Dr. Ben Kim's blog

A new study out of the Yale University School of Medicine indicates that exposure to ultrasound waves during routine ultrasound scanning can affect fetal brain development.

Lead researcher Pasko Rakic encourages pregnant women to avoid unnecessary ultrasound scans until more research is done. Read more

If you live in an area that experiences tornados and/or electrical storms from time to time, I hope that the following safety tips, courtesy of Environment Canada, prove to be useful for you and your loved ones someday.

Safety Tips For Thunderstorms and Lightning

1. Before the storm hits, unplug all non-essential electrical appliances such as computers, cordless phones, and television sets.

A joint analysis performed by researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, the University of California at Davis, the University of California at San Francisco, and the University of Pittsburgh indicates that most women at high risk for developing breast cancer do not experience an increase in life expectancy by taking the drug, tamoxifen. Read more

Ingredients:

1 cup of cooked garbanzo beans (chick peas)
1 cup of cooked brown rice
1/2 cup of rolled oats
1 rib of celery, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of naturally brewed soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
Whole grain bread/buns of your choice
Mustard of your choice
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices Read more

Ingredients:

2 cups of frozen (thawed) or fresh blueberries
2 cups of rolled oats
1/2 cup of raisins (organic, if possible)
1/2 cup of chopped dried figs
1/4 cup of chopped raw nuts (pecans are best, walnuts or almonds are also good)

Directions:

Combine rolled oats, dried figs, raisins, and nuts. If you prefer more of a fine texture, simply grind mixture for a few seconds in a food processor or blender. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Read more

Ingredients:

5-7 cups of salad greens like romaine lettuce and red leafy lettuce
1 large apple (any variety will do), cored and chopped into bite-size pieces
1/4 to 1/2 cup of raw walnuts
2 to 4 tablespoons of your favorite salad dressing - extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt works well with this recipe

Directions:

Combine greens, apples, and walnuts in a large bowl and toss with salad dressing. Read more

Hi Dr. Kim,

I've been struggling with a sinus infection for several months. I believe it is an infection because I don't have congestion, but do have drainage and it's giving me very bad breath. I also have pain in my lower sinus cavities when I press on them. And occasionally, I can feel a bubbling sensation in my lower sinuses.

I fasted for 3 days several weeks ago hoping to get the healing process moving and have been sticking to a pretty good diet since then. But so far I haven't seen any improvement. I recently went and sat in a sauna and it seemed to help while I was there. I plan on going several more times. Read more

Ingredients:

1 lb. pecans
1/4 cup rolled oats
10 pitted dates
2 tablespoons of almond butter or raw tahini
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of all-natural vanilla extract
1 cup pre-soaked raisins (2 hours), drained on a dish towel

Directions:

Finely grind pecans and oats in a food processor. Set aside in a medium to large bowl. Use food processor to blend dates, almond butter or raw tahini, cinnamon, and vanilla into a paste.

Mix paste into finely ground pecan-oat mixture using clean hands or a wooden spoon. Add raisins and continue to mix gently until raisins are well distributed. Roll mixture into small balls.

This recipe makes about 10 balls. Enjoy!

From the Fall 2001 edition of Health Science magazine Read more

A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology indicates that eating fish that are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids appears to have a health promoting effect on the electrical system of the heart. This information is particularly important for people with cardiac arrhythmias to be aware of.

Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian of Harvard Medical School analyzed data that was recorded for 5096 adults who were 65 years of age or older from 1989 to 1990. Specifically, electrocardiograms and dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish were analyzed. Read more

Watermelon, fresh peppermint leaves, and sparkling water combine to make a super refreshing summer beverage.

If you have time, make some peppermint ice cubes to add to your sparkling watermelon juice just before serving. Read more