I am not alarmist, as many of you know,  but I learned firsthand last year of the dangers of some personal care products when I got deathly poisoned by an Aveeno Sunscreen product. See Saving Your Skin.

As a healthcare provider I have also encountered difficult cases that were solved by looking at environmental factors.  This week, I am going to address some common causes of household toxins.  When you are doing everything possible to take care of yourself on the inside, it is good to look at some of these common household toxins.

#1 Cooking at high temperatures.  Frying oils at high temperatures or grilling constantly forms some carcinogenic compounds.  Do not grill foods without using a form of marinade which prevents these compounds from forming.  Never heat oils to a smoking point.

#2 Household air fresheners contain phthalates chemicals which cause known endocrine or hormone disruption and birth defects.

#3 Baby powder can cause respiratory distress and suffocation in infacts.  Talc is a known carcinogen.

#4 Formaldehyde, is a common chemical in carpeting, building materials, and particle board.  The Centers for Disease Control has found that long-term exposure can cause increased risk for lung cancer and other respiratory illness.

#5 Over 40% of childhood allergies could be eliminated by removing toxins and allergens in the home according to a 2001 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics.  Culprits include: dustmites, cockroaches, tobacco smoke, pets, wood smoke, drywall, wallpapaer, paneling materials, carpeting and mold.

#6 Incense, can cause cancer, asthma, and other respiratory illness, as well as possible mutagenic effects on DNA.  Candles often contain lead.

#7 Many antibacterial products contain a substance called triclosan which can lead to toxic poisoning in infants.  Also, use of antibacterial products can lead to overgrowth of antibiotic resistant pathogens. I have had families literally have to abandon their homes due to the illness provoking atmosphere of their house.

#8 Personal care products can contain lead, aluminum, and other heavy metals, fragrances may contain toulene a chemical noted to cause allergy and asthma in susceptible people.

#9 Pesticides in food....please see Is organic really better, in this module for tips on reducing your exposure to pesticides.

#10 Mold exposure due to a moist environment or dripping appliance, or faulty roof can be the source of severe illness.  I did diagnose one child with exposure to Staccybotris, or "black mold", a few years back, which was causing the young boy very serious health problems.

#11 Radon an odorless, radioactive gas gains access to your home via cracks in the foundation, or basement. 

#12 Unfiltered water, contains high amounts of chlorine which is a known risk factor for bladder cancer.  Carbon filters like Brita are effective at removing chlorine.

#13 Wood burning fireplaces can release high amounts of nitrogen dioxide or carbon monoxide, and ventilation and levels of these gases should be checked.

#14 Toys, containing lead and phthalates pose a big risk to children due to their undeveloped immune and neurological systems.

For information about materials and products please visit: http://www.ewg.org, and http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/index.htm.

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc

Apple-A-Day Clinic

8/12/08

PS: a special announcement:  Gardisil, a new vaccine for HPV infection has been associated with some unpleasant side effects including paralysis in some users, I will report more as the news unfolds. Thanks

This weeks forum deals with memory loss and Alzheimer's prevention. Due to our aging population, Alzheimer's affects over 5 million Americans. 500,000 of these victims are UNDER age 65.  Some memory loss is a normal consequence of time.  When memory loss is accelerated, frequent, or affects short term memory, however,  it interferes with functioning in daily life.  The good news is that you can improve brain function and reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia with improvements in diet, supplementation, exercise, (mental & otherwise), and environmental interventions.

According to the most recent research on brain function and supplements, experts agree that the most important intervention, and aggressive prevention is customized nutritional supplementation geared towards the individual's deficiencies, as any nutrient deficiency has a major impact of brain function and aging.  Sophisticated blood analysis is available for several hundred dollars, but a trained nutritional professional who is proficient in blood analysis can spot these from a conventional lab work up....our cost around $150 if you do not have health insurance.  These should be conducted annually.

Dietwise, again most experts agree that keeping cholesterol levels and inflammation in check is very important.  A low-fat, heart healthy diet which emphasizes lots of fruits and vegetables has been demonstrated to reduce risk substantially.  Furthermore, most recent research has shown that fruits such as apples, and grapes contain substances that chelate "hardening" substances from vessels, improving blood flow.

Brain tasking activities mean mental gymnastics and the term "use it or lose it" applies here.  Crossword puzzels, memorization or other stimulating or new activities will keep the mind sharp. It is akin to exercise for the body.

Speaking of exercise, 30 minutes of cardio per day burns excess sugar and fat, and enhances blood flow and hormonal balance all of which helps the brain to function optimally.

Environmental factors include avoiding heavy metal overload from sources like cadmium, mercury, lead, and aluminum.  A simple hair test can reveal one's status, and much more.  Lab cost is $125, and reveals nutritional imbalances as well.  Avoidance of cigarette smoke, mercury in shellfish and tunafish, as well as aluminum in pots and pans or deodorants,  containing aluminum chlorhydrate are important, as is avoiding lead based paints or toys. 

Taryn DeCicco ND, LAC

8/6/08

I have posted a New Issue of Nutrition News in the Newsletter portal today.  In that issue there is a breaking news update on Cellphone safety and natural alternatives to plastic surgery.  Monday evening, I will post the August Calendar and you will receive an email notification regarding some great August activities, bulletins, and promotions..I can hardly wait.  See you next week!  Best, Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc  Apple-A-Day Clinic

Need to improve your diet, ? and who doesn't??....add some of these superfoods to your next shopping excursion for better health! 

#1: Sweet Potatoes:  Absolutely jammed packed with carotenoids, antioxidants and vitamin A & C.  Easily baked or grilled. Mix in some unsweetened apple sauce or pineapple to add moisture and sweetness. Try sweet potatoe chips as a healthier snack.

#2: Grape tomatoes: Sweeter and firmer than other tomatoes, these treats are great as a snack.  They are packed with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and potassium.  They are great in flavor too! Kids even love them.

#3: Soymilk: Soy milk can have just as much calcium and vitamins as well as protein, as dairy skim milk,  without the added fat and cholesterol.  One serving of soy foods per day has proven health benefits for breast and prostate health.

#4: Broccoli: Loads of folic acid, vitamin C, and carotenoids. Broccoli and brocco sprouts have important liver detoxification qualities. Broccoli also has high levels of calcium a great choice for those of us avoiding dairy foods. Along with almonds, these vegan choices are good sources of calcium.

#5: Wild Salmon can reduce the risk of sudden death heart attacks like the late Tim Russert experienced. PCB contamination is markedly reduced in the wild variety versus farmed.

#6: Brown Rice: contains tons of B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin E, and copper and zinc. "Enriched" grains are a misnomer in that most nutrients have been removed in processing.  Rice is a grain that contains less allergans than other grains, as well.

#7: Nuts can help weight loss. Except for peanuts, dieters can lose more weight and body fat by adding nuts to their diets. Nuts also can help reduce blood pressure.  Stick to raw unprocessed nuts.  Brazil nuts have been shown to have important anticancer properties.

#8: Sunflower seeds contain phytosterols that can help reduce high cholesterol levels. Sunflower seeds and sunflower oils block cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream according to recent studies.

#9: Superoxide Dismutase is an important antioxidant that can slow the aging process.  One source of this nutrient is in maple syrup but choose only pure maple syrup without high fructose corn syrup.

#10: Green Tea: contains EGCG which amongst other benefits has recently been shown to prevent brain aging! It is protective towards brain health and also lowers the plaque that builds up in ALzheimer's patients.  Avoid those containing sugar and high fructose corn syrup, or all bets are off.

 Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc

7/22/2008

First, an announcement OR Two: Don't Miss out on FREE nutrition consults for your PETs THIS  Friday: 7/18/ 08,  AM from 9:30-12:00 Noon. This will kick off this summers "Freebie Fridays" series where once a month I will offer free consultations to a specific segment of your families. I hope you can join us! I have samples of the Honese Kitchen organic,  grain free pet foods available for attendees.  Second, I truly appreciate all the great comments about my musical work, and YES... I promise, I will get a schedule up within two months.   I have been out playing but either in Chicago, Evanston or even further away, so I will let you know when I'm closer to "home".

Okay, now to the "drug problem".  The popular press, beginning with a story last month in Men's Health has recently identified 8 drugs doctors would never take based on their very risky information in the PDR. they are still widely prescribed, however.  I will cover them here along with my natural medicine recommendations in place of the drug's indications.

#1: Advair, an asthma medication has been linked to over 5,000 instances of sudden death.  Short-term corticosteroid therapy is risky but not as risky as this drug.  In my opinion, asthma is a manifestation of uncontrolled allergies.  I have had many patients successfully treated by identifying and resolving their allergies and this has led to an elimination in asthma symptoms and therefore meds.  To me the only responsible way to treat asthma is to establish the root cause. Once this is resolved, asthma ceases to be a problem.  Please see NEXT month's testimonials for some cases.

#2: Avandia, a drug used to treat Type II diabetes. As if Type II diabetes wasn't enough of a health issue, this drug brings on heart attacks, in over 42% of users.  The FDA has asked Glaxo-Smith-Kline for long term studies but they haven't even begun yet!  Natural Medicine for Type II diabetes involves individualized diet, exercise and supplementation designed to resolve the cause which is acquired insulin resistance in the patient. In my opinion, no motivated person ever needs to take diabetic medication long-term. This illness is CURABLE, even in those with strong genetics!

#3: Ketek, an antibiotic prescribed for respiratory infections carries a huge risk for liver damage. In February, the FDA limited its use to pneumonia but it is still precribed.  Natural Medicine Strategy: bolster your immune system by avoiding sugar, getting a grip on allergies, getting sufficient sleep and learning how to manage stress.  Smoking, or past history of smoking, must be resolved. If this is an area of constitutional or genetic weakness, Chinese medicine is brilliant at strengthening this area.  Flu shots may be a viable option for older people whose immune systems are not up to par.

#4: CeleBrex, still available even though all its other cohorts have been pulled off the market. CeleBrex has been proven to cause liver and kidney damage and stomach bleeding. Heart attack is now considered even a bigger risk.  Natural Medicine: Acupucture has been PROVEN to be more effective than arthritis medications even in combination with physical therapy and exercise.  I have seen nothing short of miracles with this treatment...with no pain or risks! 

#5,6: Prilosec and Nexium, the FDA is now investigating a link between these drugs and heart disease.  Decreasing stomach acid may also increase your risk of pneumonia and osteoporosis since calcium absorption is significantly decreased, risk of fractures are exponentially higher in people taking these drugs especially long-term.

My opinion, find out what your digestive symptoms really mean.  While our society accepts a significant amount of digestive distress as "normal", often these symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg and may signify some real dysfunction long-term.  Visit my candida/dysbiosis page for more information on what these symptoms relly mean.  Naturopathic medicine holds digestion as the cornerstone of human health, and takes proper digestive function very seriously, due to its relevance to long-term health.

#7: Visine, I think most people are aware that constant use of these drops can cause rebound redness and broken blood vessels. Still, what is the reason for using them.  Dry eyes? Consider Chinese medicine which is brilliant at addressing various organ problems related to eye dryness. Environmental factors such as: overuse of computers, bad glasses or contacts are other factors. Flower essences such as: Yarrow Environmental Solution can really give relief. Eye exercises and frequent breaks are also important and must be balanced.

#8: Pseudoephedrine, decongestants not only constrict blood vessels in the nose but also in the sinuses, it also raises the heart rate and blood pressure. Over years, it can lead to heart attack and stroke, also: it worsens prostate disease and glaucoma.  What does chronic sinus problems signify?  In natural medicine,  often food allergies are responsible, or an imbalance in the intestinal ecology revisit the CandidaRx page for futher information.  Enviornmental Allergies are often culprits and can be dealt with easily.  Also a Neti Pot is a real help for chronic sinus inflammation, especially in combination with establishing its cause.

Please consider investigation of symptoms rather than just obliterating them  Symptoms are the way the body tries to get your attention.  About time our culture started listening.  Thanks!

 Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc

7/15/2008

The most comprehensive study to ever correlate diet and wrinkles was done by Monash University in Melbourne, Australia and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2001.  Researchers there studied 453 people over age 70 and analyzed their diets and wrinkles to determine a correlation. 

The overall conclusion was that a low-glycemic diet high in varied fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and fish was associated with less skin wrinkling.

The foods associated with less wrinkling:

Total fats

monounsaturated fats IE olive oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds

fish, especially fatty fish such as sardines and salmon

naturally low fat dairy products such as yogurt

eggs

nuts and legumes such as broad beans

vegetables such as: leafy greens, eggplant, asparagus, celery, onions, and garlic

whole grain cereals

fruits: especially: prunes, cherries, apples and jams

tea

water

foods high in zinc such as shellfish and lean meats.

The foods associated with more wrinkles are:

Saturated fats in meats

processed meats

ice cream

foods high in sugars

cakes, pastries and desserts

processed potatoes and french fries

butter

margarine

transfats

These results have been consistent with other studies on the subject.

Diet and skin health has been correlated with high antioxidant intake and less intakes or high sugar and processed foods.  High sugar intake and intake of transfatty acids found in fast food, and commercial baked goods accelerate the aging process in the entire body, not just the skin.

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc

Hello everyone, and happy July 4th, 2008. I have posted a new Nutrition News in the Newsletter Portal. Among other news it contains an article about acupuncture and fertility and another about weight loss secrets, do over the counter aids work??  I hope you'll visit. By Tuesday evening I will have our July Calendar events and new promotions etc posted....you will receive emails alerting you to all this month's specials and promotions as well as great new activities at the office. See you SOON! Best of Health!   Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc 7/4/2008

 My fabulous honorable

                  Tre (san), a Shiba Inu,  a Pariah dog from Japan.

If you are...and I certainly hope you are...taking a multivitamin each day does it stand to reason that you should do likewise with your dog or cat?  Do animals require special handling with regard to supplementation?  Many of my clients have seen a real change for the better in their pet when supplements were begun.  Some beneficial changes were a return to playfulness, lessened signs of aging, better mobility, reduced incidence of cataracts , very common in dogs, improved temperments, and lessened allergy signs and symptoms.

If your pet has signs of arthritis, or hip dysplasia, pet formulations of glucosamine and chondroitin are helpful.  Cats thrive on fish oils, especially as they age, while they can be problematic for dogs who have a much faster metabolism.  Certain herbs like St John's Wort can be trouble for pets, even toxic reactions can develop, something I never want to see.

It is absolute folly to use supplementation in pets without the advice of a nutritionist or veterinarian trained in veterinary nutritional medicine, as there are vast differences between animals and people and dogs and cats.

Another concern is that independent laboratory results of animal supplements has found that they are in general of much lower quality than those for humans.

Dr. Tod Copperman, president of consumerlabs.com stated in a recent interview that over 50% of verterinary products fail their inspections. They urged consumers to speak to health professionals before self-medicating or even just buying products in stores or over the internet.

Dr. John Bauer, professor of clinical nutrition at University of Texas's College of Veterinary Medicine, offered up some considerations when evaluating products.  1. Product quality...who is the manufacturer, how much of the active ingredient is present? 2. What is the scientific basis to support the supplement? 3. Check tolerance carefully when administering something new. 4. Safety: the products label should indicate how it was tested.

Most of you know how much I adore animals, and we are carrying some wonderful pet products in the pharmacy Pet's Natural Products

section.  Also, I would like to offer FREE consultations in July regarding pet questions and natural supplements.  Please check next month's calendar for details.  The anticipated date is Friday July 18th, from 9:30-1:00PM.  I will be posting a new nutrition news volume next week with articles on weight loss and chinese medicine for fertility issues see you then.

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc 6/24/2008

Best of Health

It's been acknowleged for at least thirty years that a postive mental attitude has major health benefits...but how does negativity affect your health? Is it even possible to remain in a postive place, in such a negative time in history?  Really, what can be done?  This week we will probe answers to this topic.  Please remember: this is a discussion forum, so if you have questions or comments please post them, and they will be addressed this upcoming week.

Conquering negative emotions is as important to your health as eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting restful sleep.  According to recent research, when one experiences negativity, stressful emotions such as:  anger, frustration, and hurt or victim feelings surface.  Learning to let go of negativity is very important to your wellbeing.  By holding on to negativity, circulation, digestion, respiration, hormones such as cortisol and the like are affected.  Negativity also affects the immune system making you more vulnerable to all diseases.

If unresolved negativity is affecting you,  you are probably experiencing a lot of negative mind chatter throughout each day.  You may be indulging in alot of negative self talk or imagining or fantasizing about some downfall or retribution with respect to the fate of your foes.  When a person is thinking in this way it creates significant physiologic stress in the body.

Pay attention to your body.  For example, anger can express itself in a clenched jaw or shoulders, dry mouth, shallow breathing, or a raised voice.  These signs are superficial.  Internally: raised blood pressure, increased heart rate, and gut tightening may occur.  Adrenalin is released which constricts blood vessels, causes migraines, and cardio vascular disease.

It has been known for thirty years that the #1 difference between type A persons known to be at increased risk for cardiac disease, and more relaxed type B's is one emotion: Hostility.

Anyone who lives in our culture, knows that hostility is rampant, the chinese have a syndrome named after it in acupuncture theory called: angry liver syndrome.

I personally believe that living in our culture now requires some sort of "negativity management" daily such as: meditation, affirmations, prayer, yoga, or any other daily practice that restores some balance and hope. Visit my meditation pond for a little stress breather.

It is also important to limit your exposure to negative elements such as: news, gossip, negative, "energy vampire people", and anything else that reduces your joy and happiness in life.

If you are fighting a losing battle, consider a consultation for help with the above.  This is vitally important if your spouse or someone else close to you IE boss, is sapping your vitality and cannot be eliminated from your life.  Acupuncture treatments, flower essences, or nutritional therapy can help restore your balance.  Please take advantage of our special visit rates to get rebalanced today!

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc

Apple-A-Day-Clinic

6/16/2008