Elemental is defined as "primary or basic, related to or embodying the powers of nature." The elemental diet is a medical dietary strategy that uses very simple food solutions to provide essential nutrients, without adding a lot of stress to someone's already-overloaded digestive system. Variations of the elemental diet have been used safely by doctors since…
The vast majority of adults have been "on a diet" at some point in their lives, usually with the hopes of losing extra weight. One look into the plethora of diet advice and dietary plans available today, and it's easy to feel instantly overwhelmed by information, much of which is contradictory. From diet pills to…
I had been a professional food writer — as in, it was literally my job to eat my way around the world, reporting on the most delicious foods for magazines — for half a decade, and a bona fide food lover for 25 years before my “iron stomach” began to fail me. It started with…
Proton-pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world. In fact, one study estimates Americans spend $11 billion on PPIs each year. (1) These popular pills are prescribed for the prevention and treatment of acid-relation conditions like acid reflux. But you may or may not be surprised to learn that…
Diverticulitis is a painful and upsetting disturbance in the digestive tract, a colon disease, which can be effectively treated with the diverticulitis diet. While some individuals experience constant discomfort, others experience diverticulitis symptoms that wane and then flare up. Diet and a variety of risk factors can increase your chances of suffering from diverticulitis, especially…
Cypress essential oil is obtained from the needle-bearing tree of coniferous and deciduous regions — the scientific name is Cupressus sempervirens. The cypress tree is an evergreen, with small, rounded and woody cones. It has scalelike leaves and tiny flowers. This powerful essential oil is valued because of its ability to fight infections, aid the respiratory system,…
If you've read many of the articles on this site, something you're probably already aware of is that I believe in focusing on your spiritual health and the power of prayer. Have you ever heard someone say that "prayer can heal you?" You may think that this is just hype, exaggerated hope or a bit of…
Scleroderma is a rare and difficult disease. Also known as systemic sclerosis, it affects about 75,000 to 100,000 people in the United States. It can be a severe condition that can cause significant physical distress, disability and shortened life expectancy. Many patients with scleroderma are uncomfortable and self conscious about their appearance. This leads to…
Is a grain-free diet right for you? There are a number of healthy diet options these days. Depending on your goals, convictions, and conditions or disease risk, you should have no problem (with some research legwork) figuring out what is best for your needs. One popular option, particularly for those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance…
Locust bean gum is a natural food additive that comes from the carob seeds of the carob tree. Similar to guar gum and gellan gum, locust bean gum is added to a variety of food products, including yogurt, cream cheese and ice cream. In food, it's used primarily as a thickening and stabilizing agent. Locust bean gum…
