July 9th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

#1.  There definitely is a FAT GENE.  About 20% of the population is genetically programmed to be obese.  I am one of those people, however, and therefore predisposition is No absolute sentence.

 

 

#2. Some people have more fat cells.  Current research shows that there are times when it is possible to greatly add to fat cell disposition, actually childhood.  Things slow down by adolescence however.  What seems to be most important about this is that a set point is formed which makes it harder but not impossible to lose and maintain weight.

 

#3. You can change your  metabolism but it takes WORK.  Namely exercise.  I have learned clinically that the higher one's fat mass is the slower is one's metabolism and the harder it is to lose weight.

 

#4. Stress adds pounds.  Stress hormones trigger release of insulin which causes a vicious cycle of sugar cravings and blood sugar  dysregulation.

 

#5.  What mom ate during pregnancy could be causing you problems in the present.  Eating poor foods can upset the appetite stabilizing and metabolic systems in developing fetuses.

 

#6. Sleep more...lose more....Researchers have found that sleep deprivation sets off release of weight gain hormones in susceptible individuals.  ALso, many people use food as a sleep subsitute.

 

#7.  Your significant other's weight matters.  If you are living with an overweight person, it nmay affect your motivation to take better care of yourself.  Likewise, if your partner loses weight and attracts attention it may motivate you to do likewise.  As I often tell my patients, if you want your partner, or child to lose weight the best strategy is to do so yourself.

 

#8. Some viruses may result in weight gain.  Adenoviruses can cause stem cells to become fat cells under the right circumstances. Al the more reason to take care of your health!

 

#9.  Foods can become addictive and release dopamine.

 

#10. Chronic ear infections can taint your taste buds. Cravings for sugary foods can be due to underlying imbalances in the bodies bacteria.

 

#11. Antioxidants can prevent us getting old and fat.  Lack of antioxidants can prevent neuro cells from signalling we're full.

 

#12. Most diet books these days are becoming startingly similar.  Still, enhancing metabolic activity is a largely individual endeavor. Probably why these efforts fail.

 

#13. You can be overweight and healthy!! It is possible by eating properly, exercising, taking supplements that are right for you to be healthy and to have healthy markers such as low cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, body fat even though you are technically overweight.

 

These days...all we really have is ourselves and our health.

 

Watch for our July activities within the next few hours.

 

Best of Health

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc

98

July 2nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm

I'll resume our schedule of topics next week, until then don't forget:

 

Special Pricing through Tuesday: That is, just 79$ new patients and $59 existing patients!  Also 10% off all clinic products through Wednesday. Please Note: we will be open from 9:30 to Noon on Saturday.

 

Thursday, July 9th and Friday July 10th I will begin our Community Clinic which will be 15 minute visits for Nutrition/Naturopathy for $25, and 30 minute acupuncture visits for $59....no appointments needed.

 

This week's shocking article is one near and dear to my heart...about my father's miraculous recovery from cardio myopathy following my perfectly health mother's stunning death at age 67 from an aortic aneurysm in late October.

 

Most of you do not realize that my father, age 70, and also extremely healthy,  developed serious heart problems almost immediately following my mother's death.  We consulted top medical experts and he was diagnosed with cardio myopathy, a generalized weakening of the actual heart muscle itself and placed on beta blockers, and diuretics to improve his shortness of breath and cardiac output.  His symptoms improved nearly immediately from the medications, but he was not comfortable taking them long term.  Also, we wished to investigate the cause of his disorder.

 

In late March, After workups and echo's, mugatests etc....I flew to Chattanooga to discuss findings with  his cardiac team.  The results were daunting at best.  My dad's cardiac output had dropped 50% to about 20%.  His cardiologists wanted to insert a defibrillator, surgically and expressed with good medical care he "might" have two years.

 

We also scheduled a sleep study since I had been concerned about possible apnea for several years.

 

After a deep breath, I discussed my protocol of supplements with his cardiologists, as well as his exercise regimen, and plan for stress reduction.  I told them we would return in three months, and discuss these invasive options at that time.

 

I put my dad on a regimen of vitamins, herbs, chinese herbs and flower essences designed to reduce his hearts workload and to strengthen the heart muscle itself.  I had hoped to see his cardiac output double.....He also increased his exercise, decreased sodium in his diet, and lost 6 pounds although he is thin.

 

Well, he repeated his tests last week...6 weeks later at best....and astonishingly his cardiac output TRIPLED!!!!!!!

 

Instead of having a discussion about surgery, we had a discussion about reducing his medications over the next six month to a year until he is once again taking NO MEDICATION.

 

I think this healing adventure illustrates why I chose to do this work, and the best combination of healing modalities.

 

My dad needed medication...and still may for awhile so we are grateful it is available.  It also clearly indicates what is possible for anyone at any age given their motivation to work at their health.

 

 

Have a Safe and Healthy 4th of July.

 

Blessings,

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND

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