In today's fast-paced world, achieving and maintaining optimal health can often feel like an overwhelming task. With a plethora of information available, it can be confusing and challenging to determine what truly works for you. This is where a dedicated health coach...
February is not just Valentine’s Month — it’s also American Heart Health Month. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, but an estimated 80% of heart disease can be prevented through lifestyle and diet changes.(PubMed) This is...
This Longevity Blueprint is a functional medicine guide for the common man. Dr. Girish Kalva, functional medicine physician, has put together a longevity guide to living longer, leaner, and healthier, all with a…
Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday! Getting together with friends and family, the seasons changing, pausing to be grateful, the wonderful food and desserts. To make it even better- let's consider some healthy food swaps to enjoy the beautiful and meaningful day-...
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Awareness Month! Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly takes away a person’s memory, thinking and language skills, movement, perception, reasoning and judgment. Alzheimer's Disease is Not the Same as...
Breast Cancer: A Rising Concern What is your risk of breast cancer? Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women worldwide. While genetics play a role, most breast cancers are influenced by lifestyle, environmental exposures, and hormone signaling. The good...
Making small calorie swaps is a powerful way to enjoy summer favorites. You can do this without compromising your wellness. These options are gluten-free, dairy-free, and inspired by whole-food, plant-based meals. They are nutrient-dense, vibrant, and perfect for hot...
With day after day of extreme heat facing us again, it’s important to recognize who’s most vulnerable—and how to protect yourself and others from heat-related illness (HRI). Who Is Most at Risk for Heat-Related Illness? Certain groups are especially vulnerable to...
Ditch the char and choose wisely- healthy grilling means reducing harmful compounds and excess fat while keeping flavor front and center. Burgers & Dogs Reimagined Opt for organic, grass-fed lean beef burgers or organic turkey burgers. For hot dogs, choose...
Holistic nutrition is about choosing simple, nourishing ingredients that support the body naturally. These holistic nutrition seed and nut crackers are gluten-free, packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, and make a crunchy snack to enjoy alone or...
National Integrated Health Associates (NIHA) are leaders in integrative & functional medicine and holistic dentistry. NIHA has been serving the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia metropolitan area since 1995. Patients come from all over the United...
Holistic allergy treatment can provide rapid relief in a non-invasive and effective way using allergy serums and other complementary allergy therapies. Are you taking allergy medication and still suffering from sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes? About 26% of the...
In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience and allure of fast food have become an integral part of many people’s lives. However, beneath the surface of those mouth-watering burgers and crispy fries lies a complex web of strategies designed to make dining out...
Looking for a simple, whole-food snack that’s naturally sweet and satisfying? These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Snack Bars are a great option for a nourishing treat without added sugar. Made with just a few wholesome ingredients, they provide fiber, natural sweetness, and...
Introduction Candida overgrowth, or candidiasis, occurs when Candida yeast, naturally present in the body, grows excessively, leading to various health issues. This article explores its causes, symptoms, effects on immune and hormone health, and strategies for...
What I Do for My Patients and Why Many adult patients beyond a certain age have multiple and/or complex concerns. They often take more medications than they would prefer and wonder whether anything can be discontinued. Most want to explore ways to address their...
Looking for a nourishing, herb-packed dish to support your health this winter? Dr. Shadi Sarebanha, ND, PhD, shares her Immune-Boosting Creamy Mushroom Soup, a rich and nutrient-dense dish designed to strengthen immunity and promote overall well-being. Featuring...
Just a few decades ago, before the rise of the obesity epidemic, men were widely seen as symbols of strength and vitality, with fewer health concerns like metabolic diseases. Testosterone was a key factor in this vitality, influencing sexual desire, arousal, and...
Looking for a wholesome treat that nourishes the body while delighting the taste buds? Dr. Shadi Sarebanha shares her recipe for a Healthy Oat-Almond Cake that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like almond powder, oat flour, and...
Maintain Weight Loss After Ozempic Once you have achieved weight loss success- then what? What is the ideal way to maintain weight loss after using peptides? Reaching your ideal weight is an incredible milestone, especially after navigating the challenges that often...
Fall is the perfect time to give your liver a break and reset your system with a gentle liver detoxification. As the air cools off and fall sets in, your body begins to shift into a restorative phase, naturally preparing you for the slower pace of winter. Not only...
In the past, women aged gracefully. Our grandmothers aged into menopause without the struggles women have today. Their hormones were balanced. Symptoms such as insomnia, depression, weight gain and cognitive issues were not the standard as they are today. Now, women...
Winter is coming, the days are getting shorter, it’s getting cold, and the visible life is leaving the trees and flowers. Cold and flu season is upon us as the sun is less available and vitamin D levels drop. October seems to be the perfect month to highlight how...
Hypothyroidism is common as we age, and a functional medicine approach to optimize the thyroid will help the body with several important body processes. Functions that were normal earlier in life such as hormone production are one of the most important and the thyroid...
National Integrated Health Associates (NIHA) is pleased to announce functional medicine physician Girish Kalva, MD, has joined our integrative medical team. Dr. Kalva is a medical doctor board certified in both Internal and Obesity Medicine. He comes to NIHA with 25...
Low or no stomach acid in medical jargon is called “hypochlorhydria or “achlorhydria” respectively. Low stomach acid can lead to weight gain, among other issues. Common Misconceptions about Low Stomach Acid Symptoms of low stomach acid match those of high...
Chronic pain, by definition, is pain that is present for longer than three months, which is generally accepted as the expected tissue-healing timeline. However, more commonly, the pain has been present for several months or even years.
We are now fully into the New Year and one of the more common resolutions of the year is to take care of our health. We want to be more physically fit and have more energy. This usually means more exercise, stretching and better eating/sleeping habits. So, we whole...
Allergy Elimination Therapy (AET or NAET) is a non-invasive, long-standing treatment option that may improve the body’s ability to overcome chronic health issues.
In the colder months, maintaining cardiovascular health becomes crucial. Consuming antioxidant-rich winter fruits can significantly contribute to this goal by supporting heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Mistletoe IV therapy shows promise for cancer treatment. Researchers conducted a Phase 1 trial at Johns Hopkins Cancer Center and results showed some promising improvements. A Glimpse into Research at Johns Hopkins University: What is Mistletoe IV Therapy? Mistletoe,...
In a world where the pursuit of eternal youth often leads to expensive cosmetic treatments and surgeries, we often forget the simple yet effective approach of embracing natural medicine for anti-aging. Your quest for youthful and radiant skin doesn't have to break the...
As the back-to-school season approaches, parents and caregivers are busy preparing their children for the new academic year. While shopping for school supplies and picking out the perfect backpack, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of your child’s overall well-being.
How often have you stopped yourself from doing the things that allow you to fully live life and become healthier? “I’m too busy”, “I don’t want to spend the money”, “there are more important things”, “I’ll do it tomorrow”. Sound familiar?
Early Orthodontic Evaluation You may think that an early orthodontic evaluation is only for teenagers who want to straighten their teeth. However, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child’s first early orthodontic evaluation be...
Breast cancer is a prevalent and life-altering disease that affects millions of women worldwide. Over the years, researchers have explored various factors that may influence breast cancer risk and outcomes. One such area of interest is the relationship between breast cancer and vitamin D deficiency. In this blog, we will delve into the existing research and shed light on the potential link between vitamin D and breast cancer[1].
Colon Hydrotherapy, also known as Colonics, is a gentle therapy utilized to cleanse the large colon. Warm purified water is used to hydrate the system and loosen impacted fecal matter. This process allows toxins and waste to safely leave the body, improving our system’s natural cleansing processes. Colon hydrotherapy is an incredibly effective and safe therapy that has many proven benefits
Mold can have detrimental effects on children's health. Mold is a type of fungi found both indoors and outdoors, but due to their developing immune systems and unique vulnerabilities, children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of mold exposure. Mold...
Candida, a type of yeast that commonly resides in our bodies, can sometimes cause infections. While these infections are typically localized and treatable, emerging research suggests a potential link between Candida infections and an increased risk of cancer. This article explores the existing evidence and sheds light on the possible connection.
As a holistic physician, I am often asked about sun protection, especially as the weather turns warm and beautiful. I have a friend who has instructions from one of her several physicians to slather herself with SPF 45 sunblock. Every day. All over. Apparently physical blocking like hats, shirts, long sleeves, etc. is insufficient, because of her autoimmune disease diagnosis.
Melatonin, a hormone produced naturally by the pineal gland, is known for regulating sleep-wake cycles. It is produced by the body in response to darkness but has other important roles in the body. Recent research suggests that high-dose melatonin may have a role in cancer treatment as well.
A healthy diet is essential for cancer patients to support their overall well-being and aid in their treatment journey.
As a dentist, I have seen firsthand the impact that tooth loss can have on a person’s quality of life. Edentulous spaces, or areas where teeth are missing, can cause difficulties with speaking, eating, and even self-confidence. Fortunately, dental implants offer a solution that can greatly improve a patient’s oral health and overall well-being.
Naturopathic oncology has emerged as a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment, aiming to identify and address the fundamental causes of the disease. Unlike conventional medicine’s symptomatic and tumor-centric approach, naturopathic oncology delves into the underlying root causes. This blog explores the concept of unraveling the etiology of cancer and the valuable insights provided by naturopathic principles for personalized cancer care.
The atopic triad of allergies, asthma and eczema in children can be very difficult to deal with. One of the first health concerns that brings new mothers into the office is eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. They typically try applying over-the-counter products...
Winter is over! Transitioning from winter to spring is good news for the body. Seasonal changes can have many effects on us. Following the rhythm of the seasons our body has specific needs, and we should listen!
What are the best health tips to keep your children healthy? Viral and bacterial infections are all around us; if your child is going to daycare or school, they are exposed to numerous microbes every day. Many of those microbes are not disease-causing, but the many...
The movie “Concussion” and various past/present NFL stars suffering from repeated collisions have helped raise greater public awareness regarding the serious impact of repetitive sports injuries leading to potential traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Impact sports such...
We don't always talk about it- but it is important to know how to boost your mental wellbeing. We all get "down" sometimes, but If your mental health isn’t 100%, you must take action to improve it now. The first thing to remember is that you’re never alone; many...
All dentists are taught to extract teeth. Some hone their skills with advanced training in residencies and internships, and others are mentored by experienced practitioners. However, biological dentistry brings different principles to the oral surgery procedure and there is a distinction between what is done conventionally vs. holistically to optimize healing following the removal of teeth.
Insomnia is common but there are effective, natural ways to help insomnia. Insomnia can be defined as a problem falling sleep, maintaining sleep, waking up early or poor quality of sleep despite adequate opportunity for sleep. This usually results in some form of daytime challenge or impairment such as sleepiness, low energy or poor concentration. Various studies worldwide have shown the prevalence of insomnia is 10%–30% of the population, with some studies even as high as 50%–60%!
What's in My Take-Out? While the Coronavirus pandemic has certainly taken its toll on in-restaurant dining, many of us have continued to feel comfortable ordering take out. But leaving aside for a moment the impact on the economy, there are likely health...
Where do you start when you want to work on your aches and pains on your own? This is the start of a 3 part series on how to address your body’s pain and dysfunction from a very simple approach. It has all to do with posture!
Are you experiencing autoimmune inflammation? In an autoimmune based illness, the immune system mistakes part of your body, like your joints or skin, as foreign and releases proteins called auto antibodies that attack healthy cells. Autoimmune conditions can range from skin conditions such as psoriasis, to rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus, all the way to Chronic Lyme disease and CIRS.
Lifestyle choices can make a profound impact on heart health. Many of us don’t realize the simple yet powerful steps we can take to prevent, improve and even reverse some of the most worrisome conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome....
“I still can’t smell,” is a common post-covid complaint. A lingering long haul syndrome phenomenon is loss of smell- and here is what you can do about it. An interesting complication for some of those who have had COVID-19 is a loss of smell (anosmia) or decreased ability to smell (hyposmia). This condition is called Post Infectious Smell Loss (PISL) and some studies show that it can affect up to 10% of individuals with Post Covid Syndrome.
We all have heard the reasons for wearing a mask or not wearing a mask, however are you aware of the oral side effects from wearing a mask for an extended time? When wearing a mask, the dryness in your mouth increases which makes your mouth a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses to grow.
Many people think of cardiovascular disease in those who have had a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure or cholesterol problems. And while these are major diseases of the cardiovascular system, it is important to broaden your understanding as YOU may be at risk...
Digestive enzymes are necessary to break down the food we eat. If we are not breaking down food properly, we do not gain the nutrients needed for the body to absorb and turn into energy for good digestive health.
Allergies and COVID Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma, affecting half of asthmatic adults and about 80% of asthmatic children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my asthmatic patients have been concerned about the increased susceptibility they may have to...
Turmeric has shown effectiveness in lowering LDL cholesterol. The “bad” cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) gets a bad rap as a risk factor for atherosclerosis and increasing the risks of heart attacks and stroke, which together are the number one cause of death.
You may think you learned about this in your middle school sex ED class. So why then are so many couples having a hard time getting pregnant? Infertility rates are on the rise affecting around 11% of reproductive age populations and 25% of these couples have more than one contributing factor.
Assessing patients for colon cancer is part of my functional medicine comprehensive gastrointestinal evaluation that all of my patients over 45 years old receive, especially those with a strong family history of colon cancer and those who have endured long-term severe symptoms of gastrointestinal/ GI dysfunction, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease and chronic constipation.
The main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, are loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep. However, there are many other less-familiar signs of sleep apnea, and they might surprise you. Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep condition that causes the muscles in your throat to relax repeatedly during sleep.
I recently read that NASA is providing Mindfulness Meditation. Well, if NASA provides this for astronauts, why not for everyone? After all, we are all occasionally exposed to events and unconscious people who “push our buttons,” so why should we not also be prepared for all manner of threats and emergencies just like our astronauts. That is precisely what mindfulness training does.
As of this article, 13% of Americans have received at least 1 dose of the COVID 19 vaccine. And while many have even received their second shot, still millions patiently await their turn. When it comes to vaccinations, there are several factors that influence how you...
COVID-19 will probably be with us for months or maybe even years to come. Most people will have little to no symptoms – especially if you are young and in good health. However, those with comorbidities are vulnerable for major complications including a higher risk of...
The terms electromagnetic smog, electrosmog, EMF, radiation sickness, or dirty electricity refer to all artificially generated electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by all the computers, mobile phones, microwave ovens, etc. in the environment and which results in exposure of people, animals, and the environment to them.
Doctors prescribe micronutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin C, medications, and various healing techniques (e.g., acupuncture, physical therapy) – to name a few I prescribe frequently – but we don’t generally prescribe MACROnutrients. Sure, we prescribe carbohydrate...
The terms electromagnetic smog, electrosmog, EMF, or dirty electricity refer to all artificially generated electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by all the computers, mobile phones, microwave ovens, etc. in the environment and which results in exposure of people, animals, and the environment to them.
I would like to start off this article with a reference from Psychology Today by cardiologist and “Food Shaman” Michael S. Fenster MD,[1] who writes about his dog Freya. The title of his article is The Mindfulness of a Dog: An Attitude of Gratitude, and it is so...
Anytime is a great time to assess your health and make changes. Small changes, made consistently over time, can have a big impact on overall health status. Dr. Coy Roskosky, NIHA chiropractor, recently wrote a great article on how consistency with dietary choices...
The holidays are stressful and a time when many will over-use and abuse alcohol and other psychotropic chemicals. These times may present challenges for those of us who are committed to sobriety and they can be a risk for relapse. Understanding and applying the unique faculty of consciousness, mindfulness, may be extremely helpful during these celebratory times.
In last week’s group, Weight Loss and Mindfulness, we had some nice sharing about the positive effects of mindfulness on various aspects of life! So now it is appropriate now to inquire into one of my favorite topics (and maybe yours?) – food.
Mindfulness Practice has been studied and found to be a useful and therapeutic adjunct in weight loss.[1] As a functional medicine physician, one thing that mindfulness can do that I have found to be clinically very helpful is to direct it at eating itself. A lot of people eat by the “chomp and swallow” technique which causes indigestion and gut dysbiosis.
I am a Type 1 diabetic and have always had a hard time with my blood sugars and with weight. I’ve tried low carb eating, watching glycemic index foods, tons of exercise: cardio and weight training. They all have had a positive effect on me, but I could not sustain it because I was not getting the result that I was expecting. The rewards of all the hard work were not enough. Yes, my blood sugars were better and my weight would drop anywhere from 5-10 pounds over a three-month period. But those rewards were not enough.
Foods to nourish the immune system are the best way to stay healthy and strong. Food is medicine- and one of the best ways to keep a strong and healthy immune system is to eat well. What does this mean? We are often confused by the latest and greatest diets, but...
Taking care of ourselves goes beyond eating healthily and working out regularly. While they are definitely part of maintaining good health, they aren’t the entirety. If you’re looking to improve how you feel from head to toe, here are some things you can consider....
"In order to live free and happily, you must sacrifice boredom. It is not always an easy sacrifice.” ~Richard Bach - Illusions (1977) If I recall accurately – despite the handicap of a 70-year-old brain – when I read the book Illusions over 40 years ago, the...
This week I experienced deep grief with the passing of my dear colleague, Dr. Voss. Her passing, like any death, provides us with a moment to reflect on our lives and our purpose for being here in our temporary bodies. We must all face the ending of our physical body...
Fall is the season for mold allergies and seasonal mold allergies can be experienced from mid-August until mid-December. They may subside as the cold weather starts, or flare up when the weather is damp and rainy. And, a mold allergy can be year-round if you are...
Mindfulness Meditation I noticed a definite uptick in depression and mood disorders in my patients ever since the COVID problem.So, several months ago, we began the weekly Mindfulness and Healing Groups to introduce my patients to a mindfulness practice. The success...
The health of your oral cavity extensively affects the overall health of your body. Stated in another way, you cannot have a healthy body without a healthy mouth. Biological dentists promote dental treatments to build health and wellbeing, using non-toxic dental...
The first three articles in this series on mindfulness, applied as a clinical tool and based on peer-reviewed studies, showed that mindfulness meditation may have a significant effect in the prevention and treatment of the first three leading causes of death, cardiovascular disease, cancer and accidents.
In 2017,[1] heart disease was the leading cause of death killing 647,457 Americans a year, followed closely by cancer which killed 599,108 Americans a year. The previous two articles in this Mindfulness series have proven that mindfulness, applied as a clinical tool...
Recent studies show that mindfulness-based therapies as part of cancer care may improve stress levels, coping skills and quality of life. What is Mindfulness? Jon Kabat-Zinn[1] defines mindfulness as… “awareness that arises through paying attention, on...
Mindfulness has been defined[1] as “awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally,” that is “in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.” To this, since mindfulness is also a clinical tool[2] that has been...
For quite some time, the public view towards drug or alcohol addictions was more focused on the problems of personal will power and lacking self control. But fortunately, the smoking cessation treatment programs in recent years have started to shed more light into our understanding about the unique biological needs in certain individuals driven by particular genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
June is Brain Awareness Month, which is a wonderful opportunity to discuss or have a national conversation about our brain health, the part of us which makes us distinctly human. In my recent book Awaken Your Godly Brain, [1], I stressed that 1/6th of our human brain,...
The health of our brain, our beautifully designed master control center, is under attack from many modern environmental issues. Alarmingly, we're seeing increased cognitive impairment from young to old - Autism to Alzheimer's, anxiety, depression, neuro-degenerative...
Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, was Right It is more important to understand the patient who has a disease, than it is to understand the disease that a patient has. ~ Hippocrates Now that we are mostly through the first stages of the Corona or COVID-19 pandemic,...
Quiet your mind and take refuge from the worries and emotional disturbances of the world We begin to use mindfulness for some practical healing and move to the topic of anger. The experience of anger is often felt physically as a tightness in the body, usually in the...
Definition: Text neck is a term commonly used for a repetitive stress injury where excessive texting or mobile device use is believed to be the primary cause. Smart phones have really changed the way we live life.
The key to who gets sick and who does not lies in the strength of their immune system. The healthier you are, the better chance you have at fighting the Coronavirus. To combat coronavirus, or any flu or cold or virus, we must first support the immune system.
One of the ways to tune up your immune system and give you more resistance to the Coronavirus is to heal your intestines. A healthy gastrointestinal tract is often synonymous with a healthy immune system, which strengthens your resistance to any and all infections.
When I was in medical school almost 50 years ago, we were recruited for an experiment to test the common cold virus (i.e., a rhinovirus). I didn’t volunteer even though some extra spending money would have been nice, but my classmates did. Students were selected who had essentially no antibodies to rhinovirus. In exchange for a pittance, researchers at the University of Virginia Medical School divided the volunteers into four groups (if my ancient recollection serves me well)
Steps to Help Us Stay Sane A little more than two weeks ago we all felt safe! (More or less). Suddenly, and seemingly, out of nowhere, “unseen forces” e.g., COVID, has threatened not only our physical health but also our economic foundation. Almost from one day to the...
During this time of social distancing, most of us are spending much longer periods of time indoors, inside our homes. As a pediatric physician, I always recommend spending as much time as possible in nature, but not every family has the benefit of a backyard that’s...
I have spent the last week and a half feeling overwhelmed at the unfolding of events concerning COVID-19. There are no words to describe my full range of emotion- shock, denial, anger, sadness, helplessness. This framework of emotion, I realize, is quite similar to...