March 8th, 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. This day commemorates the achievements of women past and present around the world, and was first held in Denmark, Switzerland, Germany and Austria in 1911. While there is much to celebrate in how far women’s rights have developed from a social, political and economic level; this day also gives a nod to the modern movements making waves for an even brighter future.

There are many activities taking place all over the world in celebration of International Women’s Day, from Google to the White House.  The biggest, and most international of the events will take place on bridges around the globe. Women will flock to the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, the Barriere Bridge in the Congo, the Millenium Bridge in London and many others to celebrate accomplishments and collectively look towards the future.

On Sunday, March 6th, I went to see Ina May Gaskin speak about her new book (which by the way, is of course worth checking out and reading cover to cover!). She opened her lecture with the importance of the International Women’s Day event as a pivotal landmark in ending violence against women. It also happens to be her birthday, which in my opinion is an equally important day worth celebrating due to her profound contribution in the field of women’s health. On this day, I give a nod and respect to Ina May, for her social change and for the fire she ignited in me to provide service for women and their families.

Who inspires you?

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.

Was this helpful? Please comment with more questions or info on the soy debate!

The actual color of the apple does not necessarily impact nutritional content, but like most produce, the peel of the fruit stores the most potent nutritional components. The apple peel is rich in anti-oxidants,  which fight free radicals to slow the aging process, so be sure not to peel the precious skin away and throw it down the disposal. Do make sure your apple is washed well – no matter whether you’ve chosen, local, organic or conventional origin. Vitamin C and Calcium are two important nutrients found in the peel and the flesh of fresh apples.

Cancer Fighting

Apples are also rich in flavonoids, an important bio-chemical compound found in many plants.  The flavonoids in apples, specifically, have been proven in various studies to prevent and fight cancer cells – particularly in relation to liver, colon and lung cancers. The cancer-fighting flavonoids are found in the fiber of the fruit and in the form of Quercetin in the peels (another important reason not to de-skin your apples). Once ingested, the apple fiber actually continues to work in the colon repairing any cellular damage. Quercetin, a natural flavonol, is also known to slow cellular degeneration – thus warding off conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

Lastly, apples contain the wonder-nutrient Pectin, which can reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing plaque from being deposited in artery walls; promote the healthy metabolism of cholesterol; and improve digestion and bowel function. Apples really are an amazing food, complete in their whole form and ready to eat…an apple a day.

Like color, the size of the apple doesn’t not matter either – although I suspect that the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” referred to apples slightly larger than this one Jeremy found.

Super Easy Home Made Apple Sauce

This is a delicious and easy way to make use of extra apples laying around. Enjoy this tasty treat as dessert after meals, as a snack or paired with roasted pork chops.

1. Chop as many apples as you would like to turn into sauce into 1-inch cubes (I usually use about 4-5), leaving the skins on.
2. Place the apple cubes into a sauce pan.
3. Fill the pan with about an inch or two of filtered water, 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice and 1-2 tsp Cinnamon (or to taste).
4. Cover the pot and simmer the apples on low until they are soft and tender. Remove from heat and puree the apples, skins and liquid in a food processor to desired smoothness.
5. Enjoy warm and store the remainder in the fridge up to a week.

Charlie Brown had it right with his beloved pumpkin in the Peanuts classic film, as the pumpkin is truly one of autumn’s greatest joys (just like apple picking). There are many great farms around the East Coast – complete with pumpkin patches for wandering and picking out your perfect, great, pumpkin. Artistic carvings, nutritious roasted seeds, an anti-aging pureed facial mask and hormonal balance – all in one great pumpkin. And all after the jump.

Jack-O-Lanterns

Growing up, pumpkin carving was always a well-looked forward to event in my home (we even had our household cat, Jackie O’Lantern Hessel, named after my sister’s true obsession with this time of the year). Dad would line the garage floor with newspaper and clean pumpkins for the whole family to carve. Mom would roast the seeds for snacking while the artistry took place. It was quite the production, to say the least. Moving into my own home – and now, cleaning my own pumpkins – I realized that the task wasn’t all that hard: Cut a whole in the top, scoop out the insides, and go! Even do-able in a New York City kitchen.

Facial Rejuvenation

After you’ve finished carving and the seeds are in the oven, give yourself this healing mask for a healthy glow! Natural pumpkin is an excellent face mask for all skin types, offering soothing vitamin A and anti-inflammatory vitamin C. In addition, the pumpkin contains the highest naturally-occurring alpha-hydroxy-acid levels of all plants (the same stuff in those expensive peels at the dermatologists office for anti-aging). Save yourself a trip this month, and give your face the lift it wants in the comfort of your own home.

• 1 Tbsp Fresh Pumpkin Meat (or, can use canned pumpkin if skipping the whole jack-o-lantern step)
• 1/4 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp milk

Puree all together in food processor and apply to clean skin. Leave for 10 min, or as desired. Rinse well and pat dry.

Achieve Hormone Balance with Vitamin A

The body cannot make estrogen – a crucial hormone in the female menstrual cycle – without vitamin A. Deficiency is associated with painful periods, clotted menstruation, fibroids and endometriosis. This vitamin is important for men as well, especially in relation to sexual health and sperm production for fertility. Vitamin A is most abundant in animal foods, and requires fat in order for the body to absorb it. Whole eggs, liver, and butter are great sources of Vitamin A.

Pumpkin, and other “orange” veggies of the season are rich in an important pre-cursor to Vitamin A: beta carotene.  Beta carotene, on its own, is a powerful anti-oxidant that can boost the immune system, improve the skin, hair, nails and reduce systemic inflammation. The body can convert beta-carotene to Vitamin A, with appropriate food combining such as adding butter to your orange vegetables. In this case, steam up a bit of your vitamin rich pumpkin meat, lather it with fresh butter and enjoy both the anti-oxidant and hormonal balancing effects of this important team.

Power-Packed Snack

Don’t forget to save the white seeds, they are packed with fiber and iron, and make an absolutely delicious treat. For my mothers delicious recipe, click here.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

Tumeric Rhizome; Curcumae; Yu Jin

The active ingredient in Tumeric is cucumin, long known for its anti-inflammatory effects – an important factor in many modern ailments. More recently, the herb has been discovered to be useful in the treatment and prevention of various types of cancer (melanoma, breast and prostate have the most statistical research), Alzheimer’s, psoriasis, fat metabolism, depression and pain management. In Chinese medicine, Tumeric (Yu Jin) is often used in gynecological formulas for the treatment of painful periods, fibroids or endometriosis. Thanks to the modern spice cabinet, you can incorporate this herb into your diet without a prescription.

Tumeric Chicken

2 Organic Chicken Breasts, Sliced into 1-inch strips, and placed in a ziplock bag

Add to the bag:

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Tamari Sauce

1 Tbsp Agave Syrup

1 tsp Ground Tumeric

1 tsp Freshly Cracked Pepper

1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds

Salt to Taste

Mix the contents of the ziplock bag thoroughly and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Pour entire contents of the bag onto a heated skillet/frying pan and saute until chicken is cooked through.

Veggie Option:

For those eating a vegetarian diet, try the above recipe with cauliflower florets instead of chicken. The flavor is amazing, and the cauliflower will boost anti-cancer effects.

This year has been a tough one for allergy sufferers in NYC, as environmental allergens have been at an all time high. If you are suffering with chronic seasonal allergies, acupuncture and herbs have some wonderful solutions for your symptoms – without the nasty side effects. While many over-the-counter allergy medications can help people through the muck so they can get through their day, there are often side-effects of nasal dryness and low energy that have their own set of downsides. After the jump, see what Chinese medicine has to offer and what you can do at home to optimize your enjoyment this (and every) season.

Immune Boost

Studies have shown acupuncture to not only have a stress-relieving effect on the body, but also boost the immune system. Allergy symptoms, especially adult-onset seasonal allergies, result from a delicate balance of external irritants and internal deficiencies. This is good news! Because the ragweed causing your sneezing fits probably isn’t going to disappear from the planet anytime soon, the stronger the immune system the less likely such an irritant will have its power over you.

Besides acupuncture, some other ways you can boost your immune system at home:

• Increase your daily Vitamin C intake to 1 gram/1,000mg per day for its immune boosting and histamine-lowering effects.
• Increase antioxidant rich foods, which will reduce existing toxicity and inflammation in the system. Such foods include: all berries (especially blueberries), pomegranates, plums, pineapple, kale, peppers, ginger, red beets, dried apricots, dried dates, prunes, nuts and seeds (especially dry-roasted peanuts), and parsley.
• Take a high-quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplement daily to boost cellular nutrition
• Take Fish Oil high in DHA daily to clear inflammation and support health

Drain Phlegm

That ooey-gooey stuff running from your nose, clogging your thoughts and creating all that sinus pressure is phlegm. It is the bodies reaction to the inflammation its experiencing as a result of an allergen – believe it or not, it is trying to help. But with all that inflammation and now with all that phlegm, a vicious cycle is created which must be stopped. Lucky for us again (our health is in our power!), we can have great impact on reducing systemic phlegm and inflammation through some simple remedies:

• Herbal Supplement – tailored for individual constitutions, this is the best and fastest way to quelling inflammation and draining phlegm. Best of all, it will often improve energy and promote restful sleep so you actually feel better all around.
• Acupuncture – local acupuncture points can be life-changing for draining the sinuses, clearing congestion, reducing headache and improving energy. Combine this with your Chinese herbal formula and you’ll be in good shape.
• Avoid Dairy and Soy Dairy Products – they cause more phlegm! If you already have too much stuck in your head, avoid these products during the allergy seasons or when your symptoms are at their worst.
• Avoid Refined Sugar and Flour – for the same reasons as dairy products, plus refined flours and sugars also add a great deal of inflammation to the body – that other factor we are trying to get rid of.
• Drink plenty of water. Phlegm is not created from too much water in the system, but is often a result of the body fearing dehydration – so drink up!
• Netty Pot – a simple device used for centuries in India to effectively clean out the sinus cavities. It looks like a teapot, which is then filled with water and rinsed through the sinuses. Instructions and product information are available at local health stores or online.

Guard Yourself

Be mindful during allergy seasons of reducing exposure to anything that may trigger a potential reaction (even if it is not a typical “allergen” for you). If you anticipate suffering from allergies year to year, implement some of these tips and start a treatment plan before you feel the symptoms – it will set you up for the best season yet!

• Keep windows closed on days when allergy counts are particularly high
• Avoid using products with strong scents and harsh chemicals, which produce inflammation and can magnify allergic responses (cleaning products, shampoos, body washes, laundry soap, perfumes, cologne, air fresheners)
• Although they look great – keep fresh cut flowers out of the house during allergy seasons. If you need their calming effect, try the colorful fake ones and bring the fresh ones back once you are feeling better.

If you have been wanting to try connecting with a personal coach to help you achieve your dreams, now is the perfect time to try for free. I have personally found such great tools through coaching sessions that I firmly believe it to be an indispensable service to anyone looking to improve their career, finances, relationships and certainly their health.

Joanna Lindenbaum, my friend and colleague, has put together a very special complimentary teleclass that will deliver to you powerful, concrete and proven tools to successfully complete your most passionate and important goals (including your business, not-for- profit, creative pursuits, and so much more). These tools are SO simple, effective and easy-to-use that you will be putting them to work before you even get off the call! You’ll be able to start saying good-bye to the exhaustion, shame, and overwhelm that comes from not be able to bring your projects successfully into the world!

Class date: October 6, 2010 Class time: 1pm – 2:15pm, EASTERN

To register, go to: http://soulfulcoach.com/events.php

In “The 3 Essential Woman Wisdom Tools for Success in Your Dream Project”, you will receive:

*A straightforward method for effective and intuitive decision-making

*A plan for organizing your time so that you control your life and your dream project (instead of it controlling you!)

*A step-by-step process for ensuring you are energized and passionate throughout the completion of your project

Recording provided with registration!

There is nothing more delicious that a big piece of carrot cake! While carrots have such a great source of vitamins and minerals, the truth of the matter is that all the butter, oil, sugar and cream cheese frosting make this vegetable’s nutritional content minimal when baked into a delectable dessert.  So, I adapted this recipe from Dr. Weil’s cookbook in an effort to enjoy a healthier version of carrot cake more often and without the guilt. The added pineapple helps to make this cake extra moist, the natural dark maple syrup gives it the perfect sweetness, the walnuts and pecans provide protein and the whole wheat pastry flour offers fiber and complex carbohydrate. This “cake” is more like an energy bread – perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack.  Enjoy the recipe after the jump.

Health Nut Carrot Cake

2 cups firmly packed finely grated carrots
1/2 cup Orange Juice
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
2/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup crushed or chopped pineapple, drained
1 cup unbleached white flour
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the carrots, orange juice, vanilla, coconut oil, syrup, and pineapple until well blended.

3. In another bowl, stir together the flours, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.

4. Blend the dry ingredients into the carrot mixture, stirring until just mixed. Blend in the nuts, if desired.

5. Pour the batter into a nonstick 8-inch-square baking pan and bake for 45-60 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and remove from pan.

While I didn’t have the chance to capture an image of the finished cake – I can assure you it was a hit! Polished off to the very last piece within days. Enjoy!

Vitamins, like herbal formulas, are most beneficial when taken under the guidance of a health professional. And not all supplements are created equal, so it is important to make sure the ones you take are actually potent enough and easy for the body to absorb. For that reason, ESEMA has begun offering pharmaceutical grade vitamins and supplements in addition to tailored herbal formulas – ensuring our patients have access to the very best nutritional supplements on the market. We’ve partnered with Metagenics, who will drop-ship individual products for our patients, providing the freshest merchandise. Take a look to see some of the exciting offerings we have after the jump and talk to us at your next visit about incorporating these supplements into your health care goals. Not a current patient? Send us an email and we will happily discuss the appropriateness of beginning supplemental therapy with you.

As ESEMA’s Founder, I have vowed to provide only the highest quality in acupuncture care, herbal pharmaceuticals and now – nutritional supplements. After a full year of investigative research and personally incorporating the following products into my own health regimen (and that of my family), I can say with full certainty that these products are truly impressive and unique – tailored to help busy modern families live their healthiest lives.

Feeling Your Best

The Woman’s Wellness Essentials offers complete nutritional supplementation in the convenience of morning and evening vitamin-packs – eliminating the hassle of several bottles floating on the counter top. This product provides a potent daily dose of multi-vitamins and minerals, calcium, Omega/DHA Fish Oil, and Vitamin E – all boosting the delicate female endocrine and cardiovascular systems. In addition to providing health maintenance and preventative support, this product is perfect for women experiencing hormonal changes such as: irregular menstrual cycles, painful menstruation, amenorrhea, PCOS, menopause/peri-menopause, emotional swings, hair-loss, PMS or PMDD.

Preparing for Baby

Our prenatal multi is a convenient once-per-day dose of essential vitamins and minerals, DHA, Omega’s, folic acid and calcium that help a woman’s body prepare for conception and safely support her nutritional needs throughout pregnancy, promote healthy fetal development and maintain reproductive health and mood enhancement during the post-partum period.  Providing complete prenatal support in the convenience of a one-dose packet.

Male Health

Wellness Essentials for Men is a unique combination of potent vitamins, minerals, Omega’s and Zinc – to maintain health and help the body bounce pack from stressful physical and mental fatigue. In convenient single-packs, this product has a an additional herbal combination which specifically supports male hormone, adrenal and sexual health. It comes in convenient AM and PM packets for twice daily dosage of everything the male system needs to keep running at its best.

Detoxify

Metagenics is famous for their medical food powders, meant to specifically address chronic illness and detoxification needs. Quell intestinal inflammation, balance hormones, reduce chronic pain, improve energy levels and facilitate weight loss by incorporating a medical powder into your daily regimen. Just wanted to give your system a nice clean-up? The appropriate product (based on individual constitutional diagnosis) paired with our 2 Week ESEMA Detox food plan can give your system the re-boot it needs.

Pediatric Multi

Your little one deserves the health benefits of a potent multi-vitamin/mineral supplement just like you do. Metagenics has top of the line Children’s multi vitamins and has even gone to the extent of flavoring their Children’s fish oil in a chewable lemony gel.  Whether the goal is to support your child’s health and growth, or to address specific issues such as chronic conditions, asthma, ADD or ADHD – these supplements are truly powerful in a pediatric-safe way.

Need More?

While most people can maintain sufficient nutrition through the vitamin packs – occasionally additional supplementation is necessary. We have an array of various individual nutritional support programs. Talk to us today about your individual needs.