Understanding the Digestive Process Carbohydrate Digestion: Begins in the mouth where food is chewed, activating enzymes. The Liver and Gallbladder: Work together to produce and store bile, which is essential for fat digestion. Bile is released into the stomach during digestion. The liver also detoxifies the blood. Stomach’s Role: Acidic environment breaks down food, kills pathogens, and prevents GERD when properly acidified. Small Intestine: Home to the microbiome, crucial for immune health and nutrient absorption. Works with the appendix to repopulate gut flora after illness. Large Intestine: Absorbs water and vitamins, storing waste until elimination. Digestive Concerns? Look to Enzymes …
What is a Cleanse? A cleanse is a way to support your body in eliminating toxins and harmful substances that accumulate from everyday exposure to environmental pollutants, processed foods, and stress. These “toxins” can include synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and substances that burden the body’s detoxification processes. Why Should You Cleanse? Cleansing can: Kick-start weight loss: A cleanse helps reset your body and improve nutrient absorption, making it easier to reach weight-loss goals. Boost energy levels: Removing toxins frees your body from energy-draining processes. Support the immune system: A healthier internal environment helps your body fight infections more effectively. Improve digestion: …
What Are Adaptogen Herbs? Adaptogen herbs help the body maintain balance by regulating two primary systems: the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous systems. These powerful botanicals support the body’s ability to adapt to stress, whether physical, emotional, or environmental. Adaptogens work their magic by influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping to normalize stress hormone levels, such as cortisol. By doing so, they promote overall well-being, enhance resilience, and support energy and immune function. Adaptogens have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Indigenous healing practices. These herbs help the body achieve homeostasis, meaning …
Nature has a way of providing just what we need, and few herbs exemplify this better than nettles (Urtica dioica). Often dismissed as a pesky weed, nettles are, in fact, one of the most valuable plants in the herbalist’s toolkit. Thriving in the wild landscapes of Alaska, this nutrient-rich herb offers a wealth of medicinal benefits that have been recognized for centuries. Where Do Nettles Grow? Nettles are a hardy, perennial plant that flourishes in nutrient-rich soil, often near rivers, forests, and disturbed areas. In Alaska, they can be found along stream banks, in meadows, and at the edges of …
Living in Alaska means embracing the beauty of rugged landscapes, unique wildlife, and awe-inspiring seasons. However, alongside these joys comes the challenge of long, dark winters with limited sunlight. This lack of sunlight affects more than your mood—it impacts your body’s ability to produce vitamin D, a critical nutrient for overall health. In this guide, we’ll explore why vitamin D is so essential, especially for Alaskans, and how to ensure you get enough to stay healthy year-round. What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a pivotal role in maintaining your health. Often referred to as …
By: Tabitha Wooster Known for its warm, comforting aroma and flavor, cinnamon has been valued for thousands of years—not only as a culinary delight but as a medicinal powerhouse. Derived from the inner bark of trees from the Cinnamomum genus, cinnamon has demonstrated significant health benefits, especially for cardiovascular health, blood sugar management, and metabolic function. This post explores how this beloved spice can support heart health, help regulate blood sugar levels, and promote overall wellness. ________________________________________ A Brief Background: Types and Composition of Cinnamon There are two primary types of cinnamon: Ceylon, also known as “true cinnamon,” and Cassia, …
Saw Palmetto: A Natural Wonder for Men’s Health In the heart of nature’s pharmacy, the Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) stands as a testament to the incredible power of plants. This robust, fan-leaved plant, native to the southeastern United States, particularly thrives in the warm climates of Florida and Georgia. Known for its medicinally potent berries, Saw Palmetto has been a staple in herbal medicine for centuries. Let’s delve into the botanical wonders and the historical significance of this remarkable herb, and discover why it’s especially beneficial for men’s health. Saw Palmetto is a small palm that grows no taller …
By Dori Cranmore RN Bees produce Honey in most of the countries of the world. Cinnamon and Honey are both superfoods. Scientists of today also note honey is a very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases because it contains powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It helps reduces the cholesterol. Regular use of cinnamon-honey can strengthen the heart beat and can help revitalize the arteries and the veins. ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by …
By Dori Cranmore R.N. Naturally produced by our bodies, Glutathione is known as the Master Antioxidant because it can help protect your cells from oxidative damage. It is found mostly in the liver, and used by every cell and tissue in our body. Production of Glutathione, (or GSH) in a cell, depends on the availability of glutathione precursors; three amino acids glutathione is made of; glutamate, glycine and cysteine. The benefits are extensive but there are many ways Glutathione can be depleted from our body which may result in a weakened immune system, a higher susceptibility to cancer and rapid aging process. …
By Dori Cranmore R.N. Garlic has been used in many cultures for both its culinary and medicinal properties. Folklore shows garlic bringing good luck or protects against evil, ward off vampires and at the same time guaranteed to transform any meal into a bold, aromatic and healthy experience. Native to central Asia, garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and has been grown for over 5000 years. Garlic was placed in the tomb of Pharaohs, and was given to the slaves that built the Pyramids to enhance their endurance and strength. From a medical history standpoint, …