We have all heard and probably repeated the middle of the road saying, “Moderation is key” to ourselves and others when it comes to eating bad, eating well, engaging in risky behavior or even using habits that seem healthy. But can diving into cyclical habits of the far extreme (or just too much for one’s body to handle) always yield a positive reaction, when what we are doing seems at first good for us and healthy?

There is a popular Chinese saying that if one eats a plentiful amount of seaweed and sea vegetables, the hair grows stronger, thicker and blacker (which is always heavily sought after for Asians, as black voluminous and thick hair was a sign of beauty and youth). Though sea vegetables do wonders for the body and hair, there is another mineral Mother nature created that is often overlooked and not talked about as much—silica. Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the body’s connective tissues – muscles, tendons, hair, ligaments, nails, cartilage, and bone – and is vital for healthy skin and bones.

Clinical studies show that supplementing a normal diet with regular consumption of Xylitol (xylitol chewing gum 2 times a day) is beneficial for teeth. In fact, daily use of xylitol by chewing gum containing at least one gram of xylitol or sprinkling a few grams of xylitol on top of cereal or chewing the granules in the mouth, for instance, prevents bacteria from creating the acids that damage teeth.

Our society has become almost obsessed over making our smiles perfect. The quest for white teeth has created a constantly growing multi-billion dollar industry in the toothpaste isle and in dentist offices. Certainly we all know some of the teeth staining culprits: coffee, tea, red wine and some soda. But did you know that there are many common foods that can actually help whiten your teeth over time? They’re not as thoroughly effective as professional teeth whitening products—but they are cheap, effective and natural. And that should leave you smiling

New research and new diseases are prompting some dentists to question the wisdom of traditional dental materials and dental procedures. These dentists practice what is called holistic or biological dentistry.

It is extremely difficult to see your child in pain when he or she is teething, but it is an inevitable milestone that each parent has to face. It is part of the growing pains of being a baby, and a parent, and each person will begin the teething process at a different time. Teething symptoms may include irritability, drooling, biting or gnawing, cheek rubbing, diarrhea, fever or insomnia. Fortunately, there are natural steps to help ease your child’s pain.

Most children start teething from the fourth or fifth month: about the time they are switching to solid foods. Preemies will start later than other children, but this is an upside: you might get a chance to sleep through the night before the teething begins!