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DRSladic.com
December 2025
CHALLENGE AND CHANGE The Gifts Hidden in Hard Times
I’ve always had a funny relationship with New Year resolutions. Although we all enter the next chapter of our lives with the best intentions whenever Jan. 1 comes around, the hard truth is that resolutions rarely last. At this stage of my life, I make it a point not to make any. I’d rather focus on making consistent, sustainable improvements throughout the year and then evaluate my progress quarterly. This way, I can better manage my progress and, most importantly, recognize life lessons much sooner. That said, 2025 brought one of my most significant learning opportunities ever. At the beginning of this year, one of my assistants, Denise, fell on the ice and fractured her right wrist. I run a small business, so the incident
left me to pick up the slack and work double time to ensure everything ran smoothly. That included, among other things, shipping orders to patients in addition to treating those who visited the office. It was a lot of extra work to handle. Although we sometimes feel frustrated or sorry for ourselves or ask, “Why me?” when something unexpected negatively affects our daily lives, I didn’t let Denise’s absence affect me that way. Instead, I asked myself, “What can I learn from this situation?” Maybe God was reaching out to say, “Hey, you know what? I’m giving you this circumstance. I want you to learn something from it.” I certainly did. For one, I learned how much I appreciate Denise and how essential she is to everything Natural Solutions for Health works to achieve for everyone who depends on us. In addition to gaining eye- opening insights into the ins and outs of her role, I began thinking of ways she could contribute even more to developing bonds with our patients and improving the quality of their lives. Above all, when she returned, I wanted her to experience more of the joy I feel in helping patients directly. Now, she assists me with consulting patients and implementing their lifestyle and nutritional changes. She is now communicating with patients on a much deeper level and with a greater
understanding that people are fragile and always deserve the utmost care. Denise and I also meet every Monday to discuss ways to strengthen our services. Best of all, her wrist has healed up beautifully. I appreciate her now more than ever, and I couldn’t be more thankful to have her on our team. Looking back on this past year, I’m also grateful to the many patients who submitted testimonials, many of which were featured in the pages of this newsletter over the past 12 months. Reading the stories of how we’ve helped people heal and feel better is always an honor, and I thank everyone who took the time to share them with our readers. We welcome more testimonials moving forward! We’re only as strong as the people we help, and we promise to look for new lessons and opportunities to make you healthier and happier in 2026. As we wrap up another year, consider the lessons you learned in 2025 that you will carry moving forward, and if there’s someone, or multiple people, who make your daily life easier or more fulfilling and meaningful, be sure to let them know! –Dr. Tom Sladic To order supplements or blood work, call 248-912-2962
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
“Let Heaven and Nature Sing” Merry Christmas
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INHALE THE FACTS Deep Breathing Is Your Scientific Shortcut to Stress Relief
When you feel angry or stressed out, a few deep breaths can be more powerful than they seem. That inhale is like a reset button for your body, sending signals to your nervous system, slowing your heart rate, and quieting the mental storm. Deep breathing isn’t just hot air; it’s scientifically proven to be one of the simplest hacks for calming the mind and body. Inhale deeply, and let’s explore what happens internally when you breathe back to balance. Most of the time, you don’t think about breathing; your body naturally handles this task as you go about your day. But when you control your breath, you trigger a rest and digest mode that slows your heart rate and sends more blood to your gut to help digestion. The brain manages breathing and heart rate in the same parts of the brain, and they work together. With each breath you take, your lungs expand and the pressure on your heart and blood vessels shifts. This rhythm directly links how you breathe and how calm or alert you feel. The slower and more relaxed your breath is, the less your internal systems are gearing up for a battle. Deep breathing reduces stress and triggers your blood pressure and nervous system to relax. It doesn’t just change your mental state; it can also ease minor physical pain, such as headaches or an upset stomach. Pain stresses your body out, so easing your aches will help your parasympathetic nervous system take the reins and focus on recovery rather than alertness.
To get the full benefits from this mindfulness technique, sit upright and take a slow, deep inhale through your nose. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest to feel your rib cage expand and your belly rise as the lungs fill. Keep this up until you feel a wave of calm come over you.
So, next time you’re feeling on edge, inhale and see why, sometimes, the simplest science is a breath of fresh air.
SPICE SHOCK The Cinnamon Safety Scare
THE HIGH STAKES OF SPICE SELECTION
Cinnamon is a popular spice in many kitchens, especially during the holiday season, but new concerns over health risks have prompted consumers to exercise caution. Here is an important update about cinnamon brands you may have at home … and a few general facts about cinnamon that may surprise you. THE CINNAMON CONTAMINATION CRISIS Since the summer of 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued ongoing warnings regarding high lead content in several commercially available cinnamon products. In its most recent update (as of this writing), the FDA is urging consumers to throw out and avoid purchasing the following brands: Roshni, HAETAE (HT), Durra, Wise Wife, Jiva Organics, Super Brand, Asli, El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compania Indillor Orientale, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, Spice Class, and La Frontera.
The FDA warns that prolonged lead exposure can cause a host of health issues, particularly in infants, young children, and individuals in utero. Common neurological issues linked to lead exposure include lowered IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Additionally, the World Health Organization states that lead exposure can lead to kidney disease, elevated blood pressure, and cardiovascular complications in adults. According to Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, cinnamon’s potential for lead exposure may result from its production process. As he told CBS News, “Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of several tree species and can absorb lead from the soil in which it’s grown, and the soil can be contaminated with lead from industrial byproducts. Lead can also enter cinnamon from processing equipment, storage containers, or packaging.”
Current health concerns aside, cinnamon has always carried a risk of toxicity … but it depends on which kind of cinnamon you use. That’s right, there are actually two forms of the spice available on supermarket shelves. The first, Ceylon , is made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree and is commonly produced in Sri Lanka and India. Notable for its tan-brown color, it is primarily considered a gourmet cooking spice and priced accordingly. The second, cassia , is more prevalent and comprises most cinnamon sold at grocery stores. Despite cassia’s popularity, it contains coumarin, a compound found to cause liver, lung, and kidney damage in laboratory rats. Research suggests similar risks may exist for humans exposed to elevated coumarin levels. As with most food items, moderation is key to consuming cinnamon in a healthy way. Enjoy it this season, but remember to go easy!
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Baked Feta, Tomato, and White Bean Skillet
WELLNESS WINS Testimonials From a Thriving 2025
Sometimes, you just need to mix your favorites with something new to create a delicious new dish!
Ingredients
We’re always humbled and honored to receive testimonials from the many people we treat and help. Here are six of the extraordinary reviews our patients shared about us in 2025! “I was having serious hair loss, and I had psoriasis on my hands. I thought the hair loss was coming from an unhealthy thyroid. After starting the program, I discovered that it wasn’t my thyroid; my ferritin and vitamin D levels were low. And with the cleansing we did, my psoriasis became a lot better. The fatigue I was also experiencing is a lot better, and my hair is growing back nicely.” —A. Miller “Before working with Dr. Sladic, I experienced infertility, thyroid issues, and digestive issues. Through my experience with Natural Solutions for Health, life became enjoyable. While on the program, I became pregnant. Changing the way I ate was what I needed. I had more energy, and my mood was better. My digestion was also helped.” — L. Hershberger “I had autoimmune thyroid disease, insulin resistance, and low vitamin D and iron. After six months in the program, I feel so much better! I’m not nearly so fatigued and can actually feel like doing something instead of having to force myself. My depression is gone, I don’t worry like I used to, and I’m so very happy to have lost 41 pounds. It is great to finally have energy again!” —S. Albrecht “Before consulting Natural Solutions for Health, I was tired all the time. My mood was down, and I wasn’t feeling my best at times. Since then, my tiredness has definitely improved, especially when I take iron. I feel better overall.” —E. Miller “I didn’t have a lot of energy and was always dragging. I didn’t have any energy to try to lose weight. My brain would also go blank at times. After working with Natural Solutions for Health, I now have energy and lost weight. My brain is also a lot better. I can do a whole day of work before I get tired, and I don’t get as many brain fogs.” —R. Nissley “I was fatigued, had a goiter big enough to affect my swallowing, and wasn’t sleeping well. Although I still deal with some fatigue, I can tolerate noise a lot better, and my goiter is gone. Dr. Sladic and his nurse, Denise, were very helpful and answered my questions.” —M. Weaver
• 1 tbsp hot honey • Basil leaves, for garnish • 4 slices toasted whole-wheat country bread,
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes • 2 (15-oz) cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed • 4 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped • 2 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/4 tsp salt • 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 6 oz feta cheese, packed in brine, cut into 4 pieces
optional, for serving
1. Preheat oven to 450 F. 2. In a large, oven-safe skillet, combine tomatoes, beans, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. 3. Drizzle with 5 tbsp of olive oil and stir gently. 4. Add feta pieces 2 inches apart in the mixture and drizzle with remaining olive oil. 5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst. 6. Remove from oven and drizzle with hot honey. Garnish with basil leaves, and serve with toast if desired. Directions
Inspired by EatingWell.com
WORD SEARCH
CARDINAL COOKIES FROSTY GINGERBREAD GIFTS MENORAH MITTENS PEPPERMINT PINECONES SAGITTARIUS SNOWBALL YULE
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2071 E. WEST MAPLE RD., SUITE E-502 COMMERCE TWP, MI 48390 DRSLADIC.COM
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. What Tough Days Can Teach Us
2. The Body’s Natural Reset Button
Poison in Your Pantry?
3. Baked Feta, Tomato, and White Bean Skillet
Patient Tales of Health Transformation
4. Rebuilding Muscle With the Power of Protein
POWER UP YOUR MUSCLES Why Protein Is Your Post-Workout Best Friend
Crushing workout after workout might boost your ego, but your muscles need more than sweat to grow stronger. That’s where protein comes in, aka the ultimate repair kit for your body. After you push through squats, lifts, or a killer cardio session, your muscles form micro-tears. Protein swoops in to help repair and rebuild those fibers, and as a result, you not only reduce soreness but also build new muscle!
considered “complete” because they have all nine essential amino acids your body can’t create on its own. Plant-based sources like beans, rice, and quinoa can work, too, but you may need to combine them to get the complete amino acid profile. For example, pairing black beans with brown rice fills that nutritional gap. GET YOUR PROTEIN IN CREATIVE WAYS.
Muscle recovery doesn’t have to be boring! Try blending a smoothie with Greek yogurt, berries, spinach, and protein powder for a refreshing post-workout pick-me-up. Chia seed pudding made with almond milk, protein powder, and nuts offers slow- burning energy. And don’t forget savory options: hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese with veggies, or a hearty salad with grilled chicken or chickpeas. All are excellent ways to satisfy your protein needs. When you fuel smart, you can recover faster, reduce soreness, and keep building strength without missing a beat. Your muscles and your next workout will thank you!
HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO YOU NEED? Experts suggest that 20–40 grams of protein after exercise is usually enough to give your muscles the boost they need, but the exact amount varies from person to person. And while the old advice was to chug protein immediately after your workout, research now shows the window is much wider, sometimes up to 24 hours! So, don’t stress if you can’t grab a shake right away. The key is hitting your total daily protein goals. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROTEIN SOURCES. Not all protein is created equal. Animal-based options like meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy are
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