Age-Smart Weight Loss Study

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

40+ and doing everything right, yet packing on the pounds with every passing year? Combining my proven “Healing the Aging Metabolism” protocol with my innovative healthy weight-loss cleansing is the strategy for re-setting metabolism, losing weight and improving body composition. Side Effects? Anti-aging, overall health enhancement and chronic disease prevention. All without the use of hormones or risky side effects. Interested? Join the study!

What’s the root cause of this age 40+ weight gain?

A lifelong accumulation of toxins breaks down the body’s natural ability to make energy. Cellular energy drives metabolism… and every other health promoting physiological activity in the body. When this cycle is disrupted, so is the health of our organs, systems, metabolism and our vitality.

Given two groups of people all losing ten pounds each… doing it my way (nutritionally dense) they each lose about 16 pounds of fat and gain several pounds of muscle. With conventional calorie restriction they each lose ONE pound of fat and lose several pounds of muscle. It is VERY bad to burn muscle. It is toxic to the body and resets the metabolism to an even slower rate when they are done losing weight… setting them up for obesity! So close, and yet so far away from their true intentions for weight loss.

There has to be another way.

What if we could exert control over this inevitable series of losses, and lose weight in a Smart way?

The Age-Smart solution

Fortunately for me and my patients, there are nutritional supplements that when taken in the appropriate forms, and in potent, meaningful doses, actually deliver meaningful, lasting results in the clinical setting. It is exciting to witness and experience these positive metabolic changes in my practice.

This study combines the “Healing the Aging Metabolism” (nutritionally based strategy that resets metabolism and cellular energy production back to the way it was when we were younger – thereby preventing disease, enhancing real energy and metabolism all without side effects and without “cheating” like so many weight loss and energy “boosters” do) protocol with an innovative healthy weight-loss cleanse (designed to adjust body composition toward lean muscle mass and cellular hydration, and away from fat and water retention to improve health and balance weight). It is the “perfect storm” for delivering sincere weight balancing affects, anti-aging results, vitality and true health for long term benefits!

I couldn’t be more excited about this study. I am thrilled to have found a nutritionally-based solution to the challenge of increasing weight and declining vitality with age. Everyone did so well, it became a core program in my practice! Thank you study participants and welcome newcomers – I am ready to help you with smart sustainable weight loss.

Call our office today! 303.399.8050

This isn’t just about losing weight anymore. This is about living longer – and healthier!

NOTE: Some of you may have noticed that my fitness level has increased over the last several months, and that my weight is even more balanced that it used to be. Thank you for your kind words! If you know me at all, you know that I walk my talk. My strategies are built into this study and also include weekly work with my trainer, Kelly Schiff. Thank you, Kelly, for helping me to achieve my fitness goals! Your respectful and compassionate personality and your extensive education in kinesiology, arthritis, and core-balance are the perfect combination for me – a “busy mom of a certain age”!

Estrogen – Fights Cancer?!

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

“Estrogen can fight cancer? I thought it caused cancer.”

This is the puzzled question I get from my patients when we discuss healthy estrogen metabolism. When you figure out how estrogen breaks down in the liver, you quickly learn that while the type of estrogen you take makes a big difference – what your body does with that estrogen, makes all difference in the world.

Whether you take it or you make it… estrogen must break down in the liver. Once in the liver, it faces different pathways or opportunities for breakdown. It can break down in a healthy good way or it can choose a bad path.

When estrogen breaks down in the healthy good way, it makes substances that balance hormonal symptoms (such as PMS), resolves hormonal challenges (such as bad mammograms, lumpy breasts, ovarian cysts, and abnormal menstrual periods) and that prevent and fight cancerous changes in the body. These substances are shown to be protective for estrogen sensitive tissues (breast, ovarian, uterine and cervical tissue) as well as lung and colon tissue as well.

In all fairness to the popular press, when estrogen follows the bad path in the liver, many undesirable situations arise. These toxic metabolites create greater risk for bad mammograms, lumpy breasts, ovarian cysts, abnormal menstrual bleeding and estrogen-related cancers. We don’t want that!

When a woman suffers from PMS, ovarian cysts, fibrocystic breasts, bad mammograms, uterine fibroids or endometriosis – she may be breaking her estrogen down in an unhealthy way in her liver. Re-directing that activity can deliver health and reduce risk going forward.

Did you know, that as men age… they make more estrogen and they tend to process it more down the bad pathway in the liver? Not only does this increase the risk for breast cancer in men, but it aggravates prostate health. 80% of men are found to have some degree of prostate cancer, on autopsy. Prostate health is an important health issue for the men in your lives.

Diindolylmethane, when properly absorbed, can completely re-direct those pathways toward good pathways. Further, targeted nutritional support for the liver can further enhance the health and function of those good pathways. Diindolylmethane is tricky, though. I have worked with doctors all over the country where they are using various diindolylmethane (DIM) formulas that simply do not work in the clinical setting. I have always used a patented form of it that guarantees “bio-availability” or absorption and have had predictable and dramatically effective results. So quality matters in this case!

Further, Calcium D Glucarate (not like the calcium you take for your bones) and Potassium D Glucarate (not like the potassium you take for your heart) can support the timely elimination of estrogens and fat soluble toxins in the bowel. This means that when your liver prosses estrogens and toxins and dumps them into the bowel so that they will leave the body… that they actually do leave the body instead of being reabsorbed… which would not be good!

My recommendation? If you choose to pursue Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) make a bio-identical choice and dose those hormones in a bio-identical way. Further, attend to the way your body breaks those estrogens down in the liver to maximize the health benefits of HRT.

Targeted Nutrtional Formulas that I use in my practice every day, to achieve better estrogen health for my patients include:

Est Right – Non-hormonal symptom balancing support for estrogen in the liver, which contains the patented DIM combination that works!

Estro Smart – Non-hormonal symptom balancing support for estrogen in the liver – important for all of the biochemical pathways in the liver that support estrogen breakdown.

Smart Fish – Non-toxic omega 3 fish oil to support estrogen and whole body health

Ovarian Cysts – Causes and Solutions

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

Ovarian cysts can be uncomfortable, even painful. They are not typically considered a serious medical condition, and until they interfere with normal life activities or fertility, they most often go untreated. When they are treated conventionally, suppressive hormonal therapy is typically administered.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, whether “life-threatening” or not… an ovarian cyst is an indicator of a health imbalance. Bandaging that imbalance with suppressive therapy falls short of treating the cause and providing real health.

When cysts are simple, often the underlying cause is that of poor estrogen metabolism in the liver. Eventually estrogen reaches the liver and breaks down. It is the path that estrogen “chooses” in the liver that determines health or disease.

When cysts are multiple and called “polycystic” this typically results from a completely different health system. Often the woman will be diagnosed with something called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS. This will completely interfere with fertility! In later years, it can completely disrupt the normal menstrual cycle. This is not healthy. Although it would seem hormonally based, because it affects the ovaries, you will have to dig a little deeper to get to the root cause. In this case it is unhealthy blood sugar metabolism. Unhealthy blood sugar metabolism will increase risk for late onset or “Type II Diabetes”. In this case, supporting all aspects of healthy blood sugar metabolism (diet, exercise and nutritional supplements) is essential for success. In this case, the low-refined carbohydrate diet and the exercise are just as important as the targeted nutritional supplement support for every aspect of blood sugar biochemistry. I see the best results when they are all used in combination.

My recommendations often include:

Low Glycemic Diet – Lean, organic meats, lots of vegetables, low-glycemic fruits, whole grains and no refined sugars or white flours.

Exercise – Daily vigorous exercise is best.

Est Right – Non-hormonal symptom balancing support for estrogen in the liver

Estro Smart – Non-hormonal symptom balancing support for estrogen in the liver

Sugar Smart – Comprehensive support for every aspect of blood sugar metabolism and carbohydrate cravings

Smart Fish – Non-toxic omega 3 fish oil to support estrogen and whole body health

206 Bones, One Important Mission!

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

Our 206 bones give our bodies structure and make movement possible. But for postmenopausal women in particular, natural changes in bone physiology can put freedom of movement at risk. Unfortunately, there is more to the story. Did you know that there is a higher risk of life-threatening events associated with the complications of Osteoporosis than with breast cancer?

The good news is that bone health challenges are a disease of nutrition, which means that we have the power to heal those challenges!

Even better news is that researchers at Mt. Sinai Hospital, in Toronto found that one of the important nutritional interventions for bone health has been shown to reduce risk for breast cancer. Read on…

Bone Is Continually Changing

Contrary to popular notion, bone is a dynamic, living tissue that is constantly undergoing a process called remodeling.

Remodeling consists of two major phases:

Bone resorption, is the breakdown of bone. Bone cells called osteoclasts remove old and damaged bone tissue.
Bone formation. Other bone cells called osteoblasts and osteocytes create a new bone matrix (the web-like, micro-architecture of bone), and use calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals to harden the matrix. Did you know that some of the popular new bone drugs actually compromise the health of these vital cells? There has to be another way! Hint: Nutrition.

The Menopausal Effect

From birth until about age 40, bone remodeling occurs in relative balance, building bones that are hard, dense, and strong. But menopause marks a major turning point in a woman’s bone physiology. The steady decline of estrogen combined with a subtle increase of inflammatory markers after menopause may contribute to an increase in bone resorption. Over time, this can make the bone matrix more and more fragile, resulting in an increased risk of fracture.

Why Basic Mineral Supplements May Not Be Enough

Calcium, and magnesium are essential for maintaining bone density and hardness. But even the highest quality minerals may not work as well on a weak bone matrix when other important nutrients and growth factors are not working with them to support all of the aspects of bone health.

A Natural Approach to Healthy Bone Remodeling

Standard approaches to osteoporosis prevention focus on achieving and maintaining peak bone mass or density. But thanks to new scientific developments, we now know that a combination of the following nutrients may target the quality of the bone health:

Bio Available, absorbable forms of minerals – all forms of minerals are not created equally. There are some forms of minerals that are shown to have a powerful impact on bone health and density.
Variety of Minerals – there is more to bone health than calcium. Magnesium, manganese, boron, strontium… the list goes on, all work together for optimal bone health.
Collagen – you know that silica should work, but stomach acid disables regular silica, you need a non-polymerizing form to see results in fine lines in the face and density and flexibility in the bones.
Vitamin D — the correct form of Vitamin D, in an optimally absorbable form serves as a vital nutrient in meaningful doses and is necessary for healthy bone formation and bone mineralization

Professionals in our area have noticed the success that my patients enjoy with their bone health and this has become a sub-specialty in my practice. Furthermore, patients taking these nutrients do not report serious adverse effects associated with some conventional approaches.

Ask Us About Bone Health Support Today

Bone health is important for men and women at every age, but for postmenopausal women who want to protect their quality of life, it’s crucial. Don’t wait! To find out more about natural approaches to bone health support, call our office and schedule an appointment today.

Did you know…

New Research Confirms Vitamin D Blocks Formation of Breast Cancer (Natural News)

Women with a higher vitamin D intake may be a quarter less likely to die from breast cancer than women with lower levels, scientists have found. In a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto analyzed the vitamin D intake of 759 breast cancer patients and 1,135 women without breast cancer, accounting for both dietary intake and vitamin D production from exposure to sunlight. They found that women with a higher vitamin D intake had a 24 percent lower risk of acquiring hormone receptor-positive breast cancer than women with a lower vitamin intake.

http://www.naturalnews.com/025397.html

Vitamin D ‘is mental health aid’ (BBC News)

Vitamin D, found in fish and produced by sun exposure, can help stave off the mental decline that can affect people in old age, a study has suggested. UK and US researchers looked at 2,000 people aged 65 and over. They found that compared to those with the highest vitamin D levels, those with the lowest were more than twice as likely to have impaired understanding.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7845703.stm

Fighting vitamin D deficiency (Edmonton Sun)

In northern countries such as Canada, the low level of sunlight, characteristic of winter months, significantly increases the risk of suffering from a vitamin D deficiency. This is something we must take very seriously because new studies indicate that this vitamin plays an extremely important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Several international experts recently raised the alarm and recommend increasing vitamin D intake from 200 IU to 1,000 IU per day to reduce chronic disease incidence. While it is relatively easy to increase vitamin levels during summer (simply exposing the face and arms to the sun for 10 minutes allows the body to produce some 10,000 IU), the situation is more complex from October to April. Certain fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel or even sardines, contain significant levels of this vitamin and are therefore an interesting choice, since these fish are also rich in omega-3, essential fats that help prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, the limited number of foods rich in vitamin D often forces us to turn to supplements to maintain adequate levels of this vitamin in our blood.Thus, the daily intake of supplements containing 1,000 IU of vitamin D from October to April is probably one of the most simple, economical and efficient ways to increase the intake of this vitamin and thus significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/Lifestyle/Health/2009/01/12/7992131-sun.html

Lack of Vitamin D Ups Heart Risk (Natural News)

Vitamin D deficiency has long been linked with weak muscles and bones. Now research shows a lack of the “sunshine” vitamin may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, evidence is mounting from numerous studies that low vitamin D levels could play a role in a host of CVD risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. What’s more, a lack of the vitamin may be a direct factor in cardiovascular events, including stroke and congestive heart failure. Recent data from the Framingham Heart Study suggests people with vitamin D levels below 15 ng/ml were twice as likely to experience a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular event within the next five years compared to those with higher levels of vitamin D. This elevated risk remained even when researchers adjusted for other well-known cardiovascular risk factors.

http://www.naturalnews.com/025069.html

These nutritional supplements are available in our practice:

Smart Bones (More than just Calcium… Bone Minerals + Growth Factors)

Pro Collagen (Collagen support your body can use – for joints, bones, skin and even vessel health)

Vital D (Well absorbed vitamin D3 for bone health and so much more)

Healing the Aging Metabolism

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

In my Naturopathic practice, I have patients who are 40+ and doing everything right, yet packing on the pounds with every passing year. In treating them, I have developed a simple, Naturopathic strategy that has helped my patients re-set their metabolism while improving their overall health and preventing chronic degenerative illnesses – all without hormones or risky side effects.

What’s the root cause of this age 40+ weight gain?

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the basic unit of cellular energy – the unit that allows all energy-dependent cellular function to occur in a healthy manner – and is a core-level and basic component of every greater tissue, organ and function in the body. As levels of this important “unit” degrade, so does the health of every organ, system, our metabolism and our vitality.

Early in life we have an abundant supply of the cellular organelles called mitochondria. The mitochondria house the biochemical pathways called oxidative phosphorylation that produce this precious unit. Further, we have an adequate supply of the nutritional co-factors that support these biochemical pathways. The result? An abundant supply of the life-giving basic unit of cellular energy … ATP. In this ideal state of young and vital health, we experience an abundance of energy, a reasonable metabolism and freedom from chronic degenerative illness.

As we age, a variety of stressors to our system take a toll on the total count of the very important mitochondria; and as nutritional status declines and disease status increases, the nutritional co-factors that support this entire important process decline as well. This unfortunate collection of circumstances results in less and less ATP for our bodies to use to support overall health, as well as a healthy, robust metabolism.

Why do we care?

Because this makes us fatter and fatter, even as we maintain the same level of caloric intake and physical activity. Furthermore, it sets up every tissue, organ and system to begin the process of failing.

What if we could exert control over this inevitable series of losses?

The Naturopathic solution

Fortunately for me and my patients, there are nutritional supplements that when taken in the appropriate forms, and in potent, meaningful doses, actually deliver results in the clinical setting. It is exciting to witness and experience these positive metabolic changes in the average aging patient, which I currently see happening in my practice.

Celleration is a formula that supports the production of more mitochondria. Mitochondria is the “powerhouse” of the cell, where energy is made. It contains a standardized extract of trans-Resveratrol. Use two pills per day morning and mid day with food.

Vitalation is a product that serves as the structural building block for the energy itself. It contains D- Ribose. Use one to two scoops morning and mid day with food.

Q Right is a product that serves as the necessary nutritional cofactor in the production of energy. It contains a special form of reduced CoQ10 known as Ubiquinol. This is the special form of CoQ10 that supports energy production in the mitochondria. Use one to two pills morning and mid day with food.

When used in combination, these products deliver sincere weight balancing affects.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I couldn’t be more excited about this protocol. I am thrilled to have found a nutritionally-based solution to the challenge of increasing weight with age. Moreover, addressing the declining ATP levels is another way to stave off the risk of those pesky chronic degenerative illnesses that we all face in our later years.

This isn’t just about losing weight anymore. This now becomes about living longer – and healthier! And isn’t that every Naturopathic Doctor’s end goal for their patients?

Wired and Tired?

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

Adrenal Exhaustion may be the culprit!

Hormonal expert, Dr. Carrie Louise Daenell, ND can help.

No bigger than a walnut and weighing less than a grape, but don’t let their size fool you; these powerful little endocrine glands contribute to steroid hormone levels such as cortisol, estrogen and testosterone. When they are in balance, you feel your best. When they are off balance, you feel like a broken version of yourself.

Adrenal health allows you to do 3 major things:

To maintain estrogen and testosterone hormonal balance and health with age (for women and men).
To deal with stress from every possible source, ranging from injury and disease to work and relationship problems.
Maintain your energy levels.

In primitive times, “stress-hormone-dumping” would mean being able to run away quickly or fight (“fight or flight”) or to endure long periods of physical challenge and starvation. That is why they can contribute to weight imbalance. In modern society, these same responses are triggered by a difficult boss, air pollution, family quarrels, financial problems, too little sleep, illness, food allergies or drugs.

When your adrenal health is compromised, you may also struggle through “the change” -when reproductive hormones are changing with age. This struggle means the difference between a graceful “change” or an absolutely intolerable “change.” This can lead to a variety of physical, psychological and even relationship challenges that are themselves a further source of stress.

The Good News! How to cope…

Dr. Carrie Louise Daenell practices Naturopathic Medicine and is an expert in Adrenal Fatigue and all types of hormone balancing. From flat-fatigue, to wired-and-tired through bio-identical hormonal support – steady energy, health and balance, and a good night’s sleep, can be achieved on an individualized basis. Naturopathic strategies afford you the ability to feel the way you want to feel while simultaneously preventing the ill-effects of aging and disease. Truly win-win, health-restoring protocols!

There is no better investment to make at this time, then the investment you make in your health, well-being and ultimately your happiness. Make an appointment today to get your health back on track and enjoy the tangible benefits of balance.

Your body is filled with environmental toxins, and what you don’t see CAN hurt you!

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

It is no longer a question of do we need to detoxify, but how best to detoxify our bodies

Our bodies absorb toxins every day, even if we stay nestled indoors. Toxins found in our blood and urine include industrial compounds, pollutants, and chemicals linked to birth defects, immune system toxicity and cancer. It’s time to “take out the trash”!

What you don’t see can hurt you. We think of a mother’s breast milk as being one of the most natural things in the world. Yet synthetic perfumes have been detected in breast milk at five times the levels noted just a decade ago. Our food safety is also a concern, with bacteria and mercury levels making headlines. Even indoors, the levels of airborne pollutants may be 25 to 100 times higher than outdoors! We can’t live in a bubble! Clearly, everyone should consider detoxifying their bodies.

I often recommend detoxification to help patients eliminate waste materials and toxins from their bodies, and to strengthen their elimination and immune function. A successful detox does not require harsh stimulant laxatives. It uses balanced fibers and toxin-binding substances, stimulates liver function and bile production, provides targeted nutrients to support the neutralization of toxins and ensures their complete elimination from the body in order to avoid reabsorbing and recirculation of those toxins, and gently increases bowel movement to eliminate waste.”

Stop the toxicity!

Drink clean spring or purified water.
When available, choose organic foods to avoid exposure to pesticides and other unwanted chemicals.
Clean up your body with a safe, natural cleanse. “To be effective, use a protocol that is individualized to your needs, is powerful to effectively remove toxins while binding them up and neutralizing them on the way out. This ensures that your detox is a “feel good” experience, because when done right – a detox doesn’t have to hurt.
Once or twice a year, and especially for the six months after a round of antibiotics, replenish your body’s ‘friendly’ bacteria with an effective probiotics supplement (acidophilus and bifidus). Be careful in choosing the right supplement. Many are not as potent as the label would indicate, don’t survive the heat of shipping or can contain other bacterial contaminates which compromise digestive health.
Schedule an appointment in our office to discuss a supervised “deep cleanse” tailored to your circumstances. While this detoxification work is much more thorough than the over-the-counter and self-programs, it is also more comfortable. Most people report “feeling great” while on these detoxification protocols.

Reward yourself during and after the cleansing process with something other than food. “Choose a walk, book, vacation, CD or anything memorable to remind you of the positive experience.”

Did you know…

High Mercury Levels Found in One-Fourth of Adults One-quarter of adult New Yorkers, roughly 1.4 million people, have elevated levels of mercury in their blood, mainly from eating certain fish, according to survey results released yesterday by the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/24/nyregion/24mercury.html

In a lifetime the average American consumes: 6500 hot dogs, 20,000 M&M’s, 35,000 cookies and 70,000 cups of coffee.

Prescription Hormone Risk In the News!

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

Recently a study released out of the UCLA Medical Center made a connection between prescription hormone use and breast cancer. Progestin (a synthetic progesterone-like substance) was mentioned.

Progesterone, which is a unique molecule that your body makes is actually health promoting and important to the health of many systems in our bodies. It differs from “progestin” because the progestin molecule is a progesterone molecule that has been altered in a lab. In the case of one popular prescription form of progestin (often mistakenly referred to as “progesterone” by doctors and patients), for example… they add a methyl group to the naturally occurring progesterone molecule, rendering the outcome product, progestin, “new to nature.” That means it doesn’t occur in nature and that the pharmaceutical company that put it together can patent the rights to it. Obviously we can all understand the need for and uses of being able to patent something.

But is that the best thing for us?

In fact, there are likely no therapeutic benefits to adding the methyl group, and actually many of the therapeutic benefits of real or bio-identical progesterone are lost in the process. Further, by adding that methyl group and creating this unnatural molecule, progestin, you are actually adding risks and side effects.

Why did the pharmaceutical companies create progestins? It was not in order to reduce symptoms because progestins often cause so many symptoms that patients ask to be taken off of them. Progestins were created, in fact, because prior to their creation women were being administered prescription estrogens without any form of progesterone to balance those prescription estrogens. This scenario created, among other things, an overwhelming increase in uterine cancers. Instead of taking those prescription estrogen drugs off of the market, they created progestins to reduce the incidence of uterine cancer associated with taking the conventional prescription estrogen drugs.

How does that work? It does so by causing the lining of the uterus to shed on an ongoing basis, ridding the lining of any opportunistic cancer cells allowed to grow secondary to the use of those prescription forms of estrogens. Real, bio-identical progesterone could have worked just as well and without the risks and side effects associated with progestins but alas… the pharmaceutical companies cannot patent something that comes from nature and therefore cannot afford to take it through the FDA drug approval process. Taking a substance through the FDA drug approval process is very expensive. So in all fairness to them, if they cannot patent it and control the profits in order to gain a return on their investment they cannot move forward with a substance. So… they chose to make progestins.

Those of us practicing on the complementary and alternative side of medicine have had a universal awareness of the risks associated with the progestins and prescription estrogens for years. This set of circumstances represents some of the many reasons that I am a proponent of the use of “bioidentical” hormone replacement and not a fan of the conventional prescription version of synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The results seen in this “latest study” are no surprise to me. In fact it further confirms my caution with progestins and prescription estrogens and my support of alternative and complementary methods, such as herbal-based bio-identical hormones, herbal and nutritional support and especially the need for stress-management and a healthy lifestyle.

Some levels of progesterone and estrogens (the naturally occurring forms that your body is supposed to make) actually belong in the body in reasonable levels throughout perimenopause (in a cycling manner each month) and in lower levels throughout menopause and post-menopause (steady levels throughout the month). A presence or history of stress, and many other factors can interfere with our bodies’ ability to produce adequate levels of these important and health-balancing hormones over time. For those of us that can produce adequate levels… we enjoy the ability to create balance between progesterone and the estrogens in our body, resolve “estrogen dominance” and “premenstrual syndrome (PMS)”, support against estrogen-related risks and balance against symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression and anxiety. Further, many different organs and tissue in our bodies depend on real or bio-identical progesterone and estrogens for their optimal and healthy function. These includes our bones, brains, immune systems, and cardiovascular systems… the list goes on. Progestin does not provide the benefits that real bio-identical progesterone provides, and it is also associated with risks.

So, when the body can not consistently provide enough progesterone or estrogens, for a variety of reasons, it can be beneficial to supplement them at low levels in the bio-identical herbally-based form (the exact molecules that your body makes).

One can not take the research from progestins and prescription estrogens and apply it to real bio-identical herbally based progesterone and estrogens, and vice versa… the substances are far too different. Admittedly, more research is needed on the use of these bio-identical forms of hormones. However… as the emerging research on bio-identical hormones does come out, the news gets better and better!

Our office provides a variety of risk-reducing quality-of-life enhancing physician quality supplements, such as:

Est Right – Non-hormonal symptom balancing support for estrogen in the liver

Estro Smart – Non-hormonal symptom balancing support for estrogen in the liver

Calcium D Glucarate – Supports estrogen metabolism in the digestive system

Smart Fish – Non-toxic omega 3 fish oil to support estrogen and whole body health

Restore Multi – High quality bio-available multi with added liver support

Bio Restore – Acidophilus non-refrigerated form, protected from heat and stomach to promote estrogen health in the digestive system

Cholesterol, Statins and The Numbers Game

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

If the numbers are your challenge, there are natural health promoting ways to change them, dramatically and quickly, without all of the risks, dangers and side effects associated with statin drugs. (Statins may not be considered health promoting as they “cost the body in so many ways.)

If it is risk reduction that keeps hanging on to those statins… did you know that they had to research and re-design the research over and over again, for years in order to get a study to confirm that statin drugs had any value at all at reducing the risk of a heart attack or heart disease? For a long time… the studies came back “not shown to reduce risk of a heart attack or heart disease.” You might remember that from the older commercials on tv, for statin drugs.

Finally, they got a study to come back showing risk reduction… and then… they don’t really tell you “by how much,” do they? It is a shockingly small amount.

On the other hand, something as simple as a non-toxic, stable (not rancid) fish oil, which contains 1,000 total mg of EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids, once loaded for 3 months, can reduce risk for an event by 90%! And fish oil has stacks of research documenting its health promoting effects for every cell in the body. All upside on this one!

I use more fish oil in my practice than any other single supplement, and yet – I spent 2 years researching my options until I could deliver the highest quality product to my patients. It had to be stable (not rancid – tested not only for peroxides, but also anisidines) and it had to be non-toxic (tested for 200+ known chemical toxins that can make their way into fish, from their living in the ocean. Namely, DDT and mercury – but many more). That is my Smart Fish – non-toxic, stable fish oil.

From the numbers perspective, we have had access to a couple of very promising natural substances, over the years and here are the pros and cons there:

1. Niacin – regular niacin is effective at changing the numbers quickly, but it flushes, terribly, for some people, prohibiting their taking it. “Flush free niacin, or inositol hexaniacinate, should/would/could work – but it really doesn’t seem to. The answer? Sustained-released regular niacin… avoids the flushing, and actually elongates the time this B Vitamin is available in the body, increasing its value. That is my Lipidlo – Sustained-released regular niacin.

2. Red Yeast Rice – works wonders and fast, but it has a reputation for being toxic. Why? Not because it works (in a very small fraction of the way) a statin works, but because during the fermentation process for producing this powerful raw material, a toxic substance called “citrinin” is produced. Studies have shown that many of the Red Yeast Rice products on the market contain this toxic by-product and it is accepted in the industry as a necessary part of using this otherwise important material. I never thought so. I refused to use or recommend it until I could source a Red Yeast Rice that was non-toxic and citrinin-free. I simply call it Red Yeast Rice.

Finally, in order to support cardiovascular health, optimize the production of cellular energy and oxygen (both critical for heart health – and “two sides of the same coin,” so to speak) the use of a good CoQ10 would be prudent. CoQ10 is a tricky supplement. The vast majority of CoQ10 sold on the market today is very poorly absorbed, so care must be taken to make certain that if you buy it and take it, you are actually getting it! The Q Smart – highly absorbable CoQ10 in my Heart Pack, is perfect for the job!

Over the years, my patients (often women) will ask me “do you have anything for my son/husband/father for his cholesterol?” The answer, now is “yes!” I made the Heart Pack just for them. Of course my patients love it too. It is simple, because it is one small pack with breakfast and the same with dinner. Not several bottles to open every day. The small packets travel well in a pocket, or a suitcase, so it is easy to stay on track. And of course, it works! A retest in 3-6 months will reveal dramatic changes that anyone can appreciate. Its components offer so many health-promoting risk-reducing effects that a statin simply can’t offer. So if your risk and your numbers are of concern – this is your best solution.

Heart Pack

Red Yeast Rice: Non-toxic Red Yeast Rice
Lipidlo: Sustained-release regular Niacin
Smart Fish: Non-toxic, stable Fish Oil
Q Smart: Absorbable Co Q 10

No More Food Allergies… Eliminating the Elimination Diet!

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

Food Allergies… can’t live with ‘em, can’t seem to live without avoiding every food under the sun. And just when you figure out how to replace wheat and dairy with spelt and soy… well, soon enough you are allergic to spelt and soy. What is that?!?!

It is annoying, that’s what it is!

Food allergies are part of total digestive ill-health. When the digestive system degrades so far… it is called “Leaky Gut.” Leaky gut is associated with so many health problems, it is difficult to list them. Easily associated are: Allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, delayed food sensitivities, (not Type I Anaphylactic allergies that close airways), chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, joint pain, headaches, foggy mindedness, eczema, acne… the list goes on. People that are challenged in this way have so many problems, they get tired of hearing themselves list them!

Further, it is socially isolating to have food allergies and so many health challenges. People don’t believe, they don’t understand and so many social settings are built on food. Having pain and fatigue makes it hard to even leave the house to engage socially and then once there, the judgemental comments from well-meaning friends and family, almost make it not worth going at all. I know. I have been there.

On a personal note – after a long and disciplined history of food allergy challenges, and a very disciplined diet that spanned the better part of a decade, I thought “what if instead of identifying foods that bother me and eliminating them, I could heal my body and eliminate the fact that I am bothered!”

No one was doing it. When I shared the dream with some of my colleagues, they suggested that I was just too lazy to want to follow the diet (if only they knew how dedicated I was, and for how long!) Very few really seems to be doing it 15 years later, even though I have traveled the country teaching doctors how to “eliminate the elimination diet” in their patients’ lives. But the truth is… it works! And in fact, with all of the elimination diets that I followed, it seemed that all I got over time was… sicker. Healing my body at the causal level is the only thing that ever made any sense.

If you knew me, personally, (and if you are reading this than likely you could benefit from developing a working relationship with me in order to find your own healing), you would see that I am vitally healthy! It is only because of this health that I was able to enjoy making countless and rewarding contributions that I have made in natural medicine over the last 12 years. Otherwise, I would probably still be trying desparately just to get through each day.

I have worked with hundreds of patients over the last 12 years taking them through my total digestive repair protocol. The stories they have to tell are heart-wrenching. Their triumphs are like watching someone win the Lotto!

The work involves 6 – 18 months, on average (read not an overnight fix), of a fairly intense (read significant financial investment) nutritional supplement protocol, tailored to each individual but adhering to some core values on digestive health, which include:

Improving the Digestion of Foods
Decreasing Local Toxicity in the Digestive System
Enhancing Healthy Bacteria
Eliminating Overgrowth of Unhealthy Organisms
Reducing Free Radical Activity
Rebuilding the Digestive Lining

When you nurture all of these aspects at the same time, all day, over time… you can “get a leg up” on the poor health of your digestive system and completely resolve many seemingly unrelated health conditions, including food sensitivities. Better yet, you can be done. Yes, that means you finish the work, and you move on with your life. Goodbye. Call me when you need a good multivitamin or fish oil supplement! Most of all, be so busy living the life you were missing out on for so long… maybe you don’t call me at all for awhile!

Note: While patients suffering with Celiac will always need to avoid gluten, they can rebuild their digestive system from the damage that so many years of gluten exposure caused them. This work applies to delayed food sensitivity reactions and DOES NOT fix Type I Anaphylactic Food Allergies that cause airway restriction.

It’s time to get your life back! Digestive health is the core of your well-being. Repair it for good.