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June 25th, 2008 at 5:24 pm

 My fabulous honorable

                  Tre (san), a Shiba Inu,  a Pariah dog from Japan.

If you are...and I certainly hope you are...taking a multivitamin each day does it stand to reason that you should do likewise with your dog or cat?  Do animals require special handling with regard to supplementation?  Many of my clients have seen a real change for the better in their pet when supplements were begun.  Some beneficial changes were a return to playfulness, lessened signs of aging, better mobility, reduced incidence of cataracts , very common in dogs, improved temperments, and lessened allergy signs and symptoms.

If your pet has signs of arthritis, or hip dysplasia, pet formulations of glucosamine and chondroitin are helpful.  Cats thrive on fish oils, especially as they age, while they can be problematic for dogs who have a much faster metabolism.  Certain herbs like St John's Wort can be trouble for pets, even toxic reactions can develop, something I never want to see.

It is absolute folly to use supplementation in pets without the advice of a nutritionist or veterinarian trained in veterinary nutritional medicine, as there are vast differences between animals and people and dogs and cats.

Another concern is that independent laboratory results of animal supplements has found that they are in general of much lower quality than those for humans.

Dr. Tod Copperman, president of consumerlabs.com stated in a recent interview that over 50% of verterinary products fail their inspections. They urged consumers to speak to health professionals before self-medicating or even just buying products in stores or over the internet.

Dr. John Bauer, professor of clinical nutrition at University of Texas's College of Veterinary Medicine, offered up some considerations when evaluating products.  1. Product quality...who is the manufacturer, how much of the active ingredient is present? 2. What is the scientific basis to support the supplement? 3. Check tolerance carefully when administering something new. 4. Safety: the products label should indicate how it was tested.

 

Most of you know how much I adore animals, and we are carrying some wonderful pet products in the pharmacy Pet's Natural Products

section.  Also, I would like to offer FREE consultations in July regarding pet questions and natural supplements.  Please check next month's calendar for details.  The anticipated date is Friday July 18th, from 9:30-1:00PM.  I will be posting a new nutrition news volume next week with articles on weight loss and chinese medicine for fertility issues see you then.

 

 

Best of Health!

 

Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for great prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

 

We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders!  Please contact us for a free consultation!  I do work long distance.  Thank you from the bottom of our cart!  We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals!  They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.

Views:
9636
June 10th, 2008 at 11:35 pm

 Fatigue is the number One reason people come to see me on a daily basis.  According to conventional MD's even, fatigue is the number one health complaint in America. Unfortunately, it's not one taken seriously in America where often, people are told..."oh everyone's tired...just live with it".   There are many reasons for chronic fatigue, and most people have more than one reason.  But this week I will probe some common reasons you might be tired. The good news is that all these causes can be helped with natural medicine.

 

#1. Diabetes or blood sugar problems which affect how your body handles glucose it's energy source is a rising health problem in the US due to factors such as: stress, insulin-resistance, and obesity. A simple in-office test can diagnose this one quickly.  Fortunately, type two diabetes is completely reversible, with individual diet and exercise changes.

 

#2. Adrenal fatigue-If you experience extreme fatigue between 3 and 5 PM, and have experienced unremitting stress for awhile, or are a self-avowed adrenalin junkie, you may want to schedule an appointment for some simple tests to establish this cause and correct it.

 

#3 Substance Abuse in yourself or a family member may be wrecking you physically and emotionally, please note acupuncture is accepted as a great way of breaking a cycle of substance abuse, please contact me for details. 

 

#4 Anemia- Commonly people with anemia will feel most fatigue in the morning and after physically exerting themselves because their large muscle groups are not getting enough oxygen.  Again: an easy test called a ferritin count can establish anemia and then appropriate measures taken to rectify the situation. Don't ever take iron without it being prescribed for you , as it can be extremely toxic.

 

#5 Candida: if you have fatigue which manifests itself as a limp energy and foggy-headedness you may have candida or intestinal dysbiosis.  Please take my self-quiz in the candida module linked here. Sugar or white carbohydrate cravings are also very common.

 

#6 Depression, if you have experienced a loss recently or are having trouble getting up in the morning or getting excited about anything lately you may be clinically depressed.  Flower essences and homeopathy are great natural ways to heal.  Usually people need guidance in getting to their root causes of their emotions it is not an area where people have much objectivity.

 

#7 Anxiety: another common emotional disorder can precipitate low energy as chronic fear is an extremely debilitating state physically, emotionally it can also lead to depression. It is also common to cycle between anxiety and depression.

 

#8 Dehydration: our body and brain is over 80% water...most metabolic activities involve water. Coffee, tea and alcohol intake cause dehydration.  Everyone has different water needs.  If you urine is yellow or darker drink up.  Colorless urine is ideal.

 

#9 Insomnia or even poor sleep quality is a common cause of fatigue. Many things cause the body's circadian cycle to get out of whack even simple time changes such as "springing ahead" can take two or three weeks to regulate.  Real treatment for insomia involves more than a pill it involves learning proper sleep hygiene sometimes.

 

10 Nutrient deficiencies due to chronic stress, skipping meals, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, poor food quality or chronic physical and mental stress.  Correction of individual deficiencies makes a huge difference with respect to energy.

 

11 Chronic immune disorder IE underlying infection.  I have diagnosed occasional dental abcesses which really caused energy loss in the patient concerned.  If you have an underlying sinus or gut or tooth infection, it really puts a strain on your body's reserves.

 

12 "Chronic Niceness" cripples self esteem, and undermines and ruins relationships.  Please have enough respect for yourself to avoid seeing yourself as a circus pony.

 

Lack of energy is a clue to many imbalances which can often lead to serious health problems over time.  I think this symptom deserves to be taken seriously by the medical profession.  Please contact me if you need assistance with this or any health problem. Visit our energy aisle for great energy supplements which are safe and effective.  See you soon!

 

Best of Health!

 

Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for great prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

 

We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders!  Please contact us for a free consultation!  I do work long distance.  Thank you from the bottom of our cart!  We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals!  They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.

Views:
9549
May 21st, 2008 at 3:54 pm

 Research has uncovered another reason for nutritional medicine....Your eyes!!! You already know about carrots and night vision, but other nutrients, particularly C & E, carotenoids, zinc, and omega three fats also prevent and potentially correct age-related eye diseases such as cataracts. 

 

Two of the most common sight robbing disorders in seniors are: cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.  Cataracts are caused by excessive oxidation....exposure to oxygen which damages the lens tissue, cornea, of the eye.  Cataracts develop gradually but lead to blindness.  Cataracts can also be caused by cigarette smoking, exposure to drugs such as steroids, diabetes, UV sun exposure, heredity and even injury.  Premature infants are at greater risk to develop cataracts.

 

Age related macular degeneration is caused by damage to the macula an area in the retina responsible for sharp central vision. AMD is caused by nutrient deficiencies, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, and UV sun exposure.

 

Risk of both disorders may be reduced with nutritional interventions. In the Age-related Eye Disease Study, launched by the NIH, The study's results for AMD were impressive.  Vision supplements containing high doses for vitamin C, E, ZN, Carotenoids, and others were found to significantly reduce risk.  Antioxidants have also been demonstrated in several major studies to have beneficial effects upon cataracts.  Carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin form macular pigment and have a protective effect regarding AMD.  These carotenoids are present in leafy greens, broccoli, corn, peas, and brussell sprouts.

They are also available in supplement form, please see vision/eyehealth product category of the natural pharmacy for product details or call: 847-577-4455 or email me @docTaryn@aol.com for specific product information.

 

Several new studies have shown a link between high levels of polyunsaturated fats and risk for age-related eye disease.  High levels of polyunsaturated fats such as most vegetable oils seem to increase oxidative damage to the eye, while fish oil and olive oil seem to offer a protective effect.  Due to contamination of many omega threes I am most particular about the products I recommend.

 

Reversing already established disease seems to be most optimal in people with low to intermediate levels of age-related eye disease. Prevention is obviously the optimal situation. 

 

 

Best of Health!

 

Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for great prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

 

We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders!  Please contact us for a free consultation!  I do work long distance.  Thank you from the bottom of our cart!  We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals!  They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.

Views:
9576
May 13th, 2008 at 9:48 pm

Was Linus Pauling right all this time?  Is vitamin C the 

 

 natural drug of choice for cancer treatment? New research is quite compelling....Read On!

 

Dazzling new research has identified Vitamin C as a promising new cancer drug!  New and exciting information has emerged from top scientists heralding dozens of studies of vitamin C's ability to stop cancer.  New research from Mark Levine, MD at the National Institutes of Health has demonstrated that Vitamin C selectively targets cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed.  Studies at the NIH showed that high doses of vitamin C rapidly killed 100% of human lymphoma cells as well as 9 other cancer cells including: breast, ovarian, lung kidney and colon.  The evidence for increased survival and safety is so impressive even in late stage advanced cancers that Levine has called for a reevaluation of Vitamin C as a cancer therapy.

 

The Pauling Protocal involves 10 Grams of vitamin C intraveneously for 10 days and then high oral doses.  Research trying to replicate Paulings result only used oral dosages and did not replicate the results.  Dr. Levine explains that cancer lethal dosages cannot be obtained orally.

 

Case studies in point:  two women patients at the University of Kansas with advanced ovarian cancer were given vitamin C therapy as well as traditional chemotherapy.  Their tumors completely vanished and they are still well 3.5 years after the study ended. 

 

A 49 year old man with stage-4 bladder cancer in 1996 declined chemotherapy in favor of high dose vitamin C therapy.  9 years later he is still cancer-free.

 

A 66 year old woman with aggressive lymphoma had vitamin C therapy...10 years later she, too is still cancer-free.

 

A 51 year old woman with kidney cancer that had spread to her lungs opted for vitamin C therapy and other alternative therapies.  Two months later her tumors were gone.  She was cancer free for four years until she developed lung cancer from smoking. This cancer did not respond to the same therapy.

 

These amazing results provide new hope for anyone with late stage cancer searching for effective treatments.  Please visit me weekly for updates as they occur. Remember: cancer is a treatable chronic affliction and responds beautifully to nutritional therapies! ALSO: Visit the vitamin aisle of my natural pharmacy for great prices and free shipping on all items!

 

Best of Health!

 

Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for great prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

 

We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders!  Please contact us for a free consultation!  I do work long distance.  Thank you from the bottom of our cart!  We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals!  They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.

Views:
9452
May 6th, 2008 at 10:15 pm

 

Stroll down any supermarket aisle these days and you'll see growing areas of organic produce, even in conventional grocery stores.  Popularity is way up despite these uncertain economic times.  Consumer demand has almost tripled the sale of organic products in the past few years, presumably due to the consumers desire for improved health.

 

Organic farmers use only natural methods to grow produce, such as barriers and insect predators, whereas, in contrast:  traditional farmers use chemical means such as as: synthetic fertilizers, and weedkillers, Herbicides.  Unfortunately, conventionally grown food is often tainted with chemicals which are harmful to human beings and other animals. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 60-70% of herbicides are carcinogenic.

 

Health problems linked to these chemicals are: neurotoxicity, dysruption of the endocrine system, cancers, of various types, male reproductive problems and miscarriages in women.

 

Conventionally grown produce has also been shown to have less nutrients than that grown organically.  Studies have shown that on average organic produce contains about 20% more nutrients than conventional produce...it also tastes better.

 

Despite the great stuff going for organics many people simply cannot afford it.  Here are some options for getting better organic produce at lessened cost.  #1 Select organic from the fruits and vegetables that tend to have higher levels of pesticides.  That list is:  Peaches, apples, starberries, nectaries, pears, cherries, imported grapes, spinach, bell peppers, celery, potatoes, and hot peppers. 

 

It is also possible to wash conventional produce with a product such as" veggie wash" to remove some of the contaminants.  It is also possible to peel vegetables such as:  potatoes and apples for example to remove some contaminants.

 

Please remember that eating vegetables and fruits of any source is far preferable to eating none.  Freshness also counts in nutrition! A fresh traditionally grown tomato has far better health value than an organic one past its prime.  If you are not eating produce quickly, stayfresh bags, made out of CO2 or even frozen produce is far more healthful.

 

Lastly, locally grown or coop produce tends to be better nutritionally and otherwise.  I am offering patients that are interested a $5 off voucher for baskets at Merry Feast a wonderful organic coop in Arlington Hts, Please stop in during our office hours and pick up the coupon and ordering information.  I'd love to see more people express their demand for organic,  healthy fruits and vegetables so the prices would come down and make healthier eating choices accessible for everyone.   Remember, we vote with our dollars. Visit our natural pharmacy for great deals and free shipping on the best natural products.

 

Best of Health!

 

Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for great prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

 

We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders!  Please contact us for a free consultation!  I do work long distance.  Thank you from the bottom of our cart!  We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals!  They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.

Views:
9572
April 30th, 2008 at 12:26 am

 

According to the Wall Street Journal, and other major papers including USA Today, there is a backlash against certain vitamins as doing more harm than good.  Story titles have been something like this: " Recent studies show that vitamins don't help and may actually cause harm, ...The case against vitamins, and the like... 

 

Unfortunately, this alarming message may scare many people away from beneficial vitamins with a long history of health benefits and safety.  Here are some of the recent denouncements against antioxidants:

 

  • Vitamin E boosts death rates 4-6%, according to  cardiologist Edgar Miller who authored one of the most criticized studies ever conducted on vitamin E.  Vitamin E researchers, at Tuft's University: especially, Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, Chief of Antioxidant research there said that Dr. Miller's findings were so absurd that his conclusion would mean that Vitamin E caused more deaths than smoking.
  • Vitamin A was blamed for causing hip fractures in postmenopausal women. This study was refuted by a Harvard study that suggested that higher vitamin A levels were tied to lower incidence of fractures.  Beta carotene has also been blamed for higher cancer incidence in smokers, and this study in a Finnish study has been broadcasted in the "case against vitamins".
  • Vitamin C has been reported to cause cancer and even death despite very recent stellar research by the National Institutes of Health.  According to researchers there, high doses of Vitamin C rapidly killed 100% of lymphoma cells, as well as 9 other types of cancer.  Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E selectively target cancer cells, leaving normal cells unharmed, unlike conventional treatment.
  • The idea that antioxidant treatment interferes with conventional cancer treatment is a theoretical statement and has never been proven. It was widely quoted by Andrew Weil, although there was no research behind it.  
  • The take home lesson is to remember that drug companies are fueling much of this "research", and are big advertisers in the newspapers and magazines in which this flawed information is reported.
  • Visit the Vitamin Aisle of our store for Amazing Natural Products and FREE shipping!

 

Best of Health!

 

Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for great prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

 

We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders!  Please contact us for a free consultation!  I do work long distance.  Thank you from the bottom of our cart!  We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals!  They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.

Views:
9444
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:17 am

I have posted a new, (04/08) issue of Nutrition News in the Nutrition News Module.  Read the latest research findings on natural health, alternative medicine and of course a great article on Natural Alternatives to Cholesterol Drugs....Read All About It.  Please Post any questions or comments you may have.  Thanks, 4/22/2008

 

Best of Health!

 

Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for great prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

 

We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders!  Please contact us for a free consultation!  I do work long distance.  Thank you from the bottom of our cart!  We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals!  They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.

Views:
9341
April 7th, 2008 at 5:17 pm

I just learned today that Botox travels from its injection site to the brain where it affects neurotransmitter firing.....I'll be talking about cosmetic acupuncture and SAFE ways to improve your appearance, naturally  in an upcoming article.

 

This week and next week I'd like to speak to you about some natural alternatives to drugs.  The following are alternatives to the top 3 over the counter drugs.

 

1.  Pain relievers such as: Tylenol and Advil are the best-selling OTC drugs in this country.  Most pain relievers are used to lessen pain from arthritis, muscle strain or sports injury.  Aspirin falls into this category.

In the natural medicine field, pain can be relieved by: herbs such as Devil's Claw and White Willow Bark, natural anti inflammatories. Enzymes such as: papain and bromelain can also work wonders for many people. One product I recommend is: Arth-Plus, which contains all the above and is available from the natural pharmacy.  Another remedy is: capsaicin a substance isolated from Chili Peppers...I love the band, too.  Applied topically, capsaicin can improve surgical healing, headache and arthritis.  It can have a warm or even burning sensation which disappears with regular use.

 

2. Antacids, or "Heartburn" Drugs- Heartburn has become big business by drug companies in the last few years, with occasional indigestion suddenly becoming a "disease".  Pepcid AC is a huge drug in the US, and Tagamet and Zantac are big sellers as well.  Please note that chronic indigestion or heart burn IS a medical problem and can lead to esophageal erosion and even cancer.  In Natural Medicine, its cause is usually food allergies, or intestinal dysbiosis. Please see my page on Candida, linked here.  For occasional heartburn due to poor dietary choices, I love the Papaya Enzyme we have from ADL, because it does not contain fake sugars and sugar alcohols which all others do. Papaya enzyme helps to digest enzymatically proteins, and also neutralizes acid naturally.  DGL, a form of licorice root that does NOT raise blood pressure is also available in lozenges and helps to soothe the esophasgus and neutralize acid.  I like RX vitamins lozenges, and recommend them for anyone to have on hand in their natural medicine chest.  Avoiding late eating and simply learning how to chew properly are very helpful in preventing this common disorder.

 

3. Cold Remedies: such as-Hall's, Robitussin, NyQuil, Theraflu etc., are the third popular OTC medication. Several antihistamines have been linked to dangerous rise in blood pressure.  The others only relieve symptoms.  Natural Medicines can reduce the recovery time, and sometimes even abort the illness altogether if taken at the first sign of symptoms.  Zinc lozenges can be taken every hour or two for two days to help shorten recovery time. Research has demonstrated hastening recovery time by 50%.  High dosages of vitamin C have a similar effect. 1,000 Mgs of Buffered C...again see my pharmacy for product details, can be taken every hour to bowel tolerance, whereupon stools become soft.  NAC, can be very effective at reducing phlegm, and also bolster the immune system.

 

 Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.COM  4/7/2008

 

Best of Health!

 

Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for top prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

 

We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders!  Please contact us for a free consultation!  I do work long distance.  Thank you from the bottom of our cart!  We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals!  They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.

Views:
10441
123 ... 2829