I have decided to add a bit of humor to each week's topic by adding a health cartoon to try to lighten things up everywhere...I hope it makes you smile!!! :)

A couple quick things before I get to this week's topic...I will be closed on 6/22 this Tuesday taking a vacation day before my show at the Cubby Bear...I can do that right????  If you need to pick something up NO Problem that can be arranged...so just contact me, Thanks.

I have some free gifts with supplement purchase this month so remind me, we have a new product catalogue in progress and an Anatomy of Nutrition seminar coming.....early July.

This week's topic is about natural help for skin disorders.  The skin is the body's largest organ and provides some important roles in immunity and detoxification!  Many of you will recall a few years ago my terrible debacle with a sunscreen product which led to my battle with seborrheic dermatitis...it has just sucked, and long before that happened to me I will tell you that both in my naturopathic training as well as acupuncture chinese medicine training sages in both fields would really shrug when people appeared with chronic skin problems because they were so difficult to get rid of...

I have found that to be so myself, clinically and personally....I finally think I have figured out why and I believe it's that the human body is so intelligent it tries to keep pathogens and toxins at the skin level away from more visceral organs but this makes it hard to resolve.

In a health process view, I have found  skin problems to fall into categories of: bacteriology or toxicity...IE acne,  Digestion: IE Rosacea, eczema, Psoriasis...can all result from bacterial imbalances in the body which affect immunity and create skin inflammation, Immunity: Eczema, Psoriasis, Sebborrhea....due to low immunity, chronic allergies or toxic triggers from the environment...Emotional Disorders: Hives, rashes dermatitis, eczema.

Oftentimes, to make things even more difficult several issues occur simultaneously...

In my case....a known toxin triggered an amazingly strong inflammatory response in my body....my body's immune system became overactive initially creating tons of inflammation and then hypoactive leading to eczema and finally psoriasis, as things worsened.  Finally, again in my case, as I rebuilt my immune system, I had to finally address the chronic anxiety I experienced from not knowing how I would feel from minute to minute which then created a viscious cycle of itching and anxiety...addressing all these pieces has allowed me to recover to a great extent, and I continue to improve daily.

I have seen many people recover the health of their skin and their overall health has benefited significantly as well....there is no need to suffer.

Sincerely,

Taryn DeCicco LDN, ND, LAc

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.com

847-577-4455

Nutrition News and natural products update is next week....see you then!!

Your referrals, product purchases and visits are warmly appreciated!!!

If you have a chance check me out at http://www.reverbnation.com/taryndecicco

Well,  Hellloooo!!! I am busy in the studio recording my first alternative rock record, rehearsing for my show at the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville on Tuesday 6/22 at 9:15 PM and taking care of my patients and my Shiba Inu, Tre, and my rosebushes for that matter....How's your week going???  This weeks forum is about damgerous food additives, but before that I have a couple of items for you!

One: I should have a new natural products catalogue available by next week..and it's worth waiting for believe me....second...I have great personal products gifts for inhouse purchases this month, and lastly, I have finally tested and endorse a wonderful probiotic that does not require refrigeration for those of you wanting a product to take on vacation..it is relatively heat stable and available by special order..please allow 5 days.

I have replaced some old lines & products with better and more available products and sometimes less expensive ones as well so check me out!!!  I am always available to you for product advice.

This week's topic is how to avoid the most dangerous food additives...I encourage all of you to eat minimally processed foods and go organic as much as you can...better for us...and the planet but I do recognize it is a commitment...

In reviewing this information I realized, (AGAIN) how dangerous these ingredients are...and while you may never experience health problems as a direct result..who really knows??  So here's my list of the most important additives to avoid in table form...please forward on to your friends and family!!!

There are many others but these are a good list to avoid particularly if you have allergies or skin problems...more about that next week.

Your visits, referrals, and product purchases are warmly appreciated. Thank you.

Have an excellent week!

Taryn DeCicco, LDN, LAc, ND

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.Com

Hello, I hope you are well and looking forward to a happy and healthy month!!!  Please check out this month's calendar for some great forums, information, stress reduction, FREE GIFTS for you with supplement purchases while supplies last...and a new, lovely website!!  If you enjoy these forums, I would really appreciate your letting others know that they can participate...without being clients...I do want as many people to be helped by the information I provide as is possible...THANKS!!!

This week's topic has to do with STRESS , yes that again...I believe an awful lot of people are struggling at this moment.  I have been extremely downhearted about the BP disaster,  and what is happening to the flora and fauna....this is causing me alot of stress at the moment.

Yesterday, a patient mentioned I might be better off going there to help and that was a great suggestion...If I think my immune system can handle more toxicity I may go.  Feeling powerless, is a very stressful state for me.

While conventional medicine measures heart rates and rythyms under exertional stress via an EKG...a different, and I think very important gage of chronic stress is a blood chemical called cortisol.

Cortisol is a byproduct of the fight or flight response...and usually a relaxation response is activated after a stressful event.  In our culture, however, the body's stress response may be activated so often the body never has a chance to return to normal, resulting in a state of chronic stress.

High levels of cortisol have been associated with: impaired cognitive function, adrenal insufficiency, thyroid problems, hair loss, nutritional deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances, decreased bone density, decreased muscle mass, high blood pressure, menstrual irregularities, early menopause, severe menopausal symptoms, low immunity, inflammatory problems, weight gain, diabetes, metabolic syndrome..including storage of abdominal fat and insulin resistance....high cholesterol, sleep disturbances and more!!!

When I question many patients about their stress levels many are in denial, and while I can as an objective observer see the tell tale signs..they usually can't.  Sometimes, a cortisol test saliva and or blood will convince them that their stress levels are very high, and may therefore be a huge player in their health problems.

Cortisol secretion varies among individuals....some may hypersecrete cortisol in response to a situation that would cause another very little problem.  Studies have shown that those high secreters eat way more food, and it's usually carbohydrates.

Cortisol levels must be kept in balance in order to remain healthy....Acupuncture, massage, meditation, guided imagery, arts, breathing and sex are all helpful in lowering cortisol.

I have a variety of methods, and products which can help naturally lower cortisol...I can also test you to see if your levels are in a dangerous zone.

Please let me know if I can help you or a friend or family member...

Next week...I will help you avoid dangerous food additives...see you then.

Respectfully,

Taryn DeCicco LDN, ND, LAc

847-577-4455

Apple-A-Day-Clinic

Your appointments, product purchases and referrals are warmly appreciated.

When spring and summer hits many folks experience trouble with airbourne pollen from trees and weeds and grass, as well as dust, mold spores and animal dander as ongoing allergies.

TCM believes that addressing the root causes of illness by treating the whole person and balancing the immune system will lead to substantial long-term health benefits, including better health with less suffering from allergy symptoms.

Hayfever or allergic rhinitis results from an imbalanced immune system.  An overzealous immune system releases IgE anitbodies in response to an environmental trigger such as tree pollen.  These antibodies then attach to white blood cells known as mast cells. As these cells become stimulated they release histamine and other chemicals.

One theory of allergy which I ascribe to is the total load theory which postulates that exposure to one allergen is not sufficent to trigger a response for most people but triggers of several may result in an allergic response.

Medical treatment of allergens typically result in inhibiting an allergic response, including antihistamines, decongestants, and steroids or nervous system inhibitos such as epinephrine. Other treatments are desentization where small amounts of allergens are injected to gradually neutralize antibodies.

Side effects such as fatigue, immune problems, and overreliance on meds  may cause some people to seek out alternatives.

Chinese medicine views allergies as related to wind, which usually coincides with a deficiency of wei or protective qi.  People who are deficient in wei qi catch colds easily and they may progress rapidly to respiratory infections.

The practioner if they are like me will also look for constitutional or more deeply rooted problems in the person.  Often the person has chronic deficiencies in the lung, spleen or kidney meridiens which can be strengthened with acupuncture and herbs.  Typical interventions may include some dietary modification, special herbal formulations, and acupuncture.

I recently did a comprehensive program for several patients which involved some immediate acute care, to alleviate symptoms and then began strengthening their constitutions.  This allergy season they have fared much better, and have not needed any western drugs although the allergen counts are much higher.

Should you or someone you know need help with allergies I welcome new patient appointments.

Thank you, your visits, product purchases and patient referrals are warmly appreciated!!!

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.COM

847-577-4455

Hello!!! My apologies for the delay in getting this to you....I have been absolutely swamped helping patients this week.  This week's Forum topic is the four pillars of digestive health.

Naturopathic education beats one concept into practioners heads during the training process and that is...if something is wrong with digestion, fix that first because everything will improve.  As a clinician, I have learned the veracity of that concept.  Many, many health problems emminate from faulty digestion.

Step#1

Investigation: This is a very tough one for most clients!

People simply do not understand the complex array of bacterial, ecological, and toxilogical events in the gut.  Many current treatments only address symptoms and are not effective at changing the GI environment.  I have learned that health interventions are only effective when they focus on the root cause of problems and contain protocols developed to meet individual patient needs.

Digestive complaints most often result from poor lifestyle choices, inflammation, bacterial imbalances, and toxin exposure.

A bacterial stool culture will reveal information about the GI environment specfic to that person.

Step#2

Develop an individual plan for diet and supplementation based upon, visit,

symptoms and testing results.

Step#3

Maintain the healthy environment.

The four pillars of digestive health are:

1. Digestion if operating properly breaks complex food sources into both micro

and macronutrients that are transported throughout the body.

2. Elimination

Proper elimination of toxic substances, unusable food portions and the toxic metabolites produced by our own bodies is critical to our health.

3. Flora Balances

Our gut hosts upwards of 100 trillion bacteria, yeast and other microbes. Balance of micrfolora is essential to our health.

4. Integrity

Over 70% of immune system function takes place in one's GI tract.  Maintaining proper tissue health is essential for preventing leakage of food particles, microorganisms and toxins into the systemic circulation.

The goals of restoring GI health and balance are to: remove allergens and toxins, remove harmful organisms, replace important enzymes, and pH, reinoculate with proper bacteria, and repair damage that has occurred due to inflammation.

I have seen hundreds of times the incredible difference gut integrity makes in overall health.

See you next week!!

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LDN, LAc

847-577-4455

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.Com

Your visits, referrals, and product purchases are warmly appreciated.  Thank you.

May's website is now up and finalized and some good bright and cheerful stuff is on it's way to you all.  I did not make the MayDay projection I was hoping for but I did beat last's months posting by one day so that is good...I have been active and contributing fully on a bunch of levels now...and that is the promise of good health, I think.  The energy, motivation, and vitality to put your gifts on their highest path, serving as many people as you can, as often as you can, for as long as you can, as best as you can...that my friends is really living the high life...and not that funny beer commercial.  I want you all to know that while I do take my work with you very seriously I am not a machine and do not have the luxury of phoning it in...so I do need a break sometimes...and sometimes I just cannot project when that is going to happen.

And that brings us to this week's FORUM Topic....What is Healing???? It is so completely different from what our culture's belief is I thought I would devote this time tonite to trying to explain the process.

According to many sources, the definition of real healing is the restoration of function, integrity, and soundness, and to restore to a state of wholeness...

Sounds like something to aspire to doesn't it???

Though most people first arrive at my office for a physical condition or problem, actual healing happens on many levels.  Sometimes healing is not at all what we expect...sometimes we need to be open to the gifts that life hands us...usually some type of blessing in disguise.  For example, my digestive problems as a youngster, led me to my present path, as I discuss in My Story.  Often times with my clients, a health issue serves as a doorway to a much deeper healing.  I have seen many many people completely reintegrate themselves.  It also seems that regardless of whether the healing focus is on the physical, mental, emotional or spiritual levels, each is touched and changed by the process, always for the better.

When people demand that nothing get worse, I know that my type of work is probably not for them at least not then because their actual transformation and where it goes ultimately is not within my control at all...and believe me healing one's self leads ultimately to healing one's life....whatever that means for the individual.

I am convinced that many folks do not engage in the process because of fear...not fear of failure, but fear of success...and where that can lead...the UNKNOWN, a fearful place.

I will tell you that unknown to me four years ago, my journey as a healer would lead me to ultimately heal myself, and I am now healing my life and becoming the high-profile, powerful person I was destined to become.  None of this has been planned by me for one moment.

I will tell you everyday now it is great to be myself, and to see the amount of growth, and postivity I am able to put forth, more than ever before.

I truly wish that for everyone I encounter would be willing to just jump aboard...In Seal's immortal words in a song of his called Crazy that I cover...he says " In a world full of people only some want to fly...isn't that crazy, crazy, crazy???

My sentiments exactly...No you won't stay where you were you'll be somewhere way better.

Blessings,

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.COM

Your visits, referrals, product purchases are warmly appreciated!!!

847-577-4455

        Telomeres are sections of DNA at the end of each chromosome that serve as a cap to one's genetic matter.  Each time a cell replicates the telomeres become shorter.  Shorter teleomeres therefore indicate a shorter lifespan for the cell.

Telomere length is an assessment of biological age by evaluating chromosomal damage.

Inflammatory diets, poor food choices, will create oxidative stress and cause shortening of telomeres. 

Stress, overweight, lack of sleep lack of exercise use of recreational drugs, tobacco products, excess alcohol, insulin resistence, and hormonal imbalances, and any and all nutrient deficiencies will all cause telomeres to shorten.

Telomere loss and damage has been associated with cancer, dementia, and cardio vascular disease.

This is truly an innovative area of study.  Telomere testing is available at my office for a very reasonable cost and will provide insight into your goal of optimal health.

Next week we will discuss What is Healing????....Hope to have a new calendar of events and website published by Mayday!!!!

Have a wonderful week.

Your appointments, product purchases, and referrals are warmly appreciated!!!

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.Com

847-577-4455

          Ok...So here's the scoops for this week!!

I have posted my April Nutrition Newsletter in the Newsletter portal under CURRENT ISSUE with some timely information about naps, Alzheimer's hydration, Nanotechnology, ALCAT allergy testing and more.

New hours and phone seem much better for all of you than before...let me know...

Next week's article in Tueday's Forum will be What is Healing????

Hopefully you have gotten my snail mail if not register on site here or shoot me an email so we can stay in touch...

See you next week.

PS playing music at the Cubby Bear, Wrigleyville in June.....

Have a Great Week,

Taryn DeCicco, ND, CCN. LDN, LAc

Apple-a-Day-Clinic.COM

DocTaryn@aol.com

847-577-4455

      This week's topic is top strategies to beat stress.  Before we get into that: a couple of reminders, announcements and the like.  I have received some RSVP's for the FREE Anatomy of Nutrition Class on 5/1/10 (SAT) at 9:15 AM, and it's almost half full.  The class will cover the function of major nutrients, deficiency symptoms and available tests for nutrition status.  Since space is limited please contact me as soon as possible. It will be 45 minutes in length so I can attend to patients that morning as well.

Coupons via EMAIL and Snailmail- on their way to you are expiring on 4/30 (Friday)...I promise you there will not be another one for a few months so HURRY in to take advantage of that.

Many of you have so kindly asked about my music shows...Well I am finally there, over my stagefright and thrilled to have your support and company!....I will try to add them to the clinic calendar if you'd like to come out.  Also, please check me out on Facebook, Reverbnation, and myspace and add yourself to the mailing list. I am in the process of developing a separate website for the act.  Due to my schedule,  I sometimes add these shows only a week or so out so if you'd like to know about them visit me there.  I also posted two videos on facebook yesterday from a performance Saturday Night in Woodstock, I am writing some rock songs now as you'll see.  I do not anticipate any shows close by, most will be downtown.  Underground Lounge, a very cool music venue , asked to rebook me for May and we are working out some dates there.  I am also talking to venues in Logan Square, Wrigleyville, and Lincoln Square for upcoming shows...

Okay:  So Who's stressed out?????  Lot's of folks.  I have noticed a real upsurge in stress and negative energy since the economy soured.  Part of the problem is that most people don't realize life is Supposed to be difficult.  Resisting the inevitable is one source of stress that can be alleviated.

Few people realize this but hard work is actually less stressful for most people than boredom is...it also leads to less problematic health behaviors such as compulsive eating, smoking or drinking.  These types of behaviors weaken the body and then lessen one's ability to withstand stress.

Exercising regularly, is one of the best ways to conquer stress because it not only strengthens you but it also helps dissipate adrenalin, cortisol and other chemicals that can lead to major health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Restful sleep is key to alleviating stress. Lack of sleep becomes another stressor, making all the other ones worse.  Lack of sleep also makes things much harder for the average person cognitively.  Feeling overwhelmed , compounds difficulties and makes it hard to make good decisions.

Having a good sex life helps reduce stress by generating intimacy and blowing off negative energy in a similar but more powerful way than exercise does.

Try to reach out to others.  Bottling up feelings only leads to more stess.

Don't procrastinate...on some level you know what you need to do and doing it is actually easier...a tip I use is to start the day by doing the thing I least want to do. After that I feel energized, and ready to tackle everything else.

Eat good fruits and vegetables, antioxidants in food and supplements help to protect your cells.

Spend some time rejuvenating your thoughts with meditation, yoga, visualization, tai chi or qi gong.

It helps to reprogram yourself so you stay positive.

Always keep in mind that you can take action to change your life, and most people do not.

Develop a spiritual belief system and practice to keep your earthly concerns in check.

Adopt acupuncture, or massage on a regular basis to recharge and rebalance yourself when things are too hard.

Taryn DeCicco, ND, CCN, LAc

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.com

DocTaryn@aol.com 

847-5774455

Your referrals, appointments and product purchases are warmly appreciated. Thank you for your support.  Have a great week