I went down a huge rabbit hole that started around the beginning of July 2020. I really had the “Covid Blues” trying to keep Thom Underwood Wellness open in the times of uncertainty and stress for everyone. I had to take some time to figure out what I wanted to do and how to focus. […]
Research shows that oil of oregano – made from the oregano plant – has antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties. When diluted and used topically, oregano oil may help treat fungal and bacterial infection. It can also be applied to the skin for the treatment of acne, athlete’s foot, canker sores, psoriasis, rosacea, and warts. Preliminary […]
Candida albicans is a type of fungus living in harmony with millions of other microorganisms that are part of our body’s normal gut flora. However, it can get out of control, resulting in a condition known as candidiasis, or candida overgrowth. When that happens, it can trigger a number of seemingly unrelated health issues, from […]
A favorite sweet herb for cooking, cinnamon has been used for centuries to treat health concerns such as fever, menstrual problems, congestion, sore throat and cough, and gastrointestinal distress. Preliminary research shows that cinnamon helps support the optimal environment for “friendly” gut bacteria to thrive, while suppressing the growth of “unfriendly” bacteria. This effect appears […]
The human body is home to over 100 trillion microorganisms, the majority of which are found in the gastrointestinal tract (“gut”). Taken as a whole, this community of microorganisms, their genes and the functions they encode, are referred to as the microbiome. During the past two decades, research has revealed significant associations between the gut […]
Allergy sufferers suffer. And they are always on the lookout for something safe and effective to relieve – and even prevent – symptoms. Most of us are aware that antioxidants are critical to protecting our cells from oxidative stress, a key factor in the development of many health conditions, including allergies. One very powerful antioxidant, […]
We welcome the pleasant weather, the scent of new blossoms, and open our windows to the rush of fresh air. Along with that, we invite in pollen, grass, mold, and spores. For those who are allergic, our bodies launch a major immune response designed to flush out the offensive agents. This can result in illnesses […]
Imagine the feeling of waking after a good night’s sleep. You feel refreshed, energized, and positive. Now, think of a time where you woke up feeling the opposite. Throughout the day you may have had trouble concentrating, became frustrated easier, and had increased food cravings. Does that sound familiar? While most people recognize that sleep […]
Did you know that an estimate of 15 million Americans have food allergies, out of which 5.9 million are children below the age of 18? As its name suggests, food allergy is your body’s allergic reaction to certain consumed food – and it could be something you have been eating for years with absolutely no problem at […]
Are you one of the many people who say organic food costs too much and that’s why you don’t buy it? Consider this: the way food is grown, processed, and distributed affects both variety and quality (color, taste, nutrient density). In turn, the quality of food affects our health. Conventional farms use antibiotics, subsidized genetically […]
Maca root (Lepidium meyenii Walp) is a cruciferous root vegetable prized by the indegenous Andean people as a remedy for stress, improving energy, and enhancing libido in men and women. Popularly known as “Peruvian Ginseng,” Maca is in a class of herbs known as adaptogens, which help the body adapt to physical and mental demands. […]
Despite magnesium’s importance, many of us are likely deficient in it. According to World Health Organization statistics, as much as 75% of the U.S. adult population does not meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Recommended Daily Intake of 420 mg..which leaves roughly 80 percent of Americans deficient in magnesium!! (But in my opinion, is more like 90% based on working with clients over […]
Whether you need to monitor eating habits to manage a health condition or because you want to lose weight, keeping a Diet Diary is a powerful tool for gaining insight about what, when, and why you are eating. Too often, we eat mindlessly, leading to poor choices and overindulgence, raising the risk of developing heart […]
Dates contain vitamins A and K, as well as many of the B vitamins. The fruit is also full of minerals such as copper, selenium, magnesium and manganese, all of which have important health benefits. These specific minerals are essential to the function of our cells, particularly muscle cells, and need to be replaced after […]
The evidence is compelling: Exercise is the prescription for a healthy life – it aids in the prevention of chronic disease, enhances brain and nervous system function, and helps us manage stress at every age. Exercise is so potent for our well-being that many medical organizations are educating physicians about the proper type and frequency […]
Most athletes and health-conscious people follow a nutritious, whole foods diet, which is one of several steps essential to ridding the body of metabolic build-up — that is, the by-products the body accumulates during times of high stress, especially physical stress. Add to this, all the toxins that get into the body through soil and […]
Depending on who you believe, coconut oil is a nutritional miracle food or pure poison. Nearly 70% of Americans view coconut oil as a health food; only about 37% of nutritionists view it that way. Coconut oil is 88% fat, most of which is saturated fat. However, the structure of fat in coconut oil differs […]
From Asian cuisine to gluten-free and other special diets, rice is a staple food for many people. But is it healthy? Depending on where it’s grown, rice contains one of the world’s most toxic elements: arsenic. It can be passed into the human body, building up in body tissue over time, leading to impairments in […]
Many of today’s modern medicines were first part of “folk” apothecaries, often handed down from the ancients. Take the heart medication digitalis (aka digoxin): it’s extracted from the dried leaves of the purple foxglove plant (digitalis purpurae) and used to strengthen heart muscle contractions. The medication was “discovered” when a physician had no treatment for […]
Although often considered a ‘taboo’ subject, issues with sexual performance are far more common than most people think. The trouble arises when prescription medication fails to deliver desired results, which an overwhelming amount of people experience – between 10 to 52% of men and 25% to 63% of women. As sexual health has always been […]
It’s only within the last decade that a Vitamin D supplement became widely accepted by the conventional medical community. Today, it’s one of the most highly regarded supplements in both natural and conventional medicine and viewed as essential to good health. Vitamin-D made the jump to mainstream medicine through quality evidence-based natural medicine research. Studies […]
There are so many more intricacies to optimum male health than meet the eye, as functional health professionals have noted on regular occasions. In terms of commonly observed symptoms, overall lowered levels of energy, as well as increases in insomnia and physical fatigue, are the most prevalent among men of all ages. As far as […]
For more than 4,000 years Ashwagandha has been a staple botanical treatment in Ayurvedic Medicine. Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogenic herb: one that helps the body adapt to physical and emotional stress. It’s also regarded as a strengthening tonic to support the immune system and promote healing during and after illness. Though Ashwagandha (Withania […]
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a botanical medicine distantly related to the more well-known Panax Ginseng. For a time, it was mistakenly believed to have the same properties as Panax Ginseng and promoted it as a less-expensive substitute. Like Ashwaganda, Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogen. It has most commonly been used to support the immune […]
If you want to liven up your salads, get wild about winter greens! Here’s a list of cold-weather hardy greens that are packed with nutrition, flavor, and color: Belgian Endive. Add kick to your salad with chopped-up endive leaves.Skip the crackers for your hummus or cheese spread by using a sturdy endive leave, raw or […]
Eat this, not that. One day a certain supplement or medication is great for you, but a week later you’re being advised not to take it. How can you judge the worth of media hype around health information and determine what applies to you? Become a discerning consumer by asking key questions and evaluating the […]
Planning for Your Best Health in 2020 Welcome to 2020. A new year and new – or renewed – resolutions. Whether you’re determined to manage weight, reduce stress, strengthen relationships, or volunteer your services, the first step in choosing what to tackle is understanding your values and priorities. Visualize how the change would look for […]
Did you know that 80 percent of adults will experience adrenal fatigue in their lifetime? Although this negatively affects the vast majority of the population, there is controversy within the medical community whether this condition is a legitimate diagnosis or not. This disagreement only arises due to the inability to identify and treat it in […]
More than 12 percent of the US population suffers from thyroid problems today, and an estimated 20 million will suffer from some sort of thyroid imbalance in their lifetime. One factor which may contribute to these overwhelming figures is that one-third of the world’s entire population also suffers from an iodine deficiency. (Click Here For Statistics) […]
1 out of every 3 deaths in the US is caused by some form of cardiovascular disease. The AHA (American Heart Association) also estimates that an average of 92.1 million Americans are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the after-effects of stroke – a figure which should be more shocking than it is. […]
For those who have been following me for some time know that IMO the Health of your Gut, is a Non-Negotiable for Optimal Health While Hippocrates coined the phrase, “all disease begins in the gut” thousands of years ago, current research is finding there’s much truth in this ancient piece of wisdom! If you think […]
You know that exercise will help you burn off some extra calories and boost your metabolism. But you also know that sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being. Better to skimp on sleep and get up early to workout? Or better to sleep in and skip the gym for another day? Well, it’s […]
• Protein. Protein is absolutely a necessary nutrient – it builds and maintains muscle, which helps reduce fat. It supports brain function and boosts our metabolism. And as part of a healthy meal, it helps us feel satisfied, longer. A study cited by Healthline showed that women who added 15 to 30% more protein to […]
In the late 70s, eggs got a bad reputation because health practitioners discovered that high amounts of cholesterol in the blood could increase our risk of heart disease. Physicians of that era thought (incorrectly, it turns out) that eating high-cholesterol foods would significantly increase blood cholesterol, so they began advising their patients to stop eating […]
Detoxing has become a popular way for people to restore their health, jumpstart their metabolism and kick off a weight-loss or clean-eating program. And done right, detoxing does a great job of helping you achieve those goals. However, there are many different ways to detox, and the process you choose should be based on your […]
Have you ever wondered why certain vegetables are more abundant in certain seasons? I find it amazing how nature’s produce cycle supports our body’s needs, and gently leads us from season to season. For example, our bodies require more water in the summer months, and summer vegetables, such as zucchini, tomatoes, and cucumbers, help us […]
You’re likely aware of the connection between sugar and weight gain. You may have even seen the studies showing the connection between obesity and diabetes. But are you aware of the most recent studies highlighting the effects of sugar on other areas of our health? This data is one more reason to think twice before […]
We all experience stress at different times in our lives. And while you may not be able to explain why certain situations stress you out, you know the symptoms when you feel them: Heart racing. Dry mouth. Sweaty palms. Tense muscles. It’s not a coincidence – your brain (well, the part of your brain known […]
If you’ve decided to embrace healthier eating in order to look and feel better — or if you’re thinking about making a healthy change – good for you! Self-care is so important to living your “best self.” But if you think that eating healthy condemns you to eating the same foods every day, think […]
You are positive that you’re not eating more food or “junkier” food but you’re still gaining weight. Is this possible? Yes! You are NOT crazy! And here’s why. We both know that the whole “calories in, calories out” argument is an overly simplistic view of weight. There’s definitely more to the story than just what […]
Now is a great time to learn about the benefits of tea and why you might want to swap out your coffee for tea, add it to your day, or continue drinking it if you’re already a tea-lover. Tea dates back to 2700 B.C. According to an article published by the Academy of Nutrition and […]
High blood pressure is a silent disease. Often, there are no symptoms, so that’s why it’s tested regularly by your healthcare professional. It’s better to catch it before it gets out of hand. Beyond the standard advice to reduce salt and caffeine, there are some foods and drinks that can help too. I’ve rounded up […]
You may have heard of the “paleo” diet. It was the world’s most popular diet in 2013. But what is it? Is it a fad? Is it right for you? Scientist and “Paleo Mom” Sarah Ballentyne, Ph.D. defines it as: “The Paleo diet is a nutrient-dense whole foods diet based on eating a variety of […]
Vitamin C If you want to help support your immune system, include plenty of natural Vitamin C, and choose organic whenever possible. This powerful antioxidant helps in the repair and regeneration of tissues and protects cells throughout the body. Good food sources of vitamin C include: • Broccoli • Brussels sprouts • Cantaloupe • Kiwi […]
Lots of things can affect your immune system – the type of foods we eat (or don’t eat); how much water we drink, sleep we get, stress we’re under – these are just a few of the areas that we can positively affect. If you pick just three of the suggestions from the immune-boosting tips […]
Grains – the food group that plays a big role in the eating habits of millions of kids around the world. Oatmeal, YUM! Crackers, YUM! Mashed potatoes, YUM! Toast, YUM! Cereal, YUM! Sure, most moms always tell us that we need to eat our veggies too, but most moms also always serve some sort of […]
February 7th, 2010, the day my why became a reality and a way of life… I had my annual physical my PCP told me I had Metabolic Syndrome!! This is the very disease that took my Father’s life at the early age of 64!! Next, he broke out his prescription pad and wrote 4 Rx […]
With the Holiday’s ramping up, and everyone bringing or delivering goodies to the Office…. I have decided this would be an appropriate time to write this!! It’s official! Organizations and governments are (finally) declaring a maximum amount of daily sugar intake. While this is a step forward, there are still a few problems. One – […]
I know what your thinking “Okay really Thom, but it’s so important for you to know what makes a healthy “poop” because it can tell you a lot about your digestion. And if your digestion is off, this could be an indication that something else is going on that you need to address…Seriously address so hear me […]
Stressed? Tired? Craving sugar? Can’t sleep? Who hasn’t felt this way at one time or another? All of these can be related to the constant stress we feel in our lives. We know that stress can have a huge impact on our health and wellness. And, since your adrenal glands produce stress hormones, adrenal fatigue […]
Yes, while I always say that it’s better to get your nutrients from food first sometimes supplements are necessary. Unfortunately, there are just some all-too-common nutrients that we simply don’t get enough of. And they’re absolutely critical to optimal health and wellness. Especially as we age. Here I sifted through the supplements that are available on […]
The current recommendation by the American Heart Association to discontinue any use of coconut oil is absurd and not surprising to me… Poor heart health parameters: The authors only focus on LDL as the main predictor for cardiovascular disease. What they SHOULD be aware of is that there is considerable research with superior evidence showing […]
Libido is such an interesting (and complex) experience. Because of this it can be affected by so many things. And we’re not just talking about the obvious sex hormone testosterone here. Although testosterone levels can have a big (yes BIG) effect on sex drive there are a lot of subtle things that can be going […]
Do you love your breakfast? Do you have a short list of “go-to” recipes? Do you need a bit of inspiration to start eating breakfast again? (Just a Reminder, Breakfast means – Break Fast, breakfast is meant to break a fasting period basically the first meal of your day.) Getting some protein at each meal […]
Simple steps to transform your kitchen … and your health! The Tough Part — Step 1: Pitch and Toss If you were going to eat those last few pretzels, you would have by now. Or that last scoop of freezer-burned ice cream. Or that pumpkin pie filling from two Thanksgivings ago. Your pantry, fridge and […]
You knew there was a bit of an over-emphasis (borderline obsession) about cholesterol, right? Before we jump into some myths let’s make sure we’re on the same page when it comes to what exactly cholesterol is. Myth #1: “Cholesterol” is cholesterol While cholesterol is an actual molecule what it is bound to while it’s floating […]
You totally want to ditch your scale, don’t you? You may have this weird kind of relationship with your “weight”. I mean, it doesn’t define you (obviously). What you weigh can matter but only to a certain extent. Let’s look at your waist circumference (well…you look at yours and I’ll look at mine). Waist Circumference […]
You may feel tired, cold or that you’ve gained weight. Maybe your digestion seems a bit more “sluggish”. You may be convinced that your metabolism is slow. Why does this happen? Why do metabolic rates slow down? What can slow my metabolism? Metabolism includes all of the biochemical reactions in your body that use nutrients […]
Have you said “bye bye” to sleeping through the night? Are you feeling exhausted or “running on stress hormones” all day? Do not fear, I have some great tips (and an amazing recipe) for you! The science of sleep is fascinating, complicated and growing Sleep is this daily thing that we all do and yet […]
Cauliflower may not have been your first favorite vegetable, but it may become the star of your spring meals after you learn more about its remarkable reservoir of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. With its many nutritional benefits, cauliflower is officially a Superfood. ▪ Cauliflower is rich in healthy vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene, lutein, […]
Yes, we’re talking testosterone. That muscle-building hormone. But I’m not going to recommend that you take any anabolic steroid hormones or anything like that. am going to give you two solid tips on how you can boost your testosterone levels naturally with supplements. Tip #1: Get enough zinc Zinc is an essential mineral that helps […]
Oh, my gosh – nutrition and diet info is everywhere! And each expert and association tries to lead you in their direction because they know best and their advice is going to help you. Right? Well, maybe… Everyone has heard (and maybe lived through) the intense focus on how much you eat. This has gotten […]
Three Ways to Avoid Overeating at Meals Sometimes those holiday feasts are just amazing. And it’s not just the abundance of delicious food but also the people, the decorations, and the ambiance. It is way too easy (and common) to indulge on those days. But it doesn’t always stop there. Sometimes we overeat on regular […]
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] This word “metabolism” is thrown around a lot these days. You know that if yours is too slow you might gain weight. But what exactly does this all mean? Well technically “metabolism” is the word to describe all of the biochemical reactions in your […]
Top Foods for Boosting Your Immune System Your immune system is your first defense against bacteria and microorganisms that cause disease. According to Harvard Health, nourishment is a key element in creating a healthy environment for your immune system. It makes sense when you consider that our gastrointestinal system represents 70 percent of our immune […]
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] For many people, the Thanksgiving meal is a yearly favorite. So how can you enjoy without overindulging? Try these time-tested tips: Eat a balanced breakfast – don’t “starve” yourself until the big meal. Start your day with a healthy, satisfying breakfast. There is not one […]
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_font=”Georgia||||” text_font_size=”20″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] In a world where drive-thru hamburger joints and $1 pizza slices outnumber farmer’s markets and grocery stores, eating healthy can be a challenge. Even when you make up your mind to resist deep-fried temptation and go for a salad, you too often end […]
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_font=”Georgia||||” text_font_size=”20″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Top Juicing Tips: Make it easy on yourself. If you’re serious about juicing, a juicer is a must-have kitchen tool. Contrary to what some might think, a slow juicer is actually much better than a fast juicer! The slow juicer delivers much more […]
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_font=”Georgia||||” text_font_size=”21″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] If the idea of drinking green juice makes you make “that face” (which some of my clients make when I first suggest it) you might want to start out with a smoothie! I’m not talking about smoothies from Baskin Robbins or Dunkin’ Donuts, […]
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” text_font=”Arial||||” text_font_size=”18″] I don’t know how or why or even when it happened, but it seems like everyone I know is super busy. The number-one reason people tell me why they don’t eat well or exercise is lack of time. When I share my quick-meal […]
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https://thomunderwood.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Thrive_Sharing_0002_3.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_font=”Georgia||||” text_font_size=”16″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” text_line_height=”1em”] In a world where drive-thru hamburger joints and $1 pizza slices outnumber farmers markets and grocery stores, eating healthy can be a challenge. Even when you […]
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” text_font=”Georgia||||” text_font_size=”16″] Walking just may be the best-kept health secret today! It releases stress, reduces anxiety, helps clear your mind, increases blood flow, improves your energy, helps with weight loss, enhances your mood, and – along with healthy nutrition — can reduce or […]
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_font=”Georgia||||” text_font_size=”28″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Everybody seems to have an idea about weight loss. And a lot of opinions that simply don’t hold up have become popular! Today I’d like to help clarify 5 of the biggest weight loss misconceptions when it comes to food. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image […]
The New Year signifies a fresh start, new beginnings, making peace with the year gone by, and welcoming the blank canvas that lies ahead. This fresh start provides us with a perfect opportunity to make a promise to ourselves to change something for the better – in other words, our New Year’s resolutions. According to […]
All too often excess weight is gained over the holidays, which can take months to lose. Focus on the good habits and follow these handy tips to get through the Festivities, without too much extra baggage!! Stick as close to your normal routine as possible. Try to have your meals at the same time you […]
The winter months increase the chance of illness. Limited sun exposure and close proximity to others who are sick are two contributing factors. These are natural things you can do to decrease your risk:
Every year we see it again. Late November signals the white flag of surrender for many people who give up their healthy habits without even a fight. It’s as if the holidays are a weapon of mass destruction, obliterating our weight loss achievements so far and crushing our puny willpower. It doesn’t have to be […]
Thanksgiving is coming up and many of you have already purchased the big bird for the festive meal on Thursday. Here are some interesting facts about this fowl. 1. The name “turkey” comes from the country of Turkey. A few hundreds of years ago, merchants from the Ottoman empire (headquartered in Turkey) brought fowl from […]
Well, I figured since the time change over the weekend….. now would be as good as time as ever to tackle the issue of Sleep and Weight Loss!!! Enjoy Catching some good Z’s could be what’s missing from your awesome weight loss/control plan. It is not a secret that healthy eating and regular exercise are […]
Elevated blood cholesterol is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Higher LDL cholesterol levels mean that more LDL from the bloodstream makes its way into the arterial wall. There, LDL is oxidized, setting off a chain of events leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Statin drugs work by blocking an enzyme involved in […]
Sodium nitrate (NaNO3) and its close relative sodium nitrite (NaNO2) are preservatives that you find in lots of processed meats. Stuff like salami, hot dogs, pepperoni, bologna, ham, bacon and SPAM all normally contain sodium nitrate as one of the ingredients. Fresh meats generally do not contain any added chemicals, so the question is, “Why is sodium nitrate added […]
The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) urges doctors to prescribe non-GMO diets for all patients. They cite animal studies showing organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, accelerated aging, and infertility. Human studies show how genetically modified (GM) food can leave material behind inside us, possibly causing long-term problems. Genes inserted into GM soy, […]
