Food Cravings During Pregnancy

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Pregnancy

Food cravings during pregnancy are not only real, they can also provide insight into what nutrients your body may need. Have you ever found yourself searching the cupboards for a chocolate bar because it would go perfect with cheese? Or perhaps you are thinking a pickle would taste good on top of your ice cream. Chances are, if odd food combinations …

Can Diet Reverse Chronic Disease?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Food

We all know that good nutrition goes a long way. However, did you know the nutrients found in fresh fruits and vegetables can have profound effects in the management of chronic disease? This video highlights what an optimal diet can do in the case of multiple sclerosis, a chronic degenerative disease. Dr. Terry Wahls used food as medicine to treat …

New Guidelines for Pap Smears

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Wellbeing

New guidelines for pap smears were published on March 14, 2012. What’s changed? The frequency in which the test should be performed has been greatly reduced. Additionally, it is recommended that all women 30+ be screened for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). New Guidelines for Pap Smears Below is a summary of the new guidelines. Please note that if there are abnormal …

Natural Antibacterial Spray

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Wellbeing

This recipe is simple and can help reduce germs in your home. Thyme essential oil has been shown to be effective against several bacteria, including H. influenza and Staph aureus. Plus, using natural ingredients can help you reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. Supplies: 12 Drops lavender essential oil 1 Tablespoon thyme essential oil 2 Tablespoons liquid castile soap 2 Cups water …

Is Chocolate Good for Your Heart?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: What to Eat

Is Chocolate Good for Your Heart? The short answer is yes. Chocolate contains nutrients which have been shown to lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease. But not all chocolate has these benefits. Is Chocolate Good for Your Heart? When looking at the health benefits, dark chocolate wins over white. Dark chocolate contains compounds known as flavonoids. The flavonoids …

Factors That Affect Female Fertility

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility

It is estimated that over 10% of women aged 15-44 are unable to become pregnant. Listed below are some of the factors that contribute to infertility, including those which are preventable . 5 Factors That Affect Female Fertility Stress Stress has the ability to not only decrease fertility, but it may also play a role in how a developing child …

Mind-Body Exercise Can Help Reduce Pain and Stress

Exercise: A Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Wellbeing

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that effects multiple systems in the body with symptoms including chronic deep muscle pain, depression, memory disruption and sleep disturbances. Chronic psychological stress coupled with an inappropriate stress response is noted to be the primary cause of fibromyalgia in a recent review by Charles Vierck, published in the journal of Pain Research and Treatment. The imbalance in …

Homemade Goat Cheese Recipe

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Food

Making your own goat cheese is incredibly easy and delicious. When making it at home you have the option of using any herb or seasoning to make a perfect cheese for any occasion. What you’ll need: Cheese cloth.  1/8 cup of acid for every 1 liter of milk. I prefer lemon juice, but you can substitute apple cider vinegar. 1 …

Yoga Pose: Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Wellbeing

Coming Into the Pose Begin with your feet 3 1/2 to 4 feet apart. Turn your right toes out to 90 degrees and the left toes in to 45 degrees. As you inhale, draw your fingers up toward the sky, bringing your arms parallel to one another and perpendicular to the floor. Press the edge of your left foot into …