Last week I embarked on a juice cleanse. September is a transitional time for the seasons, offering up a prime time to adopt different ways of healing our body. It is also a prime time for cleansing the digestive system, similar to the benefits of cleansing our livers in the spring. Many health-enthusiasts believe that juice-fasting is a superb way to revive and purge the digestive system, while scientific evidence proves otherwise. After the jump is my story with the three-day juice cleanse, the conflicting information regarding risks and benefits and a Chinese medicine perspective on how to maximize health benefits and preserve your digestive system through appropriate modification.

The Idea Behind A Juice Cleanse

The program, and many similar to it, involves picking up a variety of six different fresh juices daily that are to be your staple nutrition for that day. The juices do not include the fiber from the vegetables and fruits, but are instead the pure liquid extract from these foods. This is touted as the highest form of nutrients and promises that by drinking only these juices your body will have the time and energy to “clean house” and detoxify on a cellular level as a result of giving the digestive system a rest from solid food.

The Science Behind It

This idea sounds good – who wouldn’t want to detoxify their system with nutrient dense, organic juices? Or, give their digestive system a break from all the hard work of digesting food for us? However, there is no real scientific evidence that juice fasting – or fasting in general – actually does either of these things. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic remind us that “There’s little evidence that detox diets actually remove toxins from the body. Most ingested toxins are efficiently and effectively removed by the kidneys and liver and excreted in urine and stool.” Worse, Detox diets ultimately perpetuate the belief that our bodies are inefficient on their own and are inherently harboring pathological material unless we “do something” about it. It may also contribute to the myth that if we regularly indulge in unhealthy habits (such as smoking), that we will have the opportunity to reverse those effects by a quick detox.

Reading juicing blogs, fasting books and detox fasting materials will reveal a number of testimonials proclaiming renewed energy and weight loss as some of the most immediate results of fasting. The weight loss is obvious, eating less caloric dense food will result in weight loss. No surprise there. But what about feeling lighter and more energetic? Katherine Seratsky of the Mayo clinic notes that this could be a result of the belief that they are doing something good for their bodies, and not proof of systemic detoxification. Perhaps our juice-fasting craze is a detoxification placebo.

Consuming pure carbohydrate in the form of juice and avoiding protein puts the body into “starvation mode” and significantly increases blood-glucose levels. The body needs protein to live, and if it is not getting it from the diet then it will get it from another source, lean muscle. This is counter productive as the faster will be left with a reduced metabolism as a result of losing muscle mass and no change on fatty tissue.

Worse yet, is the inclusion of fruits and high-sugar vegetables (pears, apples, beets, carrots) in juice fasts that offer and immediate spike in blood glucose levels and thus contributing to the blood-sugar roller coaster responsible for the rise in obesity and heart disease. If you are going to have a serving of whole carrots, it will likely be 1 cup of carrots and you’ll get the benefits of the fiber. One cup of carrot juice you’ll need 4x as many carrots, and you won’t have the fiber to help slow the natural sugar digestion.

Medical doctor, Pamela Peeke, says “Forget fasting and detoxing. She says there is nothing magical about these kinds of plans, they don’t work long-term, and they ultimately perpetuate an unhealthy relationship with food.”

Chinese Medicine Perspective

Chinese medicine is based on the principle that over-indulgence is just as harmful to the system as under-indulgance. A balanced medium is the key to health. The spleen and stomach are the center of health, as they responsibly work to supply the body with nutrition from the food and drink we consume. The more efficiently these systems work, the better we feel – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Overload the digestive system with alcohol, rich foods and simply too much food and you’ll feel sluggish, mentally foggy and maybe even emotionally depressed. Fast completely, and you’ll probably feel the same side effects.

The digestive system is meant to keep us healthy and it is not meant to have a break (would we give other systems, like our cardiovascular system, a break? No way!). Our bodies work tirelessly and efficiently for us. The spleen/stomach is the work-horse of the body. Try to give it a “break” by fasting and it doesn’t know what to do. In fact, it will work harder – trying to digest anything that might give the body the nutritional value it needs. If there is no food digest, this over-consumption could leave us feeling nauseous, low energy, restless, agitated or depressed.

We all have days where we tax the digestive system with food and drink that aren’t the healthiest for us. Our body will deal with that in it’s own way, through the liver and the colon and excretion. The best ways to support the digestive system according to Chinese medicine is to consume regular meals and warm, cooked food. Sweet potatoes, steamed squashes, aromatic spices like cinnamon and black pepper, soups and stews are especially nourishing to boost the spleen and stomach – pretty much the antithesis of raw, cold, juices. Perhaps, juice fasting leaves our digestive systems in greater havoc than a big meal, dessert and three cocktails.

My Experience

Coming off of a summer full of parties, barb-b-ques, foods from all walks of nutritional values (or lack thereof…) and more glasses of wine than I care to admit – “cleaning house” was just what I needed. My Chinese medicine background of course made me suspicious of juice cleansing (see above), but I wanted to try for myself. I entered with an open mind and a promise to listen to my body and not be afraid to abandon ship if my symptoms presented so.

I made it through day one on a variety of delicious juices. As the day progressed, I felt lighter, energized and no havoc on my digestive system. Things seemed to be working in a miraculous way and my body “thanked” me for this gentle and healthful gift. By the evening of the first day, I felt a little dizzy and weak, and hungry. I grabbed my last juice to quench these things and was unable to drink, the juice no longer tasted good or felt good. I knew I needed some food, and heated up some roasted veggies and lean protein and vowed to continue my cleanse including healthy solid food.

My seasonal cleanse, in the end, included one or two fresh juices per day, and two to three small meals of whole foods, lots of water, natural fats and proteins (nuts, chicken, grass fed beef, whole eggs, grass fed dairy). I avoided alcohol, sugar, chocolate and most grains. Most importantly, I ate considerably less quantity than I had been in the earlier summer months. I was able to maintain this for longer than three days, which has left me feeling empowered, energized and healthy. My personal takeaway from this was cleanse was to curb my snacking, reduce quantity of food and avoid sugar to maintain digestive and energetic vitality.

My Advice

The best way to have a healthy, youthful system is to maintain as much balance as you can. This will mean different things for each individual, and allow for a lifetime of health. For starters, don’t over-eat or under-eat. Adding to that a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables, natural fats, protein and limiting or avoiding completely refined grains, sugar and alcohol are great general guidelines that would benefit most individuals.

The bottom line: nourish yourself with whole foods (not too much) on a regular basis, and your body will detoxify itself and maintain a healthy weight. If you want to “cleanse”: spend a week avoiding alcohol and refined grains (or all grains, for that matter); you’re blood sugar, hormones and insulin levels will thank you.

Lian Qiao / Forsythia Fructus

Forsythia is recognized for its ability to clear toxic heat from the body – be it a sore throat accompanied by fever and chills or chronic skin eruptions, acne, or dermatitis. These hot, swollen and inflamed pathogens are precisely what Lian Qiao can quell.

In Chinese medicine, we refer to such afflictions as “contraction of wind-heat” which literally translates to a quick manifestation of something red, hot, painful, swollen or all of the above. The nature of heat-diseases in this case are ones that show up quickly and severe. Possible manifestations could include common cold, strep throat or something more severe like meningitis. Lian Qiao can also be used when long-term heat disorders build up in the body and lead to chronic, more toxic inflammation. Possible manifestations of this include cystic acne, boils, or chronic sore throat.

Contagion had it correct, as the precise nature of the virus in the film caused sore throat, difficulty swallowing, headache, fever and chills. Forsythia could have been the perfect cure – but maybe not alone…

Friends of Forsythia

In Chinese Herbal Medicine, herbs are most commonly utilized in formula combinations. Friends often paired with Forsythia include Lonicera, Arctii Fructus and Fresh Mint – all of which amplify the action of cooling heat toxicity and venting it from the body. Translate this to Western Medicine, and you could call this team anti-viral. While formulas are often created for the presenting individual, a quick and common patent remedy called Yin Qiao San can be used to address the symptoms described earlier and is a good one to have at home in the medicine cabinet:

Yin Qiao San

For Fever, with or without chills, Sore Throat, Headache, and Thirst.

Ingredients: Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera), Jie Geng (Platycodi), Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus), Bo He (Menthae Herba), Dan Dou Chi (Sojae Semen), Jing Jie (Schizonepetae), Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatheri), Lu Gen (Phragmitis), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae)

Have you been trying to get pregnant?

Have you considered alternative methods to enhance your pregnancy possibilities?

Are you interested in learning different ways to support and help you as you go through this process?

If so, then come to the

Red Tent Fertility Wellness Workshop!

June 18th, 2011

9:45am-3:00pm

Om Factory Yoga Studio

You will learn helpful fertility-enhancing tips, receive a robust gift bag, nutritious snacks, the opportunity to connect with like-minded women, and a chance to win free services! Featured presentations include restorative yoga, acupuncture for reproductive health, self care to maintain balanced living, and comprehensive pre-pregnancy nutrition. This event will nourish your mind, body and soul – in addition to providing you with essential tools to maintain these practices in your daily life.

To register, email: fertileblissnyc@gmail.com

RSVP by June 15th to receive the early bird discount!

]]> http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/06/fertile-bliss-workshop/feed/ 0 http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/04/the-right-prenatal-nutrition/ http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/04/the-right-prenatal-nutrition/#comments Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:11:46 +0000 Erin http://www.erinhessel.com/?p=1667

Prenatal Nutrition: What Is Right?

Healthy diets vary as greatly as the individuals who employ them. From Vegans to Carnivores, the food we eat is a reflection of who we are, what we believe, and the health of our system. Celebrity news of late has all eyes on Nathalie Portman, who has recently “come out” saying that she decided to include eggs and dairy into her prenatal diet after being an avid vegan since 2009. While there is heated debate about the moral impact of her decision happening on various message boards, the actress claims that it was simply “listening to her body” that made her decide to include dairy and eggs. What is the healthiest option? More after the jump.

As a health practitioner, it is not my practice to get into the way of people’s belief systems. While the medicine I prescribe and the clinical results I see often include an animal protein-rich diet, vegetarianism – and even veganism, when done right  and under certain constitutional types – can offer safe and healthy guidelines in achieving, sustaining, delivering and breast feeding a healthy baby.

Prenatal Nutrition – The Basics

A good rule of thumb when trying to get pregnant is to eat like you already are. That means reducing, if not eliminating, caffeine and alcohol intake, consuming lots of vitamin-rich vegetables, nourishing proteins and fats and usually adding some sort of prenatal vitamin. In addition, there are specific nutrients, like Folic Acid, that are extremely important to supplement into your diet. Whether you are trying to conceive or already pregnant, the American Pregnancy Association keeps updated general nutritional guidelines based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) on their site. Exact dosage and nutrients like Folic Acid for pregnancy can be found here.

Found In The Fat

You’ll notice that many of the guidelines list important Vitamins like D, E, A, K2, Minerals like Folate and Zinc and fats like Omega 3′s and DHA – many of which can be found in a variety of vegetables and fruits. While DHA is limited to fish and fish oil products, Omega 3′s can readily be found in the oils of a variety of nuts and seeds.

What usually isn’t listed is that many of the above vitamins are fat soluble, which means that your body can only absorb them when consumed with fat. Since fat is not a major component of the fruits, vegetables and legumes where such nutrients are found, it is important to add some to your meal in order to actually absorb the nutrients you are consuming. Olive Oil, Grassfed Butter, Ghee, Nut Oils or Virgin Coconut Oil are great additions to salads, steamed veggies, beans or to be used in cooking. Not only will your food taste better, but it will be more nutritious for you.

A quick note on fat and weight gain – because many people avoid fat in an effort to stay trim, and because maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy is so important to the health of the mother and the health of the fetus. Despite popular consumer belief, and even FDA nutritional guidelines, wholesome fats will not make us fat. This includes natural saturated fats like butter, coconut oil and lard, as well as unsaturated fats like olive oil. What will expand our waistlines and hips are the trans-fats, like margarine, and extremely refined carbohydrates like corn syrup, fructose, white sugar and white pastas/breads. If you are watching your weight, read this book.

Potent Reproductive Nutrition

The vitamins and minerals important in reproductive health and fetal development are densely found in organ meats, beef, duck, chicken (with the skin), bone broth soups, marrow, whole milk, full-fat dairy, whole eggs, fish roe, cod liver oil, fish and shellfish. Such products come complete with the vitamins and fat all in one, so while there is no harm in adding a little more, the food is rich and nourishing on its own.

While vegetarians, or even vegans, can get around the fat-soluble vitamins by adding a wholesome vegetable fat to their produce, what they are missing are foods saturated with those important hormone and pregnancy nutrients. This means they will probably have to consume more food than women who are carnivores, which works out, as they are also probably hungrier (from the sheer perspective that vegetables digest faster than protein).

Must a woman consume animal protein to have a healthy pregnancy? Certainly not. Vegetarians who include dairy and whole eggs in their diet will have an easier time meeting nutritional requirements – from protein to Omega’s, Calcium and Vitamins like K2, D and A. These nutrients are important, biologically, to the hormonal system.

The Compassionate Diet

Portman isn’t the only celebrity avoiding animal protein, Alica Silverstone (practically the spokes-woman for veganism) is expecting her first child as well. The Examiner talks about how the star is getting all the important prenatal nutrition from a prenatal vegan diet.

While advocates for a vegan lifestyle stem from the theory of compassionate living by not harming animals, it may not be the most compassionate thing for a woman’s body to eliminate them from her diet. Above all, listen to your body. If it is not getting what it needs, it will probably tell you in some uncomfortable way. I do think there is something to Nathalie Portman taking the time to notice that her body needed more of something. That something, was probably her pregnancy and prenatal hormones craving more fat and protein than she was getting from her vegan diet.

A Holistic Approach

Joanne Hay of Nourished Magazine uses the philosophy of “what would your great, great, great grandparent’s eat?” There was a time when processed, pre-made, fortified “health” foods were not available. Yet, couples still achieved healthy (and large) families, which continued on to create more families and so on – until you. What they were eating depends on where in the world they were living, but it was probably a combination of the local animals and plants.

When we speak of constitutional types in Chinese Medicine, we are really talking about genetics. So, what your ancestors ate and their state of health is actually quite important to yours. Western science has given us important information about necessary nutrients to foster prenatal health (adequate folate, for example). Chinese medicine looks at the energetics of foods as a way to nourish and heal the body. This is more of an individual case-by-case basis. I recommend all my patients to take a prenatal vitamin, consult the American Pregnancy Association for appropriate guidelines and then give individual dietary recommendations based on constitutional type for holistic prenatal nutrition.

]]> http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/04/the-right-prenatal-nutrition/feed/ 0 http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/04/homemade-kombucha/ http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/04/homemade-kombucha/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:48:41 +0000 Erin http://www.erinhessel.com/?p=1633 Kombucha – a lovely, slightly effervecent, detoxifying, energizing and digestive enzyme-boosting cocktail. It now adorns grocery store shelves and sells for $5.00 per bottle. At first sip, this beverage can be sour and intense in flavor. Make it at home and this bite mellows to a refreshing after-dinner-digestiv. Kombucha is good for you, and is also very easy and inexpensive to make at home. Check out my Home-made Kombucha journey after the jump.

What It Is

It starts with a mushroom, called “Scoby.” Techinically speaking, scoby isn’t a mushroom at all because it cannot grow spores or “fruit,” but it is commonly referred to as such. Rather, the kombucha “mushroom” is a yeast culture and correctly named S.C.O.B.Y (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). Sounds yum, right? No need to cringe, the bacteria contained in products brewed by scoby are the good guys – just like in yogurt, kefir, sourkraut or miso. Actually, kombuha is a great way to restore the gut with healthy bacteria in a dairy-free diet.

As you can see in the photo above the scoby culture looks like a round disc, that can vary in shades from cream to brown, and it will take on the shape of whatever container it is being brewed in (therefore it tends to be circular). It lives on sugar and caffeine, which will fuel the brewing process and propel the scoby to multiply quite rapidly. The more scoby cultures in a batch will yield a more concentrated kombucha flavor. At some point in the process, new spawns will need to be separated and discarded – or, better yet, given to a friend to begin their kombucha brewing journey. Don’t know anyone with a scoby culture? Starter kits are sold here OR here.

Why It is GOOD For You!

While your countertop can look a little like a science experiment, I assure you – the results will please your palate and your tummy. The digestive enzymes contained in Kombucha help the healthy bacteria in the gut, thus promoting proper nutritional absorption from the food we eat. According to Chinese medicine, the digestive system is the hub of systemic health, and views beverages like Kombucha as a real tonic. Here are just a few of the extraordinary benefits from including this beverage into your diet:

• Contains glucoronic acid, a natural detoxifier normally found in the liver, which helps support the immune system, remove metabolic waste and environmental toxins from the blood.
• Contains lactic acid, which increases oxygenation to blood cells thus improving energy and combating fatigue.
• Supports beneficial bacteria in the gut, intestinal health and nutritional absorption.
• Can help individuals heal from food sensitivities and allergies
• Can help heal intestinal dysfunction (chrone’s disease, IBS, celiac)
• Contains acetic and usnic acids which are anti-biotic and anti-microbial and actually prevent growth of harmful bacteria in the system.
• Contains malic acid, which prevents muscle fatigue.

If you are like me and interested in learning more about the fascinating world of fermentation, this site will help you learn all the ins and outs of why and how to ferment almost anything!

HOW TO BREW

Once you have attained a culture, brewing is easy:

1) Bring 3 Quarts of Water to a Boil

2) Remove from heat and add 4 organic tea bags, or loose-leaf equivalent. Steep for 15 min, then remove tea bags. (Be sure to use caffeinated teas – black, mate, green or white for the majority of bags and may add a little of your favorite herbal teas – nettles, red raspberry, rooibos, etc)

3) Add 1 cup organic sugar to warm water & tea, stir to dissolve

4) Once liquid has cooled to room-temperature (several hours), pour over the scoby inside a pitcher large enough to hold all of the liquid.

5) Cover the opening of the pitcher/jar with a clean paper towel, fastened with a rubber band.

6) Allow fresh kombucha to brew for about 1 week on the countertop. Begin to taste it after 5 days and stop brewing when desired flavor is acheived.

7) Strain the finished brewed liquid into a separate large bottle/pitcher, store in the refrigerator. Leave 2 cups of the liquid in with the scoby to keep it alive. Store scoby and liquid in a smaller container with a paper towel over it until ready to brew again. Scoby will stay alive for many weeks and even months without a new feeding.

Spring is in the air! While most of us can excitedly embrace the changing seasons, for many, the winter thaw brings about much strife as pollens and blossoms burst into the air. I can sympathize with them as I suffered from seasonal allergies for many years – to the point where my symptoms became almost year-round allergies rather than “seasonal.” Why do some people have seasonal allergies, while others remain unaffected? Why do allergies worsen or improve when people move to new cities? How can symptoms improve? Chinese medicine has the answer after the jump.

Unique Treatment

Individual constitution can lay the foundation for health, immunity and our unique ability to exist with (or react to) our environment. Imbalances in this delicate system can occur as a result of genetic history, diet, lifestyle, chronic illness, emotional upset or environmental pollutants. Whatever the etiology of imbalance, it is important to find the root of the cause. In Chinese medicine with respect to the treatment of allergies, we often look to the energetic meridians of Spleen, Lung, Liver or Kidneys. Often, a combination of imbalances may exist and more than one meridian will need to be treated, and often utilizing both a dispersing and/or nourishing treatment principle.

Which Are You?

Appropriate diagnosis can be determined through symptom presentation, pulse and tongue evaluation. Below are some general characteristics of potential allergy etiology – which are you? Keep in mind that it would be best to verify any inquiries with an experienced practitioner, and these are meant to be general informative guidelines.

Liver Fire/Liver Wind

• Sudden dry, itchy, red eyes (that may or may not tear-up)
• Feeling irritable, anger or emotional constraint
• Thick, yellow nasal discharge
• Flushed Face
• Headache at the top of the head

Spleen Deficiency

• Copious and Nasal Mucous (may be thick or runny)
• Digestive complaints such as nausea, loose stool or bloating after meals
• Fatigue, low energy
• Foggy-headedness, or dull sinus headache
• Pale complexion

Kidney-Lung Disharmony

• Difficulty taking a deep breath, or asthma associated with allergies
• Cough
• Low Back Weakness
• Feelings of sadness or on-edge, fearful
• Clear nasal discharge, easy to expectorate

What You Can Do

The pivot of health and feeling your best begins with diet, exercise and sleep – almost all schools of medicine will agree on that fact, and TCM is no different. When that is not enough, medication, herbal formulas, acupuncture and other modalities are there to support your body back into balance. To best support your system, the following are general dietary/lifestyle guidelines for different constitutional types.

• Liver Constitution - Avoid greasy, fried foods. Indulge in fresh citrus fruits, vegetables, lean proteins. Yoga, brisk walking, or jogging are good choices, and getting plenty of rest at night.
• Spleen Constitution – Avoid raw, uncooked foods and too much bread. Enjoy yams, soups, stews, lightly steamed vegetables, whole grains and all protein. Brisk or leisurely walking, and sleeping long hours at night with perhaps a short nap during the daytime.
• Lung/Kidney Constitution - Avoid foods that are too drying (dehydrated foods, overly roasted or baked foods). Enjoy hearty meats, lentils, all vegetables and fruits. Gentle yoga and pilates are good choices to strengthen the core. Sleep plenty, especially in the winter and during seasonal transitions.

Individual herbal formulas are also a great way to support your system, along with the Xanthium formula to get you feeling better fast. Seasonal allergies don’t have to be a curse, and they don’t have to be expected! You can feel better, year after year.

Other Possibilities

We can’t exist in bubbles, and Chinese medicine is a great way to supplement your system so you can enjoy the environment you live in without discomfort. Sometimes, structural problems such as a deviated septum exist, which can lead to chronic inflammation of the sinus cavity resulting in improper drainage. The relief that acupuncture and herbs can offer for this may be minimal (although some patients have had enough reduction in inflammation to reduce their symptoms dramatically). In cases of severe structural deformity, it may be wise to utilize a combination of both western and eastern therapies.

Chicken soup is known in many cultures to help prevent and fight-off common colds and flu’s. The broth is deeply nourishing, while the pieces of chicken and vegetables are satisfying and filling. In Chinese medicine, chicken bone broth is said to deeply nourish the kidneys, and are often used in situations where the kidney energy can get tapped – such as: after childbirth, after IVF cycles, a chronic or long-term illness, or as a general health supplement in the winter (which is the season for kidney energy). The “kidney energy” in Chinese Medicine can be likened to adrenal, endocrine and immune function in Western Medicine. After the jump, check out my own recipe for nourishing Chicken Soup.

This soup is a variation on my mother’s recipe and my fiance’s mother’s recipe for home-made chicken soup (learned by observation, trial and error – perfected!). Best part is that once the stock is made, this soup takes less than 45 minutes to prepare – start to finish.

• 2 Split Chicken Breasts, bone-in and skin-on*
• 3 Medium Parsnips, peeled and sliced into circles or half-circles**
• 2 Medium Carrots, washed and sliced into circles or half-circles
• 4 Cloves Minced Garlic
• 1 Medium Yellow Onion, sliced
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 6-8 Shitake Mushrooms, sliced thin
• 1-inch Slice Fresh Ginger Root
• 2 Bay Leaves
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• 6 Cups Broth (preferably home-made, vegetable or chicken)
• 1 Cup Pasta or Rice of your choice, cooked and drained (optional)

Prepare broth for soup. In a separate soup-pot, saute onions and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add the carrots and parsnips, cooking together for about a minute. Pour the broth over the vegetables and bring to a simmer, adding the ginger slice, salt, pepper and bay leaves. Once bubbling, place the chicken breasts in, skin-side down. Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 10 min. Turn the breasts around so the bone-side is now down for another 10 minutes.

Remove chicken breasts from the soup and place on a cutting board. Once slightly cooled, remove and discard the skin and bones. Loosely shred the chicken and return to the soup (chicken should be fully cooked). Remove the sliced ginger and bay leaf, and add the shitake mushrooms. Simmer together for 2 minutes and then serve over cooked pasta or on its own.

* I use two chicken breasts because I prefer the white meat in my chicken soup, and I am usually only cooking for 2 so a whole chicken is a little much for us. But a whole chicken can be used. I prefer to keep the skin and bones on so that the essential minerals, nutrients and fats of the chicken absorb into the broth – making it the immune booster it claims to be.

**The parsnips give a nice texture and sweetness to the soup that I think complements the shitake mushroom flavor incredibly well, plus it is a nice way to use a vegetable not commonly called for in other dishes. Celery can also be added or substituted for the parsnips, if preferred.

This month we have been focusing on  healthy solutions to keeping weight loss goals, a common resolution this time of year. We’ve discussed nutrition, given a nourishing recipe, and taken a moment to unveil myths surrounding soy (a popular low calorie, high protein food). One year ago we posted exciting information about the benefits of acupuncture in weight loss goals. In this post, we will bring it all together to provide an empowering program to successfully achieve your goals while maintaining peace of mind, body and soul. Read more and learn a potent acupuncture point and how you can utilize it for self-treatment at home.

Starvation and Restriction = Stress and Constipation

Literally. Rigidly eating a low-calorie diet can affect nutrient absorption and leave your body feeling starved for more – thus leading to a vicious cycle of binging on heavier foods to feel satisfied. My patients often note feeling guilty about not being able to stick to a rigid diet. Rigidity is synonymous with stagnation in Chinese Medicine, which is a primary pathological influence in many chief complaints (ie: constipation, affecting many women trying to lose weight). Relaxing and creating free flow will allow for greater movement of energy within the meridians of the body, leading to optimal physiological functioning and an overall sense of balance and ease. This will also make it easier to evoke long-lasting effects. So relax. Enjoy your food, eat real food and do not starve yourself.

The Cycle and the Place for Acupuncture Treatment

This idea of “free flow” is a nice one, but not always the easiest to accomplish in our busy lives. This is where acupuncture comes in. Subtly yet powerfully, acupuncture treatments work (at the very basic level) to unclog the meridians in the body so that optimal functioning can take place. The beauty of acupuncture is its ability to support your unique body, allowing for new movement and flow in areas where you maybe didn’t even know it wasn’t flowing. Coming from a place of balance and awareness makes it a lot easier to make healthier decisions.

Drop Stress, Drop the Weight

Cortisol is a pesky hormone that releases during times of stress, and over time causes an excessive ring of weight around the belly. The body cannot differentiate between mental and physical stress – so you can see this phenomenon among high stressed Manhattan professionals as well as starved children in under-fed countries. Since we are talking about weight-loss, we are talking about emotional/mental stress and the impact hormonally on the physique. Acupuncture has the unique advantage of regulating the hormone balance and reducing stress, thus reducing the effects of cortisol on the abdomen.

In The News

Acupuncture has shown in numerous studies to help increase metabolic activity and promote weight loss. These numbers increase when coupled with a healthy diet and exercise. The most motivating results occur over time, and with consistent and aggressive treatment – ranging anywhere from 1-4 times weekly.

• A 2003 study published in The Journal of Medical Acupuncture found that participants receiving acupuncture lost more than three times more weight than the control group.
• In a study conducted by the University of Adelaide in Australia in 1998, 95 percent of the participants receiving electro-stimulation on acupuncture points reported appetite suppression. The results showed that the acupuncture group was more likely to experience a reduced appetite and to lose weight than the control group.

• Positive findings were noted between the relationship of acupuncture and weight loss in a review paper written in 2003 the clinical efficacy of auricular acupuncture in the International Journal of Obesity.

Point for Thought

ST 36: Located about 3 inches below the knee and on the outer edge of the Tibia bone – in the soft muscle belly of the Tibialis Anterior. This point is otherwise known as “Leg Three Mile,” which can give the body the ammunition it needs to go another 3 miles. Metaphorically, this is an important point in trying to accomplish any long-term goals. Literally, the point is very nourishing and moving to the Stomach meridian, helping to promote metabolic digestion, nutrient absorption and overall energy. To stimulate this point at home, simply rub with lotion or essential oil of citrus, peppermint or ylang ylang.

Over the past decade the soybean has been heavily marketed in this country for its healthy effects and as a  low-fat, high protein substitute for dairy and meat products. But recent research is saying that there may in fact be a real case to support “too much of a good thing.” With breast cancer, obesity, thyroid and autoimmune disorders on the rise – some scientists are seeing a relation to these health problems (and more) in connection with excessive soy consumption.

Simultaneously, other reputable experts in the field of health and wellness continue to zealously proclaim the wonderful benefits of soy. What is a consumer to do? Patients are always asking my opinion – to consume or not consume soy – and my reaction is always the same (except on rare occasion): everything in moderation. But that statement doesn’t really answer any questions. So, in this post, I’ve compiled my research and quoted reputable sources for both pros and cons in the soy debate so you, the consumer, can help make an informed and empowered decision for yourself.

The China Study

While I have heard endless recommendations for the book, The China Study (and plan to read it one day), this section is referring to another “China Study” – my own. During my year-long clinical rotation at Zhejiang Hospital in Hangzhou nearly ten years ago, I chose to eat vegetarian. Whether that choice was right or wrong for my health at the time is neither here nor there, but I did create a unique relationship with soy foods in the land from which they came.

Soy is a staple in the diet of vegetarians and carnivores alike across Asian cultures as an inexpensive, healthy and sustainable food. It is not surprising that when low rates of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer were also found amongst this population that the primary differentiating factor was attributed to soy consumption. Somehow, lost in translation, that meant that if everyone the world over consumed more soy we would be healthier and live longer.

How they prepare soy in Chinese supermarkets is so vastly different than here. I remember walking up to the soy counter, much like the deli or dairy counters here, and ordering whatever form of fresh soy I wanted. There was a variety to choose from – from skins to beans to paste to freshly squeezed soy milk. All items were served in small portions, were local and almost always fermented.

Fermented vs. Non-Fermented Soy

Soybeans, like all other beans, contain the anti-nutrient phytic acid, which binds to important minerals in the body and leeches them out. To neutralize this component, and thus elevating the nutritious aspect to soy products, soaking or fermenting the beans must be part of the preparation. Miso, Soysauce  and Tempeh are common forms of fermented soy products that are easily found in our supermarkets. Most tofu and other overly-processed soy products like soy-cheeses, most soy-milks, soy ice-creams, soy burgers and soy “meats” are not fermented products (and are overly processed with non-food ingredients to boot).

In summary, consuming a fermented soy product will decrease toxic effects and increase nutrient absorption…and, in my humble opinion, taste better. If you buy fresh, dry soybeans, be sure to soak them first (see link to recipe below).

The Cons: Genetically Modified and Over-Processed

There is much evidence to support the ill effects of over-processed foods on health and vitality. The anti-soy campaign is more linked to the inappropriate, over-processed and genetically modified soybean vs. an actual attack on the bean itself. The soybean, much like corn, in this country is extremely inexpensive to produce and therefore often over-produced, genetically modified and processed in a way that makes it a common preservative or filler added to many packaged products. In short, you may be consuming a lot more soy (and poor forms of it) than you think you are in  packaged products. Investigate the foods you eat, read labels of packaged foods if you eat them or feed them to your family on a regular basis.

The Weston A Price foundation has done a significant amount of research on the topic, and have published a slue of informative articles. While many in opposition of the Guild’s strong anti-soy stance may read into their articles as radical, they are essentially saying the same thing as the rest of us. Eat whole foods. Eat organic, eat local and (in this case) eat fermented. Check out some of their literature here.

The Pros: Dr. Hyman Presents the Facts

Dr. Hyman, a well-known medical doctor in the field of Functional Medicine, recently published a fascinating read on the Huffington Post about the myths and truths revolving around including soy in the diet. He argues that the research showing that soy is connected to a rise in thyroid disorders and breast cancer is only in cases of excessive consumption of overly-processed soy products. A further case for prudent label-reading. He further continues that when consumed in minimal amounts, and in organic and fermented forms, that soybeans can be included as part of an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer diet and provide a number of other healthy benefits like: stabilizing blood sugar, promoting hormone balance, mitigating menopausal symptoms and lowering cholesterol.

My Take From a TCM Perspective

I believe in the whole-food way, and since my nutritional education stems from an East Asian approach to foods, soy is most certainly a medicinal food when prepared correctly. For example, we use fermented black soybeans in Chinese herbal formulas and soups to alleviate high fever, vent colds in children and quell emotional irritability.

If you have a chronic health condition or a history of a chronic condition in your family, do not consume processed soy or simply avoid it all together. There is no real health claim to soy that you cannot find in other foods. If you enjoy soy and choose to incorporate it in your diet – do so sparingly, as part of a diet rich in other proteins and consume it with the appropriate preparation. If you can, buy whole and dried soybeans and prepare them yourself by soaking them overnight. You can follow my easy recipe for that here.

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