The Connection Between Dental Health and Overall Wellness




“Physicians rarely ask about the health of your mouth, yet the same blood that goes through any dental infection like gum disease, picks up bacteria and transfers them throughout the entire body, from the heart to the brain. It’s time to connect the dots between the mouth and the rest of the body and include the mouth when evaluating a persons illness. Many times the source of the disease is literally right under your nose!” Charles Reinertsen, DDS


Health Benefits of Practicing Gratitude


Spend some time over the holidays to practice gratitude. According to Harvard Health recent research has pointed to several health benefits of practicing gratitude on a daily basis.

Benefits of Gratitude

  • Emotional and social well-being.
  • Better sleep quality.
  • Lower depression risks.
  • Favorable markers of cardiovascular health.
  • Possibility of life extension.

Read 7 Ways To Improve Your Health by Practicing Gratitude at ClevelandClinic.org.

Nature’s Candy: Health Benefits of Figs


Dried Figs

Figs are nicknamed nature’s candy because of their high natural sugar content. Dried figs have a sweet, chewy soft and crunchy texture.

Dried figs are made from fresh figs that have been dehydrated to remove their moisture content.

Benefits of Figs

Fresh Figs
  • Figs are an excellent source of dietary fiber.
  • Figs contain 7 essential minerals: copper, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
  • Figs contain Vitamins A, K and B6.
  • Dried figs are one of the best sources of calcium. One serving, about 4 figs has 50 – 60mg of calcium.
  • Figs are considered a super snack.
  • Figs help to support intestinal health due to their high fiber content.
  • Figs are low in calories.

Quick and Healthy Cottage Cheese Meal Ideas


Cottage cheese is a low calorie food that is high in calcium and protein. A good reason to include cottage cheese in your diet is to prevent osteoporosis since calcium helps to maintain strong, healthy bones.

Cottage cheese provides a quick, highly nutritious breakfast, lunch or snack. It has a mild flavor and creamy texture. Many brands offer a low fat variety. You can add your own flavors by adding herbs such as oregano, basil, onion or garlic granules.

Another important nutrient found in cottage cheese is selenium, an essential trace mineral that supports thyroid health.

Quick Cottage Cheese Meals

  • Cottage Cheese Raw Fruit Salad with Sliced Oranges, Apples or Pineapple
  • Cottage Cheese Raw Vegetable Salad with Raw Carrots, Peppers and Celery
  • Cottage Cheese Spread over Multigrain Crackers or Toasted English Muffin
  • Raw Vegetable Dip with Red, Green or Yellow Peppers


Healthy Snacks Rich in Calcium


Calcium is an essential mineral for healthy bones and teeth. Insufficient dietary calcium can lead to the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Osteopenia is low bone mass vs osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weak and prone to fractures. Osteopenia can lead to osteoporosis.

Your body doesn’t produce calcium. In order to support bone health, you must consume dietary sources to get sufficient calcium.

The best dietary sources of calcium are dairy, soft-boned fish, and green leafy vegetables. Certain fruits also contain calcium. Some of them are oranges, dried figs, apricots, bananas, papayas, and strawberries.

High Calcium Snacks

Glass of Dairy Milk or Almond Milk with Tofu Chocolate Cake

Glass of Plain Kefir or Strawberry Kefir

Sliced Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese with Assorted Sliced Fruit

Low Fat Strawberry Cheesecake

Almonds

Tahini (Sesame Butter) spread on Multigrain Crackers with Assorted Fruit

Yogurt Topped with Fruit and Almonds

Cheddar Cheese with Sliced Oranges, Strawberries or Kiwis

Dried Figs and Apricots with Almonds

Daily Calcium Requirements

Your Daily Calcium Requirements are based on your age and sex.


MEN
19-50 years 1,00 mg
51-70 years 1,000 mg
71 and older 1,200 mg


WOMEN
19-50 years 1,000 mg
51 and older 1,200 mg


High Calcium Dinner Ideas for Strong Bones


Calcium intake is crucial for bone health. Insufficient dietary calcium can lead to the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Osteopenia is low bone mass vs osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weak and prone to fractures. Osteopenia can lead to osteoporosis.

Your body doesn’t produce calcium. In order to support bone health, you must consume dietary sources to get sufficient calcium.

The best dietary sources of calcium are dairy, soft-boned fish, and green leafy vegetables. Certain fruits also contain calcium. Some of them are oranges, dried figs, apricots, bananas, papayas, and strawberries.

High Calcium Dinner

Tofu and Vegetable Stir Fry: Sauteed Chopped Kale, Brocolli, Scallions, Mushrooms, and Garlic in Toasted Sesame Oil. Serve over Egg Noodles.

Dessert: Low Fat Strawberry Cheesecake or Tofu Chocolate Cake

Daily Calcium Requirements

Your Daily Calcium Requirements are based on your age and sex.


MEN
19-50 years 1,00 mg
51-70 years 1,000 mg
71 and older 1,200 mg


WOMEN
19-50 years 1,000 mg
51 and older 1,200 mg