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August 27th, 2014 at 6:28 pm

 

 

 

 

 

Nutrition News, and Natural Products Update!

 

 

Turn down the temperature to burn body fat!

Apparently there is an advantage to freezing in Chicago's winters.  Brown adipose tissue, which produces heat by burning energy in order to help the body maintain it's core temp, can be manipulated by cold temperatures.  Researchers from Virginia's Commonwealth University have established that cold exposure promotes activation of a hormone that burns body fat.  This hormone was activated at night time temperatures at 66 degrees but not at temperatures above 70 degrees.  This study was published in the Journal Diabetes June 2014.

Increased Omega 3's equal better sleep in children.

An Oxford University study concludes after a study of almost 400 children ages 7-9 with sleeping difficulties as reported by the parents, that higher levels of DHA an Omega 3 translate to almost one hour per night of improved sleep.  This study was just published in the Journal of Sleep Research March 2014.  It is unknown whether this research would apply to children of all ages or adults….stay tuned. Check out our top Omega 3 right here! FREE shipping on all orders.

Probiotics may regulate blood pressure! Great News for folks on meds.

While probiotics or “good” bacteria are normally associated with benefits to both digestive and immune health, researchers at Griffith University in Australia report that after 8 weeks of supplementation decreases in blood pressure occurred both in healthy people and others.  In this study there was a greater impact on people with elevated blood pressures. This study was published in the Journal of Hypertension, July 2014  For my picks on probiotics visit our aisle right here. FREE shipping on all orders.

 

Natural Products Showcase

I am thrilled to offer you the finest and freshest of natural products, which I have handpicked for my clinic clients, family members and friends. I offer the very best prices and FREE shipping on all online orders.  I am pleased to introduce some new arrivals that you may enjoy.  The first is Drink Up! My own skin oil which boasts professional levels of healing oils such as almond and squalene.  It is a wonderful addition to your skincare lineup for fall and winter skin.  Read more here:

 

 

We are also pleased to offer a natural skin tightener called Youthful Image.  When you review the before and after pictures you will be amazed at the results.  This product contains silk proteins and natural botanicals known to lift and tighten skin. It should be used every other day until the desired result is achieved and then once or twice per week for maintenance.  It lasts a very long time.  Seeing's believing, it is a wonderful natural substitute for risky procedures.

 

Also: We are now offering a full array of vaginal and anal suppositories read more here for natural relief from anal itching, vaginal dryness and more.

 

Lastly, I am pleased to announce a new anti microbial for intestinal dysbiosis called Intestinalis.  It has been another great tool in establishing balanced microflora.

 

You can check out this and many other fine products right here in our store:

 

Next Month I will kick things off with an article about healing heartburn naturally.  Subscribe NOW to get our blog delivered to you each week.

 

Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day.  See you in September!

      

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.

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9949
August 21st, 2014 at 4:47 pm

Image: Courtesy UrbanHouseCallMagazine.com



This just in!  Bacterial Dysbiosis of the intestine some of you know it as SIBO, may  the underlying cause of heart disease.  Most of us involved with naturopathic medicine have known for years that platelet aggregation, the clumping of red blood cells, elevated lipid levels, IE cholesterol, and CRP's etc are simply markers of bodily inflammation they do not indicate the cause but simply let us know that inflammation is present and to what degree.

 
Another recent study has confirmed the presence of bacterial pathogens in arterial plaque.  This study is the first to pinpoint biofilms or the presence of living organisms on the arterial wall itself.
 
A previous study identified Pseudomonas Aeroginosa as a common bacteria colonizing many diseased arterial samples.
 
I receive reports with Pseudomonas present in the microbiology analysis stool culture of many GI clients.
 
It brings me great joy to know that I am not only restoring someone's GI health but perhaps saving them from heart disease in the future as well. 
 
A vast majority of research clearly associates periodontal disease and inflammatory bowel disease with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
 
Many of us have suspected for years that inflammation of the vessels caused by bacterial infiltration is an unknown underlying cause of heart disease.  This research will hopefully lead the way to more exploration.
 
Best of Health!   


Source: Crossmark Journal,  Bernard Lanter et al:
Bacteria  present in carotid arterial plaques are found as biofilm deposits which may contribute to risk of plaque rupture: May/June 2014
  

 

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:
9703
August 13th, 2014 at 7:16 pm

 

 

Almost everyone knows stress has some very negative ramifications on health especially cardiovascular health!  Fortunately: there is awesome news based on some recent research!

 

A preponderance of scientific evidence suggests that consuming dark chocolate confers therapeutic health effects, most notably on cardiovascular parameters.   Swiss researchers reveal that dark chocolate (125 mg of epicatechin) may reduce elevations in stress hormones, when consumed prior to a stressful event.  The team enrolled 65 healthy men, ages 20 to 50 years, who received either 50 g of dark chocolate, or placebo, two hours before a stress test.  While stress markers increased among both groups, the dark chocolate group showed blunted responses for cortisol and epinephrine.  Observing that: “flavonoid-rich dark chocolate intake buffers endocrine stress reactivity,” the study authors conclude that dark chocolate may exert “inhibitory peripheral effects … on the biosynthesis and secretion of cortisol and catecholamines.

Source:

Wirtz PH, von Kanel R, Meister RE, Arpagaus A, Treichler S, Kuebler U, Huber S, Ehlert U.  “Dark Chocolate Intake Buffers Stress Reactivity in Humans.”  J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014 Jun 3;63(21):2297-9.

This is very important news for chocolate lovers everywhere as the take away is that as little as 50 gms of dark chocolate prior to a stressful event may reduce the elevation of stress chemicals in the blood. This translates to a couple of ounces of good quality dark chocolate.  It is unknown if these findings would apply to chronic stress.

 

 

 

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:
9199
August 7th, 2014 at 6:04 pm

Photo: Courtesy OasisDiscussions.ca

 

About 90% of Cervical Dysplasia have been linked to HPV infection.  Dr Tori Hudson, Naturopathic Physician, Clinician, and Author of the Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine has researched and published most of the natural protocols for reversing this disorder.  I am currently formulating a supplement protocol based on her research and clinical experience as well as my own.  They will be available on this website within the next 30 days and will eliminate the difficulty,(and expense) for patients having to piece together various products, and taking multiple pills each day.  We will cover those protocols in a forthcoming article next month when the products are available.
 
Today, we will cover a very important breakthrough in the HPV/Cervical Dysplasia battle: Green Tea:
 
According to Dr. Hudson: Green Tea in suppository form is an important ally in this disorder. On Dr Hudson's Blog she states:
 
 
"Perhaps the most encouraging of the studies was an investigation of the clinical efficacy of green tea extracts delivered vaginally and/or orally in patients with HPV infected cervical lesions. Fifty-one patients with cervical lesions ranging from chronic cervicitis, mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia and severe dysplasia were divided into four groups as compared with 39 controls. A green tea polyphenol vaginal product was applied locally twice a week to 27 patients. 20 of the 27 patients using the vaginal green tea product showed a response. An oral 200 mg EGCG capsule was taken orally every day for eight to 12 weeks in six patients and three out of the six showed a response. Group three consisted of eight patients using the vaginal product and the oral capsule. Six of eight showed a response. Group 4 consisted of 10 patients using a higher dose EGCG capsule (amount not stated). Six out of the 10 patients with this higher dose EGCG oral capsule only, showed a response. Overall, 35 of 51 (69%) response rate was noted for the green tea products compared with a 10% response rate in the untreated controls. The mechanisms involved appear to be apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, modification of gene expression and anti-tumor effects, specifically, inhibition of cell proliferation. These results demonstrate green tea extracts in the form of a vaginal delivery and an oral capsule are effective strategies for treating cervical lesions."
 
 
It is important that clients wishing to use these, do so with their health providers approval.  It is also extremely important that the client follow up regularly for pap smears etc.  We have a variety of professional products for sale for this disorder. There are also other educational articles I've written as a resource for you right here: a post about one woman's recovery from HPV, and two others: Second: another post about healing HPV naturally and third: another post about healing HPV naturally!
 
 
 
 
The almost 70% response rate of the Green Tea Suppository users is very important information and we are happy to share this good news with you.
 
I look forward to bringing you additional help in the next month.
 

 

 

 

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:
16245
July 23rd, 2014 at 5:48 pm

Image Courtesy: MNN.com

 

Waaaay back in 1997 while still a graduate student, I learned firsthand about treating autistic children by treating a good friend's year old son. I administered nutrients that were serotonin precursors and he responded fabulously.  He became way less violent, and began speaking.  Amazing response, and I have helped many psychiatric clients with nutrition and herbs and most importantly getting their body ecology corrected.

 

Here's some great news for people struggling with these issues!

 

Beneficial bacteria in  the gut are known to fight pathogens, manufacture B and K vitamins and even act as anti-cancer agents. New research appearing in the journal Cell strengthens the recent scientific understanding that the microbes that live in your gut may affect what goes on in your brain. It is also the first to show that a specific probiotics are capable of reversing autism-like behaviors. 

Researchers have for some time suggested  links between the gut--brain axis and neuro-psychiatric disorders such as autism, depression, and eating disorders. The gut contains microorganisms that share a structural similarity with the neuropeptides involved in regulating behavior, mood, and emotion- According to Karen Foster at World Health News this is a phenomenon known as molecular mimicry. Here, the body can't tell the difference between the structure of these mimics and its own cells, so antibodies could end up attacking both, potentially altering the physiology of the gut--brain axis. 

Beneficial Bacteria offset other intestinal bacteria that produce putrefactive and carcinogenic toxins. If harmful bacteria dominate the intestines, essential vitamins and enzymes are not produced and the level of harmful substances rises leading to degnerative disorders like: cancer, liver and kidney disease, hypertension, arteriosclerosis and Auto Immune disorders. Harmful bacteria can proliferate under many different circumstances including peristalsis disorders, surgical operations of the stomach or small intestine, liver or kidney diseases, pernicious anemia, cancer, radiation or antibiotic therapies, chemotherapy, immune disorders, emotional stress, poor diets and aging. 

A Correlation Between Autism-Like Symptoms and Gut Bacteria 

“The broader potential of this research is obviously an analogous beneficial bacteria that could treat subsets of individuals with autism spectrum disorder,” wrote the commentary authors of the study in Cell, who also included CU-Boulder Research Associate Dorota Porazinska and doctoral student Sophie Weiss. 

The study not causally link microorganisms to autism, but rather emphasizes a correlation between specific bacteria and ongoing symptoms and methods of addressing a possible reversal in those symptoms. 

The study underscores the importance of the work being undertaken by the newly formed Autism Microbiome Consortium, which includes Knight as well as commentary co-authors Jack Gilbert of the University of Chicago and Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown of Arizona State University. The interdisciplinary consortium--which taps experts in a range of disciplines from psychology to epidemiology--is investigating the autism-gut microbiome link. 

For the new Cell study, led by Elaine Hsiao of the California Institute of Technology, the researchers used a technique called maternal immune activation in pregnant mice to induce autism-like behavior and neurology in their offspring. The researchers found that the gut microbial community of the offspring differed markedly compared with a control group of mice. When the mice with autism-like symptoms were fed Bacteriodes fragilis, a microbe known to bolster the immune system, the aberrant behaviors were reduced. 

It's common knowledge that a mother's milk can help beef up a baby's immune system. New research indicates that the protective effects of gut bacteria can be transferred from mother to baby during breastfeeding. Work published in Environmental Microbiology shows that important gut bacteria travels from mother to child through breast milk to colonize a child's own gut, helping his or her immune system to mature. 

Scientific evidence is mounting that the trillions of microbes that call the human body home can influence our gut-linked health, but more recently, researchers are discovering that gut microbes also may affect neurology--possibly impacting a person's cognition, emotions and mental health, said Knight, also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Early Career Scientist and an investigator at CU-Boulder's BioFrontiers Institute. 

"Research has shown that children with ASD commonly have GI [gastrointestinal] symptoms," said Christine Pennesi, medical student at Penn State College of Medicine. "Notably, a greater proportion of our study population reported GI and allergy symptoms than what is seen in the general pediatric population. Some experts have suggested that gluten- and casein-derived peptides cause an immune response in children with ASD, and others have proposed that the peptides could trigger GI symptoms and behavioral problems." 

The Autism Microbiome Consortium hopes to broaden this understanding by further studying the microbial community of autistic people, who tend to suffer from more gastrointestinal problems than the general public. 

People with autism spectrum disorder who would like to have their gut microbes sequenced can do so now through the American Gut Project, a crowdfunded research effort led by Knight. 

Why Probiotics RULE:

The following are the most well documented benefits of taking probiotics regularly: 
- Defend against antibiotic resistant bacterial strains, attack new types of pathogens (supergerms) and infections in immuno-compromised people requiring treatment (i.e. resist opportunistic infections like candidiasis) 
- Manufacture B vitamins (biotin, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, B12) and vitamin K 
- Secrete lactase, an enzyme required to break down lactose in milk 
- Act as anti-cancer factors (especially for bladder and bowel) by inhibiting bacteria that convert nitrates into nitrites 
- Inhibit bacteria that secrete carcinogens 
- Function as natural antibiotics against unfriendly bacteria, viruses and yeast like Candida albicans 
- Enhance bowel function and elimination; prevent constipation 
- Reverse diarrheal conditions (Crohn's disease, AIDS, Traveller's Diarrhea) 
- Reduce or eliminate bloating, gas, straining and abdominal pain due to any cause 
- Prevent skin problems, especially acne and other skin infections. (FYI - most chronic acne conditions in adults are often improved or eliminated by a good bowel flora balance). 
- Protect against the adverse effects of radiation and pollutants 
- Reduce blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides 
- Fight stress and food cravings and thereby prevent or reverse obesity 
- Help eliminate bad breath due to bad bacteria in the mouth
- Optimize sex hormone levels, enhance fertility and prevent osteoporosis 
- Produce lactic acid, improve the digestibility of foods 
- Oppose putrefactive bacteria like bacteroides associated with a meat-rich diet 
- Treat eczema, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, all cancers, gastritis, duodenitis, diverticulitis, food allergies, lactose intolerance, environmental allergies, urinary tract infections, vaginitis, other chronic infections (TB, AIDS, Herpes, venereal diseases) and autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, lupus, alopecia areata, scleroderma, thyroiditis, etc.) 

Probiotic Sources 

Cultured dairy products like yogurt, acidophilus milk, buttermilk, sour cream, cottage cheese and kefir are the best known food sources of friendly bacteria. Equally effective probiotic food sources include cultured/fermented vegetables (cabbage, turnips, eggplant, cucumbers, onions, squash, and carrots). Other, lesser known or used food sources of probiotics are sauerkraut and sourdough breads.  It is unknown if dietary sources actually implant in the intestine.  Furthermore, in cases of bacterial overgrowths, it is necessary to work with someone like myself to test and treat toxic intestinal bacterias.  I do recommend several excellent probiotics in my store.   FREE shipping and top prices
Also, many of you know that I am a freak about proper digestion and health.  Visit our digestive

 

 

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:
9962
July 16th, 2014 at 5:42 pm

This common antibacterial compound recently found to cause a dread disease!  Image courtesy: Bath and Body Works

 

 

Call me crazy, but I get concerned when I see how fad crazed US culture is when it comes to just about anything but especially diet and health.  I was therefore concerned and only half joking when I mentioned on FB last year I wonder what is doing to turn out to be deadly about the hand sanitizer I see everywhere on every desk on earth?  Well my friends that day has come...

Turns out a commonly added antibacterial and antifungal agent to numerous consumer products, including soaps, detergents, toys, and surgical cleaning treatments, triclosan is an endocrine disrupting chemical – capable of causing adverse changes in hormones in those exposed.    Korean researchers conducted tests on human breast cancer cells and in special immunodeficient mice with tissue grafts, with the researchers finding that triclosan interfered with genes involved with breast cancer cell growth, resulting in more cancer cells. Mice that were exposed to triclosan had larger and denser breast cancer tumors than the control group.  The study authors warn that: “these results suggest that [triclosan] may promote breast cancer progression, via an [estrogen receptor]-mediated signaling cascade.”

I think it is also important to point out that often research findings that point to breast cancer are usually also relevant to prostate cancer in men though that correlation was not studied here. Stay tuned!

If you are concerned about this substance in your products visit the environmental working group website for information on product safety. http://www.ewg.org

Our skincare products are almost 100% organic and contain no toxins.  Visit our aisle here.

 Ki-Hoan Nam, Hyoung-Chin Kim, Kyung-Chul Choi.  “Progression of Breast Cancer Cells Was Enhanced by Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Triclosan and Octylphenol, via an Estrogen Receptor-Dependent Signaling Pathway in Cellular and Mouse Xenograft Models.”  Chem. Res. Toxicol., 2014, 27 (5), pp 834–842.

Interested in breast cancer prevention? Visit our Women's Health aisle!

Best of Health!

 

 

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:
10658
July 10th, 2014 at 6:05 pm

Image: courtesy Farmstarliving.com

 

Prebiotics are compounds that help to promote “good bacteria” (probiotics) in the gastrointestinal tract, with which a wide variety of beneficial health effects are associated. More about that a bit later in this forum.  Zhibin Liu, from Fuzhou University (China), and colleagues enrolled 48 healthy men and women, ages 18 to 22 years, in a study in which the participants either: received 56 grams of roasted almonds added daily to their diet; added 10 grams of almond skins daily to their diet; or consumed 8 grams per day of fructooligosaccharides (control group).

  After six weeks, the data revealed that the almonds and almond skins significantly increased Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. populations. Among the almond skin group, the enhanced levels of “good bacteria” were sustained for two weeks after the intervention period concluded.  Among the roasted almonds group, the beneficial changes were not seen until week six.  Study authors conclude that: “Our observations suggest that almond and almond skin ingestion may lead to an improvement in the intestinal microbiota profile and a modification of the intestinal bacterial activities, which would induce the promotion of health beneficial factors and the inhibition of harmful factors. Thus we believe that almonds and almond skins possess potential prebiotic properties.”

Prebiotics are one of the newest fields of nutritional research and offer promising benefits for your heart, your immunity and more. Prebiotics stimulate the growth of healthy microflora that populate your large intestine. When these healthy microflora (beneficial bacteria) are allowed to flourish, they help keep you healthy and strong.

Due to many stressors inherent in the American Culture today, microbial balance is often way out of harmony setting the tone for many chronic illnesses such as gastrointestinal illness, autoimmune disease, skin disease and many more. The importance of this in human health is why I have chosen digestion as my naturopathic medical specialty.

ALSO, if parents lack a healthy inner ecosystem, they will pass this on to their children, setting the stage for a whole generation with lowered immunity. I will discuss this further in an upcoming article!

Prebiotics Versus Probiotics

In a healthy body, one's inner ecology contains enough good bacteria (microflora or probiotics) to outnumber the bad and help manage them. Probiotics may be THE buzzword in the health and wellness industry, but you may also need to consume plenty of prebiotics, to ensure you have enough probiotics populating your gut.

Prebiotics are derived from insoluble fiber and fructooligosaccharides or FOS (carbohydrate molecules made up of a relatively small number of simple sugars).

In the human  body, prebiotics are thought to nourish the microflora (probiotics) and encourage them to work more efficiently, keeping you healthy and strong. The symbiotic effect from fermented foods and drinks means that not only do they help populate your intestines with beneficial bacteria, they also help improve the survival, implantation and growth of newly added microflora strains.

Known Prebiotics

Inulin - Inulin is found in 36,000 plants such as:

§                         Herbs - chicory root, burdock root and dandelion root

§                         Fruits - such as apples, bananas

§                         Sweet vegetables - such as onions, garlic, asparagus, leeks and Jerusalem artichokes

§                         Raw apple cider vinegar

§                         Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a subgroup of inulin, is also a prebiotic and is often added to dairy foods and baked goods. It improves the taste and stimulates the growth of the beneficial bacteria, bifidobacteria.

Dairy products - studies are starting to show that lactose may be considered a prebiotic.

§                         Chronic Illness and Digestion

Because prebiotics act in your intestines, they have a profound effect on the pathogens and bad bacteria in your body that can cause disease. Prebiotics are being used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn's Disease, and may also prove useful for treating cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes.

§                         Fermented Foods & Drinks - The Body Ecology program has a large array of fermented foods and drinks that you can choose from to get the synbiotic effect of prebiotics and probioticsIn the later stages (after about 3 months or when you conquer candida and your inner ecosystem is re-established), add kefir and fermented soyfoods (like natto, miso and wheat-free tamari).

§                         Sour Fruit sour fruits: lemons, limes, unsweetened black currants and unsweetened cranberries.

§                         Gluten-Free Grains - While grains like wheat act as prebiotics, they also feed yeast. (amaranth, quinoa, millet and buckwheat) are gluten-free alternatives that act as prebiotics AND don't feed pathogens

§                         Sweet Vegetables - Vegetables are 80% of a healthy diet so you should eat plenty of asparagus, leeks, onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes and other sweet vegetables to feed healthy microflora without feeding pathogenic bacteria, fungi and yeast.

§                         Of course, it is also possible to supplement see my suggestions right here: greensfirst, Primal Defense: FREE Shipping. PLUS 10-20% OFF TOP Professional brands! Visit my digestive aisle for other great suggestions. If you need a natural digestive specialist, please contact us anytime for an appointment! Also see this article on digestive health or query my natural health library.

 

 

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:
11019
July 2nd, 2014 at 6:44 pm

 

 

 

 

 

TOP NEWS! Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease among Americans, where the natural cushioning between joints –  cartilage tissue  – wears away.  Because symptom management IE drugs are often ineffective and joint replacement is invasive surgery, many osteoarthritis suffers seek out natural approaches to offer relief.

Great News! Grapes are rich in anti-inflammatory polyphenols, compounds shown to reduce inflammation.  Shanil Juma, from Texas Woman's University (Texas, USA), and colleagues conducted a sixteen week clinical study, in which 72 men and women with knee osteoarthritis were assigned to either consume grapes in the form of a whole grape freeze-dried powder, or a placebo powder.  The data revealed that both men and women consuming the grape-supplemented diet had a significant decrease in  pain related to activity and an overall decrease in total knee symptoms – notably, improved joint flexibility and overall mobility. This beneficial effect was more pronounced in females.

 In addition: age-related differences were observed: there was a 70% increase in very hard activity for those under 64 years of age consuming the grape powder, while those receiving the placebo reported a significant decrease in very hard activity.  Attributing these observed benefits to the polyphenols found in grapes, the lead investigator comments that: "These findings provide promising data that links grape consumption to two very important outcomes for those living with knee osteoarthritis: reduced pain and improvements in joint flexibility.”

My caveat:  eating enough grapes to replicate study findings would be problematic for people that have blood sugar problems or have digestive problems due to their high sugar content. For these people I would recommend our grapeseed extract to obtain these benefits.  We also have many other articles and other supplement recommendations right here! You can als search our Blog and Library on arthritis for many of my recommendations!

Please visit my events page for July to see our upcoming forums, or better still, subscribe to receive these articles directly to your mailbox.

 

For other remedies, Please visit our store! 

 

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:
9519
June 25th, 2014 at 6:46 pm

 image courtesy prevention.com

What do skin rashes have in common?  Inflammation!  What does that have to do with your gut?  Read on to find out!

Research has demonstrated a clear association between gut problems and skin disorders. A recent study indicates that small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a condition involving inappropriate growth of bacteria in the small intestine, is 10 times more prevalent in people with acne rosacea than in healthy people led to marked clinical improvement.  14% of patients with ulcerative colitis and 24% of patients with Crohn's disease have skin manifestations. Celiac disease also has skin manifestations such as dermatitis herpetiformis, which occurs in celiac sufferers. Celiacs also have increased frequency of oral mucosal lesions, alopecia and vitiligo.

How does altered gut function impact the skin???

Intestinal permeability (or “leaky gut”) causes both systemic and local inflammation, which eventually leads to skin disease.

In an ancient study of acne patients were more likely to show enhanced reactivity to bacterial strains isolated from stool. 66 percent of the 57 patients with acne in the study showed positive reactivity to stool-isolated bacteria compared to none of the control patients without active skin disease. 

 In a more recent study involving 80 patients, those with acne had higher levels bacterial endotoxins in the blood. None of the matched healthy controls reacted to the e. coli LPS, while 65% of the acne patients had a positive reaction. Both of these studies suggest that increased imbalanced stool microbiology and intestinal permeability is a significant issue for acne patients. 

 What is leaky skin?  The main function of the skin is to act as a physical, chemical and antimicrobial defense system. Studies have shown that both stress and gut inflammation can impair the integrity and protective function of the epidermal barrier. This in turn leads to a decrease in antimicrobial peptides produced in the skin, and an increase in the severity of infection and inflammation in the skin.

The gut flora also influences the skin. Substance P is a neuropeptide produced in the gut, brain and skin that plays a major role in many skin conditions.  Problematic gut microbiology promotes the release of substance P in both the gut and the skin. The gut ecology affects lipids and tissue fatty acid profiles, and may influence sebum production as well as the inflammatory fatty acid composition of the sebum. 

 This may explain why a Russian study found that 54% of acne patients have significant alterations to the gut flora, and a Chinese study involving patients with seborrheic dermatitis also noted disruptions in the normal gut flora. 

I welcome the opportunity to assist you with your skin or gut disorder.  I work long distance with people and specialize in gut and skin problems as well as immune issues like: HPV.  Visit these links for more information:

http://www.apple-a-day-clinic.com/Health_and_Nutrition_Blog?m8:post=problems-with-the-skin-try-looking-within

Microbiology Test Kits

For other remedies, visit our store categories for digestive and skin remedies!  I also have my own skin line based on years of research and clinical experience, please visit our aisle for some awesome products!

 

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.

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June 18th, 2014 at 6:52 pm

 

Image_stressmanagmentforperformance.com

 

 

 

Headaches,

a Chinese Perspective.

 

 

Do you experience head pain in any part of your head such as the: forehead, occiput, sides or vertex.?  Headaches are extremely and uncomfortably common.

Western Medicine tends to organize them by symptoms such as: Migraine, hormonal headache, sinus headache, tension headache, cluster headache and the like but that tends to just treat the surface and not really delve into cause.

Chinese medicine has quite a different take on the cause and therefore treatment of chronic head pain.  According to TCM-Traditional Chinese Medicine, headaches are caused by external contraction or by bowel or visceral organ damage.  Head pain is believed to be caused by the impaired flow of qi or energy in the body's meridians or channels.  Examples of this are: environmental pathogens, blockage of qi in the liver or bowel, depletion of the body's kidney essence, depletion of marrow or blood, or depletion of the body's energy reserves. Headache can also be caused by blockage of the meridians due to phlegm obstruction due to incomplete digestion or food stagnation or even stagnation of the blood.

Getting to the underlying process of what exactly is causing the headaches is completely different from treating symptoms which can relieve the headache temporarily but make the underlying process even more resistant to treatment.

Treating symptoms is a waste of time, over time it also undermines your health! A Chinese doctor will do a thorough history, physical examination of the pulse and tongue and study intently the location of the headache and search for blockages in the meridians and stress in all the organs.

Then a treatment plan involving acupuncture, nutrition and herbs are customized to the patient and changed as the headaches change course over time and  eventually disappear. If you suffer from chronic headaches consider a Chinese solution for your pain.  You will experience many more benefits to your health than just resolution of your headaches.  One common chinese herbal preparation for headaches is gastrodia uncaria read more here!

 

For other remedies, visit our store!

 

 

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.

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9782