb diet craze in the 2000s. The potato is rising in popularity again because of the medicinal benefits it offers. One medium baked potato has only 161 calories, plus 4 grams of filling fiber. Cooked, refrigerated potatoes are loaded with resistant starch, which is a fibrous substance that could help with weight loss. USDA researchers have discovered over 60 different vitamins and phytochemicals, many of which improve heart health, protect against lung and prostate cancers and boost immunity. As with any diet, it’s all about portion control and what people are adding to the food like butter, sour cream and cheese. Try topping a baked potato with some chili or sautéed vegetables. If roots, and tubers, in their many different forms, are the channels where nutrients are transported to other areas of the plant, it makes sense that they would be packed full of a menu that is rich with nutrients, minerals and vitamins. There are different ways to tap into the inventory of goodness existing within roots. There are a number of teas that are comprised of roots, which are used for their medicinal value. Some topicals are infused with the essence of particular roots. There is probably no better way to absorb the benefits of the powerhouse which is roots than eating them. Jeffrey Green, MA, is an educator, having taught in elementary, middle and high schools and at the University of Arizona. Currently, he is a freelance writer, reiki practitioner and a light and energy worker. Green enjoys educating the public on all things positive, natural and metaphysical.

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My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return. ~Maya Angelou

GREEN TEA: Being hailed by many as the healthiest drink on the planet, green tea has surged in popularity around the world. Originating in China, green tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves. The more common names used for the plant are tea shrub, tea plant or tea tree. Most teas are produced from the parts of this plant, but the numerous varieties of tea are based on the levels of oxidation that takes place in the leaves. Green tea leaves are unoxidized, making it one of the purest forms of the most consumed drink on the planet. Green leaves are packed full of antioxidants and nutrients that benefit whole body health. Many of the helpful agents of green tea are still being researched. As more tests are done on the leaves and elixir that is made from them, the possible benefits are becoming more mainstream here in the U.S. China and India have already incorporated green tea as a medicinal staple in their healthcare practices.There is no disputing the fact that antioxidants are vital to a healthy lifestyle. Although there are skeptics who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the numerous benefits of the tea, it is scientifically known that antioxidants are prevalent in green tea. The National Cancer Institute has discovered that green tea contains polyphenols, shown to reduce the speed in which cancer tumors grow. Cancer types which have been identified include breast, bladder, ovarian, colorectal, esophageal, lung, prostate, skin and stomach. Green tea is beneficial to the body. How beneficial is still being defined, but the results from many research studies are showing that it is a powerful tool in helping and healing the human body. LICORICE ROOT TEA: Most people have visions of black and red candy when licorice is mentioned. The licorice root, however, is not a sweet confection. Licorice root has been used for hundreds of years as a medicinal agent. First discovered in Europe and Asia, the root is actually identified as a weed. Used by early Egyptians in a tea, it was considered a cure-all drink. China began importing the root and it was quickly added as a staple tea product in Traditional Chinese Medicine.There are a plethora of ailments for which Licorice root tea can be used. According to many research studies, the root is beneficial in improving respiratory issues in the bronchial system. It helps stimulate the production of healthy mucus. Although it might seem strange to seek mucus production medicines with respiratory issues, the healthy mucus cleans out the old sticky mucus which is the culprit of many conditions. Licorice root is good for stress relief, soothing the stomach, augmenting cancer treatments and helping protect skin and teeth. There are some side effects from drinking Licorice root tea and some medication interactions. Remember to do your research, or seek the assistance from a certified herbalist.

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Happiness is a part of being healthy. In June, we will be looking at Feeding Happiness with healthy comfort foods. Check back to our Plant-Based Wellness section each month to grow your knowledge of natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most versatile medicines. Pick up 2 FREE copies and share the extra copy to share with a friend. Help spread the word about Natural Awakenings.

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calendar of events May 2020 All of the events that would normally be in our calendar have been canceled. The following listings are online events, some of which replace the in person event. Above all be well and be safe.

monday

saturday

Vegan World Radio. 7:00 pm. Hosted by VWR Collective. Telling the story of the vegan revolution that’s saving the animals, the planet and our health. KPFC: Community Radio 90.1 FM. kpft.org

Introduction to Mindfullness Meditation. 9 am. Lifestyle Docs hosts their monthly free meditation class ONLINE. embeelifestyledocs.com

wednesday

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Blissful Quests® with Doyle WardThe Pocast. 1:00pm.Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Maybe the real question to explore is not IF you are intuitive, but HOW you are intuitive. Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive medium, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Call in during the show at: 1-760-456-7277, access on-demand episodes or listen live! blissfulquests.com/podcast/ Wednesday Night Satsang at Unity. 7 pm Livestreaming. https://unityhouston.org/ Healing Meditation at First Spiritualist Church of Houston. 7:30 pm Livestream on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FirstSpiritualistChurchofHouston/ People of Earth. 7:00 pm. Hosted by Jacquelyn Battise. A program created to provide Native American and non-Native people with timely news and information about culture, news and realities. KPFC: Community Radio 90.1 FM. kpft.org

sunday St Luke’s United Methodist Church 8:30, 9:45 & 11 am Online Worship. https://www. stlukesmethodist.org/special-livestream/ Grace Episcopal Church & School. 10 am. Sunday Worship Livestream. https://www.facebook.com/GraceinHouston/ Unity Spiritual Center of Greater Houston 10:15 am Sunday Service. Facebook Live https://unityspiritualcenterhouston.org First Unitarian Universalist Church 10:30 am Sunday Morning Worship Livestream. https://firstuu.org/ First Spiritualist Church of Houston 10:30 am Sunday Service Livestream. https://www.facebook.com/FirstSpiritualistChurchofHouston/ First Presbyterian Church of Houston 10:45 am. Sunday Worship Livestream. https://fpchouston.org/live/ Christ the King Lutheran Church 10:50 am Sunday Worship Livestream. https:// facebook.com/ctkelc Fairbanks United Methodist Church 10:50 am Sunday Worship Livestream. https:// www.facebook.com/believebelongbecomebelove/ Unity of Houston. 11 am Sunday Morning Service Livestreaming. https://unityhouston. org/

friday Brith Shalom 6:15 pm Shabbat Online https://www.brithshalom.org Congregation Beth Israel 6pm Shabbat Livestream. https://www.facebook.com/bethisraelhouston/

Creative Life Spiritual Center 11 am Sunday Celebration. Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/creativelife.org/ Dawn Mountain Center for Tibetan Buddhism 12 noon. Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk. https://www.youtube.com/user/ dawnmountain ISKCON 5 pm Sunday Feast Class Livestream https://www.mayapur.tv/ Whole Mother. 7:30 pm. Hosted by Pat Jones. A show that discusses the political and practical aspects of being a mother today. KPFC: Community Radio 90.1 FM. kpft.org

community resource guide ACUPUNCTURE Houston Integrative Health, Acupuncture and Mindful Movement 716 Chelsea Blvd. Houston, TX 77006 832-215-2039 facebook.com/drlance houstonintegrative

Whether you are looking to optimize your health or take care of an injury, pain or a chronic medical problem, let Lance Westendarp ND, LAc, BCB, CKTP, E-RYT200, help. Lance is a graduate of Bastyr University with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Masters in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. He has also been teaching yoga and movement since 2003, is board certified in biofeedback and mindbody medicine. Follow him on Facebook and call him today for a FREE phone consultation. See

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Brain Health plus: Transformative Staycations

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Positive change starts now! 832-628-4113 blissfulquests.com Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Tune in to his weekly PodCast, Wednesdays at 1 pm on inflowradio.com See ad on page 10

COLONICS JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

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JUNE

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HOUSTON HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC & MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY CENTER “Better Health Naturally” Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991 HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com Have you spent years in hope for finding answers to your symptoms or illnesses? We offer people an alternative solution to conventional medicine by determining the specific nutritional needs of your body so that it can to heal itself. We now also offer medical thermography useful in early diagnosis of cancer and chronic inflamatory pain.

INDIVIDUAL NUTRITIONAL PROTOCOLS LINDA ISAACS, MD 2500 W. William Cannon Dr., Suite 603 Austin, TX 78745 737-208-0831 DrLindaI.com For more than 20 years, Dr. Linda Isaacs and the late Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez offered individualized protocols involving diet, nutritional supplementation, and detoxification for cancer and other degenerative diseases. They published multiple articles in peer-reviewed medical journals about their results. The work is based on that of the Texas orthodontist Dr. William Donald Kelley. Dr. Isaacs is currently seeing new patients.

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FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE ERIN THOLE, CNHP ErinThole.com Thole.erin@gmail.com Get to the Root Cause of your Health Conditions. Erin has been working in the health and nutrition field for over 11 years specializing and working extensively with those suffering from: autoimmune, digestive, hormonal and inflammatory disorders. She works with each client’s unique biochemistry to determine what dietary, supplementation and lifestyle changes will work best for them as an individual. There is NO one-size-fits-all program. All appointments are conducted via phone! This makes it very easy and convenient to receive care from any location. If you want to reach your true health potential, Email Erin today to schedule your FREE 45 minute initial phone consultation. Hours until 5 pm Fridays. See Ad page 5

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HYPNOSIS CLAUDIA AUTRY, HYPNOTIST (by appointment only) 281-849-4610 cautry@gmail.com claudiaautry.com

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LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

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JUNE

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MEDITATION

MEDICAL CLINIC EmBee Lifestyle Docs

Houston’s first Holistic Lifestyle Medicine Clinic Bandana Chawla, MD & Munish Chawla, MD 4500 Bissonnet, Suite 355 Bellaire, TX 77401 We are board certified Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physicians committed to providing holistic care and addressing the root cause of disease. Personalized plan to empower you to treat and reverse many chronic medical conditions including diabetes, obesity and auto-immune diseases. Medicare and most Insurance plans accepted. Call 713 592 8900 or visit our website embeelifestyledocs.com

Reversing Medical Disease Clinic Dr. Mary A. Washington, MD 2525 N. Loop West, Suite 600 Houston, TX 77008 832-306-3941 marywashingtonmd.com

Are you overweight or obese? Do you suffer from diabetes or have high blood pressure? Are you ready to take back control of your health? Dr. Mary A. Washington, MD has over two decades of experience as a kidney specialist. Let her design a custom diet and exercise plan just for you. Dr. Washington doesn’t just tell you, she shows you and motivates you to make the changes you need to make. Visit her website TODAY for more information about her programs and events or to schedule your first appointment. See ad on page 8

12129 Bellaire Blvd., Houston 77072 281-568-1568 • zen@cthouston.org cthouston.org Chan/Zen Meditation Classes, guided by Ordained Zen Masters of Chung Tai Chan Monastery Currently, due to corona virus outbreak. there are no events or classes scheduled. Check the web site (event calendar) for the most current information. See ad on page 4

UNIVERSAL DOOR MEDITATION CENTER

15202 Dora Lane Sugar Land, TX 77498. universaldoor.org 281-565-9718 Awake teacher and founder of Universal Door Meditation Center, Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, gives public dharma on Sundays from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, to help everyone realize the Awake Mind that is already within, and that they have the capacity to Wake Up. We welcome people of all cultures, religions, and backgrounds! Free, donations welcome! Also drop in for the grand tour of our Awake landscape on Saturdays from 10-11 AM, and Sundays from 10:30-11:30 AM. Attend our FREE tour to find out what is Awake, who is our Awake teacher Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, and have a chance to touch with the Awake already within you!

A Life Of Peace Wellness Education Institute Akua Gray - Naturopath 11201 Richmond Avenue, Suite A Houston, Texas 77082 832-303-3277 alifeofpeace.org drakuagray.com A Life Of Peace is a promise of nature, let’s work together to learn, live and teach the ways of wellness. Dr. Akua Gray, ND, a certified traditional Doctor of Naturopathy offering classes in wellness education. Check out our events in this month’s Natural Awakenings calendar.

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NATURAL HORMONES DR. FISHER ROAD 2 WELLNESS

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Dr. LaTronica Fisher, DNP, ANP, GNP, RN 4544 Post Oak Place Dr. STE #254 Houston, Texas 77027 DrFisherRoad2Wellness.com 713 520-8188 Services:

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SELF-HEALING Ching Chi Institute

Life energy education and research Kun Wu, Ph. D. Integral chi healer Chi H Wu, L. Acupuncturist 9894 Bissonnet, Suite 292 Houston TX 77036 832-654-2885 www.chingchiinstitute.com The program of integral chi healing is based on the forCHING mulae: Innate intelligence CHI + Energy = Health i.e. you are healthy if energy is available in the body. At the early stage of the healing INSTITUTE process, the energy is provided by the healer via Acupuncture/Herb, energy healing and psychology. The major focus of the institute to teach clients the principles and techniques of self-healing to generate its own energy for the final healing. The content of the teaching is covered in a program called Energy Realization Program. The final goal is to realize energy. Once the clients realize energy, they would conserve energy and self-heal automatically. They can also discern minor health problems and take care of them energetically before they become major illnesses. Please call for a free consultation if you want to know more about the integral chi healing.

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Spiritualism is a common sense religion, one of knowing and living. We accept all truths and endeavor to prove their validity. Truths are found in nature, in other religions, in writings, in science, in philosophy, in Natural Law and are received through spirit communication. We are a growing family and would love for you to visit us LIVESTREAMING ON FACEBOOK Sunday Healing & Spirit Greetings 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Open Healing Service 7:30 p.m.

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FLOWER WOW-ER Beautiful Floral Designing by April Thompson

Fresh-cut flowers

The good news

Finding a Floral Style

can elevate a space is you can’t mess up flowers. with color, scents and textures that ~Kathy Jentz draw the eye and nose, but profesAs with any artistic sional floral designs medium, creative can be pricey. DIY arranging, however, is choices are important in floral arranging. an easy, fun and inexpensive creative outlet We can opt for a fussy, formal style, a rustic that can also help cultivate mindfulness. farmhouse look or a modern, asymmetrical Flower arranging is more than just a decdesign. “The good news is you can’t mess orative art; it’s a spiritual activity that helps up flowers. Whether multidimensional or create a kinship with nature and merge the one-sided, monochromatic or multicolored, indoors and outdoors. you really can’t go wrong,” says Kathy Jentz, Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower publisher of Washington Gardener Magarranging, dates back to the seventh centuazine and a flower arranging instructor in ry, when floral offerings were made at BudSilver Spring, Maryland. dhist altars, according to Jeanne Ha, owner Like a good meal, the ingredients of the Washington Flower School, in Takoma of a bouquet are as important as how they Park, Maryland. In the 16th century, Japaare assembled. Start with organic, pestinese samurais practiced flower arranging cide-free buds. “Look for local, seasonal prior to combat to help calm them and stay flowers, which will be fresher and last longer centered, a stress-reducing activity most of than those flown in,” says Betty Ann Galway, us can benefit from today. “Seasonal flowers a certified floral designer and instructor at are an important element of Ikebana,” the Norfolk Botanical Garden, in Virginia. says Ha, part of a longstanding Japanese Farmers’ markets, community supported tradition of appreciating plants and flowers agriculture CSAs and pick-your-own farms throughout the four seasons. are all great places to find locally, sustain-

ably grown flowers, according to Jentz. To select for long shelf life, look for fresh-looking stamens and foliage, and firm heads on flowers. Mums, carnations and asters will last up to three weeks, says Galway. When selecting flowers, Ami Wilber, floral and event décor designer at the Washington, D.C., Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, recommends starting with a color scheme, whether limiting the palette to one or two colors, using analogous colors like pinks and purples or selecting complementary colors like blues and oranges. “It’s also good to find a focal flower or a show-stopper that will immediately draw attention to a bouquet,” says Wilber. Prepping the flowers before arranging will also prolong an arrangement’s longevity, including cutting stems diagonally to provide more surface area for water, suggests Jentz. She also recommends plunging flowers into cool water immediately after trimming their stems. Leaves pump water up the stem, so leave a few on while clearing those from the bottom that would otherwise be submerged in water, adds Galway. There are many ways to create structure for an arrangement, most of which is often hidden. Wilber stuffs chicken wire into an opaque container and then tapes down the top with a grid of floral tape to provide more control over the direction of the stems. Ha uses floral foam, soaked to

provide hydration, into which stems can be inserted at any angle to create a gravity-defying design. Different styles of arranging draw from different principles, but many common rules of thumb apply; for example, using odd numbers of each type of flower and adding in the largest flowers first to create an anchor for the composition. For a rustic, farmto-table bouquet, look beyond just blooms to incorporate seed pods, grasses and other foliage from the backyard or woods, says Wilber. These will not only fill in gaps left by thin-stemmed flowers, but also help create contrast in texture, she adds, recommending that 70 percent of the container be green. Once the design is complete, fine-tune the arrangement by stepping back to see the big-picture look and making any adjustments, removing discolored leaves and adding greenery to any bald spots, says Wilber. Many designers wrap large, flat leaves around the inside of a container for a clean, polished look that hides the stems. Most importantly, don’t forget to stop and smell the lilacs. Let the flowers lead the design and let go of any unattainable vision of perfection. “Appreciating the flowers and being thankful is an important part of the process, too,” says Ha. Connect with Washington, D.C. freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Flower Arranging Tips From a Pro

healthy, professional-looking bouquet doesn’t take years of flower designing to achieve; these tricks of the trade will help neophyte designers get started. To loosen up tightly wound buds, breathe on them. Hot breath will open buds up faster, says publisher and arranger Kathy Jentz. An arranging technique Jentz recommends is clustering blossoms between the index finger and thumb of the less-dominant hand, resulting in a tight arrangement that can be held in place by a rubber band pulled up to the tops of the stems. If working with hydrangeas or other flowers with woody stems, smash open the stems along the length to get more water circulation. Consider upcycling common containers to make flower vases, Jentz says. “You can create recycled vases out of old jars and bottles, or use chalk paint to colorfully cover over a tin can.” The secret sauce in flower food is simply sugar and citric acid, says Jentz, so a little lemonade mix added to the water of an arrangement will work fine in a pinch.

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system, endorphins and breath flowing all elevate the body out of pain mode.”

fit body

DANCING TO YOUR OWN DRUMMER

The Healing Power of Movement by Marlaina Donato

Movement comes in many colors, from

modern dance to country line dancing, and there’s something for everyone, including those that claim to have two left feet. Dancing is healthy for the heart and improves cognitive function by forging new neural pathways in the brain. It builds stronger bones, helps balance and improves flexibility and endurance. Putting on dancing shoes also has a positive effect on depressive disorders, flooding the brain with endorphins that uplift mood and jumpstart motivation. Dance has found its way into the clinical setting as a psychotherapeutic tool for healing trauma, eating disorders and addictions. Dancing, in essence, is for everyone. “Dance is a human right, a feature of almost every culture in the world, and our natural inclination to dance is one of the things that makes us human,” says David Leventhal, program director of Dance for PD, a nonprofit Parkinson’s Disease program of the Mark Morris Dance Group, in Brooklyn. Valerie Durham, a modern dancer in Baltimore specializing in the Isadora Duncan technique, concurs, “Birds don’t consider if they have talent for singing, they just sing. They sing because they have a voice. Similarly, dance is a right offered to anyone with a body.”

A Deterrent for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease and Cancer

Going dancing on a Friday night also proves to nourish the brain. A 2017 study published in Frontiers of Aging Neuroscience shows

evidence that white matter that cognitive desponsored by College of lished in the of Medicine ered during reveals that can

dance increases diminishes with cline. An older study the Albert Einstein Medicine and pubNew England Journal spotlights data gatha 21-year period and regular social dancing reduce the risk for dementia in seniors by 76 percent. “A number of peer-reviewed research studies point to dance’s ability to improve motor skills and function of people living with Parkinson’s disease—balance, gait and tremor. Dance expressive, giving people a creative voice when it feels that their capacity for physical, vocal and facial expression is being taken away,” says Leventhal. Durham, who worked with patients at the University of Florida Shands Hospital Arts in Medicine Program in the 1990s, witnessed memorable responses from cancer patients. “We danced with patients who were attached to IVs and those even in the ICU, some who were partially or even completely paralyzed, people who maybe could dance only with their eyes. And yet they danced,” marvels Durham. “Getting the lymphatic

Dancing from the Soul

All forms of dancing have the capability to free the spirit and heal deep emotional wounds buried in the memory-holding fascia of the body’s soft tissues. Ecstatic dance, which has roots in ancient spiritual practices, is an unstructured option that dilutes limiting, self-conscious habits. These days, ecstatic dance gatherings have been organized in cities around the world. “There’s a vast movement in the dance world that has nothing to do with performance, but rather, is done for the joy of inhabiting a body in motion. Ecstatic dance is a free-form conscious dance and is a vibrant global community for people who love music and movement,” says Donna Carroll, founder of Ecstatic Dance International, in San Francisco. “When we can be courageous enough to turn away from our cultural norms that say you need ‘talent’ to dance, we get a chance to experience music through our bodies, and it can be quite pleasurable and life-affirming. Ecstatic dance is one of the most effective methods to return to what matters, to our bodies, to our ‘home’, and is accessible for people of all abilities.” In her artistic sphere of performance art, Durham has seen her students blossom from the inside-out. “They are able to connect with the deep wisdom in their bodies, thereby releasing old energetic wounds. Depression and anxiety are relieved during dance because you are so consciously consumed with the present moment of the steps and the music. Dancers will find that they feel more joyful and at peace at the end of a dance session.” For Leventhal, moving the body is a blessing for all: “Dance should be accessible and enjoyable to everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges.” Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and painter. Connect at AutumnEmbers Music.com.

wise words

Jonathan Safran Foer on Conscious Eating to Save the Planet by Julie Peterson

Jonathan

Safran Foer, the prize-winning author of bestselling novels that include Everything is Illuminated and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, turned to nonfiction in his 2009 book, Eating Animals, about the morality of food choices in a factory-farm age. His most recent book, We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast, argues that only collective action will save our home and way of life, and it starts with what is on our plate. He points out that there’s often a painful disconnect between the way we think of ourselves and the actions that we take that inadvertently and negatively affect the planet, and that science can help us make more informed choices.

How did you make the connection between diet and climate change?

For anybody who has even the tiniest amount of curiosity about human interaction with the climate, it’s something you can’t possibly avoid learning about. The science is readily available now, and it’s extremely comprehensive. It’s important to continuously come back to that scientific consensus to make clear that this is nobody’s theory or perspective. Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists agree.

Did anything in researching climate science surprise you?

There’s a lot that startled me. A lot that scared me. I was surprised by how wrong we have been and how wrong we often are about what matters… putting the emphasis

in the wrong places or not knowing where to put it at all. There are four activities that matter more than all others in terms of an individual’s relationship with the environment: having fewer children, eating less meat or animal products, flying less and driving less. As somebody who has spent a lot of time recycling and not using plastic straws, I was surprised to learn that those activities are very low impact compared to the four I mentioned. I was surprised by how broad that misunderstanding is. Think about our response to coronavirus compared to our response to climate change. The way governments are acting together to do what needs to be done for a virus makes it all the more puzzling how ineffectual the response to climate change is.

Why is it such a struggle for people to follow through on climate change goals?

I think that if we approach change as if it isn’t difficult, then we diminish our chances of being able to sustain change. A lot of the things we need to give up are fun. It’s a shame we can’t solve climate change by not eating broccoli; we would have done it already. Climate change requires a different sort of moral imagination because, realistically, you and I aren’t going to die because of it. Human nature makes it more difficult to have an energetic response for something less immediate.

What call to action would you like to convey?

We have a feeling of helplessness, a feeling that there’s nothing we can do, but there is a lot that we can do and must do. The easiest and most powerful way to begin is with what we eat. That doesn’t mean you become vegan tomorrow, but tomorrow is a wonderful time to start eating fewer animal products. It’s a journey, not an event. Julie Peterson writes about health and the environment. Connect at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

If people can’t do everything that needs to be done, what small steps can they take that will have a collective impact?

We all need to question what our own limits are, what we can do and then do that with rigor. We don’t need to stop flying, we just need to do it a lot less. I wouldn’t encourage anyone to suddenly become vegan. I think a better idea is to eat as few animal products as possible, and if that amount is zero, great. If it’s once a week or once a day, then that’s a hell of a lot better than doing nothing. Rather than measuring the distance from some ethical perfection, we want to measure the distance from doing nothing at all.

JUNE

Coming Next

Brain Health

healing ways

THE MATRIX OF LIFE Boosting Collagen for Better Health by Maya Whitman

Plus: Inspired Lifestyle Travel

Collagen, a protein, holds us together

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713-927-6540

from the inside-out, helping to build bones and providing the scaffolding that knits our bones and organs together. Stress and poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking and eating too much sugar, can contribute to its breakdown and accelerate the aging process, but strategic dietary choices and supplements can have a significant positive impact on our skin, as well as underlying conditions. Although celebrated for its cosmetic effects, “Most people are surprised to learn that collagen is equally important for blood vessels and tissues surrounding and supporting the internal organs,” says Pamela Schoenfeld, a dietitian and nutritionist in Raleigh, North Carolina, and author of The Collagen Diet: Rejuvenate Skin, Strengthen Joints and Feel Younger by Boosting Collagen Intake and Production. Collagen is mostly found in tendons, ligaments and skin, and is also abundant in bones, cartilage, muscles, corneas, blood vessels, the gut, vertebrae discs and teeth. In studies, collagen supplements show promise for joint pain, arthritic conditions, osteoporosis and heart health. A Penn State study of 147 student athletes found that those that took 10 grams of collagen hydrolysate daily for 24 weeks had significantly less joint pain while walking and at rest compared to a placebo group. A 2012 study featured in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that 1,200 milligrams of collagen hydrolysate taken daily decreased joint pain in older people by 20 percent compared to a placebo. In a 2018 study, post-menopausal women that took five grams of collagen daily for a year had better bone buildup and less bone degradation. A

2017 Japanese study of 31 healthy adults found that those that took 16 grams of collagen daily had more flexible arteries after six months.

Essential Foods

Collagen health starts with our diet. Leafy greens and jewel-toned, lycopene-rich vegetables, like beets, red peppers, tomatoes, berries and pomegranates, as well as seeds, including chia, sunflower and pumpkin, all pack a collagen punch. Schoenfeld recommends bone broth, too, for its joint-lubricating molecules called glycosaminoglycans, which hold many times their weight in water. Kellyann Petrucci, a naturopathic doctor in Philadelphia and author of Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth Diet, concurs: “Bone broth is more than a soup. It’s concentrated healing and contains a bioavailable form of collagen your body can use immediately. It contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acids and so much more.” She also recommends sulfur-rich foods like eggs, broccoli, onions, garlic and cauliflower, as well as shellfish and red meat in moderation for copper. “Copper activates the enzyme that is critical in producing collagen,” she explains. Also important, according to Petrucci, is vitamin C: “If you’re depleted of vitamin C, your body won’t make any collagen. Experiment with broccoli, kiwi, tomatoes and various citrus fruits. Bioflavonoids also improve the ability of vitamin C to be absorbed and utilized.” Schoenfeld recommends chicken, including the skin; omega-3-rich fish with

edible bones, such as sardines and canned salmon; and proline-rich, aged cheeses and yogurt. “Gelatin is also a fantastic way for the whole family to enjoy collagen and can be added to foods high in water like soups, stews, hot cereals, as can bone broth and collagen powders,” she says.

Supplements

A 2019 review of 11 studies published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that oral collagen hydrolysate or tripeptide at dosages ranging from 2.5 grams to 10 grams a day increased “skin elasticity, hydration and dermal collagen density” and showed promise for wound healing and skin aging. Aloe vera, ginseng, berries, garlic, hyuralonic acid and red light therapy also boost collagen production, according to osteopathic physician and author Joseph Mercola. For vegans, British homeopath Melissa Foreman recommends homeopathically-based minerals known as tissue salts at low potency, “which offer the benefits of meat-derived collagen and bone broth without having to ingest a meat product.” She personally relies on a combination of Nat phos, Calc phos and Kali sulph to promote new skin cells and improve the skin cell matrix. “These remedies are totally animal-free,” she says. “You can produce a supplement similar to collagen powder and it has the same health benefits of bone broth.” Maya Whitman is the author of several books. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic. com.

Homeopathic Collagen-Boosters Homeopathic physician Melissa

Foreman, of Brighton, England, recommends the following tissue salts:

Calc phos for strengthening bones

and easing stiff joints, is particularly recommended for active people, aging athletes and menopausal women. It supports growth, builds cells, supports teeth and nail strength, and helps ease irritable bowel syndrome.

Calc fluor promotes elasticity and

flexibility. It’s essential for tendon and bone health; softens, strengthens and tones the skin; and helps when the digestive organs have lost their elasticity and become compromised.

Silica is found in hair, nails and bones.

It decreases inflammation, eases painful joints, supports and strengthens nails, encourages new hair growth and improves the length and quality of eyelashes.

Nat phos is known as the antacid of

the biochemical world and like collagen, can protect the gut by neutralizing acids.

Nat Mur brings moisture to the skin and regulates the moisture content of every cell in the body. It promotes hydrochloric acid, helping to prevent heartburn, bloating, colic and flatulence.

Live life to the fullest and focus on the positive. ~Matt Cameron

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natural pet

Coronavirus Pet Safety

Facts and Tips for Dog and Cat Owners by Shawn Messonnier

There are many types of coronavirus. Your Market is Our Readers. Let Us Introduce You to Them!

COVID-19 is new—a novel coronavirus— and there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in dogs or cats. Dogs can become infected with a canine coronavirus. It is fairly species-specific and will not infect people, but can infect cats (without causing clinical disease in naturally infected cats). Most infected dogs do not show symptoms and recover without showing signs of infection; young puppies may exhibit mild diarrhea. Cats have their own coronavirus that, like dogs, usually causes an asymptomatic infection, or may cause mild diarrhea or mild respiratory infection (especially in kittens). However, this coronavirus, for unknown reasons, can mutate in the GI tract and transform into the (usually) lethal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus (this occurs in about 10 percent of infected cats). Again, this feline coronavirus will not infect dogs or people, and only infects felids. (A curious note is that cats can become infected with the human SARS coronavirus experimentally and naturally, but do not become ill, and the original SARS virus was suspected to have originated from a mongoose.) As with human coronaviruses, canine and feline coronaviruses can survive

outside of the pet’s body for a period of time, especially in a colder environment, but are easily killed with most soap or disinfectants. Dogs and cats that develop their own coronaviral diseases will not infect people. However, by serving as fomites (objects that can carry an infectious organism on the surface), dogs and cats could potentially carry a virus on their coat or skin if an infected family member gets infected material (saliva, respiratory droplets, etc.) onto the animal. Like any other surface in the home, the virus could transfer from the surface of the pet to other uninfected family members. (This is usually by hand to face transfer.) To be safe, it may be wise to keep the family pet away from the infected family member, or at least have the infected family member bathe and/or wipe the pet’s coat with a wet washcloth before the pet is exposed to uninfected family members. Keep in mind that maintaining proper blood levels of vitamin D in people and in pets is important in minimizing infectious diseases. Shawn Messonnier, DVM, is the owner of Paws & Claws Holistic Animal Hospital, in Plano, Texas, and an award-winning author and host on Martha Stewart Radio.

Natural Awakenings Houston May 2020 EXPANDED DIGITAL EDITION

Articles inside

Contents

Healing the Immune System

Virus Fighters

Soul Nourishment