Dr. Ben Kim's blog

If you are finding it difficult to overcome tendencies to experience fear and anxiety about a health condition or any other aspect of your life, I hope that you realize that you are not alone. Fear and anxiety are emotions that are common to every person's life journey, but especially for those who are living with a long-standing health challenge. Read more

You have countless immune cells in every corner of your body that are constantly working to keep you healthy by identifying, packaging, and eliminating harmful substances that have made their way into your blood.

If your immune system falters and begins to identify some of your own tissues as being harmful or unnecessary, it will work to attack and eliminate these tissues through an inflammatory response that can cause pain and discomfort in many forms - this is how autoimmune illness develops. Read more

Rich in healthy protein, folate, manganese, and fiber, few natural foods pack the nutrient density that chickpeas do. When prepared in the way that we're about to show you, they're tastier than potato chips. Well, maybe not to everyone, but we can state with confidence that crisped chickpeas make for a delightfully healthy snack, one that won't contribute to a multitude of degenerative diseases. Read more

From the first listen, I was enchanted by Birdy's recording of Skinny Love but was unsure of what it was about. How immensely gratifying it was late last night to stumble upon an interview that revealed the following thoughts from songwriter Justin Vernon: Read more

This is a lovely recipe for vegans and non-vegans alike. Rich in healthy protein and bone-building minerals, this mushroom soup offers protection against cardiovascular disease, strengthens immune function, and helps reduce inflammation throughout the body - simply do a search through the online archives at the National Library of Medicine and you'll confirm these and other health benefits from regular consumption of button and cremini (sometimes spelled crimini) mushrooms.

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I've long maintained that pasteurized and homogenized dairy products should be avoided whenever possible, as regular intake of cooked casein in dairy is associated with a number of health challenges, the most common of which are chronic ear infections, nasal congestion, acne, eczema, a variety of autoimmune illnesses, and even cancer.

I almost never eat dairy products, but like a lot of people who follow a dairy-free diet, I find myself craving different types of cheese from time to time. If you're like me and long for the texture and flavor of cheese on occasion, I hope that you give the following recipe for raw, dairy-free dill cheese a try. In the proportions listed, this recipe comes out as more of a cheese dressing; if you prefer it thicker and richer, start with less water when you blend and adjust if necessary by adding small amounts of water. Read more

Red beets are right at the top my list of foods that everyone should aim to eat at least a few times a week. Per ounce, few other foods are as dense in nutrients that prevent cardiovascular disease, all types of cancer, and neurological damage associated with high homocysteine levels.

Red beets are especially rich in folate, which is why they are useful for lowering blood homocysteine and reducing risk of birth defects.

If you have a problem with constipation, red beets and their green tops are likely to provide significant relief. Both are rich in fiber that can help keep waste materials moving through your gastrointestinal tract at a healthy pace. Read more