1 whole free-range chicken, or 2-3 pounds of bony chicken parts, such as necks, backs, breastbones, and wings. (Farm raised free-range chickens give the best results. Commercially raised chickens will not produce stock that gels.)
Gizzards from one chicken - optional
4 quarts cold, filtered water
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 large onion - chopped
2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped coarsely
1 bunch parsley
If you are using a whole chicken, cut off the wings, neck and remove gizzards from the cavity. Cut chicken into parts.
Place all chicken parts into a large stainless steel pot or large crock pot with water, vinegar, and all vegetables except parsley. LET STAND FOR 30-60 MINUTES. Then bring to a boil, and remove scum that rises to the top. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 6-24 hours. The longer you cook the stock, the richer and more flavorful it will be. About 10 minutes before finishing the stock, add parsley. This will impart additional mineral ions to the broth.
(At 3 hours, take the chicken meat off the bones, and put all bones and skin back in your stock pot. If you cook the chicken for long periods, it becomes really tough and rubbery. Use the chicken meat for other purposes like chicken salad, enchiladas, curries or soup.)
When the stock is done, strain the stock into a large bowl. Refrigerate until fat rises to the top and congeals. Remove the congealed fat, and put the stock into ice cube trays or small containers and freeze. You now have the perfect source of healthy stock and minerals for soups, stews, steaming rice or vegetables, or just to drink.
You can also make turkey or duck stock this same way. If you want to make beef stock, use good marrow bones. You must bake the beef bones for about 2 hours at 350 degrees, otherwise your stock will be too greasy.
- Kathi Bratberg RN, MS Holistic Nutrition
Monday, March 31, 2014
"Depression and your Emotional Health"
I simply prayed a somewhat "tongue in cheek" prayer asking for a job without having to apply for one. I smiled and pressed send. Oh, and while I was in this narcissistic stupor, I added a request. I want this job to renew me and light a new fire in me. I landed myself in a mental health position here that found me beginning to practice neurofeedback. I was a 24 year mental health professional never having heard of this before and I had plenty of questions and a grocery cart full of doubts. One year later, I have no doubts, a whole lot more to learn and I got a burning fire inside me with a hope and vision for many people to be helped.
Depression is a mood disorder and the word disorder is critical to note. It implies that something is out of order and it is our job, along with professionals, to treat it. My task as a mental health professional is to understand the mental, emotional and spiritual components of depression and provide a plan for treatment.
The mechanical workings of our brains, simply speaking, run on electricity and chemistry. Medications are NOT a treatment to the chemistry of our brains. They never have been, they never will be. Medications are simply a helper while we find the treatment. How can we treat depression without medications? Neurofeedback.
The field of neurofeedback knows what the electricity looks like in a depressed brain. Through a personal brain map of one's EEG, we at Alternatives can start an effective neurofeedback treatment for depression. This treatment is harmless, in fact, I'd say its relaxing and enjoyable, believe it or not. With it, we can begin to decrease the symptoms of depression. And as your mental health professional, I can add learned practices along with the neurofeedback to further enhance the potential.
If you or a loved one is suffering from depression you owe it to yourself or them to give us a call to receive a free 30 minute consultation. Experience our caring staff and hear how comprehensive our services are. We sincerely look forward to working with you to better your life through each and every appointment with us.
- Scott Carlson, LMHP, CTS
Depression is a mood disorder and the word disorder is critical to note. It implies that something is out of order and it is our job, along with professionals, to treat it. My task as a mental health professional is to understand the mental, emotional and spiritual components of depression and provide a plan for treatment.
The mechanical workings of our brains, simply speaking, run on electricity and chemistry. Medications are NOT a treatment to the chemistry of our brains. They never have been, they never will be. Medications are simply a helper while we find the treatment. How can we treat depression without medications? Neurofeedback.
The field of neurofeedback knows what the electricity looks like in a depressed brain. Through a personal brain map of one's EEG, we at Alternatives can start an effective neurofeedback treatment for depression. This treatment is harmless, in fact, I'd say its relaxing and enjoyable, believe it or not. With it, we can begin to decrease the symptoms of depression. And as your mental health professional, I can add learned practices along with the neurofeedback to further enhance the potential.
If you or a loved one is suffering from depression you owe it to yourself or them to give us a call to receive a free 30 minute consultation. Experience our caring staff and hear how comprehensive our services are. We sincerely look forward to working with you to better your life through each and every appointment with us.
- Scott Carlson, LMHP, CTS
"Non-Prescription Relief from Depression"
In psychotherapy and psychiatry, depression is a state of mind. It produces serious, long-term lack of enjoyment in life or an inability to visualize a happy future.
We all know someone who has or is suffering from depression. Perhaps you are currently depressed or have been before. The United States has been ranked the most depressed country in the world! And the current thinking in our prevalent medical model is that we suffer from a deficiency of anti-depressants. In other words, we treat our depression with medications. To be sure, there are times where an anti-depressant is indicated.
But to have a true discussion about treatment, one must ask first: what is the cause of depression? Is it a genetic illness? Is it environmental? Is it emotional? Is it hormonal? Spiritual? Could a poor diet cause depression? Depression can be a combination of all of those things! One could have a genetic predisposition, eat a poor diet for years, get exposed to environmental chemicals and experience a relationship break-up and --voila! They are over-whelmed, depressed and not coping so well.
When we are depressed, having happy positive thoughts are not enough to cure us. Positive thoughts are not something we can always permanently maintain and the pressure to do that can lead to a crash. To rid yourself of depression, you have to fully educate yourself with what caused it and how you can fix it.
Find a focus. Immerse yourself into a lifestyle, soul orientation, commitment, devotion or core value that honors all that is Sacred. Focus on everything to do with a pro-active approach to life that involves tackling the assaults and all crisis that you are up against. Live in your highest integrity. Share important information with people without fear.
At Alternatives, we provide many different ways to approach depression. There are times when we all need help. We are here with options for you.
- Patricia Ryan, MD, CCN
We all know someone who has or is suffering from depression. Perhaps you are currently depressed or have been before. The United States has been ranked the most depressed country in the world! And the current thinking in our prevalent medical model is that we suffer from a deficiency of anti-depressants. In other words, we treat our depression with medications. To be sure, there are times where an anti-depressant is indicated.
But to have a true discussion about treatment, one must ask first: what is the cause of depression? Is it a genetic illness? Is it environmental? Is it emotional? Is it hormonal? Spiritual? Could a poor diet cause depression? Depression can be a combination of all of those things! One could have a genetic predisposition, eat a poor diet for years, get exposed to environmental chemicals and experience a relationship break-up and --voila! They are over-whelmed, depressed and not coping so well.
When we are depressed, having happy positive thoughts are not enough to cure us. Positive thoughts are not something we can always permanently maintain and the pressure to do that can lead to a crash. To rid yourself of depression, you have to fully educate yourself with what caused it and how you can fix it.
Find a focus. Immerse yourself into a lifestyle, soul orientation, commitment, devotion or core value that honors all that is Sacred. Focus on everything to do with a pro-active approach to life that involves tackling the assaults and all crisis that you are up against. Live in your highest integrity. Share important information with people without fear.
At Alternatives, we provide many different ways to approach depression. There are times when we all need help. We are here with options for you.
- Patricia Ryan, MD, CCN
"Eczema - The Itch that Rashes"
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin that rashes and sometimes blisters. Children are affected the most: about 10-20% of American children have eczema vs. only 1-3% of adults. 70% of these children with eczema are under 5 years old - it is difficult for them to refrain from the itching and scratching that can worsen the condition.
Dealing with eczema can be such a pain in so many ways! We see the pain our children go through, sleepless nights because they are so uncomfortable and itching all night in their sleep, the embarrassment of the red blotchy scales on our bodies and the damage of over used steroid creams can do to our skin.
First, I am a mother who knows this skin condition all too well, and second, I am a licensed professional aesthetician here to help you get through this tough "skin" time! I believe there is a time when steroid cream is what needs to be used to help get the inflammation down so the skin can start to heal. I had tried everything the dermatologist recommended, Steroids, Crisco, Vaseline, the Aveno eczema line, Cetaphil, Aquaphor... you name it, I tried it - with no relief for my son. However, over time the steroid can cause the skin to become thin, and has systemic side effects - so using steroids on my child did not seem like the safest option.
5 years ago when I began working at Alternatives, Dr. Ryan recommended a product that changed our lives - Epionce Extreme Barrier Cream, as well some anti-inflammatory diet changes. I no longer woke up to hear him scratching his skin off in his sleep, and his skin texture is now smooth and without irritation - I am so thankful for Epionce!
Epionce is the perfect solution to quickly hydrate and restore skin barrier function while reducing inflammatory factors that worsen the symptoms of eczema. Regular use helps reduce the severity of dryness, scaling and itching. Epionce is paraben and fragrance free, formulated with a blend of active ingredients that work together. Epionce formulas combine a highly effective delivery system with potent botanical antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients in proven therapeutic concentrations. For more information about the full protocol check out this page on the Epionce website.
I hope you find this information relieving, know that we can help, and that there is a solution. Please come see me if you are dealing with this yourself or seeing a loved one suffering from this skin condition. Call us at 402-827-9450 to schedule a free consultation.
- Leanne Rangel, MA, Aesthetician
Dealing with eczema can be such a pain in so many ways! We see the pain our children go through, sleepless nights because they are so uncomfortable and itching all night in their sleep, the embarrassment of the red blotchy scales on our bodies and the damage of over used steroid creams can do to our skin.
First, I am a mother who knows this skin condition all too well, and second, I am a licensed professional aesthetician here to help you get through this tough "skin" time! I believe there is a time when steroid cream is what needs to be used to help get the inflammation down so the skin can start to heal. I had tried everything the dermatologist recommended, Steroids, Crisco, Vaseline, the Aveno eczema line, Cetaphil, Aquaphor... you name it, I tried it - with no relief for my son. However, over time the steroid can cause the skin to become thin, and has systemic side effects - so using steroids on my child did not seem like the safest option.
5 years ago when I began working at Alternatives, Dr. Ryan recommended a product that changed our lives - Epionce Extreme Barrier Cream, as well some anti-inflammatory diet changes. I no longer woke up to hear him scratching his skin off in his sleep, and his skin texture is now smooth and without irritation - I am so thankful for Epionce!
Epionce is the perfect solution to quickly hydrate and restore skin barrier function while reducing inflammatory factors that worsen the symptoms of eczema. Regular use helps reduce the severity of dryness, scaling and itching. Epionce is paraben and fragrance free, formulated with a blend of active ingredients that work together. Epionce formulas combine a highly effective delivery system with potent botanical antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients in proven therapeutic concentrations. For more information about the full protocol check out this page on the Epionce website.
I hope you find this information relieving, know that we can help, and that there is a solution. Please come see me if you are dealing with this yourself or seeing a loved one suffering from this skin condition. Call us at 402-827-9450 to schedule a free consultation.
- Leanne Rangel, MA, Aesthetician
A Testimonial to Neurofeedback for ADHD by Dr. Brad Meylor
Hello,
I just wanted to share my experience with Alternatives, A Center for Conscious Health.
I've been doing Neurofeedback, under Scott Carlson's, LMHP, CTS care for several weeks now. The changes I have noticed have been incredible, to say the least.
Here's my back-story: I have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD on three separate occasions; once when I was in elementary school, once when I was in high school, and another time while I was in College. At the time I was told that I had two options: to either take psychotropic medication or just learn to live with it. My family and I decided the second option was best for me.
After working with Alternatives I can say, without a doubt, that the Neurofeedback has helped me with my focus and attention. I am able to complete tasks in a shorter amount of time and am far more productive. I just wish I would have found out about it sooner!
The staff at Alternatives is great! They are incredibly helpful and caring! I cannot say enough good things about Alternatives! I feel comfortable referring anyone to Alternatives for Neurofeedback that might be having issues with ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, OCD, and more. In my opinion, Neurofeedback is safe and effective. I cannot recommend it enough!
Thank You,
Dr. Brad A. Meylor
I just wanted to share my experience with Alternatives, A Center for Conscious Health.
I've been doing Neurofeedback, under Scott Carlson's, LMHP, CTS care for several weeks now. The changes I have noticed have been incredible, to say the least.
Here's my back-story: I have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD on three separate occasions; once when I was in elementary school, once when I was in high school, and another time while I was in College. At the time I was told that I had two options: to either take psychotropic medication or just learn to live with it. My family and I decided the second option was best for me.
After working with Alternatives I can say, without a doubt, that the Neurofeedback has helped me with my focus and attention. I am able to complete tasks in a shorter amount of time and am far more productive. I just wish I would have found out about it sooner!
The staff at Alternatives is great! They are incredibly helpful and caring! I cannot say enough good things about Alternatives! I feel comfortable referring anyone to Alternatives for Neurofeedback that might be having issues with ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, OCD, and more. In my opinion, Neurofeedback is safe and effective. I cannot recommend it enough!
Thank You,
Dr. Brad A. Meylor
"We Would Like Our Attention Back, PLEASE!"
ATTENTION - Moms and Dads!!!
Look at these ALARMING figures from The Center for Disease Control on ADHD!
Vyvanse, along with other medications, is currently used in the above treatment statistics. Vyvanse is an amphetamine and has these potential side effects: insomnia, agitation, anxiety, psychotic symptoms (seeing or hearing things that are not real and believing things that are not real, including paranoia, severely mistrusting others), loss of appetite, headaches, infected skin, high blood pressure, urinary tract infection, liver damage, and speed crashes after the medications wear off that cause nausea, irritability, depression, and ADDICTION.
It's a gamble to take Vyvanse on a long-term basis considering the potential side effects.
So Mr. Carlson, what is a knowledgeable informed caring parent like me supposed to do?
- Scott Carlson, LMHP, CTS
Look at these ALARMING figures from The Center for Disease Control on ADHD!
- Approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011 and it continues to increase annually.
- The percentage of children with an ADHD diagnosis continues to increase, from 7.8% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2007 and to 11.0% in 2011.
- The average age of ADHD diagnosis was 7 years of age.
- Prevalence of ADHD diagnosis varied substantially by state, from a low of 5.6% in Nevada to a high of 18.7% in Kentucky, Nebraska is 9.1 - 11.0%.
- Parents of children with a history of ADHD report almost 3 times as many peer problems as those without a history of ADHD (21.1% vs. 7.3%).
- Parents report that children with a history of ADHD are almost 10 times as likely to have difficulties that interfere with friendships (20.6% vs. 2.0%).
- The annual societal ''cost of illness'' for ADHD is estimated to be between $36 and $52 billion in 2005 and has grown annually.
- It is estimated to be between $12,005 and $17,458 annually per individual.
- The total excess cost of ADHD in the US in 2000 was $31.6 billion. Of this total, $1.6 billion was for the treatment of patients, $12.1 billion was for all other health care costs of persons with ADHD, $14.2 billion was for all other health care costs of family members with ADHD, and $3.7 billion was for the work loss cost of adults with ADHD and adult family members of persons with ADHD.
- Across 10 countries, there was a projected 143.8 million lost days of productivity each year due to ADHD.
- What we are doing is not working at all if the numbers continue to increase.
- Families are spending lots of money on things that are not working.
- Medications that are being used are not actually treating ADHD, they are just providing temporary relief from symptoms.
Vyvanse, along with other medications, is currently used in the above treatment statistics. Vyvanse is an amphetamine and has these potential side effects: insomnia, agitation, anxiety, psychotic symptoms (seeing or hearing things that are not real and believing things that are not real, including paranoia, severely mistrusting others), loss of appetite, headaches, infected skin, high blood pressure, urinary tract infection, liver damage, and speed crashes after the medications wear off that cause nausea, irritability, depression, and ADDICTION.
It's a gamble to take Vyvanse on a long-term basis considering the potential side effects.
So Mr. Carlson, what is a knowledgeable informed caring parent like me supposed to do?
- Neurofeedback was given the highest rating by the American Academy of Pediatricians as a TREATMENT for attention deficit symptoms two years ago!!!
- Neurofeedback significantly reduces attention problems and hyperactivity in school children and the changes are permanent.
- Neurofeedback has NO crazy adverse physiological, psychological, or emotional side effects like the Vyvanse I reported on above - this is not gambling with your child at all!!
- Neurofeedback is done playing brain games and watching movies, so your child won't hate this!
- Three high school students have just completed the neurofeedback program at Alternatives, and their tear-filled eyed parents reported it as changing their lives!
- Dr. Meylor has seen positive results in neurofeedback treatment for his own ADHD at Alternatives - read his testimonial here!
- Scott Carlson, LMHP, CTS
THE INCREDIBLE 'EGG'STRA-ORDINARY EGG!
THE INCREDIBLE 'EGG'STRA-ORDINARY EGG!
by Kathi Bratberg, RN, MS Holistic Nutrition
Shunned for decades by mainstream practitioners as a high cholesterol food, wrongly accused of causing heart disease - the egg is making a comeback.
Eggs provide mankind with high-quality, easily digested proteins, and the fat-soluble vitamins A and D. Eggs are a source of the long chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA (the same fatty acids that are in fish oil). These fats play a role in development of the nervous system in the infant, and retaining healthy brains in adults - they are truly nature's best brain food.
The egg also contains monounsaturated fats (like in olive oil) and some saturated fat. Interestingly enough- the egg contains more polyunsaturated fats then saturated fat - thus busting the myth that eggs are only saturated fat.
Eggs are a natural vitamin pill - containing vitamin B 12, B 6, folate (folic acid), riboflavin, and thiamine. They are a good source of minerals- containing calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, iodine, selenium, sodium and potassium. They even contain some vitamin E to protect the other fats.
Are you getting enough choline? 90% of Americans are choline deficient! A lack of choline is a factor in fatty liver disease and muscle damage. Egg yolk is the most concentrated source of choline- a B vitamin found in lecithin, which keeps the cholesterol moving in the bloodstream. Choline is also a building block for phosphatidylcholine (PC) - a very important phospholipid (fat) for flexibility and integrity of healthy cell membranes of all of our cells, especially our brain cells. All of our cells need the PC for proper functioning. People's whose diets include eggs have the highest levels of choline (from the egg yolk) and its metabolite betaine, with levels of inflammatory markers at least 20 % lower compared to people who do not consume adequate choline (from a study in American Journal of clinical Nutrition).
Eggs give all of these benefits for about 75 calories. Best of all, eggs are low carb and compatible with many weight loss diets! For breakfast, eggs beat bagels hands down. In an 8 week study, egg eater's lost twice as much weight as bagel eaters. More impressive is they also had an 83% decrease in waist circumference (the stubborn belly fat that is so dangerous to our health). The egg eating participants in this study also reported higher improvements in energy than the bagel eaters.
What about cholesterol? The latest research indicates that eating eggs does not significantly affect cholesterol levels in most individuals(1), but it actuality results in significant improvement in one's blood lipid profile. In a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, after a month of eating 2 eggs a day, the LDL to HDL ratio stayed the same, but there was a change in the particle size of LDL. The LDL particle size changed from the small, dense particle (the problematic one) to the large, fluffy, buoyant particle (much safer for your heart and arteries).
Eggs may help to lower the risk of stroke and heart attack - the very thing we have been warned that they caused. So much misinformation out there! There are some special protein substances in the yolk that are actually potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation (blood clotting). (Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin).
Here is another good reason to eat eggs - eggs are high in lutein ( more than in spinach and supplements) and zeaxanthin- thus eggs can protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. The studies indicated that it is better to get these carotenoids from food rather than supplements - they are better absorbed. (Journal of Nutrition). Since lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids and are fat soluble they cannot be absorbed without fats. So if you get your lutein from spinach it needs to have a fat - like olive oil or butter to allow absorption.
The best eggs are from free range and organic chickens. You can tell a less than healthy egg because the yolk will be pale yellow- indicating lack of all the healthy nutrients.
A few quick serving ideas:
So please enjoy one of nature's most perfect foods.
My wish for you is good health.
Kathi Bratberg RN, MS Holistic Nutrition
(1)Statistical analysis on over 224 different dietary studies carried out over the last 25 years have shown 1-2 eggs eaten every day does not cause changes in the cholesterol numbers. This equates to over 8000 subjects in these studies.
by Kathi Bratberg, RN, MS Holistic Nutrition
Shunned for decades by mainstream practitioners as a high cholesterol food, wrongly accused of causing heart disease - the egg is making a comeback.
Eggs provide mankind with high-quality, easily digested proteins, and the fat-soluble vitamins A and D. Eggs are a source of the long chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA (the same fatty acids that are in fish oil). These fats play a role in development of the nervous system in the infant, and retaining healthy brains in adults - they are truly nature's best brain food.
The egg also contains monounsaturated fats (like in olive oil) and some saturated fat. Interestingly enough- the egg contains more polyunsaturated fats then saturated fat - thus busting the myth that eggs are only saturated fat.
Eggs are a natural vitamin pill - containing vitamin B 12, B 6, folate (folic acid), riboflavin, and thiamine. They are a good source of minerals- containing calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, iodine, selenium, sodium and potassium. They even contain some vitamin E to protect the other fats.
Are you getting enough choline? 90% of Americans are choline deficient! A lack of choline is a factor in fatty liver disease and muscle damage. Egg yolk is the most concentrated source of choline- a B vitamin found in lecithin, which keeps the cholesterol moving in the bloodstream. Choline is also a building block for phosphatidylcholine (PC) - a very important phospholipid (fat) for flexibility and integrity of healthy cell membranes of all of our cells, especially our brain cells. All of our cells need the PC for proper functioning. People's whose diets include eggs have the highest levels of choline (from the egg yolk) and its metabolite betaine, with levels of inflammatory markers at least 20 % lower compared to people who do not consume adequate choline (from a study in American Journal of clinical Nutrition).
Eggs give all of these benefits for about 75 calories. Best of all, eggs are low carb and compatible with many weight loss diets! For breakfast, eggs beat bagels hands down. In an 8 week study, egg eater's lost twice as much weight as bagel eaters. More impressive is they also had an 83% decrease in waist circumference (the stubborn belly fat that is so dangerous to our health). The egg eating participants in this study also reported higher improvements in energy than the bagel eaters.
What about cholesterol? The latest research indicates that eating eggs does not significantly affect cholesterol levels in most individuals(1), but it actuality results in significant improvement in one's blood lipid profile. In a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, after a month of eating 2 eggs a day, the LDL to HDL ratio stayed the same, but there was a change in the particle size of LDL. The LDL particle size changed from the small, dense particle (the problematic one) to the large, fluffy, buoyant particle (much safer for your heart and arteries).
Eggs may help to lower the risk of stroke and heart attack - the very thing we have been warned that they caused. So much misinformation out there! There are some special protein substances in the yolk that are actually potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation (blood clotting). (Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin).
Here is another good reason to eat eggs - eggs are high in lutein ( more than in spinach and supplements) and zeaxanthin- thus eggs can protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. The studies indicated that it is better to get these carotenoids from food rather than supplements - they are better absorbed. (Journal of Nutrition). Since lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids and are fat soluble they cannot be absorbed without fats. So if you get your lutein from spinach it needs to have a fat - like olive oil or butter to allow absorption.
The best eggs are from free range and organic chickens. You can tell a less than healthy egg because the yolk will be pale yellow- indicating lack of all the healthy nutrients.
A few quick serving ideas:
- Hard boiled eggs are easy to eat and pack for on- the -go lunches or on your favorite salad.
- Mix chopped up hard boiled eggs with some fresh lemon juice and olive oil, pickle relish and salt and pepper for a delicious egg salad.
- Poached eggs on gluten free toast with extra butter. Yummy
- Huevos ranchero breakfast- add chili peppers to scrambled eggs and serve with black beans and grated raw milk cheese.
So please enjoy one of nature's most perfect foods.
My wish for you is good health.
Kathi Bratberg RN, MS Holistic Nutrition
(1)Statistical analysis on over 224 different dietary studies carried out over the last 25 years have shown 1-2 eggs eaten every day does not cause changes in the cholesterol numbers. This equates to over 8000 subjects in these studies.
Book Review: "Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby and Child Care"
Book Review: "Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby and Child Care" by Sally Fallon Morell and Thomas S. Cowan, MD
Review by Michelle McCaslin, APRN
When embarking on the great responsibility and honor of parenthood a "How-to" book would be ideal to help new and experienced parents when making choices regarding their child's health. Morrell and Cowan have written a book that is just that. The book is carefully written with information that spans from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy then to infant/child care while also touching on the mother's health during the lactation or breastfeeding stage.
This book focuses on how proper nutrition based choices of what to eat and drink can be beneficial and have a profound effect in health for the mom and baby. Dr. Weston A. Price is a leading authority on nutrition whose research is used throughout the book. Other important topics that are usually a concern to parents such as vaccinations, fluoride, and even certain diagnostics such an ultrasound and other tests/labs done during pregnancy are also discussed. A few chapters are devoted to recipes and additional resources.
One of the first chapters called "Preparing for Your Baby" explains the importance of nutritional changes prior to conception to ensure a healthy pregnancy for mom and baby. The following chapter continues with the nutrition for the pregnant mother and also gives insight on certain tests and diagnostics done during this time. Morrell and Cowan are careful in stating their personal views; instead they give the reader information on how certain diagnostics are done and how they affect the developing baby along with research to help parents make informed decisions.
The emphasis on Weston A. Price's philosophies and research is the basis of the book and should give the reader a strong foundation of understanding nutrition in order to make healthy choices. There are other parts of the book that I found helpful and interesting such as frequent highlights, mini-guides, tidbits, and summaries, which are apart from the main text.
Some of these highlighted topics are somewhat controversial and informative. Some examples are: "Bad Advice in Baby Books", "Flu Shots during Pregnancy", "Raw Milk versus Pasteurized", "Holistic Treatments for Morning Sickness", "Menus for Nutrient-Dense Meals", "Homemade Whey for Homemade Infant Formula" and "Cheerios: A Bad Strategy for Baby".
The Appendix I titled "Therapy Instructions" at the end of the book explains the different compresses used as remedies for various ailments parents can come across while raising children. My favorites were a Mustard Compress that helps with chest congestion and also an Onion Compress that helps draw out fluid in ears.
Several parts of the book have topics in common with other pregnancy/parenting books like the explanation of stages of pregnancy, and child development milestones; but on the whole this book is unique in its focus on nutrition and an "Alternative or Holistic" approach. This is a great book that I will refer to in practice, suggest to friends and family, and recommend to our clients at Alternatives.
-Michelle McCaslin, APRN
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