The Wellness Philosophy Nutrition blog

Organic Savings at MamboSprouts.com

2012-02-26T10:45:00.004-08:00

Many of my clients are inquiring more and more about implementing organic foods into their daily diet. While going organic is a great idea, it can also challenge your wallet. I found a great web site, http://www.mambosprouts.com/, where one can find multiple resources such as printable and mailed coupons, product reviews and recipes on many things organic, gluten-free, and all-natural.

Notice a Strange Smell in Your Tap Water?

2012-01-14T07:10:00.000-08:00

Depending on where you live in the Indianapolis area, you may notice a chlorine smell coming from your tap water beginning January 13, 2012. Click here for more information.

Gluten Free / Casein Free Thanksgiving Meal Ideas

2011-11-20T08:44:00.001-08:00

Below are some great Thanksgiving recipe ideas for those following or interested in a gluten free and/or casein free diet. Recipes courtesy of www.tacanow.org.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Roasted Turkey
Turkey Gravy
Wild Rice Stuffing with Hazelnuts and Dried Cranberries
Green Beans with Lemon and Walnuts
Mashed Potatoes
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Pumpkin Pie (no bake)

"The Great Pumpkin - Color Your Diet with this Nutrient Rich Food" | Staci Small MA, RD Contributes to October 2011 Indianapolis Woman Magazine

2011-10-12T10:15:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Laura Kruty at Indianapolis Woman Magazine for the opportunity to contribute some thoughts and tips surrounding one of my favorite foods - pumpkin.

Click here for full article.

Are Your Personal Care Products Safe?

2011-09-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to read the ingredients on your personal care products only to be confused about what all the technical terms mean? Are the products you use safe to be ingested or absorbed into your body? The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) offers the following tips for consideration when making a personal care product purchase.

Fragrance
This non-specific term appears on many labels but can include harmful or allergy-inducing ingredients. To avoid these, look for labels that instead name specific natural fragrances such as lavender, bergamot, or lemongrass). "Tom's of Maine" products utilize natural fragrances in many of their products.

Sunscreen
Chemicals such as oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, often found in products with SPF, can cause more harm than good. Opt for products with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone at 3%.

Parabens
Often found in many lotions, this is a big one to avoid. These chemicals (propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, methyl, and isobutyl-parabens are associated with endocrine, reproductive and developmental problems. Look for labels marked "paraben free". Brands such as "Alba" and "Burt's Bees" are good paraben free products.

Triclosan and Triclocarban
These antimicrobial pesticides, which often are found in soaps, toothpaste and deodorant, have been linked to liver problems.

As always, try to eliminate or reduce the amount of products you consume with artificial coloring or flavors. Be on the look out for common artificial color ingredients such as FD&C Blue Numbers 1, 2; Green Number 3, Red Number 40, 3; Yellow Number 5,6.

"Organic" versus "Natural" - What's the Difference?

2011-09-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

I am often asked the questions, whether it be from clients, family, or friends, "What is the difference between Organic and Natural foods? Is one better than the other?" With so many products found today in the grocery and health food stores sporting these terms, this topic can be very confusing. Below are some quick facts regarding each term for you to consider when purchasing foods with these labels.

ORGANIC
- Regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture via independent auditing agencies
- All products will have above "USDA Organic" emblem that have passed USDA guidelines
- Meat, Dairy and Eggs must be untreated with growth hormones or antibiotics
- Animal feed must be certified organic and free of genetically modified substances
- Fresh produce must be free of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
- Produce seeds cannot be genetically modified
- Processed foods must be made up of 95-100% organic ingredients to carry label above

NATURAL
- The term "Natural" is not regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or Food and Drug Administration, therefore it is abused by many manufacturers on product packaging
- Inspectors and auditing agencies, IF hired, are done at the manufacturers' / farmers' descretion
- "Natural" is a term used to usually describe a food's lack of preservatives or additives at the time of processing. It may also mean a food is processed less than non-natural labeled foods
- "Natural" foods may contain or have been raised with pesticides or growth hormones.

When it comes down to it, many foods use the term "Natural" as a marketing technique to make the consumer think they are buying a healthier food versus food not carrying the "Natural" label. If the product does not contain the certified organic label above, you can bet there has been some level of modification, pesticide introduction, etc. performed to the food or product somewhere between inception and the grocery store shelf.

Not all "Natural" foods are bad nor deceptive. For example, "Natural" foods can be hormone or cage free (poultry) which is good. If purchasing foods marked "Natural" please read the label and packaging carefully.

If your budget allows, certified organic is your best and safest option. Many grocery stores are beginning to realize the increase in consumer demand for organic products thus making your options greater and costs lower.

Funky Monkey Snacks - Fruit That Crunches

2011-07-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

I was recently introduced to Funky Monkey Snacks at an Indianapolis children's festival. For those not familiar, Funky Monkey is a Fishers, Indiana based company offering freeze-dried fruit snacks. All are gluten, wheat, diary, nut and GMO free. For anyone following a specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), most varieties are allowable. They offer seven wonderful flavors and are sold at various local retail food stores. Online ordering is also available. Click here to view Funky Monkey's website.

Registered Dietitian Staci Small Quoted in Indianapolis Business Journal

2011-06-04T17:49:00.001-07:00

I recently was given the opportunity to offer my nutritional thoughts surrounding the recent frozen yogurt trend for an article published in the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ). Click here for full article.

Sincerely,
Staci Small M.A., R.D.
The Wellness Philosophy Inc.

The Wellness Philosophy adds Klaire Labs to Supplementation Lineup

2011-05-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

In addition to the quality supplementation products of Kirkman, Pure Encapsulations and Houston Nutraceuticals, I am pleased to announce The Wellness Philosophy Inc. has recently added products from Klaire Labs (division of ProThera, Inc.).

Klaire Labs carries only third party tested, quality products, most notably their high potency probiotics, which I am extremely excited to offer my clients. Klaire Labs products are only available from a health care provider, authorized dealers or to individuals with proper physician coding.

Please let me know if you desire additional information regarding Klaire Labs or ProThera products. You may also visit their web site by clicking here.

Sincerely,
Staci Small M.A., R.D
The Wellness Philosophy Inc.

Important Considerations When Choosing A Prenatal Vitamin

2011-04-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

For women who are currently pregnant, thinking about pregnancy or are breastfeeding, having a quality prenatal vitamin in your arsenal of daily nutrition is one of the most important things you can do for your baby. There are several good prenatal vitamins on the market, but which one is right for you? Is the prenatal that your OB/GYN or family doctor recommending the best for your baby? Below are some questions you may want to consider when choosing your prenatal vitamin:

Does your prenatal vitamin have artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives?

Artificial colors have been linked to many behavioral issues and other health concerns in children. I see this first hand in my practice. Below are two links from Organic Authority that touch on the subject, as well as the disappointing U.S. decline to adopt a nation wide ban on food dyes; a ban in which many countries in Europe have recently adopted due to claimed adverse effects on children.

FDA Declines to Ban Controversial Foods Dyes in United States

Banned in Europe, Food Coloring Linked to Behavior Problems

Is your prenatal third party tested for safety and purity?

Vitamins, whether prenatal or other, are minimally regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Currently, the FDA does not test for heavy metals, pesticides or allergens and only performs limited testing for bacteria, mold and yeast.

According to Kirkman Group President, David Humphrey, "unless companies do the extensive product testing that Kirkman offers in our 'Ultra Tested' product line, they can't know what toxins may be lurking in their product". Kirkman Group is currently third party lab testing their products for more than 950 environmental contaminants. Kirkman is by no means the only safe company from which to obtain supplementation. However, I recommend conducting research before beginning your prenatal regimen.

Does your prenatal have enough supporting nutrient qualities for your baby?

Make sure your prenatal has adequate levels of folic acid, iron, vitamin D and many other supporting nutrients. For example, some prenatal vitamins are separated into two doses per day, spacing out iron intake, which can aid in constipation prevention.

If you have further questions regarding which prenatal is right for you, consult your licensed health care provider.

Sincerely,
Staci Small M.A., R.D.
The Wellness Philosophy Inc.

Families and Wellness 101: An Interview with a Local Expert

2011-03-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

I recently contributed to an article written by Lindsay Reid of the Examiner.com regarding Families and Wellness. Please click the link below to view full article.

Families and Wellness 101: An Interview with a Local Expert

Sincerely,
Staci Small M.A., R.D.
The Wellness Philosophy Inc.

Garden of Life Supplements Recalled (Not sold by The Wellness Philosophy Inc.)

2011-03-05T16:31:00.000-08:00

Below is an important release issued by the Food and Drug Administration. For those of you who may be taking or have children taking Garden of Life supplements (found at many health food stores), please review the information contained within the press release below. Please note that The Wellness Philosophy Inc. does not carry or sell any Garden of Life products therefore, any supplements you have purchased from The Wellness Philosophy are NOT affected by this recall.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - West Palm Beach, FL - March 2, 2011
Garden of Life, LLC today announced that it is voluntarily recalling its Raw Vitamin C because these products may contain undeclared soy proteins. Consumers who have purchased Raw Vitamin C and are sensitive to soy should stop taking the product.

It has come to Garden of Life's attention that one of our unaffiliated third party manufacturers for this product also processes soy in its facilities. Because Raw Vitamin C does not utilize any ingredients originally derived from soy, we were surprised to learn that some bottles of our Raw Vitamin C tested positive for significant amounts of soy proteins.

How to identify the recalled product: To avoid any consumer confusion, this voluntary action only extends to Garden of Life's product bearing the name "Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin C" prominently displayed on both the outer carton as well as the bottle label. All lots of Raw Vitamin C distributed between March 2009 and January 2011 or remaining in expiry are subject to this voluntary recall. No other Garden of Life products are involved with this voluntary recall. Raw Vitamin C has been sold nationally to traditional health food stores and through internet retailers. Any consumers concerned with soy and not fully satisfied with their Raw Vitamin C purchase should return the unused portion of the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions may be directed to the company at 1-866-465-0051, Monday-Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST.

Registered Dietitian Staci Small M.A., R.D. contributes to Indianapolis Woman Magazine

2011-03-03T17:49:00.001-08:00

I had the recent pleasure of contributing to a Weight Loss article written by Adrian Kendrick and Shari Scales Finnell of Indianapolis Woman Magazine.

Click here to view article

Staci Small M.A., R.D.
Registered Dietitian
The Wellness Philosophy Inc.

Registered Dietitian Staci Small M.A., R.D. to present Nutrition Care for Autism at Johnson County Autism Support Group February Meeting

2011-02-05T16:09:00.000-08:00

Please join Registered Dietitian Staci Small M.A., R.D. on Thursday, February 17, 2011 as she presents a Parents Guide to Implementing Nutrition Care for Autism.

What: Implementing a Gluten Free / Casein Free Diet, available testing, supplementation options and recipes
When: Thursday, February 17, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Mt. Auburn Church, Greenwood, Indiana

Please click here for more information or to register

The Wellness Philosophy Now Offers Pure Encapsulations

2010-07-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

In addition to trusted practitioner grade supplement and enzyme brands Kirkman® and Houston Enzymes®, The Wellness Philosophy Inc. is pleased to add Pure Encapsulations® to our line of supplements.

The Wellness Philosophy Inc. is a nutrition practice serving the Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas. We specialize in nutrition intervention of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), food allergies, digestive wellness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Candida, and general wellness nutrition.

To schedule an appointment, please contact Registered Dietitian and owner Staci Small M.A., R.D. at 317.362.6528 or staci@thewellnessphilosophy.com . For additional information visit our web site at http://www.thewellnessphilosophy.com/.

Digestive Health and Surgery

2010-06-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Many of us will have a surgical procedure at some point in our lifetime. This procedure might be for a nagging joint or ligament injury, a cosmetic reason or a lifethreatening issue. Whatever your reason, a large majority of us end up with painful gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in the days immediately following surgery.

A common pre-surgery procedure is for antibiotics to be administered either orally or intravenously. Antibiotics help to prevent surgery related infections. However, they also kill a large majority of our beneficial gut bacteria. Our digestive tracts have a micro world of their own; full of bacteria and other microorganisms that are responsible for some of the most vital processes in our bodies.

Two other common roadblocks to our post surgery gastrointestinal comfort are anesthesia and iron supplements. Both are often necessary and very beneficial to the patient but can promote stools that are hard and difficult to pass post-op. To ease post-op gastrointestinal discomfort, talk to your physician about stool softeners while in the hospital. You'll also want to replenish good bacteria (probiotics) to restore the vital microbial balance in the intestinal tract.

Prior to a surgical procedure, it can be very beneficial to consult with a licenced nutrition professional (Registered Dietitian) to determine the correct type and amount of probiotics, as well as assess possible nutrient depletion caused by the stress of surgery and medications administered during and after surgery.

Please contact Registered Dietitian Staci Small M.A., R.D. at The Wellness Philosophy Inc. for more information or to schedule a digestive health consultation.

Staci Small M.A., R.D. to speak on a "Parent's Guide to Nutrition and Autism" at TACA of Indiana April Meeting

2010-04-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

What: TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Easter Seals Crossroads, 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205

Please contact Julie Sommers or Laura Rowley (TACA, Indiana) with questions.

Autism Research Institute - Defeat Autism Now! 2010 Spring Conference

2010-04-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

The Autism Research Institute's Defeat Autism Now! 2010 Spring Conference is just around the corner. ARI's conferences are aimed at helping clinicians and parents learn the latest biomedical and nutrition interventions for children on the spectrum. The last conference I attended was packed with wonderful information and I am looking forward to attending another later this week (April 8-11; Baltimore, Maryland).

I have attached a link below outlining the nutrition seminar topics. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the topics before or after my attendance.

Nutrition Topics Agenda: ARI Defeat Autism Now! 2010 Spring Conference

Sincerely,

Staci Small M.A., R.D.
The Wellness Philosophy Inc.
P.O. Box 1114
Greenwood, IN 46142
p: 317.362.6528
e: staci@thewellnessphilosophy.com
www.thewellnessphilosophy.com

Benefits of Supplementation

2010-01-23T15:52:00.000-08:00

Many people, young and old, find great benefits from supplementing their nutrient intake with various enzymes, supplements and probiotics. The typical American diet depletes our bodies of adequate nutrients, healthy bacteria, and often stresses our most vital organs. Nutrient intake, digestion and absorption are especially compromised in those suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorders, IBS and other chronic conditions.

Replenishing these important building blocks help our bodies function optimally as well as support cognitive function, digestion, absorption and elimination of toxins. These complex systems rely on the correct nutrients and are vital to our overall health and functioning.

Purchasing supplements from reputable suppliers is key. Research has shown that many supplements from various manufacturers contain heavy metals, artificial fillers, as well as allergens such as wheat, dairy and soy. The health and safety of clients is my number one priority. Therefore, The Wellness Philosophy Inc. only purchases these products from today's most trusted manufacturers. We currently carry supplements, enzymes and probiotics offered by:

Kirkman®
Houston Enzymes®

To schedule an assessment to determine if you could benefit from nutrient supplementation or to place an order, please contact me at staci@thewellnessphilosophy.com.

Seminar: Parent's Guide to Nutrition and Autism

2010-01-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

Please join me on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Old National Bank Community Outreach Center in Greenwood, Indiana as I guide parents through a step-by-step introduction to the process of nutrition intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children with autism have significantly higher rates of nutrition and gut issues than their typical peers. This presentation will help parents understand the recommended order of nutrition intervention per Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) nutrition protocols to most effectively assist in healing the gut and bring comfort back to the child and family dealing with autism.

SEMINAR DETAILS

DATE: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
TIME: 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm (Lunch provided)
LOCATION: Old National Bank, 900 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, IN 46143
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: In an effort to provide the best possible learning environment for everyone in attendance, we ask that only adults attend this seminar.
COST: Free to the public, seating is limited; pre-registration required
RSVP: Kathie Turke, Community Services Representative, Old National Bank 317.885.3318 or Staci Small M.A., R.D., The Wellness Philosophy Inc., 317.362.6528, staci@thewellnessphilosophy.com.

Please RSVP by Monday, January 25, 2010.

Sincerely,

Staci Small M.A., R.D.
Registered Dietitian
The Wellness Philosophy Inc.

Staci Small M.A., R.D., Contributing Author to Indianapolis based Business Women Connect Newsletter

2009-10-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

This Halloween, Trick Your Body Into Weight Loss!

(CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE)

91% of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Benefit From Diet Without Gluten, Casein, Soy

2009-09-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

The Autism Research Institute has shown that a GFCF diet helps 66% of kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), including autism, asperger’s and ADHD. When you also eliminate Soy Protein, the percentage raised to 91%.

Dr. Harumi Jyonouchi of the Department of Pediatrics, New Jersey Medical School in Newark, NJ, has shown that 91% of children with ASD who were put on a strict Gluten Free, Casein Free, and Soy Free diet improved. Jyonouchi’s papers say that ASD children have an atypical immune response to the dietary proteins found in gluten, casein and soy. This peer-reviewed research merely backs up what parents have been saying for more than 10 years.

The Defeat Autism Now! nutrition approach recommends that children with ASD undergo a thorough nutrition assessment with a licensed nutrition professional (Registered Dietitian) before beginning any special diet. Defeat Autism Now! Dietitians are finding that even the best attempts at special diets are often derailed by intestinal dysbiosis (bacterial and/or fungal overgrowth) and severe nutrient deficiencies that result from such intestinal chaos. Defeat Autism Now! clinicians report a large percentage of those with ASD and ADHD have an intestinal overgrowth of Candida or other pathogens.

Many parents are tempted to try special diets and supplementation on their own and often find the results to be disappointing. Judy Converse MPH, RD, a prominent Defeat Autism Now! speaker and dietitian uses a very telling analogy in her most recent book. She compares intestinal dysbiosis to a garden. A gardener pulls the weeds in the garden before fertilizing because the vitamins and nutrients would aid the growth of weeds as well as the flowers. The same is true in children with ASD and ADHD. If we supplement with valuable nutrients before taking care of dysbiosis, we are feeding the Candida or other pathogens. Those pathogens then continue to rob the body of nutrition and produce their toxic byproducts, which poison our bodies in many ways. These poisonous byproducts contribute to the many behavioral, social and physical issues children with ASD face.

If you are considering a special diet for your child or are concerned that your child is not growing according to standard growth charts, please consider seeking guidance from a licensed nutrition professional. At the Wellness Philosophy, Registered Dietitian and Defeat Autism Now! clinician Staci Small will perform a detailed nutrition assessment of your child and guide you through the necessary testing and special diet options that are most appropriate for your child’s situation.

The Wellness Philosophy provides services to the greater Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas. To schedule an appointment to find out how The Wellness Philosophy can assist your child, please contact Staci Small, M.A., R.D. at 317.362.6528 or by e-mail at staci@thewellnessphilosophy.com. For more details and services offered by The Wellness Philosophy Inc., please visit us on the web at http://thewellnessphilosophy.com/.

My Nutrition Philosophy.......

2009-08-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Wellness Philosophy Nutrition Blog. My name is Staci Small, M.A., R.D. and I am the founder and owner of The Wellness Philosophy Inc. The Wellness Philosophy offers nutrition counseling and testing services for Autism and Special Needs Children, Candida (Yeast Overgrowth), Weight Loss, Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Nutrition, as well as Corporate Wellness Programs, to name a few. Having owned my nutrition practice for the past 11 years under the name Images Nutrition Consulting, I recently changed the name of my practice to The Wellness Philosophy to reflect my growing range of services offered; namely nutrition services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other special needs.

Earlier this year, I completed my training as a Defeat Autism Now! practitioner. I am proud to be included on the Defeat Autism Now! registry of health care providers with the Autism Research Institute. I am working to foster partnerships with the limited number of DAN! doctors in the Central Indiana area because of the great, unmet need for immediate care for our children. As many parents of children on the spectrum have already found, proper nutrition assessment, lab testing, and care are key to successfully beginning the journey to healing our precious children.

For complete information regarding my formal training and credentials, please see my personal profile on this blog or visit my web site at http://www.thewellnessphilosophy.com/.
I hope that you find my blog useful in some way to your personal situation or the situation of someone you know. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Staci Small M.A.,R.D.
The Wellness Philosophy Inc.