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 …

how to boost fertility

How to Boost Fertility Naturally: Science-Backed Strategies for Conception 

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility

Fertility is one of the most misunderstood aspects of women’s health, often oversimplified into the notion that age is the only determining factor. But fertility is about so much more than just the number of years you’ve lived or eggs you have left! It’s about hormonal balance, metabolic health, lifestyle choices, and even environmental toxins. If you’re trying to conceive …

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 …

Prenatal Stress and Aging

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, your baby depends on you for nourishment and a safe place to grow and thrive. As I often say, the mother is the seed and the soil for her baby. Your nutrition, your immunity, and your gut health become your baby’s nourishment, immunity, and gut health. But how does your prenatal stress levels affect your baby? You …

Butternut Squash Soup

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: What to Eat

This creamy butternut squash soup is simple to make and is a delicious meal on its own or as a side dish. The roasting of the squash creates a rich flavor. Ingredients: 8 cups peeled & cubed (1 inch) butternut squash. About 2 1/2 pounds. 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2-3/4 teaspoon salt 14 ounce chicken or …

Decrease Breast Cancer Risk Factors

6 Simple Ways to Decrease Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Wellbeing

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among women globally, affecting approximately one in eight women1 in the United States during their lifetime. Women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer more than any other type of cancer2 except skin cancer. Despite this significant statistic, there are many proactive steps we can take to mitigate our risk.  …