drlaurell

The Detoxifying Power of Burdock

Now that winter has passed, it is good time to focus on detoxification. In the winter, we are less active, tend to sweat less, and therefore can have slower elimination of toxins. In fact, it is an Arkansas tradition among some old-timers to do a spring cleanse. One traditional Arkansas herb was sassafras, but sinceContinue reading “The Detoxifying Power of Burdock”

Immune Boosting Astragalus

Spring isn’t quite here, but it is starting to feel like it. As much as I love spring, these shifting temperatures can be stressful on the immune system. That is why early spring tends to be a prime season for cold and flu. I have personally added the herb Astragalus to my daily regimen toContinue reading “Immune Boosting Astragalus”

Brain Protecting Mediterranean Diet

I frequently recommend the Mediterranean diet to my patients who are at higher risk for heart disease. Many studies have shown that this diet lowers the risk of cancer, cognitive disorders, and heart disease. I also like this diet because it can be easy to follow. This basis of the diet is to consume moreContinue reading “Brain Protecting Mediterranean Diet”

Boost Your Veggie Intake

When I examine people’s diets, one of the most common weak areas is insufficient vegetable consumption. I understand the issues: sometimes it is the flavor of certain vegetables, the time it takes to prepare them, and I see very few people who crave vegetables like they might other foods. But I also understand the advantagesContinue reading “Boost Your Veggie Intake”

Heart Healthy Hibiscus

Since February is Heart Health Month, I want to continue raising awareness about the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly those that are clustered together in metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a complex of symptoms that can be the precursor of diabetes or heart disease. It is defined as the presence of three or moreContinue reading “Heart Healthy Hibiscus”

Natural Blood Pressure Support

A recent study on heart disease served as a dramatic eye opener about the impact of risk factors like elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and diabetes. Having two or more of these risk factors at age 55 gives you a 30% chance of death from cardiovascular disease by age 80. Even more shocking was theContinue reading “Natural Blood Pressure Support”

Natural Support for Aging Brains

I have always been known as a sharp person, and as I intend to practice medicine until I am quite old, I need to make sure I maintain my keen mind. There are many different challenges that can lead to memory impairment as we age. Circulation to the brain can be decreased by atherosclerosis, leadingContinue reading “Natural Support for Aging Brains”

Why Choose Better Body Care Products

When it comes to staying healthy, some people are cautious about what they put in their bodies but are oblivious to the ingredients in the products they put on their bodies. They don’t realize how easily we can absorb things through our skin, yet the Center for Disease Control (CDC) noted that the skin wasContinue reading “Why Choose Better Body Care Products”

Coping with Stress

Many New Year’s resolutions focus on being healthier by quitting smoking or eating healthier. Another important aspect of maintaining our health is improving how we cope with stress. It would be ideal if we could eliminate some of the stress causers in our lives, but this is not always possible especially when the stress isContinue reading “Coping with Stress”

Detoxification for the New Year and Beyond

Many people like to start out their new year by following a body detoxification program. This can be a prudent time do a body cleanse since we often have reduced elimination of toxins in the winter. There are 5 organs that remove toxins from the body: the bowels, kidneys, liver, lungs, and skin. We canContinue reading “Detoxification for the New Year and Beyond”