Blog Archive

With the holiday season in full swing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by endless parties, festive treats, and packed schedules. Maintaining your health during this time can seem frustratingly difficult, but naturopathic doctor and certified nutrition consultant Humaira Quraishi, ND, MS, is here to help.  Naturopathic medicine offers a sensible,...

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and the Role of Dysbiosis and COVID-19 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and eventually joint destruction. It’s development and progression are influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Recent research...

What is an autoimmune disease? Autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy cells and tissues. Instead of defending your body against harmful invaders like viruses or bacteria, the immune system targets its own body parts. This malfunction can affect one part of the body or...

More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, and that number continues to grow. Many people diagnosed with the disease feel confused, uneasy, and scared because they don’t know the best way to handle their condition.  Experienced naturopathic doctor and certified nutrition consultant Humaira Quraishi, ND, MS, offers personalized diabetes support...

At her naturopathic medicine practice in Fort Lee and Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, empathetic naturopathic doctor and certified nutrition consultant Humaira Quraishi, ND, MS, understands that chronic pain can be exhausting and frustrating.  It’s particularly challenging when conventional approaches to managing your pain fall short. In our practice, we tackle...

IBS affects as many as 45 million Americans today. If you’re among them and looking for long-term relief, we can help.  At the naturopathic practice of Humaira Quraishi, ND, MS, in Fort Lee and Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, we’re dedicated to helping our patients find lasting relief using individualized, holistic...

Nearly 40% of adults in America use some form of complementary and alternative medicine to maintain health. Naturopathic healing combines modern medical practices with traditional healing methods to provide a holistic approach to health. Naturopathic medicine has unique strengths. Our naturopathic doctor, Humaira Quraishi, ND, MS, highlights six key benefits...

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

Hello all! I have the great opportunity of adding an office location at Healing From Within Acupuncture Wellness in Englewood Cliffs, NJ.     Starting September, I will be working the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of every month.    Please reach out if you need to book an appointment at...

Prenatal Multivitamin Multivitamin and mineral supplements can help mothers to hit these nutritional targets, and thereby reduce the risk of certain birth defects and preterm delivery. Variable based on ingredient and formulation, for 5-6 weeks within the preconceptional period A 2021 Australian systematic review of guidelines for complementary medicines and...

Looking for a brain boosting herb which also helps for stress relief? Have you heard of Bacopa monnieri?   Bacopa, also known as Brahmi, is used to treat wide range of brain related conditions. These include ADHD, anxiety, memory loss, Alzheimer’s, stress management and even joint pain. Unlike psychotroptic drugs,...

Boosting Immunity We have gone through the COVID-19 pandemic....well actually it's still not over yet. But on top of covid, we also have to be on alert with colds and flus. Tis the season, right?  We'll all be gathering soon for holidays in closed spaces with our relatives so it...

  In 2020, diabetes has been diagnosed in 34.2 million individuals{2}. It is undiagnosed in 7.3 million people{2}. Prediabetes is also prevalent in 88 million individuals that are 18years of older{2}. These rates are growing year by year. Diabetes has become the world’s most significant cause of morbidity and mortality....

Adaptogens support the body’s natural ability to deal with stress. One such herb which is an adaptogen is Rhodiola rosea. Rhodiola, also known as golden root, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for people with low energy, over exhaustion, depression, anxiety, help reduce the effects of sleep deprivation,...

Today s World’s Alzheimer’s Day! Alzheimer’s Disease(AD) is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over several years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on...

Glyphosate is an herbicide found in the popular product RoundUp and is used to eradicate unwanted vegetation. The use of glyphosate has increased exponentially, It is used in over 750 different products, not only in agriculture, but also in home appliances. There have been many studies on glyphosate and health...

Hello all! I am excited to announce that I have co-created an e-cookbook with another fellow nutritionist. The e-cookbook is called, Walk into Our Kitchen. It is a blend of Egyptian and Pakistani cuisine with a health twist. It is great for anyone who loves to cook/try ethnic food. If...

Boosting Immunity   The rise of COVID-19 within the Tri-State area is concerning. What we can do is take measures to help prevent the spread of the virus and help build our immune system. That being said, here are a few precautions to take, along with herbal, food, and nutrient...

In order to make your life look the way you want, you need to remember one thing: it must be lived with intention. Intentions work with goals and require planning ahead and staying mindful of whatever happens next. Some of my 2020 intentions   Live a balanced life, giving quality...

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Highly prized for their ability to help prevent convulsions and flatulence. Peppermint tea is also useful remedy for irritable bowel syndrome. It may alleviate the symptoms of headaches (including migraine) and stimulate liver and gallbladder functions. The fresh, spicy aroma of peppermint tea may also counteract motion sickness, and...

Opioid Crisis and Pain Classifications Opioid Crisis The rate of overdose deaths from opioids has risen over 165,000 since 1999. Drug overdose deaths continue to increase in the United States. From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 people have died from a drug overdose. Around 68% of the more than...

Hawthorn Tea (Crataegus monogyna) Hawthorn flowers, leaves, and berries have long been used to prepare medicinal teas and tinctures, and in recent years hawthorn has become popular with natural healers for treating heart ailments. Hawthorn has the ability to strengthen the heart muscle, promote blood flow and lower blood pressure. In...

World Thyroid Day – May 25th Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism. The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine and convert it into thyroid hormones which control various functions in your body. These hormones include: Triiodothyronine (T3) – active...

Tropical Detox Smoothie During Ramadan, it has been customary for Pakistanis Muslims to drink rooh afza. I used to drink it when I was growing up but I have found alternatives which are much better. Why? First off, rooh afza has very high amount of added sugar. Sugar that is...

ND Talks Interview with Dr. Palacios on Fasting During Ramadan One of my friends and colleagues who is nonMuslim, Dr. Palacios, will be joining us with the fasts. Please take a look at the video below to see my interview with Dr. Palacios and his journey with fasting during the Ramadan....

Native to South Africa. Benefits Contains 50% more antioxidants than green tea Rich in minerals – calcium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese, zinc, and magnesium Rich in Polyphenols – anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to help conditions of the heart and blood vessels (cholesterol, diabetes, atherosclerosis) Improves heart health – a study in 2012 found Rooibos Tea...

Apple, Pear, Ginger Juice  Ingredients-1 medium piece of ginger, peeled and chopped2 large apples, washed and chopped3 pears, washed and chopped Instructions Wash all produce well In a low-rpm juicer, alternate pressing pears, apples, and ginger. Stir and serve immediately If you don’t have a juicer, you can add all...

This Pineapple Ginger Cleansing Juice is loaded with anti-inflammatory, digestive-boosting and liver cleansing properties.  Pineapple is a good source of vitamin c (which helps support the immune system) and magnesium (which is essential for proper nerve and muscle function). Pineapple contains a nutrient called bromelain which is a proteolytic that...

All of us know we should get 7-9hours of sleep every night, yet, majority of us don’t reach that goal. And if we do, we might not be fully refreshed. This could be due to hormone imbalances or stress, such as pulling an all-nighter to cram for a test/paper. These...

Students are busy with exam, papers, and maintaining an active social life that they often neglect their health. It is important to create a plan/routine that you can use throughout the semester to keep your health in check. Here are a few tips to help ensure you stay healthy and...

Approximately 80% of adults are magnesium deficient. The Recommended Dietary Allowance(RDA) for men is 400mg and women is 310mg.  Magnesium is required for Protein synthesis Blood sugar regulation Energy metabolism Blood pressure regulation Nerve function Neurotransmitter release Decrease constipation Deficiency Can Result In: Insomnia – magnesium is important in the function of GABA, a neurotransmitter that...

Summertime is here and this is one delicious recipe you should definitely try! Watermelons are loaded with water and are incredibly hydrating. Watermelon is best known for it’s content of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant which is converted into vitamin A. Ingredients 2 ¼ cup of seedless watermelon, cubed & chilled...

There are 2 types of sunscreen: non-mineral which are made from chemical formulas and mineral sunscreen which are made from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide formulas. The latter are less toxic. Environmental Working Group found 67% of sunscreens didn’t work and many, due to their chemical composition, may disrupt endocrine hormones and...

With all the traveling and walking around in this summer heat, one needs to be hydrated. Drinking 1/3 to ½ your body weight in ounces is the key to hydration, however, many only drink an ounce of water per day. Severe dehydration has serious health consequences, but even mild dehydration...

During this fast paced day and age, one is always eating on the run and scoffing down food. This leads to improper digestion, decrease in absorption of nutrients, and health concerns such as constipation, bloating, headaches, acne, malnutrition and the list goes on. The following are tips to help you...

Awhile ago, I went to Bunna Cafe in Brooklyn and fell in love with the Ethiopian cuisine, especially the flatbread Injera. So I finally had a go at making it and it was a success. Did you know Injera is gluten free, spongy, sourdough flatbread which is fermented 1-3 days, depending...

Fitness Tips During Ramadan by Rami Allan  Unsure how to optimize your fitness during Ramadan? Let me help make it easier for you. If your goal is to lose a few pounds and burn body fat, then you’re in luck, well, that’s only if you can control yourself from the...

Basil Seeds (Ocimum basilicum) – native to Asia and the Mediterranean regions. Other common names – sabja, tukmaria, falooda Basil seeds are cousins to Chia Seeds. Basil seeds are black, tiny and round. Whereas, Chia seeds are little bit larger and more oval in shape and can be in a...

Since I am fasting and can’t have any water until sunset, I just wanted to shed some light on the importance of water. I’ve come across many clients and friends who don’t drink enough of it, even though, we have filtered water within our reach. For people who know me,...

Meditation is a spiritual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. Think of it as a “Mental Hygiene” – cleansing the self from within. While the aim of meditation is different for each person, the majority of the outcomes are same such as positive mood and...

Fasting is used to lose weight, treat & identify medical conditions, cleanse and detoxify the body and has historically been practiced by various religions. During the Islamic month of Ramadan, majority of Muslims all over the world fast during the daylight hours. Fasting is a means of taqwa, guarding oneself from...

Some info about lavender Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice found lavender to decrease anxiety and emotional stressStudy conducted in 2014 found lavender to be protective against diabetic symptoms such as weight gain and blood sugar dysregulationIn 2012, Swiss journal Molecules, found lavender to improve brain function via it’s antioxidant contentLavender oil has sedating effects and helps to improve sleep and insomnia.Other beneficial effects...

Relief from Seasonal Allergies Recommendations (Note: These are recommendations, and should not all be taken together unless guided by a professional. Make a consultation with your Naturopathic Doctor to obtain the best plan to assess your seasonal allergies) Environmental allergens cause an abnormal immune response resulting in seasonal allergies. Common...

Matcha Green Tea is that just one bowl provides over 5 times as many antioxidants as any other food – the highest rated by the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) method Green tea contains a specific set of organic compounds known as catechins. Among antioxidants, catechins are the most potent...

Pomegranates have powerful antioxidants, three times more than red wine and green tea. These help to reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage the seeds of pomegranates have been used as a natural aphrodisiac Has been researched to treat high blood pressure and improve heart health – published studies by Phytotherapy Research, Clinical...

As seen on Naturopathic Doctor News & Review: DOCERE Who would ever think we’d be consuming herbicide/pesticides in foods other than fruits, vegetables, and grains? Well, think again. Glyphosate, an herbicide contained in the popular product Roundup, and used to eradicate unwanted vegetation, has shown up in one of America’s favorite...

We’ve come into one of the deadliest flu seasons yet! Here’s what you need to know: The flu is highly contagious disease. It is caused by an influenza virus which is spread through the air from person to person or through contaminated devices (remote control, doorknob, etc.). It won’t be...

 Wintertime dry skin is one way to tell your home is too dry  Naturally humidifying your space is money-saving and eco-friendly alternative.Plants can moisturize your home through a process called transpiration.  According to the United States Geological Society, once a plant is watered, moisture will travel through the plant from...

In Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, warming herbs are used to improve blood circulation, promote digestion, and bring warmth within the body. The author of The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook, Dr. Alan Tillotson, Ph.D. states “Herbs that are warming help to disperse and counteract pathogenic agents present when the body has excess...

What is it? Type of water based therapy (hydrotherapy) Natural method to stimulate immune system by increasing blood circulation When is it used? Cold/Flu Sinus Congestion Cough Sore throat Bronchitis Fever Headache Migraine Inflammation Sinus Infection Mechanism of Action The use of both alternating hot and cold cause a pumping...

  What is Lactose? Lactose is a sugar found in dairy product. It is broken down by the enzyme lactase which is produced in the small intestine. Over time, our body losses the ability to produce lactase which results in lactose intolerance. Lactose Intolerance Symptoms arise when lactose is not...

You may have come across these beauties while walking around. This plant is called Echinacea, also known as North American coneflower. It is used as a traditional herbal remedy for more than 400 years by the Great Plains Indian tribes due to it’s various abilities against cold/flu, inflammation, skin disorders...

Once in a golden hourI cast to Earth a seed.Up there came a flowerThe people said, a weed – Alfred Tennyson The common flower you see sprouting through cracks on the sidewalk/pavement is called Dandelion, also known as Taraxacum offincinale in it’s latin name and “Lion’s Tooth” in French translation....

Manuka Honey Made in New Zealand from the Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) flowers after pollination by bees. If you are looking to buy Manuka honey, make sure to find one that has a high Unique Manuka Factor(UMF) which is the antibacterial strength of the honey. UMF is not in nectar of...

Office workers, stand up from your desk for two hours a day We’ve known for some time that too much sitting increases your risk of diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease and early death. But until now it’s been unclear how much standing during the work day may counter this increased risk. Guidelines published...

A dark night is good for your health Today most people do not get enough sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called insufficient sleep an epidemic. While we are finally paying attention to the importance of sleep, the need for dark is still mostly ignored. That’s right....

Health Check: can I exercise while getting over a bug? As we move into winter, the cold mornings, dark evenings and rain tend to bring out the best excuses to miss a session at the gym or run around the park. But if you’re feeling tired and run down, can...

Here’s what happens to your brain when you give up sugar By Jordan Gaines Lewis, Neuroscience Doctoral Candidate Penn State College of Medicine Anyone who knows me also knows that I have a huge sweet tooth. I always have. My friend and fellow graduate student Andrew is equally afflicted, and...

Lips are the most exposed erogenous zone, which makes kissing feel very good Scientists in the Netherlands have reported that we share about 80m bacteria during a passionate ten-second kiss; a finding that makes puckering up seem cringe-worthy – and downright unsanitary at the start of cold and flu season. But take...

Want to boost your memory and mood? Take a nap, but keep it short We’re told to have power naps to keep us safe on the road and improve our alertness if we’ve had insufficient sleep. They even help our surgeons stay awake during long shifts. But siestas and nana...

Fat and sugar-heavy diet harms your brain – and makes you keep on eating Do you eat only when you’re actually hungry? Many of us eat even when our bodies don’t need food. Just the thought of food entices us to eat. We think about food when we see other...