Americans are increasingly turning to naturopathic medicine to help them manage chronic conditions such as celiac disease  and food allergies.

Naturopathic medicine is based on six guiding principles:

1. First, do no harm; provide the most effective care available with the least risk to patients at all times.
2. Respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being.
3. Identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress symptoms.
4. Educate, inspire rational hope, and encourage self-responsibility for health.
5. Treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences.
6. Emphasize the condition of health to promote well-being and to prevent diseases for the individual, each community, and our world

Nutrition is the backbone of naturopathy, and diet is a vital part of healing and sustaining the health of both body and mind.  People who are managing celiac disease and food allergies can benefit greatly from the emphasis placed on nutrition in naturopathic care. Addressing food-related conditions like celiac disease and food allergies and sensitivities, requires comprehensive education on nutrition, as well as experience using dietary changes to treat chronic health issues.  For more information on finding a naturopathic  doctor in your area, visit http://www.naturopathic.org/AF_MemberDirectory.asp?version=2

Body Brush.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The end of summer is a great time to try skin brushing, a technique that sloughs off old skin cells and assists the body’s lymphatic system for gentle, natural detoxification.

Use a brush with bristles soft enough for your comfort. Your skin should not turn red, but you will be able to see light white brush marks.  Be sure to use only the weight of the brush to press on the skin. Don’t brush over rashes/wounds, and do not brush more than once per day.  Brush in long stokes from the extremities toward the heart.  Right before a shower is the perfect time to brush because showering will rinse away the dead skin.  Follow-up by applying natural oils like sesame or apricot kernal oil to the skin for a healthy vibrant glow. Mixing essentials oils to these carrier oils will have added hydrating and aromatheraputic effects.  Try adding 3 drops lavender and 2-3 drops rose essential oil to an ounce of grapeseed carrier oil and smooth on after showering. The essential oils will hydrate the skin and produce a relaxed yet rejuvenated state of mind.  After a long summer of outdoor skin exposure, brushing your body will support your lymphatic system and leave your skin feeling silky smooth!

Trail mix is an excellent back to school snack, but most ready-made trail mixes are loaded with added sugar, sodium and hydrogenated oils.  A smart and economical alternative is to make your own.  This mix is a healthy, gluten-free alternative to conventional trail mix with a delicious peanut butter and jelly (PB & J) twist!

• 3 cups EnviroKidz Peanut Butter Panda Puffs (for gluten free)
  or Mother’s Peanut Butter Bumpers (not gluten free)
• 1 cup organic, non-GMO peanuts
• 1 cup dried organic cranberries
• 1 cup non-sulfured organic raisins

     Simply mix all ingredients and enjoy!

Why use organic ingredients? Choosing organic means you are minimizing your children’s exposure to chemical residue from pesticides and synthetic preservatives. Children are more likely to suffer negative effects from chemical exposure because of their lower body weight, their less developed immune and detoxification systems, and the fact that they’re still growing.  Limiting chemical exposures helps optimize children’s health.