Tag Archives: gut health

Eat Your Weeds!

What is a weed anyway? A weed is defined as “a valueless plant growing wild.” (I am not sure that any plant is “valueless,” but that may be a conversation for another time.) Value aside, weeds are generally thought of as undesirable plants. That means they often happen to be in the wrong place, such […]

Love Your Liver!
Foods for Springtime

According to Chinese medicine, every season corresponds to both an organ and an organ meridian. In the spring, this is the liver. Traditionally, spring is the season when we clear out. We spring clean our closets, our drawers, the garage, the flower and garden beds. But it can also be a time to spring clean […]

Supporting the Organs of Immunity:
The Terrain Is Everything

Louis Pasteur is credited with developing “the germ theory of disease” (which I loosely translate as “germs jump into bodies”). Yet many other researchers and scientists of the time, including Claude Bernard, focused their research on internal regulation and the importance of nutrition, among other things. These scientists expanded their focus beyond germs to consider the state […]

Eating “GAPS-Style” on the Road

Following the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) diet at home can be challenging enough, but come the holidays even the most experienced GAPS cooks can be stretched to the limits. Travel—no matter when, no matter why, no matter if it’s by plane, train, or automobile—means eating outside the home. But the following simple rules will […]

Ever Hear of Antimicrobial Herbs?
Powerful Allies for Gut Cleansing and Pain Relief

In my recent blog post “New Thoughts on Arthritis,” I wrote that more and more evidence is pointing to the fact that arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders may, in reality, be caused by long-standing infections. I would like to suggest that you go back and read that blog post before continuing here, as this will […]

Exploring the Second Brain:
Gut Signals and What They Mean

When my clients describe the following, I immediately know what they are talking about: “gut signals.” A sudden and anxiety filled awakening that often comes in the super early-morning hours, approximately 3 AM—though symptoms may also come at other times of the day, depending on many factors. Since I frequently hear more about the 3:00 […]

Detoxing the Villi: Why? So You Might Be Able to Eat Gluten and Wheat Again!

Looking at the vast number of articles, podcasts, and blog posts out there about gluten, it seems that our flight from this substance is becoming more and more of the “in” thing. I wonder if this trend is just a temporary craze or if there’s something more to be understood here. Unfortunately, not enough of […]

Rinse Your Quinoa—Or Risk Burping Bubbles!

Whole grains are rich in minerals and B vitamins. However, to unlock their nutrients and allow for efficient digestion and absorption, you must prepare them correctly. In order to enjoy these nutritional powerhouses, you must first address the following three substances that are present in every whole grain: Enzyme inhibitors: These neutralize the enzymes in […]

Magical Sauerkraut

Ask Chef Phyllis: Have you heard about the big fermented food craze? What should I know about gut health? My sister Aggie told me that yogurt is good for us (and a good substitute for our favorite double chocolate fudge ice cream) because of its live cultures. But we’ve still never tried kimchi, kefir, or […]

Inflammatory Foods: How to Replace These Pain-Producing Poisons

In talking with others, I’ve frequently find that when we experience pain of almost any kind, we often look for pain relief that works within minutes. Convenience and speed seem to be the priority. And too often, our first choice is one of the more devastating over-the-counter drugs. You may have guessed that I’m referring […]

Vitamin D Deficient in America? Eat Lard!

Vitamin D deficient? You are not alone. In 2004, the Scientific American reported that more than 75 percent of Americans were deficient in vitamin D. And in 2005, the Journal of Nutrition reported that vitamin D deficiency “is now recognized as an epidemic in the United States.” Really? Why? How? Taking a vitamin D3 supplement? […]

5 Steps to Improved Immune and Gut Health

Did you know that the lining of your intestine (also known as the second brain) plays a huge role in the health and strength of your immune system? That’s why you should pay close attention to the following conditions and address them before they offset the delicate balance of your gastrointestinal system: Irritable bowel Constipation/diarrhea […]

Dairy-Free Is Not a Life Sentence!

Did you know that dairy-free does not need to be a life sentence? Read on to learn why! People all over America are going dairy-free. Children, adults, teens, and even tweens have gone “DF” by adopting a dairy-free diet. Which means exactly what you think it means: eliminating dairy from the diet. Most people who […]

The Grounding Diet!

Ever feel out of your head? Out of your body? Ever been called an airhead? Unable to concentrate? Unable to focus? Spacey? All of this is the opposite of being grounded. As the word suggests, to feel grounded is to feel stable in your body. Fully present. Able to focus and think clearly. Think of […]