Natural Nutmeg May 2017

May/June 2017

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

The In’s and Out’s of Hormone Replacement Therapy Katelyn Zachau, DO Diagnosed with Lyme?

Support Your Immune System Holly J. Niles, MS, CNS, LDN Your Mouth has Gotten You into Trouble!

Mark A. Breiner, DDS

Enlightenment Bernie Siegel, MD Popover Bistro’s Powerplay: The Power Bowl Catherine McKenna Ribeiro What is Happening with My Hormones?

Jessica Wei, MD, FACOG

Natural Nutmeg Celebrates 10 Years! www.NaturalNutmeg.com

1

BREAK THROUGH TO YOU

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Juliette is not an ordinary Life Coach. She specializes in breaking through blocks: medical, emotional, business, and relationships. Her primary goal is to work with clients to shift and balance rapidly to the next level with tools that change their lives forever. To many she is their personal go-to strategist, confidante, and their modern-day Shaman.

With keen insight and heightened intuition she sees: your highest potential, other realms, and the energy snags pulling on you. With Juliette, there's less woo woo and more butt kicking, less blue skying and more earth work. Firmly grounded, Juliette shifts perceptions rapidly. She shatters illusions and in doing so, creates a heartcentered path for you to navigate in your daily life and in your business.

2

Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

The greatest thing to come to West Hartford since Noah Webster!

Presented by Maximum Beverage In collaboration with West Hartford Magazine and We-Ha.com and Eat IN Connecticut

Saturday, June 17

from 1-6 pm at Kingswood Oxford School. West Hartford Wine & Food Festival will boast over 25 wine tables featuring local, national, and world renowned brands.

As well as 25 of the areas top restaurants. 10 local craft breweries, 5 local craft distilleries, and 5 Connecticut wineries will showcase their unique products.

200 Fine Wines • 25 Top Restaurants Craft Beer • Spirits • Cigars

Music & Entertainment Free UBER Ride • Live Auction

Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman from JUSTIN Winery will host blind tasting competitions and Wine 101 tutorials. A raffle and silent auction with large format bottles, collectibles, and experiences donated by our sponsors, with all benefits going towards our beneficiaries.

Tickets are $149 and can be purchased online at westhartfordwineandfood.com Proceeds to benefit select West Hartford Independent Schools, including Kingswood Oxford, American School for the Deaf, Intensive Education Academy, Northwest Catholic, Renbrook School, Solomon Schechter Day School, St. Brigid-St. Augustine Partnership School and The Watkinson School.

LEAD WINE SPONSOR Wine Enthusiast’s 2015 Winery of the Year

SPONSORSHIP: Jill Fletcher (860) 966-2024 • BOWH@We-Ha.com

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Kristen Fritz, Wine & Food PR (646) 378-8086 • Kristen@EatIN-CT.com

EVENT INFO: Kevin Cowan, Event Coordinator (860) 882-4852 • kcowan@puretechholdings.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

3

In This Issue 13

A Divine Approach to Healing

In Every Issue 24

Your Mouth has Gotten You into Trouble!

26

16

Elegant Country Lodging and Delicious Fare at the Vermont Four Columns Inn Diane Hayden, PhD

18

30 33

Popover Bistro’s Powerplay: The Power Bowl

20

Living the LEAN Life Aimee Chandler, MS

Adrenal Dysfunction…

An American Epidemic Shannon Homkovics, ND

22

Subconscious Tools for Troubling Times

NUGGETS

12 FARMER'S MARKET SPOTLIGHT

What is Happening with My Hormones?

10BEST WINNERS

Jessica Wei, MD, FACOG

Stand Up Straight!! Your Body Posture is Giving You Clues Thomas Giammatteo, DC, PT, IMT,C, PhD & Nancy Ortolani, PT, IMT,C

Catherine McKenna Ribeiro

19

The In’s and Out’s of Hormone Replacement Therapy Katelyn Zachau, DO

Mark A. Breiner, DDS

8 THE BUZZ 10 NUTMEG

Holly J. Niles, MS, CNS, LDN

Robin Clare

15

Diagnosed with Lyme?

Support Your Immune System

34

SPOTLIGHT

38 HAPPENINGS

Can Lyme Disease Cause Food Allergies?

41 RESOURCES

Jessica Pizano

37

14 BUSINESS

42 BERNIE

The Future is Now… Anti-Aging Medicine in 2017 Henry C. Sobo, M.D.

Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BC

2017 Editorial Calendar July / August

1. Metabolic Exercise 2. Outdoor Adventure Special Focus: Farm to Table Dining

The In’s and Out’s of

September

1. Natural Therapies for Kids 2. Finding Your Passion with Life Coaching Special Focus: CT Spas and Natural Beauty Choices

October

Replacement Therapy

26 4

Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

1. Natural Treatments for Cancer 2. Epigenetics and Genetic Testing 3. Breaking Bad Habits Special Focus: Pet Health Special Focus: Farm to Table Dining

November / December

1. Stress Reduction and Sleep 2. Healthy Holiday Meal Planning Special Focus: Natural Gift Giving Guide

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Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe

378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT Mon - Sat 8am - 9pm / Sun 9am - 6pm 860.646.8178 • www.cthealthshop.com

UB offers a variety of health science programs at the graduate and professional level, with an emphasis in wellness and disease prevention, including:

human nutrition* acupuncture/tcm naturopathic medicine chiropractic physician assistant dental hygiene doctor of health sciences* * Online Option

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Become a part of the newest concept in holistic cross-specialty collaboration and expand your client base with amazing amenities:

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Acupuncture for pain relief We Can Help Treat - Arthritis - Bursitis - Chronic Back Pain - Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome - Headaches Migraines, Cluster & Tension

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5

PUBLISHER'SLETTER

I

recently heard two people talking about how much they loved their life and how grateful they were that everything seemed to be working out exactly as planned.

I listened as they both discussed their struggles in the beginning to get their businesses off the ground and how it often felt like a leap of faith. What was clear to me in listening to them was that they never wavered in knowing that they were on the right path, even when it appeared like things weren’t taking off. I left that evening happy to hear their stories, yet sad knowing that so many people either give up their dreams or have forgotten how to dream. I think it’s because we’ve lost our flow and without flow it’s near impossible to achieve your dreams.

What does getting in the flow mean? It means understanding coincidences and synchronicities that happen to you and utilizing them to make your life easier and more joyful. Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have such an easy life and everything seems to go their way? It's not through luck or chance. Everyone has the ability and power to live their life this way, it's just a matter of learning and applying the tools and techniques. Focus on the following and see what happens in your life.

1. Be Open: to new opportunities, new experiences, new friends. Remember that a gift may not always come in the package you expect. You may not think you have room in your life for a new friend or acquaintance, but he or she may be the person that leads you to the new career or relationship you're looking for.

2. Be Still: at least once a day if only for a few minutes. It is in this time that you may hear the answer to your question or find the solution to your problem. This is difficult in our fast-paced world and finding time for yourself may seem selfish if you have a busy family, but if you don't take time to care for yourself how can you take care of others?

3. Be Passionate: about something in your life. So many people have lost their passion and trudge through life day after day. Find one thing you love to do each week and do it! Watch how the rest of your life and the lives around you improve when you are doing something you truly enjoy.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, Natural Nutmeg is focusing on all things relating to the women in our lives. Bring your mom, sister or BFF to the 1st Annual Food & Wine Festival on Saturday, June 17th in West Hartford, or take her on a weekend getaway to the amazing Four Columns Inn! Check out the fantastic offerings we have in this issue – everything from spas to life coaching to healthy eating! Pictured above is me and my beautiful mom at the Madison Beach Hotel last summer.

O

ur mission is to provide valuable insight, information and resources that will allow our readers to maintain a healthy, active, sustainable lifestyle. Natural Nutmeg contains timely information on natural health, complementary and alternative medicine, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

PUBLISHER Dr. Diane Hayden Diane@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com FAIRFIELD COUNTY MARKETING DIRECTOR Alicia Blair Alicia@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com SOCIAL MEDIA Erica Morawski & Alexa Morawski ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

Debra Gibson, ND Lauren Young, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N

In Health and Happiness,

Natural Nutmeg Wants You! We are seeking a positive, enthusiastic, highly professional, goal-oriented sales representative in Hartford County, CT. The candidate will be responsible for networking, generating leads and consultative sales in the healthcare, hospitality, restaurant and retail industries.

Candidate should be able to work both independently and on a collaborative team, and be self-motivated. Opportunities to develop marketing strategies and promotions.

If you have a willingness to actively contribute to a team environment and a passion for sales, please send your cover letter and resume to

Dr. Diane Hayden at diane@naturalnutmeg.com 6

Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg.

FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

Natural Nutmeg Magazine naturalnutmeg.com

In keeping with our concern for the environment, Natural Nutmeg is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy based inks.

Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut. Please call for a location near you. (860) 508-0894 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com. © 2007-17 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved.

Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that permission be obtained in writing. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the ar ticles and adver tisements, nor are we responsible for the products and ser vices adver tised. We welcome your feedback.

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Lightworkers Unite to Play!

7pm Saturday, May 20

Dream. Plan. Invest. Live.

On a mission to shine light into the darkness? Come, plugin and recharge! Let your heart take you out for a night of lighthearted fun. Let’s celebrate the great awakening of pro-active energies! We’ll dance, sing, laugh, play, and get closer to our intentions with a fun speed-networking game! $22 until 5/18 - OR - $30 at door

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THE BUZZ May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month

O

ne in seven women meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis within the first year postpartum and many of those women experienced emotional complications before their baby arrived. This is the most common complication of childbirth and resources are scarce, many providers are uninformed, and women are left isolated.

Many women come to me feeling as though they have lost themselves. They recognize their former self and they acknowledge they expected to feel a certain way about their baby, but suddenly they have no idea who they are or how they got here. Some moms harbor guilt or shame about their ambivalence regarding motherhood; they may not feel connected to their baby from day one.

Knowing that this experience has happened to other moms and that they can grow and develop love for their child while redefining themselves is a process that requires time and support.

Motherhood is tough. Sometimes the challenges women [and men!] face are beyond ‘normal’ and it’s okay to get support. Feeling tearful, sad, angry, disconnected from your partner and/or baby, having scary thoughts or intense worries, or feeling numb are all signs that something is not quite right. In my counseling practice we work on enlisting the support of others, supporting mom’s sleep hygiene and getting her rest, supporting her nutritionally and integrating helpful supplements where appropriate. If mom is still not feeling like herself or having symptoms, we can explore chiropractic care, breastfeeding support, naturopathic treatments and holistically-minded psychiatric providers. It takes a village to raise a child, and a village to nurture a mom, too. You deserve it.

Catharine McDonald, MS, NCC, LPC is a licensed professional counselor and owner of Growing Well Counseling. She specializes in motherhood transitions, perinatal emotional complications and wellness. Her private practice is located at 131 New London Turnpike, Suite 323 in Glastonbury, CT and insurances are accepted.

For a free consultation please call (860) 837-0204, or visit www. growingwellcounseling.com for more information.

Wolfspirit Acupuncture Ancient Healing with a Modern Approach

New Office Opens May 1st!

Experience our new Community Acupuncture Program $30-$40 per Session Private Treatment, Tuina and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, and Massage also Available

Call 860.430.9653 78 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury, Connecticut

www.wolfspiritacupuncture.com

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Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

The Life Center of Connecticut Welcomes Dr. Shannon Homkovics

D

r. Homkovics received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. Upon graduating with this degree, she demonstrated her passion for her career by writing a 50page thesis on how naturopathic medicine can help treat almost any disease or imbalance seen in the clinical setting today. Dr. Homkovics has a focus on women's health care. She identifies and addresses any underlying hormonal imbalances that might contribute to an array of ailments including irregular menstruation and painful menstruation, PMS, infertility, and menopause as well as the accompanying fatigue, migraines, insomnia, weight gain, and acne. Her tools include diet and nutrition, nutritional supplements, botanical medicine, acupuncture, counseling, hydrotherapy, homeopathy and lifestyle changes. Outside of work, Dr. Homkovics is a proud mother who enjoys living a holistic lifestyle and conducting research on the latest health trends. Her favorite activities are Bikram yoga, CrossFit, and hiking. On Instagram she is known as “The Modern Doctor,” where she shares health tips and inspirational posts.

Please call (203) 239 3400 to schedule your visit. She is now accepting new patients at our North Haven and West Hartford locations. See ad on page 31.

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Considering Yoga Teacher Training?

I

signed up for my first yoga teacher training wanting more.

More mastery of my body, peace of mind and most of all, more understanding for why I loved my yoga classes so very much.

Yoga Teacher Trainings (YTT) begin to break it all down. They are laboratories for the body and playgrounds for the mind. Formats and styles vary, but to be accredited for 200-hour YTT certification curricula must include: teaching methodology, physiology and anatomy, philosophy, ethics, and practicums. Trainings range from month-long immersions in exotic locales or renowned yoga centers to multi-weekend formats at local studios. I was lucky enough to secure a spot in a Fairfield, CT training at Yoga for Everybody.

Over the span of one year our multi-aged and experienced sangha (group) met monthly, for very full weekends with our lead teachers and guest experts. The format was ideal for my life/yoga balance.

An unexpected benefit was my nearby classmates; we studied and practiced together, and we supported each other. Along with the curriculum there is deep self-study; most students emerge knowing themselves better and sharing that growth on the mat.

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I

The next Meet-Ups will be held Tuesday, May 2 and Tuesday, June 6, from 6:30-8:30 PM. The night is co-sponsored by Ortho Molecular Products. Doors open for food and conversation at 6:30 PM, Condensed webinar: 7:15-7:45, Networking, feedback, discussion of future guest lectures: 7:45-8:30.

Held at IMT Wellness Center, 12 N. Main St. Ste. 30, West Hartford, CT. RSVP to 860-243-5220, info@imtwellnesscenter.com or just come. See ad on page 35.

 860.430.9801

DONʼT LET FEAR KEEP YOU FROM BETTER HEALTH...

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Marcy Shinbaum is the Yoga Advisor at Yoga for Everybody in Fairfield, CT. Yoga for Everybody offers a wide variety of classes, workshops, trainings, and immersions. To reach Marcy and Yoga for Everybody: info@yoga4everybody.net or 203.254.YOGA. See ad on page 13.

MT Wellness Center is excited to announce that they are hosting a Functional Forum Meet-Up group the first Tuesday of every month. These Meet-Ups foster community and learning while watching and discussing the Functional Forum Webinar.

Each month’s topic is different: this years’ episodes have already included, “The Evolution of Oncology,” The Evolution of Cardiology,” and “The Evolution of Environmental Medicine.” They are open to anyone. The Functional Forum is the world’s largest integrative medicine conference. On the first Monday of every month, this new concept in practitioner education, “medutainment”, brings together the latest health news, functional medicine research, practice development and health technology in an upbeat, entertaining way. www.FunctionalForum.com

healing

99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury

Since my YTT training, I have taught yoga to children and adults, enhanced my training with teacher workshops, and now offer community outreach at the very studio where I trained. Like ripples on the water, there are lifetimes of wisdom to glean through the study of yoga; I am so grateful my YTT allowed me to dip my toe into the waves.

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9

Nutmeg “Nuggets” Back Pain Relief with Acupuncture

M

ost everyone has times of stress, and the majority of people who are overwhelmed by it will tell you that the physical manifestations are tightness, muscle knots, and pain in their neck and upper back. Back pain limits range of motion and complicates daily activities, and is one of the top reasons people seek medical treatment and acupuncture. In addition to stress, some of the top causes of back pain are sprains which can occur when one or more of the ligaments in the back is overstretched, and strains which happen when sudden force rips or tears a muscle. This can be caused by an injury, poor posture, or improper lifting.

Acupuncture is effective for acute and chronic back pain. Some back pain is accompanied by tingling and burning, and acupuncture treatments work wonderfully for those conditions as well.

Other sources of back pain can come from a herniated disc, which is a disc that bulges out from its place between two vertebrae, and sciatica. Sciatica, (sciatic neuritis) is the result of the compression of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. It produces pain and/or numbness in the lower back, the glutes, and even down the entire length of the leg. Treatment options vary depending on the specifics of the case. In most cases, relieving the pressure on the sciatic nerve can be achieved without undergoing surgery.

In many cases, acupuncture has worked for patients whose conditions did not respond to conventional approaches. When longstanding pain or injuries are the cause, then more treatments will be needed. Acupuncture helps to reduce the residual effects that linger, sometimes for years. Treatment points vary based on careful consideration of a person’s history and symptoms. We look at your whole health history, sports traumas, falls, bumps and bruises, as well as all other illnesses. Acupuncture not only relieves back pain, but stress as well, and has a relaxing effect on many people.

Some even fall asleep during the treatment. Best of all, most people experience great results.

Ingri Boe-Wiegaard has been a licensed and fully-insured acupuncturist serving Fairfield, Wilton, and Bethel, CT for over 35 years.

See ad on page 20.

One Doctor’s Approach to Better Medicine

P

hysiology before pharmacology.” I made this my motto over a decade ago, in 2003, to explain how I routinely help patients heal from chronic illness. Just to be clear, I do not reject pharmacology. On the contrary; I am grateful to have as many tools as possible in my toolkit. I will use whatever tools best suits.

I simply believe that before using medications, as a physician, I have a job to do; I must carefully consider the underlying causes of each person’s illness.

Functional Medicine taught me to consider your health story as a timeline; looking at this big picture, I look for connections and patterns. And I also look at the small picture, at your molecules, to assess your unique biochemistry. Some of the questions I ask: Are the basic nutrients you need to support your unique physiology all optimally present? Are there harmful or risky molecules that need to be mitigated or removed?

Each of our cells has work to do and they need specific molecules to do that work. The basic raw materials that our cells require to do their job are mostly nutrients from our diet. Nutrition is simply foundational to how we function, to how cells function, to our physiology. Nutrition fuels the reactions of every cell so that we can live, grow and heal, imagine, create, love, and serve.

We can continue to function with poor nutrition but we cannot thrive. We deplete our reserves and our resilience decreases, not to mention our muscle mass and bone mass. Suboptimal nutrition makes us age faster.

There are certainly other necessary components to healing and vitality; movement, connection, sleep and much more. But everything works better when every single cell we have, has access to all the raw materials it needs, to do the best job it can.

Functional Medicine is 21st Century Medicine. Personalized, proactive, empowering; it helps people reframe their health story, addressing the underlying causes of their chronic symptoms. Along with the intelligent use of cutting edge laboratory studies to guide you along the way, a doctor and a patient, working together, can co- create an effective, specific plan to correct and prevent the real causes of chronic health problems.

Tamara Sachs, MD was trained in Internal Medicine at Mt Sinai Medical School and Yale. In 2003, she opened her clinic, Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC in New Milford CT. More information is available at www.tsachsmd.com. See ad on page 27.

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Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

THE BUZZ Healers, Leaders and Educators ...and all seekers of empowerment

T

he Graduate Institute’s mission is to provide transformative education based on an integrative and holistic perspective specifically designed to enable students to reach their full potential in both their professional and personal lives.

The faculty is comprised of world class scholars who are leading experts in the fields of Integrative Medicine, Consciousness Studies, Organizational Leadership, Ecotherapy, Learning and Thinking, Positive Psychology, Writing and Oral Traditions; to name a few.

Meet the Masters!

Dr. Henry Grayson: An expert of the mind/body/spirit psychology: He received his Ph.D. in psychology from Boston University and a 4-year post-doctoral certificate in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis from the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health. He has studied neuropsychology, most of the major psychotherapies, the new power therapies (EFT, EMDR, etc.), quantum physics and Eastern and Western spiritual philosophies.

Joan Palmer, M.S. in Human Nutrition, Founder and Director of The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition. Joan teaches the health benefits of using real food, lifestyle, environment, herbs, and attitude to find the path back to health.

Writing and the Oral Tradition • Learning how stories influence the way we think, feel, act and behave • Exploring the creative process and their own creativity • Understanding the power and application of narrative storytelling • Being part of a motivated and close-knit learning community • Melding self-directed learning with invigorating classroom learning • Publishing or otherwise bringing their stories to life Throughout the program, you'll be encouraged to develop your own individual writing voice and style, as well as consider the impact a narrative can have on both author and audience. For all projects, you'll be mentored through each stage of the oftenchallenging creation and revision process. Those who desire will also be given the opportunity to publish completed work through The Undisciplined Press, TGI's e-publishing imprint for students, faculty and alumni.

Integrative Health & Healing This program offers a unique and extraordinary opportunity to study the best of Eastern and Western medicine and psychology in a hands-on, interactive learning environment, providing not only up to date scientific knowledge but also experience and practice of many diagnostic and healing techniques focused to treat the whole person. This enables students to design and apply personalized models of health, wellness and (eventually) healing. The curriculum includes Meditation and Stress Management, Homeopathy, Nutrition, Sound and Art Therapies, Breath Work Therapy, Naturopathic, Chinese, Ayurveda and Energy Medicine.

To learn about The Graduate Institute’s other programs, visit their website: Learn.edu or call 203-874-4252. See ad on page 23.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Farmer's Market Spotlight

Visit These Great Farmer's Markets in CT!

Bridgeport - Black Rock (FMNP, SFMNP, SNAP, WIC) Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm June 10 - Oct 7 Field at 481 Brewster Street blackrockfarmersmarket.com

Newtown (FMNP) Tuesdays, 2 pm - 6 pm June - October Fairfield Hills Campus at Wasserman Way

Brookfield Saturdays, May - October 7:30am - 12pm 2000 North Calhoun Road brookfieldfarmersmarket.com

Old Greenwich Opening Wed. May 31st 2:30 - 6 PM (through end of October) 2 - 5 PM (In November) 38 West End Avenue oldgreenwichfarmersmarket.com

Fairfield - Greenfield Hills May 20th - October 2017 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m 65 Hillside Road between Hillside and Bronson Roads.

Greenwich (FMNP) Saturdays, 9:30 am – 1 pm May 20th - Thanksgiving Commuter lot off I-95 exit 3, Arch St. & Horseneck Lane greenwichfarmersmarketct.com Hartford Farmers Markets hartfordfarmersmarkets.org Litchfield Hills Saturdays June 17– October 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Center School Parking Lot Woodruff Lane, Litchfield, CT litchfieldfarmersmarket.org Monroe (FMNP) June 23–October 27, 2017 each Friday from 3:00pm–6:00pm.

Monroe Town Green, Corner of Fan Hill Road & Rte. 111 monroefarmersmarket.org New Canaan (FMNP) Saturdays, 10 am – 2 pm Saturday April 22, 2017 through December 10:00am to 2:00pm Old Center School Parking lot South Ave & Maple Street newcanaanfarmersmarket.net

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Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

Shelton (FMNP, SNAP) Saturdays, 9 am – 1 pm June - October The Farmers Market Building at the River Walk,100 Canal Street sheltonctfarmersmarket.com South Windsor Saturday 10am to 1pm June 17 thru Oct Green at the South Windsor Community Center, 150 Nevers Rd. Stamford Downtown Market (FMNP) Saturdays, June 17-October 28 9am-3pm Prospect Street at Latham Park Corner of Bedford & Forest Street Stratford (SFMNP, WIC) Monday from 2 - 6 p.m.

June 19th - October Paradise Green, Main Street Trumbull (FMNP) Thursdays 3:30 - 6:30 pm May 18 - Oct 12 1773 Huntington Turnpike niatrumbull.org/farmer-s-market Westport Thursdays, 10 am – 2 pm May 18th - November 50 Imperial Avenue, Municipal Parking Lot westportfarmersmarket.com

10BEST WINNERS Congratulations to our 10Best Winners of our reader’s choice survey on the best Natural Products and Farms & Farmer's Markets!

10Best Natural Products 1. Vasu Tribe Hartford 2. Organika Kitchen Southport 3. By the Way Bakery Greenwich 4. Organachs Farm to Skin Westport 5. Shayna B's and the Pickle Ashford 6. HoneyBee Herbal Glastonbury 7. Bridge Tofu 8. Free & Co Kitchen Wilton 9. Green & Tonic Fairfield County 10. Heirloom Kitchen Canton

10Best Farms/Markets 1. Black Rock Farmers Market Bridgeport 2. Collinsville Farmers Market 3. SubEdge Farm Farmington 4. New Canaan Farmers Market 5. Wild Carrot Farm Bantam 6. Flamig Farm Simsbury 7. Coventry Farmers Market 8. Wallingford Farmers Market 9. Rosedale Farm Simsbury 10. Litchfield Hills Farm Fresh Market

Next Issue’s 10Best: Farm to Table Restaurants, Wineries & Breweries

A Divine Approach to Healing

By Robin Clare oes this sound like you? At times, it seems as if you’re totally getting the spiritual journey and your life is flowing in a beautiful manner...but at other times your spiritual journey can be the most frustrating or painful experience one may imagine. Why is this amazing experience so painfully good? Let’s break it down:

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The spiritual journey requires that you recognize that you are - first and foremost - a spiritual being having a human being experience. This recognition brings forth three sets of learnings: 1. The first set of learnings revolves around you being a human being with all the challenges associated with illness, injury, addiction, aging, making a living and being a part of a family and society.

2. The second set of learnings revolves around you being a spiritual being with all the challenges centered around living an examined life; healing the traumas of your past, living squarely in the present moment and being dedicated to your spirituallyinspired future.

3. The third set of learnings revolves around you becoming an integrated being and its challenges with becoming deeply connected and committed to your own spiritual identity while serving self and others.

Once you reveal your spiritual identity, it’s likely you will want to fulfill your life’s purpose - or in other words your spiritual destiny. This process of fulfilling your Soul’s destiny requires you to live an examined life.

In your examined life, you will dig deep into every layer of your being to find the gifts within any impossible situation. By truly comprehending these gifts, you may achieve a calming, spiritual healing of your seemingly impossible situation.

This spiritual healing will act as a catalyst to bring you one step closer to your

spiritual destiny - your ultimate reward for committing to your journey. The following system of familiar beliefs - when regarded with proper intention and action - can usher-in your highest level of spiritual healing: 1. Pain is Inevitable: This has been attributed to many spiritual teachers over the course of time. It makes sense when you consider that you are comprised of mind, body, spirit and emotion. Life will certainly provide you with many opportunities to experience pain, and the inevitable following question is - If you’re in pain, do you always have to suffer?

2. Suffering is Optional: Regardless of what type of pain you are in, you always have the option to suffer if you wish to do so.

Doesn’t it seem that pain and suffering typically go hand in hand? In fact, many think of the words pain and suffering as one phrase. If you knew that you could simply turn over the pain to the Divine, would you continue to suffer?

3. Surrender Requires Action: Surrender typically happens when you have frankly had enough of any situation. You throw your hands up, look up at the sky or “go inside” and say to the Divine, “I am done with _________, you take this!” You can fill in that blank with any health situation, a relationship problem, an addiction, a work issue – certainly lots of choices for us humans. Ask yourself: Are you truly ready to let go of your problem and are you feeling worthy of receiving grace or Divine support?

for stepping out or not being present in our hectic world. The Art of Allowing by Abraham Hicks suggests that trusting, being patient and having faith that what you want to manifest, create and experience can and will show up in your life. Are you ready to receive grace for your impossible situation?

Living a life in alignment with Divine energies will enable you to feel connected, peaceful, joyful and abundant - yet it also requires a deep commitment to your spiritual journey. In my own journey, I have been guided by spiritual mentors who have led me to places of Divine healing and knowing. I have been a pathfinder for many – so please reach out to me and we can explore together if I may be of service to you as well, to help you reach your spiritual destiny.

Robin Clare is a channel for the Ascended Masters, an advanced Akashic Records Reader and a highly regarded spiritual teacher and community leader. She is the author of Messiah Within and the Amazon Best Selling spiritual book, The Divine Keys. Robin has answered questions for hundreds of clients on how to be successful in any aspect of their life. By understanding your purpose, your success blockers and how to optimize your relationships, you will find greater happiness in your life. A Clare-ity Akashic Records session connects you to the most loving guidance available for your life. To learn more about Robin, please go to www. clare-ity.com or call 860-232-3331. Please mention Natural Nutmeg to receive $50 off your first session with Robin.

See ad on page 14.

4. Grace Must Be Allowed: For grace to be received in your life, you need to be ready to give up your suffering and you need to feel worthy of receiving grace. Suffering can be addictive because it often gets you much-needed attention or, may give you an excuse www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Business Spotlight Dr. Lauren Young, owner of CT Natural Health Specialists

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his business spotlight is our 4th in a series recognizing local holistic practitioners and businesses that are celebrating 10 years in 2017. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Lauren Young, owner of CT Natural Health Specialists to discuss her inspiration and success.

DH: What has been your biggest success and your biggest challenge in owning a business for 10 years?

LY: There was a pretty steep learning curve for a lot of this. Being a younger field, there aren't many mentors to help you navigate the waters of billing insurance, medical records, staffing and logistics of an office. It was a bumpy road for a while until I found my balance and my team. My biggest success has been bridging the relationship between conventional and natural/functional medicine. I am clinical faculty with the University of New England School of Medicine; I have given many lectures and grand rounds at Manchester hospital and work closely with many doctors in the area. The addition of primary care physicians to our practice continues to speak to the increasing acceptance of natural medicine in the medical community.

DH: What plans do you have for the future?

LY: We are renaming the business this year, actually this month, to Collaborative Natural Health Partners, LLC. Our old name didn't encompass everything we are doing and where we are going. Having a team of collaborative physicians, partnering together and with the patient for their care really is a new Review Your Past, Define Your Present and Create Your Future

ROBIN CLARE, SPIRITUAL MESSENGER

Discover how to live a more joyful, peaceful, loving and abundant life by connecting to the infinite wisdom of your Soul.

Natural Nutmeg Readers $50 off your first Akashic Records session! (one time offer)

Contact Robin at 860.232.3331 or info@clare-ity.com to book your session.

Visit clare-ity.com and facebook.com/ClareityWithRobin/

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Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

level of medicine. We review cases daily together, bringing in expertise in different modalities like craniosacral, osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture and bowen with all the doctors having experience and expertise in different areas of medicine: infectious disease, hormones, autoimmune, pediatrics and oncology. I love how much bigger this practice has become than me.

Our new office space will be finished this spring and is going to include a teaching space--with a small kitchen--for cooking classes, nutrition, book clubs, lectures, soap making classes and more. My goal is to support a community of wellness and not only offer free lectures to the community but also highlight all the gifted practitioners and resources we have in the Greater Manchester area. If you can't make it out to our office, we will be putting many lectures on the internet!

DH: What are you most proud of that you've accomplished in the last 10 years?

LY: By far, my greatest pride comes from my colleagues and teammates in my office. We pull together and share a vision of excellence in care and treating the whole person. Finding all these amazing people and pulling together as a team has been part luck, part persistence and part faith. All of my team cares about every patient that walks through that door. We have long days and have had times where we were short staffed, but we smile, support each other and roll up our sleeves to get things done. Just a few years ago, I only had myself for clinical questions, insurance claims and the rest of it. Patients really benefit from this team and their drive to make this practice and its patients the best possible. I would like to personally thank my naturopathic doctors: Dr. Ashley Burkman, Dr. Kaley Burns, Dr. Nick Edgerton, Dr. Craig Fasullo, Dr. Tonya Pasternak; my primary care osteopathic doctors: Dr. Kate Zachau and Dr. AJ Eckert; my nutritionist: Evelyn Dedominicis; as well as my office team: Debbie Lahaie, Valerie Morelli, Sally Wetmore, Chris Burroughs, Carol Albert, Sam Bolduc, Jessica Weskosky and Julia Jenkins. Each of these individuals have elevated the practice and I feel so grateful to know them. "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."- Aristotle Interview by Dr. Diane Hayden.

Dr. Lauren Young is a licensed naturopathic physician and has a family practice in Manchester. She uses her expertise in nutrition, botanical medicine and functional medicine along with conventional diagnostic skills and laboratory tests to offer individualized treatments for patients of all ages. Dr. Young specializes in autoimmune, GI and endocrine conditions as well as oncology and immunology. Dr. Young is a board member for the state Naturopathic board, as well as an active member of the National and state association and the Oncology Naturopathic Association. In her spare time, Dr. Young enjoys being a mother and wife, gardening, yoga and raising backyard chickens. She is very passionate about rescue animals and patient advocacy. Visit www.ctnaturalhealth.com.

See ad on page 28.

it is so important to look at a sample of your plaque under a microscope to determine if you have good or bad bugs. You may have gums that look healthy, but a bad slide indicates another type of hidden infection.

Your Mouth has Gotten You into Trouble!

By Mark A. Breiner, DDS

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any of my patients come in with a myriad of health problems, dental concerns and an extensive history of dental procedures. People are not aware that problems in the mouth are responsible for many of our health problems. In fact, several holistic MD’s that spoke at a recent conference I attended refer 70- 80% of their patients to a knowledgeable, experienced, holistic dentist because they cannot substantially help their patients until the dental issues are addressed.

Dental Concerns There are several major dental issues that have a direct effect on one’s health: 1. Silver Fillings. The so-called “silver” fillings are about 50% mercury. The mercury comes off the fillings as a vapor and can penetrate one’s cells. Anything that stimulates the fillings such as brushing or chewing will substantially increase the amount of mercury vapor coming off the fillings. There is no safe level of mercury in the body. Yes, it is a small amount that comes out, but it is cumulative. The more fillings you have, the more mercury you have in your brain. Mercury also crosses the placental barrier and into the developing fetus, and accumulates in the mother’s milk. The perils of mercury go on and on. Caveat – mercury is dangerous and safe removal of mercury fillings requires knowledge in what to do before, during, and after their replacement.

2. Root Canals. Root-canaled teeth are dead teeth and they give off potent toxins. If the immune system cannot quarantine the toxins, research shows that they can cause many diseases including heart disease, stroke, arthritis and much more. In fact, one study showed the DNA of pathogens typical for root canals and for periodontal infection were present in the blood clots of patients with acute myocardial infarction.

3. Hidden Dental Infections. Teeth that are dead and asymptomatic can go undetected without a thorough screening. These teeth can be even more toxic than root-canaled teeth.

4. Periodontal Disease. Today it is well documented that if you have periodontal disease, you have a higher chance of having a heart problem, stroke, pre-mature birth and more. This is why

5. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD). The temporomandibular joint is the joint in front of your ear. If the relationship of your upper jaw to your lower jaw is not correct, it can cause TMD. TMD can cause headaches, migraines, dizziness, neck and back aches, among other things. When one’s dental arches are narrow and the tongue is too large for the space, this often will lead to snoring and sleep apnea, with all its attendant health problems. An abnormal bite in children has been associated with sensory issues, ADD, poor sleep, fatigue and more.

6. Energetic Interferences. Every tooth and its surrounding structures are on an acupuncture meridian and relate to specific organs, vertebrae, and muscle groups. An unhealthy or root-canaled tooth can interfere with the energy flow along the meridian and can affect those associated organs and tissues. However, it is a two-way street and sometimes tooth pain is being caused by an organ problem. It is important to know this relationship because sometimes root canals are done unnecessarily.

7. Electrical Interferences. When dissimilar metals are placed in a salt water solution, like saliva, a current is generated. Mercury fillings and other metals in the mouth sometimes generate enough current to interfere with your meridians.

8. Sleep Apnea. Many cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed.

Research shows that sleep apnea is associated with many health problems such as stroke, heart disease, fatigue, high blood pressure and more. Often the underlying issue is dental, with the tongue not having enough room within the oral cavity thus causing impingement of the airway. Some of the indicators are crowded teeth, narrow dental arches, tongue-tied, TMD and a retruded chin.

9. Esthetics. If one is not happy with their smile, this can have a psychological effect on one’s self image. Low self esteem and not wanting to smile has a negative effect on one’s health.

Good oral health is so vital to good general health that I coined the term “Whole-Body Dentistry®”. It is impossible to have one without the other.

Mark A. Breiner, DDS, is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of biological and holistic dentistry. He is a health visionary with over 30 years of experience in helping patients find solutions to baffling, unresolved health problems—even those that are seemingly unrelated to dentistry. Dr. Breiner is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a past-president and Fellow of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. He is the author of Whole-Body Dentistry®: A Complete Guide to Understanding the Impact of Dentistry on Total Health. Dr. Breiner practices dentistry in Fairfield, Connecticut.

For further information visit www.wholebodydentistry.com. Or call 203.371.0300 ext.1. See ad on page 32.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Farm to Table Focus

Elegant Country Lodging and Delicious Fare at the Vermont Four Columns Inn

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uintessential New England…old homesteads, and white-steepled churches nestled amidst the village green with fir trees still covered in snow.

This is the quaint and peaceful scene you’ll stumble across as you drive into Newfane, VT to the elegant yet timeless Four Columns. I was so excited to visit the Inn and the legendary Artisan Restaurant Tavern and Garden as I am a huge fan of its sister properties, the Delamar Greenwich Harbor and Delamar Southport Hotels and soon to open, West Hartford! And as expected, The Four Columns did not disappoint.

A beautiful, tumbled Carrera marble walkway leads you up to the cottage that houses a cozy sitting room with crackling fireplace, Artisan Restaurant and an oldtime tavern, where you’re greeted by the friendly and welcoming staff. The foyer itself is a tribute to the Inn’s past as a 1960’s boutique property and proudly displays a mural of Newfane, and a side collaged caricature titled, “they Slept here”—with visages of Mick Jagger, Queen Latifah, Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, John Kenneth Galbraith, Henry Kissinger, Paul Newman and Sting. I’m sure at least one of them stayed in the room we had!

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Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

All sixteen rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed, many with oversized bathrooms, soaking tubs and fireplaces with views of the woods, which are ripe for hiking. Each one is an oasis of tranquility and luxury. Our room was simply amazing – aptly named Windham with a View – and what a view it was. Floor to ceiling windows as wide as they were tall overlooked the town green. Reclaimed wood beams framed the room and skylights allowed ample light to filter in above the luxurious and unbelievably comfortable king-size bed. Oh – and the shower – big enough to hold a party in – had dual showerheads and a gorgeous river rock floor. And if you need to really relax, The Four Columns has a pool and Wellness Center offering spa treatments, a private steam bath, shower and small gym.

One of the most unique and beautiful things I noticed about the rooms and Inn was the extensive art collection curated by Diane Birdsall of Old Lyme, CT. Comprised primarily of works from local New England artists, all the guest rooms featured unique and original works.

But let’s get to the food! Artisan Restaurant, Tavern, and Garden is overseen by its Connecticut chef Frederic Kieffer, with local talent to execute his vision.

Artisan, the team likes to say, celebrates the abundance of agriculture and food craftspeople of Vermont.

Artisan Restaurant is a delicious marriage of French Country and American Tavern, and far from your ordinary farm-

to-table fare. In fact, the Four Columns was the first “true” Farm-to-Table restaurant in the United States, preceding the legendary Alice Waters by four years. The pond was stocked with trout, the garden with vegetables and herbs, chickens and pigs were raised onsite and game birds were sourced from local hunters. You can’t get more local than that! Today, much is still locally sourced, from the coffee, scones, and jam at breakfast, to the eggs from their own hens, and the venison sliders and many entrees at dinner.

We were lucky enough to be visiting during Maple season – so we were in for a real treat! Maple pancakes, maple bourbon drinks, maple glazed scallops, maple bacon, maple confections and more – you really can’t get enough of that amazing Vermont maple syrup!

Dinner was a delectable 3-course meal and we enjoyed one of the most tender grilled Mediterranean Octopus appetizers I’ve ever had with hummus, arugula, and red pepper vinaigrette; and the Maple Pork Belly which was crispy and tender on a bed of endive. For entrees, we had the Hanger Steak cooked to perfection with sweet-sour shallot sauce, petite watercress horseradish cream and truffle-country fries; and the Maple Glazed scallops and prosciutto with delicious baby carrots.

You can’t leave without having dessert, so

we tried the Caramel & Sea Salt Cheesecake; and the Molten Chocolate Cake with Tahitian vanilla gelato and amarena cherry marmalade. To die for!! You don’t want to miss their brunch either – which was also especially delicious and offered many options including omelettes made with eggs from their own chickens and yummy pancakes with - of course – local maple syrup.

find you won’t want to miss, with an open kitchen concept and wonderful farm-totable dining. We had a pan-seared chicken that was outstanding. Vermont produces 40 percent of the country’s maple syrup, and your visit must include a stop at one of the state’s many sugarhouses featuring a variety of maple products you will absolutely want to take home.

When you feel like exploring, head to a distillery, microbrewery or winery.

Saxtons River Distillery in Brattleboro takes one of Vermont’s greatest exports, maple syrup, and turns it into flavorful liqueur and spirits. And they have a fantastic coffee liquor, Perc, that I was able to try in an espresso martini at Duo Restaurant right down the road. Duo was another surprising

Staying at the Four Columns is like visiting your long lost family; you feel welcome the moment you walk through the door. If you’ve come to relax and unwind, this is the place to do it.

Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden. For more information, visit www.fourcolumnsvt.com or call 802.365.7713.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Popover Bistro’s Powerplay: The Power Bowl

By Catherine McKenna Ribeiro

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he “Power Bowl” is quickly becoming the Holy Grail of health food.

For those unfamiliar with this rising food star - also known as the “Buddha Bowl,” “Happy Bowl” and “Glory Bowl” - it is a carefully-crafted, Instagram-worthy, bowlful of the perfectly, balanced meal.

With an even mix of vegetables and grains that is topped-off with proteins and a dash of saucy seasoning, it has gained a cultfollowing from those seeking a satisfying and scrumptious meal that packs a powerful nutrient punch. And, now, Simsbury’s popular bistro hotspot - Popover Bistro & Bakery – is rolling out their own versions in a new menu with bowls they are coining as “Popover Power Bowls” with names like The Acai Power Bowl, The Buddha Bowl, an Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, and many more, filled with healthy ingredients that are sure to keep you going all day long.

As the namesake indicates, Popover Bistro & Bakery on Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury specializes in creating delectable, freshly-baked popovers which can be served alone or loaded with scrambled eggs and farm-fresh ingredients. Started in the summer of 2014 Popover was created to fill a growing need in the community for natural food that tasted good while also being good for you. Honing in on the rising rates of food-allergies and food sensitivities, Popover works to source local, healthy, organic ingredients whenever possible, in an effort to create delicious, healthy food that can be consumed by all. They also labor to ensure that those choices don’t leave flavor and fun behind. For instance, their Classic Waffles are Gluten Free - although you’d 18

Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

PHOTO CREDIT: CHEYNEY BARRIEAU FOR EAT IN CONNECTICUT

never know it - and are served with a decadent dollop of freshly whipped cream, seasonal fruit, powdered sugar and Lamothe’s local Sugarhouse Maple Syrup.

Introducing “Power Bowls” to their new menu seemed like a natural extension of their already adored, healthy offerings.

These signature dishes allow for some craft and individualization on the foodie’s part - consisting of a predetermined base that can be topped off by a myriad of sweet or savory options. For instance, the Buddha Bowl boasts a base of roasted sweet potato, black beans, corn, avocado, BBQ tempeh, cilantro, pico de gallo, and red quinoa.

Similarly, the fruitier Acai Power Bowl base is comprised of blueberries, strawberries, pure acai powder, chia seeds and banana with toppings that include: kiwi, pineapple, shaved coconut, dried goji berries, dried pomegranate seeds, dried lychee fruit, hemp seed and fresh strawberries.

The man behind this eye-catching and colorful, menu-expansion is the talented James Beard recognized Chef Jay Truscio, or “Chef Jay,” as he is called by colleagues.

A Simsbury native, he is committed to bringing all he’s learned about kitchen collaborations and fresh, foodie favorites to his own community. This includes the addition of exceptional new dishes to the menu that are heart-healthy, packed with nutrients and available to the most sensitive of stomachs, like the Power Bowls detailed above.

Chef Jay started his career in cooking at the tender age of thirteen, working for the late Leslie Revsin, a widely-acclaimed chef, food-writer, and consultant who gained distinction early in her career as the first woman chef at New York’s WaldorfAstoria Hotel. She inspired his decision to attend culinary school in Asti, Italy, and then he went on to complete a Master's Program in the North - where he lived and worked for two years at Michelin awardwinning, La Locanda di Piero.

From there he made his way to Manhattan, and then the Connecticut coastline -- working at such esteemed places as San Dominico at Oceana, The Rainbow Room, Fiamma Osteria and, finally, his own Nellie Greens in Branford. Now, he has joined the team at Popover, and along with Baker Jenna Strong, plans to continue to look for ways to create delectable food that not only appeals to everyone, but can be consumed by all. With fabulous glutenfree muffins, scones, dessert-bars and daily vegan options, Popover continues to win over all who visit.

They are recent Best of Hartford honorees for the Best Gluten-free Menu in both 2015 and 2016, as well as Best Brunch in 2016. Heeding the mantra that, “you can never have too much of a good thing,” Popover is confident that the addition of Chef Jay to the team, and his aforementioned Power Bowls to the menu, means they are only going to make this good thing greater!

Chef Jay looks to add in more scratchcooking and farm-to-table seasonal ingredients, while continuing to use as many local farms, cheese, and meats as possible; and participate in farmers markets, by working with co-ops, and introducing a new series of family style themed dinner’s every Thursday night.

Popover Bistro & Bakery is open for Breakfast and Lunch Monday through Friday 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, Saturday 7:30 AM– 4:00 PM from Sunday 7:30 AM-3:00 PM. and for more information you can check out their website at: www.POPOVERSIMSBURY.com or visit them on social @ Popoversimsbury.

Catherine McKenna Ribeiro is an affiliate of Eat IN Connecticut, a marketing, PR and social media influencer group. Visit them on social @EatINConnecticut, Twitter @ Eatin_Ct and tag #eatinct.

L = Lift weights. If you want to have a leaner body, you have to build muscle. Don’t get me wrong, I am not talking body builder style, just toned and strong. Having more lean muscle tissue will burn more calories at rest, keeps you functionally strong and more productive in your daily life and improves bone density, blood sugar levels and many other health issues.

Living the LEAN Life

By Aimee Chandler, MS

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eing physically active most of my life has been a great advantage for me and I know it. But after having kids, relying on exercise alone wasn’t as productive as it had been in the past. Even though I was dedicating the time and effort to exercise it began to feel like I had hit my “new normal” and I just settled in to accepting where I was. Work, kid's sports, planning meals and teaching classes took enough of my focus and energy. There wasn't a lot of time to prepare for a change. I was like many of you, skimming through magazines, Facebook and the internet seeing how people were jumping on the "21 day fix/challenge" bandwagons and adopting nutrition and exercise advice. I am in the fitness business, but there is always something new that claims to be the answer to getting fit, lean and healthy. I wanted to do something that got results, but more importantly, was sustainable!

Then one day I came across a post that simplified it all for me.

The author was stating that many of us don't have a weight problem, we actually have a muscle problem. I loved it! That is what makes sense to me and I had been preaching for many years. This was my turning point. I tossed my all or nothing attitude out the door and dove in without fear of failure or deprivation. It worked so well for me, that my clients, students and friends started noticing and asking me for the secret.

The secret was nothing new, nothing crazy, but also not easy.

It was all about change. Changing the combination of food I ate at each meal, slightly. Changing the amount of cardiovascular exercise vs. weight training, weekly. Changing my mindset from “all or nothing” to a more open, growth mindset that allowed for trial and error, failure and ultimately less self-induced pressure to be perfect.

My results were so significant that I decided to create a realistic program that other busy women could use to become the best version of themselves too!

The L.E.A.N. for Life program takes 4 basic principles and teaches you that through moderation and consistency, lasting change can happen. Let me explain a little deeper. Each letter represents a principle…

E = Eat more protein. Most women are not getting enough protein each day, especially if they are exercising and striving for a leaner body. Eating healthy has become such a general term these days and anyone who avoids fast food thinks they fall in that category. There is so much more to it, but starting with a balanced combination of protein, carbs and good fats at each meal provides your body with the essentials it needs to build muscle and reduce body fat.

A = Alleviate stress. Let’s face it, life is stressful these days!

With increased stress comes increased cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for weight gain, especially around the mid-section. When we schedule our day, rushing from place to place, going to bed late and using high intensity cardio sessions as a stress reliever, we are creating a favorable environment for our body to go into a defense mode and store calories overtime.

N = Non-negotiables. We all have something we just can’t live without, right? When we restrict ourselves from most of our favorite foods, we start feeling deprived and that becomes a downward spiral in relation to our motivation. Finding ways to incorporate a few “must haves” creates a balanced, long lasting plan.

So, fast forward 18 months and I can now say, I feel really comfortable with myself. That is a place of feeling really energized and liking the reflection in the mirror because I have been taking care of myself and not letting the craziness of normal life take over.

So, when's the last time you felt that way? Weeks? Months? Maybe years? Curious if you could feel the same way? I would love to help you.

Schedule a discovery call today and let’s find out how you can start becoming the best version of you!

Email me at info@aimeechandler.com or go directly to my appointment scheduler at https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=12302715 Aimee Chandler has a Master’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Connecticut and is certified in many fitness programs.

She has been teaching group fitness classes and personal training for over 25 years. She is the founder of Aimee Chandler Wellness, which focuses on helping busy women find life balance through moderation and consistency. She lives in CT with her husband, a Physical Education teacher and her 2 young children. Her passion is helping others in their pursuit to live a healthier life, find selfacceptance and reach their full potential.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Adrenal Dysfunction…

An American Epidemic

By Shannon Homkovics, ND

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t’s 8:00 at night on a Monday evening and you’re just getting home from picking up the children at soccer practice. Long before this though you woke up at 5:30 am. You were able to get the kids ready for school, cleaned up the house, worked all day, managed to hit the gym afterwards, quickly rushed to the grocery store to buy dinner, and THEN went to pick up the kids. Not to mention all the other events that had occurred within your day like dealing with your overbearing boss, or how you came home from work to a burst pipe and your basement was flooded. You get the picture. People today are overworked, burnt out, and stressed to the max. We go, go, go, all day long! In America, this is considered the norm. What does this mean for our health though?

Adrenal Gland Physiology This is where our adrenal glands come into place. The adrenals are two triangular endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidney, one on each side. The medulla, which is the center of the gland, is responsible for secreting epinephrine and norepinephrine. The cortex, the outer part of the gland, produces hormones such as cortisone and aldosterone which are responsible for regulating fluid balance in the body and adjusting the stress response, also known as our “fight or flight”. Cortisol plays a major role in our sleep cycle, immune system function, and metabolic metabolism, while aldosterone is needed to regulate our blood pressure.

The adrenals also secrete a small amount of sex hormones including estrogen and testosterone. Knowing all of this, it is easy to see just how important these tiny but powerful glands really are!

congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and adrenal cancer. This article is going to focus on another modern epidemic, something known as “adrenal fatigue.” This is simply when our adrenals are maxed at, and functioning at a suboptimal level. Think about it this way, our ancestors were hard-wired to use their fight or flight, aka their stress response, hunting for food or running from a bear. Today we’re running on fight or flight all day long! In today’s society, we don’t stop from the minute we wake up, until the second we go to bed. Between managing our careers, raising a family, maintaining a social life, exercising, appointments, errands, and the list goes on, we don’t even stop to breathe sometimes. On top of this we’re waking up super early and going to bed extremely late. Our sleep cycles are a mess. Add to the mix environmental toxins, inflammatory diets, the pharmaceuticals we’re prescribed, and we have a recipe for disaster.

Adrenal fatigue can come about in many ways. The most common causes include chronic stress, childhood trauma, physical illness, and over-training at the gym. At first you can still thrive in the stress, but as time goes on eventually you feel “unwell” until the day you completely crash and burn. Many people are living in this “crash and burn” state today. Depending on where you are on the stress curve will determine which treatments you need. You may have excess cortisol being secreted on a daily basis, meaning your adrenals are still functioning, but working overtime, OR, on the other hand you may be in that “crash and burn” state also known as adrenal fatigue. The goal in this state would be to increase cortisol levels by treating the adrenals so that they can once again function properly.

Adrenal dysfunction correlates with many different areas in the body. For instance, I believe many of women’s menopausal symptoms stem from poor adrenal function. Once women stop ovulating and producing the high levels of sex hormones at the level of the ovary, it is the adrenal’s job to take over and produce hormones like estrogen. However, women today no longer even have this powerful gland to help them transition into menopause because it’s been burnt out from years of chronic stress and poor lifestyle habits. This exacerbates a woman’s symptoms of hot flashes, thinning skin, weight gain, and so forth. Basically, by treating the adrenal’s we can help balance a woman’s hormones and make menopause much easier. This is just one example of how by treating the adrenal glands, we can bring another part of the body back into balance.

Adrenal Gland Disorders There are several well-known disorders associated with the adrenal glands including Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease,

Adrenal Gland Testing and Treatment The first step to understanding exactly where you are on the stress scale is to run labs that are able to measure how well your adrenals are functioning. These tests include the salivary cortisol x 4 and the AM cortisol, serum. Your doctor can explain these labs in office. Also, since the thyroid and adreG����� P������� E�������� T�������� ��� R����� nals run hand in hand, thyroid labs should be Joint Pain • Injuries • Back Pain • Neck Pain done as well. The symptoms you’re experiencing Sciatica • Migraines • Headaches • Sinus Pain will also help determine if you’re experiencing a Allergies • Stress • Infertility cortisol excess or adrenal fatigue.

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People experiencing high stress will be secreting high cortisol into their system. Symptoms will include insomnia, anxiety, irritability, sugar cravings, weakened immunity, abdominal weight gain, and much more. People who have entered

that “crash and burn” state will be experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, reduced stress tolerance, insomnia, chemical sensitivity, dizziness, salt/sweet cravings, and much more. These are very common symptoms and most people never attribute them to adrenal dysfunction.

However, this is an area that needs to be addressed and once treated can restore a person’s health.

Treatments include supplements like glandulars, herbs, lifestyle changes, and exogenous steroids. The protocols for treating adrenal dysfunction are highly researched and work. See your local naturopathic doctor to change your life today. We need to raise awareness for this tiny but powerful gland.

Dr. Shannon Homkovics received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. She identifies and addresses any underlying hormonal imbalances that might contribute to an array of ailments including irregular menstruation and painful menstruation, PMS, infertility, and menopause as well as the accompanying fatigue, migraines, insomnia, weight gain, acne, etc. Her tools include diet and nutrition, nutritional supplements, botanical medicine, acupuncture, counseling, hydrotherapy, homeopathy and lifestyle changes. Dr. Homkovics is now taking patients. Please call (203) 239 3400 to schedule your visit in either our North Haven or West Hartford locations.

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Subconscious Tools for Troubling Times

By Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BC

I

t keeps you up at night, or maybe it’s there first thing when you wake up in the morning. Your eyes open and this wave of anxiety flows over you before you’re even fully awake. You watch the news or check out your Facebook feed, and crazy things are happening in the world. It’s literally hard for your mind to make sense of it all. You listen to some of the decisions being made by our government, and you literally can’t understand what they’re thinking but are pretty sure they’re not thinking about you, your family, or mother earth for that matter. You wonder how you’re going to navigate through it all. If this sounds like you, read on because there is help. You can learn to navigate these tough and triggering times; and in my opinion, we NEED to learn to stay on an even keel, otherwise we add to the collective chaos.

Managing Your Emotions First and foremost, understand that all emotions are energy.

The definition of emotion is “energy in motion.” Emotions are designed to come up so that we’re aware that something needs to be brought into alignment, whether it be a thought, belief or perspective. Maybe a solution needs to be found to a challenge so that we can feel better and more empowered.

Unfortunately, we as a society have never been taught what our emotions are, what purpose they’re intended to serve or how to allow them to communicate with us. We’ve failed to understand that it’s our thoughts, beliefs and perspectives of experiences and of ourselves that create them. Instead, we’ve been taught that any uncomfortable emotions are bad and that we should stuff them or try to distract away from them. We’re often also taught that they’re in control of us vs. our being in control of them.

Emotions are designed to provide us guidance – much like all the dashboard indicators on our car. Ignoring our emotions is like covering our dashboard indicators and therefore not receiving crucial information on this journey called life. Our emotions are designed to come up and then release once we’ve received their information. Instead, they come up and we try to ignore them or stuff them down so we end up with this big reservoir of suppressed emotions that wreaks havoc on our physiology. Eighty-five percent of disease is functional, which means it stems from the mental or emotional body vs. the physical body.

Here’s an easy process you can follow: 1. Start to feel your feelings – they’re there to help, not harm.

2. Give what you’re feeling a name so that your emotional body knows that it’s been heard. That alone will begin to ease the emotion.

3. Get conscious about what you’re thinking. Most of our

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IMAGE SOURCE: PLUTCHIK’S WHEEL emotions are created by our thoughts, so identify what you’re thinking as that’s where your power to change what you’re feeling lies.

4. Choose a better feeling, thought or a more positive perspective.

When we assume the worst, we feel worse. When we assume the best, we feel better.

5. Focus away from the problem and toward the solution.

Wallowing in the problem isn’t going to make you feel better, but finding and applying a solution will. Every positive action will help you feel stronger and more empowered.

Emotional Freedom Technique The Emotional Freedom Technique is based on Chinese Medicine, the philosophy of which is, “health is flowing energy, dis-ease is blocked energy.” Fear is a classic blocker, so when we’re filled with fear, energy from source is not flowing into or feeding us. It’s like trying to grow a garden with kinks in the hoses of the irrigation system. The Emotional Freedom Technique (otherwise known as EFT or Tapping) helps clear those blocks and gets us back into the flow. It’s a super simple technique that we teach the bulk of our clients, including little children, and it works like a charm. Go to www.MindMattersHypnosis.com and click on the Services/Subconscious Tools section of the website or the After Your Session section for a free demo.

HOW WELL DOES HYPNOSIS WORK? A Comparison Study Psychoanalysis: 38% Recovery after 600 sessions Behavioral Therapy: 72% Recovery after 22 sessions Hypnotherapy: 93% Recovery after 6 sessions AMERICAN HEALTH MAGAZINE: FEB 2007

The bottom line is that all our emotions are stored at the subconscious level of the mind, which is why hypnosis and other subconscious tools and techniques have been proven to be more effective than traditional therapy when it comes to releasing old suppressed emotions.

Every emotion that we feel and ignore or suppress gets stored down in the subconscious. Over time this reservoir of suppressed emotions gets bigger and bigger and affects us in a myriad of different ways. We end up trying to find ways of coping with them, e.g., eating, smoking, drinking, drugging, gambling, or shopping.

Unfortunately, most of our coping mechanisms are unhealthy and create more of the emotions we’re trying to cope with. Thankfully there are healthy ways to drain our emotional reservoirs and ways to learn to work with instead of fight against our emotions. If you’re struggling, why not use the part of your mind that is designed to help you quickly (typically within 3-5 sessions), safely, easily and naturally?

SPECIAL NOTE: In order to work on diagnosed anxiety, a referral from either your primary care physician or your psychiatrist or psychologist is required.

Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BC, is the owner, lead hypnotist and hypnosis instructor at Mind Matters Hypnosis Centers in Avon, Guilford and North Branford, CT. She is Board Certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists and has numerous additional certifications in all aspects of hypnosis and the subconscious.

In addition, she’s a sought-after lecturer and high-level Executive HypnoCoach.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, lecture, workshop or receive training, call Mind Matters Hypnosis Center at (860) 693-6448 or visit MindMattersHypnosis.com. See ad on page 17.

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diet as well as the foods to focus on. There are also lifestyle practices that that can be both pro and anti-inflammatory.

Diagnosed with Lyme?

Support Your Immune System

By Holly J. Niles, MS, CNS, LDN

T

here are many ways our immune system can be challenged from combating colds and flu to more chronic responses like autoimmune disease. While we generally recover quickly from colds and flu, autoimmune disease is an ongoing reaction.

Approximately 50 million Americans or 1 in 5 people, suffer from autoimmune diseases. Women are more likely than men to be affected; some estimates say that as many as 75 percent of those affected are women. The most common diagnoses include rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease and Crohn’s disease. Another common, often chronic, immune syndrome is Lyme disease. There are many patients whose immune system seems to be almost resistant to the tick borne “bugs” that invade the body.

When the immune system is challenged in these ways, patients often experience fatigue, digestive issues, joint pain, sleep challenges and generally feeling unwell. Under normal day to day circumstances our immune system has a lot of jobs to do including evaluating things that enter the body as either a foe or a friend.

When the immune system finds something that it believes is a foe, it will go after it to try to neutralize it. In a sense, attacking it and trying to eliminate it. That process is designed to protect us and to help us stay well. Inflammation is the foundation of that process.

Even something simple like cutting your finger in food preparation will launch inflammation. In the repair process, we notice within a short time, the site of the cut will become red or inflamed as the body tries to heal it. That is a normal protective process. The concern comes when the immune system is overwhelmed like in the case of autoimmune disease or immune syndromes like Lyme disease. That creates a more constant state of inflammation and finding ways to reduce that is part of the healing process.

When we look through the lens of Functional Medicine, we know that in order for the body to get well we must address the whole body and in fact the whole person. That means evaluating diet and lifestyle including stress levels, exercise and sleep. At the same time, it’s important to learn about someone’s health history including their genetics and their family’s genetics. This combination gives a 360° view of total health or lack of health. In the case of these chronic immune responses, a key step is to help manage the inflammation.

You may have heard the phrase use your food as medicine.

What does that mean when we consider supporting our immune system? The simplest answer is to embrace an anti-inflammatory diet. That includes both what needs to be eliminated from your

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Removing pro-inflammatory choices for your diet and lifestyle to support a healthy immune system: 1. Sugar is not your friend! Trust me when I tell you that your mouth is the only part of your body that’s happy with the decision to eat sugar or processed foods. This is not a new message but the research is consistent that sugar is hard on the body and the immune system. Removing white sugar, white flour, and white rice is a great first step in the process.

2. Five hours of sleep per night is not enough. In order to run your body’s operations, you need sleep. Often clients report that they regularly get 6 hours or less of sleep and they feel tired and run down. We can’t expect the immune system to repair on the fast track. Create your life to allow for at least 7 hours per night.

This allows you to access the body’s innate ability to heal.

3. Fast food and microwave dinners are not real food. Food that is processed with added ingredients and frozen into a dinner or drive thru food is not fuel for your body, only calories. Other than frozen veggies and fruit- unseasoned and unsweetened, it’s best to avoid eating calories that can be microwaved as a meal.

Your immune system needs nutrients like vitamins and minerals that come from whole foods to heal.

4. Sitting slows the body down in many ways. Between driving to work, being at work and time in front of screens, we sit a lot. It creates a lack of energy flow that the body needs for digestion, circulation and even elimination. Consider how many hours you sit and how that makes you feel and look for ways to create short breaks all day long to walk, stretch and create movement.

5. Everything is not an emergency. We live in such a fast-paced world with our schedules bursting, multiple social media sources streaming and that feeling that we are always behind. Our nervous system is not designed to manage that level of stress and chronic stress chemicals are an internal source of inflammation.

Consider how you can create a pause in your day to decompress and send your body the message that all is well.

Adding anti-inflammatory choices to your diet and lifestyle to support a healthy immune system: 1. Vegetables are your friend, your best friend! Eating plants is the key to using your food as medicine. The more the merrier to help provide the immune system with vitamins and minerals to heal. The bonus is that when you eat those veggies you become a bug factory. Our immune system operates with trillions of good bacteria or “bugs” to help eliminate bad “bugs”. The fiber in veggies is what the body uses to make those good bugs. If you eat veggies 1x per day, aim for 3x per day. If you eat 3x, aim for 5x per day. Anytime you increase them it will help your body heal.

2. Sleep a.k.a. Vitamin S is powerful for healing. Sleep supports the healing and repair of your body! In the pursuit of at least 7 hours of sleep there are some things to remember: create a dark, quiet, cool room, stay off screens including your phone and no eating for at least 2 hours before bed.

3. Eating at home saves money. Simple whole food meals are possible. Prewashed greens, frozen veggies and doubling up recipes for leftovers are easy tools to have food on hand. Get the whole family involved in food prep and cooking together on the weekends so you have food ready for your own grab n’ go meals.

4. Movement heals! No one ever takes a walk and says, “Wow-that was a mistake.

I should have sat on the couch instead.”

We know we feel better when we move.

Movement is a big category from walking, biking, stretching, yoga, Pilates, weight training and much more. Create simple short ways to move that might be 10 squats, jogging in place, or a 5 minute stretch series. Movement creates movement, even in a very busy day you can carve out short movement opportunities.

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5. Time off is essential for healing. We all need some time-outs during the day to calm our body. Just like movement, short sessions can be really helpful to support healing. Consider the 4-7-8 breath.

Inhale for the count of 4, hold for the count of 7 and exhale for the count of 8.

Practicing this simple breathing exercise throughout the day can be powerful.

When we consider reducing inflammation, we know that we need to look at all the ways we create it. Starting with the foundation of our diet and focusing on eating more whole foods including plants is perfectly complemented by a focus on sleep, movement and unwinding from stress. This accesses the whole body and its capacity to heal.

Holly J. Niles, MS, CNS, LDN, is a Licensed Functional Medicine Clinical Nutritionist.

She is Nutrition Director at Integrative Wellness & Physical Therapy in Bloomfield.

Holly has 25 years of experience in natural health. Her approach is to help individuals find practical ways to enjoy making healthy changes to create wellness in their lives.

Holly specializes in Functional Medicine and Functional Nutrition. For more information about Holly, visit www.IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com. See ad on page 27 and 34.

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The In’s and Out’s of

Replacement Therapy

By Katelyn Zachau, DO

B

ioidentical hormone therapy refers to hormone replacement with hormonal substances that are, on a molecular level, identical to what our own bodies make. This, as opposed to replacement with synthetic hormones, allows for several advantages. First, because the bioidentical hormones you receive are identical to your own, they have a complete action in the body.

That is, they act exactly like your own hormones would. Synthetic hormones are molecularly similar, and will exert similar effects to your own hormones, but will not have complete action. This incomplete action often does not elicit a balanced hormone response in the body. In addition, because synthetics have a unique molecular structure, they have the potential to have effects on the body that your own hormones would not exert.

ian failure,” is when the ovaries stop producing eggs, and levels of estrogen and progesterone fall. While menopause certainly brings significant changes to overall hormonal balance, women in this phase of life are not the only ones who may suffer from symptoms of imbalanced hormones. Men go through a parallel process to menopause, called andropause. Essentially this refers to age-related hormone changes in men, specifically, the decrease in testosterone. This, like menopause, is a natural part of aging and may cause unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and depression. Unlike menopause, however, this decline is typically more gradual than the decline of estrogen and progesterone in women during menopause. A typical rate of decline in testosterone is about 1% per year after age 30.

Because of this “complete action” effect, using bioidentical hormones allows doctors to use smaller doses than with synthetics. Bioidentical sources of hormones include both plants and animals, but most bioidentical hormones are sourced from plants.

Further, when we replace deficient hormones with a bioidentical version, the replacement compounds are specifically tailored to the individual. Taking into consideration the symptoms as well as the objective levels found on testing, hormones are compounded in tailored doses and combinations for each patient.

Adrenal insufficiency, often resulting from a prolonged period of stress be it emotional, mental, or physical, can cause a subsequent decline in sex hormones in both men and women. DHEA is an androgen-like hormone that helps produce cortisol, the stress hormone released by the adrenals. DHEA also helps support testosterone production. When the adrenals require more DHEA, there is less to be utilized in testosterone production, and often men can experience faster rates of decline in their testosterone levels than what would be expected from aging alone. Many men are treated for testosterone deficiency with testosterone alone, but read on as this often does not completely address the problem.

Adrenal support and prevention of testosterone conversion into estrogen is a crucial part of treating testosterone deficiency in men.

Hormones include more than the well-known estrogen and testosterone. For example, insulin is a hormone that helps regulate growth and is responsible for shuttling glucose from food into cells for energy; your thyroid produces different hormones to help regulate metabolism; and your adrenal glands produce cortisol, known as “the stress hormone,” which, among other things, helps the body store energy from food.

What symptoms might I experience if I have a hormonal imbalance?

Hormones affect all systems of the body, so hormone imbalance can have a wide array of effects. Everything from fatigue to weight gain to hair loss can be affected by hormones, in addition to better known effects of hormone shifts like hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and mood swings. Menopause in particular can cause any of the following symptoms, in addition to many others: depression, irritability, insomnia, mood swings, hot flashes, reduced sexual interest, painful intercourse, bloating, panic attacks, hair loss, urinary symptoms and even infections, headaches, “brain fog” or memory loss.

Who suffers from hormone imbalance?

There is a generalization that hormones are only for women going through menopause. Menopause, also known as “ovar26

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How are hormones monitored?

Your doctor may choose to monitor your hormones through saliva or blood testing. Some hormones, such as pregnenolone, are best monitored by blood levels, while it is preferable to monitor cortisol and estrogen through saliva testing. The frequency of hormone testing will be determined by your doctor, but often hormones are tested three months after any changes are made to your hormone regimen.

What do hormones do?

Each hormone has many functions and operates in harmony with the other hormones in your body. Here is a brief summary of some functions of each: • Estrogen: increases metabolism, increases insulin sensitivity, improves sleep, regulates body temperature, maintains bone density, relaxes blood vessels, encourages blood vessel growth particularly in the uterine lining, supports production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

• Progesterone: Modulates the effects of estrogen, helps promote sleep and reduces hot flashes.

• Testosterone: supports mood, energy, and self-esteem; aids in muscle recovery, increases sex drive.

• DHEA: supports testosterone and cortisol manufacturing, thereby increasing muscle mass and improving energy and focus.

• Cortisol: your energy hormone! It helps you wake up in the morning and gets the inflammatory cascade going with neurotransmitters like epinephrine in stressful situations (Think: running from a bear!).

Why treat hormone imbalance?

There are many reasons to address hormone imbalance, not least of all to relieve symptoms of imbalance. Certain hormone deficiencies, for example estrogen and progesterone, can increase risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Additionally, certain imbalances such as estrogen dominance, can increase your risk of certain cancers when left untreated.

What does treatment look like?

Hormone imbalance, depending on the severity of the imbalance and the severity of symptoms, can be addressed in different ways. There are natural ways to enhance your own hormone production in some cases if you have mild symptoms or imbalance. For example, increasing your muscle mass through weight lifting can boost your testosterone levels, and adhering to a diet low in simple carbohydrates can help regulate cortisol levels. You can also treat deficiencies by directly replacing the deficient hormones with prescription bioidentical hormones. Certain hormones like progesterone, pregnenolone, and DHEA, can also be found in small doses over the counter. If you feel you may have a hormone imbalance, it is critical that you undergo baseline testing and discuss the options with your doctor. Just like hormone deficiencies can be problematic, so can hormone excess. It is important to have your levels monitored throughout therapy for this reason.

If you are prescribed bioidentical hormones, the hormones are made into a formulation at a compounding pharmacy.

Most often they are made into a topical formulation. Compounding allows the therapy to be customized to each patient by dose, formulation, and combination of hormones. Your doctor will choose a formula, dosage, and combination for you based on your symptoms, risk factors, lifestyle, and measured levels of hormone. Hormones

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Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

are most often mixed into a fragrance- and dye-free cream that absorbs readily into the skin and is usually applied daily, although your practitioner may choose a different frequency of application for you based on your levels and symptoms.

What about cancer risk?

The concern with hormones and risk of cancer centers largely around estrogen supplementation, or hormones that can convert into estrogen by various pathways.

First, it is important to know there are many types of estrogen. Estradiol, the form most often tested, is prevalent before menopause. Estradiol is much less potent than estrone, the form of estrogen that becomes dominant after menopause. Estrogens promote blood vessel growth, and when a malignancy has started to grow and recruits blood vessels, an increase in estrogen can be like adding fuel to the fire. For this reason, it is important to talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors, and to work with an experienced practitioner if you decide that hormone replacement is right for you.

Bioidentical hormone replacement is the safest way to do this for several reasons.

First, estrone is a form of estrogen that is not prescribed in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, but notably, it is found in the popular prescription drug Premarin. Additionally, estrogen is seldom prescribed without progesterone, which balances the actions of estrogen. Often people will be far more depleted in progesterone than estrogen, and when hormones are tested the progesterone:estrogen ratio

is taken into consideration when deciding which hormones to replete and in what doses. Third, your doctor will monitor your hormone levels periodically to ensure that balance is being maintained. Even if you only replace one hormone, you should have all hormone levels tested at regular intervals, since each of the hormones affect one another.

How else can hormone imbalance be addressed?

Along with supporting your body’s intrinsic hormones directly with an extrinsic supply like hormone replacement therapy, your own physiology can, and should, be supported during this process. For example, when we are treating adrenal fatigue, it is important to address the cause of the adrenal fatigue. We discuss things like stress management, proper nutritional support for your adrenal glands, adaptogenic herbs, stabilizing blood glucose, neurophysiologic repatterning to retrain your own response to stress triggers, and reducing overall oxidative load on the body.

This might include modalities such as nutritional counseling, since a higher glycemic load will stress the adrenal glands as they fire every time your blood glucose level crashes in order to protect you. When the adrenal glands release cortisol, glucose is supplied to your bloodstream from the liver. When someone eats higher glycemic meals, blood glucose levels will rise quickly, and as your body uses or stores this extra fuel, the glucose levels will come crashing down a few hours later, leading to cortisol release, which again raises glucose

levels. When your body goes through this pattern day in and day out, the adrenals can become taxed over time, which often results in adrenal insufficiency. At that point, supportive methods ranging from hormonal support to steroid support, depending on the degree of severity, to lifestyle interventions as stated above can be employed to help the adrenals heal (and to help you feel better!).

In another example, if someone is found to have a disproportionate amount of estrogen in relation to their progesterone, also known as “estrogen dominance,” we optimize liver detoxification pathways to help it eliminate the excess estrogen more efficiently. This process can be supported with things like B-vitamins.

We also look at reducing exposure to estrogenic compounds on a consistent basis, such as plastics or soy. Further, fatty tissue contains an enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone into estrogen, so in males who have a disproportionate amount of estrogen we must monitor estrogen levels when we consider testosterone replacement therapy.

Similarly, one can increase their intrinsic production of testosterone by building lean muscle mass. Certain vitamins and herbs can also support your intrinsic testosterone production. There is even a certain pose, known appropriately as “power pose,” which measurably raises blood testosterone production! Just stand with your arms in a “V” formation over your head (or think the “Y” move from the YMCA dance), with your chin up and hold for 2 minutes to produce this effect. Bonus: this move reduces blood cortisol levels at the same time!

The relationship between your body, your mind, and your physiology cannot be overstated, and these aspects are vital to consider when undergoing treatment for hormone imbalance.

Diagnosing and treating hormone imbalance is a comprehensive process in which you and your doctor will work together to determine how to best address your needs. It is one that can take time to achieve your ideal balance, but one that can be highly rewarding, both in terms of overall health and quality of life.

Dr. Katelyn Zachau DO, is a primary care physician at Connecticut Natural Health Specialists, LLC. She treats a variety of health conditions from routine physical examinations and gynecological care to complex thyroid disorders and hormone support. Dr. Zachau is accepting new patients and an in-network provider with most major health insurance companies. Please call (860) 533-0179 to schedule. See ad on page 28.

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What is Happening with My Hormones?

By Jessica Wei, MD, FACOG

I

n my many years in private practice as a board-certified Ob/Gyn, I had many appointments with women who complained to me that they felt that their “hormones were off,” or that they were “feeling so hormonal.” They would say to me, “Dr. Wei! Why do I feel like I want to kill my husband and children the days before my period? Why can’t I lose weight? Why am I so tired?”

As a woman who also faced these issues firsthand, I understood fully what they were describing; however, in my conventional practice, I had few reliable tools to address the severe symptoms of premenstrual and/or perimenopausal mood irritability, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, often accompanied by physical symptoms of breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, as well as many others. Year after year, I also watched women struggle mightily with weight gain, fatigue, and digestive issues.

Although I would often counsel these women about nutrition and vitamin supplementation, exercise, adequate sleep, and stress reduction, very often I would prescribe either oral contraceptive pills (which often worsened symptoms) or low dose antidepressants to address hormone balance and mood issues. Admittedly, these did provide relief for some; however, I was often bothered that I was not able to address the root cause, to address the underlying hormonal and body imbalance that was manifesting as these myriad symptoms.

Because these “hormonal symptoms” often profoundly affect the quality of our lives and of our relationships with those closest to us, it is vitally important to discover how we can restore balance in the body foundationally.

What are hormones anyway?

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by various endocrine glands throughout the body. These chemical mes-

30

Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

sengers circulate throughout our bodies to bind to receptors on all cells to allow the normal and balanced functioning of our bodies. While there are dozens of hormones which all play important roles, some of the key hormones are cortisol, thyroid, and estrogen. Hormones in balance give us health, vitality, and a sense of well-being; however, hormones out of balance can wreak havoc, and not only make us feel miserable in the short term, but also profoundly affect our long-term health.

Cortisol is the main stress hormone in our bodies which allows us to respond to acute stressors by releasing stored energy throughout the body, to give us fuel to act in a threatening situation. Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands, which sit atop our kidneys. When in balance, cortisol promotes the burning of body fat, maintains mood and emotional stability, counters inflammation, directs sex hormone production, and promotes healthy gut function.

What does cortisol out of balance look like?

• Weight gain • Fatigue • Depression • Digestive problems • Sex hormone imbalance Thyroid hormone is the conductor of the symphony of the body as it regulates metabolism and energy consumption. When in balance, thyroid maintains mood, brain function, and energy levels, as well as regulates weight gain/loss and digestive function.

What many do not realize is that thyroid function is intimately linked with inflammation, as well as adrenal gland and gut function. While some may have primary thyroid issues, which require thyroid hormone replacement, most can regain balanced function of the thyroid by addressing the primary issues of inflammation and imbalanced function of the gut and adrenal gland.

What does thyroid out of balance look like?

• Weight gain • Fatigue • Depression • Digestive problems • Hair loss and dry skin • Irregular periods Estrogen is one of the sex hormones which helps to regulate menstrual cycles and ovulation, as well as stimulate growth and maturation of breast tissue and reproductive organs. It has immense influence over many different metabolic processes in the body which influence cardiovascular, immune, and neurologic health.

What does estrogen out of balance look like?

• Weight gain • Fatigue/insomnia • PMS with irritability/mood swings • Fertility issues • Hot flashes/night sweats • Vaginal and skin dryness • Increased risk for breast, uterine, ovarian cancer and autoimmune disease • Endometriosis and fibroids • Irregular menses and PCOS No wonder we often don’t feel well!

The good news is there is so much that we can do to influence and change the way in which our bodies work to restore the truly beautiful balance and rhythm of hormonal health which allows us to feel our best and be our best.

How do my hormones become unbalanced?

What causes hormones to move out of their intended balance and function in our bodies? Although there are some natural fluctuations in our hormonal function during different times in our lives (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), the basic answer is STRESS which comes from so many sources and is very different for each of us. This is not just referring to the immense and complex amount of emotional stress which we often experience from living our lives daily, but also: • The stress on our bodies from eating poor quality “food,” or food that we are sensitive or intolerant to; • The multitude of toxins to which we are exposed everyday which often mimic hormone function or block normal hormone function; • The lack of good quality and quantity of sleep which disturbs the circadian rhythms vital for normal metabolism; • Physical pain;

• Obvious and hidden inflammation (often in our gut); • History of or ongoing trauma of any kind; • Loneliness and social isolation (which affects our health much more than we realize); • Genetically-determined (inherited) differences which influence how we individually handle the processing and elimination of hormones.

When we are exposed to a stressor, we ready ourselves to respond to the threat (real or perceived), and the adrenal glands are largely responsible for this response: • Initially, epinephrine (adrenaline) is released to increase blood flow to muscles, increase the output of the heart, and to mobilize fuel needed to act (the “fight-or-flight response).

• Cortisol levels increase after being produced in the adrenal gland, in response to signals from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain (otherwise known as hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal or HPA axis activation). Cortisol is catabolic, breaking down tissues to provide glucose, fats, and proteins for fuel in response to an event stressful to our body.

These are normal responses to episodic exposure to stress; however, the reality of modern life is that we are chronically exposed to an unbelievable amount of stress.

Chronic HPA axis activation/dysregulation in response to ever-present stressors leads to the increasing imbalance of hormonal function leading to the symptoms of imbalance

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of cortisol, thyroid, and estrogen, and other hormones: weight gain, fatigue, issues with mood, digestive issues, and on and on! Oh, Calgon, take me away!

What can I do about hormone imbalance?

There is so much you can do! Ultimately, regaining balance in our bodies is about creating the conditions for the body to relax back into its natural rhythms. This involves looking at how we nourish ourselves, as well as exploring sources of stress, which are myriad and unique for each one of us.

As challenging as it may seem, the key is to address and shift fundamentally how we think and live.

Where to start?

• Eat a largely plant-based organic whole foods diet to give your body the key nutrients and information it needs to function optimally;

• Reduce toxin exposure as much as possible from processed foods, hormonally-treated meats and dairy products, unfiltered water, plastics, beauty and personal care products (look up the “Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disruptors” from the Environmental Working Group); • Practice optimal sleep hygiene to get enough quality sleep; • Explore quieting the mind through establishing a daily meditation practice, practicing yoga, qi-gong, tai-chi; • Foster connection by taking a break from social media and technology, and spending uninterrupted face-to-face with family and friends; • Practice kindness toward yourself first, then towards others, and remember that we are all interconnected whether we are aware or not;

• Consider working with a therapist who is highly-experienced with treating those with a history of trauma; • Consider consulting with a functional medicine practitioner to explore issues with cortisol and sex hormone metabolism, GI and detoxification issues.

Specialty testing can provide personalized and in-depth information about what specifically is causing imbalance for you, and provide an individual roadmap to restore the intended balance and rhythm of your body.

Start where you are. Too often we give up before we start because it seems like too much to take on when we’re already overwhelmed with all that we have to do and face every day. Yet, when we take the time to create even the tiniest space of care for ourselves, this alone can energetically shift toward immense change and the realization of the life we’re meant to live in these amazing bodies we’ve been given.

Jessica Wei, MD, FACOG is a board-certified Ob/Gyn and functional medicine practitioner, who left her private practice of thirteen years to create the women’s functional medicine practice, Women’s Holistic Health, LLC in West Hartford, Connecticut.

To augment her extensive conventional training, Dr. Wei completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the internationally recognized expert in integrative medicine. She also completed the Kalish Method Functional Medicine Mentorship, and is obtaining certification with the Institute of Functional Medicine with expertise in the areas of hormonal, GI, immune, energetic, and cardiometabolic health, as well as detoxification. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of hormonal issues such as PMS, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, and menopausal issues, as well as fertility, fatigue, digestive problems, and depression/anxiety. Women’s Holistic Health, LLC is located at 18 North Main Street, 3rd floor in West Hartford. For more information, please visit: www.jessicaweimd.com; e-mail info @jessicaweimd.com; or call 860-904-9728. See ad on page 27.

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Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

Stand Up Straight!!

Your Body Posture is Giving You Clues

By Thomas Giammatteo, DC, PT, IMT,C, PhD & Nancy Ortolani, PT, IMT,C

D

o you remember when your mom used to tell you to correct your posture? To sit up straight? To stand tall? Now, how is your posture? Your walk?

When you walk, do you feel vibrant and energetic? Are you upright? Does your body move easily? Do your arms swing?

Do your feet strike the ground evenly? Do your hips and pelvis move with freedom?

Can you still bend and squat like you used to?

Or do you have pain, stiffness, or soreness? Is getting up from a chair difficult?

Are you a little stiff until you stretch out?

Do you have some foot pain in the morning or hip tightness after sitting? Do you feel like as long as you keep active things don’t hurt? What does your posture and ability to move say about you? Does it tell your story? You may feel you are functioning well, or well for your age, but your posture, added up over the course of your lifetime, tells your history.

We’ve all known of people that had car accidents and whiplash. The muscle spasm and pain goes away with time, but the person may be left with posture changes where they can’t sit up straight.

Were you ever in a motor vehicle accident?

Hit head-on or sideways? Whiplash? Cars are built and much research is done to minimize damage to the car and person, but the force that goes into the body is there and causes strain patterns that might not go away.

Although we can try to put ourselves into “military posture,” posture also comes from the inside out. You know where you feel comfortable. Your natural resting position comes from internal signals. This is your body telling you where it wants room and slack and doesn’t want to stretch tight things.

Walking also comes from inside. If you have old injuries, previous illnesses or even digestive issues, over time your walk will change. Your joints and body will protect you from stretching and going through range of motion by limping, or tightening your upper body so you can’t twist or swing your arms easily.

An IMT Wellness Center Program An IMT Wellness Center complete program sees posture and mobility as an important part of health. Evaluation to find out why posture and mobility are affected is the key to finding answers and the correct treatment. Integrative Manual Therapy looks at the structure of the body and finds the underlying cause of problems. A posture and movement analysis gives many clues about why someone moves like they do.

Then treatment can address the cause.

Sometimes you need structural bodywork, sometimes diet changes, sometimes mind/ body work. Your unique history---your injuries, accidents, illnesses, digestion, pain—all come together to show where you need help.

Interpreting posture can answer questions about causes. Is your limp about your knee, your hip, or your low back? Do you bend to the side because of your sacroiliac joint or tightness of the diaphragm? A forward head and bent posture can make weight of your head feel heavier and strain your neck muscles. This can come from tight muscles or internal structures called viscerosomatic.

Is your low back pain related to a digestion problem or a bladder issue? Do pronated or flat feet irritate the kidney acupuncture meridian and can orthotics help?

Does your stress level affect your adrenals and collapse your arches over time?

Working to get your posture and movement more optimal so you function even better is the goal. There may be body issues that you can’t exercise out, or Yoga away. You may need to change your diet or do exercises to improve bladder function.

You may need bodywork to improve tight joints and other structures. You may need orthotics to support your arches.

Feel Great Again Sit up straight. Stand up straight. Walk, move, bend, squat. Notice how you move and walk. Do you feel freedom of movement? Can you move as easily as you used to? It’s probably not your age, but the accumulation of the things that have happened to you. The good news is that no matter how long ago, your body has the potential to change and improve. With the right help, you can be better; walk better, do Yoga better, feel better and do what you want to do for a vital life.

Thomas Giammatteo, DC, PT, IMT,C, PhD is the Medical Director of IMT Wellneess Center, offering an Integrative Manual Therapy approach to total body health. He is the Dean of the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy. He continues to develop new courses in Integrative Manual Therapy on bodywork and nutrition for topics such as Concussion, Detoxification, Cardiac, Digestion, and Grief.

Nancy Ortolani, PT, IMT,C is the Clinical Director at IMT Wellness Center. She has practiced and taught Integrative Manual Therapy for over 20 years. People at the Center are seen one on one for evaluation and treatment in a comprehensive approach.

For more information, please visit our website www.IMTWellnessCenter.com, email info@IMTWellnessCenter.com or call 860-561-2286. See ad on page 35. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Can Lyme Disease Cause Food Allergies?

By Jessica Pizano

W

e live in Connecticut which is home to Lyme and, ironically, Hadlyme. It seems there is not a person in the state who has not either had Lyme or at least known someone suffering from this brutal disease. It is an infection that brings with it a series of brutal symptoms that are both related to the actual Borrelia burgdorferi infection and secondary to our own immune response. There are so many schools of thought on this disease and how to both diagnose and treat it. Then there are the co-infections that must be contended with including Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Bartonella, Rickettsial infections and Babesia.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease Of those with Lyme infections more than half have at least one co-infection and approximately 30% have two or more coinfections. For some, Lyme presents as an acute illness that presents with flu-like symptoms such as fevers, fatigue, swollen glands, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, headaches, stiff neck, photophobia, bell’s palsy, neurological symptoms and the infamous bulls eye rash (Erythema migrans). Those with acute Lyme often respond well to antibiotics such as doxycycline. For some, this is enough to clear them of the infection.

Others either never present with an acute Lyme or they have more chronic presentation. Chronic Lyme patients experience a laundry list of symptoms that may include: bulls eye rash (erythema migrans), neck stiffness with headaches, light and sound sensitivity, memory and concentration problems, vertigo, dizziness, difficulty walking, tingling, numbness, burning sensations, fevers, sweats, chills, joint pain, dysautonomia (dysfunction of the autonomic

nervous system), chemical sensitivities, inflammation, sex hormone imbalances, hypothyroidism, adrenal dysfunction, depression, anxiety, psychosis, autoimmunity, food sensitivities, interstitial cystitis (bladder pain/frequency), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chest pain and allergies. One could continue listing symptoms forever with Lyme. No two cases are exactly alike and the number of symptoms that may be generated by B. burgdorferi are seemingly endless. The only common thread amongst all patients is the presence of inflammation.

Lyme Disease and Food Sensitivities A common problem in Lyme patients is having food sensitivities. This is because leaky gut syndrome is common in those with Lyme. This occurs often secondarily to antibiotic use which allows for overgrowth of pathogenic yeast such as Candida albicans, overgrowth of potentially pathogenic bacteria, and decreased levels of good bacteria. In this process, the tight junctions which separate the small intestine from our blood vessels are broken open allowing partially digested food particles into the blood stream. Here, our body perceives the food as an invader rather than a source of nutrition and mounts an attack. After repeated exposures, our body develops IgG4 antibodies that can cause various symptoms including reflux, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, headaches and other symptoms.

The 4R Program To combat intestinal permeability a 4R program should be undertaken. This includes the steps Remove, Replace, Reinoculate and Repair. Remove refers to the elimination of pathogenetic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, allergens, and toxins. In this step, it is important to use an elimination diet to help determine foods that may be problematic. At the very least, gluten and dairy should be removed. An autoimmune Paleo approach is often helpful. This includes removal of all dairy, grains, beans, nuts, seeds, high glycemic fruits, refined sugars, processed foods, pork, eggs, coffee, tea, caffeine and night shade vegetables. This is typically done for a six to 12-week period prior to reintroducing foods one by one to assess tolerance. For those who have histamine intolerance, this diet should be altered to decrease histamine levels (see below). If there are underlying infections in the gut this should be treated with appropriate natural antimicrobials.

How You Eat Affects How You Feel Reduce Your Joint Pain

Chronic pain is often caused by inflammation in the body. A poor diet will commonly contribute to joint aches and pain. Working with a nutritionist to improve your diet and lifestyle can greatly benefit how you feel on a daily basis.

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Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

Replace refers to replacing digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid (HCL) and bile.

This should be done with the guidance of clinical symptoms and, if available, the results of a stool analysis. Bile salts may be required for those without a gallbladder or for those with increased levels of fat in their stool.

Reinoculate is associated with the use of pre- and probiotics to help repopulate the gut. Finally, repair is associated with healing the intestinal permeability. Typical nutrients given to support this process include L-glutamine and zinc carnosine to heal the gut, antioxidant support, N-acetyl Cysteine/ glutathione, and inulin. Various botanicals may be used to help soothe the mucosal membrane. These include slippery elm, aloe vera and marshmallow root.

Lyme Disease and Food Allergies Most Lyme patients end up seeing me because they are experiencing allergy and sensitivity symptoms. There is a great deal of crossover between mast cell activation disorders (in which I specialize) and Lyme.

This is because B. burgdorferi can directly cause mast cell degranulation. Mast cells are the cell within our immune system that carries histamine and other mediators including tryptase and heparin. Their job is to respond to allergens and inflammation.

Typically, when the IgE receptor is stimulated by an antigen (typically a substance one is allergic to), the mast cell degranulates losing its histamine load. This can cause a variety of symptoms including congestion, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, itchy skin, hives, asthma, coughing, wheezing, tachycardia, flushing, angioedema, changes in blood pressure, frequent/urgent urination, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting and even anaphylactic shock. I have seen onset of allergic symptoms in Lyme occur typically following an aggressive treatment such as IV antibiotics. This may start with hives following the antibiotic and may progress to symptoms even when not undergoing actual treatment. For many patients, this may result in loss of tolerance (allergy) to one or more types of antibiotics.

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Lyme Disease and Mast Cell Activation For a particularly unlucky subset of Lyme patients they may develop mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). This is a disorder where the immune system over reacts to various stimuli causing them to appear to be allergic to many things in the world around them. There is no real increase in

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the amount of mast cells as found in mastocytosis patients. Rather, the mast cells can either become both more active and produce extra inflammatory mediators, or they are simply more easily triggered to degranulate. It is also possible that they may release a variety of types of mast cell mediators.

This is caused by abnormal expression of certain proteins that alter mast cell behavior. Those with MCAS may react to foods, chemicals, pollen, and medications. Typically, this person has no more actual IgE allergies than anyone else. However, even IgG antibodies associated with delayed food sensitivities can have the same effect on mast cells in those with MCAS. Symptoms of MCAS include: fatigue, weakness, fever, environmental sensitivities, weight loss/gain, anaphylaxis, brain fog, sinusitis, rhinitis, burning mouth pain, dyspnea (labored breathing), cough, wheezing, increased mucous, tachycardia (heart beat above 100 beats per minute), palpitations, fainting, episodes of low blood pressure, non-cardiac chest pain, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, cramping, bloating, gastritis, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, increased cholesterol, bladder pain, osteopenia/osteoporosis, pain, degenerative disk disease, itching, flushing, rashes, hives, dermatographia (skin writing—scratching the skin results in a raised red welt of hives), edema, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), polyneuropathy (degeneration of peripheral nerves), and paresthesias (abnormal skin sensations).

Evaluation for MCAS includes serum tryptase (an increase of 20% from baseline to reaction), serum histamine, 24-hour urinary N-methylhistamine, and 24-hour urinary 2,3-dinor 11-beta prostaglandin F2 alpha.

Often there are specific elements to food to which those with MCAS react. This may include:

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• Sulfur is found in foods such as cruciferous vegetables, eggs, onions and garlic. This is related to a genetic polymorphism to CBS C699T or a vitamin B6 deficiency.

• Oxalates are an element in certain plants such as spinach, Swiss chard, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Often those with genetic hyperoxalurias or those with Candida and other yeast infections may become intolerant.

• Salicylates is a chemical found in most vegetables and herbs and is the active ingredient in aspirin. Sensitivity is very difficult and may be associated with leaky gut syndrome and dysbiosis as bacteria may also produce salicylates.

• Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, kamut, spelt and contaminated oats.

• Histamine is produced from the breakdown of the amino acid histidine into histamine in animal proteins. It is also found in fermented foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, etc. (see complete list below).

• Food colorings, preservatives, MSG and artificial sweeteners While mast cell disorders are typically treated with H1 blockers (antihistamines including Benadryl, hydroxyzine, Xyzal, Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra), H2 blockers (Zantac, Pepcid, Tagamet), mast cell stabilizers (Chromolyn sodium and Ketotifen) and leukotriene inhibitors (Monteleukast), there are many natural remedies that may be helpful. Some helpful possibilities include: • Quercetin is a natural mast cell stabilizer. Choose a formula without bromelain which can worsen MCAS. • Vitamin C is required to break down histamine. Supplementing smaller doses (500 mg) several times per day can help improve absorption.

• Holy basil is a natural antihistamine that is very calming since it supports the adrenals. Try one to two cups of holy basil tea per day.

• A low histamine diet is a must for those with MCAS. High histamine foods include alcohol; fermented foods; mature cheeses; smoked foods; shellfish; nuts; chocolate; vinegar; wheat; tomatoes; citrus fruits (lemon, lime, orange, tangerine, grapefruit and pineapple); prepared, boxed and canned foods; older, aged or ground meats; poultry skin; and black, white and green tea, coffee and other caffeinated beverages.

• Certain probiotics including Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum are helpful in breaking down histamine in the gut.

• Fish oil is a natural leukotriene inhibitor and may help with the respiratory symptoms associated with MCAS. Jessica Pizano is the owner of Fit to You, LLC, which offers clinical nutrition and nutrigenomic counseling, as well as personalized training programs. Her concentrations include genetics and nutrigenomics, general health and fitness, weight loss, food allergies/sensitivities, autoimmune disease, obesity intervention, and Pilates. She may be contacted at (860) 321-7234 or online at www.fittoyouct.com. See ad on page 21.

The Future is Now…Anti-Aging Medicine in 2017

By Henry C. Sobo, M.D.

A

nti-Aging Medicine attempts to improve health, not just treat illness.

When you went for a check-up with your doctor were you told, "everything is fine"? What does that mean? What it means is that your doctor didn't find a disease that you are suffering from now.

The effects of aging aren't seen as a medical problem, and therefore not in the realm of anything that your doctor will deal with other than prescribe medication for symptoms as they arise. With the application of Anti-Aging Medicine treatments some disease processes can be at least partially reversed.

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy. As adults get into their mid-forties and beyond, their levels of sex hormones start dropping. The most common use of hormone replacement therapy is for women undergoing menopause which is characterized by hot flashes. Often these occur most severely at night keeping women from getting a good nights’ sleep, which results in their seeking medical help. There are also many other problems which occur as a result of diminishing hormone levels that can be successfully treated. The following is a list of symptoms that affects both sexes: low libido, depression, forgetfulness, sleep disturbance, fatigue, thinning skin & hair, headaches, bone loss, decreased stamina and feeling burned out.

Hormone replacement therapy is clearly important not just for women, but for men as well. These are the recommended hormones most important for testing: Estrogen, Testosterone, Progesterone, DHEA-S and Cortisol. Measuring these hormones and also measuring how one's hormones are being metabolized, can help your doctor provide a safer and

individualized hormone regimen to restore and improve health and to enhance healthy longevity.

2. Platelet Rich Plasma. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is produced from your own blood.

After a blood sample is taken, the blood is put into a centrifuge which separates the platelets from the red blood cells. One of the platelet cells’ natural functions is to help the healing process in the body through its release of biologically active substances into areas of dysfunction. After it is collected, the PRP is then injected back into the body and delivered to the area of the body that needs treatment. PRP treatments are done via a simple in-office procedure that can be performed and completed in less than an hour.

Sexuality problems for both sexes can be improved with injections of PRP to the appropriate areas. One treatment may do the trick. Improvement has been seen for men with Erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s Disease. For women who experience painful intercourse, or have difficulty achieving orgasm, PRP can be very helpful.

3. Dementia Prevention. As more study is being done to try and help people avoid the devastating consequences of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, the scientific validation for dietary and other Natural Medicine approaches is appearing in studies. There are some basic recommendations that are proving to be successful in managing and even restoring mental function to a better state. Here are some fundamental lifestyle changes: 1. Follow a gluten free diet and minimize sugar intake.

2. Get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

3. Exercise for at least 30 minutes four times per week.

4. Practice a stress reduction method every day.

5. Optimized supplementation. Some of the most beneficial nutrients studied are Methylcobalamin, methylated folate, Fish oil, Vitamin D, curcumin, activated B complex, phosphatidyl

serine, phosphatidylcholine, resveratrol, lipoic acid. acetyl L-carnitine, and green tea. Ideally one should be tested for nutrient levels, not commonly done in most medical offices.

It should be noted that these recommendations while successful in the early stages of dementia are unlikely to provide meaningful results when the condition is very advanced.

4.Stem Cell Therapy. This treatment is still considered experimental and thus not covered by Medicare or insurance.

However, as it has shown itself to be very safe, stem cell treatments are available for patients who wish to avail themselves of this futuristic technology now. There are two basic forms of stem cell therapy in common use. One is known as autologous stem cell treatment. These stem cells are derived from the patient’s own body during an in-office procedure to extract the stem cells. An alternative for patients who may not be appropriate for having a procedure, or may wish to avoid any procedure, is the use of umbilical stem cells.

These cells are taken from the umbilical cords of healthy mothers’ of healthy babies, donated for this purpose.

Stem cells are being studied worldwide for their effectiveness in treating a variety of medical conditions including the following: Osteoarthritis, Orthopedic Conditions, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Heart Disease, Type II Diabetes, COPD, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease , Crohn’s Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis.

Rather than waiting for a disease to manifest and then dealing with it by symptom relief, it is possible to be proactive and stay younger, healthier and possibly prevent disease before it happens. The Anti-Aging Medicine treatments described above may be safer than drug therapy. Our goal is to enhance a healthier, more vital longevity.

Dr. Henry C. Sobo, M.D. is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Sobo has been practicing Nutritional Natural Medicine for over 25 years. He specializes in Weight Reduction Medicine and Hormone Replacement Therapy. For more information, visit www. drsobo.com or call 203-348-8805.

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HAPPENINGS Tuesday, May 2nd Functional Forum Meet-Up. 7-8:30 PM. No Cost. Monthly Meet-up group for the alternative and functional medicine community on the first Tuesday of every month. Come for community, networking, learning. IMT Wellness Center is hosting a Functional Forum Meet-Up to foster professional community and learning while watching and discussing the Functional Forum Webinar. FunctionalForum.com IMT Wellness Center 12 N. Main St. Ste. 30 West Hartford. RSVP to 860-243-5220, nancy@imtwellnesscenter.com or just come.

Wednesday, May 3rd Working in Trance for Channeling and Healing with Priscilla Bengtson.

6:30 – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. This is an intermediate/ advanced class for those ready to develop their Mediumship and Healing at a higher level.

We will safely explore working in a deeper state for Mental Mediumship, Trance Control Mediumship and Trance Healing. Working at your own level of comfort in the process of Spirit connection, you will learn two simple techniques to bring yourself into a trance state. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com

Thursday, May 4th Hypo-Thyroidism: a Free health & wellness talk presented by Dr. Matthew Robinson, ND. Here’s everything you need to know about diagnosis and treatment of a low functioning thyroid – hypo-thyroidism. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden 203-4078128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.

ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Friday, May 5th Meet your Angels and Guides with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. Receiving spiritual guidance is easier when you understand who you are connecting with. During this workshop you will learn about your primary spiritual guides and guardian angels.

Through meditation, we will meet them and receive information from them on how they would like to work with you. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, May 6th Learn to Meditate with Pat McGrath.

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $70.00. Experience what it’s like to sit in silence, remove yourself from the drama of your life and learn why this practice is powerful and life-changing. It is the number one tool that can help you connect with your Higher Self and your own “inner voice with the big answers.” Students will receive a cd and booklet from the McLean Meditation Institute. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

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May/June 2017 Free Reiki at Thyme & Season 12 - 3: Tranquil Healing Reiki provided by Usui Reiki Master Anita Jones. First & 3rd Saturday of Every Month! Free Session, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden. 203-4078128. Also, in-store Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you M-F. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Sunday, May 7th Women’s Empowerment Meditation.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. $25.00.

This guided meditation is specifically designed to the energy of the group. We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck. The energy of the group helps us to release those things that no longer serve our highest good and allow us to live an empowered life. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, May 9th The Nuts and Bolts of Spirituality: A monthly group for Men with Ken Freschi. 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $15.00. Join Ken Freschi each month in this spirituality group just for men. Meet with like-minded individuals to discuss a variety of life and spiritual topics. Ken’s book, Our Walk to Eternity, will be used as a guideline for the group and aid in exploring the human journey and the lessons we are here to learn. Open for all levels of spiritual seekers. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Free Lecture: Help! I'm sick and no one is listening! Community evening lecture every second Tuesday of the month. 7:00-8:30 PM Registration and food tasting starts at 6:30. Focus: IBS, Crohn’s, Digestive Issues. Finding the underlying cause of why you don’t feel well and how you can feel better is the key. Learn easy diet changes, simple supplements, and self-treatment tools to help you feel great. Get in shape with healthy eating and lifestyle tips. IMT Wellness Center, 12 N. Main St., Ste. 30 West Hartford, RSVP to 860-561-2286, info@IMTWellnessCenter.com, or just come.

Wednesday, May 10th Healing in Harmony Night.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. FREE. Stop by the center for a FREE healing service. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive a 10 – 12 minute healing. No reservation required. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The healing services are offered one night each month. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, May 11th Food Allergy, Food Sensitivity, Food Intolerance: a Free health & wellness talk presented by Dr. Elise Panza, ND. Because we’re all unique, different,

changing and hidden reactions can occur when even healthy eating results in weight gain, inflammation, pain, acne, or autoimmune disease. Learn the differences, the testing methods, and treatments. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden. 203-407-8128 x2.

No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Saturday, May 13th Psychic Saturday. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $25.00 for a 20-minute reading. Receive a private reading to connect you to guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Check the web site for Readers. Pre-scheduling is highly recommended. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Homeopathy Study Group: Sponsored by Connecticut Homeopathy.

Learn to treat yourself & your family for first aid & acute illness with homeopathy. Prevent use of OTC or prescription meds. Study group meets every 3rd Saturday, 10:30-Noon at North Haven Public Library; Call for information, Dr. Louise Sanchione, 203-320-9158 or email to: connecticuthomeopathy@gmail.com. Attendees receive coupon for homeopathic medicine. Also, Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you with “which ‘blue tube’ is best” M-F 9-5 at Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Tuesday, May 16th Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson. 10:00 – 11:15 a.m. $25.00. Quiet your mind and release old physical and energetic patterns with this amazing Sound Healing Meditation using Himalayan Singing Bowls. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, May 17th Crystal Grid Chakra Healing Meditation with Christine Cartwright. 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $20.00. Come in. Get comfortable. Meditate and heal within the crystal grid. Relax, recharge and renew with a guided meditation to clear your chakras and heal your body, mind and soul. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, May 18th Live Life Allergy Free. Free health & wellness talk presented by Dr. Anne Mitchell, ND., of Advanced Allergy Relief. There is a new way to relieve allergy symptoms without pills, medication or needles. If you suffer from mold, pollen, foods, chemicals, cats or dogs, this can help you! Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden.

203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Friday, May 19th Gallery Night with Priscilla Bengtson.

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Join us for an intimate evening of experiencing intuitive readings with medium Priscilla Bengtson. Priscilla is a certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, Medium and Psychic Intuitive who connects with angels, spirit guides and those who have crossed over.

The group is kept small so that everyone receives guidance. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, May 20th Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson. 10:00 – 11:15 a.m. $25.00.

Quiet your mind and release old physical and energetic patterns with this amazing Sound Healing Meditation using Himalayan Singing Bowls.

The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released.

The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

IN-2-IT Kids: Sound Immersion and Meditation for Kids with Priscilla Bengtson. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. $25.00. Your child can experience the beautiful sounds of the Himalayan Singing Bowls while learning about the connection of sound, vibration and healing. We’ll have a little bit of education on the bowls, energy and vibration then, just like in the adult program, your child will relax and unwind as Priscilla works with the bowls on and around their bodies. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Free Reiki at Thyme & Season 12 - 3: Tranquil Healing Reiki provided by Usui Reiki Master Anita Jones. First & 3rd Saturday of Every Month! Free Session, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden. 203-4078128. Also, in-store Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you M-F. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com Lightworkers Unite to Play! 7:00 PM. $22 adv /$30 door. On a mission to shine light in the darkness? Come plug-in, play & recharge! Every dark cloud has a silver lining. Let’s celebrate the Great Awakening of pro-active grassroots energies!

Dance, sing, laugh, shine together. Bring clear & positive intentions for a hilarious speed-networking game. Hosted by Lois Grasso & Robin Clare at Unity Church, 919 Ellington Rd., So. Windsor, CT. Get tickets NOW at www.LightworkersUnite.net or 860-796-1480

Tuesday, May 23rd Meet your Angels and Guides with Priscilla Bengtson. 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $50.00.

Receiving spiritual guidance is easier when you understand who you are connecting with. During this workshop you will learn about your primary spiritual guides and guardian angels. Through meditation, we will meet them and receive information from them on how they would like to work

with you. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, May 25th The Pre-Natal Year: Top 10 Tips. Free health & wellness talk at Thyme & Season, presented by Lindsay Chimileski, ND. Position your life and your body for the best 10 months of your life and the life of your baby. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden. 203-4078128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.

ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Friday, May 26th New Moon Sound Healing Meditation, Crystal Healing and Reiki with Priscilla and Christine Cartwright. 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. $35.00.

Welcome in the New Moon energy with the vibration and tones of the Himalayan Singing Bowls, Crystals and Reiki. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Chris will introduce a healing crystal and offer Reiki throughout the session. The group is kept small so each person can experience the healing on a personal level. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, May 31st Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson. 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. $25.00.

Quiet your mind and release old physical and energetic patterns with this amazing Sound Healing Meditation using Himalayan Singing Bowls.

The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released.

The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Home Message Circle. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $20.00. The session is open to anyone who wishes to practice their mediumship message delivery in a group. Your ability doesn’t matter as we are all here to get some practice and learn from each other. A group facilitator will help you stay on track with your message if needed. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, June 2nd The Disciples of Christ-Consciousness with Dan Lupacchino. 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $20.00. Join Dan Lupacchino for a discussion on Christ Consciousness and activating the Christ-Self within all of us. Dive deep in meditation to meet your own 12 disciples and see what wisdom and insight they want to share with you, on this ascension journey. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, June 3rd Free Reiki at Thyme & Season 12 - 3: Tranquil Healing Reiki provided by Usui Reiki Master Anita Jones. First & 3rd Saturday of Every Month! Free Session, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden.

203-407-8128. Also, in-store Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you M-F. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com .

Tuesday, June 6th Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson. 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. $25.00. Quiet your mind and release old physical and energetic patterns with this amazing Sound Healing Meditation using Himalayan Singing Bowls. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, June 7th Dare to Be Different with Priscilla Bengtson. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $35.00. Are you feeling stuck?

Challenge yourself to make radical changes in the way you respond to life. Understand why you are stuck, why you stay there and how to get unstuck.

Insanity is making the same decisions and expecting different results. Attend this workshop and dare to be different! Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Introduction to Integrated Energy Therapy (IET®) Information Night – IET® Master Instructors.

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. FREE. Join IET® Master Instructors Chris Cartwright and Dan Lupacchino for an informative evening into the world of IET®.

Participants will learn a brief history of the development of IET and its many uses in healing. Learn a Heart-Link process to connect with these amazing angels. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com

Saturday, June 10th Psychic Saturday. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $25.00 for a 20-minute reading. Receive a private reading to connect you to guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Check the web site for Readers. Pre-scheduling is highly recommended.

Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Reiki II with Christine Cartwright. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. $160.00. Receive attunements to higher frequencies of universal energy and enhance your healing work. Learn how to do distance healing, as well as heal mental, emotional and past life issues. Participants receive a manual and certificate. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

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HAPPENINGS

May/June 2017

Sunday, June 11th

Friday, June 16th

Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10:00 a.m.

– 12:00 noon. $25.00. This guided meditation is specifically designed to the energy of the group.

We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck. The energy of the group helps us to release those things that no longer serve our highest good and allow us to live an empowered life. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson.

7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. $25.00. Quiet your mind and release old physical and energetic patterns with this amazing Sound Healing Meditation using Himalayan Singing Bowls. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

IN-2-IT Kids: Drum Circle with Priscilla Bengtson.

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. $35.00. We have the drums, we just need the kids. A drum circle is a fun, exciting and powerful way to bring individuals together through music. They’ll learn about different drums, the traditions and then get to experience it for themselves as everyone will get a chance to lead the circle. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, June 17th

Tuesday, June 13th The Nuts and Bolts of Spirituality: A monthly group for Men with Ken Freschi. 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $15.00. Join Ken Freschi each month in this spirituality group just for men. Meet with likeminded individuals to discuss a variety of life and spiritual topics. Ken’s book, Our Walk to Eternity, will be used as a guideline for the group and aid in exploring the human journey and the lessons we are here to learn. Open for all levels of spiritual seekers. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Free Lecture: Help! I'm sick and no one is listening! Community evening lecture every second Tuesday of the month. 7:00-8:30 PM. Registration and food tasting starts at 6:30. Focus: Digestive Issues and Pain. Finding the underlying cause of why you don’t feel well and how you can feel better is the key. Learn easy diet changes, simple supplements, and self-treatment tools to help you feel great.

Get in shape with healthy eating and lifestyle tips!

IMT Wellness Center 12 N. Main St. Ste. 30 West Hartford. RSVP to 860-561-2286, info@IMTWellnessCenter.com, or just come.

Wednesday, June 14th Healing in Harmony Night. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

FREE. Stop by the center for a FREE healing service.

Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive a 10 – 12 minute healing. No reservation required. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The healing services are offered one night each month. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

May/June 2017 40 Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg- -May/June 2017

Spiritual Counselor Certificate Program – Foundations with Priscilla Bengtson. Also Sunday, June 18th. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. both days. $375.00 (financial assistance and payment plan available).

This course is designed for people who are being called to service and ministry. Participants will earn how to assist people in moving past sticking points in their lives and help them view life from a higher, spiritual perspective. Visit web site for more details. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.psyche-institute.com.

Free Reiki at Thyme & Season 12 - 3: Tranquil Healing Reiki provided by Usui Reiki Master Anita Jones. First & 3rd Saturday of Every Month! Free Session, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden. 203-4078128. Also, in-store Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you M-F. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com Homeopathy Study Group: Sponsored by Connecticut Homeopathy. Learn to treat yourself & your family for first aid & acute illness with homeopathy. Prevent use of OTC or prescription meds.

Study group meets every 3rd Saturday, 10:30-Noon at North Haven Public Library; Call for information, Dr. Louise Sanchione, 203-320-9158 or email to: connecticuthomeopathy@gmail.com. Attendees receive coupon for homeopathic medicine. Also, Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you with “which ‘blue tube’ is best” M-F 9-5 at Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Wednesday, June 21st Crystal Grid Chakra Healing Meditation with Christine Cartwright. 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $20.00. Come in. Get comfortable. Meditate and heal within the crystal grid. Relax, recharge and renew with a guided meditation to clear your chakras and heal your body, mind and soul. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, June 23rd So you want to be a Medium? with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. Are you ready to take your intuitive skills to the next step by connecting with angels, guides and loved ones in the spirit world? Participants will learn the differences between mediumship and psychic ability, how to

receive messages clearly and how to know who you are working with in the spirit world. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, June 28th Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson.

5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. $25.00. Quiet your mind and release old physical and energetic patterns with this amazing Sound Healing Meditation using Himalayan Singing Bowls. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Home Message Circle. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $20.00. The session is open to anyone who wishes to practice their mediumship message delivery in a group. Your ability doesn’t matter as we are all here to get some practice and learn from each other. A group facilitator will help you stay on track with your message if needed. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, June 30th Gallery Night with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Join us for an intimate evening of experiencing intuitive readings with medium Priscilla Bengtson. Priscilla is a certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, Medium and Psychic Intuitive who connects with angels, spirit guides and those who have crossed over. The group is kept small so that everyone receives guidance. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, July 27th Save the Date: Thyme & Season’s 7th Annual Night of Beauty, 7 – 9pm. Demos, Samples, Raffles, Consults: Skin Care and Beauty Galore. We want to beautify you! Free, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden.

203-407-8128. Also, in-store Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you M-F. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com celebrating 20 years!

ONGOING Wednesdays The Feldenkrais Method ®Awareness Through Movement® Classes with Karen Emerick, A powerful way to eliminate stress and pain while dramatically increasing flexibility. Through stress and injury we develop habitually chronic tight muscles and stiff joints leaving us feeling older than we are. Through slow, deceptively simple and ingeniously designed movements done on the floor, these chronic old patterns ingrained in our body melt away, leaving relaxed muscles, improved coordination and balance and an effortless sense of movement. Glastonbury, 10:15am – 11:30am, $15, drop-ins $20. Register: 860-633-7667.

RESOURCES ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture of Greater Hartford Stan Baker, LAC 645 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105 860.836.1068 •.acupuncturestanbaker.com See ad on page 28.

CHIROPRACTIC Thomas Giammatteo DC, PT, PhD, IMT,C IMT Wellness Center 12 N. Main St., Ste 30 West Hartford, CT 06107 (860) 561-2286 info@IMTWellnessCenter.com See ad on page 35.

DENTISTRY Livingstone Dental Excellence Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT 860.824.0751 • livingstonedentalexcellence.com See ad on page 29.

Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dochincheydmd.com See ad on page 36.

HEALTH FOOD STORES Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester Parkade, 378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 M-Sat 8am-9pm • Sun 9am-6pm See ad on page 5.

HOLISTIC CENTERS Bridge Healing Arts Center 304 Main Street, Farmington, CT 06032 860.404.2578 • BridgeHAC@aol.com www.BridgeHAC.com See ad on page 5.

Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy 34 Jerome Ave, Suite 305 Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860) 519-1916 info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ads on page 27 and 34.

HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 35.

Mind Matters Hypnosis Center Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI Board Certified Hypnotist & Instructor 12 Waterside Court, Avon, CT 06001 (860)693-6448 • MindMatters@comcast.net www.mindmattershypnosis.com See ad on page 17.

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860-704-9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

INTEGRATED MEDICINE

NUTRITION

ProNatural Physicians Group 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 (860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 5 and 43.

Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 29.

Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt Street, New Milford CT 860-354-3304 • www.tsachsmd.com See ad on page 27.

Holly Niles, MS, CNS, LDN Licensed Functional Medicine Clinical Nutritionist Integrative Wellness 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 305 Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860)519-1916 HollyNiles@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com www.IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ads on page 27 and 34.

INTEGRATIVE APRN’S/ NURSE PRACTITIONERS ProNatural Physicians Group Lara O’Neil, Pediatric APRN Amanda Swan, Adult/Women’s Health APRN 120 Webster Square Road Berlin, CT 06037 • 860-829-0707 ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net See ad on page 5 and 43.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE CT Natural Health Specialists Dr. Lauren Young, Dr. Ashley Burkman, Dr. Tonya Pasternak and Dr Craig Fasullo 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 28.

Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102 Ridgefield, CT 06877 • (203)431-4443 See ad on page 25.

PHYSICIANS, M.D. Natural Health & Healing, LLC Deanna M. Cherrone, MD 61 S. Main St, Ste 210, West Hartford, CT (860) 677-4600 • naturalhealthandhealing.net See ad on back cover.

Optimal Health Medical, LLC Henry C. Sobo, M.D. 111 High Ridge Rd. ,Stamford, CT 06905 203-348-8805 • www.drsobo.com Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt Street, New Milford CT 860-354-3304 • www.tsachsmd.com See ad on page 27.

PSYCHIATRY

Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center Dr. Marie Mammone, Dr. Renee Mammone, NDs John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860)529-1200 • www.NAHcenter.com

David London, MD 567 Vauxhall St. Ext. #218, Waterford, CT (860) 443-5822 - davidlondonmd.com

Stacey Munro, N.D. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic 178 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT 06078 860.758.7808 • www.natureshelpermedical.com

The Graduate Institute 171 Amity Rd, Bethany, CT 06524 (203) 874-4252 • info@learn.edu See ad on page 23.

The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 21.

SKINCARE

West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 25 ProNatural Physicians Group Dr. Ann Aresco, Dr. Ann Aresco, Dr. Summer McAllister, Dr. Sarah Zambarano 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 P: 860-829-0707 - F: 860-829-0606 E: ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 5 and 43.

SCHOOLS

Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center Melissa Martin, 16A Ensign Drive, Avon.

(860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net See ad on page 32.

THERMOGRAPHY Sophia Natural Health Center 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804.

(203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com

YOGA / PILATES CENTERS West Hartford Yoga 23 Brook Street, West Hartford, CT 06110 PH: 860.953.9642 • westhartfordyoga.com info@westhartfordyoga.com www.westhartfordyoga.com Offering 70 weekly classes.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com 41

BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

Enlightenment

M

ost people I know only find enlightenment through their emotional or physical difficulties. That is a sad statement.

Wouldn’t it be far better to be educated about life and prepared for its difficulties by the wisdom of others, rather than to need your own break down in order to become strong? Many painful events become our blessings because of what they teach us and the voids they fill in our lives. I believe it is better to be blessed by wise parents, teachers and spiritual leaders than by adversity.

Others learn the hard way that the darkness leads them to the light just as charcoal under pressure becomes a diamond. Again a painful journey through the tunnel of darkness seeking the enlightenment.

My writing and today’s books have nothing new to say. We may have new stories but they are only repeating ancient wisdom. So read the wisdom of the sages and learn from those who have gone before us. Which path you take makes little difference. The themes of all the great spiritual leaders of the past have much in common. So if you seek enlightenment get started by paying attention to what has been said and don’t wait for a personal disaster to bring you the gift of enlightenment. You may know the saying, "If you seek enlightenment, seek it as a man whose hair is on fire seeks water". It takes that kind of desire to truly face the light.

What has helped me most was my search for the answer to why we have a world filled with pain and difficulties. As a physician I saw much suffering that seemed to make no sense. Ultimately I realized it was to give our acts of compassion meaning and that what was evil was to not respond to the person with the affliction. We have free will, and when we choose to love, it is a choice that is meaningful.

The free will allows us the opportunity to become co-creators and, hopefully, some day we will create a family of man and our own Garden of Eden. As a surgeon I know we are one family, despite our actions, because we are all the same color inside.

A veterinarian friend of mine listed five points necessary to train animals properly. As I listened to her list I realize it is what the enlightened give to each other. They are Love, Trust, Respect, Consistency and Commitment. So the enlightened treat people as well as they do their pets.

The questions I would ask you to consider to help yourself awaken and see the light are:

42

Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017

1. What is evil?

2. Who can you hate?

3. Who can you love?

4. Who is the enemy?

5. Who is the Lord you work for?

6. What do you need to say that you haven’t said?

I won’t answer for you, but as you seek enlightenment the correct answers will make themselves apparent.

The last point is that when you are enlightened you will understand the power of love. So ask yourself why we say kill with kindness, torment with tenderness, love is blind, love thine enemies and love thy neighbor as thyself. Therein lies the answer to life and enlightenment.

Several years ago I fell from our roof, hit my head and developed amnesia, which improved my marriage and family life dramatically. I learned a great deal from the benefits of amnesia. When my memory came back I had a difficult time with my wife and children because now I remembered all their faults. A therapist friend said she could save me from years of therapy. I asked her how. She handed me something and said go home and read this and live what it says.

What she handed me was I Corinthians 1:13 which describes all the benefits of amnesia and more through love.

I tell you this so that until you are enlightened and capable of loving try amnesia in your relationships and daily life. It will help. Or if that doesn’t appeal to you, the next time you don’t know what to do and seek to make the enlightened choice ask yourself, "What would Lassie do now?" If you prefer denominational or religious figures as choices there are a few I can recommend but choose wisely because animals are complete and man is not. Or so the Bible tells us.

For many, Dr. Bernard Siegel-or Bernie, as he prefers to becalled-needs no introduction. He has touched many lives all overthe Planet. In 1978, he reached a national and then international audience when he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. As a physician who has cared for and counseled innumerable people whose mortality has been threatened by illness, Bernie embraces a philosophy of living and dying that stands at the forefront of the medical ethics and spiritual issues our Society grapples with today. Read Bernie’s regular blog posts on his website where you will also find his books, articles, and CDs: http://www.berniesiegelmd.com.

Bernie currently holds a cancer support group the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month 1:30-3:30PM at Coachman’s Square at 21 Bradley Road, Woodbridge. If interested contact Lucille Ranciato: lranciato2@yahoo.com 203 288 2839; or Bernie: bugsyssiegel@sbcglobal.net. You can find Bernie’s books ad CDs at Wisdom of the Ages in Simsbury, Ct. See ad on page 8.

TEED OFF AT LYME

Natural Nutmeg Magazine

naturalnutmeg.com

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43

Deanna Cherrone, M.D.

Internal Medicine Certified Functional Medicine practitioner

“Do you believe you should feel better than you do?”

Natural

Health & Healing

LLC

I help restore balance so that you can look, feel and function your best.

Areas of Focus: • Adrenal Fatigue • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Bone Loss • Detoxification • Food Sensitivities • Heavy Metal Testing & Oral Chelation • Leaky gut • Menopause & Andropause • Mind Body Medicine • Neurotransmitter Testing • Nutritional & Lifestyle Counseling • Thyroid • Weight Loss

Many of my patients are simply looking for someone who will listen.

Functional Medicine explores the root cause symptoms: Fatigue • Brain Fog • Sugar Cravings • Headaches • Insomnia • Stress & Anxiety • Decreased Libido • Aches & Pains • Decreased Stamina • Constipation • Allergies • Inability to Lose Weight New Services:

Health & Nutrition Coaching with Kathy Beach including the Whole 21 program • EndoPAT testing to assess blood vessel health • InBody - lean muscle and fat mass analysis • PiezoWave 2 shock wave therapy to hasten healing of musculoskeletal injuries • Breast health screening with Thermography Dr. Cherrone, founder of Natural Health & Healing, provides Functional Medicine with emphasis on patient education and self care for optimal health.

CALL DR. CHERRONE TODAY AT (860) 677-4600

41 N Main Street Suite 207 W. Hartford, CT 06107 • www.naturalhealthandhealing.net 44

Natural Nutmeg -May/June 2017