The Power of Nutrients – Should you be popping those pills?

Popping “nutrients” pills (scientific validation of supplements and transparency of information for the consumers) is the main topic of discussion when Ellen Kamhi, PHD, RN, interviews Karen Howard, the Executive Director of the Organic and Natural Health Association.

Karen is a visionary and results-focused leader who has spent more than 30 years working with Congress, state legislatures and healthcare organizations to develop innovative healthcare policy and programs. She has held a variety of executive positions, including serving as professional staff for a Congressional committee, and has policy expertise in the diverse areas of integrative and complementary medicine, managed care, healthcare technology and mental health. An advocate at heart, she has worked to strategically advance the mission and vision of organizations through effective advocacy and strong collaboration.

Prior to Organic & Natural Health, Howard served as executive director for both the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools. During her nearly 10-year tenure at AANP, she built a sustainable infrastructure, significantly improved financial performance, established a strong federal presence and supported multiple state association advocacy efforts for licensure. Also during this time, the naturopathic medicine profession established itself as a key component of comprehensive healthcare for the future.

CONTACT:
Organic & Natural Health Association: www.organicandnatural.org ,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/organicandnaturalhealthassociation
Twitter: @OrgNatHealth

To listen to the interview, click the player below. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestion, please use the comment section under this post or contact Ellen Kamhi here.

Einkorn is the topic of discussion when Dr. Eugene Zampieron, ND, AHG, www.drznaturally.com, interviews Carla Bartolucci, Founder of Einkorn Foods. After loosing both her parents to cancer, Carla became interested in organic foods and together with her Italian-born husband Rodolfo, she founded the Bionaturae brand in 1995. Combining their passion for food, farming and traditions, the couple grew their company to be the leading organic food brand from Italy.

In 2006, the couple moved back to Rodolfo’s native city of Modena, and while they enjoyed the local food community, their young daughter grew increasingly sick with asthma, stomach disturbances, and headaches. Carla was finally told that sensitivity to modern wheat was causing little Giulia’s health problems. Looking to the past for answers, Carla discovered a nearly extinct ancient grain called einkorn. This grain was the first crop farmers grew some 10,000 years ago. It is incredibly nutritious, flavorful and genetically pure. In einkorn, Carla found a wheat her daughter could flourish with.

After seeing their daughter’s health completely transform when they removed modern wheat from her diet, the couple founded a second brand called “Jovial”, which focuses on ancient einkorn wheat products, as well as gluten and allergen free premium foods. Carla and her family split their time between Italy and Connecticut, where Jovial’s U.S. office is headquartered on a 28-acre historic farm. Carla continues to expand Jovial’s product offerings, hosts culinary getaways in Italy, and has also published a cookbook, Einkorn: Recipes for Nature’s Original Wheat to show her customers how delicious it is to bake with einkorn.

Contact: www.jovialfoods.com , 877-642-0644

To listen to the interview, click the player below. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestion, please use the comment section under this post or contact Ellen Kamhi here.

The Times they Are A-Changing- Eating Healthy is Becoming the Mainstream Rage!

I have been choosing healthy food since 1964. That is when I became aware of the negative effects of pesticides, processed foods, artificial flavoring and coloring, and began to choose ‘organic food’ whenever possible. Of course, I was called a ‘health nut’, which now sounds like a term of endearment! Over the last few years, our area here in South Florida, has become the home to MANY absolutely fantastic places to eat excellent, delicious healthy food!

That is when the concept of this article came to me! Here was the quantum change that I always had dreamed of. Of course, I have sought out healthy restaurants and eateries all these years, but the clientele was limited and many of these locations could not sustain business for very long.

I see we have now reached the 100th Monkey Effect! (The hundredth monkey effect is a supposed phenomenon in which a new behavior or idea is claimed to spread rapidly from one group to all related groups once a critical number of members of one group exhibit the new behavior or acknowledge the new idea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundredth_monkey_effect )

This is great news! It means that a quantum shift has occurred in the knowledge of how we can attain more years of life and more life to our years, by recognizing and enjoying the power of choosing to eat real, unprocessed, Non GMO, “unchemicalized” food. I am going to include some information about a few of these excellent establishments that I often frequent.

I am so greatful for their existence and for their success, both on a personal and planetary level. The descriptions are taken from the restaurant’s websites. Visit them to view menus and for more information- better yet- visit the restaurants to enjoy the best meal of and for your life!

Juice and Java Natural Food
http://www.juiceandjava.com
21316 St Andrews Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33433
Phone:(561) 852-2230
This cafe is aimed at informed consumers who treat their bodies well and understand proper nutrition, but at the same time do not want to sacrifice taste.

Do you eat whole foods full of vitamins, enzymes, and phytonutrients, to nourish and provide all day energy?…Or do you consume empty calories that make your blood sugar levels volatile and abuse your waistline? You should feel strong and invigorated after a meal, not stuffed, or bloated.The way you feel on a daily basis, as well as your frequency of illness, depends tremendously on what you put into your body. Its completely up to you.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!
YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE! TREAT IT WELL!

Farmers Table
www.farmerstableboca.com
corner of Northwest 19th Street and Military Trail, inside the Wyndham Hotel
1901 N. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: 561-417-5836

Home of “feel good food” : nutritious and nourishing to the body without depriving you of flavor or satisfaction. Furthermore, it’s good for the community, as we support local farmers and artisans. Finally, it’s good for the planet, because we use eco-conscious purveyors and also implement environmentally friendly practices in our kitchen. Truth in food. Our commitment to fresh, honest food begins with sourcing exceptionally clean ingredients from the best local farms so we know exactly where and how everything is produced. We believe the preparation and creation of a dish is just as important as the taste, which is why our focus is real food: fresh, healthy, delicious, satisfying dishes without excess fat, sodium or preservatives. Our food energizes the spirit and satisfies the senses, supporting the wellness of people and the planet. You will pass our herb garden on the way in our front door, which supplies fresh herbs for your uniquely prepared meal.

Dig
http://www.digdelray.com/
777 East Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33483
Phone:(561) 279-1002

Here at DIG (doing it green), we strive to provide amazing flavorful food by utilizing fresh seasonal organic fruits and vegetables + naturally fed and ethically tended products. We actively pursue and strive to be environmentally friendly and efficient, to leave as small of a footprint on the Earth as possible. We support local and independent businesses and are actively involved in our community. We have a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as free range and grass fed meats and sustainably sourced seafood. All of the tables were from Greenfields on Atlantic, and were redone with a Formica top that has bamboo threads throughout. The comfy armchairs and booths have been recovered with recycled material. All the paint and glue is VOC free. All of our plates do not match. We purchase them from Goodwill stores and thrift shops. By doing this we reuse and also give back to the community. We have a working garden on the side of the restaurant, which was planted by Farmer Jay, who supplies us with produce and eggs. DIG supports the local and state farming community. We will serve you the purest foods available, with the best flavors!

Christophers Kitchen
http://www.christopherskitchenfl.com
On the Plaza at Midtown
4783 PGA BLVD
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
Phone: (561) 318-6191
Our mission is to serve you only the highest quality, certified organic plant based food. We take an honest approach using techniques and ingredients that maximize real nutritional value for healthful results. Our passion is providing genuine foods of superior nutritional integrity and delicious taste. We sincerely appreciate your everyday support of our family owned restaurant. Christopher’s Kitchen is wildly popular, expanding after its first year of success. The CK brand is growing, consisting of Christopher’s popular juice cleanse, specialty retail goods and hand made desserts. Chris hopes to inspire others to celebrate a high energy lifestyle eating clean, delicious, organic plant based foods.

Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, AHG, AHN-BC , The Natural Nurse®, can be heard on radio daily. She is the author of several books, including THE NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST. Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She is available for group presentations, answers consumer questions and has a private practice. www.naturalnurse.com (954) 418-2388

By Dave Tuttle

For more than 30 years, Ellen Kamhi, PhD, RN, also known as “The Natural Nurse®,” has been a pioneer in the field of holistic medicine, with interests ranging from nutraceuticals to indigenous herbs of the Amazon. In the process, she has become a catalyst for those who are passionate about finding natural ways to maintain optimal health and achieve disease-free longevity.

Ellen Kamhi, PhD, RN

Early Interest In Natural Healing

As Kamhi recalls, “When I was 12, I had a severe horseback riding accident. I was told my injuries wouldn’t heal and that I would need surgery. Instead of just accepting the doctor’s prognosis, I had my father take me to the library, where I looked up treatments for back injuries and found many therapies the doctor hadn’t mentioned, including the use of calcium, magnesium, and other supplements, as well as certain exercises. I used all of these to heal my back.

“When I returned to the surgeon and told him what I’d done, he dismissed it and said, ‘Oh, those are just old wives’ tales.’ I was very interested in why doctors didn’t know about these methods. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to seeking information about natural healing and educating everyone about it.”

Kamhi has found many ways to do this. Along with business partner Eugene Zampieron, ND, she runs Natural Alternatives Health Education and Multimedia, Inc. They have authored six books and appear on five regularly scheduled radio programs as well as cable television. They lecture widely to health-related organizations and hold workshops on various aspects of holistic health. They also research indigenous plants that are useful for healing and lead international “eco-tours” to explore their application. While doing all that, she still finds time to see patients for nutritional and lifestyle counseling. And for fun, Kamhi throws in motorcycling and professional belly dancing.

At the heart of this unusually bright and energetic woman is an unwavering dedication to finding and disseminating information about natural healing. “That’s what led to my travels around the world and immersion in traditional medicine,” she says. “Traditional medicine refers to medicine that has been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures. I refer to modern medicine, which focuses on drugs and surgery, as conventional or mainstream medicine, and one of my main goals is to get all the organizations to which I belong to use the word ‘traditional’ appropriately.”

The use of ginkgo biloba may help to correct erectile dysfunction.

How did a curious 12-year-old eventually become a widely respected holistic practitioner? After growing up on Long Island, Kamhi took a teaching job in Arizona and studied nursing. Her interest in holistic medicine was evident early on, as she was already an herbalist and practicing midwife before earning her nursing degree.

“The doctors would shake and shiver when they saw me,” Kamhi laughs. “I would always point out when they were giving various drugs in combinations that, according to peer-reviewed literature, could cause adverse effects—in other words, drug-drug interactions, which are very much ignored in mainstream medicine.”
Kamhi went so far as to leave notes on the doctors’ lunches, pointing out that their bologna sandwiches and cola drinks were filled with toxic chemicals and had unhealthy side effects. And that is how she earned her nickname. “The doctors would see me and say, “Uh oh, the natural nurse is coming,’ in a derogatory way.” But Kamhi had the lastlaugh, turning a once-derisive label into one that today is entirely positive.

Wide-Ranging Interests

The Natural Guide to Great Sex, Kamhi’s latest book, presents holistic alternatives to drugs for sexual dysfunction and offers a program to reverse some of the physical problems that cause such dysfunction. “I don’t talk only about herbs, nutrients, and foods,” Kamhi explains. “I also go into other areas such as energy medicine and exercise.”

Noting that erectile dysfunction is caused as much by circulatory difficulties as by psychological problems, Kamhi says that herbs such as ginkgo biloba, cayenne, and ginger can all be helpful in increasing circulation. She emphasizes that it is important, however, to know the effects of these herbs before using them.

One reason Kamhi is so impressed with Life Extension’s program for blood and hormone level testing is that patients and their health care professionals can ascertain each individual’s exact needs and requirements. She cautions that some substances, such as yohimbe, have potentially dangerous side effects and should be administered only under professional guidance.

“A comprehensive program of eating mostly organic foods, avoiding pesticides and foods laden with hydrogenated oils, stress reduction through meditation or yoga, and supplements is a highly effective protocol for erectile dysfunction,” notes Kamhi. Based on her study of the scientific literature on improving circulation, Kamhi estimates that about 85% of men with erectile dysfunction would benefit significantly from a strict holistic approach.

Does Kamhi think a holistic program is always effective and should be the treatment of first choice? Most of the time, though not always. She points out that drugs and surgery are often necessary life-saving interventions when holistic approaches have been exhausted. In a life-threatening emergency, drugs and surgery are usually the best immediate options.

Kamhi recommends using ginger to help improve circulation

Arthritis is another of Kamhi’s major interests. As coauthor, with Dr. Zampieron, of the book Arthritis: The Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide, she has helped spread the word about natural approaches that, if followed carefully, can cure some sufferers.

“I’m very excited about arthritis,” Kamhi explains, “because it is one degenerative illness where I’ve seen holistic intervention and self-care methods really work. In 35 years, I have not seen one patient follow these methods and not get some kind of result—anything from less severe pain to a complete cure.” The program is not an easy one, however, and the results it produces are directly proportional to the determination and commitment people apply to it.

Kamhi’s arthritis protocol uses organic food, ginseng, fasting, colonics, massage, and testing for food allergies. Patients usually take a large amount of supplements—some for treating a leaky gut, some for heavy metal detoxification, and some for fighting infectious microorganisms, which are often a part of the arthritic process.

“It’s a two-to five-year program,” Kamhi notes. Some of the important supplements in the initial phases include omega-3 oils, turmeric, ginger, vitamins E and C, glucosamine, antioxidants such as resveratrol, and various kinds of carotenoids.

Ellen Kamhi and Eugene Zampieron conduct a workshop on making herbal medicine.

Kamhi advises arthritis patients to work with both a natural health care practitioner and a rheumatologist who is aware of holistic approaches and is willing to accept them. “Basically, if the rheumatologists won’t work with you, you fire them,” says Kamhi. “We need to remember that health care practitioners are our employees, and that we can always hire another one.”

Another of Kamhi’s books, Cycles of Life: Herbs and Energy Techniques for the Stages of a Woman’s Life, reflects her lifelong interest in women’s health and addresses issues such as PMS, infertility, sexual problems, and menopause. Here again, she stresses optimal nutrition, supplements, exercise, and stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and prayer.

Personal Life Extension Regimen

As a Life Extension member, Kamhi uses and recommends many Life Extension products and is impressed with the Foundation’s scientific studies. “The research is cutting edge,” she notes. “Life Extension frequently brings to market supplements that have been found to have positive effects, often years before other companies.” Kamhi mentions two important examples: carnosine, a glycation inhibitor and anti-aging agent, and benfotiamine, which helps guard cells against the negative effects of glucose.

Kamhi also sees eye to eye with Life Extension on vital health care issues. “Life Extension has not only consistently offered high-quality products, but also has been a front-runner in the political arena in keeping supplements widely available,” she says. Kamhi believes such advocacy is especially important today, because new laws may end up severely restricting the public’s access to supplements.

“I believe much more strongly in education than in regulation,” she explains, adding that a 1998 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that prescription drugs, even when taken as indicated, are the fourth leading cause of death in the US. “Regulation does not lead to safety,” she points out, “and the pharmaceutical industry is the perfect example.”

Kamhi’s own self-care program is straightforward, though not always easy to follow, especially with her extensive travel schedule. She eats almost 100% organic food (“I eat very little; I think most people overeat”), takes supplements, exercises one hour every day, and does “spiritual work” (prayer and meditation) every day, first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

“I focus on all the things for which I’m thankful: my children, my loved ones, and my business. When things happen that aren’t great, I try to see what I learned from the experience and how I can do things differently in the future. I don’t blame other people when things don’t go to my liking. And I think all this has worked.”