Health Benefits of Melatonin – Not Just for Sleep!

melatoninWhen I think of the supplement melatonin, the first thing that comes to mind is supporting sleep. It can be very helpful for initiating sleep, increasing sleep duration, as well as regulating circadian rhythm and reducing jet lag. But, new research shows many more exciting health benefits of melatonin. For example, studies indicate that it can also protect against neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury, help with migraines, provide important support for cancer patients, support heart health, and protect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced from the pineal gland in the brain. But, it is now known that it is also produced in multiple sites in the body. In fact, up to 500 times more melatonin is synthesized in the intestinal tract than in the pineal gland. Derived from the amino acid L-tryptophan, melatonin has powerful antioxidant capabilities and anti-inflammatory properties. Promising new areas of research include: Continue reading “Health Benefits of Melatonin – Not Just for Sleep!”

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5 Tips for a Healthy Heart

heartFebruary is American Heart Month and according to the American Heart Association, about 2,150 Americans die each day from these diseases. That is one every 40 seconds. Cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

Scary, right? But here is the good news. Since heart disease is usually a result of lifestyle choices you make every day, you can begin to make new choices, starting today, that will significantly decrease your risk of developing or dying from a cardiovascular condition, no matter where your heart’s health stands right now.

Here are five tips for a healthier heart:

1. Watch and know your weight. In a world of increasingly less activity, thanks to computers and smart phones leading to more sedentary lifestyles, as well as consuming more food,  we are at our fattest ever. Your weight relative to your height is an important indicator of your cardiovascular disease risk. While you don’t need to weigh yourself everyday, knowing what you should weigh is a good baseline.  Get to know your BMI, as well. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. Anything over 30 is considered obese. Continue reading “5 Tips for a Healthy Heart”

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Video | Quick Tips for a Healthy Heart

Watch the video below featuring our own Heather Gunn, to learn about three quick tips for a healthy heart. Heather is a clinical herbalist, licensed clinical nutritionist and fitness consultant, and she also offers personal consultations. If you would like to schedule a consultation, click here.

 

If you have trouble viewing this video, click here.

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5 Reasons to Take Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals that you can take. It is needed for so many things, and unfortunately, many of us are deficient. Plus, magnesium content in our food is significantly less now than in the past. Over the years, our soil has been depleted of magnesium. Many modern day fertilizers alter the way plants are able to absorb magnesium as well, again depleting the amount available in our foods. Cooking can also alter magnesium content in our foods.

There is also a very wide array of medications that wreak havoc on our magnesium levels; blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, as well as some antibiotics and hormone replacement therapies, just to name a few. Please check with your doctor, pharmacist or naturopath if you are worried about your magnesium levels. Your meds may very well be to blame for deficiencies.  Continue reading “5 Reasons to Take Magnesium”

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Exercise Improves Test Scores in Children

Do you want your kids to get better grades? Make sure they are active!

A new study in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise suggests exercising both the brain and the body can improve academic performance.

They found children who participated in physical activity or academic exercises before a test performed better and completed the exams faster.

Both children and adults should get an hour of physical activity per day. As parents/caregivers, we should be the example for our children and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Good grades aren’t the only reason to get moving. Providing kids with an opportunity to be physically active gives them an outlet to relieve stress, and can also help them with social skills, problem solving abilities, imagination and conflict resolution.

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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 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
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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  • 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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