Dr. Tracy's Blog

This soup is great for a cold winter's day with immune boosting garlic, leeks and onion along with beta-carotene filled carrots and squash that not only help your immune system but also can reduce psoriasis flare-ups and aid your liver processing of hormones. Roasted Root Vegetable Soup – one serving = 2 cups ¼ cup olive oil 4 carrots or parsnips, sliced 1 butternut squash (or another winter squash or pumpkin), peeled, seeded, cubed 2 leeks, sliced 1 onion, quartered 3 cloves of garlic 3 bay leaves 2 thyme sprigs and 3 rosemary sprigs 5 cups vegetable stock Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Put olive oil in a large bowl, add cut vegetables and garlic, toss to coat. Spread vegetables on 1-2 baking sheets and add the thyme, bay leaves and rosemary.  Roast for about 50 minutes or until tender, tossing them occasionally. Remove from oven, discard herbs, transfer vegetables to a large saucepan. Add stock to vegetables and bring to ...

Did you know peri-menopause can begin as early as age 35?  While menopause is a normal and healthy transition women experience, early peri-menopause symptoms may not be a normal or healthy and can be a sign of imbalances within the body. High levels of inflammation, a low fiber or low protein diet, a high sugar or high cholesterol diet, toxins from your external environment, hormones from the food you eat or hormone-like substances from your skincare, make-up or cleaning products can all contribute to hormone imbalances that cause symptoms mimicking peri-menopause and menopause. Is this happening to you? Are you a woman in your 30s or 40s with any of the following symptoms: Even though you used to have regular cycles, you are now having cycles that can start anywhere between 21 and 40 days apart You are starting to have PMS symptoms a week or two before your period starts You often feel bloated and gassy no matter what you eat You are more irritable or ...

This year was my first full year blogging to share recipes and healthy tips for a more balanced lifestyle. In my daily practice I enjoy sharing these types of recipes and concepts with my patients and have found this blog to be a creative way to share my insights with a larger audience. In 2014 I look forward to sharing more in depth information about the core of my practice (women’s health and autoimmune diseases) while providing health tips and recipes that everyone can use to promote their own wellness. I also have created several Pinterest boards for different topics such as vegan recipes, women’s health, dairy free recipes, gluten free recipes. To follow me on Pinterest search for the Pinner ADT3877 . A Tale of Two Detox Salads Start 2014 off in a healthy way by incorporating these two salads designed to boost liver detoxification, kidney function and promote healthy skin. http://dramandatracynd.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-tale-of-two-detox-salads.html Fixing Your ...

Popeye was onto something! Not only does spinach have twice the amount of iron per serving than beef, it also has fiber and is missing the saturated fats found in red meat. True, the iron in non-animal foods is absorbed less than from animal sources but that can be improved by having vitamin C or a food rich in vitamin C with your iron-containing foods or supplements. Also, the polyphenols in black tea can further prohibit iron absorption so it’s best to avoid drinking black tea with a meal containing iron. Spinach may be an obvious alternative to beef when looking to nutritionally boost your iron but did you know about these surprising sources of iron?* Blackstrap molasses , 2.39 mg iron per 2 tsp Try replacing some of the honey or agave called for in a recipe with blackstrap molasses like in these gluten free dairy free Pumpkin Gingerbread Cookies . Dark chocolate , 2.3 mg iron per ounce Do I have to give you any more reasons to indulge in dark chocolate? ...

Are You Sick of Being Sick? Prevent colds and the flu this season by arming yourself with nutrition and natural supplements including vitamins, minerals and herbs that help to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. In my upcoming workshop, Immune Support for the Whole Family, I will share recipes, lifestyle tips and product samples you can use all season to protect yourself and your family as a well as what to do when you come down with a cold so that it is not as severe and is over quickly. Immune Support for the Whole Family November 14, 2013 6:30pm To register call 978-327-5960, $20 per person.  

Blissful Buckwheat Granola Clusters from ohsheglows.com Why? These easy to make granola clusters are gluten free, oil free and low in sugar plus super easy to make. I have made different versions of this recipe by changing from sunflower seeds to pumpkin seeds, pecans, or walnuts, adding coconut flakes or goji berries, or using peanut butter or almond butter instead of the sunflower butter called for in the original recipe and the granola always comes out delicious. These granola clusters go well with almond milk, sprinkled over coconut yogurt, sprinkled on top of a fruit smoothie or just alone as a snack. Vegan Chickpea Flour Frittata from peachypalate.com Why? Another easy to make recipe, this is a fantastic high protein low carbohydrate option for breakfast or for lunch served with a salad. This recipe can also be made ahead of time and frozen for an even easier meal-on-hand.   Plus, with 2.5% of children having an allergy to eggs and this number steadily clim...

Advanced Health & Wellness now offers Mini-Retreats for groups! A great way to de-stress and bond with your co-workers, friends or family... Your 2 Hour Mini-Retreat includes 20 min sessions of the following services along with time to savor organic teas and healthy snacks with your friends: Neck & Shoulder Massage to relieve muscle tension Craniosacral Treatment to relax the nervous system Skin analysis and a Mini-Facial  Infrared Sauna session for relaxation Hand or Foot Reflexology Treatment Mini-Retreats are open to the public and corporations, you do not need to be a patient of Advanced Health & Wellness to attend these events. Retreats are held  Wednesday  evenings,  Friday  evenings or  Saturday  afternoons for $650 for a group of 5 people. Other times may be available upon request. To book a Mini-Retreat for your group, call Advanced Health & Wellness at  (978) 327-5960 . A deposit of $100 is requ...