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November 6th, 2019 at 6:58 pm

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Doctors and patients should be aware that if they're using steroid injections to relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis:

the shots may be doing more harm than good.
In a new study published in the journal Radiology, researchers looked at 459 patients in a US hospital who had received one to three corticosteroid injections into a knee or hip.
Of those patients, 36 of them, or 8%, experienced adverse events in their joints, as shown on medical imaging tests.
 
 
Researchers saw an acceleration of the patients' osteoarthritis progression, as well as other negative effects including subchondral insufficiency fracture, osteonecrosis and rapid joint destruction with bone loss.
Ali Guermazi, a radiology professor at Boston University and a co-author of the  study, told CNN the paper built on another 2019 study that showed similar results.
Now, the evidence is stacking up, and the negative effects might have actually extended higher than the 8% of patients with complications seen in the study so far, he said.
He cautioned, however, that it was just an observational study, and scientists would still need to do a double-blind study to back up these findings.
These results offer food for thought for patients struggling with osteoarthritis.

Steroid injections are a common first line treatment in dealing with osteoarthriti.s

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones wears down over time, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Doctors often give the steroid injections to help with short-term pain relief, particularly for patients who can't tolerate acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In the short term, side effects are rare.
Richard Kijowski, a professor of radiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, wrote an editorial accompanying the recent study saying the objective of the journal's special report was "to educate radiologists that the intra-articular corticosteroid injection they routinely perform with little, if any, thought about long-term safety may cause more harm than benefit."
He noted a 2015 Cochrane Review analysis found that the beneficial effect from the steroid injections didn't last more than six months.

Patients should be careful when considering steroid treatment

With 10% of men and 13% of women older than 60 being diagnosed with osteoarthritis, the findings have implications for those with the most common joint disorder in the United States.
An important takeaway, Guermazi said, is that doctors should inform patients of all the possible risks of steroid injections as they weigh treatment options together.
Currently the American College of Rheumatology "conditionally recommends" steroid treatments and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International says they should be considered in patients with moderate to severe pain, the paper says.
Guermazi wasn't ready to commit to how exactly the steroid treatments might actually cause osteoarthritis complications.
But he said the study's observational evidence might be particularly relevant to younger patients mulling over steroid treatments, as it might lead to them needing joint replacements sooner.
All in all, it still comes down to the patient's choice.
The researchers say "patient preference should have a substantial influence on the type of treatment selected."
I am not sure why more people don't come in for natural treatment for osteoarthritis.  Recently, I treated a 60 year old hiker for moderate knee osteoarthritis.  With just a few supplements she has improved over 80% in 8 weeks and that improvement has continued to be cumulative.  An important note: she had tried supplements on her on with no results whatsoever.  This is not unusual here, in fact it is typical.
In another recent case, I treated an 80 year old patient with acupuncture only  for severe osteoarthritis  That client was able to discontinue pain medications in 4 weeks.  She is now on a routine maintenance program.  I am not certain why most people don't seek better more natural options for themself!  They are truly health saving!  Should you wish to schedule an appointment please call or contact us at 847 577 4455.  You can also visit our joint section of our natural pharmacy here. FREE, FAST shipping and FRESH Products. Most clients receive their orders within 2 business days.  This weekend check your emails for important news from us. Thank you for your patronage and best of health!
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October 31st, 2019 at 6:27 pm

 

halloween

 

This is not a trick! 

 

Weight Loss can be a very complex and frustrating situation for the average person. This is because:

 

·         Metabolism is VERY complex and unique to each and every person

·         The type of calories you consume matters

·         The health of your GI tract matters

 

For example, those following the ketogenic diet (high fat, low protein, low carbohydrate) tend to lose weight rather quickly as the body is in a state of ketosis, which is its fat-burning mode. The ketogenic diet, which is typically higher in calories, may be helpful for quick weight loss, but it may not be beneficial long-term for supporting the gut microbiome as a high fat diet may negatively affect diversity of microorganisms in the gut.   

Research shows that the gut-brain axis can influence metabolism via many different pathways,and microbes are partly responsible. We know that microbes directly influence the following, mainly through communication with the vagus nerve:

·         Immune system function via cytokine production

·         Short chain fatty acid production (e.g., butyrate)

·         Neurotransmitter production (e.g., serotonin)

There are Mice Studies, But Limited Human Studies

Researchers have revealed some pretty interesting connections between gut microbes and weight, but we don't have many human studies to back up their findings. For instance, if bacteria from obese mice are transplanted into the intestines of germ-free mice (mice bred with a sterile gut, i.e., no gut microbiome), the germ-free mice tend to gain weight. Think about that for a moment. 

What we do know from human trials is lean twins tend to have greater diversity of gut microbes compared to obese twins. What this means is that certain bacteria, like Bacteriodetes, may play a role in the breakdown of dietary fibers and utilization and production of energy by the body.

Findings like these do not necessarily suggest that human fecal microbial transplants from lean people into overweight people will lead to weight loss. These types of studies are being conducted right now, though, so this scenario might be a possibility in the future. 

What about antibiotics?  For example in one animal study,  when mice are administered low levels of antibiotics similar to what livestock receive, they can put on 15% more body fat than mice not given low dose antibiotics. Blaser goes on to explain that in certain areas of the USA, particularly the South where antibiotics are heavily used, the obesity rates are higher. This makes a stronger case for buying organic and pastured-raised animal products to minimize exposure to antibiotic residues. 

Inflammation in the Gut

If you have ever known anyone that's suffered with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, you know keeping weight on can be a problem for them. There are many reasons why IBD can lead to weight loss or the inability to gain weight, but chronic inflammation in the gut is likely the major cause. 

When the gut is inflamed, the cells lining the intestine are more likely to be damaged and absorption of nutrients is affected. As the body does not receive an adequate supply of nutrients from food, basic metabolic functions are disrupted, and muscle growth and fat storage are less likely to occur. When IBD sufferers are given steroids and/or supported through personalized medicine treatments, weight usually stabilizes and tends to return over time. 

Dysbiosis and Sugar Cravings

Dysbiosis is a term used to describe an imbalance of gut flora. It usually indicates an overgrowth of an organism, like yeast or bacteria or even a parasite. Dysbiosis can develop for many reasons such as frequent antibiotic use or chronic stress or poor diet, and I find that many people with chronic gut issues have dysbiosis. 

What I've seen clinically, and experienced personally myself, is that overgrowth of yeast can cause sugar cravings. Yeast throw a party when sugar and simple carbohydrates are present; eating these foods keeps the party going. 

When patients come in and complain of the following constellation of symptoms, I like to rule out bacterial, fungal and/or yeast or candida overgrowth in the intestines, or even SIBO:

·         Sugar and carbohydrate cravings

·         Skin rashes, or pruritus (itching of the skin)

·         Fatigue

·         Brain fog

·         Joint pain

·         Itchy anus

·         Yeast infections

Of course, this presentation of symptoms can be due to other factors, but if I hear all or some of the above symptoms, I'll investigate further by running a stool test and candida antibodies of blood work. Once I've backed up my findings and I'm certain that dysbiosis is present, I'll treat the dysbiosis with antifungal, antibacterial herbs and major dietary changes to change the intestinal terrain. There will also be a reimplantation of the beneficial bacterial strains the patient is deficient in.  Usually within 8 weeks, sugar cravings are down and weight tends to plateau or even decrease as dietary habits improve, as well as many other health markers.

If you have been unsuccessful using conventional methods to achieve weight loss, please give us a call at 847 577 4455.  I know you will be glad you did. 

PS. Many of our clients love this product for the metabolism. 

As always, Best of Health! and Happy Halloween

Dr. Taryn DeCicco 

Join me next week for a discussion about steroid injections and osteoarthritis including a recent case study. Sign UP!

 

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October 2nd, 2019 at 6:48 pm

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After doing some exhaustive research a few months ago, I decided to take a break from fluoride for awhile.  This followed some marginal thyroid hypofunction that I had been wishing to eradicate for many years.

Fluoride has been touted as a risk-free, effective way of preventing tooth decay. Its daily use had been supported by the American Dental Association, World Health Organization, and Center for Disease Control. It is thought to prevent tooth decay by depositing onto teeth during a process called remineralization, a natural process whereby minerals are deposited back onto areas of teeth that have been demineralized (areas of mineral break down). By depositing onto teeth, fluoride is thought to enhance the remineralization process by speeding it up and attracting other minerals, like calcium, to help strengthen teeth. Moreover, fluoride has been shown to inhibit cavity-causing bacteria.

THE HISTORY OF FLUORIDE...

Since the 1940s, the addition of fluoride to the drinking water supplies (termed, ‘fluoridation') became widespread in the United States. This was reported to have drastically lowered the rates of tooth decay. However, over the past decade, fluoridation has come under scrutiny, as evidence emerged that the declining rates of tooth decay may not be related to widespread fluoridated water supply, but rather improved dental hygiene (i.e., consistent daily flossing and tooth brushing). The World Health Organization (WHO) published data on tooth decay trends internationally, and found that tooth decay rates have ‘precipitously declined' in all western countries regardless of whether or not the country fluoridated the water. Moreover, in countries that have abolished fluoridated drinking water, the rates of tooth decay have not increased.

CRITICISM OF FLUORIDE...

In the recent years, fluoridated drinking water has come under ethical scrutiny, as many critics argue that US populations are receiving medical treatment without consent.  Additionally, the appropriate ‘dose' of fluoride intake is difficult to control due to the variation of fluoride levels in various water supplies, as well as its presence in a multitude of foods and products. Moreover, fluoride is not considered to be biologically useful to the human body (there has never been a documented case of ‘fluoride-deficiency').

 

IMPORTANT HEALTH CONCERNS RELATED TO FLUORIDE...

More concerning was the emerging evidence that fluoride ingestion could be harmful. Excess fluoride was discovered to lead to:

 

Skeletal fluorosis - a health problem caused by excess accumulation of fluoride in bone, characterized by pain and tenderness of major joints as well as brittle bones and increased risk of bone fractures.

 

Dental fluorosis - tooth discoloration and pitting- This can easily occur in young children who should avoid ingesting fluoride.

 

Thyroid dysfunction - fluoride competitively binds to iodine and slows the production of thyroid hormones (Peckham and Awofeso, 2014). This can lead to hypothyroidism, a disorder in which the body produces too little thyroid hormone, which can lead to a multitude of symptoms, including weight gain, depression, fatigue, and cognitive problems.

 

There is also evidence that supports that chronic fluoride exposure is a possible cause of uterine and bladder cancer (Peckham and Awofeso, 2014).

 

FLUORIDE TOXICITY CAN HARM THE BRAIN. FLUORIDE TOXICITY HAS BEEN RELATED TO:

1. DECREASED IQ AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN CHILDREN

-A multitude of published studies support that fluoride can harm the developing brain of children. In 2012, Harvard published a meta-analysis of 27 different fluoride studies, and found that fluoride exposure was associated with reduced IQ in children.

 

-A recent meta-analysis published in 2018 found that greater exposure of children to high levels of fluoride in water was significantly associated with reduced levels of intelligence in children.

 

-A review published in the Lancet concluded that fluoride is a neurotoxin that damages the developing brain, thus increasing the risk of autism, developmental delay, ADHD, and learning disabilities.

2. POOR SLEEP BY DAMAGING THE PINEAL GLAND       

Fluoride can cross the blood brain barrier (the special protective layer between the blood vessels and the brain) and deposits itself in brain tissue. When fluoride binds to aluminum, another common molecule ingested regularly, it becomes even more permeable to the blood brain barrier and thus can damage neurons more easily.

 

-The pineal gland secretes a hormone called melatonin, which is important for regulating our sleep patterns. Melatonin is also a potent antioxidant and neuroprotector. Calcification of the pineal gland leads to impaired melatonin secretion. Reduced melatonin can lead to insomnia. Reduced melatonin levels are also observed in various diseases, such as dementia, mood disorders, severe pain, cancer, and diabetes type 2  (Hardeland, 2012).

 

 

 

3. POOR MEMORY AND/OR LEARNING BY DAMAGING THE HIPPOCAMPUS

-Fluoride can induce neuron damage and increase inflammation in rat brains, especially within the hippocampus (Yang et al, 2018). The hippocampus is a region in the brain that allows us to learn and form new memories.

 

HOW DO I AVOID FLUORIDE TOXICITY?

FOUR EASY TIPS TO AVOID EXCESS FLUORIDE

While topical fluoride has been shown to help prevent dental cavities, excess exposure can lead to harmful health consequences.  How do you minimize your risk of fluoride toxicity? The best way is to limit your exposure to it. It is important to be aware of the commonly used products that contain fluoride, to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of fluoride use, and to make well-informed decisions about the products you use.

 

1.   AVOID FLUORIDATED WATER

Given the abundant data that reveals an association between fluoride and low IQ in children, this is especially important for women planning a pregnancy or who are already pregnant, and for those with young children.

 

The CDC website allows you to search your county to identify if it fluoridates the water supply.

 

 

If your city fluoridates the water and you make the decision to drink non-fluoridated water, you can purchase a water filter that filters out fluoride. Royal Berkey Water Filter and APEC are both high quality filters, that are recommended by experts but are a bit costly.  If you are looking for a less expensive option, Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher is cost-effective, filters out fluoride, and is also BPA-free.

 

-You can also, of course just buy bottled water

2.  AVOID NON-STICK COOKWARE

Most non-stick cookware contain fluoride-containing chemicals called fluoropolymers (i.e., Teflon and perfluorooctanoic acid/aka PFOA). While these chemicals make non-stick cookware easier to cook, they are also toxic and are released into the food we cook at high temperatures.  Make sure to read product labels carefully, because products claiming to contain no Teflon can still contain PFOA. Given that the chemicals used in nonstick cookware have also been associated with female infertility, I have avoided non-stick cookware for years, and instead use ceramic, cast-iron, glass, and stainless steel cookware .

3.     CHOOSE TEA WISELY

Who doesn't enjoy a hot cup of tea on a cold winter day? It is important to make informed decisions about the tea you drink. Certain tea leaves absorb a particularly high amount of fluoride from the soil, which can lead to high fluoride levels in tea drinks. But not all teas carry the same risk. Herbal teas and white teas contain the lowest amounts of fluoride, while black, green, and oolong teas have the highest content.  If you drink tea infrequently, I doubt it is an issue but if you consume large quantities it is probably worth rotating your favorites with those lower in fluorides.

 

AVOID BUYING TEA GROWN IN CHINA

WHERE tea leaves are grown is also important because of the variation of fluoride content of fluoride in different regions.  For instance, green tea from China contains more fluoride than the green tea grown in Japan due to lower fluoride content in Japanese soil. Other areas with high fluoride soil content include Sri Lanka, India, parts of Africa and the Middle East. Also, the age of the tea leaf makes a big difference: the younger the leaves are, the less fluoride content they have been shown to have. Older mature leaves (which also on a side note, have less of the antioxidant EGCG than younger leaves) have up to 20 times more fluoride than younger leaves! The best bet if you want to avoid fluoride and still receive the health benefits of tea is to go with White Tea. If you desire black, green or oolong tea, drink tea from leaves grown in areas with low environmental fluoride (i.e. the US or Japan) or younger tea leaves.

 

4.     USE FLUORIDE-FREE TOOTHPASTE

There are a few brands that offer this option. My favorite is right here FREE SHIPPING. The toothpaste contains no artificial dyes, sweeteners or flavors, and the taste is pleasant and leaves my mouth feeling just as fresh as regular toothpaste.   I will tell you that after approximately 3 months, I just got the best thyroid panel results I have had…I cannot for certain ascribe it to this lifestyle change as I did a few other helpful things as well but I am sure it has had an impact.  If you are concerned about your dental health sans fluoride, I would ask you to investigate oil pulling.  I think this, if practiced consistently, will do wonders for your dental health.  Here is an article I previously published on the benefits of oil pulling and remineralizing teeth-https://www.apple-a-day-clinic.com/Health_and_Nutrition_Blog?m8:post=regrow-tooth-enamel-and-get-healthier-teeth-with-these-tips. NOTE: I have an entire library of hundreds of articles you can peruse by searching.  Next week join me for a discussion on a Glaucoma breakthrough.  I have treated a few patients naturally and successfully for this chronic disorder and this research has confirmed things I have learned on my own.  SignUP NOW so you don't miss it!   Don't forget to visit our natural pharmacy where we offer hundreds of professional products at great prices with FREE shipping.

 

If you'd like to try our clinic whether in person or by phone, here is an offer for you but make your appointment by next Tuesday to get the discount.  Call 847-577-4455 to arrange the appointment.  Thank you!

 

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September 25th, 2019 at 7:09 pm

 

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Image: shutterstock

 

Throughout history there are many different theories on how glands and organs work, repair and rejuvenate.

If one concentrates specifically on the glandular tissues then we know that they are rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, polypeptides, enzymes and many other nutritional substances.

 

In  many cases,  like supports like.

 

“Some of the pioneers in nutrition believed that raw glandular tissues contain intrinsic protein factors which are separate from, but synergistic with the vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, enzymes, co-enzymes, and fatty acids contained therein.  These specific protein factors are organ — or  tissue — specific.  This means that the raw cellular material of a bovine kidney, for example, will be picked up from the lymph of the human kidney when ingested.  These tissue-specific particles apparently “target” other cooperative and essential nutrients to the gland or organ for repair and maintenance. ”

Ample research has been conducted to prove the effectiveness of glandulars. “In 1967 and 1972, Dr. A. Kment of Germany demonstrated (through radioactive isotope tracing) that the bloodstream transports specific factors from glandular tissues and  is absorbed by the corresponding glands of the patient.  This radioactive isotope confirmation of organ specificity was also demonstrated by Stein (1967) and several years later again by Starzyl (1979).”

Some researchers even believe that in order for the glands to be useful to the consumer they need to be digested and that is why oral consumption works best.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries glands and organs were used by medical doctors. In the mid 20th century pharmaceuticals began producing hormones in laboratories to replace glandulars as they claimed them to work better that glandular extracts. This production was very profitable and the stakes were high to eliminate all competition. There was propaganda against the use of glandular therapies and subsequently most doctors, using western medicine stopped using glandulars. It is however still one of the cornerstones of eastern medicine as well as naturopathic medicine and clinical nutrition practice.   Armor thyroid  has been largely replaced by levothyroxine but many patients swear by the natural version.  Very few doctors are willing to prescribe it in these days because they have been told or taught that it is difficult to manage.

 

In the 21st century  interest in using glands and organs has been reawakened in USA, Europe and many other countries. Today there is a thriving interest glandular supplements amongst health conscious consumers and those who lean towards natural preventative ways to health.

 

Glands that are used are most often derived from pig (porcine), cow (bovine) or sheep (ovine). They are both sold as only glands or as a combination of other glands or herbs.  Glands that I use frequently in my practice include, thymus, adrenal  and thyroid  glandular.  I also use supplements from organs such as liver for many deficient clients.  The organs provide those nutrients most valuable to rejuvenate the patient's organs or glands.   Results can be extraordinary.   It is extremely important though to use only very,  very clean sources of these nutrients.  That is be challenging at times.   Should you wish to learn more, please contact me anytime at 847-577-4455.  I also hope you will visit our store where we offer hundreds of top natural products at discount prices and FREE shipping.

Next week, discover why I stopped using fluoride toothpaste and you may too!  Sign up here so you don't miss a thing.

 

Best of Health,

Dr. Taryn

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.com

847-577-4455

 

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September 20th, 2019 at 6:18 pm

drsamrobbinscholestrol 

Image Dr. Sam Robbins

 

A common reason I begin seeing many new clients at my holistic clinic is because their primary care physician is demanding that they go on cholesterol medications...usually statins.  Often, we work together with diet and supplements to lower their numbers enough to assauge this concern but.... is it possible that mainstream medicine is wrong? That not only does cholesterol have no connection to heart disease, but that high cholesterol is actually an indicator of health and longevity?  Yes, it's more than possible — here I'll show you some evidence that higher cholesterol is associated with longer life.  I've been preaching this for a long time.  The science has been there for awhile but most people haven't heard about this...and neither have their doctors.
 
Older people with higher cholesterol live longer
Population studies in Japan show that people of all ages with higher cholesterol live longer.1
 
Overall, an inverse trend is found [in Japan] between all-cause mortality and total (or low density lipoprotein [LDL]) cholesterol levels: mortality is highest in the lowest cholesterol group without exception. If limited to elderly people, this trend is universal. As discussed in Section 2, elderly people with the highest cholesterol levels have the highest survival rates irrespective of where they live in the world.
 
 
Consider the chart below, taken from the paper. It shows all-cause mortality by cholesterol levels, men on the left, women on the right.
 
Current guidelines call for keeping cholesterol at 200 mg/dl or lower, yet higher levels meant lower death rates.
 
What about outside Japan? The next chart shows cumulative all-cause mortality of people older than 85 in Leiden, The Netherlands, by cholesterol level.
 
 
The cohort with an average cholesterol of 252 mg/dl, the highest, had the lowest death rates.
 
The following shows data from elderly people in Finland. Those with cholesterol greater than 232 mg/dl had the lowest death rates.
 
 
The data from Japan is for all ages; the data from outside Japan is for the elderly. What about the data for all ages, outside of Japan? The authors believe that the presence of people with familial hypercholesterolemia, which causes a very high cholesterol level and which raises the risk of death, in the highest cholesterol categories, accounts for higher death rates in those categories. They also argue that cholesterol levels in that disorder are not the cause of increased death rates.
 
A recent review in the prominent medical journal BMJ regarding LDL cholesterol, the risk marker considered most significant, found either no association or an inverse association between LDL and death rates.2
 
High LDL-C is inversely associated with mortality in most people over 60 years. This finding is inconsistent with the cholesterol hypothesis (ie, that cholesterol, particularly LDL-C, is inherently atherogenic). Since elderly people with high LDL-C live as long or longer than those with low LDL-C, our analysis provides reason to question the validity of the cholesterol hypothesis. Moreover, our study provides the rationale for a re-evaluation of guidelines recommending pharmacological reduction of LDL-C in the elderly as a component of cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.
 
The Honolulu Heart Program was one of the first studies to find this inverse relation between total cholesterol and death rates in elderly people, aged 71 to 93. It found that compared to the lowest quartile (fourth) of cholesterol level, increasing quartiles of cholesterol had cholesterol had 28%, 40%, and 35% decreased death rates, respectively.
 
Furthermore, the Honolulu study seems to provide evidence that actually raising cholesterol is protective, since “Only the group with low cholesterol concentration at both examinations had a significant association with mortality.”
 
The authors of the study concluded, “We have been unable to explain our results. These data cast doubt on the scientific justification for lowering cholesterol to very low concentrations (<4.65 mmol/L) [<180 mg/dl] in elderly people.”
 
Is high cholesterol protective?
Why would people with low cholesterol die at higher rates than those with higher cholesterol?
 
Several things could be going on.
 
Cholesterol may protect against infections and atherosclerosis.3
 
Cholesterol may protect against cancer.4
 
A strong association was found between low cholesterol and violence. Odds ratio of violence for cholesterol of <180 mg/dl was 15.49. 5
 
Several studies have found an association between low cholesterol and suicide. For instance, one study found that those in the lowest quartile (fourth) of cholesterol concentration had more than 6 times the risk of suicide as those in the highest quartile.6
 
Conclusion
A number of studies have found that, at least in people older than 60, high cholesterol is associated with lower death rates.
 
This fact casts considerable doubt on the cholesterol hypothesis of heart disease.
 
Why, with so much evidence against it, does the cholesterol theory still have so much traction?  To sell medications to treat the "problem".
 
The authors of the studies believe the answer is very simple: for the side defending this so-called cholesterol theory, the amount of money at stake is too much to lose the fight. I invite you to visit prior to going on any type of cholesterol lowering medication.  It is really unnecessary in so many cases and even if needed, natural agents work beautifully with no side effects.  You can visit my Natural Pharmacy here!
 
If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss this please call us at 847 577- 4455.  If you would like to receive information from us sign up here!
 
Have a wonderful weekend and as always, best of health!
 
Dr.Taryn DeCicco
Apple-A-Day-Clinic.com
 
 
Ann Nutr Metab 2015;66(suppl 4):1–116 DOI: 10.1159/000381654
Ravnskov, Uffe, et al. “Lack of an association or an inverse association between low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality in the elderly: a systematic review.” BMJ open 6.6 (2016): e010401.
Ravnskov, Uffe. “High cholesterol may protect against infections and atherosclerosis.” Qjm96.12 (2003): 927–934.
Ravnskov, U., K. S. McCully, and P. J. Rosch. “The statin-low cholesterol-cancer conundrum.”QJM (2011): hcr243.
Mufti, Rizwan M., Richard Balon, and Cynthia L. Arfken. “Low cholesterol and violence.”Psychiatric services (2006).
Ellison, Larry F., and Howard I. Morrison. “Low serum cholesterol concentration and risk of suicide.” Epidemiology 12.2 (2001): 168–172.

 

 

 
 

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September 18th, 2019 at 6:55 pm

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Fall and winter will be upon us shortly and the forecast is that this will be another long, severe one.  I am going to stay positive but already this season, I have seen many clients that are suffering with sick children, spouses and other family members not to mention work and school associates.

 

Just a few years ago, a medical doctor recommended this product to me as something that would be effective against a very potent strain of intestinal bacteria called Klebsiella.  I see a lot of this in my practice and also discovered this bacteria in my stool culture at that time.  Needless to say, I tried it immediately and was pleased with the results I experienced as well as how gentle it is.  This is a homeopathic silver product so the silver particles are so tiny and reduced in the solution that even infants could ingest this product safely.  This information been confirmed by a third party laboratory.

 

I do not, and (NEVER have) use colloidal silver in my practice due to risks of metals building up but this product does not pose any risk of that.  This silver hydrolsol product however does not pose that risk. In fact, this product has been endorsed for efficacy and safety by Health Canada and the EU and is categorized in the trace element area.  

 

I think this is a great product to have in your armamentarium this fall and winter as a great preventive for example while travelling etc. or when your immune system needs a boost. It is also effective taken at the first signs of getting sick.

 

As a homepathic, a small amount of liquid (between one half and one teaspoon) is ingested and held under the tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing.  I think it is a terrific product and hope you will give it a try-FREE Shipping!   I normally do not devote a blog post to one product but I think this is safe and effective for the vaast majority of people. Should you have questions or concerns please let us know.

 

Best Of Health.

 

Dr. Taryn DeCicco

 

Next week,join me for a discussion about glandular medicine and how important it is to the human body and your health.  Sign up! So you don't miss it. Don't forget to visit our store where we offer hundreds of professional products at amazing prices, discounts and FREE shipping. What are you waiting for?

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September 11th, 2019 at 5:27 pm

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This just in! Scientists have found a strong correlation between a disease involving chronic pain and alterations in the gut microbiome.

 

Fibromyalgia now affects 2-4 percent of the population and has no known cure. Symptoms include fatigue, impaired sleep and cognitive difficulties, but the disease is most clearly characterized by widespread chronic pain. In a paper published just today in the journal Pain, a Montreal-based research team has shown, for the first time, that there are alterations in the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tracts of people with fibromyalgia. Approximately 20 different species of bacteria were found to greater or lesser quantities in the microbiomes of participants suffering from the disease than in the healthy control group.

 

Greater presence or absence of certain species of bacteria 

“We used a range of techniques, including Artificial Intelligence, to confirm that the changes we saw in the microbiomes of fibromyalgia patients were not caused by factors such as diet, medication, physical activity, age, and so on, which are known to affect the microbiome,” says Dr. Amir Minerbi, from the Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), and first author on the paper. The team also included researchers from McGill University and Université de Montréal as well as others from the Research Institute of the MUHC.

 

Dr. Minerbi adds, “We found that fibromyalgia and the symptoms of fibromyalgia – pain, fatigue and cognitive difficulties - contribute more than any of the other factors to the variations we see in the microbiomes of those with the disease. We also saw that the severity of a patient's symptoms was directly correlated with an increased presence or a more pronounced absence of certain bacteria – something which has never been reported before.”

 

Are bacteria simply the markers of the disease?

At this point, it's not clear whether the changes in gut bacteria seen in patients with fibromyalgia are simply markers of the disease or whether they play a role in causing it. Because the disease involves a cluster of symptoms, and not simply pain, the next step in the research will be to investigate whether there are similar changes in the gut microbiome in other conditions involving chronic pain, such as lower back pain, headaches or neuropathic pain.

 

The researchers are also interested in exploring whether bacteria play a causal role in the development of pain and fibromyalgia. And whether their presence could, eventually, help in finding a cure, as well as speed up the process of diagnosis.

 

Next Steps

Fibromyalgia is a disease that has been difficult to diagnose. Patients can wait as long as 4 to 5 years to get a final diagnosis. But that may be about to change.

 

“We sorted through large amounts of data, identifying 19 species that were either increased or decreased in individuals with fibromyalgia,” says Emmanuel Gonzalez, from the Canadian Center for Computational Genomics and the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University. “By using machine learning, our computer was able to make a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, based only on the composition of the microbiome, with an accuracy of 87 per cent. As we build on this first discovery with more research, we hope to improve upon this accuracy, potentially creating a step-change in diagnosis.”

 

“People with fibromyalgia suffer not only from the symptoms of their disease but also from the difficulty of family, friends and medical teams to comprehend their symptoms,” says Yoram Shir, the senior author on the paper who is the Director of the Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit at the MUHC and an Associate Investigator from the BRaiN Program of the RI-MUHC. “As pain physicians, we are frustrated by our inability to help, and this frustration is a good fuel for research. This is the first evidence, at least in humans, that the microbiome could have an effect on diffuse pain, and we really need new ways to look at chronic pain.”

 

How the research was conducted

The research was based on a cohort of 156 individuals in the Montreal area, 77 of whom suffer from fibromyalgia. Participants in the study were interviewed and gave stool, blood, saliva and urine samples, which were then compared with those of healthy control subjects, some of whom lived in the same house as the fibromyalgia patients or were their parents, offspring or siblings.

 

The researchers' next steps will be to see whether they get similar results in another cohort, perhaps in a different part of the world, and to do studies in animals to discover whether changes in bacteria play a role in the development of the disease.

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

Reference: Minerbi, A., Gonzalez, E., Brereton, N. J. B., Anjarkouchian, A., Dewar, K., Fitzcharles, M.-A., … Shir, Y. (2019). Altered microbiome composition in individuals with fibromyalgia. PAIN, Articles in Press. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001640

 

Not A Surprise

As a clinician dealing with a host of microbiome type disorders I can assure you that alterations in gut bacteria are at the core of a great majority of pain syndromes.  Thusly, I truly encourage you to explore our testing and digestive programs to get to the root cause of the issue. Thank you!  Don't forget to visit our natural pharmacy where we offer hundreds of professional products with great prices, volume discounts and FREE shipping!

 

Best Of Health!

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LDN, LAc

Apple-A-Day-Clinic

847 577 4455  

 

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September 4th, 2019 at 7:03 pm

 

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Anxiety may well be the epidemic of our time.

And now, a new human scientific study from Japan has found a significant correlation between panic/anxiety attacks,  and vitamin B6 and iron levels in the blood. [1]

This study indicates that if you get occasional panic attacks marked by episodes of hyperventilation, you may be suffering from a simple deficiency syndrome.

Panic attacks and hyperventilation attacks are serious psychiatric events, and the symptoms occur suddenly without warning  although often they follow a state of chronic anxiety.  Panic attacks are diagnosed by the sufferer experiencing at least four of the following symptoms: palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath.

Numerous other studies have also reported this finding. In this particular study, Vitamin B-6 and Iron were those associated with anxiety symptoms. However, it is worth noting that B vitamins in general are associated with better mental health,in fact, pantothenic acid or B5 is called the anti stress vitamin. Other symptoms of vitamin B deficiency may include agoraphobia, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, and emotional instability. I think it is unwise to supplement with single B vitamins as they work in concert in a constellation of metabolic functions.  Also, supplementing just one can cause deficiencies in the others.

 

For food sources, pumpkin seeds are a rich source of tryptophan. Other rich tryptophan sources include turkey (responsible for the sleepy feeling after turkey dinner!), grapefruit juice, tuna, eggs, Mozzarella, chia seeds, sesame seeds, pistachios.  Foods highest in B vitamins include brown rice, other whole grains and red meat.  Iron of course is highest in organ meats, soybeans, red meat , cooked oysters and lentils. Iron should NEVER be supplemented without a test establishing need and treatment supervised by a health professional.

 

Serotonin, the brain's “happiness chemical” is synthesized in the brain and gut from its precursor (“building block”) tryptophan, and it is well established that vitamin B6 and iron each play important roles as cofactors in the synthesis of serotonin in the human body. An additional factor includes obtaining tryptophan, an amino acid, from the diet, of course this is not helpful in cases of intestinal dysbiosis.  I have found a huge correlation between gut dysbiosis or bacterial imbalances and various mood disorders including anxiety and panic.  In fact, it is usually one of the first symptoms of serious gut imbalances along with sleep disturbances and it one of the first symptoms to improve upon embarking on a treatment program.  As a nutritrion specialist and experienced clinician, I will tell you that anxiety and panic can and will manifest due to any and all nutritional deficiencies not just these.  Our nutritional panels often reveal surprising deficiencies…  If you would prefer to take supplements here are two  I recommend  trying  FREE shipping!: Buffalo Liver by Carlson Labs Tri-B-100 by Douglas Labs - Free Shipping If you are going to benefit from these it will not take very long.  Often though, remember anxiety and panic attacks are just symptoms not diseases.  As such, it behooves you to get to the root cause to establish exactly why you are so depleted. For anxiety and panic related to emotional trauma I cannot recommend acupuncture highly enough.

 

  Please call if I can help!  847 577 4455

 

As always, best of health!  Next week join me for a groundbreaking discussion about fibromyalgia.  Please Sign UP so you don't miss a thing.  Thank you! 

 

 

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Reference:

 

[1] Low Serum Concentrations of Vitamin B6 and Iron Are Related to Panic Attack and Hyperventilation Attack. (2013) Full study (PDF). http://wwwacta/pdf/67_2_99.pdf.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/www/

 

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August 28th, 2019 at 7:21 pm

This just in! Drinking chamomile tea helps to protect against thyroid cancer. Although most often enjoyed for its delicate floral flavour and sedative effect, researchers have now found that chamomile tea has anti-cancer actions.

Recently, researchers tested chamomile tea against various laboratory cell lines and found it selectively killed thyroid cancer cells, but did not harm healthy blood cells. There was also a clear dose-response effect, with increasing doses having more powerful anticancer results.


The active chemicals were identified as types of polyphenol known as flavonoid glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and the researchers suggested that research was needed in real people, rather than their cells, to assess the full benefits.Later, new study, published in the European Journal of Public Health, has now shown that drinking chamomile tea offers significant protection against both thyroid cancer and benign thyroid conditions such as nodules and autoimmune inflammation like that which occurs in Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

Chamomile tea protect against thyroid disease


In the latest study, Greek researchers compared the chamomile tea intakes of 113 people with thyroid cancer, 286 with benign thyroid diseases and 138 healthy controls with no thyroid problems. The results showed that people who drank chamomile tea two to six times a week, on average, were 70% less likely to develop thyroid cancer and 74% less likely to develop benign thyroid disease than those who drank no chamomile tea at all.

These astonishing results remained even after other potential confounding factors such as age, gender, BMI, smoking, alcohol and coffee intakes were accounted for.

 

The duration of consumption was also inversely associated with thyroid disease, so that people who'd enjoyed chamomile tisanes for 30 years were almost 80% less likely to develop thyroid problems than those not drinking camomile tea.

 

Chamomile is an ancient medicine!


I find it fascinating that herbal teas have such a long history of medicinal use in Europe and other countries where this research-Greece was carried out. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, selected chamomile tea to treat fevers and, although we call it German chamomile, its common name comes from the Greek: chamos means ‘ground' and melos means ‘apple' – a name it earned due to its low-growing habit and apple scent.

If chamomile tea is so popular in Greece, could that mean that thyroid disease is less common in that part of the Mediterranean than in other countries where chamomile tea is less traditional and enjoyed less frequently?

Guess what – the Greek incidence of thyroid cancer is right at the bottom of the W.H.O. International league table!

Although the United States doesn't feature on this list, the annual incidence of thyroid cancer among US men and women is 13.5 per 100,000, placing it around the same level as Italy – right at the top.

 

Many other factors are involved such as following a Mediterranean-style diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, veg, oily fish, olive oil and garlic, as well as sunlight to synthesise vitamin D. But then again, Italy is also a Mediterranean country and features all these healthy foods in their national diet, yet are right at the top of the global list for thyroid cancer incidence. Perhaps chamomile is the missing factor that protects the Greeks from thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases.  Chamomile has many studied and folk health benefits so I do not see any harm in trying it.  It also works wonders for stress and anxiety.  Since in these studies, benefits are dosage dependent my product below is a very strong version. It is an alcohol tincture and can be used as a tea by steeping for 30 seconds in hot water the alcohol is eliminated.  I do use and prescribe this herb frequently and think great things of it.  REMEMBER we are authorized distributors of all the products we sell and guarantee them to be fresh from the manufacturer and never warehoused.  FREE shipping on all orders!  Next week join me for a discussion about vitamin deficiencies and their links to anxiety and panic disorders!  Sign UP so you don't miss this!  Anxiety is the disease of our time.  Thank you for your business and best of health!

 

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August 14th, 2019 at 6:45 pm

microbiomeimageNYTIMES

 

As we have observed for several years, now researchers are catching up!  Scientists are quickly discovering that gut microbiomes may hold the key to a vast amount of health issues including Parkinson's, ALS, MS and even Autism.  

Researchers at the Weizman Institute of Science in Israel have demonstrated in mice that intestinal microbes, collectively known as the gut microbiome may affect the course of ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. As reported recently in the journal Nature, progressive of an ALS like disease was slowed after mice received specific strains of gut microbes or substances known to be secreted by and the preliminary findings suggest that these findings are likely applicable to humans as well.  


The researchers, while far from declaring a cure for the diseases are optimistic that various means of altering the microbiome may be harnessed for developing new therapeutic options for ALS.


According to other recent research at the institute, gut bacteria abnormalities play a role in motor neurone diseases according to early studies in animals and people.  The research team at the Weizman Institute says its studies suggest that the microbiome alters the brain in MS, autism and Parkinson's disease.   These illnesses are a group of diseases that stop messages from the brain and spinal cord from reaching the muscles.


Following successful interventions in mice, the group has published their research in prestigious journals but are cautious not to imply that they have stopped, cured or reversed the diseases.  There is some early stage work in people as well.  Results showed that differences were found in the microbiomes and nicotinamide in the body suggesting a different metabolism for those people suffering from these illnesses.  More research is planned. 

 

Curious about your microbiome?  Please check out our array of amazing products and available testing in our natural pharmacy.   FREE shipping on all orders... Even better, visit us for an office or phone appointment.  You can schedule online anytime, or call us at 847 577 4455.  Thank you!   Next week join us as we review the results of the HPV vaccine.  Sign up so you don't miss a thing.


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