Currently 74 percent (nearly three out of four) of American adults are overweight or obese, so I think it’s safe to say that there’s no shortage of belly fat around. But is all belly fat created equal? And what’s driving this epidemic of blossoming waistlines? Is it just that we’re eating too much? Or is there more to it than that? Let’s look at several factors that are behind our expanding midsections and more...

  Although it is best known for helping to promote sound sleep, melatonin can also serve other important functions to support your health. Here are a few: It is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Melatonin supports immune function, helping your body fight against infections and disease. Its anti-inflammatory abilities can help prevent heart attacks and strokes, as well as help keep blood pressure under control. Melatonin has been shown to be helpful with seasonal affective...

  One of the most common complaints that American adults report to their doctors is poor sleep. Sadly, that’s no surprise. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, 30-40 percent of US adults incur occasional insomnia, and about 10-15 percent suffer from chronic insomnia. Contrary to what you might think, poor sleep is much more serious than merely feeling tired and yawning a lot the next day. Even ONE night of poor sleep...

  I’m going to be blunt this morning. If you are interested in living a longer, disease-free life, our modern healthcare system is not the way to do it. I thought of this on Wednesday as I was walking into a local medical center for my annual GYN exam. Practically everyone around me in the lobby was overweight, or could barely walk without difficulty, or looked like they were at death’s door. And of course,...

  June is National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, and that brings back a painful story from my past.  You may recall me mentioning in my writings that my Dad died of a heart attack at age 58 when I was 15.  But in addition to his poor cardiovascular health, he was also an alcoholic.    I didn’t know what was going on with him—I was just angry and resentful because I couldn’t have...

  Two of the most common concerns people report to their doctors are lacking energy and gaining weight.    This Nutrition coach hears a lot of that too.  But the problem is that trying to pinpoint the underlying cause of low energy and packing on pounds is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.  Could it be your thyroid?  Menopause? Nutrient deficiencies?  Depression?  Medication side effects?  Not exercising enough?  All good possibilities.  But one...