Mediterranean Diet Linked to Healthy Gut

mediterranean-dietThe Mediterranean Diet is well known to be good for the heart, but a new study shows that it can also benefit a healthy gut. Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC, found that eating a Mediterranean Diet significantly increased the good bacteria in the guts of monkeys, compared to a Western diet.

The Mediterranean Diet is often considered one of the healthiest of diets. It is high in fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and legumes, nuts, fish and poultry. The study that was published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that the monkeys that ate a diet consisting of fish oil, olive oil, Continue reading “Mediterranean Diet Linked to Healthy Gut”

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3 Reasons to Give Your Kids Probiotics

healthy-kidProbiotics are a great way to help even the healthiest kids. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that have a wide array of benefits. Found in fermented foods like yogurts or kefir, or in a nutritional supplement such as Pathway Kids’ Acidophilus, here are just a few reasons why you may want to consider giving your kids probiotics.

1. Probiotics can help counteract side effects of antibiotics. Although there are cases when antibiotics are a necessary and very helpful medication, antibiotics are becoming less frequently prescribed for children. Unfortunately children sometimes develop diarrhea when they take antibiotics, as the healthy bacteria in the gut become collateral damage in the antibiotic’s fight against disease-causing bacteria. Probiotics, particularity Saccharomyces boulardii, can help reduce the risk of this type of diarrhea. Continue reading “3 Reasons to Give Your Kids Probiotics”

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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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Supplements for Babies & Toddlers

Yesterday I wrote about making baby food; today I am writing about what supplements a baby should have. I do get quite a few questions regarding this topic, and even yesterday, someone emailed me a question about vitamins for their toddler.

Here is my take on giving supplements to infants and toddlers.

Nursing infants under the age of 6 months should be supplemented with vitamin D3. I have written about this before. If they are nursing well, and are having regular bowel movements, this is the only supplement they need. As a nursing mom, your own diet should consist of fruits, veggies, lean protein and whole grains… plus GOOD FATS!!

Once solids are introduced, nursing usually is curtailed a bit. Bowel movements can become more difficult especially with iron-fortified cereals. I suggest adding a quarter teaspoon of essential fatty acid (Nordic Naturals DHA Jr.) to the cereal to help with bowel movements. Plus it is very important for brain and eye development. Continue reading “Supplements for Babies & Toddlers”

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Essentials of Healthy Living for Kids

Did you know 60% of the brain is made up of healthy fats? Two fats essential for optimal brain activity are the omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Unfortunately, the majority of American kids are deficient in these healthy fats.

Essential fatty acids must be ingested because the body cannot produce them. The standard American diet is low in these important fats, which are contained in foods such as walnuts, salmon, avocados, and flaxseed . Supplementing with fish oil helps to promote healthy brain development and function (reading, spelling, and behavior) and supports vision.

There are about 3 pounds of bacteria (both good and bad) in the human body. You need many species of good bacteria called probiotics to keep your immune system and digestive system strong. Continue reading “Essentials of Healthy Living for Kids”

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  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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