Dr. Elizabeth Winter, ND

While I'm grateful for the attention that Queen Bey is bringing to homebirth, it is important to remember that homebirth is a safe option even for families who cannot afford to install a NICU in their homes. Particularly for low-risk women having just one baby, homebirth is safe option with excellent outcomes and high levels of parent satisfaction. For more information on having a homebirth in California you can visit http://www.californiamidwives.org/.

While this article doesn't present a deep dive into the study it is reporting on, it still provides some interesting food for thought. In the last year I have seen many patients whose blood sugar is over-controlled with metformin along with many, many patients who are put on metformin without being counseled to make any changes to their diet and exercise routine. While there are many reasons this is not an appropriate way to manage type II diabetes, if there is indeed a link between metformin and Alzhemiers and Parkinsons, the case is all the stronger to empower patients to make healthy changes before relying on a medication with potentially harmful side effects. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/877965

Even if you choose to seek forms of care outside the insurance-based system, everyone has the right to comprehensive insurance that covers screening labs and procedures (like Paps and colonoscopies), emergency medical services, and the option for conventional medications, should one choose to use them. A major indication of a country's development and progress is the health of women and children. Where will this disaster of a bill leave the health of 50% of our population?

This article, though lengthy, is well worth a read and highlights a real failure in our medical system both in terms of medical management as well as a philosophically. Though the story described within is a clear example of tragedy, many women leave the hospital 24 hours after birth and receive no postpartum care whatsoever. Healthy babies are not a sufficient barometer of a good health care system. We need to think a lot more about how to ensure not only health babies but healthy moms and healthy families.

1 in 5 people suffer from an autoimmune disease and worst of all, many of them don't even know what their diagnosis means or what the factors are that are causing their condition. Rarely will you hear doctors discuss leaky gut, the intestinal microbiome, food allergies, environmental toxins, inflammation, and stress when they discuss autoimmune disease, but they certainly should. To learn more about what an autoimmune disease actually is and what causes it, check out my most recent blog post. http://www.drelizabethwinter.com//so-you-have-an-autoimmun

I'm a few weeks behind the times on posting this essential resource but better late than never. Spinach has jumped from spot 8 on the Dirty Dozen to 2 due to the presence of a variety of pesticides including permethrin, a neurotoxic insecticide. As for good news, avocados continue to rank high on the Clean Fifteen so you can be sure to get in your healthy fats without breaking the bank.

Given the state of our current medical system, being your own patient advocate is becoming increasingly important. Read my most recent blog post for tips and ticks to help you best advocate for yourself and your health. http://www.drelizabethwinter.com/bl/being-your-own-advocate

Our current support group is off to such a great start we've decided to do it again! Rachel Rabinor, LCSW and I will team up again to co-facilitate a six-week fertility support group. Meet other women, gain support, and learn helpful coping skills to manage emotions and relationships along your fertility journey. Throughout the six weeks, we'll explore issues related to fertility, including the impact on identity, self-esteem, sexuality and relationships. Because of the overwhelming evidence linking mindfulness practices to improved fertility outcomes, each week we will practice mind-body techniques including meditation, visualization, journaling, and breathing practices. Register at sdfertilityworkshops.bigcartel.com.

Last chance to sign up for our upcoming infertility support group beginning this Tuesday! Meet other women, gain support and learn mind-body coping skills to help manage emotions in this difficult time. To register, visit www.rachelrabinor.com.

Did you know that inflammation is one of the biggest contributors to heart disease (along with a myriad of other conditions)? This month, treat yourself right with a dose of curcumin, a bioactive component in the popular cooking spice, turmeric. Your heart will thank you.

I'm very excited for my new role helping my friends at Strongwater! Their small-batch botanical creations are not only delicious, but made with the highest quality ingredients (and love). I will be assisting the Strongwater team in creating new products and writing articles for their site to give readers a bit more understanding of the plants that go into their fantastic creations. First up, check out my most recent article on the history and health benefits of cacao, featured prominently their versatile bitter, Amores Melipona.