Keeping Brain Health Top of Mind

“Why do you focus on brain health?”, people sometimes ask me. And I tell them, “Your brain is important, it has to last you the rest of your life.” Since that is the case, we should take good care of our brains. We want to keep our brains to be in optimal health. I have […]

California Takes a Stand: Banning Red Dye No.3 for Safer Dining

On Saturday, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that effectively outlaws four commonly used food additives within the state. One of the additives under scrutiny is the contentious red dye no. 3, already banned in the European Union. Red dye no. 3 is a coloring agent employed in various products marketed to […]

How Our Nurse Practitioner Winds Down For Bed + Her Night-time Wind-Down Routine

As I’ve advanced in my journey as a nurse and nurse practitioner, there have been instances where I’ve had to compromise on sleep.  Luckily, I’m fortunate enough not to encounter frequent challenges when it comes to falling asleep. Nevertheless, there are moments when maintaining a restful slumber becomes a struggle, often tied to my stress […]

I Took a Heavy Metals Test. Here’s What Happened.

Hi, everyone!  I’m Kayla, the Patient Care Navigator at PIH.  I’m excited to share my journey into the realm of functional medicine testing, specifically when it comes to heavy metals. Why, you may ask? Well, I have a penchant for fish, which is known to carry quite a bit of heavy metals. So, it’s high […]

Functional Foodie: What’s the Mediterranean Diet All About? (+ Bonus Recipe!)

Hi, everyone!  I’m Kayla, the Patient Care Navigator and Functional Foodie at PIH.  If you’ve ever thought about making positive changes to your health through food, you’ve likely come across the wonderful world of the Mediterranean diet. It’s not some newfangled trend; it’s been around for decades, endorsed by health providers, my Italian grandparents, and […]

The Best Anti-Inflammatory Endometriosis-Friendly Foods

What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a painful, sometimes debilitating condition that affects as many as one in ten women in their reproductive years. It occurs when endometrial-like tissue, which is normally found in the uterus, grows in places outside of the uterus, where it shouldn’t be. Most often, this misplaced endometrial tissue lands on the […]

All about Magnesium – Which is Right for You?

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in numerous biochemical processes in the body, including muscle function, nerve transmission, and energy production. Despite its importance, many people do not get enough magnesium from their diet, leading to potential health issues. This article provides a detailed overview of the different types of magnesium, factors affecting their absorption, […]

How Heavy Metals may be Impairing your Gut

Gut health is crucial for overall well-being, influencing digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Several key factors impact gut health, including diet, stress, and exercise. However, an often overlooked aspect is the presence of heavy metals in the environment and food supply. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of how heavy metals affect gut health, […]

Heavy Metals in Your Chocolate? The Surprising Findings from Consumer Reports

As the holiday season approaches, the allure of chocolate, a beloved indulgence, becomes increasingly irresistible. However, despite dark chocolate’s reputation as a relatively healthier sweet, it can harbor unwelcome contaminants in the form of lead and cadmium, two heavy metals with well-established links to serious health issues. What you think is chocolate-y goodness, can actually […]