It is a common story: I have heartburn. It feels like food gets caught in my chest. I thought I was having a heart attack. The burning goes up toward my throat.
These are just a few of the symptoms that make me check for a Hiatal Hernia in my clients. This is different than the hernia you get from lifting, where the intestines gush through the abdominal muscles, needing to be surgically repaired, often with mesh, to hold the intestines in. Hiatal Hernias (HH) are typically much less serious than this, but are often more annoying, and unfortunately, often overlooked.
So, what is an HH? “Hiatus” means opening. In this case, the opening in your diaphragm, where your food tube (esophagus) passes through before becoming the stomach. You probably know that the diaphragm is your breathing muscle, contracting to take a breath in and relaxing to exhale. What happens with the HH is that this opening in the diaphragm gets relaxed, or lax, and the very upper tip of the stomach protrudes through it. This allows acids to leave the stomach and get into the esophagus, thereby causing heartburn, acid reflux or GERD.
HHs are so easily checked for with muscle testing, that it is ridiculous for anyone to continue to suffer from them. And I can give you simple self-help procedures that often correct the problem. In chronic or more advanced HHs, additional help may be needed, such as taking digestive enzymes or digestive acids, and sometimes certain foods need to be avoided.
But here is what always applies that you can do for prevention: Eat smaller meals. Don’t lie down after eating. Don’t lean over the edge of a bathtub, car hood, or anything else that can push up on your stomach. And understand that pregnancy can bring on HHs temporarily due to the growing baby pushing up on the stomach.
Some HHs come and go: They can slip up into the diaphragm’s hiatus and other times the stomach will stay where it belongs.
I can check you for the probability of having a HH if you come see me. Periodically, The Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor will offer free Hiatal Hernia screenings, so call us if you’re interested. Learn how to correct this easily and naturally.
Dr. Sherry Yale, Doctor of Chiropractic, Applied Kinesiologist, Clinical Nutritionist
During the back to school season many parents start to think about ways to improve their children’s attention, focus, learning and overall brain function. But, supporting brain health is not just for students. Our brains need nourishment at every stage of life.
The brain is the control center of the body. It controls essential functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It also plays an important role in memory, focus, emotions, vision, movement, and balance.
Support your brain with foods that can help with brain function:
Choose healthy fats such as avocados and avocado oil, coconut oil, butter, and olive oil.
Saltwater fish and sea vegetables (seaweed, kelp) can provide important nutrients for the brain including iodine and omega-3 fatty acids.
Adequate, good quality protein. Protein supplies amino acids that help build and repair tissue. Egg yolks are valuable because they are a good source of choline which is excellent for brain health.
Limiting refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates can contribute to blood sugar imbalances which can affect concentration and mood.
Certain supplements can provide additional nutritional support for the brain:
B Vitamins to support the nervous system and energy production in the cells. B vitamins can help with attention, focus, mood, and energy. Some of my favorites are: B1, Inositol, Cataplex B (energizing), Cataplex B2 (calming), and Methyl B12 spray.
Ribonucleic Acid from Standard Process is brain food. RNA can help with memory, vision, and focus.
Bacopa and Ginkgo are herbs that can help with memory, cognition, alertness, and mental clarity. Bacopa is excellent for longer term retention/memory. Ginkgo can promote short term memory.
Optimag Neuro is a great source of magnesium. It supports healthy brain magnesium levels, cognitive health, stress management, sleep quality, and mood.
Iodine – Standard Process makes several different iodine products that can help with focus. Min Tran (calming, also good for sleep and stress), Organically Bound Minerals, and A-F Betafood all supply iodine to help with essential cellular functions.
So, whether it is for school or work or optimizing your health, feed your brain every day to improve your wellbeing and vitality. We are here to help you with your individual needs. Always talk to your Practitioner regarding the best supplement recommendations for you.
It seems we often focus on getting our children to eat their fruits and vegetables, but one of the most important nutrients for growing bodies is often overlooked: protein.
Protein is the building block of life. It plays a crucial role in supporting healthy growth, muscle development, immune function, hormone production, brain health, and stable energy levels. From toddlers to teenagers, children need adequate protein to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
At The Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor, we believe in nourishing children with real, nutrient-dense foods that support the body’s natural ability to grow and heal. Here are some simple and practical ways to help your children eat more protein without turning every meal into a battle.
Why Protein Matters for Children
Protein is made up of amino acids, which are essential for:
Building and repairing muscles, bones, skin, and tissues
Supporting healthy immune function
Producing neurotransmitters that influence mood and focus
Stabilizing blood sugar and reducing energy crashes
Supporting healthy hormone development during growth and puberty
Many children consume diets high in processed carbohydrates and sugars, which can leave them feeling hungry shortly after eating, among other noticeable negatives. Including protein at every meal helps promote satiety, balanced energy, and better concentration throughout the day.
Start the Day with a Protein-Packed Breakfast
Many common breakfast foods are carbohydrate-heavy and lack sufficient protein, such as pancakes, cereals, hashbrowns, and toast. Instead of these, try:
Scrambled eggs with fruit
Greek yogurt topped with berries and/or chia seeds
Protein smoothies made with clean protein powder, nut butter, and/or frozen fruit
Breakfast sausage and/or bacon made from high-quality, pasture-raised meats
Cottage cheese with cinnamon and sliced apples
A protein-rich breakfast helps support attention, learning, and steady energy throughout the school day.
Sneak Protein into Favorite Foods
Children are often more willing to eat protein when it’s incorporated into foods they already enjoy.
Try:
Adding collagen peptides or your clear protein powder to smoothies, oatmeal, or pancakes
Mixing finely shredded chicken or an egg into mac and cheese
Blending cottage cheese into pasta sauces
Using nut butters as dips for apples and bananas
Adding hemp hearts to yogurt, oatmeal, or homemade muffins
These small additions can significantly increase protein intake without dramatically changing the taste!
Make Protein Fun
Presentation matters, especially for younger children.
Consider:
Creating “protein snack trays in a cupcake pan” with turkey roll-ups, cheese cubes, boiled eggs, and fruit
Using cookie cutters to shape cheese and deli meats
Making mini meatballs or protein bites
Allowing children to build their own wraps, tacos, or protein bowls
When children feel involved and empowered, they are often more willing to try new foods. Focus on Quality Sources
From my perspective, quality matters just as much as quantity.
Whenever possible, choose:
Pasture-raised eggs
Grass-fed beef
Wild-caught fish
Organic poultry
Plain Greek yogurt
Organic cottage cheese
Beans and lentils (if well tolerated)
Nuts and seeds
These foods provide not only protein but also important nutrients such as iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins that support healthy growth and development.
Offer Protein at Every Snack
Snacks are an easy opportunity to boost protein intake.
Healthy protein-rich snack ideas include:
Hard-boiled eggs
Cheese sticks
Greek yogurt
Turkey roll-ups
Beef jerky
Hummus with vegetables
Trail mix made with nuts and seeds
Protein smoothies
Homemade protein energy balls
Pairing protein with healthy fats can help children stay fuller longer and avoid blood sugar spikes.
Lead by Example
Children learn more from what we do than what we say. When they see parents and caregivers regularly enjoying healthy protein-rich meals, they are more likely to develop similar habits. Avoid pressuring children to eat and instead continue offering nourishing options consistently.
The Bottom Line
In case you haven’t realized it yet, protein is one of the most important nutrients for everyone but especially growing children. It supports healthy muscles, bones, brain function, immune health, blood sugar, and balanced energy. By focusing on whole-food, high-quality protein sources and incorporating them into meals and snacks in creative ways, parents can help set the foundation for lifelong health.
Remember, simple and small changes add up. A protein-rich breakfast, a few nutrient-dense snacks, and simple upgrades to favorite foods can make a significant difference in your child’s overall nutrition and well-being.
At The Nutritional Healing Center, we believe that nourishing children with real, wholesome foods is one of the greatest investments we can make in their future health. Healthy habits developed during childhood often become the foundation for a lifetime of vitality.
Call us today at 734-302-7575 if you have more questions about how you can help your child live a healthier life!
With tick populations on the rise across the country, and as a dog owner (like many of you!) I figured it was both appropriate and necessary to host a brief discussion about ticks and tick-borne illnesses. Now, as a child of the ’90s, I can safely say that ticks were not even on the radar during my childhood. I grew up with a golden retriever and a couple of kitties, and while I do not know if flea and tick prevention was in use, I do know I don’t remember one single comment about ticks or ever witnessing a tick removal- from a pet, friend, family or neighbor. We could lie in (untreated) grass, go (tent) camping for weekends, spend time at our family cabin in the woods, or walk in little streams with wooded and grassy surroundings. Never did we worry about ticks. Fast forward to today, and I can’t walk my dog down a neighborhood sidewalk without concern. The ticks are seemingly everywhere these days. Where did they come from? We don’t really know… and we will save that discussion for another (private) time, but what I want to talk about today is why the increase in population matters and what we can do about it rather than becoming filled with fear and avoiding the outdoors.
So, let’s start with the obvious. Why are people so fearful of ticks? They’re just tiny insects, right? Well, actually no. Ticks are technically not insects. These 8-legged pests are actually arachnids, making them more closely related to a spider, scorpion, or mite than a 6-legged insect. There are over 900 known species of ticks, which can be grouped into two main families- hard (Ixodidae) and soft (Argasidae)- and all of them are obligate feeders, meaning they require a blood meal for their life cycles (4 stages of a tick’s life: egg, larvae, nymph, adult) and survival. Therefore, by definition, ticks are parasites, and they can and do transmit infections and diseases (though not every bite will result in this!). Tick-borne illnesses may be due to bacterial, viral, or parasitic transmissions; however, reactions can also result from allergic reactions to the tick bite (like in cases of Alpha-gal) and saliva toxins themselves. The most commonly known bacterial transmission is Lyme disease, from the Borrelia bacterium, but this isn’t the only infection that can result from a tick bite. Other lesser-known tick-borne illnesses include those from Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Rickettsia (responsible for Rocky Mountain spotted fever). Other diseases that may result from a tick bite include: Pacific Coast tick fever, Tularemia, STARI (Southern tick-associated rash illness), and tick-borne relapsing fever. In addition to these are viral infections like Powassan virus, Heartland virus, Bourbon virus, Colorado tick fever virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. It should also be noted that there is no specific safe window of time for any transmission of any pathogen. Tick-borne diseases can be transmitted rather quickly after the tick has latched. However, the longer the tick is attached, the greater the risk of infection. Sounds serious, and it can be…
This is why the foundations of health are so important. The weaker your system at the time of the tick bite occurring, the greater the risk of infection. This doesn’t mean that a healthy person can’t get sick from tick-borne illnesses, but a healthy body will present stronger defenses during the time of attack. The less attention your immune system has on other “fires” within the system, the better it will be at “holding the line” when invaders come kicking through the immune system’s door. So let this be a lesson in treating your body with the respect it deserves and requires, to work hard in your favor.
Education and awareness will carry you a long way when it comes to prevention of tick bites, as well as what to do when a bite occurs and how to take care of it after the tick is removed. Although a tick needs a host for survival and reproduction, the tick actually spends about 95% of its life off a host. Meaning, the first thing you need to know in prevention and protection from ticks is about their habitat. How do they find a host? Where do ticks live? What kind of temperatures and environments do they thrive in? The next time you are out walking or hiking in a wooded or tall grassy area, slow down and notice along the trail; if you look closely, you are likely to notice at least one tick waving its legs around (an act called “questing”) and just waiting for you or another animal to brush up against. And while ticks do not jump, like fleas, or fall from trees above, they can use static electricity as a means of traveling through the air on electrical currents; this makes it appear as if they are jumping, flying, or falling. Other ticks (like the lone star tick) are actually hunters. They venture out in search of a host, sensing them through smell and vibrations.
The most common habitats for tick populations will be in tall grasses, bushy and brushy areas of foliage, leaf litter, edges of trails and sidewalks, in backyards, gardens, parks, and recently, they are even common to find in more populated suburban areas. Ticks also prefer moist, humid climates, this is why it’s common to see an uptick (pun intended…!) in populations during the spring and fall months. If you have a particularly dry, hot summer, you will likely notice a decrease in tick activity for a short window of time. If you live in an area of the globe where winter blankets the ground in snow and ice, then you probably have a few months during the year to let your guard down… a little. Generally, ticks are not as active during the freeze months, and historically, a good deep freeze will kill them. But I do think it’s important to note that as our environments evolve and climates fluctuate, so will the nature and life cycles of everything that lives in that area. So, just because it is normal for ticks to die off with freezing temperatures, it is not obsolete. I have found and removed ticks from my dog in January and February here in Michigan, so a deep freeze doesn’t always mean “no ticks”. Once winter temperatures rise above freezing, ticks begin their cycle of life all over again.
If you’re finding yourself not wanting to enjoy the outdoors because of the risk of getting a tick bite, I want to encourage you to take preventative measures and GET OUTSIDE! It is so important to explore your environment and develop a relationship with nature that breeds life and connectedness to all living things that this beautiful planet has to offer. Yes, there is risk, but there is also great reward in health and spirit when you reconnect- this is the invisible energetic “mycelium” network of life that connects us to all that is living. After all, you are nature, and it is not okay to remain indoors or to deny yourself the gifts of life, and when we respect nature, it is likely that nature will respect us right back. To prevent ticks from latching on, take preventative measures like wearing long sleeves and long pants while out in nature. Wear socks over your pants and boots over your socks; no open-toe shoes! Consider wearing a hat to protect your scalp, and wear long hair tied up and back to prevent brushing against any kind of plant matter from which a tick may be questing. Choose light colored clothing versus dark colors so that you are more able to spot a tick crawling, and the smoother and less textured the fabrics, the harder it will be for a tick to grip to you. Once you get home, remove all clothing and put everything in the dryer on high heat to kill any ticks that may be on the clothing. Take a shower and do a thorough whole-body tick check. Be sure to check your pets regularly!
Tick repellents can also be useful, but if you’re like me, you may not want to use harsh chemical sprays on your clothes and body. Chemicals like permethrin (very effective, but clothing needs to be dry before wearing) and DEET can be sprayed on the clothing. Picaridin (naturally derived from black pepper) and IR3535 (naturally derived from an amino acid called beta alanine). There are also certain essential oil combinations that can help to deter ticks as well.
None of these measures are guaranteed to prevent a tick from attaching and biting. You should also know how to remove a tick safely and gently. Of course, if you’ve never had to do this, then in the event you do find yourself in a situation where you need to remove a tick from yourself or someone else, just do your best to remain calm. I would suggest having specific tick-removing tools on hand. You can purchase a “tick key”, fine-tip tweezers, or my personal favorite, the “tick twister”. Some people will say “don’t twist” while removing a tick, but if you’re twisting without pulling up and out, you can very easily and safely remove a tick entirely. The risk is in leaving behind the attached mouth parts that are burrowed beneath the skin. Be sure to remove the whole tick in one piece. Once the tick is removed, you should wash the area and apply colloidal silver and lavender essential oil to the bite site. Keep an eye on it for the following days and watch for signs of possible infection, both locally at the bite site as well as how you feel internally. Symptoms could range from nothing at all to fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, body/joint/neck pain, and the classic bullseye rash. Early treatment is most effective in preventing these pathogens from burrowing deeper into your body and cells. Antibiotics are the most common treatment, however not always the most effective. Powerful herbs like Japanese Knotweed root, Teasel root, Cryptolepis root, Cat’s Claw bark, Baikal Skullcap root, and others, in combination, can aid the immune system in combating tick-borne illnesses, sometimes better than antibiotics.
If you’ve been recently bitten by a tick, you should first see your MD and discuss their options and recommendations for treatment. And if you have already gone the antibiotics route and are still fighting tick-borne illness symptoms without success, even the CDC says that more antibiotics are unlikely to help. You can read what they have to say here.
Why not try something different? Give our office a call and book yourself a free discovery call consultation and learn how the 7 Step Blueprint to Optimal Health can work for you. You may be just a few herbs away from feeling like yourself again. Give our office a call at 734.302.7575.
Summer is one of the best times to reconnect with nature, move your body, and soak in sunshine — but it also brings increased exposure to UV rays, dehydration, environmental toxins, bugs, and heat exhaustion.
A holistic approach to summer health focuses on supporting the body naturally while minimizing toxic burden. Let’s talk about the most important wellness essentials to help you stay protected, energized, and balanced all summer long.
1. Choose a Safer Sunscreen
Many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate, which may disrupt hormones and irritate sensitive skin.
Instead, look for:
Mineral-based sunscreens
Non-nano zinc oxide
Reef-safe formulas
Fragrance-free options
EWG-verified products
Ingredients to Avoid:
Oxybenzone
Octinoxate
Parabens
Artificial fragrance
Aerosol sprays, when possible
Holistic Tip
Sun exposure in moderation is beneficial for vitamin D production and circadian rhythm support.
Aim for:
Morning or late afternoon sun exposure
Short periods without sunscreen when appropriate
Avoiding peak UV hours (11 AM–3 PM)
2. Prioritize Electrolytes & Hydration
Sweating increases the loss of minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Drinking only plain water can sometimes leave people feeling depleted.
Summer Hydration Essentials
Electrolyte powders without artificial sweeteners
Coconut water
Mineral-rich sea salt
Magnesium supplementation
Lemon water for trace minerals and digestion
Signs You May Need More Electrolytes
Fatigue
Headaches
Muscle cramps
Dizziness
Brain fog
3. Support the Skin From Within
Healthy summer skin starts internally.
Nutrients That Support Skin Protection
Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin C
Zinc
Collagen peptides
These nutrients help support:
Skin repair
Antioxidant protection
Collagen production
Hydration
Reduced inflammation
Summer Foods for Skin Health
Watermelon
Berries
Cucumbers
Citrus fruits
Leafy greens
Wild salmon
4. Use Natural Bug Protection
Conventional bug sprays often contain DEET, which some individuals prefer to minimize exposure to, when possible.
Natural Alternatives
Look for sprays containing:
Lemon eucalyptus
Citronella
Cedarwood
Lavender
Peppermint
Extra Protection Tips
Wear light-colored clothing
Avoid standing water
Use fans outdoors
Shower after hiking or wooded activities
5. Support Gut Health During Travel & BBQ Season
Summer often means:
More restaurant meals Alcohol Sugar Travel Disrupted routines
All of these can impact digestion and overall inflammation.
Helpful Gut Support in Any Season
Probiotics
Digestive enzymes
Fermented foods
Staying hydrated
Limiting excessive processed foods and seed oils
6. Protect Sleep & Circadian Rhythm
Longer daylight hours and travel can easily disrupt sleep quality.
Ways to Support Better Summer Sleep
Morning sunlight exposure Limiting blue light at night Cooling the bedroom Magnesium glycinate before bed Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
Quality sleep supports:
Hormone balance
Immune function
Skin repair
Energy levels
Mood stability
7. Reduce Toxic Load
Summer products can quickly add up:
Sunscreens
Chlorine
Candles
Air fresheners
Bug sprays
Pool chemicals
Synthetic fragrances
Simple Low-Toxin Swaps
Glass or stainless steel water bottles
Cleaner skincare products
Natural deodorant
Organic cotton clothing and sheets, when possible
Fragrance-free household products
Holistic summer wellness is not about fear or perfection — it’s about supporting the body with intentional choices that help you feel your best.
When you:
nourish your body,
minimize unnecessary toxins,
stay hydrated,
protect your skin naturally,
and spend time outdoors wisely,
you create a foundation for a healthier, more energized summer season.
Here’s to a healthy and happy Summer! Mikaela Cradit, CNHP The Nutritional Healing Center
I just got back from a trip to the grocery store and I am amazed every time by the quantity of items that are not really food in those aisles. I picked up a package of bagels that said they had 6 grams of protein in each bagel. But, as I looked closer they also had 33 grams of carbohydrates in one very small bagel. There was also a long list of chemicals and preservatives added to the product. I put those right back on the shelf. (Note: I don’t typically buy bagels; but, the protein claim caught my attention.)
Shop for health
When grocery shopping, aim to buy foods that support health, nutrition, and performance rather than foods that satisfy emotions and cravings. Pick nutrient dense options when you are shopping.
Nutritional needs
The body needs protein, fat, water, vitamins, and minerals for energy and to repair tissue. There are essential fats, essential amino acids (proteins), but no essential carbohydrates. The goal is to consume adequate protein and healthy fats to be utilized by the body. And, limit refined sugar and refined carbohydrate intake.
Limit ultra processed foods
Ultra processed foods are items that have been highly altered and have many added ingredients, preservatives, and flavors. These products often have a long shelf life and are quick and convenient. But, these products lack needed nutrients. Examples of these types of products are: cookies, chips, macaroni and cheese, many breads, and soda pop. These foods are calorie dense and nutrient poor.
Use a shopping list
Being prepared before you go shopping helps to limit impulse buys and keep you focused on what you need. Shopping lists can also help save time and money.
Where to shop
Stores that have local and organic options are best. Farmers markets are a great resource for real food, too. In the store, focus on shopping the outside perimeter of the store – produce (vegetables and fruit), meats, cheese, dairy, eggs, and frozen foods are typically around the edges of the store.
The center aisles are often the processed and packaged foods, so spend your time around the outside edges as much as possible.
If you need alternative grains or alternatives to wheat and refined flour:
Bob’s Red Mill brand, almond flour, coconut flour, rice flour, and chickpea flour are good options.
For pasta, red lentil or chickpea pastas can be an acceptable alternative to wheat pastas.
Use dinner leftovers for next day lunchIntermittent Fasting Variation – water or coffee/tea for breakfast
Breakfast:Berry smoothieLunch:Mixed green salad with black beans or tuna with sliced avocadoSnack (optional): Parmesan cheese slicesDinner:Unstuffed peppers (ground beef, tomato sauce, peppers, spices)
Breakfast:Hard Boiled EggsLunch:Unstuffed peppers over mixed greensSnack (optional): Nut and cheese packDinner:Roasted chicken with side of quinoa
Breakfast:Plain or coconut yogurt with berries and chia seedsLunch:Roasted chicken over mixed greens with avocadoSnack (optional): AlmondsDinner:Burger with baked sweet potato
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Breakfast:Eggs sautéed in coconut oil or butter with veggiesLunch:Burger over mixed greens and extra veggiesSnack (optional): Sliced cucumber and hummus or guacamoleDinner:Turkey loafSautéed green beans
Breakfast:Chia Seed PuddingLunch:Turkey loaf over mixed green with extra veggiesSnack (optional): BerriesDinner: Keto PizzaWith variety of toppings
Breakfast:ChafflesLunch:Lettuce wraps with healthy lunch meats (Applegate)Snack (optional): Celery sticks with hummusDinner:Chicken curry with cauliflower rice
Breakfast:Omelet with veggies, meat, cheeseLunch: Antipasto salad over mixed greensDinner:Salmon Teriyaki with sautéed bok choy
When shopping for yourself and your family, think of food as fuel and nourishment. Choose foods that will help you feel better, stay healthier, and perform your best. Feed yourself well to help your long-term health.
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