DrCarney.com Blog

Vegans and others following a plant-based diet may face challenges during the seven days of Passover. If they are from the Ashkenazic tradition of Judaism, not only is leavening prohibited, but chametz (wheat, oats, rye, barley, and spelt) and kitniyot (all legumes including green beans, plus rice, corn, millet, and many other seeds) are also avoided. Omnivores...

"Under the sea / Darling it's better / down where it's wetter." And if you're a fish or even a Little Mermaid, that's probably true. But for those of us with two legs firmly planted on land, not everything is better under the sea. Some foods from "down where it's wetter" might be better left...

Atherosclerosis (or hardening of the arteries) is a disease caused by years of eating the rich Western diet. Fatty plaque deposits accumulate and coat the inside of the blood vessel walls beginning in early childhood. These fatty plaque streaks can be seen in children as young as three years of age, and by the age...

Have you ever tried to "go vegan" and found yourself failing for lack of support? You're not alone. The Humane Research Council (HRC) conducted a study to identify the key reasons people either adopt or give up a vegetarian or vegan diet. The HRC Study of Current and Former Vegetarians and Vegans surveyed over 11,000...

Here's another good reason for eating plants. Today, Tyson issued a recall of its five-pound bags of chicken nuggets because pieces of hard plastic were found embedded in the meat. The US Department of Agriculture calls it a Class 1 recall, indicating a health hazard capable of causing serious, adverse health consequences, or death. Of course, we...

Many fad diets come and go, but one diet in particular has stood the test of time.  Anyone familiar with the Mediterranean diet will most likely tell you that by pouring olive oil over your salad and including a glass of wine with your dinner will transform your present diet into a "heart healthy" Mediterranean...

Kelly Binkoski was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in January of 2012. Her surgeon scheduled her for surgery with an aggressive chemo and radiation plan following surgery. She and her husband inadvertently watched Forks Over Knives two days before her surgery, and their lives were forever changed. The documentary introduced her to the work of Dr....

"But my blood test says my estrogen level is FINE!" Imagine how many times women have told me that. Often a patient says it with palpable frustration in her voice. She's already seen her OB/GYN and been told there's no problem with her hormone levels. But since she is still experiencing symptoms like heavy monthly...

A proposed Italian law has put the spotlight on the merits of a vegan diet for children. In four cases in recent months, Italian children have been hospitalized for micronutrient deficiencies purportedly related to the vegan diet fed them by their parents. The proposed law recommends prison sentences for up to four years for parents...

Because I emphasize a low-fat version of a whole-food, plant-based diet, some people may think that I consider all fat a bad thing. That's absolutely untrue. The human body requires fat. Our bodies use fat for for energy, to help us absorb certain vitamins and minerals, and to build the membranes of our body's more...

Making the transition to a whole-food, plant-based diet, involves a process known as detoxification. It is not unusual for a person to experience feeling ill shortly after beginning their healhier lifestyle. Some of the most common symptoms are fatigue, headache, shakiness, and GI symptoms of gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

It has been noted that some symptoms can even mimic those of the flu including an elevated temperature.  Generally speaking, the severity of the symptoms is directly proportional to how toxic a person is and the richness of their previous diet.  Some choose to make positive changes in their diet quickly which may intensify the symptoms.  Making changes more gradually may work better for those who need a slower adjustment period.

Grocery store aisles are filled with products labeled as "all natural," "heart healthy" and "organic." It's easy to be attracted to these products, since they claim to be so healthy. Since it's organic, all natural, and good for our hearts, we would be crazy not to purchase it, right However, when we take a closer...