Is Chocolate Good for Your Heart?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: What to Eat Leave a Comment

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 …

7 Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: What to Eat Leave a Comment

When the holidays have arrive many of my patients begin asking for ways to avoid holiday weight gain. For many of us the holidays mean being surrounded by family, friends and extra calories. This is also the time of year when Americans tend to gain the most weight. What’s the problem with adding just a few extra pounds over the …

Butternut Squash Soup

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: What to Eat 1 Comment

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 …

Functional Medicine Naturopathic Physician | Dr. Jolene Brighten | DrBrighten.com

Seven Ways to Decrease Your Breast Cancer Risk

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Wellbeing Leave a Comment

We all share one common trait that puts us at risk for breast cancer- we are women. While that is one risk factor we can not change, there are many places in our lives where we can take steps to prevent breast cancer. 7 Ways to Decrease Breast Cancer Risk Add More Fruits & Vegetables To Your Diet: Vegetables found …

Autism | Dr. Jolene Brighten | DrBrighten.com

Autism Prevention with Prenatal Vitamins

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Preconception & Fertility, Pregnancy Leave a Comment

A recent study in the July issue of Journal of Epidemiology suggests that taking prenatal vitamins may decrease the risk of autism by approximately 40%. Yes, research is suggesting autism prevention with prenatal vitamins is worth a conversation with your doctor. Related product: Prenatal Plus Autism Prevention with Prenatal Vitamins Mothers of children with autism and autism spectrum disorder were less likely …

Recipe: Roasted Beet & Dandelion Salad

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Food Leave a Comment

Beets are an excellent source of many vitamin and minerals, including folic acid, potassium and vitamin C.  When shopping for beets, choose small to medium sized roots that are a deep and rich color. The quality of the greens do not necessarily reflect the quality of the root, but if you are going to eat the very nutritious greens be …

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Wellbeing Leave a Comment

Naturopathic medicine is based on the belief that the human body has an innate healing ability. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) teach their patients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and cutting edge natural therapies to enhance their bodies’ ability to ward off and combat disease. NDs view the patient as a complex, interrelated system (a whole person), not as a clogged …

5 Heart Healthy Foods + What Foods to Avoid

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Food Leave a Comment

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in America. Heart disease is created through a combination of factors, one of which being diet. And while there is no one food that will cure heart disease, there are some healthy foods that you can add to your diet to help repair damaged cells and nourish your heart. Here are 5, easy to eat; heart healthy foods that can help improve your health.