Question: Is fat important to my dog’s health and, if so, what is the best kind?

Answer: Dietary fat is the most concentrated source of energy for the dog. It also provides essential fatty acids and aids in nutrient utilization and transportation. Fat is involved in cell integrity and metabolic regulation. So, yes, fat is important to your dog’s overall health! Read the rest »

Question: I love soup on a chilly day, but I’d like to try something new that I can make for myself that’s also impressive enough to prepare for guests. Any ideas?

Answer: Soup is indeed a supreme comfort food and is a very versatile food. It can be served as a first course or entrée. Following is a soup recipe that should please your palate and those of your friends.

Gazpacho is a traditional chilled Spanish soup but can be heated in the winter and served chilled during warmer weather. In addition to tasting delicious, it’s a good way to hydrate the body with fluid and nutrients. Using beautiful ripe tomatoes (organically-grown are the best) will give your soup luscious color and flavor. Read the rest »

Question: I love the flavor of pumpkin, but I’m tired of pie! Is there something else I can make with it? Also, I’ve heard that pumpkin is high in something called beta-carotene – is that a good thing?

Answer: Absolutely! Pumpkins have been used throughout history as both food and medicine and they’re grown almost all over the world, ranging in size from very tiny to giants weighing more than 100 pounds. This winter squash is an excellent source of antioxidants including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin – compounds that help fight the damaging effect of free radicals that can cause heart disease and cancer. Read the rest »

Question: The sky is gray and the air is cold. I can’t afford a cruise to Bahamas; so how about a recipe to lift my spirits and remind me that summer will return!

Answer: Okay, but that cruise sounds pretty good too – can I come? In addition to the following recipe, you might consider using full-spectrum lighting in your home and workplace. These bulbs produce light waves that more closely resemble those of the sun. Without the sun’s light, some people can become unhappy or depressed. So, screw in some full-spectrum lighting, sip on the following smoothie, and imagine yourself basking on the cruise ship’s sun deck! Read the rest »

There are probably ancient cave drawings depicting this well-known joke; it’s been around so long! And let’s face it; there’s a time and place where it can earn a good chuckle. But if your child has a problem with frequent gas, it shouldn’t be ignored. It can be much more than just unpleasant aromatherapy!

First the question: What’s causing the gas? Unfortunately, there’s not one simple answer. To get to the, uh, bottom, of what’s causing your child’s gas, it’s a good idea to access their overall health. Are they an all around happy and healthy child without any other health issues? If your child is not in good health, then a trip to your favorite doctor is in order.

This is especially important if the child’s gas is accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, or other distress. If your child is in good health, other than occasionally clearing the room, then it may be time to put on your detective hat and start looking for clues. Take a good look at what your child is eating; at home and away. You might consider keeping a food diary to better connect the symptom to its cause. Your child could have food allergies or intolerances. Read the rest »

When asked this question, I sometimes joke to the person inquiring that it’s good they’re going to start taking responsibility for their own emissions and stop blaming the dog! But seriously, frequent gas in your dog shouldn’t be ignored. It can be much more than just unpleasant aromatherapy.

First the question: What causes gas in dogs? Unfortunately, there is not one simple answer as the reason can range from bad food to parasites to illness. To get to the, uh, bottom, of what’s causing gas in your particular furry friend, you first need to look at the whole animal. Is the dog healthy and in good condition other than having gas? If your dog is not in good health, then a trip to your favorite veterinarian (preferably one who practices alternative medicine) is in order. If your dog is in good health, other than occasionally clearing the room, then it may be time to try a few simple natural remedies. Read the rest »

Dear Kymythy,
I’ve heard that spinach is good for me, but I don’t like the taste. Do you have a good recipe?

You’re correct about spinach being good for you – Popeye was right! This “superfood” is loaded with good nutrients including protein, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, enzymes and fiber. It has a great calcium to phosphorus ratio and is a good source of vitamins A, C, E, K and B. Spinach also contains a large amount of the carotenoid lutein, which protects cells from free-radical damage and must be obtained from food because it’s not made within the body. Read the rest »