Caramel coloring… sounds appealing, right? Caramel coloring is an additive that literally serves no purpose except to enhance the color of certain foods and products. Unlike the caramel you might make at home by melting sugar in a saucepan, the artificial brown coloring is made by reacting sugars with ammonia and sulfites under high pressure and temperatures. The main place you can find this coloring is soda, but it is in many other things that you wouldn’t even think of- breads, cereals, donuts, fruit preserves, ice cream, pet food, potato chips, cooked meat and poultry, spices, flavored t...

Today’s topic is medicinal mushrooms – and no, I am not talking about the ones that were passed around at Woodstock in 1969 :) We usually do not think of mushrooms as herbs, but as a fungus. But many of the world’s more than 38,000 species of mushrooms have medicinal uses, and they have been used for thousands of years. Some of the most common are: • Shiitake- Immune system boosting, antiviral, may lower blood pressure and cholesterol, may alleviate environmental allergies, candida, the flu and colds. Has high levels of calcium, vitamin b2, and vitamin c. • Reishi- Calms anxiety, anti-aller...

Have you ever heard of elderberry? It has been popping up a lot lately, but it dates back thousands of years. In fact, archaeological excavations have found large numbers of the seeds at prehistoric sites, dating back to around 17,000 years ago. There are many medicinal traits of this herb, including: Strengthens immune system- have strong antibacterial and anti-infectious properties and is often used to ward off the flu and colds (go here for recipe for elderberry syrup- https://realfoodrn.com/homemade-elderberry-syrup/) Improves respiratory health- can also help sore throat and cough due...

When you think about peanuts or peanut butter, you probably think: quick snack, good source of protein and some healthy fats. On the surface, you’re right but the thing is, these little guys have some other features that make them not so good so, keep reading… First and foremost, a peanut is actually not a nut at all. It is a legume. A legume is a plant or its fruit or seed in the family Fabaceae. So, in layman’s term, it is a seed. Now, let’s talk about what happens when you eat these “seeds”. Aflatoxin is a mold that grows on peanuts. Aflatoxin-producing fungi can contaminate crops in the...

We are now entering the winter months, which means … the dreaded chapped lips. There are many other reasons for chapped lips besides the cold, such as: • Dehydration- not drinking enough water • Not enough healthy fat in your diet • Mouth-breathing • Nutrient deficiencies- low levels of iron, zinc, & B vitamins • Certain medications • Irritating foods • Illness Now, the first thing we would think to do is pull out our handy dandy Chapstick and slather it on. But more often than not, the Chapstick we have come to know and love can be even more damaging to the already dry lips. Most are m...

Dopamine is the chemical that makes us feel good. Here are things you can do and foods you can incorporate that can help increase dopamine levels naturally.

We’ve all felt it at one time or another, that overwhelming feeling that we NEED to have a certain food. Yes, this is a craving. It can be difficult to differentiate between a craving and actual hunger. We NEED to eat when we are hungry, but we do not need to eat when we have a craving, even though it feels like we have to. Hunger is a need for food. It is your body’s way of letting you know that it needs energy. Hunger for food is built into our genes, which is based on our instincts to survive. Typically, any type of food can satisfy your hunger, and also typically, once you...

Having a nightly sleep routine is important to your overall wellness. Here are a few tips to help ensure you get a good night’s sleep:

We all brush our teeth, at least… I hope we all do! But do we even think about what we are putting in our mouth? Even though toothpaste is not in our mouths for long, it is in there long enough for us to absorb the ingredients. In fact, our mouths are one of the most absorbent part of our bodies. What is so bad about the ingredients in our toothpaste? Well, here’s your answer: • Triclosan- an antibacterial chemical. This ingredient has been linked to endocrine disruption. • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)- responsible for the foaming action of toothpastes but have also been linked to an interfe...

We all know that the Release supplement is an effective, plant based supplement – but what are the actual benefits to these ingredients? • Banaba Leaf Extract - supports healthy blood glucose metabolism. • Rhodiola Rosea- has been traditionally used for centuries to manage fatigue and improve endurance and provides adaptogenic support for a healthy response to stress. • Zinc- is a trace mineral required for proper storage, maturation, and secretion of insulin. It provides antioxidant benefits, reduces oxidative stress, and supports healthy immune system function. • Chromium- is a trace min...