Thank you for your kindness, consideration and support.  I will be responding to many of you personally as soon as I am able and thank you on behalf of myself and my family for your wonderful thoughts and prayers and beautiful cards.

I will create a temporary memorial at the office for my mother this week

I will be in the office today and  resuming my normal hours this week.  I will not be in on Fridays until further notice.  Unfortunately, to compound the very difficult reality of my mom's untimely passing, and the trauma to my father and my family I find that I am once again without clerical help. 

 To assist me in providing better service to you, and all my patients I would appreciate your picking up supplies either between 3:00PM-and 3:30, or between 6:30 on Tuesdays/Thursdays, or 9-9:30 and after 12:30 on Wednesdays and Saturdays.   I am going to need to take extended time off around the upcoming holidays, and will need to "go it alone" at the office for awhile.  If you would like to order by telephone, fax or website you can pick your products up at anytime, since your order will already by processed and waiting for you.  I will, as you know do the very best I can for you and I very much appreciate your patience and cooperation as I transition through this agonizing time.

Sincerely,

 Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc 11/4/08

Due to the untimely death of my beloved mother,(she was 68 and in supreme good health and an athlete),  from an aortic aneurysm Friday evening, the office will be closed, and I will be inaccessible until further notice.  I am sorry for your inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation during this time of sorrow. 

 Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc

I hope you have had time to review our offerings for October, and I hope you enjoy my attempt at some lighthearted animation for Halloween, and in the meditation room!

This week's topic is:  Can nutrition and natural medicine reverse or prevent hair loss? (alopecia)  , and the two are related, not only in terms of nutrition but also in Chinese Medical theory.  According to a recent scientific study, males were more likely to be attracted to a partner with thick, long hair than any other attribute.  The researchers hypothesized that hair quality was genetically programmed to signify fertility. Even biblically, beautiful hair is considered a woman's greatest glory.  In Chinese Medical Theory, the quality of the hair reflects the health of the kidney, which is the root of good health...pun intended.

Common hair problems can be related to serious health or medical problems, hormonal imbalances as well as nutritional problems and should not be ignored, or self treated at home.  Here we'll talk about those interventions.  

Symptoms of nutritional deficiencies or imbalances are: premature graying/brittleness, slow or no growth, thinning, texture changes,  spot balding, or overall balding, scalp problems including sebborrhea, and dandruff.

Foods that help with hair health and growth are the ones that help your overall health for sure!  Some "super foods" for healthy hair are: acai or goji berries which are full of antioxidants, amino acids, minerals, and non-inflammatory fats.  Allium vegetables such as garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives contain bioflavonoids which help the body excrete toxins and carcinogens...certainly important since the hair shows toxins more than any other body tissue.

Sprouted Barley, and barley grasses chorella, spirulina and sea vegetables which contain essential fatty acids, and also help the body excrete toxins.  Recommendation: our excellent Green's First product which contains all the items recommended in this article.  Other recommended foods are:  beans and lentils excellent for proteins without adding inflammatory fats, hot peppers, which have beneficial effects on circulation & nutrition to hair capillaries, nuts and seeds, which contain beneficial fats, minerals and phyto chemicals. Sprouts of any source,  contain enzymes which help you digest and assimilate foods into creation of living tissue.  Lastly: probiotics such as yogurt with live cultures and kefir are necessary for a functional immune system, and youthful digestive tract.

Dietary changes will take at least four months to show up in your  hair so keep it up!

Nutrient deficiencies and hair loss

Premature greying is usually due to mineral imbalances or shortages of calcium, magnesium or zinc.  Iron or long term anemia can also rob pigment from the hair.  A simple blood test can reveal deficiencies. An in office zinc test can reveal zinc deficiency which is not usually checked by non-nutritionists.

Spot balding or thinning can be due to deficiencies of several nutrients: magnesium, niacin, biotin, inositol, zinc and pantothenic acid, vitamin B-5.  Interestingly these are typically low in those with tons of stress!  Identification and resolution of the deficiency leads to hair restoration in most case.

Balding can also be due to a toxic reaction to something, or even poisoning!  For instance,  taking high dosages of Vitamin A for months will cause hair loss.  Stopping megadoses will reverse the problem in most cases.  If hair loss or changes are due to environmental poisons a hair test can reveal alot.

Balding can also be a sign of food allergies.  Many celiac disease sufferers, those allergic to gluten,  have very poor hair until their condition is diagnosed. Uncontrolled allergies can cause an auto immune response to the hair follicle and is far more common than most people suspect.

Scalp problems such as seborrhea may also be due to food allergy.  Elimination of the offending substance often does wonders!  Other times, hormone imbalances or fatty acid imbalances are to blame and when resolved the condition disappears!

Dandruff may be due to anemia or zinc deficiency.  Biotin or B-5 may also manifest this way.

Hormonal imbalances such as low thyroid, menopause, andropause, high testosterone levels and insulin resistance can have deleterious effects on hair health.  If caught and addressed early these can be reversed.  I have used acupuncture & Chinese Herbs in very serious, chronic cases with excellent long-term results!

Slow growth may be due to protein deficiency, stress, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, other illness, or metabolic disorders.

Some supplements that can be helpful for reversing hair loss are: Biotin, panothenate, magnesium, vitamin b-6, iron, zinc, niacin, inositol, vitamin c which improves capillary circulation to the scalp, L-cysteine and L-methionine, two amino acids which may help with growth and texture by prolonging the hair cycle. Please be aware that these treatments need to be tailored to the person, a "hair supplement" is almost never effective in reversing these types of problems.  Chinese herbs which nourish the kidney and blood also result in lush abundant hair especially when combined with acupuncture so there is no reason to despair about your hair!  Come see me!

 Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc

10/14/2008

Apple-A-Day-Clinic

847-577-4455

Hi I have posted a new Nutrition News Newsletter in the Newsletter Module featuring some timely topics including: Red Bull Beverage and stroke risk, green products to avoid and wheat gluten friend or foe? I sincerely hope you'll check these articles out.  Also Please check your emails this week for our new calendar of events for October....Great stuff on it's way....Thanks to all who participated at "freebie friday" and thanks for sending your friends it was excellent.  Have an awesome week! Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc

But first a quick reminder that this Friday is "Freebie Friday" and I will be in from 9:30-12noon with answers to your questions, performing free consults for your family and friends and, if all else fails, passing out free samples....I look forward to seeing you there!

This week I'd like to tell you about some cutting edge tests it may make sense to get even if you have to pay for them yourself.  As we all know, insurance is charging more and more to cover less and less but these few tests may be so important to your long term health I'd encourage you to get them anyway, even if you have to pay, especially if you are at high risk for illness.

The first is called a CRP or c-reactive protein which can monitor subtle amounts of inflammation in the body, such as the veins, heart or connective tissue.  High CRP levels are a red flag that things need to change, and high levels in a cardiac CRP were indicative of imminent heart attack even in persons whose cholesterol levels were normal or  low. This test runs between $75-100.

Pillcam Colon Video is another test which can predict polyps, colon cancer, Barrett's esophagus, and relies on a camera which one swallows which videotapes the digestive tract and can help make a diagnosis in cases of unexplained bleeding or inflammation.  This test is expensive $500-2,000 but can be a real lifesaver for those at high risk of digestive cancers.

Hormone assessment panels can run from $250 to $1500 or more depending upon where you go however declines in hormone levels are associated with accelerated aging.  A good test will monitor estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, HgH, and DHEA levels.  If low, a compounded prescription can be prepared and monitored on a regular basis.  These hormones must be monitored by a doctor due to possibility of breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate cancer if levels get too high.

CEA/CA125 are two tests around $100 each which are a Godsend for those who have already had cancer.  Despite false positives, these tests have merit for establishing precancerous or cancerous lesions in their earliest form in the thyroid gland, digestive tract, (CEA), and the female reproductive tract CA125.

Serum Vitamin D-3 is an affordable test under $50 which has merit for preventing cancers in the breast, prostate, prevention of autoimmune disorders and of course valuable in bone health as in anyone with osteopenia or osteoporosis.

When people ask me why insurance doesn't cover more of these tests I usually respond that they are not responsible for placing you in optimal health, that is a commitment, and responsibility on your part and very much up to you!

I think it is certainly worth it and attainable for many people.

Best of Health,

Dr. Taryn DeCicco

9/23/2008

Are you missing out? If so on what??? This week's topic is common nutrient deficiencies and their resolution.  But before we address that topic I have two important announcements.

#1 This month's "FreeBie Friday" will be held on Friday, September 26th from 9:30 to noon.  I will be there to answer your questions, give a free consult to your family member or friend or help you with supplement advice or answer your health questions for FREE!!! We will also have alot of new product samples to give out as well as a new product catalogue so please mark your calendars and JOIN US!!!  It is my way of showing our appreciation for you all.

#2 Beginning October 10th, we will have Friday Hours from 9:30 to noon, and will be seeing patients for appointments starting then. If it is a freebie Friday we will not see patients that day.

#3 I still need help! on Wednesday and Thursdays so if you know anyone or can help please call me or let me know!!!! I especially need help for Wednesday so if you're available let me know! Thanks.

Okay so now to our topic, ARE you Missing out on something?  Well, without your labs it's not possible for me to say for sure but today we will cover some common nutrient deficiencies.

If you are or have been a Chronic Dieter, chances are you are: LOW in Everything, this is also true if you are a cigarette smoker, drinker, user of recreational drugs, under heavy stress, are an athlete or have chronic digestive disorders, or are trying to follow a vegtarian or vegan diet.  If you fall into one of these categories hopefully you are or soon will be under my care.  If not, you should be! Until then:  take a superior multiple vitamin, such as our Multi 75, REvitalize, Children's Multi or the like.  This is also true if you are a picky eater, have an eating disorder, or eat the same diet habitually.  If you are a woman, you need a calcium supplement as well! The dosage is going to vary alot depending upon your age, diet and activity level, as well as kidney function so I am not going to publish them here.

Over 75% of premenopausal women are deficient in folic acid. This is particularly true if you are on contraceptive pills or again smoke, heaven forbid! Deficiency can lead to cervical cancer or dysplasia.  When these conditions exist, it is only possible to remedy them with very high doses of Folic Acid which can not be obtained without medical supervision, from a specialist like myself.  A multiple vitamin or prenatal will contain from 400-800mcgs per day which is an appropriate amount. Folate is available via green leafy vegetables such as spinach or kale as well. Hate them? Well,  consider a great product such as Green's First which tastes wonderful and is nutritionally one of the best products I have come across. I eat tons of vegetables everyday and do not skip my Green's First EVER!  I simply feel great when I drink this!

Iron: again,  most premenopausal women come up short, and if you avoid red meat you are particularly at risk, and also if you are vegetarian or vegan...more about that subject later.  Most multi's contain between 18-30 mgs of iron prenatals are the 30mgs. Most of us should not take more than 18 mgs without a ferritin test, and additional iron should be discontinued when that test becomes normal. Common signs of iron deficiency are fatigue, shortness of breath and weak limbs. Men may be iron deficient but this may require a full medical work up to determine the cause. Men should not take additional iron unless clinically anemic and neither should post menopausal women.  Iron supplements are extremely toxic and should not be taken without medical supervison, they can also be hard on your digestive tract.

Vitamin D, the "sunshine" vitamin has been found to be low in over 50% of Americans.  Since vitamin D is toxic in large doses please see your MD or myself for testing before self-medicating.  Vitamin D has great roles in cancer prevention, osteoporosis prevention, and new research is on a daily basis finding more functions of this important vitamin. Please see the last few issues of Nutrition News for details.  If you have been diagnosed with prostate enlargement, breast problems, osteopenia, or osteoporosis or use sunscreen daily or rarely get sun exposure you need to find out your status immediately. Vitamin D is available in "fortified" foods such as milk but that has not helped the majority of Americans.  Cod Liver oil is a good food source but is high in toxins so I cannot recommend it at this time. I do not recommend taking supplemental D without blood testing.

Chromium, about 90% of American Diets are deficient. Chromium is a trace mineral that is present in whole grains, brewer's yeast, oysters and liver...not exactly high on most people's daily food chain.  Chromium is also wiped out by high fructose corn syrup,  stress, sugar and refined foods. Signs of deficiency are blood glucose problems, fatigue, anxiety, and diabetes.  People with diabetes or hypoglycemia can tolerate very high doses of chromium but again this must be prescribed by someone knowlegable about nutritional medicine. I prefer chelated minerals which are minerals attached to an amino acid because they work much better and faster in remediating deficiencies.

Essential Fatty Acids: More than 60% of Americans are deficient in this essential nutrient. A very common deficiency due to over processed oils in refined foods. Best food sources: Ground flax seeds, wild salmon, walnuts or walnut oil. Deficiency symptoms: dry skin and hair, hair loss, eczema, acne, liver and gallbladder problems, ADD, ADHD.  About 1,000 mgs essential fat daily...1 tablespoon is recommended.  Avoid transfatty acids and margarines.

Vitamin B-12, deficiency is quite common in older people, and vegans. Vitamin B-12 was recently found to prevent age-related brain shrinkage a common cause of cognitive loss in the  elderly.  Signs are anemia, constipation, depression, intestinal problems, low stomach acid or gastric surgery, spinal cord degeneration.  Animal foods are high in B-12 such as: Liver, venison, buffalo, lamb, scallops, salmon.  People who are deficient do NOT require injections. Sublinguals or nasal sprays are just as effective and much less expensive!  Vegans are known to have low levels of several nutrients including: zinc, calcium, iron and B-12.  Frankly all vegans should receive nutritional therapy and testing on an annual basis to avoid severe problems down the road. Most people simply do not realize how difficult it is to meet their nutritional needs through diet alone. A vegan, allergy, GI or any other restrictive diet is VERY hard to balance properly.

I hope this information is beneficial to you and yours! Best of Health, and see you next week.

 Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc

9/16/2008

Before we get to this week's very important topic, I have two brief announcements!

#1 We are growing and I need to add a part-timer for the following hours: 9-12:00 or 1:00 PM Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-5 or 5:30...there may be more hours if desired!  Please have any candidates contact me at: 847-477-5442 anytime...the sooner the better!!

#2 I am considering publishing a quarterly or monthly newsletter geared towards chinese medicine only. If you would be interested in receiving it by email please let us know by email or phone. You can opt out if you do not find it useful but I think you will!

Okay, on to this week's topic, natural healing for emotional disorders.

I remember being very surprised a few years ago at the sheer percentage of clients who were taking psychoactive drugs. It was

70% or even greater!!! Patients were taking antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, sleep drugs, sedatives, and of course this didn't include all those using abusing alcohol or recreational drugs, or painkillers to get through this thing called life.  It also didn't include those taking the medications to get through a stressful time such as a divorce.  I truly was stunned!!! Also, true to myself, I also wondered how much of these difficult emotions needed to be medicated or medically managed.  I had come through some extremely difficult times in my life and had struggled with major emotional turmoil and felt it had served a purpose in my personal evolution. Would I be the same individual if I had obliterated the signs that I was out of balance?  Would my growth had been compromised?  Does suffering serve a purpose?

The first item to establish is if someone is in crisis.  If the emotional load is debilitating and one cannot function it may need to be treated medically in the short run.  The same is true if it is due to major biochemical swings as in post partum depression.  In cases like that it may be impossible and even very dangerous to avoid treatment and try to tough it out...in the short run. In other cases, it may be a lower grade problem, that has become a chronic state of affairs. In the long run, I would like to see some real healing occur, and I have seen time and time again that that is really possible.

The armamentarium of dealing with emotional disorders is not all that different from dealing with physical disorders.  The most important aspect is to establish what is out of balance and why.  After establishing that, selecting appropriate natural treatments is much easier, and more likely to work quickly and effectively.

First and foremost, getting personal habits in line is very key.  A nutritious diet that is individualized to one's personal biochemistry is very important to getting balanced emotionally.  Also, developing a personal exercise program, since over 2,000 studies support a link between exercise and depression for example, as well as appropriate sleep hygiene, help to significantly reduce stress on a person and strengthen their healing powers.  Dietary allergies, and physical problems such as a low thyroid or poor digestion or blood sugar imbalances can and often do manifest as anxiety or depression or agitation, or even hyperactivity. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects many people in our area and is treated with light therapy.

Nutrient deficiencies and biochemical imbalances often cause emotional symptoms. For instance: a vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause severe depression and is very common in older people.  Some people are lacking serotonin due to conversion problems and can be helped with substances such as 5HTP.

Occasionally, a traumatic event or life event can throw someone's balance completely off leading to a chronic emotional problem.  In those cases  I may use acupuncuncture and chinese medicines to balance the seven emotions.  It has been so effective that I have been able to help people avoid institutional interventions in some cases!

In deeper cases I am a big proponent of flower essence therapy  which is a form of homeopathy that focuses on the emotional health of a person.  It works by selecting and balancing deeper issues and can be subtle for awhile.  As things progress, it is akin to peeling away at an onion skin getting ultimately to deeper healing from deeper issues.  I have used flower essences for 10+ years in my practice.  These can be combined with even heavy duty medications, as they have no interactions with either western or herbal medications!

I rarely prescribe herbal treatments for mood disorders due my commitment to getting to the root cause and treating it.  This has meant that my clients often in a short time are not needing to take anything because they no longer require treatment!!! In my opinion that is the best possible outcome.

Dr. Taryn DeCicco

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.COM

9/9/2008

Finally this months nutrition news is up with tips to selecting a multiple vitamin and a valuable offer for you! After major technical difficulties, I lost DSL service due to a cut phone line secondary to Arlington Hts Road construction but the Nutrition News is now posted in the Newsletter Portal current issue!  Tomorrow, I should (fingers crossed), be able to publish your new September Site...I have done all the design work just need to edit it and compose your September Coupons for special supplement and visit specials!!! Hope you enjoy, there are some very interesting research briefs posted right now hope you'll visit soon!  Best, Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc

My apologies for having to delay this weeks Multivitamin article. I will post it in the new issue of nutrition news by Sunday. By Tuesday I will have our new calendar of events, articles, meditation room, and testimonials posted for the entire month of September!!!  I am wishing you the best of health and a wonderful and safe holiday!!! Enjoy the fabulous weather. Thank you all. Hugs, Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc