Nutrition & Health Forum

 Hello everyone, this is our nutrition and health forum which will be updated each Tuesday with timely nutrition and health topics as well as information regarding new and effective new products.  See our Calendar for upcoming topics. You can also search for a topic here!  Please note:  The topics and articles posted here are the opinion of the author, Taryn DeCicco, ND, LDN, LAc, and the property of Taryn DeCicco and Apple-A-Day INC. and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or ameliorate any heath disorder or serve as a subsitute for qualified medical care.

 

I hope you've had the chance to peruse our website. Please post your comments or questions, as I will be updating this site personally.   Best of Health for the New Year!,   Taryn (DocTaryn@aol.com)

 

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February 7th, 2012 at 6:35 pm

                One more BIG case for getting checked and treated for intestinal dysbiosis!  Weight Loss! I have delayed our other calendar blog topics due to this new research!

 

 

Word to the wise: Weight loss has been a side benefit of nearly every case of intestinal dysbiosis I have ever been involved with!

If you are still struggling with your weight it may be time for this novel approach.  Please contact me for a free consultation to discuss your situation!

 

Have a great week!

 

Join us at a Valentine's open house on 2/15 from 4:30-6PM!

 

10% off all orders that day too!

 

Blessings!

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

doctaryn@aol.com

847-477-5442

 

We've heard obesity can be "spread" between friends when we copy each other's eating habits, but a new study in mice suggests obesity could actually be infectious.

That's right, infectious. As in, something you can catch.

In the study, mice engineered to have a particular immune deficiency developed fatty liver disease and got fatter when fed a Western-style diet. But strikingly, when these immune-deficient mice were put in the same cage as healthy mice, the healthy mice started to come down with symptoms of liver disease, and also got fatter.

The culprit? Microbes in the stomachs of the mice. Because the mice had their immune systems disturbed, the bacteria in their guts got "out of wack," said study researcher Richard Flavell, a professor of immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. We normally live in symbiosis with the bacteria in our guts, but in the study, the number of "bad," disease-associated bacteria increased 1,000-fold in mice with immune problems, Flavell said.

And it's these bad bacteria that were transmitted from mouse to mouse, causing the healthy mice to also experience changes in their gut microbes -- and making them fat.

"We could make a mouse fatter just by putting it in the same cage as the other mouse," Flavell said.

The crucial question is: Could this happen in people?

It's possible, but we'll need much more research to find out, Flavell said. The contagiousness of obesity  seen in this study is probably more likely in mice than in people because mice eat each other's poop, a very efficient way to transmit gut bacteria (add this to your list of reasons not to eat poop).

At minimum, the study suggests "this should be very seriously looked at in people," Flavell said. Fatty liver disease is very common among obese people, affecting 75 percent to 100 percent of the obese population, the researchers say. In about 20 percent of these individuals, the disease progresses and becomes severe.

Previously, if two family members living in the same household both developed liver disease or became obese, people would have blamed genetics. But the new study suggests the environment may play a role as well.

If the findings apply to people, they would suggest we need to take approaches to obesity and fatty liver disease that address gut microorganisms — perhaps antibiotics or natural approaches — in addition to traditional treatments, Flavell said.

"This is a very thought-provoking study that underlines the role of the bugs that we all carry inside us in determining our susceptibility to liver disease and its complications," said Dr. Jasmohan Bajaj, an associate  professor of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at Virginia Commonwealth University,  who was not involved in the study.  More work is needed in humans, who are much more complex than mice, to understand the role of gut bacteria in liver disease, but "these experiments form a key step forward," Bajaj said.

The study was published online Feb. 1 in the journal Nature.

Pass it on: Alterations in gut microbes may increase the susceptibility to obesity and fatty liver disease and also make it possible to spread these diseases, at least in mice.
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February 1st, 2012 at 8:54 pm

Happy February!  Check out our events and promotions and upcoming forums as well as a special Valentine's Invite for you!
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January 31st, 2012 at 6:15 pm

  

Well,  we're almost a month into 2012....how many health resolutions have you kept?  Here are some health resolutions that you'll want to keep for the rest of the year....seriously.
 
#1 keep resolutions easy and reasonable and so easy it is hard to break them...like the following....
 
#2 Listen to a song you love everyday.  University of Maryland medical school found major health benefits attached to listening to ONE song like....26% increase in arterial width, decreased blood pressure and increasing circulation.
 
#3 Eat only foods you LIKE...and find more of them.  Most people fail making dietary changes because they are convinced that they need to eat foods they dislike.  The right idea is to eat healthy foods you like and expand those foods. It is also important to not deprive oneself of unhealthy foods you really like but limit them to once per week.  I think dietary quality is the most important health habit ever. If you need help with this come in.
 
#4 Take some vitamin D. A nutrition superstar,  vitamin D is linked to every good thing from immunity to bone health and has recently been linked to seasonal affective disorder and depression.  I can test for your D level in my office or you can take a reasonable dose...here is a product you can purchase in my store....as a liquid it is readily absorbed. Liquid D-3
 
#5 Get a (SEX) life!
 
Having sex more often regulates hormones, reduces pain, relieves depression, and reduces anxiety. It also burns calories and helps cardiac health.
 
#6 Cheers!  Having a drink with friends is even more beneficial presumably because the laughing, joking and support potentiates the health impact of moderate drinking.
 
#7 Watch a comedy...heaven knows that there is enough heavy, negative energy everywhere.  A comedy boosts your mood and allays anxiety and loneliness.
 
#8 Take a Tea Break....telomeres are a new health buzzword and can predict how quickly you are aging. I can test for telomeres in my office thanks to Spectracell labs so please stop in and pick up a brochure about that. Until then, studies have shown that as little as three cups of tea per day can increase telomeres which translates into about 4.6 years of aging.
 
#9 Take an entire day off per week. Helsinki University researchers have identified that people who do not stop working are three times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.  Everyone needs some free and alone time otherwise stress chemicals really escalate.
 
#10  Choose only whole grains...recent research has shown that they contain as many antioxidants as vegetables and fruits.
 
Tomorrow I will launch our February website and events.  I am beginning a new program for my best clients at that time. I will notify you by invitation on how to log in to that information which will qualify you for exclusive classes, articles and promotions.
 
Did you know that my natural pharmacy is open 24 hours per day???  Orders placed here are filled the next business day and you can HOLD THEM FOR PICK UP, should you not want them to be shipped....here's the link...
 
Your visits and product purchases support the valuable work I do. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.  Hope to see you soon.
 
Best of Health!
 
Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc
Naturopath
Nutritionist
Acupuncturist
Apple-A-Day-Clinic.COM
847-477-5442
 
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January 24th, 2012 at 11:23 pm

Welcoming the Chinese New Year!!!!  It is the year of the dragon which is considered the luckiest year in all of Chinese astrology.  Our topic this week is surprising causes of back pain.  To shed some light on home common back problems are 8 out of 10 Americans will suffer from a back problem at some point in time.  As an acupuncturist, back pain and chronic back and neck problems are the number one reason people see me.  Back pain is no picnic so today's forum will shed some light on how to prevent some problems.

 

#1. Weekend exercise warriors!

 

Exercise is great.  Irregular exercise especially playing sports without conditioning and core strengthening is just foolhardy.  15 minutes of core strengthening 3 times a week may be sufficient for some people.

Disc destruction is cumulative according to the American Academy of Orthopedists, and stress exercise such as this leads to serious back strain.

 

#2. Lifting children:

 

Picking up children exerts spinal stress. Piggyback rides or anything involving body weight directly upon one's spine is the most problematic however, lifting children as with anything requires proper form...IE keeping shoulders above the pelvix, and bending the knees.

 

#3. Slouching while sitting puts tremendous pressure on the lumbar spine.  It is important to move throughout the day and to observe their posture. I teach many people about proper posture.

 

#4. Smoking causes disk degeneration and is terrible for spine health. Spinal surgeries are usually unsuccessful in smokers.

 

#5. Twisting your spine....This causes microtrauma to your lower back think whiplash. I cringe when I see people do this at the gym, or perform lunges with barbells....madness!

 

#6. Neuro disorders such as: Chiari Syndrome, spinal cord tumor, Team disorder or tethered cord syndrome do show up though rare.  I have suspected them at times and send people to neurologists for diagnosis on occasion since they do not show up on MRI's.

 

#7.  Dehydration...Your discs do not have a direct blood supply bringing them nutrients so they rely on diffusion...IE water. Obviously if you are dehydrated this cannot happen...Sleep deprivation is also a huge problem since discs rehydrate during the night.

 

#8. Sagging mattresses.  These bend the spine in unnatural positions and that is not good. The thinking now is that the best mattress is a soft one with firm cords underneath.

 

#9. Exhaustion...discs form your internal structure. When discs are collapsing often years of bad habits are to blame...poor diet, lack of sleep, vitamin deficiencies, etc....healing this takes time and effort but will pay off in the end.

 

Herbs, acupuncture and nutrients all play a vital role in keeping your discs healthy and some attention and prevention can keep back problems from becoming a lifestyle.

 

Blessings, and best of health!

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc

Acupuncturist, Naturopath, and Clinical Nutritionist

Apple-A-Day Clinic, SC

847-477-5442

DocTaryn@aol.com
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January 17th, 2012 at 6:13 pm

           Healthy Food Healthy Body!  

 

 

Deciding what to incorporate into your diet may be difficult with all of the items on the market but certain foods are considered to be the best for your health. Several authorities recommend the folowing ten foods that should be included in everyone's diet because they contain phytonutrients and vitamins which are known to decrease the risk of certain cancers, prevent heart disease and boost your immune system. These items are also good choices because a small volume of these has huge health benefits. Check out these high octane super foods.  If you need help with healthy eating be sure to schedule an appointment. 

 Although the pear shaped nut doesn't look like it can offer much; a palm full of almonds is an average serving offering nutrients such as fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium. The almond has more calcium than any other nut and one serving will provide 1/2 the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin E. They are also great to curb hunger and handful of these before a meal will keep you from over eating.

Apples seem to be a favorite among kids and adults and often it's being eaten without realizing the amazing health benefit of the glossy fruit. Apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber, that can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is also packed with vitamin C which is great antioxidant.

Another small fruit, blueberries, are worth their weight in antioxidants and phytonutrients. This bright color fruit is similar to that of a cranberry and can help ward off urinary tract infections. It's also low on the glycemic index making it a good fruit addition for someone who is doing a low carbohydrate diet, or who has diabetes.

Broccoli should be incorporated into the diet on a regular basis due to it's high content of antioxidants and phytonutrients. These nutrients are a combination of compounds that help with chronic disease and contains calcium and potassium. Broccoli is a strong cancer fighter and cancer preventer.

Although red beans are full of phytonutrients which may help disease beans are also loaded with vitamins such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. Red beans are also great for vegan eating because they are high in protein and fiber but low in calories.

Essential Fatty acids (EFA's) are not created in the body so what better source than salmon to get a dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is a great source of protein and the omega-3's are great for a healthy heart. These EFA's have been noted to help decrease blood clots that could be the cause of heart attacks.

Spinach may look like just another leafy vegetable, but it's a great way to increase your immune system. This little leaf is high in folate, vitamin A and C, as well as, helps to keep your hair and skin healthy.

The orange color of a sweet potato is the first sign it's rich in beta carotene. This antioxidant is known for aiding in slowing the aging process and can possibly reduce the risks of some cancers. One small sweet potato only has 54 calories and is a complex carbohydrate making it a good source of sustained energy.

Green juices are a great source of getting many awesome nutrients into your diet, especially if you prefer not to eat vegetables. Tomato juice has antioxidants such as lycopene which is good for the prostate, reducing cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer. Most commercial products have way too much sodium. My top selling Green's First is a wonderful source of the best nutrients available and a little goes a long way.

Wheat germ is actually the small center of the wheat seed that is responsible for growth of the new sprout. It's full of vitamins and nutrients and even has protein, fiber and some fat.

I'd prefer organic forms of these foods but if that is too pricey regular is FINE!

 

See you next week!

 

Blessings, and Best of Health

 

Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc

Nutrition, Naturopathy, Acupuncture

Apple-A-Day Clinic, SC

847-477-5442

DocTaryn@aol.com

 

Have a New health concern?  Please call or schedule a FREE/No obligation consultation!
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January 11th, 2012 at 6:37 pm

I apologize if you receive this twice I didn't get the first notification which means you probably didn't either and it's a hassle sorry!

 

CHEERS and Happy 2012!

 

Here is the link to Nutrition News:

 

http://www.apple-a-day-clinic.com/215.html

 

 

If you'd like to forward to a friend here is the link

 

 

 

 Sign up for email notifications!
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January 11th, 2012 at 5:50 pm

Cheers and Happy belated new year and best of health to you ALL!!!  Nutrition News is finally posted as is the updated site. Link is right here:  http://www.apple-a-day-clinic.com/215.html  I have some awesome events planned so please come and visit.  The weather has been so awesome I haven't had the heart to bog anyone down with reading but It'll be a little more typical Chicago weather for the next few days so...ENJOY!!!!  Happy 2012 and see you soon!

 

Blessings, and BEST of Health!

 

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc

Apple-A-Day Clinic, SC

847-477-5442

 

 

 
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December 13th, 2011 at 7:04 pm

 Sorry the Nutrition News is delayed a day or two....Thanks appreciate so many of you thinking about out promotions.  If you have requested removal from my list...it will be forthcoming as well thank you!
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December 6th, 2011 at 11:18 pm

    As Ben Franklin stated years ago, " the first wealth is health"....yet far too few people realize it.  Many people, if not most, scrimp on health services the minute things get tight or other opportunities to spend money arise... I E the holidays?  This week's topic is how to conserve money and improve your health at the same time.

 

#1: Recognize how expensive sickness is....illness costs money, doctor bills, surgeries, medications, tests, anesthetics, and transporatation and time to fufill these interventions are cripplingly expensive and that is before one even begins to think about the pain and suffering of being sick.  Traditional Chinese medicine and tradition had folks pay their Chinese doctors when they were well not sick, that way they were accountable for doing a good job.

 

#2 Recognize that being less than optimally well has, in economic terms, an "opportunity cost". That is:  what could you be doing if you were in wonderful health?  Earn more, be more,love more,  do more with your life.  When counselling clients I often refer to building up their health banks.  Life events can inexplicably cause large withdrawals of our health banks but investing in one's health means that you can weather those withdrawals without going bankrupt.

 

#3 Health is not an entitlement.  Like everything else in life....you get what you deserve and what you work for.  That doesn't mean that each chapter of life is fair...but in the longer run it is. 

 

#4 Eat a lot less and eat alot more nutritiously.  Fast food  becomes very expensive and very inconvenient when you factor in the destruction it does to your waistline, the wrinkles you'll have, how you may  have to retire early because you're perceived as "old", the cholesterol lowering & diabetes medications you need etc.   You do not need an expensive diet program when simple changes you can make at home will have you eating better, enjoying it more and saving money and your health at the same time.  Eating seasonal foods saves alot of money... for instance: right now we are eating alot of acorn and spaghetti squash.  My dog LOVES squash and sweet potatoes as part of his diet...he refuses dog "treats" now that he is accustomed to better food.

 

#5 Concerned about "organic" food prices check out sales and join a coop.  Even Whole Foods has terrific weekly sales on staples and organic meats that make them par with other markets and the toxic burden, nutritional value, and cost to the environment makes them superior choices for us all.  As I've started to vocalize lately, American's focusing only on price has turned us into a nation of imported junk from China....it's UH cheap though

 

#6  Eat out less...you will lose weight, eat much better, and have more energy and save big money if you pack a lunch or bring healthy leftovers to work.  I cook foods everyday and once a week or so make large quantities of chili or stew or soups and freeze them.  They are even more delicious this way.

 

#7 Take the money you spend on cable and buy a gym membership.  If you're like me, you'll make great friends, get in shape, and be far more engaged in wellness, and like minded people who either are or are in the process of getting in great shape. 

 

#8 Focus your dollars.  Most of the people I see visit multiple practioners and spend lots of money for myriad services when really only one or two are altering their health.  Figure out where you are getting the most benefit and be loyal there. I really extend myself for loyal customers who are loyal to my clinic.  Copays for unecessary visits add up quickly. 

Combine services in one day to receive a discount.  This is a program I'll begin in Janurary.

 

#9 Take advantage of discounts.  I run specials and coupons every month and very few people take advantage of them. Very few of you have joined me on Facebook and Twitter and the purpose of having these pages was to be able to communicate some great savings opportunities quickly.    Values are there but you have to be conscious to take advantage of them and think or even spend in advance at times but the savings are there.  Read the emails of businesses you frequent you'd be surprised at what may be available to you and your family.

 

#10 Focus on one health challenge at a time.  This enables you and I to get results much more quickly, and results in less expenditure than trying to fix everything at once.  I prefer to focus on the most serious issue first and move forward from there.

 

 

You'll be receiving an email of Apple-A-Day Clinic's  specials shortly.  Some of you will also be receiving gift certificates in the mail in January because you have been such exemplary clients.

 

Please put your health and wellbeing above dollars and you'll manage to have both.

 

Best of Health!

 

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND

847-477-5442

Apple-A-Day Clinic

 

 

 
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December 1st, 2011 at 6:02 pm

Season's Greetings!                     

 

I have just updated our website for December!  This month's theme is it is better to give and to receive with lot's of opportunities for you to get some wonderful benefits in addition to improving your health the greatest gift of all!

 

Hope you'll ck it all out, and take full advantage.  Some of you couldn't find it so here it is:

 http://www.apple-a-day-clinic.com/214.html

Blessings, and season's greetings,

 

 

Taryn
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