Natural Awakenings NYC-Long Island, September 2025

Restoring Gut Health

YOGA MONTH

General and Specialty Dentist

BioCompatible Materials

Integrative Holistic Care

Modified SMART Mercury Removal

SDS/Swiss BioHealth Practitioners

Patient-Centered, Relationship-Based

Containment

Disinfection Between Patients

Dr. Howard Robins has been helping people using Ozone Therapy for over 34 years. He is considered to be the foremost clinical expert in North America on bio-oxidative therapies for the safe and effective treatment of diseases and conditions and is published in peer-reviewed medical journals. His clinic has performed over 420,000 treatments, more than any other clinic in the world.

Intravenous Ozone Therapy has successfully treated Herpes (HSV) I and II, Lyme Disease, HIV, Diabetes including diabetic ulcers and neuropathy, Arthritis, Shingles, skin infections and skin conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, All auto-immune diseases and CRPS - just to name a few.

Call to find out if your medical problem can be helped.

Listen to Dr. Robins podcasts on www.voiceamerica.com and on his www.YouTube.com channel “Functional Medicine with Dr. Robins”.

e Toxin Destroyer

INTRAVENOUS OZONE THERAPY

SEPTEMBER 2025

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Breath, Balance, and the Gut Connection

This month, we spotlight the gut—our “second brain,” which influences digestion, immunity, energy, mood, and oral health. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, known as the microbiome, that help break down food, absorb nutrients, and protect the body from harmful invaders. When our gut is healthy, we feel more energetic and enjoy greater overall well-being.

I have suffered from gut issues since I was a child and have endured many tests to determine the cause. Recently, I made several nutritional changes, including avoiding certain foods, incorporating probiotics into my morning routine, focusing on fiber-rich foods like leafy greens and whole grains, and drinking plenty of water to support digestion. I also make time for regular walks outside and pay attention to how different meals affect me. Achieving a healthy digestive system is a holistic approach—nutritious foods, mindful movement, and stress management all play key roles.

I envy Michael’s morning yoga routine; he’s been doing it for as long as we’ve been together, and I know it helps start his day. Yoga’s mindful movement and breath benefit not just flexibility and strength but also digestive health. After reading this month’s articles, I see restorative postures, gentle twists, and deep breathing support digestion, calm the mind, and strengthen the gut-brain connection.

This issue explores Gut Restorative Yoga, aligning breath, movement, and mindfulness to enhance digestion. The article includes poses that aid digestive function and can be practiced at home, even if you’re new to yoga. Did you know that “lying on your left side after meals supports digestion through relaxation”? I didn’t! Chronic stress can disrupt gut function, while relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or simply spending time with loved ones can help improve it.

This month, our main message is simple: caring for your gut is key to overall wellness. By sharing modern knowledge and timeless practices, we aim to give you practical steps to nourish both body and mind.

Breathe deeply, move mindfully, and trust the wisdom of your gut.

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Batool F. Rizvi, D.D.S., P.C. strives to keep her patients smiling from the inside out. She believes in a holistic approach to health care. Her gentle touch, excellent listening skills and thorough explanations keep her patients educated, happy and healthy.

Dr. Rizvi offers her Dental services with an integrative and systemic philosophy in mind. She is one of the few doctors placing metal-free Zirconia Implants, and safely removing mercury fillings using the Huggins Protocol.

Dr. Rizvi offers a full range of Dental services, treating both adults and children. In association with Dr. Norman Bressack, Dr. Rizvi provides all of Dr. Bressack’s services as well as:

• Metal Free Braces – Clear Aligner Therapy

• Metal Free Zirconia Implant Placement

• SMART Certified Safe Mercury Removal

Norman Bressack, D.D.S., P.C.

has been dedicated to practicing healthy holistic dentistry for over 35 years. He is not only a mercury free dentist but a “mercury safe” dentist as well. Meaning that he uses safe removal protocols to ensure the protection of the patient, staff, environment and himself from exposure to mercury during the amalgam removal process.

Dr. Bressack’s mission is to treat his patients in the most healthy, caring, compassionate, and holistic way possible. Most importantly, he wants his patients to feel warm, welcome and happier when they leave than when they came in.

• Member of The International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology

• Member of the International Association of Mercury-free Dentists

• Mercury Free & BPA Free Composite Fillings

• 90% Less Radiation with Computer X-Ray Imaging

• Over 45 Years Experience Dedicated to our Patient’s Needs

• Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments with Scientifically Proven Results

• Metal Free Crowns & Cosmetic Dentistry

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Say Goodbye to Diet Culture with a 12-Week Group Program

Integrative nutritionist Mabel Del Castillo Guccione, MS, founder of MDC Nutrition & Wellness, will launch a 12-week virtual group program, Root to Wellness, on Tuesday, September 23.

Designed to guide participants toward a balanced relationship with food and self, the program blends evidence-based nutrition with mindfulness and lifestyle strategies. The program includes weekly educational modules, group coaching sessions, optional personalized food journal feedback, and guest expert presentations.

Participants will begin by building balanced plates and learning to read labels. As the program unfolds, they’ll explore mindful eating, tuning into hunger and satiety cues, and planning nourishing meals. “Along the way, we’ll explore joyful movement, cultivating body appreciation, supporting natural cycles and rhythms, nurturing the mind–mood connection, improving sleep, fostering gut health, and embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle,” shares Guccione.

Root to Wellness empowers individuals to break free from restrictive food rules, cultivate a positive mindset, and adopt sustainable habits that support long-term wellbeing. The supportive group setting offers both knowledge and accountability to make empowered choices in everyday life.

Space is limited. For details or to join the waitlist, visit BeautyAnd TheGreens.com, email mabel@beautyandthegreens.com, or scan the QR code (in ad) to schedule a free discovery call. See ads, pages 17 and 28.

Special Event at Buddhafull Yoga in Massapequa

Tucked away in Massapequa’s boatyard district overlooking a peaceful canal, Buddhafull Yoga is more than just a yoga studio—it’s a sanctuary for mind, body and spirit. Founded in 2020 by Paul Benedetto, a longtime practitioner and certified instructor, the studio was built on a mission to make yoga available, affordable and authentic.

The light-filled studio, framed by soaring 20-foot windows, offers a variety of classes from calming Restorative and energizing Vinyasa to high-intensity Boot Camp. Each class extends beyond the physical, fostering balance, flexibility and inner peace. Beginners are especially welcome, with classes designed to help new students gain confidence and strength.

Over time, Buddhafull Yoga has expanded into a full-spectrum wellness hub, offering private instruction, meditation and breathwork, massage and community events. Its growing circle of yogis reflects the studio’s welcoming atmosphere, inviting people of all ages and skill levels to show up for themselves and their practice.

On Sunday, September 21, from 2 to 4 p.m., Buddhafull Yoga will host its Breath and Sound Journey, a transformative, immersive event combining guided breathing with sound vibration. No registration is required. The cost is $40.

Location: 25 Alhambra Rd., Massapequa, NY. Visit BuddhaFullYoga.com  for class schedule and extra services or call Paul at 516-308-8483. Classes daily, plus evenings and weekends. First class is always free. Follow on Instagram @buddhafull_yoga. See ad, page 10, and calendar listing, page 26.

Mabel Del Castillo Guccione

Paul Benedetto

Free Guided Meditation Returns in September

Michael Lehrman

Michael Lehrman, co-publisher of Natural Awakenings NYC and Long Island, is leading a free online medita tion session as part of the “Mindful Mondays with Michael” series. This community offering returns on Monday, September 15, from 6 to 7 p.m. via Google Meets. Participants are invited to slow down, center themselves, and cultivate inner calm through guided meditation.

“Taking time to breathe and observe—even for just one hour—can bring greater clarity and balance to the week ahead,” says Lehrman, who has facilitated group meditation practices for over a decade. These monthly sessions are open to all experience levels, offering a welcoming space for reflection and collective stillness.

To attend, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsNY.com for the registration link. See ad, page 10, and calendar listing, page 26.

CORRECTION: In last month’s local health brief “Long Island Embraces Holistic Healing,” the printed address and website of Finker Wellness was incorrect. The correct address is 2308 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710, and the website is www.drfinker.com. Natural Awakenings regrets this error.

Global Brief

The Dirty Suitcase

Travelers are exposed to potentially harmful bacteria, fungus and mold in airports, planes, hotel rooms and public restrooms. According to a study by Insure & Go Insurance Services Limited, a British travel insurance company, luggage may be the dirtiest item a traveler encounters during a trip. The company teamed up with a microbiologist to examine a sample of hard- and soft-shell suitcases at an airport train station. Swabs were taken from various surfaces of the suitcases and incubated for five days.

The study found that the suitcase wheels were the most contaminated with bad bacteria, including staph and E.coli, followed by the base and handle. The handle was found to carry 40 times more bacteria than a typical public toilet seat.

The study also identified the presence of black mold linked to musty odors, respiratory irritation and allergy triggers. Soft-shell luggage had higher fungal growth compared to hard-shelled luggage. To reduce exposure to harmful microbes on luggage, the study’s microbiologist recommended that travelers keep it off beds and tables, clean the wheels and base after each trip, cover the wheels when indoors, wash hands after handling luggage and be mindful about where the luggage is wheeled.

Bali Sacred Soul Women’s Retreat

SEPTEMBER 20 - 27, 2026

Step into a sacred space where your soul can breathe and reconnect. Nestled in the heart of Bali, this retreat offers a holistic journey—nurturing body, heart, and spirit through healing practices, mindful movement, and cultural connection. It’s more than just a getaway—it’s a return to wholeness, joy, and inner peace.

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Manhattan’s Leading Practitioners

Bringing Harmony from Within

This month’s wellness spotlight zeroes in on gut health, beginning with Doctor’s Biome, a pioneering juice-based probiotic company co-founded by Rich Finkelstein (CEO) and Dr. Howard F. Robins (Chief Medical Officer), whose “living from inception to ingestion” formula embodies their goal to “Be the Leader in Juice-Based Clini cally Validated Probiotics.”

In Manhattan, Gut Love, led by integrative, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Elena Ivanina, offers holistic gut care rooted in natural healing and individualized nutrition tailored to address root causes, such as SIBO. At Whole Gut Health, located at 635 Madison Avenue, Dr. Alexandra Shustina blends conventional gastroenterology with functional medicine, visceral ma nipulation, herbal therapies, and advanced microbiome testing. The NY Center for Inte grative Health in Manhattan offers comprehensive functional medicine, including IV therapy, nutraceuticals, genomic/microbiome assessments, and integrative diagnostics, to restore gut health sustainably.

Gut-Mind Wellness Blooms in Manhattan

This month, Natural Awakenings turns its lens on Manhattan’s dynamic yoga scene, where movement meets mindfulness—and in some cases, even nurtures digestive wellness.

Midtown, studios like The Yoga Common offer livestream-accessible, all-level flow classes that blend breath, alignment, and community energy. For those craving boutique intimacy, SOUK in the Flatiron/NoMad area offers contemporary classes rooted in storytelling, music, and ancient teachings, making every session feel like a mini-modern ritual. Sky Ting Yoga in Chinatown stands out for its unique blend of vinyasa, Katonah, hatha, ashtanga, and other practices—offering both in-person and on-demand classes designed to support physical alignment and emotional balance for holistic gut-mind wellness.

For soul-seeking yogis, Jivamukti Yoga in Union Square invites a spiritual journey with its signature blend of chanting, sacred music, and rigorous asana—an immersive, liberating way to align gut, breath and spirit.

Together, these ventures—combining living probiotics, integrative care, functional protocols, and high-precision diagnostics—form a dynamic, Manhattan-based constellation of gut-health innovation, guiding readers toward resilient, holistic wellness.

Beyond studios, Lincoln Center's “Nourish Yourself: Yoga for Gut Health” session offers a unique practice: Oneika Mays guides participants through grounding movement, pranayama and meditation—enhanced by a live soundscape that specifically highlights yoga’s ability to refresh the digestive system.

Long Island’s Expanding Ecosystem of Digestive Wellness

Gut health plays a central role in immunity, mood and metabolic function. This month, Natural Awakenings highlights how Long Island’s clinical and integrative health professionals are working to restore balance from the inside out.

Across the region, top-tier medical specialists are delivering personalized digestive care. Long Island Digestive Disease Consultants, with board-certified gastroenterologists in Setauket and Wading River, provide compassionate GI support— spanning diagnostics, treatment and preventive colonoscopies. In Nassau County, All Island Gastroenterology & Liver Associates, established in 1995, offers high-level screening and nutritional guidance for gut and liver disorders in a patient-centered setting. For outpatient care, the Long Island Center for Digestive Health (LICDH) in Uniondale offers colonoscopies and upper endoscopies in a streamlined, supportive environment.

Complementing this clinical expertise is a growing network of holistic providers. In Hicksville, Dr. Chris Wilkinson crafts functional medicine protocols for SIBO, food sensitivities, and inflammatory gut conditions. Pollack Wellness in Commack also uses a functional medicine strategy along with a three key step process to restore digestive health. In Bellmore, Dr. Jillian Finker applies naturopathic medicine and customized treatments to restore gut balance naturally. In Wantagh, Dr. Gina Marino uses a “whole person approach” which includes chiropractic care to support the gut-brain connection. At Stony Brook Southampton, Dr. Alex Aponte fuses anti-aging and digestive care using genomic and environmental assessments. In East Setauket, David Dunaief, MD, emphasizes nutritional medicine and lifestyle interventions for gut-brain resilience.

Jillian Finker,

Gut-Nourishing Movement Across Long Island

This month, Natural Awakenings guides readers through Long Island’s flourishing yoga community, where movement not only strengthens the body but also nurtures digestive and emotional well-being.

In Massapequa, Buddhafull Yoga offers a warm, inviting sanctuary. Beyond yoga classes—such as restorative, vinyasa, and foundations—it provides massage services for embodied relaxation and renewed energy. The Welcome Mat in Islip remains a beloved community hub, weaving mindful practice with local warmth. Revolution Yoga in Rockville Centre offers a broad menu—from vinyasa and hatha to Mommyand-Me yoga—available both in-studio and online, supporting stress relief and flexibility (essential for gut-mind harmony).

In Babylon, the Long Island Center for Yoga combines gentle yoga, tai chi and meditation—cultivating calm and aiding digestion in a serene setting. Yoga Darshana Center, a nonprofit organization in West Babylon, offers inclusive classes and creative events, such as “Puppy Love Yoga,” where playful movement meets stress relief through animal companionship. On the East Meadow front, Blue Lotus Yoga and Wellness pairs yoga with acupuncture, medical massage, halotherapy (also known as salt-room therapy) and alkaline water—creating a multi-modal sanctuary that nurtures digestion, soothes the nervous system, and restores balance.

With offerings that span restorative, community-based, and holistic hybrid modalities, Long Island’s yoga scene deeply supports the gut-mind connection.

Mandalas Bring Calm to the Gut Brain

Inspired by our cover

Mandalas—vibrant, symmetrical circles from ancient traditions—are gaining new relevance in holistic health through their symbolic connection to gut wellness. Used in meditation and healing, these designs reflect wholeness and the cyclical nature of life, much like the ecosystem within our digestive system.

“The gut is sometimes called ‘the brain in the bowel,’” says Dr. Benjamin Lebwohl, gastroenterologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “We have a tremendous amount of neural activity originating from the gut,” he explains, highlighting how stress, sleep, and emotional states can disrupt digestion through the gut–brain axis.

everything found in, above and under has its own dynamic energy!

Our entire body continually vibrates at a subtle level, moving energy and information through our connective tissues.

The L. i .F. e . s ys T em scans nearly 7,000 energy patterns. By identifying which energy vibrations are out of balance, the system can put them back into harmonic balance, allowing your body to return to a state of rest and healing.

Mindful coloring or meditating with mandalas activates the parasympathetic nervous system—our body’s rest-and-digest mode. This response lowers stress, a key disruptor of gut health, while creating a calming visual focus that reinforces inner balance. Emerging studies suggest such intentional creative practices may also support vagal tone and immune function. Mandalas remind us that gut health is not only biological but also a reflection of our emotional and spiritual state. Through mindful engagement with these sacred patterns, we invite harmony between the microbiome and overall well-being.

Health Brief

Food Companies To Discontinue Food Dyes

Kraft Heinz, General Mills and Nestlé have announced a voluntary commitment to eliminate all artificial food dyes from their U.S. products starting in mid-2026 and to stop using them in new products immediately. Kraft Heinz and Nestlé maintain that about 90 percent of their U.S. products are already free of synthetic dyes, with remaining efforts focused on specific items such as Nesquik Banana Strawberry mix, Kool-Aid, Jell-O and Jet-Puffed marshmallows. General Mills has indicated that their pledge will affect only 15 percent of its product portfolio and has vowed to prioritize removing the offending colors from K-12 school foods.

The move comes as federal health officials push for the phase-out of petroleum-based dyes due to health concerns, including behavioral effects in children. The Center for Science in the Public Interest continues to advocate for the implementation of warning labels on products containing synthetic dyes. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved new natural colorings, manufacturers face challenges in terms of cost, color intensity and sourcing.

Transmutation Through Digestion

by Alison David Bird, C.Ht, Marconics Originator

Our gut is more than a digestive organ—it is a powerful energetic center where we store tension, fear, and the unprocessed fragments of our emotional experiences. Sensitive to life changes, stress, and heightened frequencies, the gut often becomes the focal point for physical symptoms during spiritual upgrades and energetic activations.

As we attune to higher vibrations, it’s not uncommon to experience digestive upheaval. Sudden nausea or urgent trips to the bathroom may follow energy downloads. Grounding tools, such as a dry cracker or a small amount of protein, can offer momentary relief. However, many find themselves reacting to the frequency of the food they once tolerated. These reactions can be physical or even karmic, as the body recalls past-life experiences tied to specific substances. The brain, acting as a vigilant gatekeeper, may send signals of discomfort long before digestion has begun.

Overprocessed foods and alcohol heighten sensitivity, often manifesting as acid reflux, ulcers, or a sense of internal shutdown. During Kundalini Rising, the energy spirals up the chakra system, sometimes causing what’s described as "Energy Belly"—a sensation of stagnation despite conventional remedies. At other times, the bowel reacts as a force of release, eliminating toxins the body can no longer process energetically or physically.

In this sacred transition, old eating habits must be reevaluated. Instead of following dogma or diet trends, choose foods that resonate with your evolving vibration. Ethically sourced animal products and organic produce hold cleaner

frequencies. Animals slaughtered in fear may retain trauma signatures, along with hormones and antibiotics. That energy becomes part of us unless we actively transmute it.

Revive the ancient practice of blessing your food. Offer gratitude to the beings—plant, animal, and human—who brought nourishment to your plate. Hold your hands over your meal and say: “I raise the vibration of this food, transmuting anything that no longer serves me to higher light. I am grateful.”

Choose clean water, bless it, and filter it. Limit your intake of stimulants, such as coffee and soda. As you release outdated preferences and honor your body’s wisdom, you may find your tastes evolve—and your vitality returns.

This article was submitted by Robin Landau, Marconics Master Teacher, who supports others on their ascension journey. She can be reached at 516-369-3653 or robin@marconics.com.

For more information on Marconics, practitioner training, spiritual alchemy, and transformational workshops, visit Marconics.com.

For upcoming workshops, see calendar listing on page 26.

Beyond Probiotics

A Functional Medicine Approach to Gut Healing

by Dr. David Pollack

Probiotics are everywhere these days. Many people take them daily, and some have even heard of prebiotics. When patients are dealing with gut issues, I often suggest supplements—particularly enzymes. Patients often ask me, “So, is that like a probiotic or something?” The truth is, probiotics can be wonderful—but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. They’re most effective in very specific situations, and in many cases, they’re not the first or best step for digestive health. Let’s discuss when probiotics are appropriate. And when they’re not.

When Probiotics Help—and When They Don’t

Think of probiotics as the cherry on top. The garnish. In most situations with my patients, those suffering with digestive problems, probiotics really are not the first choice. For mild cases of bloating or minor bowel movement issues, they can offer support. But they don’t do much for the upper digestive tract. Heartburn, reflux and most types of indigestion, for instance, rarely respond to probiotics.

In more significant cases—such as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or candida—probiotics can actually make symptoms worse, causing bloating, discomfort or changes in bowel habits. Using probiotics in these situations is like trying to fight a tank with a BB gun. The infection is simply too strong.

Where We Start Instead

With moderate to severe imbalances, it’s critical to first support the upper digestive tract. We do this by improving digestion—the actual breakdown and absorption of nutrients—often with enzymes and carefully chosen herbs. This step helps “starve out” harmful organisms before we take more direct action.

Once digestion is optimized, the next phase may involve natural antibacterial or antifungal herbs to weaken problematic organisms.

Only after these foundations are in place do we consider introducing probiotics and other agents to help rebuild a healthy gut biome.

Supporting the Whole Body

Even before probiotics, it’s often necessary to address other systems—especially the liver and hormones. The liver must process the toxins released when harmful organisms are destroyed, and hormones like cortisol play a key role in regulating immune function. Without strong liver support and balanced hormones, the body may struggle to overcome infections, no matter what supplements are used.

Ultimately, healing comes from strengthening the body’s own systems. Probiotics can be valuable tools, but only when used at the right time, in the right way, and as part of a bigger picture. In my practice, I often combine enzymes, herbs, Chinese medicine, chiropractic, cold laser therapy and other modalities to help patients overcome significant health challenges and achieve lasting wellness.

The Bigger Picture of Healing

The good news is that lasting digestive wellness is possible. By taking a step-by-step approach—building strong digestion, supporting the liver and hormones, and then carefully introducing the right therapies—we create the foundation for deep healing. Probiotics have their place, but true success comes from honoring the body’s complexity and giving it what it needs, in the right order, at the right time.

Dr. David L. Pollack is the founder of Pollack Wellness, located at 66 Commack Rd., #204, Commack, NY. For appointments or information, call 631-462-0801 or visit PollackWellness.com. See ad, page 5.

Jannes Jacobs/Unsplash.com

Another Leap Forward in Dental Healing: PRESERVATION OVER REPLACEMENT

Many of the patients I see are deeply committed to holistic health practices, often avoiding traditional physicians and refusing modern medications, particularly antibiotics. While I respect these philosophies, it is also my responsibility to educate patients on the science behind their dental care. Few things concern holistic dental patients more than being told that a tooth is non-vital or that decay is too advanced to treat without a root canal.

To provide the highest level of care, I make it a priority to understand the sources my patients rely on and to guide them with accurate, evidence-based information—rather than outdated theories, scare tactics, anecdotal claims, or internet misinformation. For example, Dr. Weston A. Price (1870–1948), a Canadian dentist and head of research for the American Dental Association in the 1920s, promoted the now-discredited “focal infection theory,” which falsely linked root canals to systemic illness. Unfortunately, root canals still receive undue criticism today, often because they are not performed according to the recognized legal standard of care, which requires the use of a rubber dam. Without this, root canals are compromised by contamination from the outset.

When performed with skill and precision, a root canal preserves your natural tooth, which is always preferable to replacing it with an implant. With proper rubber dam isolation, advanced disinfection protocols, adjunctive therapies such as laser and ozone treatment, and the use of biocompatible materials, a natural tooth can often be maintained in a healthy state for a lifetime without complications.

Modern root canal therapy, performed with today’s advanced techniques and materials, is both safe and highly predictable. Furthermore, some patients are even candidates for pulpal regeneration, also known as ToothRegensis. This advanced biological approach in endodontics seeks to restore vitality and function to teeth with necrotic or severely compromised pulps.

At Integrative Dental Specialists, every patient receives the professional attention they deserve, delivered with the highest level of expertise, skill and precision. Our practice upholds the most rigorous treatment standards to achieve outstanding results. There is no substitute for preserving your natural teeth, which is why it is essential to do everything possible to maintain them. Through exclusive

rehabilitative and biomimetic restorative techniques, compromised teeth can often be restored to full health and function.

Dr. Etess prides himself on providing unmatched, first-class care that adheres to the highest standards. If you are seeking the finest, safest, healthiest and most predictable results for your dental needs—supported by the latest technology—contact Integrative Dental Specialists to schedule an appointment with Dr. Etess today.

Jeffrey Etess, DMD, NMD, IBDM, graduated in the top 10% from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. An IVY LEAGUE trained Certified Endodontic Specialist/Implant Specialty Surgeon with a dual degree in Dentistry and Board Certified in Naturopathic & Integrative medicine & certified in biomimetic cosmetic dentistry to provide a broad array of biological dentistry covering all facets of restorative, cosmetic, prosthetic, surgical, endodontic, pediatric, periodontal and implant dentistry for his patients for over 28 years.For more information, visit idsli.com. See ad, page 21.

Filip Rankovic Grobgaard/Unsplash,com

Balancing the Gut

Investing in Our Inner Ecosystem

by Hannah Tytus

“The gut is the first to encounter the universe, and it is the first line of defense between you and the universe,” says Dr. Madiha Saeed, a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell. Home to trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes, the digestive tract forms a complex ecosystem known as the gut microbiome, which influences many aspects of health.

Microbes perform numerous functions. They help break down food, produce essential nutrients, support the immune system and influence mood, cognition and overall well-being. Diet, stress, sleep, medications and environmental exposures shape the makeup of our gut microbiota, which, in turn, impact the body’s propensity for health or disease. Efforts to restore and nurture gut health offer opportunities for us to enhance our well-being through simple lifestyle changes.

Gut Microbiome Basics

The intestinal environment is constantly changing, with new microbes entering and others disappearing daily, creating a dynamic community of tiny organisms that is unique to every individual. Different species have specialized roles. For instance, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii lowers inflammation by nourishing gut cells, while Akkermansia muciniphila maintains the gut lining by breaking down mucus and supporting helpful bacteria. Each person hosts approximately 1,000 distinct microbial species, while humanity collectively harbors more than 10,000 species.

Like a garden, the gut microbiome contains a mix of helpful and harmful organisms. Beneficial microbes behave like healthy plants, supporting digestion, nutrient absorption and immune function. When cared for, these helpful organisms thrive, while also helping to keep harmful microbes (weeds) under control.

Our intestinal garden is shaped by how it is tended. Fiber-rich foods, fermented products and exposure to natural environments help nourish the good microbes, much like water, sunlight and compost nourish plants. By contrast, processed foods, excessive sugar and unnecessary antibiotics can disrupt the balance and allow harmful microbes to take over.

Many people experience gut imbalance, or dysbiosis, without realizing it. The gut is highly sensitive to its environment, and everyday choices like processed foods, medications and chronic stress can quietly disrupt the inner balance, making it harder for beneficial microbes to thrive.

Medications. “Though some medications can save your life, they do come with a side disadvantage, so you need to weigh your risks versus the benefits when it comes to taking any medications,” Saeed advises, noting that antibiotics, for example, reduce microbial diversity and richness, causing short-term changes in the microbiome. While most people recover within two months, their microbiota diversity and productivity may remain low, and some people may experience longer-lasting disruptions.

Common painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also interact with the composition and function of the gut microbiome. They inhibit microbial growth, induce microbial cell death and increase gut permeability. NSAIDs can also interact with gut microbes, thereby impacting how well the drug is absorbed.

Foods. The food we eat significantly impacts the microbiome’s composition and metabolism. “Real foods nourish the good bugs, while processed foods fuel the bad,” says Saeed. Diets high in processed foods, sugars and additives create a toxic load that disrupts bacterial balance and triggers inflammation, leading to chronic disease. Eating these kinds of ingredients on a consistent basis can slowly damage the gut, as harmful microbes crowd out beneficial species, weakening the intestinal ecosystem over time without immediate signs of distress.

Stress. Chronic stress is another gut health disruptor. Stress hormones can reduce beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila, which has been identified as a potential protector against obesity and Type 1 diabetes. Stress also encourages yeast overgrowth, leading to inflammation and intensifying the stress response in a vicious cycle. Studies also show that stress, whether physical or perceived, can alter overall microbial composition.

A 2018 narrative review published in Frontiers in Microbiology analyzed existing preclinical studies and found that various psychological, environmental and physical stressors can alter gut microbiota composition and function. Furthermore, a 2023 systematic review published in Neuropsychobiology found that higher perceived stress was associated with lower microbial diversity and decreased abundance of beneficial genera such as Lachnospira, Veillonella and Phascolarctobacterium. Harmful bacteria like Methanobrevibacter rose in relative abundance in stressed individuals.

Signs of Imbalance

Indications of an unhealthy gut show up in various ways. Digestive issues such as bloating, gas and constipation often signal an imbalance. Fatigue, mood swings and skin conditions like acne or eczema may also be related to poor gut health. Unexplained weight changes, cognitive problems and food sensitivities may be caused by intestinal distress. A weakened immune system, trouble sleeping and bad breath can also indicate a need for gut support.

Repairing the Gut

Environmental factors influence the microbiome more than genetics, but when the gut has been harmed, Saeed explains, restoration takes more than just a probiotic.

Eat organic whole foods. “Food is medicine. Every bite can either help or hurt,” counsels Saeed, emphasizing the importance of daily food choices. Like humans, gut microbes need nourishment to thrive. When they eat well, human health flourishes. The typical Western diet is high in simple carbohydrates and fat, but low in fiber, offering little nourishment for beneficial microbes.

On the other hand, microbiota-accessible carbohydrates (MACs) such as legumes, root vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds are essential for a diverse and resilient microbial community. Because MACs are not broken down by digestive enzymes, they are fermented by gut microbes, feeding and promoting the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria.

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Choosing organic produce helps avoid synthetic pesticides and herbicides sprayed on produce to eliminate pests and weeds. These chemicals have been shown to negatively affect the gut microbiome and human health. “It’s best to eat local food that is not sprayed,” advises Dr. Patrick Hanaway, a board-certified functional medicine family physician, educator and chief medical officer of KnoWEwell.

Supplement wisely. Probiotics and prebiotics are vital for healing the gut. Probiotics, whether found in foods like yogurt and other fermented products or taken as supplements, introduce live bacteria into the body. Prebiotics act like fertilizer, feeding good bacteria and helping restore overall balance. Fiber-rich foods such as asparagus, bananas, garlic, onions, oats, apples and legumes naturally support a thriving gut ecosystem.

As Hanaway explains, “A probiotic is a live bacteria that can be ingested and move into the stomach and populate the body. A prebiotic is a component that helps feed the commensal [beneficial] bacteria in the gut.

Probiotics are highly specific. They have great benefits for specific strains for specific diseases in specific doses. Yet, the probiotic is a tourist; it doesn’t stay in the body. It’s great to have tourists in the economy, but if an economy becomes entirely dependent on tourism, it becomes a problem.”

When choosing supplements, quality matters. Due to limited regulations, it is best to purchase from reputable brands. Supplements in fillable capsules tend to have fewer fillers and more active ingredients. Vitamins and minerals are best absorbed from whole foods, so supplements should complement, not replace, a balanced diet.

Start a garden. Gardening increases the availability of fresh, fiber-rich, seasonal fruits and vegetables in the diet, but the very act of putting our hands in the dirt may also help increase the diversity of our gut microbiome. A 2022 cohort study of 19 families over one growing season by scientists at the University of Illinois and published in the journal Nature found that when compared to non-gardeners, families that grew plants

and produce in their backyards had more gut bacteria linked to fiber fermentation, greater microbial diversity and even some microbes in their guts that appeared to come from the soil. Families that gardened also ate more fiber-rich foods.

Commit to small actions. Healthy microbiomes grow with consistent care—not perfection—and even small lifestyle changes can build a more resilient ecosystem for better overall health. There is no magic bullet for healing the gut. The key is to commit one hour a week to health education and to small actions focused on rebuilding the inner ecosystem one change at a time.

“A strictly-diet approach isn’t the answer; a lifestyle approach is,” says Dr. Tom O’Bryan, an expert on food sensitivities, environmental toxins and the development of autoimmune diseases, as well as the host of the Regenerative Whole Health Show at KnoWEwell.com. “Dietary regimens can go only so far if something else persists, like mold in the house, high glyphosate levels or accumulated mercury in the body.” Addressing the macrocosm around us helps fix the microcosm inside us.

Indoor air filtration and water purification measures might be necessary to counteract an unhealthy indoor environment. Small changes like storing leftover food in glass rather than plastic can help keep harmful compounds out of the gut. Herbs such as chamomile and holy basil in diffusers and teas may aid the chronically stressed. Even simply chewing our food slowly, with mindfulness and gratitude, can help aid the digestion process.

Stefano

The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem that plays an essential role in overall health. Understanding what it is, what harms it and how to recognize signs of imbalance empowers us to take practical steps to restore and maintain gut health. By nourishing the microbiome with whole foods, managing stress, using supplements wisely and embracing small lifestyle changes, individuals can cultivate a resilient inner garden that supports well-being for life.

Hannah Tytus is a researcher and content creator for KnoWEwell, P.B.C. and former technical writer for the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Repairing the Gut Lining

by Hannah Tytus

Dr. Madiha Saeed, a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell, stresses that repairing the gut lining is key for nutrient absorption. She recommends foods rich in zinc; vitamins A, C, and D; vitamin E; and selenium to reduce inflammation. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids, often found in fish, help reduce inflammation and support the gut lining. Digestive enzymes found in fruits and vegetables such

as avocados, pineapples, papayas, mangoes and bananas break down food, reducing intestinal inflammation. L-glutamine, found in bone broth, animal proteins, spinach, red cabbage and parsley, helps preserve the gut lining.

Oral Health Benefits of Yoga

Surprising Ways to Improve a Smile

by Marlaina Donato

An estimated 42 percent of adults aged 30 and above are affected by periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease. For some, the condition manifests as mild, reversible gingivitis, while others experience a more progressive form that can lead to bone loss.

Beyond its effects in the mouth, gum disease is strongly associated with chronic inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and arthritis.

A study conducted by the University of Toronto in 2020 found that the body’s immune response to gum disease can trigger a hyper-inflammatory response that can negatively impact healthy tissues and organs.

Good oral hygiene and regular cleanings with a dental professional are the principle ways to prevent and treat gum disease. However, new findings suggest that stress management techniques such as mindfulness and yogic practices, combined with conventional treatments, may be the future of whole-body periodontal care and another good reason to get on the yoga mat.

Research published this year in BMC Oral Health reported that elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol may impact periodontal health by making the gums more susceptible to infection and inflammation. Stress may also lead to lapses in oral hygiene.

Benefits of Yoga

“In itself, inflammation isn’t a bad thing— it’s how the body protects and heals itself after injury, illness or exposure to harmful substances. But when that inflammatory response doesn’t turn off due to physical or emotional stress, the body stays in a constant state of defense, even when there’s no real threat present,” explains yoga teacher Jamie LiCausi, owner of Empowered Alignment Holistic Healing Hub, in Hawley, Pennsylvania. “Many of us live in a constant state of low-grade stress without even realizing it. Yoga isn’t just about finding your zen; it quite literally rewires your nervous system to help you handle stress differently.”

A 2023 systemic review published in the Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry found promising potential for yoga to improve periodontal health by reducing systemic stress reactions and periodontal disease risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension.

Dr. Amy Dayries, an integrative dentist in Roswell, Georgia, and host of KnoWEwell’s monthly online show, Healthcare From Your Dentist’s Chair, asserts that yoga can reduce stress-induced teeth grinding, mouth breathing and poor posture promoted by modern lifestyles. Relying on mouth breathing rather than nose breathing can lead to sleep apnea, dry mouth and a misaligned bite, which, if left untreated, may cause tooth decay and gum disease. “Dentally speaking, we see increases in gum inflammation and

increased cavity risk because the oral microbiome changes as the body chemistry changes in a stressed state,” she remarks, adding that stress chemicals can remain elevated for many years after the initial stressful event.

The tongue can also play a critical role. According to Dayries, we usually have a low tongue posture (resting on the floor of the mouth instead of the roof) when we slouch, and this bad habit can ramp up the sympathetic nervous system, thereby triggering stress. She recommends a variety of yoga exercises, including hatha yoga tongue exercises, as part of a patient's dental treatment plan to ease muscle and emotional tension, support stronger posture and decrease mouth breathing. Such exercises may include placing the tip of the

tegrative ntal cialists

tongue against the roof of the mouth behind the top front teeth, suctioning the rest of the tongue flat against the roof of the mouth, closing the mouth and breathing through the nose.

The Power of the Breath

Pranayama yoga and diaphragmatic breathing can reset the nervous system in a gentle way. “Many of us breathe shallowly into the chest, which means the lower parts of the lungs—the areas where air can become stagnant—don’t get fully ventilated. Over time, that stagnant air holds onto carbon dioxide and other waste gases,” says LiCausi. “When we breathe deeply using the diaphragm, we help move that stale air out. Fresh oxygen circulates through the lungs, nourishing the body, while each exhale clears out toxins and waste.”

Dayries advises that yoga helps us to counterbalance modern lifestyle activities that promote a forward posture. “This is because yoga is centered around one’s breath and holding postural stances, wringing out the lymphatic system through stretching, strengthening and asanas [body postures].” Most of all, she points out, even when oral health problems are in motion, such as gum disease, there is hope to halt things where they are, even if some bone loss is evident. “It is never too late to implement healthy changes,” she says.

Marlaina Donato is an author, musician and painter. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

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Gut Restorative Yoga

Poses That Bridge the Gut-Brain Axis

by Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN

The gut, often called the second brain, plays a pivotal role in not only digestion, but also immune function and mental well-being. With a growing body of research exploring the gut-brain axis, many are turning to yoga not just as a physical discipline, but as a therapeutic modality to support gut vitality.

Yoga traditionally involves eight components, including postures, breath control, concentration and meditation. The yoga postures can be practiced in many ways, from flowing sequences and strengthening postures to very slow stretches that can be held for minutes at a time, focusing on breath and meditation simultaneously.

The Science Behind the Stretch

Emerging evidence suggests that yoga may positively influence gastrointestinal health by modulating the autonomic nervous system. Through its emphasis on breathwork and relaxation, yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system—often referred to as the rest-and-digest mode—helping to promote digestion and reduce stress, a known aggravator of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as those experienced with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

A 2015 12-week, randomized, controlled trial published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine demonstrated significant

improvements in IBS symptoms, anxiety, physical flexibility and autonomic function in patients practicing a gentle form of yoga compared to controls.

Yoga for Digestion

Certain yoga poses specifically support digestive function. According to the Indian yoga teacher B.K.S. Iyengar in his seminal book, Light on Yoga, twists such as ardha matsyendrasana (half lord of the fishes) and supta matsyendrasana (supine spinal twist) gently compress and massage abdominal organs, stimulating the movement of food through the digestive tract and encouraging waste elimination. Forward folds like paschimottanasana (seated forward bend) can soothe the nervous system while enhancing circulation to digestive organs.

Practicing viparita karani (legs up the wall) after meals may promote lymphatic drainage and calm inflammation, especially when paired with diaphragmatic breathing. Virasana (hero pose) after eating can also support digestion and, because the spine is upright in this posture, is ideal for those with acid reflux.

“When supporting clients with digestive concerns, I incorporate yoga postures and breathwork to encourage healthy, balanced digestion,” explains Katie Mullins Denk, a yoga instructor, Ayurvedic health counselor and owner of Moonflower Studio, in Brookfield, Wisconsin. “Apanasana (knees to chest) helps relieve gas and bloating; supta matsyendrasana (supine spinal twist), malasana (garland or yogi squat) and surya bhedana (right nostril breathing) help stimulate elimination. Lying on the left side after meals—a version of savasana (final rest or corpse pose)—supports digestion through rest and relaxation. These simple, intentional practices create space for healing from within.”

Mind-Gut Connection

Yoga’s impact extends beyond posture. Mindfulness practices such as pranayama (breath control) and dhyana (meditation) cultivate interoception—the ability to sense internal bodily states. This deepened awareness can promote healthier eating habits, support mindful digestion and reduce overeating. Mullins shares, “Uttanasana (standing forward fold), seated forward fold and nadi shodhana

(alternate nostril breathing) help calm the nervous system.”

Chronic stress is a major disruptor of gut flora, and yoga has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. A calm mind often translates into a calmer gut. Digestive health can be tied to the body’s natural circadian rhythm. By practicing sun salutations or flowing yoga postures in the morning, the metabolism is gently awakened, and by incorporating restorative yoga or stretches in the evening, we signal our body to wind down naturally.

An Integrative Approach

As an integrative tool, yoga complements both conventional and alternative therapies for gut health. It works synergistically with dietary modifications, probiotics and functional medicine interventions. For individuals navigating gastrointestinal disorders— from bloating and constipation to chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease—yoga offers a noninvasive, accessible practice with minimal side effects.

Yoga practice was found to improve consti pation and sleep quality in a 2021 random ized, controlled trial with elderly adults published in the Movement Therapies view and meta-analysis in the Psychosomatic Research fulness interventions including yoga re duced stress and improved depression and quality of life in participants with irritable bowel disease.

Gut vitality is foundational to overall wellbeing. Yoga, with its blend of movement, breath and mindfulness, offers a holistic path to digestive harmony. Whether prac ticed in a studio, on a living room floor or during a midday break, it invites each per son to tune into their body’s wisdom and support the healing journey from the in side out.

Jordan Peschek has a background in personal training, yoga instruction and mental health nursing. She publishes the Milwaukee and Twin Cities editions of

Hope, Healing

|

NY 11793

Ocean Harvests

Eco-Friendly Benefits of Seaweed

by Maya Whitman

Some may associate seaweed with giant kelp forests or savory sushi wraps, but these species of multicellular marine algae have become key players in the food, cosmetic and industrial arenas. Seaweed farming around the world, including more recently in the United States, shows promise as a natural solution to climate change, ocean acidification and the plastics crisis. Such crops provide not only nutritious food for humans and animals but also chemical-free fertilizers for backyard gardens and agriculture.

“When managed and cultivated ethically in cooperation with the natural laws, just like land farms, seaweed farms can be little vibrant plots of biodiversity and primary productivity, supporting all the powers of nature for good,” says Sarah Redmond, founder of Springtide Seaweed, in Gouldsboro, Maine, the largest organic seaweed company in the United States.

Environmental Hero

There are thousands of species of seaweed, and they thrive in areas where other marine life is failing due to ocean acidification. Their presence is a boon for the environment because they release nutrients into the ocean, while also sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, thereby reducing the effects of climate change.

As Redmond explains, “Ocean acidification is the lowering of overall pH in the oceans, which can impact all marine life, especially shell-forming organisms. Growing seaweed can help reduce the impacts of acidification locally, during the day, when the plants are taking in carbon for photosynthesis. Some of the carbon is remineralized back into inorganic forms, some is consumed as food, some is lost as dissolved or particulate organic carbon, and some is buried in sediments at sea. All of the algae—micro and macro seaweeds— drive the ocean’s carbon cycle.”

Seaweed is introduced in aquaculture because of its ability to boost water quality and convert fish waste into usable nutrients. According to Charles Yarish, professor emeritus of marine ecology at the University of Connecticut and chief scientist with GreenWave, a global nonprofit network of regenerative ocean farmers, “Seaweed farming in the United States is principally kelp farming, and we have nutrient-rich waters. Seaweeds can reduce carbon dioxide and nitrogen as they photosynthesize during daylight hours and take it into their biomass.”

Yarish highlights the cutting-edge efforts of Macro Oceans, in West Sacramento, California, which seeks to help the world transition away from petroleum-based products by developing eco-friendly biomaterials from seaweed for use in cosmetics, food and other industries.

Nutritional Dynamo

“Seaweeds are very nutritious, with minerals, protein and vitamin C,” says Yarish. Rich in iodine, it has been a diet staple for coastal cultures since prehistoric times, and more than 145 varieties are consumed worldwide today. Across the United States, there are dozens of farms in New England, Alaska and the Pacific Northwest that specialize in the cultivation of bull kelp, dulse, ribbon kelp and sugar

kelp used in sauces, salads, seasonings and Asian cuisine.

According to Redmond, “By replacing table salt with the natural, organic mineral salts from seaweeds, we can rebalance our sodium and potassium levels and add essential micronutrients to our diets.”

Common edible seaweeds like wakame, kelp, kombu, nori and dulse are tasty additions to soups and salads that can foster good thyroid health. According to 2018 findings published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, extract of the seaweed variety Sargassum oligocystum offers anti-diabetic effects in rats and is worthy of further research. Japanese research published in 2021 in the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis suggests that seaweed consumption might be valuable in preventing strokes in men.

Conscious Packaging

According to CleanHub, an organization dedicated to preventing plastic pollution in our oceans, it is estimated that 95 percent of all beauty industry packaging is thrown away every year. Companies like UK-based Notpla and Kelpi, as well as California-based Sway, are using biodegradable seaweed bioplastics to make a difference. Similarly, the restaurant and food industries are developing options to replace single-use plastics like containers and wraps with marine-based packages. Currently, seaweed packaging is more costly, but experts predict lower prices as technology advances.

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings

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Why Probiotics are so Important What Works and What Doesn’t

From the desk of Dr. Howard Robins at The Healing Center in New York City

You will likely be very surprised when you read the following facts—many of which are simply astounding!

Probiotic bacteria help digest your food in exchange for a warm, safe place to live. They not only help process the food we eat, but they also make vitamins and can produce essential amino acids. Plus, they’re able to talk to and educate our immune system.

Yet, Hippocrates, the famed ancient Greek physician, was purported to say that “all disease begins in the gut.”

On a recent 60 Minutes news segment on probiotics, Dr. Patricia Hibberd, an infectious disease specialist and a professor of medicine at Boston University, was asked, “Is there convincing evidence that commercially available probiotics have been found to be beneficial for reducing diarrhea from antibiotics, treating irritable bowel syndrome, or decreasing allergies?”

Her answer was, “no!” She went on to say, “The whole idea that maybe throwing in good bacteria that we would take by mouth that hopefully would land in the right places in the GI tract and work with the immune system, we just don't know how to do any of that.”

A major cause of confusion may be the placebo effect whereby some people using probiotics may feel better because they expect to feel better.

Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science professors Eran Elinav and Eran Segal collected thousands of samples from a small group of adult volunteers who were given probiotics following multiple endoscopies and colonoscopies to see what was in their gut.

Half of the individuals were given placebos and half were given probiotics in very large amounts. What they discovered was that the probiotics just go in and just go out and don’t populate the gut. They were shocked!

Antibiotics and Good Bacteria

Have you ever had an antibiotic? Even once in your lifetime? Well, guess what, all your good gut bacteria are gone! Antibiotics kill the good boys off with the bad bacteria rapidly. You may be thinking you’re okay because you take probiotics daily. Well, guess what, virtually 90 percent of them are destroyed by your stomach acids and digestive enzymes and never reach your gut. The rest rarely, if at all, populate the gut wall as discussed and proven above by the researchers.

“But it says they were alive at the time of manufacturing on the label,” you think. Yes, they are supposedly in “suspended animation,” but most are dead and those that aren’t dead won’t come back to life even if they survive the stomach.

This is what was found and explains the comments and results of the researchers.

Dr. Jeff Gordon of 60 Minutes said, “Despite disagreement about how or whether today’s probiotics work, every scientist we spoke with was hopeful about the possibility of improving health by manipulating the microbiome.”

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“Smart” bacteria can sense they’re attached to your intestinal cells, and then remodel their expression of specific genes, including those involved in metabolism, to beneficially exploit your cells and colonize your gut.

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Clinical Nutrition

MDC NUTRITION & WELLNESS

Mabel Del Castillo Guccione, MS mabel@beautyandthegreens.com BeautyAndTheGreens.com

Guiding individuals to break free from dieting, reclaim confidence around food, and foster an abundance mindset. Learn to eat empowered, reconnect with your whole self through mindful eating, and adopt a balanced, sustainable approach to nutrition, unlocking a vibrant, joyful, and healthier version of yourself. See ad, page 17.

THE BIAMONTE CENTER FOR CLINICAL NUTRITION

Michael Biamonte, CCN 2185 34th Ave, Ste 14D • Astoria, NY 866-240-8651

info@health-truth.com Health-Truth.com

Michael Biamonte has been in practice for over 30 years, is the author of “The Candida Chronicles” and is a World Recognized Candida elimination expert. His office has proprietary software developed for NASA that helps identify and treat all nutritional deficiencies. Offering both online and InPerson appointments.

Conscious Centers

AUM SHANTI BOOKSHOP

230 E 14th St, NYC 212-260-2866

AumShantiBookshop.com

Aum Shanti Bookshop is a community-oriented spiritual gallery providing offerings that inspire clarity, guidance and inspiration on one’s journey. They offer high-vibration, reikicharged and spiritually energized items such as a semi-precious gems and tumbled stones, one-of-a kind rare crystal specimens and clusters, beautifully hand-crafted jewelry made with love and empowering energy Join for tarot, psychic and astrology readings.

NAMASTE BOOKSHOP & HEALING CENTER

2 W 14th St, NYC

212-645-0141

NamasteBookshop.com

Namaste Bookshop and Healing Center offers a unique and large selection of Eastern and Western philosophy books, tarot cards, crystals, pendulums, calendars, wind chimes, incense, greeting cards, yoga accessories, meditation cushions, instructional and music CDs and DVDs, salt lamps, and 20 sections of books – including Spanish. The event space above the bookshop holds classes, workshops and book signings, and provides rooms for regular readers and practitioners.

Energy Healing

ANN KORONOWSKI

Cert. Soul Realignment Practitioner By online appointment/ Schenectady AnnEnergyHealer.com

Allow me to access your soul's divine blueprint through your Akashic Record to discover your true gifts and why your current patterns of choice may not be in alignment with your soul’s intentions. Learn actionable steps to create the life your soul intended. Other services, energy healer, psychic readings.

BILL ROBERT

Remote Lightworker

Based in Manhattan 770-990-9191

InmateHealing@gmail.com. Bill-Robert.com

Remote spiritual Lightwork offers emotional and creative healing, especially for artists. In-person sessions are available for returning clients near the West Village. See ad, page 25.

Health Food Store

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

8 Locations in Manhattan WholeFoodsMarket.com

Whole Foods Market is an Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products. We support local communities & agriculture, practice and advance environmental stewardship, support & rewards team member excellence, and encourage and educate on all aspects of healthy living. See ad, page 25.

Healthy Dining

CARAVAN OF DREAMS

405 E 6th St, NYC 212-254-1613

CaravanOfDreams.net

Caravan of Dreams is a vegan-organic restaurant in the East Village's heart. It is the oldest vegan restaurant in Manhattan, founded by Angel Moreno, a culinary leader and innovator, in 1991. Serving delicious appetizers, filling entrees, raw juices & smoothies, kosher wines, house-made cocktails, and much more, Caravan of Dreams is the perfect place to enjoy a healthy and filling meal in the city.

Holistic Dentistry

CARIODONTAL

A Place for Dental Wellness

Jonathan Richter DDS, FAGD Specializing in Periodontics and Implantology Periodontal Prosthesis, and Fixed Prosthodontics 525 West End Ave, Suite 1G, NYC 212-874-2880 • Cariodontal.com

We welcome you to come in for a comprehensive exam of teeth, gums, early detection, and oral health problems. We offer the following services: holistic dental care, mercuryfree dentistry, TMJ disorder and treatment, treatment for sleep disorders, Invisalign and orthodontics, dental implant, sleep apnea. Payment plans available. See ad, back cover.

GOLDEN DENTAL WELLNESS

444 Community Dr, Ste 204, Manhasset 516-627-8400

• GoldenSmile.com

A practice that cares for you like family. The philosophy of our dental wellness center is a whole-body approach working closely with your healthcare practitioners that you already have a relationship with. The practice incorporates the teaching of Huggins, IOAMT, and much more. See ad, page 2.

HOLISTIC DENTAL & WELLNESS CENTER

1692 Newbridge Rd. N. Bellmore, NY 516-221-7447

• Holisticdds.com

Offering a full range of dental services, treating adults and children with an integrative and systemic philosophy. Dr. Rizvi earned her DDS from NYU and completed residencies in general dentistry at both the Kings County Hospital Center and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. See ad, page 7.

INTEGRATIVE DENTAL SPECIALISTS

Long Island: 245 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY • 516-253-1800 Manhattan: 120 E. 56th St • 212-845-9740 drjeff@idsli.com IntegrativeDentalNY.com

Dr. Jeff created Integrative Dental Specialist to provide the best comprehensive dental care today. There is always an emphasis on biocompatible and holistic dentistry to create a natural and beautiful smile you can be proud of. Dr. Jeff has achieved a highly professional, relaxed, caring, and pain-free environment for his patients, with sedation dentistry available if required. See ads, pages 15 and 21.

NATURE’S DENTAL

50 Broadway, Greenlawn • NY 11740 631-316-1816 • NaturesDental.net

What is made by nature is always going to be better than what is artificially made. This is why at Nature’s Dental the conservation of your natural tooth structure—the Biomimetic approach to dentistry—is at the core of our minimally invasive practice philosophy.

Holistic Education

OMEGA INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC STUDIES

150 Lake Drive

Rhinebeck, NY 12572 800-944-1001 • eOmega.org

Open from May to October, we offer a wide variety of workshops and retreats, led by world-class teachers on our beautiful 250-acre campus, just 90 miles north of New York City. Can’t make it to Rhinebeck? Join us for a livestream.

Holistic Health Center

CLEANSING CONCEPTS

353 Lexington Ave, Ste 1603 Manhattan • 212-256-0032

269 East Main St, Ste F1 Smithtown, NY • 631-656-6313 825 East Gate Blvd, Garden City, NY • 516-640-5322 2 Bridge Ave, Ste 316, Red Bank, NJ • 732-741-2444

CleansingConceptsWorld.com

Our services include Colon Cleansing, Ionic Detox Foot Baths, BELD Lymphatic Drainage, Therapeutic Cupping, Infrared Sauna & Wellness Cocoon, FIT Body weight loss wraps, and Ear Candling. We also created our own line of digestive care products, including Detox Clay and Essential 4 Digestion Kit, that can be delivered right to your doorstep.

Marconics

MARCONICS

Robin Landau, Master Teacher 516-369-3653 robinjoylandau@gmail.com Marconics.com

Marconics is a full-spectrum multidimensional Ascension Energy Healing modality. Handed down by Spirit for the evolution of humanity, Marconics brings healing to the subtle and multidimensional body templates, harmonizing ego and Spirit and balancing the ascending physical, mental and emotional bodies. If you’re on a spiritual healing and evolution path or interested in becoming a Marconics practitioner, visit our website. See ad, page 13.

Natural Foods

ABRAHAM’S NATURAL FOODS

Networking HEALLIST.COM

Holistic practitioners use Heallist to create a free business page, add a menu of services, accept online bookings, process payments, and provide telehealing services. Join our first-of-its-kind network connecting healers across 100+ modalities, fostering personal connections and referrals.

Nutrition

OPTIMAL FRUITS & VEGGIE PLUS

939 Eighth Ave, Third Fl, Ste 307 New York, 646-320-8999 M4hf.com

Pyschotherapy

PRESENT CENTERED THERAPIES

provides personalized health care solutions for her patients. See ad, page 11.

POLLACK WELLNESS

66 Commack Rd, Commack NY 631-462-0801 • PollackWellness.com

Dr. David L Pollack specializes in functional nutrition which is the science of helping repair and restore the body naturally without the use of drugs and surgery. Many of his clients were frustrated with their past health care; conventional or holistic. Most seek help with their thyroid, weight loss, digestive disorders, hormone imbalances including infertility, menstrual & Low T. We accept those with or without diagnosis, complex and simple disorders. Most insurance policies accepted for many services. See ad, page 5.

Whole food supplements rich in phytonutrients are shown to support joint health, heart health, cognitive function, and overall vitality through natural antioxidant protection.

Michael Mongno, MFT, Ph.D, LP Upper West Side • 212-799-0001 drmongno@resentcenteredtherapies.com PresentCenteredTherapies.com

Michael Mongno MFT, Ph.D LP is a licensed psychoanalyst, marriage and family therapist, and holistic counselor based in Manhattan. Committed to creating a real difference in the world, his “Real change in real time” describes the dynamic, effective synthesis of personal growth and spiritual transformation

Skin Care

MASSAGE FOR HEALTH AND FITNESS

Nigel Hunt, LMT New York, 646-329-8999

M4hf.com

Ophthalmology

ENVISION HEALTH NYC

Rudrani Banik, M.D.

950 Fifth Avenue, NYC 646-820-2074

info@rudranibanikmd.com DrRaniBanik.com

Dr. Banik is a board-certified Ophthalmologist specializing in Integrative and Functional Medicine. She helps prevent vision loss from common conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes, and cataracts, naturally, without drugs or surgeries. A holistic approach using eye-smart nutrition, botanicals, supplements, and lifestyle choices.

Ozone Therapy

DR. HOWARD ROBINS

The Healing Center 200 W 57th St, Ste 807, NYC 212-581-0101

drhowardrobins@gmail.com OzoneDoctor.net

If you have a disease or condition that you haven’t been able to get rid of, Ozone Therapy will most likely be the answer, even for people that have suffered for years and have lost all hope. If you are questioning if your condition can be treated, call or email Dr. Robins today. See ads, pages 3 and 27.

Offers an Anti-Aging Face Lift Massage, blending acupressure and massage to rejuvenate skin, boost circulation, and reduce wrinkles naturally. (LMT license not listed)

Spiritual Center

ECKANKAR

The Path of Spiritual Freedom 212-221-1402 Eckankar-ny.org

4 West 43rd St. Ste 503, NY, NY 10036 Eckankar.org HearHU.org

Eckankar is an active, individual, creative spiritual practice. A road map for your journey home— to the heights of SelfDiscovery and God-Discovery, and beyond. The key to spiritual freedom lies within you. Come explore life as a Soul Adventure.

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