5-HTP and a Lesson on Safety

5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP), a well-known supplement used to support depression and mood, was featured this week on the Dr. Oz Show and blog for its potential use as an appetite suppressant and weight loss aid. While the Dr. Oz blog makes a compelling case, it may be dangerously playing to our society’s affinity for mindless, quick fix weight loss cures. “Take this pill and you’ll lose weight without trying!” If only it were that easy, we’d all be much thinner. And yet we want so badly to believe it… and try it!

A precursor to the synthesis of serotonin in the brain, 5-HTP has been studied for decades as a method for increasing serotonin levels due to its ability, unlike serotonin itself, to pass from the bloodstream into the brain. It is widely accepted that serotonin regulates mood, appetite and sleep. so it makes sense that increasing it could impact overeating and support weight loss.

So why sound the alarm? Before we go out and get some, let’s do our homework and break down the critical facts about 5-HTP.  Continue reading “5-HTP and a Lesson on Safety”

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Four F’s of Digestive Health

Digestive dysfunction is one of the most common ills of today’s population. Symptoms of acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation and bloating have become so normal that people often don’t recognize them as problems to be solved, if they recognize them at all. The allopathic diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has become increasingly popular, leaving patients concerned and completely clueless as to the true source of or potential solution to their discomfort. Truth is, from intestinal parasites to food intolerances to emotional stress, digestive imbalances can have a variety of causes. Continue reading “Four F’s of Digestive Health”

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Why Fat Phobia Will Foil Your Health

We all know a few fat phobics. Holdovers from a past era of dietary fads. They’re constantly referring to things as “fattening” (a word I’ve come to hate as a nutritionist). Their refrigerators are full of “lite” and “non-fat” versions of name-brand processed foods, things like non-fat salad dressing, which is nothing short of a food science miracle, or fat-free ice cream bars rife with additives you’ve never heard of. All this dietary effort, they’ll say, is to prevent the intake of excess fat, and thus the storage of fat in the body. I only wish things were that simple – eat fat, get fat! That would make my job a lot easier. (Or maybe I wouldn’t have a job.) Truth is, despite their hyper-lean methods, fat phobic eaters are almost always struggling with their body weight in one way or another.

As we’ve moved on to the low-carb era, why have we still not mended fences with dietary fats? Why have we not let go of the rumors and slander slung for so long about this quintessential dietary compound?  Continue reading “Why Fat Phobia Will Foil Your Health”

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New Product: Pathway Green Coffee Bean Extract for Weight Loss

If you need a little kick with your New Year’s resolution of losing weight, Pathway Green Coffee Bean Extract may be just what you need.

Recently on his program, Dr. Oz discussed green coffee bean extract as a “miracle pill to burn fat.” He said that taking green coffee bean extract can help you lose weight without changing your diet or increasing your activity level at all. Since that time, this supplement has been rising in popularity for this potential as a weight loss aid. It simply consists of and extract of the unroasted seed of the coffee plant (Coffea arabica). Continue reading “New Product: Pathway Green Coffee Bean Extract for Weight Loss”

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Kosher Zinc for Immune Support

If you want to ensure that you’re taking the most scrupulously produced supplements, you may want to consider kosher supplements.

· Kosher supplements are meticulously examined and evaluated to make sure they meet especially strict standards.

· The kosher symbol ensures that the product and its ingredients are being stringently supervised, with each ingredient tracked to its origin, and strict hygienic rules imposed on production.

· Kosher certification guarantees an extra level of purity and quality.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral, important to the immune system. It is also a component of many enzyme systems, as well as a constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid. Continue reading “Kosher Zinc for Immune Support”

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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.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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    Dr. Rob Brown
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