Star-Spangled Burgers

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: What to Eat

I pretty much could not resist the opportunity to have fun with cookie cutters and burgers. I had been thinking that my cookie cutters were just collecting dust since my son was diagnosed with an egg sensitivity, among others. These Star Burgers were a fun way to mix it up and my toddler really enjoyed making them with me. If …

Spinach Burgers with Olive Relish

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: What to Eat

Confession: I mix greens into ground beef pretty much all the time. My toddler will eat the burger. Everything else, well, there’s no guarantee. Now don’t get me wrong, my son is pretty much a dream eater by toddler standards (minus the food in the hair and on the floor and on the back of the chair… sigh). But he’s not always …

Natural Solutions in the Treatment of PCOS

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: PCOS, Sex Hormones

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of infertility in reproductive aged woman, affecting approximately 5 million in the US alone. In this article I am sharing natural solutions in the treatment of PCOS that I use in my medical practice. PCOS–the name suggests that in order to have this diagnosis a woman should also have multiple cysts on …

Can Stress Cause a Hormone Imbalance

Can Stress Cause a Hormone Imbalance

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Brain Health, Hormones, Stress Reduction, Wellbeing

In our modern world, the pervasiveness of stress is more than just a fleeting concern; it’s a critical health issue. With each passing month, new research emerges, underscoring the profound impact of stress on our overall well-being. Far from being a mere inconvenience, stress has the potential to impact your hormone production significantly, weaken your immune system, and, alarmingly, even …

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 …

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 …

Yoga Pose: Warrior II (Virabhadrsana II)

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Cycle Self Care™, Stress Reduction

Virabhadrsana II or Warrior II is a strength building pose for both the mind and the body. It stretches the hips & joints while also helping to improve posture. You can incorporate this pose easily into your yoga practice or take 1 minute out of your day to step away from life’s demands and come into this pose. Coming into …