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Delish Detoxifier: Parsley Salad

4/28/2018

Parsley is great for liver support, being high in Vitamin C as well as flavonoids. This little garnish is a great tool to combat free radical damage and linked to combating the effects of cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke on cell damage. This happens through the volatile oils found in fresh parsley that give it its unique aroma. Parsley also appears to inhibit tumor growth

There are two varieties - flat leaf Italian Parsley and the curly parsley we all know as 'garnish'. The flat leaf variety is less bitter and more fragrant. If you cannot find flat leaf, curly parsley will also work here.

I discovered this tasty salad on Vibrant Nutrition. This salad goes well with grilled meats (neutralize that grill smoke!), chicken, pork, clams, and fish as well as Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine, when it is often served as a accompaniment to meals for it's cooling effect on hot days.

Parsley Salad
(serves 4 as a main salad, or 6 as a small accompaniment)

2 bunch flat leaf parsley, leaves removed from stems
1 red onion, very finely chopped and rinsed in water to mellow flavor
Juice of 1 lemon
1 small diced tomato
Olive oil, Maldon Salt, to taste

Combine all ingredients and serve!

Easy peasy!!

photo credit meal pro

12 Ways to Have a Healthy, Vibrant Face

4/28/2018

Emphasize:

Leafy greens such as spinach, swiss chard, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, parsley (check out my favorite parsley salad recipe)
Beans and legumes such as soy (tofu, tempeh, soy milk, etc), black beans, kidney beans, lima beans, azuki beans, mung beans, navy beans, garbanzo beans, lentils, pinto beans, split peas
Nuts and seeds such as pine nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, walnut, almonds, flaxseeds
Vegetables oils such as olive oil, flaxseed, sesame oil, etc
Fruits such as apples, pears (especially asian pears), papaya, mango, pineapple, orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime
Drink 8 - 10 glasses of spring water daily
Incorporate in bee pollen (my favorite source is Y.S. Organic Farm), vitamin B-complex, and vitamin C
Cardiovascular exercise such as walking, biking, hiking, low impact aerobics, slow jogging, jump rope, stair climbing
Wash face first with warm water then followed by cold water
Use only natural topical creams and products on your face and skin
Get plenty of rest and relaxation, sleeping on your back as much as possible
Be Happy! Your face reflects your inner state and health

Avoid:

Sun exposure - use a natural sun screen (this is our favorite) and wear hats
Rubbing eyes and scratching face
Chemical based make up, moisturizer, after shave, cologne, perfume, sunscreen
Self extract black heads and pimples - see a professional for a facial, not only is better for your skin its a well deserved treat for your face
Smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs (unless medically prescribed)
Lack of rest, relaxation, and sleep

Soba Noodles with Miso-Sesame Sauce

2/15/2018

This is a great dish for providing general nutrition and make a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. We recommend serving with extra vegetables such as stir-fried mushrooms or bok choy.

Ingredients

1 Medium Cucumber
1 Sheet of nori sweet seaweed (optional)
8 oz dried soba noodles
1/2 cup of water plus extra for cooking the noodles
4 tablespoons of white miso
3 1/2 tbsp tahini or sesame paste
2tbsp lemon juice
1tbsp mirin wine
1 piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into match sticks
2 green onions, chopped and roots and tough tips discarded

Directions

Peel the cucumber. Slice in in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds. Cut into matchstick-shaped pieces
Cut the nori into 1/4 by 1/2 inch pieces and set aside
Cook the soba in boiling water for 4 to 5 mins until al dente, then rinse, drain, and set aside
Warm the 1/2 cup of water
In a small bowl mix together the miso, tahini, lemon juice, mirin, and grated ginger. Add the warm water a little a time until the mixture is desired consistency (don't worry if there is left over water)
Place the noodles, cucumber, carrot, and green onions in a serving dish and toss with the sauce. Garnish with Nori.
Add any extra veggies you like! I often add cooked soy beans and broccoli

From Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen

Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year in San Francisco

2/15/2018

Chinese New Year brings in a festive month of events, exhibits and experiences. The majority of these events, which are held throughout February, are free to the public and welcome families and people of all ages.

Links to detailed information about events in our area

2018 Year of the Earth Dog

2/15/2018

Happiness
Prosperity
Longevity
福禄寿

Dogs are the eleventh sign in the zodiac and are seen as independent, sincere, loyal and decisive, who aren't afraid of difficulties in life. Due to these characteristics they also enjoy harmonious relationships with those around them will sniff out corruption to expose truth.

The element of Earth adds a year of healing, stability, and a focus on nutrition. Pay special attention to what you "feed" yourself this year, i.e. food, news, ideas, thought. Fairness will be a key theme this Dog year and the Earth element is here to remind us that.

February 16th marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year 4716, the year of the dog. This is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese culture. The festivities start on the first day of the month of February and continue until the fifteenth day– the day of the Lantern Festival. On this evening, when the moon is shining the brightest, you can find beautiful displays of lanterns and children carrying them while marching in parades.
It’s important in the Chinese culture to have a clean home before the beginning of the New Year, some people refer to the pre-celebration tradition as a way to “sweep away bad luck.” It’s believed that cleaning not only rids the home of bad luck that was accumulated over the past year but also creates a new environment for good luck to occur again.

There are many different ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Each tradition offers a small glimpse into the deep history of the Chinese people and their customs. So this month: celebrate, experience, and most importantly, “Gong Xi Fa Cai!”

*photo credit The Sun

Nutrition and Fertilty hosted by Alison Boden, MHP, RDN

1/25/2018

Whether you are new to trying or have been working on baby making for years, exploring just natural treatments or making changes along with IUI or IVF, this course will give you A TON of EMPOWERING information that you can start implementing right away. Even if you've been told "everything is normal" from your doctor, there are likely many core fertility imbalances that are under your control

Click Here For More Details

Weekly courses on various topics. 60+ minutes with an option for q&a.
Unit 1: Basics of Nutrition & Fertility
Unit 2: Detoxify your home and your body
Unit 3: Lady Hormones & the Most Common Nutrition Related Imbalances
Unit 4: Forever Young - Extend Your Fertile Years and Turn Back the Clock on Your Eggs
Unit 5: Foods that Harm & the Gut-Conception-ConnectionUnit 6: Lifestyle & Non-Food Related Topics

SFIM Patients Receive a 20% discount Code: IntegrativeSF20 

Alison Boden, MPH, RDN

I have been lucky to have learned from the pioneers in Functional Nutrition within the group Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine, the Food as Medicine series and through my course work at Maryland University of Integrative Health with amazingly brilliant professors. Nutrition is a fascinating and evolving field, and I am always hungry to learn more as I work with patients and clients to put together each person's unique health puzzle.

Winter Recipe - Turmeric Roasted Vegetables

1/25/2018

Oven roasting is by far one of the tastiest ways to enjoy vegetables. Almost any vegetable can be prepared in this way with any variation of spices - chili + garlic + cumin + paprika for a spicier take, cinnamon + maple syrup for a sweet treat, and in this recipe, we go for a savory note using turmeric which is such a wonderfully therapeutic herb known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Eat the roasted veggies as a side dish to protein or top it on salads. If you make a big batch, you can even dump a bunch of roasted veggies into bone broth and puree it into a delicious roasted vegetable soup. The possibilities are endless! Go forth and roast.

Ingredients
1-2 pounds of vegetables (carrots, turnips, rutabaga, etc)
1 TBS ghee or coconut oil
1 TBS cumin 2 TSP turmeric 1 TSP chili powder (optional)
1 TSP salt 1/4 TSP pepper Finely chopped fresh cilantro & mint (optional)

Directions
1. Heat oven to 420 degrees.
2. Prepare all root vegetables by peeling and dicing into same size cubes no bigger than 1 inch by 1/2 inch.
3. Using your hands, coat the vegetables with oil and all spices except for the cilantro & mint.
4. Spread vegetables on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper for easier clean up, and place in oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the "doneness" in the last 5 minutes. Some folks like a little char, some don't.
5. When done, keep in oven for an extra 5 minutes - this seems to steam the veggies a bit more for added tenderness. Top with fresh cilantro and mint and enjoy!

photo credit balanced lifestyle

Dr Laurie Terzo Now Accepting New Patients

1/2/2018

Happy New Year SFIM Friends!

I am writing to announce the launching of the Functional Medicine arm of San Francisco Integrative Medicine. Many of you know that I have been not only studying but practicing this form of integrative medicine for the last 10 years, in addition to practicing Chinese medicine for 15 years. I have received so many emails about when this service will be available, and we are happy to announce appointments can now be accepted via my personal website at www.DrLaurieTerzo.com.

I am so excited to work with many of you again and support you on your evolution to a healthier New Year and self. As you know, Elanita and I continue to work closely with each other and now offer our combined unique services together to help finetune your health even more.

I am offering a special offer for the first 10 people to claim via email (you can even claim this for a friend or family member): a free Comprehensive Wellness Panel of lab work (over $300 value) with the purchase of a Mini Wellness Reboot program.
This is a panel of extensive lab work which looks at thyroid, red blood cells, white blood cells, liver & kidney function, vitamin D, blood sugar, electrolytes, and more. This blood test is a great way to assess if you might need to tweak anything in your diet, supplements, herbs, or lifestyle before things get out of balance. Or, this is a great way to assess why you are feeling off balance. Check out the details on what the Mini Wellness Reboot package entails here

Questions? Send me an email at DrLaurie@DrLaurieTerzo.com.

What is Functional Medicine? Functional medicine is a form of natural medicine which seeks to find the root cause of dysfunction or imbalance in the body. It incorporates diagnostic testing to assess a body’s function and dysfunction and uses natural, evidence based methods - such as nutrition, supplements, herbs, lifestyle recommendations - to help the body heal at a rood level.

How is this different then Chinese Medicine?
Chinese medicine is also a system of treating root level imbalances through assessment and uses acupuncture and herbs to help the body heal. The two systems work synergistically with each other. Functional medicine uses lab testing to get a different view of what’s going on inside your body and look for where the cause of an imbalance may lay. Additionally, functional medicine focuses on personalized nutrition, use of a wide array of herbs and supplements based on current studies, and lifestyle changes for optimal health.

Does insurance cover the cost?
Unfortunately, insurance does not cover the cost of functional medicine sessions. However, I do contract with lab companies to get the lowest prices on tests, many at a quarter of the price insurance pays for them. Also, most HSA and FSA accounts can be used to cover the cost (check with your HR department to be sure).

Do I need to see you in person for the consultations?
Not at all! I do all my consultations virtually over the phone or through video conference.

Do I need to fill out new paperwork with you if I’ve already done it through San Francisco Integrative Medicine previously?
Yes. Many of the questions you have filled out previously with SFIM will be similar, but for me to thoroughly assess your health I will need complete functional medicine intake forms filled out.

5 Ways To Alleviate Holiday Stress

12/5/2017

This time of year tends to stress us out! Most of us spend 11 months of the year doing our own thing, and then within four to six weeks, our entire routine gets shaken by decorations, parties, gift-buying, family dinners..etc

Here are some tips to get you through the season in one piece!

1. Acupuncture!
Acupuncture isn’t just for pain management. Its also used to anxiety and even post-holiday blues. Acupuncture works through neuro-hormonal pathways which are stimulated by placing a needle through specific points in the body.

Enhanced relaxation and improved sleep quality.
Reduction in seasonal allergies.
Lower stress levels and blood pressure.

2. Breathe
Seriously — don’t forget! Mindful breathing makes a difference! It keeps your Lung qi strong. Breathing mindfully can change our brain chemistry and remind our bodies that it doesn’t need to be in fight or flight mode. With regular mindful breathing you'll have more energy for things like healthy digestion and protecting your immune system.

3. Avoid holiday overload - in all forms
This can mean anything from decorations to holiday parties to huge meals. Take a few minutes to remember what this season is truly about for you, it can help you prioritize how you should be spending your time, energy, and money.

4. Rescue Remedy - Rescue Remedy by Bach’s Flower Essences.
I'm not sure how flower essences work but they do. This is an alcohol extracted essence of five flowers that treats trauma, stress, anxiety and grief. Its used on animals and people. I like to take a little rescue remedy before speaking publicly and visiting my in-laws. You can buy this in many different forms, from tinctures to lozenges, at any health food store

5. Keep your immune system strong! It’s that time of year. Everywhere you turn someone is out sick! Don’t forget the basics!

Hand washing
Proper rest DOES make our immune systems strong
Sugar DOES make our immune systems weaker.

In between your holiday treats, load up on things like homemade soup, extra veggies, and whole grains and get to bed at a reasonable hour.

Any questions or if we can help, give the office a call (415) 362-4600

"Golden Milk" - Healthy Gut, Healthy Body

12/5/2017

Through a Chinese medicinal lens, you'll find that most of the herbs in this drink strengthen digestion. Why would that be important?

Well, the digestion is the key to a healthy immune system and a healthy body. Studies say that the health of your gut determines up to 75% of your immunity, so it is essential to treat your digestion right! All of the herbs used in this drink support the digestive process in a soothing, warming way to keep you strong so you can easily defeat any virus that come your way this holiday season. Plus its just darn good!

Turmeric “Golden” Milk

1/4 tsp Ground Turmeric
1/4 tsp Ground Cardamom
1 pinch Ground Ginger
1 pinch Ground Cloves
1 pinch Ground allspice
1 pinch of ground pepper
1 cup Coconut Milk
3/4 tsp Honey, or to taste
1/8 tsp Vanilla extract

Prep 10 min Cook 5 min 1.

Whisk turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cloves, and allspice together in a small bowl.
Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until heated through (3-4 min). Stir honey and vanilla extract into milk until completely dissolved.
Whisk 1 teaspoon turmeric mixture into milk. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until flavors blend (2-3 min). Pour mixture through strainer

*photo credit Heavenlynn Health