Health Benefits of Kissing … Get ready to Pucker UP!!

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Could kissing cure everything from stress to your allergies?

Could smooching help you lose weight?

The answer is YES YES YES. Need a few more reasons to kiss? How about ten? Read below!

1) Improves your mood

During a lip-lock the brain releases dopamine and which is responsible for feelings of desire and bonding, and serotonin that elevates your mood. The feelings and emotions stirred up, and molecules and chemicals released throughout the body from a kiss can heal emotional “boo boos.”

2) Decreases STRESS

In the moments of a great kiss, the chaos of the outside world is quiet, there’s silence in the mind, and the body relaxes and releases stress away. A kiss lowers stress by decreasing the body’s cortisol levels also known as the stress hormone. At the same time kissing stimulates the brain and creates a sense of peace and calmness by altering the body’s oxytocin levels.

3) Keeps your skin toned

Kissing involves 34 facial muscles, and 112 postural muscles. The most important muscle involved in the peck is the orbicularis oris – as it puckers the lips.

4) Can prevent cavities

Throw in a little tongue and you may keep the dentist away. Kissing increases saliva production and this saliva washes away bacteria that can cause cavities, tooth decay, and plaque build-up.

5) Can Cure allergies

Kissing decreases IgE antibodies in the blood that are responsible for the release of histamine. Histamine release in the blood stream causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes. Therefore, more kissing means less sneezing and histamine release.

6) Burns calories

As you lean in, your lips touch, and your heart skips a beat. Well maybe it doesn’t skip a beat, but it definitely beats faster. As the heart beats faster it releases adrenaline, also known as epinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the blood. The boost in adrenaline increases your metabolism and helps burn calories. A passionate kiss, lasting about twenty seconds can burn up to 2-3 calories per minute.

7) Is heart healthy

Kissing keeps your blood pressure & cholesterol level low. A study of cohabiting and married couples showed an increased frequency of kissing decreased stress, increased relationship satisfaction, and decreased cholesterol levels. Stress is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. Therefore kisses keep you heart healthy with a one two punch by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels and stabilizing the cardiovascular system.

8) Provides immunity against illness

Swapping spit means swapping germs and that is nature’s natural vaccination. Being exposed to others’ germs your body makes antibodies against those germs, which can in turn lead to immunity and prevent illness. But wait a minute, kissing and the exchange of saliva can lead to the transmission of some diseases, including mononucleosis, the flu, and cold sores (herpes) if the virus is present in the saliva. Please be mindful many people today have severe food allergies; exposure to these allergens (such as peanuts, shellfish) through a kiss can be deadly.

9) Relieves pain

After a long day do you have a little back pain? If so, take 2 kisses and skip the pain reliever. Kissing releases natural chemicals in the body called endorphins that can be more powerful than the narcotic morphine to relieve pain (without the constipation morphine causes).

10) Can add years to your life

Kissing your honey goodbye in the morning can increase HIS life by 5 years. It’s true, studies have shown men live longer when they are married, and kiss their spouse or partner goodbye in the morning. Sorry ladies, the same is not true for us. But a great kiss can curl your toes and leave you wanting more when he comes home.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! And …… Pucker up for good health!

Dr. V

Why you should add Green Tea to your Morning

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Dr. Yael Varnado

It’s February are you still going strong and committed to your New Year’s resolutions? Well I have something that will absolutely help you stay on track! Green tea! It sounds so simple and it is! Green tea is a wonderful way to start your day for many reasons. If fighting the scale was one of your goals for 2018 then green tea needs to be added to your daily nutrition plan. Green tea is:

loaded with antioxidants
helps burn fat
is an appetite suppressant

And green tea will definitely help keep you away from the vending machine.

Antioxidants…… Green tea has been used for centuries worldwide in herbal medicine to treat ailments ranging from high cholesterol to dandruff. It has zero calories and is one of the world’s healthiest drinks. It’s also one of the least processed teas and is made from unoxidized tea leaves. For these reasons green tea has the highest amounts of antioxidants of any tea. Green tea contains bioactive micronutrients called catechins and polyphenols. It is these catechins which are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects of green tea.

Fat burner…….. Green tea’s catechins are responsible for boosting your metabolism and burning fat. They stimulate your metabolism by causing thermogenesis, which literally means your body is burning calories and food to make fuel and energy. These powerful molecules also help stop the growth of your body’s fat cells and reduce the storage of fat.

Appetite Suppressant……These amazing catechins also help you feel full by stimulating a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) in your GI tract. CCK is the hormone responsible for the feeling of satiation. And since catechins help stabilize your insulin levels it helps you avoid that drop in blood sugar after you eat and which helps suppress your appetite and craving for carbs.

Hooray for green tea! It’s a simple drink that helps you fight off those holiday pounds and you can easily enjoy it on-the-go, hot or cold, and in between meals!

Wishing you great health.

Dr V

What the Heck is a Chia seed? And 5 reasons you should be eating them!

Posted on January 29, 2018January 29, 2018 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Superfoods are everywhere. And I bet you’ve heard of seeds like flax and chia seeds but do you the ins and outs of them.. where they’re from and why you should be adding them to your diet. Well keep reading for more info about chia seeds… 😉

Do you remember Chia pets?

… Those same seeds that grew fuzzy green coats and hair in a pot are the same seeds you may be putting in your smoothie! They are both CHIA seeds! These tiny black seeds are called Salvia hispanica and are a part of the mint family. They are indigenous to Mexico, and Latin American and were grown by the Aztecs and Mayans. Chia seeds are a superfood that are all the rage these days and pack nutritional benefits ranging from your heart to your bones.

So you ask “Should I be eating them regularly? Here’s 5 top seasons why you may want to add Chia seeds to your diet.

Digestive Health: Chia seeds are rich in fiber and that means they help keep you regular and your colon working smoothly. They are especially great for people who suffer from constipation since the high fiber content helps fight constipation. And an added bonus chia seeds are gluten free!

Weight Loss: Since chia seeds are rich in fiber they help keep you full. They actually absorb up to 10x their weight in water. Chia seeds also are rich in protein – 1oz of chia seeds has almost 6g of protein. The fiber and protein in chia seeds helps with hunger cues and aids in food cravings and weight loss.

Heart Health: It’s surprising but Chia seeds have more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon! These healthy fatty acids are good for your heart as they help reduce inflammation and plaque formation and therefore lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol!

Diabetes: Chia seeds are a healthy source of sugar and carbs. Since they have a high fiber content chia seeds slow the release of carbohydrates and insulin into the bloodstream. So chia seeds are great for people who have diabetes to help regulate blood sugar.

Boosts your Energy: Chia seeds were probably one of the world’s first energy drinks. Legend has it the Mayans and Aztecs would have a scoop of chia seeds before going into battle to provide them with energy and fuel. Chia seeds are also anti-inflammatory and help promote muscle recovery. They are great for us in modern times to incorporate into our pre or post workout regimens.

Chia seeds have head to toe benefits and contain nutrients and minerals like magnesium and calcium that build strong bones. They are easy to add to your diet and as they can be cooked or eaten raw and sprinkled on your favorite food. Why not try them and see what benefits they add to your diet.

…. health note … Chia seeds should not be given to small children. They should also not be given to people who have problems swallowing because when combined with water they expand 10 their size and form a thick gelatinous substance that can be hard to swallow.

Wishing you good health.

Dr. V

Cranberry Juice – KEY to Detoxifying your liver & losing weight

Posted on January 21, 2018January 21, 2018 by Dr. Yael Varnado

It’s the New Year and that means everyone is talking about ways to lose weight or trim belly fat QUICKLY!! So people worldwide are cutting carbs and calories but ….. in order for that belly fat or weight to fall off your body’s detoxification center AKA your liver has to be working and in full effect.

Now comfort foods and adult beverages consumed over the holidays can clog the liver and slow down the body’s ability to cleanse itself. And a CLEANSED liver is integral to your diet and nutrition plans. One of my favorite ways to cleanse and detoxify the liver is with 100% organic pure cranberry juice! Now before you say ughhh I don’t like cranberries neither do I! But I looove Cran-water – a mix of water and concentrated cranberry juice. It has a tart tangy taste that makes me feel like it’s cleansing my body with each sip.

How does cranberry juice detoxify and cleanse the liver? Great question!

The liver is the body’s filtration and cleansing system. And the way the liver does its job is with bile. Bile is produced in the liver and breaks down fats, flushes toxins, and aids with digestion. However, if your liver is unhealthy or congested then it can’t work to produce bile effectively. Thus leading to difficulty losing weight or even weight gain and feeling sluggish and sick. Cranberry juice detoxifies and cleanses the liver and lymphatic system, thereby ensuring the liver and lymphatic system can work effectively to flush fat and waste from the body.

Now I’m not referring to cranberry juice cocktail – that is packed with sugar. I am referring to 100% pure organic concentrated cranberry juice with no sweeteners, no additives, or preservatives. Which if you drank straight would absolutely make you pucker up!! But if you mix 1 oz of concentrated cranberry juice with 7oz of water and drink it at the start of your day and throughout the day it will absolutely:

flush out retained water
balance blood sugar
cleanse your liver
improve the appearance of cellulite .. That last one is an bonus for us girls …

I also find that Cran-water is a great way to get “extra water in.” A lot of folks say they can’t drink 32oz or 64oz of water a day but if you change up the flavor profile of the water then it’s easy to drink more water, stay hydrated and keep your body flushed and free of toxins.

Here’s how you can add Cran-water to your New Year New You regimen …

Add 1 oz cup concentrated cranberry juice to 7 oz of water ..

if you want to make a Liter.. in your favorite on-the-go water bottle

Add 4oz of 100% organic concentrated cranberry juice to 28oz of water

and Enjoy!

Wishing you great health

Dr V

Top 10 Fascinating Facts About National Breastfeeding Month

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Well, it’s August and not only does that mean summer is winding down it also means we’re celebrating World Breastfeeding Week August 1st – August 7th AND it’s also National Breastfeeding Month! Whoo hoo. I am passionate about this health month because I know as a doctor and a mommy that IT AIN’T EASY!!!!! No BREASTFEEDING, PUMPING and all that goes along with it AIN’T EASY! So, my hat is tipped to all you ladies out there sacrificing for your little ones so they can enjoy that #LIQUID GOLD! This past December marked my weaning date. Not because I wanted to but because I got pneumonia and had to stop nursing and pumping while on powerful antibiotics. It was an abrupt end to a 3 year journey .. And I finally packed up my pumps and threw those damn breast shields away. I loved nursing and the bond it created with my babies, but I really began to loathe pumping … Stay tuned this month and I’ll tell you why .. I’m sure you can all relate .. And please email me and share your wildest and craziest pumping and breastfeeding stories. Because ya know we are all on this ride together!

And here’s a few interesting facts I wanted to share with you about Breastfeeding:

Breast milk is packed with disease-fighting nutrients that can help protect your baby from an assortment of illnesses like ear infections, stomach viruses, meningitis, and more due to the immunoglobulin A that is present in your milk and protects your baby from germs.

Breastfeeding is a great way to get yourself back to your pre-baby weight, as it can burn up to 700 calories per day! That’s right! It takes energy to make all that liquid gold.

Most babies can pick the scent of their mom’s breast milk as opposed to the scent from another mother’s milk, by two weeks! This familiar smell can be soothing to babies.

Don’t forget: what you eat or drink, your baby eats and drinks as well: as it’s all expressed in your milk. Not only does this mean you should be sure to stick to a balanced diet but you should watch for signs of allergies or colic in your baby which could mean you may want to modify your diet in order to change your milk.

Want your baby to fall into a “breast milk coma?” Did you know milk expressed in the evening has a higher fat content than milk expressed earlier in the day and helps your baby sleep. This also illustrates why it’s important to time stamp and label your milk if you are freezing or refrigerating it – the time you pumped truly matters!

Breastfeeding is good for your health! Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer in a mother’s later life and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Almost 75% of all moms produce more milk in their right breast, regardless if they are right- or left- handed. The righties have it.

Women who breastfeed for more than twelve months during their lifetime tend to have lower risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

Breastfeeding can calm you down and make you less stressed because when your baby is nursing your body releases oxytocin and endorphins which can relax you and even help you sleep!

Breastfeeding can help prevent your baby from becoming an allergy sufferer versus babies who drink cow or soymilk. The reason? Once again it’s attributed to Immunoglobulin A, a powerful form of protection for baby!

Stay tuned this month for more interesting facts, tips and, #mommyhacks about breastfeeding and pumping!

Dr. V

April is National Donate Life Month

Posted on April 15, 2015April 15, 2015 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Did you know the first kidney transplant was successfully performed in 1954. Organ transplantation has come a long way since then, but even with medical advancements today there more than 124,000 people on the organ transplant list (UNOS). Every 10 minutes a person’s name is added to the list and he or she waits for an organ – that’s 150 people per day! But, sadly, 21 people die everyday waiting to receive an organ that never comes.

1 organ donor can save the life of 8 people!

In 2014 more than 24,000 people received an organ or tissue donation while only 14,000 people were donors. You’re never too old to consider becoming an organ donor. And age doesn’t preclude you from RECEIVING an organ. There are infants and even grandparents on the transplant list. This month please consider giving the gift of life. There’s so many ways to give. Why not opt to donate blood or platelets? Or consider putting your name on the bone marrow registry list? Even better why not register to become an organ donor. Check out this link to find your state’s registry. http://organdonor.gov/becomingdonor/stateregistries.html

You never know the life you save may be the life of someone you love.

Wishing you great health,

Dr. V

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Category: #MonthlyHealthNews

Health Benefits of Kissing … Get ready to Pucker UP!!

1) Improves your mood

2) Decreases STRESS

3) Keeps your skin toned

4) Can prevent cavities

5) Can Cure allergies

6) Burns calories

7) Is heart healthy

8) Provides immunity against illness

9) Relieves pain

10) Can add years to your life

Why you should add Green Tea to your Morning

What the Heck is a Chia seed? And 5 reasons you should be eating them!

Cranberry Juice – KEY to Detoxifying your liver & losing weight

Top 10 Fascinating Facts About National Breastfeeding Month

April is National Donate Life Month