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Author: Stephen Fogg

Thrive Carolinas / Articles posted by Stephen Fogg

Avoiding Toxins in Oral Health Products: A 2025 Wellness Guide

Published: August 25, 2019 Updated: March 25, 2025 Protecting Your Mouth, Body, and Microbiome When it comes to wellness, oral health is often overlooked—but it’s a critical part of your whole-body health. Many conventional toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental products still contain ingredients that can negatively impact your microbiome, disrupt hormones, or contribute to chronic inflammation. In 2025, we now have greater access to natural alternatives, but harmful ingredients still persist in many mainstream products. Because your mouth and gums are highly absorbent, what you use in your oral care routine truly matters. Ingredients to Avoid in Oral Health Products 1. Triclosan Formerly used as an antibacterial/antifungal agent, triclosan has been linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and hormone disruption. While it’s been banned in some products, it may still be found...

Why Do a Detox??

Originally published December 13, 2023 Updated December 30, 2024 Why Is Detoxing The Body So Important? Here is the cruel reality: our bodies are exposed to numerous toxins each day. These toxins include environmental toxins, chemical pollutants in the air we breathe, and toxins from our food and beverages.  Although your body has an amazing ability to remove these harmful toxins, they continue to accumulate and can have many negative effects on your body. Your organs can become bogged down, and toxicity can manifest in your body through a wide variety of symptoms. Many of the symptoms are vague and persistent. To see if you are experiencing some of the negative effects of your toxic load, consider completing an MSQ questionnaire ( see below ). This may provide you...

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The Science Behind an Apple a Day

The Science Behind an Apple a Day Nancy A. Palermo MD Everyone knows the saying,” An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While this cliché may not be entirely true, there is enough evidence that apples have nutritional value to be considered health-promoting food. Current research into the power of food shows there are real reasons this powerful fruit might just reduce your doctor’s visits. Apples are nutritional powerhouses. Providing 4 gm of fiber, Vitamin C, and K, but more importantly, one apple can provide 22% of the phenolic antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can lead to tissue damage. Getting sufficient antioxidants is associated with a reduction in cancer cell proliferation, a reduction in damage to our DNA, a reduction...

Tuscan Bean Dip

Looking for a quick, flavorful appetizer that brings the taste of Italy to your table? This Tuscan Bean Dip is the perfect blend of creamy cannellini beans, fresh herbs, and zesty olive oil. It's easy to make, packed with Mediterranean flavors and pairs perfectly with crusty bread or fresh veggies. Whether you're hosting a gathering or want a healthy snack, this dip will impress! Ingredients: 2 (19-ounce) cans cannellini beans 2 Bay leaves 1 Small red onion, minced 5 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced (or whichever tomato is freshest and in season) 2 Tablespoons garlic, minced 1/4 Cup fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, chopped 1/2 Cup fresh basil, finely chopped 2 Cups good-quality olive oil, plus more if needed 2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed...

Super Seven Salad

Super Seven Salad Eating Healthy Never Tasted This Good This Super Seven Kale Salad is a unique blend of seven superfoods and a delicious dressing. Have you searched for a great Kale salad recipe that the kids will devour? Well, look no further than the Super Seven Salad. This smart sweet Kale salad is a unique blend of seven superfoods and a delicious poppyseed dressing. The combination of kale, red cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, toasted walnuts, toasted pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries make this Super Salad something you need to add to your weekly diet. Try it with Annie's light poppyseed dressing, but don't overdo it with the dressing, the cranberries and pumpkin seeds give this super salad a perfect level of sweetness all by itself. Super Seven Salad 3...

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Springtime Detox to Enhance Your Immune System

In theories of acupuncture, humans are looked at as part of the natural world that surrounds them. Seasons change and during this transition from one season to another, it is important to stay balanced with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Each season is linked with an organ system in the body. Spring season is also known as the Wood element in TCM. Spring is the Liver and Gall bladder organ and meridian. Spring is when the liver should thrive. However, during transition, or early spring, the liver can get out of whack or out of harmony and become vulnerable. Acupuncture improves the function of the liver meridian and can restore balance to the organs. According to TCM, the liver is responsible for smooth flowing Qi (chi) or energy...

Farmer’s Market Salad

  This yummy spin on a spring salad is packed with nutrients and antioxidants to boost your immune system and help fight disease. Pick up these veggies on your next trip to the Charlotte Farmer's Market and add variation to the salad to appeal to your taste buds! Ingredients: 2 cups sliced zucchini 1 cup yellow wax beans, chopped into 2-inch pieces 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed 1 cup sliced radishes (¼ inch slices) ½ cup turnips halved and sliced in ¼-inch slices 1 cup herb sprigs and leaves—flat-leaf parsley, dill, and basil 1 spring onion, thinly sliced Pinch chopped chives 2 Tbsp toasted sunflower seeds 1 cup of Chopped Beets Dressing: 2 Tbsp flax oil 2 tsp apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon tamari, plus more to taste...

Motivation: Join Us for our 8 Domains of Wellness Workshop

Are you ready to start a healthy 2024? Then, join Thrive’s Health Coaches Amy Carroll + Shawna Giacomini to learn about the 8 Domains of Wellness and how to utilize your innate character strengths to THRIVE in 2024. Date: January 9, 2024 Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Cost: $30 (Thrivers receive their 15% membership discount) Register on the Mindbody app or call 704-390-7150, ext 2. ...

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Kale Brussel Sprout salad with Avocado Caesar Dressing

Experience a burst of fresh flavors with our Kale Brussel Sprout Salad, generously drizzled with a creamy Avocado Caesar Dressing. This nutrient-packed dish combines the hearty crunch of kale and Brussels sprouts with the creamy goodness of avocado, creating a satisfying and wholesome salad for a vibrant and delicious meal. Ingredients: 1 T ghee                                                                1 t Dijon mustard ¼ c gluten-free panko bread crumbs                        1 t ground white pepper 1 small ripe avocado                                                      ¼ c olive oil 3 T fresh lemon juice                         2 bunches lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped 2 T parmesan, dairy-free or nutritional yeast 12 oz fresh Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced 1 T white miso 2 garlic cloves, minced Directions: Melt ghee and allow it to brown. Add breadcrumbs and toast...

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Chocolate crinkle cookies

Enjoy the rich, fudgy taste of our Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. With a crackled exterior and a chewy center, these cookies strike the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness. Ideal for any occasion or a sweet treat anytime. Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips (can use dairy free) 1  egg (option - 1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water, set aside to gel) 1/4 cup  coconut sugar 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup  almond flour 1/4 cup cacao powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for coating) Directions: Preheat the oven to 350ºF Melt chocolate chips Stir in coconut sugar, maple syrup, egg (or flax egg), vanilla Add the almond flour, cacao powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix to...

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