Last week I promised a Corona virus update and here it is….  I personally have been distancing myself from media and online news about the virus.   Judging by how stressed I feel when I leave my home I think this is probably a good idea.   Stress and fear are the number one way you can drop your immune system and make yourself more vulnerable to this, or truly, any illness. 

 

Lack of sleep, poor eating especially sugars or other simple carbohydrates will also make your much more susceptible to the virus.   Right now, avoiding social contact is probably a good idea and does seem to be having a positive effect on slowing the pandemic aspect of the Corona virus.

 

So what can you do to make you and your family less likely to contract this illness?

 

Eat a healthy diet,  making sure you are getting a variety of whole foods.   Avoid junk foods and foods high in processed or even natural sugars as they will depress your immune system.

 

Take a good multi vitamin mineral supplement each day.  This will help to fill in some dietary gaps.

If you are stressed out about the situation take at least 500-1000 mgs buffered time released vitamin C and a good B-Complex vitamin  also time released… 

 

Take a good probiotic each day.

 

If you are forced to engage with others I would also like to suggest some anti viral immune tonics.  Most people know about elderberry but that is more effective at the early stages of viral infection.  Two products that I feel are safe for PREVENTION for most people and children are Astra 8 by Health Concerns and Argentyn 23 by Allergy Research.  We also have products for those immune compromised people needing more help but I will not cover these here.   Should you need help please give a call and we can do a phone consultation to discuss your needs in depth.

 

Next week join me for a discussion about how nutrition affects your mental health.  Sign UP so you don't miss a thing.  And PLEASE visit our natural pharmacy for great deals on hundreds of professional products and FREE shipping on each item.

Best of Health,

Dr. Taryn DeCicco

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.com

Holistic Doctor

Acupuncturist

Naturopathic Doctor

Holistic Nutritionist     

 

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Scientists at ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science and University of L'Aquila, in Italy, suggest the spice could reverse the course of blinding diseases and may hold one of the keys to preventing the loss of sight in old age.

The researchers led by Professor Silvia Bisti have shown that saffron has remarkable effects on the genes which regulate the performance of the eye's key vision cells and not only protects the vision cells (photoreceptors) from damage, but may also slow and possibly even reverse the course of blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa.

A clinical trial with patients suffering AMD in Rome has found early indications that treatment with a dietary supplement of saffron may cause damaged eye cells to recover.

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world and comes from the dried stigma of the flower of the saffron crocus - it is used in cooking as a seasoning and as a colouring agent.

Saffron is native to Southwest Asia and has a bitter taste and contains a carotenoid dye, crocin, that gives food a rich golden-yellow colour - it is a much-sought ingredient in many foods worldwide and widely used in Persian, Arab, Central Asian, European, Indian,Turkish and Cornish cuisines and in sweets and liquors.

Saffron has also been used as a fabric dye, particularly in China and India, and in perfumery.

But saffron also has medicinal applications and a long history in traditional healing for the treatment of a variety of ailments such as menstrual pain, menopausal problems, depression, chronic diarrhoea and neuralgia - modern medicine has also discovered saffron as having anticarcinogenic (cancer-suppressing), anti-mutagenic (mutation-preventing), immunomodulating, and antioxidant-like properties.

Professor Bisti, who is currently visiting colleagues in The Vision Centre in Australia, says saffron is not simply an anti-oxidant but appears to possess a number of other properties which are protective to vision - it appears to affect genes which regulate the fatty acid content of the cell membrane and this makes the vision cells tougher and more resilient.

Professor Bisti says it has been shown in animal models that a saffron diet will protect the eye from the damaging effects of bright light – something we all suffer whenever we go out in the sun and is active in affecting genetic diseases of the eye, such as retinitis pigmentosa, which can cause life-long blindness in young people.

Animal research has also shown the prospect of slowing down the progression of sight loss and when saffron was given to human patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration, which causes partial or total loss of sight to many people in old age, signs of cell recovery were seen. One product I like: FREE Shipping  Don't forget to visit our Natural Pharmacy for amazing deals and FREE shipping on hundreds of FRESH professional products.Next week join me for a discussion of the status of the Corona Virus.  SIGNUP Here so you don't miss a thing.. See you soon and as always, best of health!

Dr. Taryn DeCicco

Holistic Doctor

Naturopathic Doctor

Acupuncturist

Holistic Nutritionist

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.com

 

 

 

 

 

I get inquiry calls about this therapy frequently and am surprised. Can you cure a hangover, boost your immune system, fight fatigue and get healthier skin all in one IV treatment?  That's what vitamin IV drips promise.

The process works by providing the user with a direct infusion of vitamins and minerals, like high doses of vitamin C or magnesium. Receiving vitamins through an IV allegedly allows the nutrients to bypass the digestive system for faster vitality. There are various different formulations of vitamins you can receive depending on your needs.

Fans of the treatment ― from Bravo reality stars to Adele to Chrissy Teigen ― and companies that offer the service advertise that it will help with various health concerns.

Does it? And Is it SAFE?

Most treatments cost from 300-$500 and last from 20 minutes to one hour.  The most popular treatment is called a “Myers Cocktail” which contains a drip of saline solution, magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin C.  A licensed health professional must oversee the procedure and it is best if a Medical Doctor is there in the facility in case emergency procedures need to be implemented which is what happened to Kendall Kardashian a short while ago.

Most healthy people with functioning GI tracts do not need IV therapy.  It bypasses nature, costs a lot of money and opens the door for all kinds of complications to occur.

What kind of complications?  Well for starters you really don't have any idea what is in your IV.  A woman recently died from a turmeric IV she was getting to treat eczema which was due to a mistake by the compounding pharmacy that created it.  IV clinics are not regulated by the FDA so you really have no idea what you are getting…

While technically the person administering the IV should have training the training standards vary widely across the country.  IV clinics don't have sufficient information about your medical history to provide safe care.  If you have diagnosed or undiagnosed heart disease you should not do this as it will put an added strain on your heart. 

Insertion of an IV can cause bruising, infection, blood clots and vein inflammation.  

When one considers the risk and expense of IV therapy, in my opinion no ethical doctor will advocate or prescribe it except under extreme medical conditions.

Many of my patients are being treated for long term digestive problems and have a multiplicity of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.  We customize patches for these clients and they work extremely well and circumvent the above risks.  Contact me if you'd like more information about this!  I think most of the hype of IV treatment comes from the increase in energy one will experience immediately upon getting hydrated. Obviously drinking  16 ounces of water does not seem exciting to people,LOL. Next week join me to learn how ONE nutrient can stop blindness and cure eye disease.  SignUP so you don't miss this.   We proudly offer brands like: Douglas, Pure Encapsulations, Thorne Research, NeuroScience, Allergy Research and so many more.  Please visit our natural pharmacy for great deals and FREE shipping on hundreds of FRESH products.  We ship same day in most cases.  Thank you and best of health!

 

Taryn DeCicco

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.com

Naturopathic Doctor

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Holistic Physician

 

 

 

 

 

 Image:holisticcare.com

 

 

I'm often asked for referrals across the country for "holistic doctors like you."   It's so hard for me to give personal recommendations because I couldn't possibly know that many people.  Also, selecting your own practioner is part of taking responsiblity for your own health care.  This means creating an environment where you can flourish.  I will not accept appointments made by a third party like a husband or a wife or a sister, etc.  This never works out.  After all, if someone is unwilling to do the work of finding a practioner, are they going to do the work of actually getting well?  Not in my experience.  Except of course for very young children.

 

To find a good fit begin by asking a healthcare provider you know and trust.  Your fit with a holistic doctor must be based on your needs and values.If they do not meld the relationship will not be a good therapeutic one.  Another source of referrals is from actual patients who are satisfied with the care they receive.

 

Credentials are important as they demonstrate that at least in the case of board certifications, a doctor has completed rigorous training over a long period of time.  Credentials do not always gage the talent of a doctor clinically.  Often the doctor with a better emotional IQ is less highly credentialled than one who has tons plaques on the wall but not very good interpersonal skills.  It's often true as well that some very gifted "healers" have no real credentials whatsoever.  Sometimes, in the case of specialties mine are digestive and skin disorders you are well served by working with the most knowlegable experienced person there is even if you have to do it long distance.  This is why I do this and clients are very appreciative as well.

 

Ask yourself the most important question there is. Does the holistic doctor seem like a healer?  Do you leave their office feeling uplifted and reassured?  Do you feel as though you are in good hands?  This is paramount to a good therapeutic relationship so trust your gut and intuition on this.

 

Don't be vicitimized by Insurance.  Over the years Ive heard so many people say that they couldn't come in or take supplements or do much of anything because their "insurance wouldn't pay for it".  Invariably these people suffer from bad health compared to those who say they will do whatever it takes to get and stay well.

 

You and only you are responsible for your health choices.  Insurance should really only be reserved for crisis intervention the rest if up to you.  Building a healthful life will never be covered by insurance it is up to each and everyone of us and is about choices we make each and every day.

 

While a holistic doctor is an expert in a body of knowlege, you are the expert of your own body.  When you find the right relationship your health cannot help but flourish.

 

Best of Health and Healing

 

Dr. Taryn DeCicco

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.com

Holistic Doctor

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Arlington Heights, IL

847 577 4455

 

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For some time Americans have been supporting alternative medicine in the United States.  Almost 40% of adults are participating in treatments like: nutritional therapy, acupuncture, yoga, meditation and homeopathy.  Most of the treatments are being used by adults though,not children.  I am estimating but guess 90% for adults and only 10% for children at present.

 

Interestingly, people without health insurance and people in lower income brackets spent a much larger proportion of their incomes on alternative medicine.  A recent review shows that pain therapies were very popular.

 

Statistically speaking, 70% believed in the positive effects of complementary and alternative medicine.

 

The latest statistics show that Americans spend almost 10% of their annual incomes on alternative therapies. The annual amount spent in the USA is over 30 BILLION dollars per year.  

 

Clearly, complementary therapies are not going away.  One reason is the time and attention given by holistic doctors versus conventional ones.  Getting to the root cause of a health concern is another issue.  Safety and efficacy is yet another and a realistic one since western medicine is now the third leading cause of death in this country.

 

Personally speaking, I am somewhat surprised at the low numbers of participation for both children and for higher income families. I suppose this is due to greater pressure to conform to conventional care from both peers and also institutions like major employers and schools for instance.

 

These percentages have remained flat for probably close to a decade. More reason for you to be proud to have chosen a different path.

 

Next week I will discuss the latest health concerns relative to smart phones.  SignUp so you don't miss a thing.  Also please visit our fabulous natural pharmacy where we offer hundreds of FRESH, professional supplements I have hand selected at great prices and FREE shipping on each order.

 

See you next week and best of health,

 

Dr. Taryn DeCicco

Holistic Doctor

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I promised to share my 2020 health resolutions with you and here they are!  Any or preferably ALL are the most important steps a person could ever take to improving their health.

 

 

#1. Just MOVE

 

I decided that I had gotten semi lazy after hurting my shoulder back in August and it was true.  After a month of relative inactivity I had never gotten back up to my previous level of activity.  Over the holidays, I had decided to extremely limit my time on social media, as well as the smart phone and computer in general and that has helped loads. When I am not sitting staring at those objects I am infinitely more active.  Each morning I limit my time checking emails to just a few minutes and get moving.  I find my house is getting cleaner by the minute and I feel better having strenous physical activity and the feeling of accomplishing things.  Movement is one of the most important requirements the human body has and it is no secret that a sedentary lifestyle is linked to every chronic disease there is.  Aim for at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity it's important and it feels great especially once you get used to it.

 

#2 Drink ALOT Of Water

 

I believe I have mentioned that in Japan it is customary to drink a huge glass of water upon arising in the morning. Even I did not drink much water in the morning but I realized I needed to change that....and I have.  I try to now drink one half to three quarters of a liter of mineral water in the morning before lunch. If your urine is not very light yellow or colorless you are not drinking enough water.  This is true even in the presence of supplements.  Without water most metabolic processes in the body are hampered.  Thirst is not a reliable indicator of hydration.  By the time you are thirsty or your urine is yellow you are dehydrated.  Drinking coffee or tea in the morning is extremely dehydrating.  I gave up caffeine about 5 years ago and that certainly helps but you simply MUST drink water.

 

#3 Stay Positive

 

I do my best to remain positive and that is largely due to staying away from news headlines.  Unfortunately, social media means you are literally forced to ingest large quantities of bad news everyday.  I know it had an impact on my attitude so I don't participate anymore and I feel better.   When you feel better emotionally your health HAS to improve.

 

Well, these are just some thoughts on my 2020 health resolutions.  I hope they are helpful to you.  Should you need assistance with your health and wellness this year, please contact us anytime for an appointment at 847-577-4455. Above, I have posted our other upcoming topics for January.  Don't miss why the US life expectancy is on the decline for several years now.  Sign up here for notifications.  

 

Did you know we offer 500 professional products from brands like Douglas Labs, Metagenics, Neuroscience, Rx Vitamins, Pure Encapsulations and so much more!  You can even test kits on our website for many health concerns you may have.    Our current best selling item is the TimeMaster Pro!  Get yours Here! They are sold out everywhere!   Thanks and see you next week!

 

Dr. Taryn DeCicco

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.com

 

 

 

 

Most people really dislike winter.  And for good reason:  With extreme cold weather comes health hazards like frostbite, seasonal affective disorder, SAD,  and even an increased risk of heart attacks.

 

BUT:  There's some benefits to that cold:

 

Cold Weather Burns Calories

You may have heard of "brown fat," a type of fat found naturally in parts of the body that, when triggered, can burn off other "white" fat. In a 2012 study, researchers found that cold weather seemed to set the brown fat into motion, and that simply being cold could cause significant calorie burn. (Exercise may have a similar effect, as demonstrated in a study from around the same time, the New York Times reported.) The study, admittedly, was small – however.

 

COLD WEATHER MAY HELP FORGE RELATIONSHIPS

Staying indoors may help relationships.  With less distraction people may focus more on their relationships.

 

Cold Weather Is Less Hospitable For Disease-Carrying Bugs

Winter and its effect on the disease-spreading mosquito population. The pests thrive in milder climates, meaning  they were able to survive -- and breed -- all winter, just waiting to feast come spring. Freezing or below-freezing temps might kill off some of them (and ticks), thereby protecting you from the illnesses they are known to spread.

 

Cold Weather Brings Greater Appreciation Of Brighter Days

Research suggests that if the weather never changes, you start taking that sunshine for granted. Shivering through the cold makes those warm spring days seem even better when they finally come along, according to Psychology Today.  I notice this all the time in Chicago. A day with sunshine is a day where people positively bloom

 

Cold Weather Can Reduce Inflammation

There's a reason putting ice on an injury works. That drop in temperature reduces inflammation in, say, a sprained joint. But the theory also works on a big scale, too -- cold temperatures can reduce inflammation and pain all over.  A 2011 study found that, at extremely low temperatures, such treatments, called cryotherapy, did more for athletes to recover from physical activity than simply resting. Runners who were exposed to temperatures as low as -166 degrees F recovered from exercise faster than those who given other therapies or told to rest.

 

Cold Weather May Boost Your Body Image

 

While I can't advocate chowing down on wintertime comfort foods, there is an escape from the pressure to get a "bikini body." It's a great time to focus on fitness -- hello, New Year's resolutions -- without the pressure to do so for your looks alone.  On Tuesday I will disclose my New Year's Health resolutions.  SignUP!  If you'd like to hear them.  Did you know we sell over  500 professional products from brands like: Metagenics, Thorne, Health Concerns, Orthomolecular products, Pure Encapsulations, RX Vitamins, and many more. Visit our store to see our great prices and FREE shipping on every order!  Thank you!

Wishing you all a very healthy and happy 2020!  

Dr. Taryn DeCicco

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.com

 

 

This may not be the most timely post as we are entering into a feasting mode but it came up due to discussion with a dear friend of mine who asked me what I thought of Sadh Guru's discussion of intermittent fasting on FB.  It took me a couple of days to watch the video he posted on his Facebook page but I was glad I did as I agreed with it totally.  I was unaware that this is a yogic practice but it is one that I have intuitively done for all of my life.

 

His premise is that a minimum of an 8 hour span is necessary in order for your body to assimilate and metabolize the foods you eat.  He emphatically states  that all modern illness is due to overeating and that in 6 weeks these illnesses can be overcome by fasting intermittently.   Sounds reasonable but is there any real science behind this?

 

Seems like there is:

 

#1 IF improves lipolysis, fat burning in the body. In fact, studies show that participants lose about 7% if their waist circumference.  This is due to reductions in insulin and increases in growth hormone.  Fasting can also decrease insulin levels and lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels.

 

#2 IF may slow the aging process. According to research, IF keeps mitochondria in a youthful state, and literally rejuvenates our bodies.

 

#3 IF may be beneficial to skin disorders by triggering detoxification.

 

#4 Reduces inflammation,  since inflammation is at the root of most chronic disease decreasing inflammation is extremely helpful in preserving and restoring health.  Fasting controls the release of free radicals.  IF along with increased water consumption will help eliminate inflammation in some cases.

 

#5 Improves brain function.  Between the reduction of inflammatory chemicals and the increase of neurotrophic factors, people who try IF report feeling sharper minded and focused.

 

#6 Reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes.  By reducing blood sugars, and insulin levels, IF drops risk of these chronic illnesses.

 

#7 Reduces oxidative stress which is akin to rusting in the human body and plays a significant role in development of chronic diseases as well as the aging process.

 

#8 Since it is more focused on when to eat versus what to eat it may be simpler for many people to implement. I do not advocate IF for people who have chronic illness unless it is supervised well.  If you'd like more information please schedule an appointment at 847 577 4455.

 

 

This is our last blog post before Christmas so Happy Holidays to you all.  On Tuesday 12 31 I will discuss some benefits to living in cold weather.  I hope you will join us.  We will also post our topics for the month of January at that time.  Sign UP here so you don't miss a thing.  And DON'T Forget to visit our store for great prices on hundreds of amazing professional products.  Thank you for your support and Happy Holidays!

 

 

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Activated charcoal has one real use: accidental posioning or drug overdose. Activated charcoal removes these poisons through a process called adsorption.  I recently became aware of a new health craze regarding activated charcoal around Halloween of this year. At the root of the new activated charcoal health fad is the misuse, or misunderstanding, of the word “toxin”. In a detox- crazy-fad world, toxins are used to refer to impurities or anything undesirable in your body: stains on your teeth, dirt or dust on your skin, naturally present sugars in your juice, a hangover after a night out,too much Halloween candy?

Personal care products (like teeth whiteners, face masks, soaps, shampoos, and deodorants) containing activated charcoal bank on the idea that impurities can be drawn out during use. Since these products are meant for external use only, they perhaps won't cause any real harm. But there is little to no research to prove that the trace amounts of activated charcoal, combined with other ingredients, in these products are effective or more just marketing.

Activated charcoal products meant to be taken by mouth or eaten, however, are a different story.   The same detox effects of activated charcoal can disrupt your regular diet and medication regimen. Whatever foods or other supplements are  sitting in your stomach can potentially adsorb to the activated charcoal in your detox .

Though the recommended starting dose of activated charcoal for adults (25–100 grams) may not seem like a lot, a teaspoonful of the powder has the same surface area as a football field. Since supplements and retail restaurants are not regulated by the FDA, it's hard to know the exact amount of activated charcoal used, so it's possible that there's enough to cause some harm. Regular intake of activated charcoal may even cause nutrition deficiencies malnutrition or malabsorption.

Here are the risks of consuming activated charcoal:

1. It can prevent your body from digesting food and absorbing nutrients.
2. It can make medications and other supplements WAY less effective.
3. Side effects can include diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and blockage of the digestive tract.

Last summer, New York City, under orders from the FDA, had to ban activated charcoal in restaurants—presumably because the city had become a mecca of activated charcoal treats.

What medications are affected by activated charcoal?

As  above, almost anything taken by mouth can adsorb to activated charcoal given the right circumstances. There is really no safe way to take this and no health advantages to doing so.

People taking ongoing or chronic medications (like statins, antidepressants, the birth control pill, and blood pressure drugs) can be affected the most by activated charcoal, since staying on schedule is important for managing the condition.

– – –

While activated charcoal definitely has a place in the medical world, consumer products and foods containing activated charcoal are not proven to have any medical benefit. Always discuss with your holistic physician or nutrition specialist if you're thinking about changing your diet, starting a new supplement, or going on a detox cleanse. Also, be a lot more discerning of information found on the internet.  Next week join me for a discussion about if you are awakening each night at the same time, Chinese medicine may explain why.  Until then, I hope you will visit my Natural Pharmacy for great deals on hundreds of amazing.  FRESH health products and FREE, superfast shipping on each order. I am an authorized distributor of every product we sell so you know they are100% authentic and have never been warehoused.  Please sign up for notifications of blog topics, special events and sales on our website. I look forward to sharing this topic with you next week and as always:

 

Best of Health!

 

Dr. Taryn DeCicco

Apple-A-Day-Clinic