Do you have a burning question that you just can’t seem to Google your way out of? Wondering about the best gluten-free breads, paraben-free mascara, or energy boosting supplement? Ask me! I’ll post common questions and answers here so everyone can benefit. You can email me your questions or just post them in the comments below. Here’s to your health!
Q: Are blood type diets valid?
Although your blood type or metabolic type doesn’t necessarily hold all the answers to the foods you should be eating, it can definitely be helpful. For example, some blood types need more animal protein, while others function best on a mostly plant-based diet. Blood type can also aid in diagnosing food sensitivities.
Q: I don’t have Celiac’s disease, but I do have irritable bowel syndrome. Could going gluten-free help?
Gluten can gum up the intestinal mucosa and cause exacerbation of symptoms for people with IBS. Eliminating potentially irritating foods like gluten, dairy, highly processed foods, and soy can help to manage IBS and strengthen the intestinal walls. Work with your practitioner to identify which of these irritants might be causing you trouble.
Q: Can miso be bought fresh? All I know about is the salty powdered seasoning.
Miso is a healthy food made of fermented soy, salt, and sometimes a grain, such as brown rice. Although a processed and dehydrated miso is sold in powdered form, the natural form of miso is a thick paste. This “fresh” miso can be bought in most natural food stores or Asian markets, and must be refrigerated after opening.A tablespoon of miso mixed with a cup of hot water produces homemade miso soup, which can be seasoned with cubes of tofu and seaweed. Miso is also great to use in marinades, salad dressings, and as a substitute for salt in cooking.
Q: I’m lactose intolerant. How can I get the calcium that I need?
One of the biggest nutrition myths out there is that you need to consume dairy products to get a sufficient amount of calcium in your diet. Due its poor absorption, dairy is actually a far inferior source of calcium than plant-based sources like green leafy vegetables (like collards, swiss chard, kale, and broccoli), legumes, nuts (like almonds and brazil nuts) and seeds (like sesame seeds, which are SUPER
high in calcium!), which are much more absorbable.
high in calcium!), which are much more absorbable.
Q: What does limiting alcohol do, other than reducing calories?
Beer and sugary cocktails can definitely add needless calories and contribute to weight gain, but drinking an occasional glass of red wine or grain alcohol does not have a substantial effect. In fact, moderate consumption of red wine or grain alcohol (no more than one drink a day) can even have positive effects on heart health, diabetes, stroke, and even maintaining a healthy weight, according to some studies.
Excessive drinking, however, can increase the risk of many types of cancer, liver problems, toxicity, adrenal fatigue, and neurological disorders as well.
Q: Will eating more often but in smaller portions help me lose weight?
In the short term, this style of eating otherwise known as “grazing” can help to regulate hunger and prevent overeating. In the long term, however, the body becomes dependent on these frequent meals to regulate blood sugar, and is incapable of long term stability. This style of eating also discourages fat metabolism, as the body is burning off the frequent meals instead of stored fat. For longterm, sustainable weight loss, eating three healthy meals a day, with the majority of caloric intake taking place before 3pm, provides much greater results!
October 22, 2012
I was diagnosed with granulomates rosea, then told i have perioal dermatitas, i have tryed so many differnent things and this conditon has come back again and agian i am so fustrated with this skin problem and just want to be normal again.. i was searching the internet for possible result to clear this once and for all.. and stumbled across your sight i am so tired of spending money and nothing really works because the nasty rash come back with little bumps and redness! so i am interested in your product if it works. sound really good so if you can give me some feed back. have this keeped you perioal deramtitas free? and how do i order this amazing products!
October 22, 2012
Thanks for writing!
The best natural remedies for perioral dermatitis are topical apple cider vinegar (http://theorganicbeautyblog.com/2010/11/03/the-magic-of-apple-cider-vinegar/), and a good clay-based soap (like this amazing one from Osmia Organics: http://www.osmiaorganics.com/face-soap/black-soap/).
You’ll want to avoid any harsh or chemical moisturizers, tinted moisturizers, and anything with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Make sure your toothpaste is SLS free as well!
Spicy foods, gluten and dairy can also set off those dreaded red bumps, as can lots of sugar.
If you need help making these adjustments a part of your everyday life, please be in touch to schedule a consult!
Best of luck!
Natasha Uspensky, chhc
February 13, 2013
Love your blog!
I always have had mild acne I my face, chest, and back. It has not been much fun. I have tried random things but never saw much improvement and refuse to take medications. Nevertheless, after having my son 3 years ago my acne has changed. Now I get groups of cyst/nodules on my jawline and neck, usually on one side and still get mild chest and back acne(what I have read it seems hormonal). The face acne take months and months to diminish and even longer for pigment to go back to normal. It is so frustrating because I don’t consistently eat garbage. No fast food or sodas. After doing a bunch of research I have started a gluten-free, non processed, and limited dairy food regimen. I have added probiotic supplements and adrenal function supplements due to a myriad of other random symptoms I have. My doctor is not holistic and is quick to offer my symptoms up to likely depression and normal fatigue from having a two year old, but I feel there is more. I want to be healthy on the inside and out. Do you have any suggestions?
February 13, 2013
Thanks for writing, Fawn!
Persistent acne is a really interesting and accurate barometer of what is going on in your body.
Often times it points to a food allergy or digestive issue. Going gluten-free and dairy-free is a great start! I would get rid of sugar too.. opting for stevia or agave instead.
Other times it’s a hormonal imbalance — you’re right that chest, back, and neck acne often points to something hormonal going on. Evening Primrose can help a lot, as can Vitex if your cycles are irregular in any way. Getting off sugar helps too!
The other big factor in acne is stress and sleep. Developing a solid self-care and stress management routine (I know it’s hard with a two year old, but it’s possible!), with a yoga or meditation practice, and regular down-time and relaxation will undoubtedly benefit your skin greatly! Get to bed early, and make sure you’re getting those 8 hours in!
If you’re still having trouble after making these changes, I would suggest seeing a holistic practitioner. If there isn’t someone good in your area, please get in touch! I work with clients internationally via Skype.
Best of luck, and thanks again for reading!
August 8, 2013
Hi! I am a big fan of your blog! You doing an amazing job! I suffer from overeating! I eat even when I am not hungry! I don’t have a problem with my weight but I have a mild acne and i worry that is because overeating. How to stop this bad habit?
August 9, 2013
Hi Maja! Thank you so much for your question, and for your kind words!
Overeating can stem from typically one of two issues — blood sugar/nutrients and emotional. If you find that you’re eating when you’re not hungry, it’s likely that you’re looking to food to solve some inner imbalance. Next time you reach for food when you know you’re not hungry, try to connect to what’s really going on. Are you stressed? Tired? In need of comfort? Anxious? Depressed? Angry? Deal with that issue first. You may need a hug, a nap, a playdate with a friend, a massage, a walk outside, or yoga class instead. Even a few deep breaths with your eyes closed may help!
Emotional eating is totally something you can get to the root of and get a handle on, but you may need some support! If you’d like to schedule a consult so we can chat, just drop me an email at natasha@nuhealthandwellness.com.
Lots of love to you!
Natasha