Nutmeg “Nuggets” Fix Your Diet to Help Lower Cholesterol


United States have high choles- terol. This is defi ned as having elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL), levels at or above 130 mg/ dl. Lowering LDL is the primary goal of conventional cholesterol treatment. Raising the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which are protective, and lower-


A


ing blood fats called triglycerides are also targets for cholesterol medications. Dietary intervention for high cholesterol in the past was primarily to lower fats, such as those found in eggs, meat, and high fat dairy products. This approach worked for some, but not all people. The emphasis has shifted, especially among holistic practitioners, to emphasize ingesting minimally processed foods, while reducing or eliminating processed foods. Foods as close as possible to their natural state are considered to be less processed. Foods that are processed tend to be packaged, have more ingredi- ents, and they don’t resemble the foods that they came from.


An eating plan to lower LDL and triglycerides and raise HDL


eliminates refi ned “white” fl ours, processed sugar, and unhealthy fats such as those found in fast food and packaged snacks. Grain and fl our products (even whole grains) are limited because of the effect on blood sugar and insulin levels, which increase infl amma- tion and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. At least a serving or more per day of legumes (beans, peas, lentils), which are sources of soluble fi ber and protein, are included. The soluble fi ber found in legumes and other foods have the benefi t of lowering LDL. It is recommended to increase non-starchy vegetable intake to six or more cups per day. These include all vegetables except potato, sweet potato, yam, taro, yucca, winter squash, and carrots. Starchy vegetables are fi ne to include but in smaller quantities because they contain more carbohydrates and have a greater effect on blood sug- ar. The eating plan also includes raw nuts and seeds and minimally processed oils and fats such as extra virgin olive oil and avocado. Many holistic practitioners agree that eggs from naturally raised chickens and grass-fed beef can be used. Both eggs and beef were primary targets of past cholesterol-lowering dietary campaigns. Naturally raised meats and farm eggs tend to have more benefi cial omega-3 fatty acids than animals raised in large scale operations know as factory farms. This is thought to be because of unnatural living conditions and diets consisting of pesticide laden-GMO corn and soy. Fish are considered one of the healthiest animal-based protein sources, but you have to be careful about choosing fi sh that are lower in toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides. Choose sustainably caught, wild-caught, or local fi sh, rather than farm- raised to get the health benefi ts of essential fatty acids.


Dr. Stacey Munro is a Naturopathic physician who specializes in prevention and treatment of chronic health conditions. Following Naturopathic philosophy, she looks for the root cause, rather than just treating symptoms. Dr. Munro prescribes dietary and lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, herbs, and other natural therapies. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic


178 Mountain Road, Suffi eld, CT 860.758.7808 www.NaturesHelperMedical.com


12 Natural Nutmeg - March 2018


ccording to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), about 32% of adults in the


to attack itself from an out of control immune system which was fi ghting an infection, a food, an allergen, or a toxin thus creating infl ammation throughout the body. This can be directed at your joints, your digestive system, your skin, your endocrine system or something systemic.


T The problem is that most regular tests can’t fi nd the cause of


this infl ammation. Anti-infl ammatory medicine is prescribed which just covers up the problem and can cause other problems like intestinal bleeding, leaky gut, yeast overgrowth and more infection. What we need to do is remove the cause.


The fi rst line of defense is to remove infl ammatory foods from


the diet such as refi ned carbohydrates, dairy, processed foods, gluten and sugar. Probiotics can be used to stop yeast over growth. Vitamins such as fi sh oil, zinc, and certain herbs like Echinacea, can support the immune system and fi ght infection. Complete healing of the gut and the immune system can take many months but it is truly amazing how quickly people can start to feel better from these changes. Their fatigue, joint pain, and digestive issues can disappear in as little as a few weeks.


Donna Bunte, MSOM, L. Ac. holds a Masters degree in acupunc- ture from the Tri-state College of Acupuncture in Manhattan and is certifi ed in Chinese herbal medicine. Donna is a certifi ed Integra- tive Nutrition Health Coach, trained through the Institute of Inte- grative Nutrition in New York. For more information call 203-698- 0793 or go to www.donnabunte.com. See ad on page 20.


My Blood Labs are Normal but I’m Still Losing My Hair!


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any clients can have normal blood labs and still experi- ence hair loss and/thinning. Our body has the amazing ability to self-heal and self-regulate with the proper en-


vironment and nutrition. There are many checks and balances oc- curring in our bodies on a constant basis every second of the day. Many of these checks and balances occur without the body ever sending any symptoms, signs, or warnings. Usually the body will send the signal in the form of pain, discomfort, and even hair loss. Healthy hair growth can be a sign of a healthy body whereas hair loss can be the pre-cursor for more serious medical conditions.


I see many hair loss clients in my offi ce with normal blood labs. Hair loss is not considered a medical condition in which blood labs are designed for. Blood labs are designed to diagnose certain medical conditions and levels, such as T3/T4 (hormone levels from the Thyroid) and Free Testosterone. The normal amount of free testosterone one looks for on their blood lab is 2% or less, however one can still experience hair loss within normal range. It is safe to say when clients experience hair loss with normal levels of free testosterone, they are sensitive to the 2%. In addition, there are many other contributing factors. This is just one simple example of how one can experience hair loss with normal blood labs. For additional testing, HMA (Hair/Mineral analysis) can be very helpful for assessing hair defi ciencies.


Receive 6 free laser treatments with your 12-Week program when you mention this article. Call for your consultation today! Submitted by Donyelle V. McBride, Trichologist. For more information, visit www. mcbridehair.com. Email: info@mcbridehair.com Phone: 860.985.2081.


What is Autoimmune Disease?


his type of disorder includes arthritis, allergies, celiac dis- ease, MS, psoriasis, and many other problems that people are dealing with in our country. It occurs when your body starts


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