Finding a New Primary Care Doctor

A Big Thanks To Leslie at Wellparents.com for this great advice Thanks to Leslie at Read more

The Rollercoaster of Life

Grandma: "I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like Read more

Sheltering at Home/Covid 19

Never in the last two decades of my career as a physician would I have imagined that we would be using the same mask to see patients all day and then sterilizing/recycling them at the end of the day. Read more

Turmeric Health Benefits

Have you ever wondered what the paste is applied to the bride and groom's faces and arms in Indian weddings?  It's actually the spice turmeric.  Turmeric is the ingredient in curry that gives it a vibrant yellow color.  Actually, Read more

COVID 19 Precautions

With the scare of COVID here in the USA now, I wanted to post a little info about boosting immunity to prevent contracting the virus. Here are some important facts about Covid-19 It is spread by contact with Read more

Natural Tips for Avoiding Colds

This cold and flu season is still upon us and unfortunately, many patients are still being plagued by these nasty viral symptoms.  Here are a few tips to try if you feel like you are coming down with something. Of Read more

Sherry's Story

Sherry has a great story.  She has been diabetic for years and she has made some massive changes!   "I have been on a lifestyle change. It has been a year following a ketogenic food plan.  When I started this journey Read more

Pharmacy to Farmacy

Many of you may know Erin-- the fabulous Pharm D that worked in our office a few years back.  Erin is a phenomenal gal and we embarked on the journey  into natural medicine around the same time.  As we both Read more

Call to action

Weightlossmavens.com

Hey there—
Just a quick update—you can now check out more posts on http://www.weightlossmavens.com
I will be guest authoring on this site which provides great tips on nutrition and the prevention of disease. What is the best side effect of great nutrition —DING, DING, DING—–Weightloss!  Check out their site by clicking the link on the right side of your AngelaMD page.
Logo_975x1751
Dr. Dan Perez started this site with the following mission—
 Weight Loss Mavens is a multimedia site dedicated to eradicating obesity and the chronic degenerative diseases it spawns by channeling the collective knowledge of health experts, or mavens.   The word maven comes from the Yiddish meyvn, meaning “one who understands.”   But to be a maven you have to more than just understand a topic, you have to know its ins and outs.   In other words, mavens know their stuff! Our goal is to help people all over the planet achieve a healthy weight and experience a life of optimal health.  We believe that a world with healthier citizens leads to a more prosperous world for all.The site features content written by experts and thought leaders in the fields of peak performance coaching, behavioral psychology, weight loss, nutrition, fitness, alternative medicine, and functional medicine.   New content is added daily.
Thanks to Dan for inviting me to  write for them!
Here is my first post:

Food as Medicine

 

imagesI am privileged to share my experience and health insights with the readers of Weight Loss Mavens. I am a board certified internist in private practice in Indiana for the last 12 years.  Like most medical school graduates, I left medical school eager to treat and cure-all diseases.   After completing my residency, I was absolutely sure that I had found my mission in life by becoming a physician.

To my surprise, I was WRONG!

My wake up call came about a year ago when I realized that I was repeating the same, ineffectual mantra by encouraging my patients to “eat healthier and exercise.”  But nobody was getting better!  Every year I wrote more prescription medications to treat symptoms.  I never truly identified the root cause of their disease, and certainly didn’t give them specific information about how to eat better and exercise. I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t even know anything about good nutrition and prevention at the time.

Enter Susan–my “Ah Ha” patient that changed my life for the better. Susan was in her 40′s with four young sons, a successful veterinary practice, and the awful disease LUPUS.  Lupus is a debilitating, chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks its own cells all over the body. We had her on immune suppressing drugs that were packing on the pounds, causing severe symptoms, and frankly not controlling her symptoms. She was unable to spend any time in the sun and couldn’t attend her son’s ball games. She frequently missed work due to pain and was relying on narcotics to get her through her days. She was nearly suicidal. This intelligent, beautiful woman had everything going in life until she was struck by disease. I wasn’t helping her at all.

We decided to go on a mission to determine the root cause of her disease. We began educating ourselves on toxins in our food supply and environment that could turn on auto-immunity. I spent sleepless nights feeling like I was a complete failure and contemplated quitting medicine. I felt that I wasn’t doing patients any good.

CUE THE DRUM ROLL!

We figured it out! After tedious symptom/ food diaries, spreadsheets, research/prayers—We discovered that Susan was intolerant to RED DYE # 40!

We immediately removed it from her diet.  Today, Susan is a drug free, vital, beautiful, thin, happy woman who no longer has Lupus.   It may seem too simple and hard to believe, but it is a true story!

Today, I continually educate myself on the power of food as medicine and integrate this knowledge into my practice.  Susan was my wake up call.   Thanks to her, I’ve helped many patients re-examine how they eat, move, and think.  The results are remarkable.

My challenge to you is to start today—Start being conscious of each and everything that you put in your body, and ask yourself  “Is this something from the Earth that is going to nourish my body?”  If the answer is NO–reconsider consuming it! It just may save your life and give you many years of vitality versus disease.

When Rosie O’Donnell had her heart attack last year, she stated that was the first time she actually became conscious of what she was putting into her body. So that is the first step we can take.  Let’s begin this journey by reading labels, focus on eating real food, and being mindful of what we are putting into our bodies.

About the author:

Angela DeBord Henriksen, MD received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and her MD degree from Indiana University School of Medicine.   She completed her residency training in Internal Medicine through St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis.   Dr. Henriksen currently has a private practice at IU Health after serving as a hospitalist there. 

 

Posted on by Angela in Call to action, disease, Guest Blog, Nutrition, Uncategorized, Weight Loss Leave a comment

Freezing Lemons

Did you know that the lemon peel contains 5-10 more vitamins than the juice alone. Lemons are a great source of vitamin C and they help to alkalinize the body  (lower the pH–a good thing).  Lemons have been proven to help in weight loss;   improve bone health;  and have anti-depressant qualities.  Ironically, it was only a few years ago when I started learning to cook that I actually learned what lemon Zest was!

Here is a tip that I recently came across –If you buy Organic lemons–you can freeze them after a good washing and actually grate the entire lemon (peel and all) over salads or really any dish to add flavor and nutrients!

Lemons are considered excellent antimicrobials against fungal, parasitic and bacterial infections.

They are also used in cancer treatments.  Some studies actually show that they may have more benefit than actual chemotherapy  drugs.  That valuable source of  information comes from one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world.  I won’t call them out now but let’s just say that dietary nutrients are pretty good at preventing and curing disease.

So here are my lemons ready to freeze.  They are all organic and washed with vinegar to remove any possible wax or chemical residue.  And don’t forget a nifty little stainless steel grater ready for action!!!

GetAttachment.aspx

Posted on by Angela in Nutrition, Uncategorized, Whole Food 2 Comments

How to start your morning!

Here’s Drew’s Saturday Strategy–some good tips in this one!  Remember to visit http://www.fitlifetv.com

Posted on by Angela in Body, Diet, Guest Blog, Nutrition, Whole Food Leave a comment

Toxic Emotions

Which of the following will cause you to get sick first?

1.  Eating Sugar

2.  Carbs

3.  Lack of Exercise

4.  Toxic Emotions

 

Yep –you got it—-Hatred, Guilt, Negativity, and Lack of Self Love—All of the above will cause you harm way before anything else.

I watched this Mindset Monday video by Drew Canole from FitLife.tv and it really hit home.  I love his positive energy and honesty.  Check out his site and the iPhone App called fit life tv which is free and has tons of  great juicing recipes!

Here is a little background on Drew—

“Drew was born and raised in the small, rural community of Lake City in northern Michigan. After attending Central Michigan University, he launched a successful career in finance before recognizing that his greatest talent lied in motivating others. He currently resides in San Diego, where his work as author, fitness specialist and has made him one of the most reputable Personal Coaches in southern California.

Drew is committed to the conviction that people are at their best when challenged. He pushes others to bust through personal barriers and reach new heights in physical, mental and spiritual well-being.”

JuiceUpYourLife

 

And with a quote from Drew—We’re in this together

Posted on by Angela in Body, Diet, Mind, Nutrition, Organic, Weight Loss, Whole Food Leave a comment

Zits Gone Wild

6ca9d4a82a15306778a66368392125b8

I’ve been meaning to start dry brushing my skin.  Sounds crazy but I continue to hear about the benefits for detoxifying the body.  I first read about it in the “Crazy Sexy Cancer Diet” by Kris Carr.  She’s that gal that overcame an incredibly rare cancer by changing her lifestyle and diet for the better.  There is no doubt that the skin is the largest organ of the body and I have recently discovered a new appreciation for it.  I spent a few weeks dairy and grain free realizing that cheating with grain or dairy causes my skin to break out.  My skin is like my wing man, detoxifying me from that potentially bad beer goggled hook up.  So in my extreme efforts to avoid nasty zits gone wild,  I’ve continued to maintain a healthier (ish) diet.  I’ve developed a whole new respect for my main squeeze, wing man, skin suit which has me interested in better ways to nurture and care for it.

The benefits of dry brushing:

1.  Detoxification of the skin

2.  Improving lymphatic flow

3.  Increasing circulation

4.  Exfoliation

Emma and I headed to the local health food store and bought a natural bristled dry brush.  The techniques always include doing it first thing in the morning and brushing in motions toward the heart.  This stimulates lymphatic drainage and aides in detoxification.  We will keep you updated.  In the grand scheme of things, I’m not sure how it could hurt.  The plan for the next 2 weeks will be to try dry brushing before a shower and using coconut oil as a moisturizer.  It’s non-toxic and remember that Bath and Body Works/ Victoria’s Secret body lotion may smell amazing but they still contain toxic chemicals —if you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your body.

418611_10151173281791282_2095923436_n

Posted on by Angela in Body, Nutrition, Organic, Whole Food Leave a comment

The Virgin Diet and 7 Amazing Doctors!

Hey wellness warriors!  You’ve seen these top doctors on TV and maybe have even read their books but here is a fabulous opportunity to listen to them speak first had for FREE!!!!!

 

Check this out here:  http://www.7days7docs.com

 

Starting tomorrow JJ Virgin is offering  a great opportunity to listen to 7 of the top doctors in nutrition including:

Dr. Sara Gottfried – author of  “The Hormone Cure”

Dr. William Davis-  author of  “Wheat Belly”

Free downloads by:

Dr.  Daniel Amen-  author of  “Change Your Brain, Change Your Body”

Dr.  Mark Hyman-  author of  “The Blood Sugar Solution”

and more—-you can register today to listen to the program that starts tomorrow –there should be some invaluable information shared and there are also free downloads and coupons available.

If you haven’t heard of JJ Virgin she is the author of  “The Virgin Diet”  A New York Times Best Seller

 

Check out this opportunity–

Dr Sara Gottfried Sara Gottfried, M.D. teaches women how to balance their hormones naturally so they can rock their mission. She is a Harvard-educated physician, speaker and author of The Hormone Cure (Simon & Schuster, 2013)She is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is regularly featured in magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Glamour, RedbookO Magazine, and Yoga Journal, and TV including The Ricki Lake Show and 20/20. Known for quoting Top 40 lyrics and effortlessly blending the seriousness of women’s health with playfulness and humor, Dr. Sara’s mission is to help women feel sexy and vital from their cells to their soul.
Dr. Alan Christianson Alan Christianson is a Phoenix, Arizona-based Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD) who specializes in endocrinology and hormone replacement with a focus on thyroid disorders. He founded Integrative Health, a group of physicians that focus on optimal wellness rather than disease. Accolades include Top Doc recipient in Phoenix magazine. Dr. Christianson’s publications include The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Thyroid Disease, Healing Hashimotos and the Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Chapter of the 9th Edition of the Textbook of Natural Medicine. His numerous media appearances include The Today Show, The Doctors, CNN and Shape Magazine.
Dr. Anna Cabeca Dr. Anna Cabeca frequently lectures nationally and internationally regarding women’s health issues. She is an Emory University trained and board certified Gynecologist and Obstetrician, as well as certified in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, an expert in Functional Medicine, and an expert in women’s sexual health. She specializes in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and natural alternatives, successful menopause, age management medicine, and sexual and reproductive health.  She is the co creator of SexyYoungerYou.com, and creator of WomensRestorativeHealth.com and SexualCPR.com.  A mother of 5 and multi-lingual she brings an integrative world view to a reforming modern medical model.
Dr. Frank Lipman Founder of the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City, Dr. Frank Lipman is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of Integrative and Functional medicine. For over 20 years his personal brand of healing has helped thousands of people reclaim their vitality and recover their zest for life. In 2010 he created Be Well by Dr. Frank Lipman, a line of cutting-edge, science-based nutritional supplements and health solutions. He is the author of two books, Total Renewal and Revive
Dr. Hyla Cass Nationally acclaimed innovator and expert in the fields of integrative medicine, psychiatry, and addiction recovery, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Cass helps individuals withdraw safely and comfortably from addictive substances (including  medication), and enhance mind, mood and energy with the aid of natural supplements. She appears often as a guest on national radio and television, including The Dr. Oz Show and is the author of numerous articles and several popular books including:  The Addicted Brain and How to Break Free, Natural Highs8 Weeks to Vibrant Health, and Supplement your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Nutrition. 
Dr. Michael Finkelstein After 20 years practicing western medicine, most notably as Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief of Medicine at Northern Westchester Hospital, Dr. Finkelstein pursued a more holistic approach to his work by founding a renowned wellness center, SunRaven in Bedford, NY. A nationally recognized radio show host, sought after expert contributor and soon-to-be published author of 77 Questions for Skillful Living, Dr. Finkelstein tirelessly promotes his concept of “Skillful Living,” the practice of treating the business of living healthy as a skill that must be developed with mindful, dedicated attention.  
Dr. Bill Davis William Davis, MD, asked the question: Why are so many people, who seem to do everything right, still overweight and unhealthy? Asking that question led him down the path of questioning whether the “eat more healthy whole grain” message was true. When he asked patients to remove all foods made of wheat, he witnessed profound and unexpected turnarounds in health: unprecedented amounts of weight loss and reversal of a long list of health conditions from acid reflux, to joint pain, to binge eating. This was the motivation to write Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight and Find Your Path Back to Health and the Wheat Belly Cookbook: 150 Recipes to Help You Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight and Find Your Path Back to HealthWheat Belly is now an international phenomenon, published in 17 languages and featured on the Dr. Oz Show, Live! With Kelly, CBS News, and other national media. Dr. Davis practices preventive cardiology in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

http://www.7days7docs.com     also like her page on facebook or follow her on twitter!

Posted on by Angela in Body, Diet, Exercise, Nutrition, Weight Loss, Whole Food Leave a comment

Herbs for Thyroid Help

So that tiny little gland just below your neck is responsible for regulating metabolic processes—The Thyroid–Did you always think that you might have an under active thyroid?  Did you realize that the range that determines thyroid activity on lab testing is huge and isn’t the most accurate measure of thyroid function?  Here are a few herbs that improve thyroid health and you can learn more HERE.

f7bec616a942a3c34c5a2bec5b66c7ab

 

Here are five herbs that are beneficial for thyroid health:

1.  Licorice -this herb maintains balance among glands and has been shown potentially inhibit growth of highly invasive thyroid cancer cells

2.  Bugle- may be effective in alleviating symptoms of hyperthyroidism

3.  Ashwaganda- this herb has antioxidant properties that help the thyroid produce hormones.  It also helps the body fight stress and has anti inflammatory effects.

4.  Flaxseed – rich in essential omega 3 fatty acids helps boost thyroid hormone production

5.  Black Walnut – considered one of the richest sources of iodine which is an essential nutrient for the thyroid

05fcecbd8b84eae588d8cc061f446864Don’t forget that this weekend THE THYROID SESSIONS begin–all of the top thyroid experts gather to give free information on everything your doctor didn’t tell you about thyroid problems!!!  (Not this doctor)  Make sure you sign up HERE considering it is Free and will give tons of need to know information.

Posted on by Angela in Diet, disease, Nutrition, Whole Food Leave a comment

Who do you believe?

So a really interesting topic came up yesterday after the WTHR Health Expo. A few nurses in my office were discussing all of the conflicting advice that they received at the Expo. Some booths offered holistic healing ideas, some had supplements, some had procedures ETC. They even heard demonstrations stating that there isn’t a difference between natural,organic products versus non-organic/processed products. This raises an interesting question. Who do you believe? I opened an email from the Natural News today that addressed that exact question and I felt it pertinent to share. They wrote an interesting article explaining an easy way to tell the difference between good and evil. It’s about understanding the spectrum of power and making decisions on empowerment versus control.

http://www.naturalnews.com/040122_control_empowerment_philosophy.html

I don’t want to plagiarise because the key points are obvious:

1. What does the person giving you the information stand to get from it?
2. Does the information benefit you without consequences?
3. Is there monetary gain involved?

I think you can measure a lot of relationships in this fashion.  It’s about straight up good versus evil. Trust your gut and go with what you feel is right. The person with the tribe that is on the right track–doesn’t really expect much in return for empowering you with good information.874bbe55e42a6801631b1008f4515f33

Posted on by Angela in disease, Nutrition, Whole Food 1 Comment

Ziti Casserole

imagesHere’s a sneak peek at Sunday’s WTHR Health and Wellness Expo recipe!  Patients submitted their favorite recipes to be reviewed and revamped with healthy substitutions.  This Baked Ziti recipe will be featured at the Fresh Eats Stage.

Ziti Casserole

Ingredients

  • butter
  • 16oz ziti
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped bell pepper
  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • salt and black pepper
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese

Healthier Ziti Casserole (Prepare this Recipe)

Ingredients

  • cooking sprayimages
  • 16oz 100% whole grain ziti
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup onion
  • 2 cups bell peppers
  • 1 package sliced mushrooms
  • 1 jar spaghetti sauce
  • 1 can low-fat cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can no salt added diced tomatoes,
  • black pepper (no salt)
  • ¼ cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese

Here are a few other tips and substitutions.  Be sure to use extra virgin olive oil cooking spray and not canola or vegetable.  All the veggies would be healthier if they were used fresh rather than canned.  The cheese is much healthier if you grate it yourself from a brick as the pre-shredded cheeses often have extra preservatives added.  If you are gluten intolerant–you could substitute a gluten-free noodle.  If you are real adventurous, you could make your own ziti noodles using almond or coconut flour.  Try and by organic brands if possible.  And, of course, it’s best to get your ground turkey from a local farm.  We can’t all do these things as they are expensive and more time-consuming.  Remember any little change you make to be healthier counts!  Baby steps!

 

 

 

Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Instead of greasing your pan with butter, coat a 13x9x2 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  3. Coat large skillet with cooking spray instead of using olive oil.
  4. Brown ground turkey. Add onion, bell peppers and mushrooms and sauté until tender.
  5. Stir in spaghetti sauce, low-fat cream of mushroom soup and no salt added diced tomatoes. Stir until sauce is heated through. Add pepper to taste.
  6. Spread pasta in baking dish. Spoon sauce over the pasta. Top with cheese.
  7. Bake for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Top with parmesan cheese.

 

Recipe reviewed by Indiana University Health Registered Dietician, Julie Pike.

 

Posted on by Angela in Nutrition, Whole Food Leave a comment

Health and Wellness Expo

images

Smoothie recipes, juicing recipes and revamping our favorite comfort by making them healthier.  Yes– that is the plan for this Sunday, April 28th at the WTHR Health and Wellness Expo.  I’ll be there with all my buddies showing you how to make some delicious recipes and even letting you sample them.  Yes–the Iron Chef Ninja Skills will be in full action.  Of course I am kidding!  This full-time working mom of 4 daughters has zero technique on Bobby Flay.  I’m going all out this Sunday and hopefully won’t make a fool of myself.  We will be making a healthy version of the classic Baked Ziti and attempt some juicing and smoothie techniques.  We have tons of tips and it should be fun.  Check out my interview with Angela Cain advertising this below.  Please keep in mind that I was sweating bullets under those lights and that I am a doctor–not a TV personality!  There are real reasons that I didn’t go into a field that required any public speaking!  I have an incredible respect for these reporters that can speak so eloquently impromptu!  See you there !  Game on wellness warriors!  This is your chance to learn a ton about health and wellness for free!  Green Bean Delivery, Trader’s Point Creamery and many local businesses will be there;  that’s not to mention that  Andrew Luck, Guiliana and Bill Rancic , and many other health conscious celebrities are attending!  Bring the kids–there are tons of activities for them as well.

 

 

 

13 WTHR Indianapolis

Posted on by Angela in disease, Nutrition, Uncategorized, Whole Food Leave a comment