Alternative Food Network Archives

Think back to biology 101 when you learned that mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. These mitochondria need nutrients to function properly or else chronic disease can result, according Dr. Mel Litman MD, a family physician whose practice follows the principles of orthomolecular medicine. Unfortunately, our diets today are low in critical nutrients plus we are being bombarded with toxins t...

In part 2 of our interview with Integrative Psychiatrist Dr. Linda Plowright, we continue the conversation about the role of diet in creating healthy brain cells. Dr. Plowright discusses the importance of certain vitamins and minerals, whether a good diet can increase the efficacy of certain medication, and practical tips for meal preparation.

Can your diet affect your mental health? In part 1 of a 2 part interview, Integrative Psychiatrist Dr. Linda Plowright, MD discusses how nutrition plays a role in the treatment of mental illness. Dr. Plowright shares scientific research on the connection between inflammation and psychiatric illness and provides practical examples of pro and anti-inflammatory foods. Great science-based information...

What should you do if you have a dental problem during the COVID pandemic? In this episode, Dr. Y. Lenga, DDS, MSC, FRCDC, DIP discusses what people can do if an emergency or non-emergency dental problem arises. He discusses infection prevention from his perspective as a dentist and provides food tips to reduce oral inflammation.

What can you do to strengthen your immune system? At the time of the recording of this podcast, there is an outbreak of the coronavirus called COVID-19. In this episode of Doctors+, Dr. Esther Konigsberg, MD CCFP, discusses integrative strategies to boost the immune system. You’ll learn about foods and vitamins that can boost the immune system, and what to avoid if you have COVID-19. In this podca...

The connection between the gut and the brain is fascinating! In this episode, Dr. Simran Rattan, MD, an integrative medicine physician, integrative health coach, meditation coach and tai chi instructor, explains the gut-brain axis and how inflammation, mental health and chronic disease fit in. You’ll learn about leaky gut, our microbiome and what causes gut imbalance. Plus, discover what foods can...

Are you confused by some of the health food terms you hear about or read on labels such as 'Non-GMO', 'All Natural' or 'Superfood'? This podcast explains these 10 commonly used health food words: 0:40 - Non-GMO 2:00 - All Natural 2:35 - Superfood 5:15 - Grass Fed 6:00 - Grass Finished 6:30 - Whole Food 7:30 - Naturally Sweetened 8:45 - Pasture Raised 9:30 - Organic 11:30 - Macronutrients & Mic...

What can you do to prevent foodborne illness? How long does food poisoning last? In this episode of Doctors+, Dr. Ashley Salomon, M.D., discusses what foodborne illness is and how to avoid it both at home and while travelling.

What are heavy metals and why are they in our food? In this episode Dr. Ashley Salomon, MD, provides examples of toxic heavy metals, the big food offenders, and the symptoms and illnesses associated with heavy metal exposure. You’ll learn what foods can protect us plus hear about some great alternatives to foods that are high in heavy metals. Brown or white rice? How should you rinse rice? If you’...

This is Part II of AFN’s interview with Dr. Esther Konigsberg, MD CCFP, where she discusses the role of food and nutrition in integrative medicine versus western medicine. While food and nutrition are often discussed in the context of maintaining general good health, what about food as medicine? Do students in medical school learn about nutrition? Diet changes to help with pain, inflammation and d...

This is Part I of AFN’s interview with integrative medicine consultant Dr. Esther Konigsberg, MD CCFP. Dr. Konigsberg, whose teachers and mentors include Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Andrew Weil, explains what integrative medicine is, why patients seek it out and how it fits in with an overall treatment plan. The podcast also explores whether western and alternative healthcare practitioners are reall...

Event and party planning can feel overwhelming, especially if there are guests with food restrictions. From wedding receptions to conferences to birthday parties, what can you do to keep your guests safe? What is the role of the guest in communicating their food needs? What should parents of allergic children do when their child is invited to a birthday party? Instead of getting stressed, get insi...

If you’re interested in a primer about the health benefits and risks of cannabis, this is a podcast not to be missed. Host Tanya Allen interviews Dr. Danial Schecter, MD, a practicing family physician and co-founder of the Canabo Medical Clinic, and Stephanie Karasick, Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Strainprint Technologies. To help you navigate this informative podcast, here’s a breakdown: -...

What is the emotional impact of living with food allergies? What are some coping strategies? In this podcast, registered dietician Ahuva Magder, and Natalie Rhone, Founder of the organization No Nuts 4 Me, discuss various emotional concerns for children and adults ranging from anxiety to bullying to feelings of isolation. Listen to this podcast, learn the true seriousness of food allergies, and em...

It might seem obvious that maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is important. But, when those cravings and aversions set in or if you’re nauseous all the time, it may be challenging to get those additional nutrients, vitamins and minerals into your body. Also, while you may know in theory that it’s important to have a healthy diet during pregnancy, in practice, you may not be sure what are...

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, this podcast will help to increase awareness of how to best fuel your body. Dr. Audrey interviews Olympic figure skater and vegan athlete Meagan Duhamel about the role of proper nutrition for both youth and adults in sport training and recovery.

Let’s cut to the chase – how’s your sex drive? Have you been wondering, “How do I improve my sex life?” Science shows it’s very common for libido to decrease as one ages. Food has often been used to increase performance and sexual desire in both men and women and in this podcast, Dr. Audrey talks about ten aphrodisiac foods and why they are natural libido boosters.

Are you a bit confused about the legal landscape regarding cannabis? Whether you are interested in producing, distributing or selling it or simply are curious about edibles, this podcast is for you. Joining the podcast is Carlo Di Carlo, an associate at Stockwoods LLP, and John-David Belfontaine, President of Phivida Holdings Inc. The podcast begins with a discussion of the proposed cannabis legis...

No matter your age, it’s never too early or too late to start eating to support your brain function. In this podcast, Dr. Carol Greenwood, Ph. D., joins Dr. Audrey Sasson, ND, to discuss what foods we should be eating for brain health, what age should we start and whether we can actually repair our brains by changing our diet.

Did you know that oregano has 4x the antioxidant properties of blueberries? What are the best foods to eat when sick? If you are suffering from a cold or flu, you want relief. Even better, you want to avoid getting sick in the first place. In this podcast, hear Dr. Audrey’s top 10 list of immune-boosting and symptom soothing foods.

What is inflammation and is there a really a connection between food and chronic inflammation in our body? Are there inflammation-fighting foods? In this podcast, Dr. Audrey Sasson, ND, discusses what people can do about inflammation in the context of their diet. Some topics discussed are psoriasis, eczema, crohn’s, gut health, nightshade vegetable sensitivities, pre and probiotics, FODMAP and the...

Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Achieving quality sleep is essential for your well-being. This podcast discusses the importance of sleep for both adults and children, and how food can facilitate or hinder a good night's sleep. Hear great tips from Dr. Audrey Sasson, ND, about what foods are more relaxing to the body and what foods should be avoided in the evening. Get your da...

Help! My child can’t have gluten. This episode discusses what is gluten and what it can do to the body if a person is sensitive to gluten or has celiac disease. Alternative Food Network's guest Dr. Audrey Sasson, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, presents great substitution ideas for child-friendly gluten-free school and camp lunches.

Are you struggling making lunches for your kids? What should kids have for lunch and snacks to have a well-balanced diet? How do you get your picky eater to eat? How bad are sugar sweetened drinks for kids? What are alternatives to white sugar for baking? Tune in to find out some great information and tips from Alternative Food Network's guest Dr. Audrey Sasson, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, to...