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Tag: nutrition

Do You Have Any Food Sensitivities?  

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, Nutrition.

For most, food allergies are something very familiar.  Many people don’t have any allergies at all, so they just assume they are safe to eat any foods they want. But what if you actually have food sensitivities? Some people, or even most people, may be eating foods every day that their body is sensitive to. These foods could unknowingly increase inflammatory responses that are causes a whole slew of side effects!  

What is a Food Sensitivity?  

Unlike a food allergy, a food sensitivity is not life-threatening and does not elicit an immediate, serious reaction. Food sensitivity reactions typically appear within 48-72 hours of eating the food(s) that caused the reaction. These are foods that your body is sensitive to and has trouble processing, which then triggers an inflammatory response and causes a variety of side effects that you may have been struggling with for years without knowing the true cause.  

How to Tell If You Have a Food Sensitivity 

food sensitivities

Identifying a food sensitivity can be challenging due to the delayed onset of symptoms. However, there are signs that may indicate the presence of a food sensitivity. Here’s how to recognize if you have a food sensitivity: 

  • Digestive Distress: Frequent bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach cramps after consuming certain foods could be indicative of a food sensitivity. 
  • Skin Issues: Persistent skin problems like eczema, rashes, acne, or hives that don’t respond well to traditional treatments might be linked to food sensitivities. 
  • Chronic Fatigue: Feeling consistently tired or experiencing energy crashes after eating specific foods may point to an underlying food sensitivity. 
  • Headaches and Migraines: Frequent headaches or migraines after consuming certain foods could be a sign of food sensitivity. 
  • Joint Pain: Unexplained joint pain or stiffness may be linked to inflammatory responses triggered by food sensitivities. 
  • Mood Changes: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or even depression could be connected to certain foods that your body is sensitive to. 
  • Respiratory Issues: Persistent congestion, sinus problems, or difficulty breathing might be associated with food sensitivities. 
  • Weight Management Difficulties: Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight fluctuations could be influenced by food sensitivities affecting metabolism and inflammation. 

How to Overcome a Food Sensitivity 

Overcoming a food sensitivity, or multiple food sensitivities, can be very complicated and nearly impossible without professional help. A professional nutritionist can help guide you through an MRT (Mediator Release Test) test. An MRT test is a comprehensive test that will identify any food sensitivities your body has… even if you have not eaten that food! Testing is always the most effective and efficient way to know exactly what is going on in your body. Until you are able to seek professional help, here are some steps you can take to get the process started:  

  • Food Diary: Maintain a food diary to track your meals, snacks, and symptoms. This can help identify patterns between certain foods and your body’s reactions. 
  • Focus on Whole Foods: Shift your diet to emphasize whole, unprocessed foods. This can help reduce exposure to potential triggers and support overall health. 
  • Rotate Foods: If you identify mild sensitivities, try rotating your diet to reduce constant exposure to specific foods. 
  • Read Labels: Be vigilant about reading food labels, as certain ingredients may be hidden sources of trigger foods. 
  • Mindful Eating: Pay attention to how you feel after meals. Mindful eating can help you notice subtle reactions and adjust your diet accordingly. 
  • Holistic Approaches: Consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, and adequate sleep, as stress can exacerbate inflammatory responses. 
  • Gradual Reintroduction: If you’ve eliminated a food, consider reintroducing it in small quantities to observe your body’s response. Following reintroduction, this can help determine your tolerance level. 

Nutrition Services at The Oxford Center

At The Oxford Center, our Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP) can help you discover all the possibilities nutrition and our program holds for improving your life and your health. We offer both individual and group classes tailored to what you need in your nutritional journey. Typically, our program will start with gut (GI) testing and food sensitivity testing. Following your tests, our nutritionist will sit down with you to discuss the results and cultivate a specific personalized plan that will work best for you and your body. Clients will find that it is empowering knowing that you can change and improve your health without needing help from anything else.   

Learn More

TOC Talks Episode 20: “Effective Treatment for Lyme Disease”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Posts, TOC Talks Podcast.

In this episode of TOC Talks, Andrew Kistner talks with Elizabeth Terry, the Director of Medical Services at The Oxford Center, about a disease that will affect so many this fall… Lyme disease. Ticks always become so prevalent in the warm summer and fall months and Lyme disease is often not far off for those who have been bitten by a tick. Many struggle with recovering from Lyme disease, but thankfully, Elizabeth was able to share some helpful options that The Oxford Center offers. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can help patients recover from Lyme disease, even if they have not been successful in antibiotic therapy. The Oxford Center also offers Neurofeedback Therapy and Nutritional Services to help you on your way to recovery and ensure you are operating at your best. Tune in to hear all about how these amazing options can help those with Lyme disease recover! 

Check it Out!

Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform! 

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

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TOC Talks – Effective Treatment for Lyme Disease TOC Talks: Ep 20 | RSS.com

tick bite

Are Tick Bites a Cause for Concern? Understanding Lyme Disease  

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, Informational, Specific Conditions.

Every summer, we all look forward to the time we’re going to spend outside with family and friends. Everything that puts a smile on our faces when we think of summer happens outside- beaches, hikes, playing with pets. With all the summer fun, though, we always seem to forget about all the pests that come out in summertime and all the insect bites we end up with… like tick bites.   

Ticks are small parasites often found in wooded areas, grasslands, and areas with dense vegetation. Ticks bite humans and animals and can spread diseases, such as Lyme disease, through their bite. It is important to understand how to prevent tick bites and how to recognize signs of Lyme disease in the event of a bite so that you can seek treatment quickly.    

What is Lyme Disease?

Tick Bite

Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. This bacterium transmits through the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria. This bacterium is common in parts of the United States, Europe, and Canada. Anyone who experiences a tick bite is at risk of developing symptoms of Lyme disease, which can prove serious, permanent, and even fatal if left untreated.   

Symptoms

Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary and may develop in stages. Not everyone infected with Lyme disease will experience the same symptoms and some individuals may not display any symptoms at all. Common signs and symptoms associated with Lyme disease include:  

Early Localized Stage:  

  • Erythema migrans (EM) rash: A circular or bull’s-eye-shaped rash that expands from the site of the tick bite. It may appear within 3 to 30 days after the bite and is typically not itchy or painful.  
  • Flu-like symptoms: Fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise.  

Early Disseminated Stage:  

  • Multiple EM rashes: Additional rashes may develop in different areas of the body.  
  • Flu-like symptoms: Persistent fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.  
  • Neurological symptoms: Numbness or tingling in the extremities, facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), meningitis (headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light), and dizziness.  

Late Disseminated Stage:  

  • Arthritis: Recurrent episodes of joint swelling, particularly in large joints like the knees.  
  • Neurological symptoms: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, nerve pain, and neuropathy.  
  • Heart problems: Irregular heart rhythm, palpitations, and chest pain.  

It’s important to note that these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, making a diagnosis challenging. If you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical attention for proper evaluation and diagnosis.  

Without Treatment

If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can lead to more severe and potentially long-term complications. These complications can worsen as time goes on and can even become permanent if not addressed or addressed adequately. Severe complications may include chronic joint inflammation and arthritis, mobility issues, neurological complications, meningitis, heart abnormalities, serious cardiac issues, eye inflammation, hearing problems, memory impairment, mood changes such as depression and anxiety, and in rare cases- encephalitis and peripheral neuropathy.   

How to Prevent Tick Bites & Lyme Disease  

Lyme Disease can quickly become serious for those infected. It is important to be aware of simple ways to prevent tick bites and Lyme disease, such as:

  • Avoid tick-infested areas: When possible, try to stay away from areas with high grass, dense vegetation, and leaf litter where ticks are commonly found. If you need to be in such areas, walk in the center of trails and avoid brushing against vegetation.  
  • Wear protective clothing: When spending time outdoors in tick-prone areas, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks or boots, and a hat. Light-colored clothing can help you spot ticks more easily.  
  • Perform tick checks: After spending time in areas where ticks may be present, thoroughly check your body for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, groin, and behind the knees. Promptly remove any ticks you find.  
  • Shower after outdoor activities: Taking a shower within two hours of being outdoors can help wash away ticks that may be crawling on your body. Use a washcloth or loofah to help remove ticks that haven’t attached yet.  
  • Maintain a tick-free yard: Create a tick-safe environment by keeping your lawn well-maintained, removing leaf litter, and clearing tall grass and brush.  

Our Approach

The Oxford Center has developed a Lyme Disease Treatment Program to help you on your way to recovery. Our program includes the following services:   

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)  

Traditional treatment for Lyme disease involves antibiotics in the form of either oral, injections, or IV. Co-infections frequently require a different treatment plan than antibiotic therapy as they are not always effective for Lyme disease. The bacteria associated with Lyme disease is very sensitive to oxygen and is debilitated in a highly oxygenated environment. Research shows that HBOT makes a significant improvement when used to treat Lyme disease, even with patients who have not been successful with antibiotic therapy. HBOT decreases inflammation, oxygenates the entire body, stimulates the growth of new healthy blood vessels, and releases stem cells up to 800% more after twenty sessions. Research shows that the efficiency of antibiotics in the case of Lyme Disease has increased as new blood vessel growth allows the medication to penetrate deeper into tissues.  

Learn More

Neurofeedback Therapy  

A Quantitative EEG shows us the electrical activity of the brain. We will be able to see if inflammation is present, if there are any areas of hyper- or hypoactivity, and any areas of disconnect. Patients with Lyme disease may experience Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and may experience pain, neurocognitive or fatigue symptoms, headaches, brain fog, and sleep disorders. PTLDS seems to occur more frequently after Lyme disease has caused neurological complications. Research suggests that the brain becomes more sensitive to pain signals and does not reset after the infection, causing the increased sensitivity to continue. Using the information from the QEEG, we can focus on the area(s) of the brain most affected and bring those areas back into balance through Neurofeedback Therapy.  

Learn More

Nutrition Services  

Finally, nutrition helps to address co-infections associated with Lyme disease. Our services will look to heal the gut, look at what is wrong, and support your body in anything else going on. Gut healing is a great tool in your health journey, and it can be essential to addressing every issue going on in your body. Nutrition coaching provides the information and support you need to learn to enjoy health-building foods, create a healthy living environment, and feel good in your body.    

Learn More

Cooking for Picky Eaters: Nurturing Kids with Autism and Food Aversions 

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, Informational, Nutrition.

Cooking for children who are picky eaters can be challenging, especially when it obtains to children with food aversions such as many children with autism. A child’s diet plays a crucial role in their overall health and development. In turn, this diet plays a huge role in your child’s life and if your child is a picky eater or has food aversions, they may not be getting everything they need from their diet to be healthy. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have sensory sensitivities and rigid eating patterns, leading to limited food preferences. Some children with ASD may have heightened sensitivities to taste, texture, and smell, which can contribute to their aversions. Ensuring a well-rounded diet is crucial in maintaining your child’s health, promoting their growth, and supporting overall development. 

Common Food Aversions in Children with Autism: 

 While food preferences can vary among individuals, there are some common food aversions that frequently appear in children with autism: 

  • Textural Challenges: Many children with autism struggle with certain textures, such as crunchy or slimy foods, leading them to avoid fruits, vegetables, or meats. 
  • Limited Food Groups: Some children with autism may stick to a few preferred food groups, such as carbohydrates or processed foods, neglecting the necessary nutrients.  
  • Sensory Sensitivities: Strong flavors or smells may trigger aversions in children with autism, making it challenging to introduce new or unfamiliar foods. 
  • Color or Presentation: A child’s preference for specific colors or food presentation styles may limit their choices, affecting the variety in their diet. 

Incorporating Nutrient-Rich Foods:  

Ensuring children with autism receive a balanced diet is essential for their growth and development. Here are some nutrient-rich foods to include in their meals: 

  • Protein Sources: Offer lean meats, poultry, fish, or plant-based alternatives like beans and lentils to provide essential amino acids and support muscle development. 
  • Colorful Fruits and Vegetables: Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as berries, oranges, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes, to provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 
  • Healthy Fats: Include sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, which provide omega-3 fatty acids and support brain function. 
  • Whole Grains: Opt for gluten-free whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and gluten-free oats to provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 
  • Dairy Alternatives: If your child is lactose intolerant or has dairy aversions, consider providing plant-based milks such as almond, cashew, or coconut milks that are rich in vitamins! 

Tricks to Work Around Food Aversions:

Here are some helpful strategies to navigate food aversions and encourage a healthier eating experience: 

  • Gradual Exposure: Introduce new foods gradually, allowing your child to explore them through sight, touch, and smell before attempting to taste. 
  • Food Pairing: Combine less preferred foods with favorite choices to increase acceptance and familiarity. 
  • Food Modifications: Alter the texture or presentation of a food to make it more appealing, such as blending vegetables into sauces or purees. 
  • Food Chaining: Build upon preferred foods by gradually introducing similar alternatives, expanding their palate over time. 
  • Cooking Together: Involve your child in meal preparation and make it a fun and interactive experience to increase their interest in trying new foods. 

Kid-Friendly Gluten-Free Recipes:  

Here are a few delicious and nutritious recipes that cater to picky eaters, including those on a gluten-free diet: 

  • Mini Veggie Frittatas: Combine whisked eggs, chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms), and shredded cheese. Bake in a muffin tin until set and golden brown. 
  • Chicken and Vegetable Skewers: Alternate marinated chicken cubes with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers on skewers. Grill or bake until cooked through. 
  • Cauliflower Pizza Bites: Blend cooked cauliflower florets with eggs, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Form into small patties and bake until golden. Top with tomato sauce and cheese. 
  • Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers: Cook quinoa according to package instructions and mix with sautéed vegetables, ground meat (optional), and spices. Stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers and bake until tender. 
  • Banana Oat Cookies: Mash ripe bananas and mix with gluten-free oats, nut butter, and a touch of honey. Shape into cookies and bake until lightly golden. 

Have Lunch at The Oxford Center!

Cooking for picky eaters, especially those with autism and food aversions, requires patience, creativity, and a focus on nutrient-rich foods. By understanding the concerns, incorporating essential nutrients, implementing tricks to work around aversions, and exploring kid-friendly, gluten-free recipes, parents and caregivers can promote healthy eating habits while catering to their child’s unique needs. At The Oxford Center, we understand how important it is to make sure your child is getting everything they need to grow up happy and healthy. That’s why our lunch program is completely individualized to what will be best for you and your child!

Lean More About Our Lunch Program

Should You Go Gluten-Free?

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in Specific Therapies.

While gluten-free foods and diets have become more common in stores and restaurants, there is still a common misunderstanding surrounding what gluten and its effects on people. For those with something like celiac disease, eating gluten can have serious if not deadly effects. For everyone else, gluten is a common and almost necessary part of our diet. Pasta, bread, baked goods… these are some of most people’s favorite foods! What most might not know is that a sensitivity to gluten may be much more common than we think.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in grains that act as a “glue”. In foods, gluten gives baked goods a soft and chewy texture. What most don’t know is that gluten can act as an inflammatory food, and for those with a sensitivity or intolerance to gluten, they may feel tired, nauseous, or bloated after eating large amounts of food with gluten. So, if you eat a big bowl of pasta and feel really tired and bloated afterward… guess what? That’s not a normal reaction! For years, you may have been dealing with a gluten intolerance that’s been wreaking havoc on your body, and in turn, your mental health.

Eating gluten with a gluten allergy or sensitivity can also result in upset stomach, irregular bowel movements, headaches and migraines, brain fog, fatigue, depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, tingling and numbness in the extremities, skin problems such as acne, eczema, or unexplained rash, and infertility. So, even if you don’t have a gluten allergy that you know of, it may be beneficial to start incorporating new gluten-free options into your diet. Thankfully, The Oxford Center has some recipes to help you get started!  

Gluten & Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Pasta 

Pasta is one of the first foods we think of when we think of gluten, so going gluten-free may be a little daunting if you really love pasta. Thankfully, The Oxford Center is here to help! This is one of Chef JeAnnah’s own recipes for a FANTASTIC healthy, gluten-free, and even dairy-free chicken alfredo pasta!

This pasta recipe has lots of healthy fats from the cashews, fiber from the gluten-free pasta, lean protein from the chicken, and it even has extra vitamins and calcium from the fresh parsley!

Alfredo-RecipeDownload

You can even try making your own Gluten-Free Pasta! 

Making your own pasta at home can be a really fun way to relax and spend quality time with friends and family!

GF-Pasta-Download

A Regular Gluten-Free Cooking Show is Coming Soon?!

You read that right! Very soon, The Oxford Center will be releasing a weekly cooking show featuring some AMAZING and fun gluten-free recipes. This show will be released every Tuesday on YouTube and social media and will feature Chef JeAnnah as she cooks up and shares some of her favorite recipes! Going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean giving up all the foods you love. There are lots of great gluten-free recipes out there so stay tuned while we release some more!

TOC Talks Episode 13: “The Start of a New Culinary Adventure!”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Posts, TOC Talks Podcast.

In this Episode of TOC Talks we are doing things a little differently! Andrew is joining JeAnnah Powell, one of our trained culinary chefs, to make a dairy and gluten-free chicken alfredo pasta! We are trying out the possibility of a cooking show to help share JeAnnah’s WEALTH of knowledge about cooking and baking with healthy, wholesome, gluten-free foods. If you like how this turned out and want to see a weekly cooking show, let us know!

If you are interested in cooking along with us, check out our downloadable recipe card!

Alfredo-RecipeDownload

Check It Out!

Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform! 

Want to watch all of our episodes? Check out our TOC Talks – YouTube Playlist!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Socials! https://linktr.ee/TheOxfordCenter

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

Food & Your Mood: How Your Diet Could Affect Your Mental Health

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, Informational, Nutrition, Specific Conditions.

According to new studies by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 40 million adults in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder while about 20 million adults in the United States suffer from Major Depressive Disorder. Currently, about 1 in 4 adults suffer from a mental illness in the United States. These numbers don’t take into account the many individuals who go undiagnosed, so most likely those numbers are actually much higher. The United States is truly in a mental health crisis. 

Whan adult is diagnosed with a mental illness, they may begin to see a therapist, but most will begin taking a prescribed medication. It is no secret that the field of psychiatric medications is far from perfect, so most that begin taking these medications spend years trying to find a medication that actually helps them, if they ever do, and in the meantime the medication might make them feel worse. What if something as simple as your gut health and the food you eat is the reason you are suffering from a mood disorder like anxiety or depression?  

How Can Food Affect Your Mood Disorder and Mental Health?

We all know that food is essential to survival. When we break it down, the reason humans eat food is to receive nutrients, aka vitamins and minerals. So, if the body isn’t receiving the correct amount or variety of nutrients, then the body naturally starts to feel the effects of some deficits. While the effect your diet has on your body can be extremely complex, and mood disorders can be very complex, there are some simple aspects that we can all learn more about to help improve mental health:  

Serotonin

serotonin helps mental health

Serotonin is a chemical in your brain that carries messages between nerve cells through your body and is an important factor in regulating body functions such as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting, and more. The gastrointestinal tract produces about 90% of serotonin from the foods you eat. With serotonin playing such a key role in mood, sleep, and digestion, having a low amount of serotonin in your body can induce symptoms such as mood changes, depression, anxiety, memory issues, sleep problems, and more! Foods rich in tryptophan (an amino acid) can boost serotonin levels and in turn, help you to improve your mental health. Foods rich in tryptophan include turkey, salmon, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate! 

Blood Sugar & Mood Swings 

blood sugar affects mental health

Your blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the main sugar found in your body and is typically the main source of energy. Having a blood sugar level that is not stable throughout the day will in turn affect your energy levels and leave you feeling anxious, lethargic, and weak. Simply put, blood sugar affects your mood stability. It is important to eat a meal of balanced healthy protein, fats, and carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar within range and not spike our insulin levels. Think “sugar high.”  

Simple carbs like sugary snacks or refined grains (“empty” carbs like pasta, white bread, rice, etc.) and even complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and starchy vegetables, can make our blood sugar levels spike suddenly, then crash. After that crash we feel irritable, fatigued, and crave more sugar to bring back that initial spike. Meanwhile, prioritizing fat and protein alongside complex carbohydrates will slow down digestion and release a steady amount of glucose into the bloodstream, which in turn helps us to maintain a balanced blood sugar level and consistent mood.  

Omega-3 Fatty Acids & the Brain 

omega 3 helps mental health

Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of important healthy fats that are important for a number of bodily functions. Emerging research has shown a strong link between omega-3 fatty acids and improved mood, reduced symptoms of depression, and regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are crucial for regulating mood. A diet that is lacking in omega-3 fatty acids may lead to increased symptoms of anxiety and/or depression so boosting the omega-3 fatty acids in your diet might just help you boost your mental health! Healthy fats are present in fatty fish like salmon or sardines, beef liver, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds. 

Gut Microbiota: The Gut-Brain Connection 

gut health affects mental health

Your gut microbiota is the bacteria that lives in the human digestive system and helps to harvest energy, digest food, and supports a strong immune defense. New research shows the bacteria in your gut can affect mood and behavior. So, if the “good” and “bad” bacteria in your gut is out of balance, then your gut is not able to do its job correctly in regulating your mood and behavior. Aim for a diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods to help promote a diverse and healthy gut microbiota. These beneficial bacteria produce neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids, which positively impacts your mood.  

Micronutrients & Mood Disorders/Mental Health

mental health and vitamin deficiency

Micronutrients, which are more commonly known as vitamins and minerals, are essential to maintain a functioning and healthy body. If your body is not able to adequately digest the foods you are eating or you may not be eating a healthy, balanced diet, then it is likely that your body may not be getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals to support your body operating at its best and may prompt symptoms similar to anxiety and depression.

Deficiencies in micronutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and folate have been associated with depression and anxiety and could have a very simple solution that does not include trying different psychiatric medications. Consuming a variety of nutrient dense foods like leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, and properly raised meats can help to ensure you are getting plenty of these mood-supporting nutrients. Optimizing your digestion to get all the nutrients out of your food is equally important and may require some help from a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner.  

Nutritional Services at The Oxford Center for Mental Health 

No matter what is going on, The Oxford Center is here to help! Our nutritional services offer you the option to gather support in group classes as you learn all about food and the way food interacts with your body, or you can sign up for more personalized one-on-one support! Our functional nutrition therapy practitioner and restorative wellness practitioner is familiar with everything to do with food and your body, and she has personally gone through everything she asks clients to do!  

Contact us to learn more

TOC Talks Episode 11: “Is Your Gut CAUSING Anxiety/Depression?!”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in TOC Talks Podcast.

In this Episode of TOC Talks, Andrew sits down with Nicole Cunningham, a Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP), to discuss mental health and how our diet is affecting… or even CAUSING anxiety and depression! Listen in to find out how your diet affects your body, your mood, and how the bacteria in your gut might be CAUSING symptoms of anxiety and/or depression! Don’t miss out on this interesting and informative episode! 

Check It Out!

Want to learn more about our nutritional services? Check out what we have to offer! Nutritional Services – The Oxford Center

Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform! 

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

TOC Talks | RSS.com

TOC Talks – Is Your Gut Causing Anxiety/Depression?! | RSS.com

TOC Talks Episode 2: “What is Your Poop Saying?”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Posts, TOC Talks Podcast.

Andrew Kistner is back this week with part 2 of our podcast episode with Nicole Cunningham, the Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP) at The Oxford Center. In this episode, they chat about the ways your body communicates with you through your poop. They discuss how food and gut health can impact your body and explore some surprising ways that these interactions can manifest. Tune in to discover how paying attention to your stool can give you valuable insights into your health!

Check It Out!

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages!  If you would like to make an appointment with Nicole or want to learn more, visit our Nutritional Services webpage.If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

TOC Talks | RSS.com

TOC Talks – What is your poop saying? TOC Talks EP:2 | RSS.com

Nicole Cunningham, our new Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner and Restorative Wellness Practitioner.

February 2023 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, News, Newsletters.

Launching our New Nutritional Services

The Oxford Center is thrilled to welcome Nicole Cunningham to our team as the head of our nutritional services program. Nicole is a certified Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP). Nicole offers individual and whole group nutrition classes that are highly personalized and customizable to what will best suit each individual. Our nutrition coaching seeks to help you learn more about food and how it interacts with your body, learn what foods and diets will work best for you and your specific needs, and support you on your journey to making ever-healthier nutritional choices. Clients will find that it is empowering knowing that you can change and improve your health without needing help from anything else.    

Nicole’s journey with nutrition began 10 years ago with the birth of her son, Cameron. Cameron was born with over seven true food allergies and about a dozen food sensitivities that caused his body to break out in rashes and made eating exceedingly difficult. She spent countless hours poring over research, trying different foods, and tracking the effects different foods had on her and her son’s body.  Eventually Nicole’s efforts paid off, and she eliminated all but one of her son’s food allergies. Through this journey, Nicole discovered a passion for nutrition and understanding the effects someone’s diet might have on their body and overall health.

Nicole has personally gone through everything a client would go through and is here to help guide every client on their way to understanding food and their body and improving their overall quality of life. 

Discover More About Our Nutritional Services

“TOC Talks” Podcast

The Oxford Center is excited to launch our new podcast, “The Oxford Center Talks” (or TOC Talks for short!). Our new podcast will be released on Thursdays once a week and will be able to be found on all streaming platforms with a video podcast on our Facebook and YouTube page. Every week, follow our Marketing Director Andrew Kistner as he dives into different issues and stories here at The Oxford Center with a new special guest every week! In our podcast, you can hear the personal stories of some of our patients and their journey with The Oxford Center, learn more about how some of our services can benefit different conditions, learn more about some of our staff here at The Oxford Center, discover new techniques and tips to help improve your life, and more! If you have any topics or ideas you’d like to hear about in our podcast, let us know! You can submit any thoughts, suggestions, or questions by emailing our podcast host himself, Andrew Kistner, at andrew@theoxfordcenter.com.  

Check out our first episode below and don’t forget to subscribe! 

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Check Out Our Video Podcast

Tips and Tricks for Managing ASD at Home

Any parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) knows what a challenge it can be to manage the condition at home, ON TOP of managing everything else at home. Being a parent is such a wonderful gift, but it is also a full-time job and can be exhausting at times. Adding on managing an ASD diagnosis could very easily prove to be exhausting for many parents. Thankfully, The Oxford Center can share some tips and tricks to help you manage while providing the best environment possible for your children and yourself.    

Jessica Dodson, our ABA Program Director, says “At The Oxford Center, we help create routines within a successful environment to not only help the child grow, but the whole family. I have so many parents that focus on comparing how their child is doing against how another child is doing, so I always remind my parents and caregivers that everyone has their own separate path and journey. Most importantly, remember that we will all make it through our paths with a little teamwork and perseverance.” 

Read More on Managing ASD
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COMPASS Program Update

Our COMPASS program is underway! All of our students have been working very hard this past month. Our COMPASS program is targeted towards teens and adults diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders. In this program, we help these individuals learn the skills needed to move on to the next stage of their life whether that be going to and succeeding in higher education, living independently, obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment, and more. 

We talked to Matt Nivison, our COMPASS Coordinator, and he has this to say about the first class of COMPASS students. “The first class is going excellent. I am so incredibly proud of them all. You can see how hard they’re working, how quickly they’re picking things up, and just how much they want this. Every day, they’re actively taking steps to succeed and grow and it’s so cool to watch it happen in an environment where they don’t have to worry about the negative consequences that we all faced in our first jobs. They’re learning what works for them while gaining experience and confidence! It’s really, very cool”. 

The program will run for approximately 6 months, 5 days per week, for 3 hours per day. If you would like to learn more about the program or ask about enrollment, please feel free to contact us at 248-486-3636.

Learn More About COMPASS

Oxford Kids Foundation Annual Fundraising Gala

Don’t forget The Oxford Center will be hosting the 13th Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner and Auction for the Oxford Kids Foundation on April 22nd! This event is a longstanding and beloved tradition in raising funds to support children with disabilities, chronic illness, and traumatic injuries.  

Tickets for the Gala are available for purchase now. Tickets will feature fine dining, access to our silent/live auction, and drinks will be available. For more information on the Gala and how to purchase tickets, please click here.  

If you or anyone you know is interested in sponsoring the “Be the Change” gala event, please click here for more information or contact andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org to look over a sponsorship packet. The Oxford Kids Foundation is also accepting donations of any unique quality to be included in the Gala’s silent/live auction. If you would like to make any item donations to the Gala auction, please contact Andrew Kistner at andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org.

We can’t wait to be a part of the change with you!

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