Radio Show: Natural Strategies For Dealing With Depression

Host Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Dr. James Gordon will be discussing natural strategies for dealing with depression and optimizing health.

James S. Gordon, MD, is a Harvard-educated psychiatrist and world-renowned expert in using mind-body medicine to heal depression, anxiety, and psychological trauma. Dr. Gordon is a clinical professor at the Georgetown University School of Medicine and the founder and director of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine.

Tune in this Sunday from 10-11am on 1500 AM (WFED) or listen live on the web. Our shows are streamed everywhere.

Last week’s show was on herbs and spices as they relate to health and disease.
Click to listen.

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6 Common Symptoms of Food Sensitivities in Kids

  1. Headaches
  2. Dark under-eye circles
  3. Earaches / Ear infections
  4. Eczema
  5. Asthma
  6. Irritability

There are many factors that can cause these symptoms in children. Therefore, it is critical to look at all possibilities. Food sensitivities is an important area to investigate because there are many common foods in one’s diet that can aggravate the body. For example, foods such as gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, corn, citrus, and eggs are often the main culprits. These foods can trigger the immune system and result in delayed food reactions. These reactions are different than a true allergic response such as anaphylaxis that occurs immediately after ingesting a certain food. Sensitivities to foods tend to show up anywhere from hours to days after ingesting troublesome foods. There is also a wide variety of symptoms beyond the 6 listed above. Other symptoms include behavior and attention problems, depression, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and anger. Because symptoms are so varied and are delayed, it can be a bit challenging determining which foods are causing the problem.

Fortunately there is simple blood test done through Village Green that can screen for food sensitivities. Based on the results, a plan is created specific for the child. In general, all foods that rank moderate/high are best eliminated from the diet for a period of 3-6 months while other foods are rotated in the diet. This allows the digestive system and immune system to begin the process of healing. Other beneficial supplements such as glutamine, probiotics, digestive enzymes, fish oil, and a high quality multivitamin can also provide added healing support.

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Look Younger Now: Avoid These 5 Aging Habits

Recently, on a popular morning news program, the topic of aging was discussed. I wasn’t surprised that smoking and lying in the sun can make you look years older, but some other habits were a bit more unexpected. For many people, most of these habits can be changed relatively easily and will also help you feel more energized, in general.

1. Not getting enough sleep. Juggling work, kids and a personal life can take a toll on your sleep, but getting enough sleep is important. Research links lack of sleep to high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, and even just looking tired and older. Aiming for 7 to 8 hours sleep per night is about right for most people.

2. Eating too much sugar. Not only can a diet packed with sugar affect your waistline, but now experts also believe it can make your skin dull and wrinkled, too. Continue reading “Look Younger Now: Avoid These 5 Aging Habits”

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5-HTP: The Natural Mood Supporter

5-HTP is a precursor to the hormones serotonin and melatonin. It has been compared to many antidepressant medications because of its positive effect on mood.

Serotonin regulates mood, behavior, appetite, dilation of blood vessels and many other body processes. Serotonin is released in response to fullness and regulates appetite. Deficiency of serotonin may lead to overeating and obesity. This also accounts for the fact that when we are under stress, our appetite tends to change.

Melatonin regulates the body’s sleep/wake cycles. Optimal levels of melatonin allow us to have restful and restorative sleep. Melatonin also cues the body to release growth hormone and sex hormones, which are used during sleep to repair body tissues and normalize hormone levels. Finally, melatonin is an antioxidant that protects tissue by neutralizing damaging free radicals.

Before taking 5-HTP, consult with a health care professional. 5-HTP can interact with certain medications like antidepressants.

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Antioxidant Power of Carotenoids

Found in many yellow, orange and red fruits and veggies, carotenoids are a class of compounds related to vitamin A. The carotenes include beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin.

Beta-carotene, often used in place of vitamin A for supplementation, is converted to vitamin A in the liver when your body needs it. The beta-carotene that is not converted still has antioxidant power. It protects the body against free radicals which cause damage to cellullar genetic material, causing cancer. Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect the body against environmental pollutants and other substances that lead to aging.

Lycopene is a carotenoid that functions as an antioxidant for the prostate gland and has been shown to help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Continue reading “Antioxidant Power of Carotenoids”

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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May 2025
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