Uncover fascinating pumpkin facts you never knew! From its nutritional powerhouse to unique varieties, and the spices that accompany it, a world of discovery waits.

An illustrative story about hanger, with measures to take to prevent blood sugar irregularities; and insulin resistance.

October 16 th was World Food Day — close on the heels of Canadian Thanksgiving Day, which we celebrated on October 13 th . Fresh produce It was a good time for the explorer in me to make a foray on Substack. So, follow me there and please subscribe to my newsletter, Fernz Holistic Choices, to get my posts and notes. As someone who I’ve always known to be curious and observant, I have an obsession about the source of food, how it is grown, how it is processed (if at all), and

Your immune system is your body's sophisticated defense network, constantly working to protect you from pathogens and maintain optimal health. While genetics play a role, your daily choices profoundly influence how well this system functions. Here's how to support your immune resilience through evidence-based lifestyle practices.   A farmer balancing sheaves on a pole. We have to take care of our immune systems and it's a similar delicate balance. Meditation and Mindfulness:

Discover the benefits of Fall cleansing with our holistic approach. Learn how Fall cleansing can rejuvenate your body and mind this season.

Basket of Fruit While you’re still trying to catch every bit of warm sunshine while it's still around in the Northern hemisphere, you get thirsty. You grab one of those prebiotic sodas your friend was telling you about. Perhaps you know all about prebiotics, but maybe you just know they are good for digestion. Well, prebiotics are the food for probiotics.   What are Probiotics?  They are the friendly bacteria that live in your gut. Yes, they pay nothing for board and lodge. B

Brought to You by Nature's Tiny Pharmacists Because sometimes the best medicine comes in hexagonal packages . Bees on the Honeycomb Every year, on the third Saturday in August, we celebrate World Honey Bee Day . And it’s only right that we tip our hats to these industrious little workers. Bees clock in for a 12-hour shift between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. with an inexplicable enthusiasm for work that would make your most motivated colleague look like a sloth.  I’m reminded of the be

Garlic, Nature's Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal. In the warmer months, most people love to get to the lakes and the charming countryside. Fun times with family and friends—always a good thing. It’s even better if we are prepared.   Freshwater environments can be breeding grounds for insects or bacteria that can cause a serious type of pneumonia, called Legionnaires' disease. Or the untoward scrape or cut, if not tended to, can lead to an infection.   But, not to worry.

A Sleepless Night What less sleep or poor sleep can do to you Lack of sleep itself can cause dementia. Many of us are unaware of it, or maybe it was just a fact too low on the totem pole of priorities. But one day, you feel it... You know you need sleep. You want a quick fix. You get some sleep medications. But do you know that studies done earlier this year indicate that such pharmaceuticals can eventually lead to dementia and related conditions such as Alzheimer’s? So, plea

Foundational digestive-enhancing tips, along with some tried and true natural remedies that are quick to give you results.

Smoke and particulate matter from everyday pollution and wildfire haze can damage our delicate lung tissues. Immediate steps for protection are outlined as well as ongoing zero-to-low cost means and methods to support your health through easy-to-implement nutritional protocols and lifestyle hacks.

An alerting article to the dangers of microplastics and nanoplastics, including a list of helpful healthy and safe swaps for plastic items most commonly used.

Nutrient-rich Berries When we think of nutrition, we mainly think of the macronutrients, the big three: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. We seldom pay attention to micronutrients — vitamins and minerals. I would say we need to pay attention to seven other top players that we often forget and are free: prayer, water, sunlight, sleep, gratitude, relationships, laughter, and sleep. We need to be nourished by them too.   But let’s get back to the big three and the micros... Ma

Bees, our Helpers. Oh no! Not the itchy hives. Do you know that a natural remedy for hives is derived from our trusty honeybees?   Allow me to wander a little before I get back to the bees.   Our beautiful habitat, our earth, is self-providing and sustaining. Our marvelous Creator instituted this ingenious ecosystem, featuring such precision in balance . Over the years, man has tampered with it. We are left with an environment that is slowly being destroyed. But the resilienc

You might be very familiar with them or you may not have paid attention to them. But if you have never tried papayas, you are missing something good. Papayas, oranges, and limes However, please also read the Cautions  at the bottom of this section before you eagerly savor one. About 80% of papayas tested were shown to be free of pesticides. However, I would not buy Hawaiian papayas -- they are genetically modified.   How can genetically engineered produce be harmful? Well, it

A story of transformation from being overweight to feeling energetic and vibrant

We sometimes live in shadows that prevent us from living wholesome, fulfilled, vibrant and healthy lives.

In our fast-paced lives, we often overlook how essential sleep is. Can a simple nap be the answer to boosting your health, energy, and productivity?   The History and Science of Napping Siestas were traditionally short naps taken in the early afternoon, very often after the midday meal. It is more common in some countries, particularly those in warm-weather zones such as Spain and southern Europe, the Middle East, South America and Asia.   Napping is not just an indulgence. R

The importance of sleep and tips and lifestyle practices for quality, rejuvenating sleep.

Tips and tricks for enjoyable, safe, and healthy travels.