We’ve been aware of Chris Griscom and her work on the Global Rainforest Sites Heritage Initiative for years, and we think it really deserves our attention at this critical time. With recent reports of fires around the world, from California to Brazil and Indonesia, decimating thousands of acres of forest daily, it is more important than ever that we protect and conserve this resource.

In this podcast, Merryn Jose discusses with Dr. Allan Warshowsky: The difference between conventional and integrative holistic medicine; the conditions he treats in his practice; healing fibroids naturally, as discussed in his book, Healing Fibroids: A Doctor’s Guide to a Natural Cure. Also, how he transitioned from a conventional ob-gyn to a holistic physician; Bio-Identical Hormones, and why he is not on insurance panels any more! Dr. Warshowsky is a board certified Ob-Gyn, currently in private practice in Rye, NY, who focuses on Integrative Holistic Women’s healthcare, including men and teens.

The Words We Choose: James Pennebaker, the author of The Secret Life of Pronouns, has spent more than 30 years studying the psychological causes of physical illnesses. What he’s found is that the words we choose can affect our physical and mental health, and even alter our mood. In one study Pennebaker found that writing 15 minutes a day can help fight cancer, high blood pressure, heart attacks and loneliness.

We’re having good friends over for dinner in a few weeks and my friend and I are discussing what to serve: I’m thinking Italian and I tell him that I want to try my hand at making homemade pasta. A few minutes later, after proposing and rejecting various menu items, I close my eyes to organize my thoughts and it happens — I see my hands as clear as day making pasta in front of me. In reality, one hand is holding a cup of coffee and the other is resting on my lap — but in my minds-eye I can feel the smooth dough against my fingers as I roll little orrechiete “ears” over my thumb….

The Western diet, high in fats, is associated with a higher risk of macular degeneration. Researchers have found that a high fat diet gives rise to weak gut microbiota resulting in poor digestion and long-range, low-grade inflammation in the entire body. These factors appear to be the source of high rates of AMD in men who are overweight.

There’s been a lot of news the last few years about chronic inflammation and its debilitating effects on the body, but researchers are still unclear about the causes. Under normal circumstances, the body is supposed to “inflame” a little to mount an immune response and counteract infection — it’s when the body stays in that state that problems occur.

Mitzi Adams was first introduced to Jin Shin Jyutsu in 1986 when she started her graduate studies in dance in Arizona. She has studied for a little over two decades and has taught Self-help Jin Shin Jyutsu at various universities. Her love and devotion to Jin Shin Jyutsu are witnessed through her teachings, inspiring all those drawn to this profound art. In this podcast, Mitzi discusses with Merryn Jose what Jin Shin Jyutsu is, how it is applied, how you can use it everyday, and the various healing benefits it provides.

Natto is a traditional Japanese food. It’s fermented soybeans that are rich in vegetable protein. Typically eaten with rice, natto has a mild cheese-like flavor and can be an acquired taste. It has a sort of sticky paste on its surface and once it is stirred, the paste increases its volume becoming even stickier. You will find that the paste pulls apart in such a way that resembles a web. This is another characteristic that sometimes turns people off. Still, the benefits make it worth exploring, and according to The New York Times, it’s catching on. If you’re the adventurous type or enjoy uncommon textures in your food, definitely try Natto! You can even make it yourself (video) if you want.