Primal Diet - Modern Health

Nuts and seeds Topics – the good and the bad Healthiest nuts and seeds Reducing Phytic Acid content Calories in nuts and seeds Omega 3 and 6 fats Baking with Almond and Coconut Flour Nut and seed snacks Nuts and Seeds on a Herpes Diet

I struggled with canker sores and mouth ulcers most of my life. Then I went gluten-free and committed to an Ancestral Diet. I get mouth sores occasionally if I bite the inside of my lip. These are not cankers, viral or allergic. Topics covered: Canker Sores vs. Mouth Ulcers Canker Sores and Herpes Virus Causes of Canker Sores Gluten Antibodies Without Celiac Disease Causes of Mouth Ulcers Full description at  https://www.ondietandhealth.com/resources/canker-sores-and-mouth-ulcers/

Gluten-safe kissing is important to talk about. If you're sensitive to gluten, what happens when a kissable partner has eaten pizza or had a beer lately?  How careful do we need to be?   Can we get “glutened” from kissing? Several studies show that proteins from foods can linger in the mouth several hours after consumption.  Some mouths clear them faster than others. Rules for Gluten-Safe Kissing Check your own make-up, lipstick, chapstick, lotions, soaps and shampoos.  Check your partner's bathroom as well. Kisses on the cheek are fine, as long as no saliva or obvious crumbs travel along. Kissing kids on the mouth or gooey fingers can dose you with gluten if they just ate a PB&J or cookie. The general consensus is that your partner should avoid gluten foods such as bread, pizza, beer, etc. on date night for at least an hour before kissing. Full notes

There are many pros and cons of latex mattresses, mostly pro! The more you learn about this natural material, the more there is to love. My first latex mattress was too firm - I did not pick one suited for my slender frame. Then I found FloBeds and learned the secret of a great bed - every mattress FloBeds makes is customized for you and for anyone sharing the bed. I now have 2 FloBeds mattresses and give them AND the company a 5-star rating.

I eat the healthiest oil I can find, and Tea Seed Oil is one you've probably never heard of. What is Tea Seed Oil? Tea Seed Oil is not the same as Tea Tree Oil. It is not an essential oil. Full show notes

This is a topic that could fill four newsletters, but I want to mention some points about grains that I feel strongly about. First let's talk about gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and spelt, and is a contaminant in most oats as they are often shipped or processed with wheat.  Gluten-free diets are becoming well-known now, and many scientific studies are showing that gluten intolerance is much more common than previously suspected. Full show notes.

The digestive systems of herbivores and carnivores tells a lot about what each are meant to eat. Humans model carnivore digestion patterns. Digestive systems of herbivores vs. carnivores I began researching equine digestion to check a hunch that my elderly pony had an ulcer.  She was biting her sides and seemed uncomfortable. In learning her non-human digestive system, several points became clear.   Some creatures are born to be vegetarians, and some are not. Should humans be vegetarians? Looking at differences in digestion may help answer that question.    Full Episode Description

If you want better health now and in the future, you have to heal leaky gut. It may be the key to preventing and reversing autoimmune disorders which some say most ALL of us have. And helping resolve pain, bloating, allergies, headaches, rashes and more. Full show notes

There are several common foods to avoid with Herpes or Shingles. You may be eating these daily! Having personally struggled with both these viruses, I've learned my tolerance level of these foods when well and when stressed. Herpes viruses live in the nervous system, and when we're overtaxed, anxious or angry, inflammatory stress hormones and other substances suppress the immune system, allowing the virus to overwhelm our defenses. When you're feeling strong, healthy and rested, you may be able to handle these edibles better. It's not just the items themselves, but how your health is at the time you eat them. Another factor is the quantity you're eating.  A nibble?  A full plate? A combo of all four of these? It makes a difference….

What do you know about GABA - the forgotten neurotransmitter? We've heard about Serotonin and its use as an antidepressant but we seldom hear about the related GABA neurotransmitter and its effects on the body. Full show notes

Are your Olive and Avocado Oils pure? Do you trust labels?  It's sad but true. Labels often hide the true ingredients.  Real Olive Oil is green and a little bitter Full post

Is your hair care making you sick? Skin and scalp absorb things easily, sending them straight into the bloodstream. The moisturizer you put on your skin disappears, right? Your body just ate it! Would you consume the chemicals and colors in hair dye or shampoo? Or breathe ammonia, chlorine or formaldehyde? Full description on website

Body fat comes primarily from excess Carbohydrates. It's not general “excess calories” that usually cause weight gain. Calories from steak, vegetables and Olive Oil don't convert to adipose tissue (fat). Carbs = Adipose Tissue = Body Fat

Where does body fat come from? It's not from overeating protein, healthy fats or vegetables. Why is it SUCH A SECRET in the news where body fat comes from? Do we need expensive drugs to get rid of it? What if Steak, Eggs and Guacamole could actually drop fat without drugs? Full article

Are your periods toxic? Is your body discarding toxic waste when you flow? Some Raw Vegan bloggers began to claim periods are toxic wastes leaving the body as early as 2017. They say that periods are not necessary. Have heavy flow or painful periods? Stop eating all fats, proteins and cooked food and your painful periods may stop. The diet guidelines? Raw grains, raw vegetables, raw fruit. No fat, no meat, no eggs.   Full notes at website

Wondering how to wean off Valtrex? When is the right time? How do you control Herpes without Valtrex? I've been Consulting Clients since 1985 on a huge range of Functional Health issues. Controlling Herpes is a frequent area of my work. Having myself struggled with HSV for decades, I know how to first get it under control, then manage it for a lifetime. Full Post and Show Notes

https://www.ondietandhealth.com/paleo-diet-for-herpes-management/Adapting the Paleo Diet for Herpes is the fastest way to manage viral outbreaks. My articles and Podcasts on Herpes supplements, the best and worst foods for Herpes, and the low Arginine diet for Herpes explore the diet needed to control HSV. My Store also offers the Herpes Management Guide – a 90-minute PowerPoint download – to explain the diet, symptoms, medications, supplements and WHEN to take supplements, and how to avoid viral triggers. Full Description

GABA Neurotransmitter for Anxiety and Addiction GABA is our main inhibitory (stabilizing) neurotransmitter and a regulator of anxiety and addiction. It helps us stay calm and avoid sympathetic flight or fight mode.  It governs dozens of functions in the mind and body. Along with Serotonin, GABA provides the brakes in our body (the "slow-slow"), much as Dopamine and Acetyl-Choline provide the "go-go". Like yin and yang, we need both to be balanced. In our natural state as hunters and gatherers, we only went into alarm mode if a real or potential threat was encountered. But our nervous systems in modern however perceive much of our day as threat. Deadlines, traffic, money, and worries of all types.  We can feel endangered just by missing a phone call or freeway exit. Read More

https://www.ondietandhealth.com/fix-your-childs-stomach-aches/https://www.ondietandhealth.com/fix-your-childs-stomach-aches/Why is it important to fix your child's stomach aches? Many parents don't realize their kids hurt. Children don't know tummies are not supposed to hurt. They may think it's normal. I did not know my gut was not supposed to hurt when growing up. As an adult I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease but decades of malabsorption took their toll on my bones and growth. I always ask kids and teens in Consults if anything hurts. The question can surprise them, especially if they're seeing me for “allergies”. Explaining that pain (or constipation, gas, diarrhea) is not right and we want to fix it helps them understand WHY we'll be changing their diet. For other kids, stomach aches become a negotiating factor when they want out of doing something. It can be a problem figuring out real tummy aches from imaginary ones. Either way, it's important to address. More Information

The adrenal and thyroid connection is often missed by doctors checking only the thyroid. Understanding how these glands affect each other helps address adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism at the same time. The goal of natural (Functional Medicine) health care is resolving the cause of the problem, not just the symptom. If you're treating your thyroid lab numbers but not checking adrenal function you may be missing something! Read More

Lysine for Herpes – A Track Record of Success People have taken Lysine for Herpes and Shingles for decades. Being a sufferer myself, I depend on Lysine as ONE supplement to help manage the Herpes virus. Along with diet changes and other key supplements. Lysine and Arginine amino acids (proteins) counteract each other. The virus “feeds on” and is triggered by excess Arginine. Read More

How do you use Iodine for Hair, Thyroid and Female health? Where do you get Iodine and how much do you need? 60 to 70% of us don't get enough. This helps explain the epidemic of Hypothyroidism I see in Consults. The entire body uses Iodine but it's key for the Thyroid. Full Episode Description

Are you getting enough calories on Paleo? Is it time to add more carbohydrates, fat, or more Paleo calories in general? I ask my female Clients of average weight to eat around 1800 Calories/day. Men about 2300 Calories. In this episode: Getting Enough Calories on Paleo Carb Calories From Grains Getting More Vegetable Calories What about starchy carbs? Animal Protein - our Main Source of Paleo Calories  Full notes

Are there valid reasons to avoid coconut oil, meat, milk or water?   Should coconuts be off the menu? My clients occasionally do see problems with coconuts (and I do too).  Sometimes it's the oil and sometimes issues occur with the meat or milk. Coconuts can offer wonderful health benefits, both internally and externally, but like all things, they may not be right for YOU.  Check out these questions and try going coconut-free for a few weeks before consuming again.  Watch for effects in any area. Self-experimentation is one of the cornerstones of the Paleo/Ancestral lifestyle. Here are 6 reasons to try a coconut-free experiment. READ MORE

How to Buy Healthy Eggs In the grocers, look for eggs labeled PASTURE-RAISED, such as Vital Farms. Pastured hens live outdoors in movable coops. In a Farmer's Market, ask the seller "what do you feed these chickens?" Eggs that are colored, speckled or slightly dirty don't mean the birds were pastured. They may have been raised in a fenced dirt area with no access to bugs or forage. Eating GMO corn and soy - not a natural diet for birds. Pastured chickens' natural diet is bugs, green plants and seeds. When insects and seeds decline in the winter, they need a grain mix in addition to most any food products from the farm. Chickens are NOT vegetarians. Subscribe to the Newsletter Liberate meal time w. my FREE eBook! Opt-In to my Newsletter for once-weekly Sales, Podcasts & Blog Posts to empower your health. 10% Coupon for your first Supplement purchase! Get the ebook and 10% Coupon Now! Full Notes at https://www.ondietandhealth.com/healthier-ways-to-buy-and-eat-eggs/  

There are many benefits of mouth taping at night. Taping your mouth at night improves the microbiome of the mouth and gut, increases daytime energy, improves sleep, snoring and allergies, and calms anxiety. Mouth taping can help reduce dental plaque, stop nighttime salivation and improve your breath. Full description

Are you using the Lysine Arginine ratio for Herpes support? Correctly? Lysine and Arginine are two of twenty amino acids (proteins). Proteins are building blocks for hundreds of things – muscles, neurotransmitters, blood cells, enzymes and more. Lysine is one of Eight Essential Amino Acids, meaning we do NOT make Lysine so MUST get it in our diet. The Standard American Diet can be deficient in Lysine because it is grain-based. Is this why 40 to 60% of Americans have HSV infections? Arginine comes in food, and we can also make it. So it is not one of the eight essential aminos. Full Description

Want to build a strong lean body when you're tired and overweight? Need movement that's easy but effective? How do you balance your hormones? And pick the right diet and supplements for energy and weight. Here are my Clinic/Consult steps for a stronger, healthier body. First: Check Those Carbs Second: Balance Estrogen and Progesterone Third: Tired & Overweight? Improve fat burning ability  Fourth:  ** Fix Insulin Resistance ** Full post here

Are Keto, Paleo and Low Carb the same? The answer is.... No... Yes... Sort of! Similar in many ways but different in others.  New Clients often get these diets confused. More information.

What to eat on Paleo? Paleo, Ancestral, Primal, Diet For Human Beings (my DVD) is how people evolved to eat. Paleo is not Keto, Fasting, Carnivore, calorie restriction, No-Carb or a lot of other “diets”. Here's a definitive guide from my 25 years eating this way, and teaching Clients the REAL Paleo Diet. Full Post

Need help choosing the best grain free cat food? I am a Functional Health coach and teach my (human) Clients to primarily eat foods we ate before Agriculture and factories. Our historical diet. The same is true for pets. What Do Cats Eat in Nature? Cats are “Obligate Carnivores”. They eat meat and all of the animal that comes with the meat – organs, bones, (some of the) feathers, stomach contents, etc. Cats don't graze on grass like an herbivore. They take a bite or two in the summer to help with fur balls. Cats enjoy an egg now and then along with the bird that laid it. If they can stalk it, it looks like food to them. They don't dig potatoes, eat fruit, lentils, nuts, or grains (grass seed). Full Description

Need some good foods for constipation? Chronic constipation and occasional constipation have different causes and need different support. Either way, these ideas help to know what to eat for constipation and reduce laxative use, toxic stool softeners and excess dosing of Magnesium. (All Vitamins and Minerals need to be in balance - taking too much of one can throw others into deficit. Here is a well-balanced multi). Full Story

GABA is an important neurotransmitter you don't hear about much. Learning of my own low GABA symptoms changed my life – I should say saved my life Is GABA Similar to Serotonin? GABA is Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid. Along with Serotonin, these neurotransmitters provide the “brakes” to overstimulated nerve impulses. Keeping the brain relaxed but on purpose is their job. Dopamine, Adrenaline, Acetylcholine, and anxiety are emotional, hormonal and neurological stimulants. They set off a chain reaction of stress, causing interference all over the body. When our brakes are inadequate to the task, we suffer from imbalanced neurotransmitters and hormones. more information...

Ever wonder how stress triggers herpes outbreaks? And why? How does the herpes virus flare so quickly after stress, fear or trauma? Full Description

Natural help for dry eye symptoms can reduce dry eye itching, pain and burning without prescription eye drops or medical intervention. Castor Oil has been a part of my daily home treatment for dry eye for several years.  This article and Primal Diet – Modern Health Podcast explain exactly what to buy and how to use Castor Oil for dry eye. Don't use drug store Castor Oil – study this article! While organic Castor Oil brought some relief for my dry eye (and is a great moisturizer for my eye area), I needed more support for dry eyes with aging. Having worked since 1985 as a Clinical Nutritionist in San Antonio, I prefer natural treatment options. Info on my Health Journey is here. Full description

Most overweight people have Insulin Resistant weight gain, a specific type of fat from overeating carbohydrates. It is not from cholesterol. Carbohydrates are stored temporarily in the blood as Triglycerides and then stored as fat if not needed for cellular fuel (exercise, metabolism). Full Description

Confused by Keto Diet pros and cons? You're not alone... It's the most confusing and misunderstood "diet" I see with Clients. See the full list here.

Here's an intro to GABA and Serotonin deficiency and a short Brain Quiz to help tell the two apart. Welcome to your Brain! GABA and Serotonin are our two main inhibitory neurotransmitters. Inhibitory sounds like a bad thing, but we need balance between excitatory and inhibitory aspects in all functions in the body. Just as there's light and dark, and fast and slow, we need both in balance. Why do we need Inhibitory and Excitatory Neurotransmitters in balance? Read More

Looking for Herpes antiviral support options? There are more choices than antiviral prescriptions. Let's review some. Who Am I? I have a disorder of the Immune System called Primary Immunodeficiency. I've struggled with Herpes, Shingles, Epstein Barr (it's a member of the HSV family too) for 5 decades. Treatment for the immune deficiency (CVID) began in 2016 and has helped greatly but I still manage my HSV daily. I am a Clinical Nutritionist – not a Nutritionist or Dietician – in practice since 1985. We work similarly to naturopaths. More information...

Gaba deficiency symptoms are diverse and can affect the whole body.  If you struggle with pain, anxiety, IBS, reflux, sweaty hands, insomnia or dozens of other health concerns, you may be showing Gaba deficiency symptoms. Gaba and Serotonin are considered the “Inhibitory” or “braking” neurotransmitters.  Dopamine and Acetylcholine are the energizing or “accelerating” ones. The “go-go's” and the “slow-slow's” as I call them. Full Description and Notes

Is a low Arginine Herpes diet permanent? Do you need to stay 100% strict with it forever? The answers are: Yes, No and Maybe… What is a Low Arginine Diet for Herpes? You'll benefit from reading my other blog posts on this and/or listening to their Podcasts. I give detailed instructions on WHY you must reduce Arginine amino acid, the foods high in Arginine and what to eat and avoid. As well as proven Supplements to help control HSV. Check out these Podcasts and articles #1, #2, #3 and #4. Full Description here

Correctly dose Vitamin D. Don't guess! It's essential for short-term and long-term health in every cell of the body but you don't want to take more than you can use. How important is Vitamin D? This article and Podcast titled "5 Ways Vitamin D Can Save Your Life" may inspire you to dose D correctly. Learn how to correctly dose vitamin D at the website

Natural help for Vertigo using Chiropractic and Homeopathy has gotten me through several incidents of Vertigo. I've had three sudden bouts in the last 18 months. Getting up at night and falling to the right, dizzy, unable to orient spatially. It's scary and a danger for falling. Full Description

Natural flea control for dogs and cats can work very well. Natural pet care in general, is not hard and can change the quality of your pet's life. That article has more info. And this one on feeding more Species Appropriate food. Full notes

Having trouble staying asleep? Waking up too early or restless after 3 AM? This is a common issue with Clients. Addressing these 4 areas helps most everyone sleep better through the night. If you're ready to make some changes to your daily habits, or add some proven supplement support, let's get to work. See full list

Are you eating dinner too early? The best time to eat dinner may change your sleep and energy. Waking at 3 AM is a common problem. It sometimes relates to “Nocturnal Hypoglycemia”, low blood sugar during the night. Nocturnal Hypoglycemia has several main causes: Eating too many carbohydrates, sugars, starch, alcohol and juice during the day Not eating enough protein and fat during the day (always avoid Canola, Corn and Soy Oil though) Eating too early relative to your bedtime Full Description Here

Here are the best supplements for Herpes I have used and carry in my Online Store. More anti-viral supplement support is found here. The Herpes Supplement Pack includes these and several more. I have never taken prescription medications for Herpes (too many side effects, including B12 deficiency). It’s controllable with a low Arginine diet, stress management and supplements. Read more (or listen to my podcast) on controlling Herpes without prescription medications. To see the full list see https://www.ondietandhealth.com/my-5-best-supplements-for-herpes/  

Is it really possible to get help for bunions without surgery? Most bunions can be helped if you commit to the process. For bunion relief, know the causes of bunions and make a long-term plan for change. This is the goal of the work in my San Antonio natural health clinic and in my Primal Diet – Modern Health podcasts. Fix the cause as well as the symptom!

I'm often asked about the differences between fish oil and cod liver oil. Which is best? Both have anti-inflammatory EPA-DHA, but there's more to know before buying. Eating oily fish such as wild salmon and sardines twice a week is important but it makes sense to supplement a small amount of Omega 3's as well. So, Fish Oil or Cod Liver Oil? One thing is true for both. Quality counts! The brand, the processing method and the type of fish all matter. For more information see https://www.ondietandhealth.com/5-differences-between-fish-oil-and-cod-liver-oil/

COVID Loss of Taste and Smell Loss of smell and taste can be strong early warnings of infection, perhaps more important than fever or low oxygen. If your taste and smell suddenly disappear, get tested immediately and isolate. Studies such as this one from the European Journal of Neurology confirm these are Covid symptoms. Many patients report recovery of smell and taste quickly with “light” cases of Covid. Others report slower recovery. Can Zinc help recovery from the illness as well as these symptoms? FULL STORY

Managing Herpes without prescription medications is what I do for my own health and with Clients. The right combination of herbs, amino acids, diet and stress management can work in both acute and recurring infections. The Herpes family is a large one and includes HSV1, HSV2, Shingles, Epstein Barr and ChickenPox (among others). Having struggled with all of these except HSV1 I have learned how to manage them without medications. More Information