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

Best of Health!

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

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Arlington Heights, IL

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