What is the difference between a food allergy, sensitivity, and intolerance? This is a very common question that can lead to some confusion. So let’s try and understand it! The main difference between a food allergy, food sensitivity, and food intolerance is the way your body responds. Both food allergies and sensitivities result in responses by the immune system. However, food intolerances are caused by responses in the gastrointestinal tract – part of your digestive system.

This blog is written by one of our newest GLIM interns, Kristen Stott - meet Kristen and learn more about the health benefits of carrots! This blog was written by new GLIM intern Kristen Stott. Kristen is a freshman at Notre Dame and from Madison, Wisconsin. CARROTS: NOT JUST FOR THE EASTER BUNNY Carrots are my favorite vegetable because they provide a versatile and inexpensive way to enrich your diet. This beautiful orange veggie gets its color from BETA-CAROTENE which the b

This blog is written by one of our newest GLIM interns, Hayley Hinkel - meet Hayley and learn more about the benefits of brussels sprouts! Hi all! My name is Haley Hinkel, and I am currently a freshman at the University of Notre Dame majoring in Science-Business. Besides loving brussels sprouts, I have a passion for the medical field, and I am interested in medical school and the business side of healthcare! I am so excited to be a new intern working with the Great Lakes Inte

This blog is part of the GLIM immunity blog series. What do apples and onions have in common? They both contain a powerful compound called quercetin! Quercetin belongs to a class of compounds known as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals contribute to the color, taste and smell of fruits and vegetables, and we are just beginning to understand their role in maintaining our health. Quercetin is thought to improve elements of mental and physical performance by acting as an antioxidant

This blog is part of the GLIM immunity blog series. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that the body utilizes for many processes including immune function and overall health. We have all heard that vitamin C is good for that pesky cold or to “drink orange juice” when you have an extra bit of mucus. But, how does vitamin C actually aid the immune functions of the body, and can it be used to prevent sickness? The Benefits of Vitamin C Vitamin C has many benefits for people of a

This blog is part of the GLIM immunity blog series. There has never been a better time to strengthen your immune system! While we still focus on the global Coronavirus pandemic, it can be far too easy to forget that many additional illnesses tend to spike this time of year. If you find yourself with a runny nose or a sore throat don't panic - the fix could be as easy as consuming more Zinc! Zinc may be especially effective for the common cold as it can prevent the virus respo

By Lauren Hollmer, GLIM Intern This blog is part of the Fall 2021 Detox Kickoff with GLIM! While I love the changes this detox has brought to my boring kitchen routine, it’s nice to also know that eating out while detoxing is totally doable. At first glance, the detox program appears to present some challenges to ordering whatever looks good. However, with proper planning and thought, it is relatively easy to find a clean and tasty meal that follows the guidelines. To get yo

This blog is part of the Fall 2021 Detox Kickoff with GLIM! Many are familiar with the household remedy for an upset stomach: Ginger ale. Some have debunked this myth, while others stand by the spicy bubbles as the ultimate cure. Beyond its healing powers in the realms of digestion, studies of ginger have actually uncovered even more applications, such as a natural treatment for autoimmune disorders. A number of phytochemicals found in ginger play a significant role in the re

By Lauren Hollmer, GLIM Intern “Detox” is a daunting word that can incite images of strict juice cleanses, calorie counting, and maybe some extended time in the bathroom. When I first heard about the opportunity to try the NuMedica 14-Day Detox , I was intimidated. After doing some research and listening to the potential benefits, I figured I would at least give it a chance. Women encounter over 120 toxins each day before even leaving the house every morning. This prolonged e

As summer comes to a close, have you found yourself more tired than usual, getting sick easily, having difficulty losing weight, or experiencing overall mental or body fatigue? It may be time for a detox! Throughout the summer we change our eating habits and many other aspects of our routines. These changes can cause daily toxins to accumulate. When these toxins are not removed properly, they lead to body and mind fatigue, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, reduced immunity, a

Vitamin D is considered not only a fat-soluble vitamin but also a prohormone, meaning it helps amplify the effect of existing hormones. Strong evidence supports taking Vitamin D above the current recommended dose for bone health. Its job is to help our body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are mostly obtained from the food we eat, and used in bone and muscle formation. Additionally, there is growing evidence linking higher levels of vitamin D with prevention and improvem

We all know that the foods we eat have a significant impact on our energy levels, digestion, and health. However, what many people aren’t aware of is that food sensitivities can manifest as headaches and other symptoms. These symptoms are a result of IgG antibodies which trigger a systemic immune response. These symptoms can include: Headaches & Migraines Bloating Anxiety Heartburn Joint Pain Fatigue Irritability Rashes Nasal Congestion The Immune Response Why can the foods w

Maximize your HSA/FSA spending and jump start your health in the new year! This has been a year like no other, and a lot of things have been delayed or pushed back due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As you prepare for 2021, now is the time to check your Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to make sure that you have utilized all of your healthcare benefits before they are gone! If you use an FSA account, the funds will not roll into next year! This is

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and time to embrace "forest bathing" Happy Thanksgiving from the GLIM team! While this year will be very different for many of us, please consider celebrating Thanksgiving by pulling yourself away from life's stressors by getting outdoors for a new experience in nature. At GLIM we recommend Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴), a traditional Japanese therapy which translates to "Forest Bathing." The term is synonymous with "taking in the forest atmosphere," and

Harness the simple power of breath When life brings you stress, harness the simple power of breath to calm your mind and body. Breathwork not only works to reduce tangible stress, it additionally works to reduce underlying bodily stressors linked to inflammation and immune system disruption. Daily I use a breathing technique developed by one of my mentors and the godfather of Integrative Medicine, Dr. Andrew Weil, called 4-7-8 breathing. Learn Dr. Weil's breathing technique,