Susan’s Blog

Hey there! Have you ever wondered how your daily choices affect your genes? As a dietitian, I love explaining how the food you eat and…

  In the ever-evolving world of health and nutrition, we're constantly on the lookout for new allies in our fight against disease. One such promising…

Pumpkins are more than just a festive fall decoration with their cheerful orange hue. Pumpkins are everywhere and in everything it seems this time of…

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Ever wonder why some people seem to have effortlessly glowing skin while the rest of us are left battling breakouts and dullness? Well, the secret…

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Autoimmune flares can be a real pain—literally and figuratively! If you’re living with an autoimmune condition, you’re likely all too familiar with the unwelcome surprise…

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Ahh, the sweet, steamy smell of a sauna - is there anything more relaxing? If you're a sauna aficionado, you already know the incredible health…

As we get older, our bodies become a little creakier, our joints a little stiffer, and our immune systems a little more, well, let's just…

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We've all had nights where we toss and turn in bed, struggling to fall asleep. Getting good sleep is super important for staying healthy and…

If you're cruising past forty and scratching your head at the term "Red Light Therapy" (RLT), wondering if it's some fancy new club lighting or…

Functional beverages have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with many companies now adding supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and additional ingredients to drinks…

  Ugh! Is it just me or are these cold winter months absolute torture for getting out of bed when your autoimmune symptoms are flaring?…

In your body's complex landscape, there's a tiny yet significant character named Akkermansia muciniphila. This microbe has been creating quite a buzz in the world…

You've just finished a marathon session of your favorite TV show. Your trusty couch has molded itself perfectly to your contours, and your remote control…

Today we're going to dive into the world of Carb Cycling. Specifically, this guide is your ticket to understanding what carb cycling is all about,…

If you're reading this, I'm guessing you're familiar with intermittent fasting and are interested in learning how to make intermittent fasting work for you. It's…

Welcome to the soothing world of sound bathing therapy, where harmony and relaxation meet in perfect resonance. In today's fast-paced, stress-filled world, finding a moment…

Yawn, stretch, toss, and turn—does this bedtime ritual sound familiar? If you're anything like me, you've probably experienced your fair share of restless nights. Quality…

Well, folks, winter's almost here and you know what that means for some of us -- dry, cracked skin, Ouch! Now, don’t get me wrong.…

The holidays bring loads of yummy food and good times, but if you're dealing with autoimmune issues, it can make things a bit tricky. Imagine…

Alright, ladies, let's talk estrogen. You know, that hormone that's been with us through the highs, lows, and those unforgettable mood swings? Well, it turns…

Let's kick this off straight – we're talking about how Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis are kind of like partners in crime. You know, the two…

Hey there, friends! Life’s journey after forty is like a good book that you can't put down - every chapter filled with wisdom, challenges, and…

Introduction Is your morning routine missing a little "chill factor"? Or are you the kind of person who hears "cold shower" and thinks, "No way,…

Introduction Today, we're on a mission to uncover the superstars hiding in your pantry – those unsung heroes with the power to help you age…

Ever felt like your immune system is playing a never-ending game of hide and seek? Sneakily battling inflammation while you're left scratching your head, trying…

Ever felt like you're standing in the kitchen with a bunch of vibrant, nutrient-packed greens, ready to whip up a rejuvenating green juice, only to…

We all know how essential it is to pay attention to our bodies and keep an eye out for any signs that something might be…

Introduction In the age-old battle of beverages, we're about to dive into a refreshing showdown: Hard Seltzer vs. Beer! Whether you're at a backyard barbecue,…

Introduction Ever wondered what it truly means to start your day on the right foot? Well, get ready to dive into the world of alkaline…

To drink or not to drink…that’s one question. Another is what’s better to drink, when it comes to wine?  And yet another question is what…

You’re looking for ways to improve your health and reach your goals but frustrated and maybe just a little irritated that it costs so much…

Welcome to a world of soothing sips and wellness wonders, tea lovers, and health enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a topic that's sure to warm…

Sprained an ankle or a wrist? Touched something too hot? Caught a bug and have a fever? Overdid it and wound up with musculoskeletal pain?…

Are you a blueberry lover?  I know I am! It's blueberry heaven down here in South Carolina right now so this blueberry smoothie recipe is…

Your body is amazing -- ever wonder how it manages so many functions at once?  Well, we have enzymes handling all the work but they…

Hey  there fellow seekers of fermented enlightenment! Today, we dive headfirst into the bubbling cauldronof kombucha, that zesty and tangy elixir that has taken the…

Welcome, warriors of the autoimmune community! Buckle up, because today we'll be diving into the world of blood tests for inflammation and why it's crucial…

Welcome, dear readers! Today we'll plunge ourselves into the murky world of nightshades and inflammation. And no, we're not talking about Batman's arch-nemesis (although he…

Hello, my friends! Today we’re delving into the Autoimmune Protocol Diet, commonly known as AIP, and its potential benefits for those living with autoimmune disease.…

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Who said cocktails have to be loaded with sugar and calories? Not me! In fact, I'm on a mission to prove that you can have…

You've got swollen painful joints, unrelenting fatigue, and stress beyond your wildest dreams with rheumatoid arthritis -- you've got enough to worry about, right?  Wrong!…

If you have a chronic disease like RA you may have thought about going Keto.  But what exactly is a Keto Diet and how could…

In honor of Mother's Day, I wanted to talk about why womens nutrition is so important. Women’s health is the lifelong journey from adolescence through…

To supplement or not to supplement -- that is the question today.  No supplement can replace a healthy diet -- they're called supplements for a…

Are you interested in gut health and all the buzz surrounding prebiotics and probiotics? You're not alone! With so much information out there about these…

Are you tired of being told to eat your veggies? Well, get ready for a new twist because we're here to talk about the health…

Are you thinking about going gluten free? It could be a better choice for you … or not. Whether you choose to avoid gluten because you have…

Hello there, fellow Earthlings! Are you ready to party like it's 4.5 billion BCE? That's right, because Earth Day is right around the corner, and…

We have a big fat problem. Many of us are overweight but some of us are overfat. What?  Yes being overfat can be just as…

Are you looking for a way to boost your health and longevity? Look no further than hormesis – the process of using stressors to optimize…

You took antibiotics or are about to start a dose and you are concerned about your digestion and future health. I get it and I…

Benefits of Collagen: Wondering about the benefits of collagen and its ability to help you keep or restore your healthy look? There’s a lot of…

Did you know that March is National Caffeine Awareness Month?  Recommendations on coffee seem to change every day.  Is coffee ok or even good for…

Are you striving to eat properly but thinking healthy eating on a budget is out of reach? If this is the case, you are not…

If you’ve been living with an autoimmune disease, then you know that dietary changes can make a huge difference in your health and well-being. While…

Introduction Over 40?  Struggling with inflammation?  What if I told you there’s a simple way to improve your health and reduce chronic inflammation?  Sound too…

Please note: This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase a product using my affiliate link, I will receive a small commission or…

Introduction If you're one of the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic pain, you know that it can be debilitating. Pain can make it…

Introduction Do you feel stiff as a board some days?   I hear this all the time in the media --“Stay limber!” “Stretch every day!”…

INTRODUCTION Estrogen is a hormone that plays a vital role in reproductive health, but when levels are too high or too low, it can lead…

Introduction Got thinning hair and bald patches all over your body?  Ugh, hair loss sucks, no question about it.  Hair loss can take an incredible…

Introduction Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s response to injury and stress. Acute inflammation helps to fight off infection and heal damaged cells. …

Introduction Today, many more laboratory tests are available to evaluate health than the standards many practitioners are trained on. Those standard labs diagnose and identify disease after dysfunction…

Introduction  Have you ever felt like your life was more difficult because of a disability or chronic illness? Maybe you’ve been treated unfairly in the…

Introduction If you are living with an autoimmune disease, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to finding relief and…

Introduction Sea vegetables are a great source of nutrition and can provide powerful health benefits. From helping to reduce inflammation to aiding in digestion, sea…

Introduction: Detox My Kitchen If you’re planning on doing a detox this year, don’t forget about your kitchen as well.  What?  You heard right, your…

Introduction Are you over 40 and looking for ways to improve your mobility? Have you heard of the concept of primal movement, but aren’t sure…

Introduction When it comes to looking and feeling your best, inside and out, it’s all about balance. That’s where glutathione—the master antioxidant—steps in. As we…

Introduction Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you feel exhausted and sluggish during the day, no matter how much rest you get? We all know…

Introduction Ever heard of inflammaging?  It’s a new buzzword in the wellness world, and it’s popping up everywhere. But what exactly is it, and how…

Introduction If you’re looking for an effective way to improve your health, it might be time to consider working with a registered dietitian. A registered…

Type 3 diabetes, also known as Alzheimer’s disease-related diabetes, is a form of diabetes mellitus associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It is most seen in older…

We’ve all heard about “Long COVID,” but what is it?   “Long COVID” is a term used to describe the ongoing symptoms experienced by people who…

Covid – 19 is like a houseguest that’s overstayed his welcome – you know the old saying, houseguests and fish stink after 3 days? Well,…

Reaching your health goals isn’t just about changing what you eat and how much you exercise. It’s about understanding the connection between the two, and…

With the new year comes a chance to start fresh and make resolutions. One popular trend is dry January or abstaining from alcohol for the…

When it comes to autoimmune diseases, the food you eat can have a huge impact on your health. Fats and oils are essential components of…

Snacking is a great way to get in those extra nutrients and energy throughout the day. But if you’re snacking on highly processed chips, protein…

If you’re a woman over 40, you know all too well how much getting quality sleep can affect your overall energy and mood. It is…

Sleep is one of the best and least expensive ways to help ourselves recuperate after a day of work or play. Our bodies are like…

You’ve probably heard a lot about stevia lately – it’s a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that’s become increasingly popular in recent years. This natural sweetener has…

Manuka honey has also been shown to improve wound healing. Wounds are often slow to heal in people with RA because of the poor circulation…

When you think of spicy foods, chances are your first thought isn’t “healthy.” But the truth is, there are many health benefits to be gained…

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. It affects…

The holidays are almost here and with that comes the dreaded holiday hangover! You like to enjoy a drink, two, and sometimes even a few…

There are more myths about protein floating around than there are stars in the sky! We’ve always known that protein helps us get those big…

Cold got ya down? Well, this recipe is a tasty way to feel better when a cold’s got you feeling like you’ve been run over…

It's that time of year again -- yes, cold and flu season is once again upon us in all its glory! I'm so thrilled --…

What can eating a Rainbow of fruits and vegetables do for you? Lead you to your pot of gold – the better health results you…

Desperately seeking better energy? Out of desperation, many people grab vitality band-aids. That’s not bad, it just isn’t better for your long-term health or even…

Are you a chocolate lover but not so in love with all the fat and calories? Are you searching for a healthier way to get…

Drinking mushrooms in your coffee or smoothie, adding them to your supplement routine to help fend off colds, support skin health, and improve sleep or…

Over time, you may notice that certain activities address specific stresses better than others. Use this information to direct your future choices when you experience…

Stressed much about rheumatoid arthritis? Stressed out about stress? It can feel downright challenging to hear all the news about how bad this is for…

Finding non-toxic or less toxic cleaning products is super important because we often not only touch them but inhale them as well! Many options on…

The body has a threshold and can only fight so many toxins before it becomes overloaded which can lead to inflammation and ultimately to chronic…

Today more than ever, you need to evaluate the products you choose to buy — from food, beverages, and supplements to personal care, cleaning products,…

Do you often do a lot of chopping with meats and vegetables? Though plastic cutting boards are rather convenient, they also get damaged a lot…

The way you cook, the cookware you use, and the way you make your morning cup of joe can impact the number of toxins you’re…

It’s June — can you believe it! Summer’s almost here and with summer comes more time outside and cooking on the grill. I know I…

With everything going on in the world today, we need help more than ever in managing all the stress in our lives — I know…

In honor of Earth Day, I’d like to go organic this week and discuss why eating this way is so important for your health and…

Small but mighty, trace minerals play critical roles in our bodies. When it comes to building strong bones, healthy blood sugar levels, falling and staying…

Did things get just a little messy this winter? Is your clock the only thing that sprung forward? Do you ever feel that things just…

Is there a connection between eating and exercising better? Hmmm… good question! With all the misinformation floating around on google, and social media, it’s kinda…

Your body is made up of approximately 60% water. Your body uses and loses it through most of its work – detoxification, lubrication, temperature regulation,…

Meal planning lets you be more creative which translates into better nutrition pit stops you enjoy better! There are so many things you can do…

When it comes to better health, what we eat and drink – and choose not to – matters, but so do our behaviors.

We should all make plants the foundation, the base, the largest part of our diets because plant-based is healthier! Think about the power of plants—…

You are not just what you eat — You are what you digest and absorb! Is there a connection between digestion and chronic inflammation...

Fats help the body run better. They are made up of fatty acids, which help the body direct a healthy inflammatory response, and hormones, escort…

It matters where you get your protein from. Remember, there aren’t foods that are just protein. Proteins may also provide fats (like meat or fish),…

If you are what you eat, are you super sweet? Do you crave sugar and have to have something sweet every single day? Are your…

Meal delivery services are everywhere these days and the options seem endless–Hello Fresh, Sunbasket, Blue Apron, Home Chef just to name a few.

Bars, powders, nibs oh my! I admit it, I’m a chocoholic! So many choices, so little time! But seriously, can chocolate be part of a…

It’s versatile and you can prepare it in so many different ways. And like any food, it has its benefits as well as its not…

What’re algae? Is it the smelly green pond scum that makes you crinkle your nose and hold your breath when you walk past it? Is…

Is magnesium a super mineral? Maybe…Your body needs it for many enzymatic reactions. Every cell in your body needs it to function properly. It’s a…

We’ve got a problem. We like it sweet – and many adults as well as most young kids, like it real sweet. But excess added…

Autoimmune disease seems to be everywhere these days. Is our fast-paced lifestyle to blame or maybe all the toxic crap in the environment? Could it…

The gut — can go by so many names — GI tract, microbiome, bowels, belly, innards, just to name a few. The digestive system is…

Sleep –so easy for some but so elusive for others. Covid stress, work stress, and family stress are just a few headaches most of us…

Peaches mean summer and sunshine to me. Long, slow days of seemingly endless heat and unrelenting humidity go hand in hand with a juicy slice…

Do you struggle with RA related fatigue and brain fog? Are you so tired when you wake up in the morning you hit the snooze…

MG, I just want to feel better — is that too much to ask? I’m exhausted, tired, and overwhelmed. I need some relief! So tired…

Too much stress, too much junk food, too little sleep can all tip the scales and put your immune system out of balance.

We all know a healthy immune system is vital to your health, but where does it come from? The immune system is derived from your…

While there are many different types of arthritis, they all share 2 things in common – joint pain and inflammation!

Turmeric is one of the most researched plants in existence, but also one the most over-hyped. That said, let’s go over the basics. Curcumin is…

Throw out the junk food — now is the time to eat healthy! What you put in your body can be the difference between staying…

Ever want a chocolate treat that’s quick and easy but not loaded with sugar? I wanted to share this dark chocolate recipe with you —…

Probiotic foods — 50 years ago, who would have thought these tiny little organisms in food could have such an impact on how our body…

With Pilgrim Day just right around the corner, it’s time for the annual Turkey Day recipe frenzy. Personally, I prefer the sides to the actual…

Until recently, the various systems of the body were thought to function independently on their own with no connection whatsoever.

while not a disease in itself, it is the root cause of many chronic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.

We all love the smell of essential oils –soothing lavender, invigorating orange, and healing turmeric to name a few. Most people have heard of using…

Arthritis is a pain — no pun intended! Living with a chronic disease is no small feat. It takes a lot of determination and willpower…

Menopause — if you’re a woman and you make it to your “middle years” you’re going to experience it; Rheumatoid Arthritis — almost 3 times…

Being a lazy person, one of my favorite things about making bone broth, is that it’s pretty easy to prepare and customize to your own…

I’ve never been an a big fan of the cold. I’ve always been a warm weather girl, but there are a few things about winter…

I used to love high heels. Being vertically challenged, I’ve always longed to be tall and modelesque (is that a word?), so short of a…

I love turkey as much as the next person on Thanksgiving, however, it’s really the sides that are my thing.

Do you ever feel like the weather is doing a number on your RA? I know I do – last week we had a temperature…

I came across this lovely recipe in the cookbook, Cooking with the Seasons at Rancho La Puerta, an awesome resort and spa in Mexico I…

Ginger — It’s not just for cooking anymore. This ancient spice, commonly used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and a delicious addition to…

One of my favorite things about fall is apples — they just seem to taste so much better this time of year. This is a…

I wanted to share this salmon recipe from one of my favorite cookbooks, The Grain Brain Cookbook, by Dr. David Perlmutter. I have fixed this…

Ever wonder if the salt in your diet is making your joints swell? Do you feel bloated and uncomfortable after eating that bag of chips?…

This recipe is a favorite of mine when I have a chocolate craving but don’t want all the sugar in a regular chocolate milkshake. Hope…

I took a “Mental Health Day” today from work and it was AWESOME! I know, I know that’s no surprise to anyone familiar with…

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” ~ Chinese Proverb Stress seems to be everywhere in our lives…

There’s nothing better when it’s sizzling outside than cooling off with an iced cold turmeric latte. Give this version with turmeric a try for a…