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Steroid Injections May Lead To More Harm Than Good

 

Fall Winter Immune Support for The Entire Family

 

What Parkinson's, ALS, and MS have in common

 

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September 16th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

Hello everyone....just a quick note to let you know September's Nutrition News has been posted in the Newsletter Portal with some great information and tips about your health, the environment and information of new Nutritional Tests which I will soon be offering at Apple-A-Day-Clinic. 

 

See you Soon!

 

 

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:
9621
September 12th, 2009 at 3:28 pm

Hello!  After a long rest, I have published September's Website with updoming articles activities, new testimonials and music a cover this month!  Here is an article updating cellphone safety.  Next week on Tuesday with a brand new nutriition newsletter and article on state of the art testing!  See you soon!  

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND

 

 

   EWG reports that cellphone radiation varies widely!

 

While scientific evidence has not made a hard link between cellphone usage and cancer, recent studies are showing an increased risk of brain and mouth tumors in people who have used cellphones for at least 10 years.

 

CTIA the cellphone lobbying organization disagrees strenuously!

 

Still, 6 other countries have limited cellphone usage, especially for children.

 

The FCC has required that radiation emitted from all cellphones be at 1.6 w/kg or lower.

 

There is a huge disparity in radiation emitted from each cell phone.

 

Watchdog organization the Environmental Working Group released a list ranking cell phones with respect to the radiation emitted.

 

To see how your phone fares visit: http://www.ewg.org/cellphone-radiation

 

 

Regards & see you next week:

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, CCN

 

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:
10288
July 9th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

#1.  There definitely is a FAT GENE.  About 20% of the population is genetically programmed to be obese.  I am one of those people, however, and therefore predisposition is No absolute sentence.

 

 

#2. Some people have more fat cells.  Current research shows that there are times when it is possible to greatly add to fat cell disposition, actually childhood.  Things slow down by adolescence however.  What seems to be most important about this is that a set point is formed which makes it harder but not impossible to lose and maintain weight.

 

#3. You can change your  metabolism but it takes WORK.  Namely exercise.  I have learned clinically that the higher one's fat mass is the slower is one's metabolism and the harder it is to lose weight.

 

#4. Stress adds pounds.  Stress hormones trigger release of insulin which causes a vicious cycle of sugar cravings and blood sugar  dysregulation.

 

#5.  What mom ate during pregnancy could be causing you problems in the present.  Eating poor foods can upset the appetite stabilizing and metabolic systems in developing fetuses.

 

#6. Sleep more...lose more....Researchers have found that sleep deprivation sets off release of weight gain hormones in susceptible individuals.  ALso, many people use food as a sleep subsitute.

 

#7.  Your significant other's weight matters.  If you are living with an overweight person, it nmay affect your motivation to take better care of yourself.  Likewise, if your partner loses weight and attracts attention it may motivate you to do likewise.  As I often tell my patients, if you want your partner, or child to lose weight the best strategy is to do so yourself.

 

#8. Some viruses may result in weight gain.  Adenoviruses can cause stem cells to become fat cells under the right circumstances. Al the more reason to take care of your health!

 

#9.  Foods can become addictive and release dopamine.

 

#10. Chronic ear infections can taint your taste buds. Cravings for sugary foods can be due to underlying imbalances in the bodies bacteria.

 

#11. Antioxidants can prevent us getting old and fat.  Lack of antioxidants can prevent neuro cells from signalling we're full.

 

#12. Most diet books these days are becoming startingly similar.  Still, enhancing metabolic activity is a largely individual endeavor. Probably why these efforts fail.

 

#13. You can be overweight and healthy!! It is possible by eating properly, exercising, taking supplements that are right for you to be healthy and to have healthy markers such as low cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, body fat even though you are technically overweight.

 

These days...all we really have is ourselves and our health.

 

Visit our Weight loss aisle for excellent natural products that promote weight loss.

 

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:
9304
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm

I'll resume our schedule of topics next week, until then don't forget:

 

Special Pricing through Tuesday: That is, just 79$ new patients and $59 existing patients!  Also 10% off all clinic products through Wednesday. Please Note: we will be open from 9:30 to Noon on Saturday.

 

Thursday, July 9th and Friday July 10th I will begin our Community Clinic which will be 15 minute visits for Nutrition/Naturopathy for $25, and 30 minute acupuncture visits for $59....no appointments needed.

 

This week's shocking article is one near and dear to my heart...about my father's miraculous recovery from cardio myopathy following my perfectly health mother's stunning death at age 67 from an aortic aneurysm in late October.

 

Most of you do not realize that my father, age 70, and also extremely healthy,  developed serious heart problems almost immediately following my mother's death.  We consulted top medical experts and he was diagnosed with cardio myopathy, a generalized weakening of the actual heart muscle itself and placed on beta blockers, and diuretics to improve his shortness of breath and cardiac output.  His symptoms improved nearly immediately from the medications, but he was not comfortable taking them long term.  Also, we wished to investigate the cause of his disorder.

 

In late March, After workups and echo's, mugatests etc....I flew to Chattanooga to discuss findings with  his cardiac team.  The results were daunting at best.  My dad's cardiac output had dropped 50% to about 20%.  His cardiologists wanted to insert a defibrillator, surgically and expressed with good medical care he "might" have two years.

 

We also scheduled a sleep study since I had been concerned about possible apnea for several years.

 

After a deep breath, I discussed my protocol of supplements with his cardiologists, as well as his exercise regimen, and plan for stress reduction.  I told them we would return in three months, and discuss these invasive options at that time.

 

I put my dad on a regimen of vitamins, herbs, chinese herbs and flower essences designed to reduce his hearts workload and to strengthen the heart muscle itself.  I had hoped to see his cardiac output double.....He also increased his exercise, decreased sodium in his diet, and lost 6 pounds although he is thin.

 

Well, he repeated his tests last week...6 weeks later at best....and astonishingly his cardiac output TRIPLED!!!!!!!

 

Instead of having a discussion about surgery, we had a discussion about reducing his medications over the next six month to a year until he is once again taking NO MEDICATION.

 

I think this healing adventure illustrates why I chose to do this work, and the best combination of healing modalities.

 

My dad needed medication...and still may for awhile so we are grateful it is available.  It also clearly indicates what is possible for anyone at any age given their motivation to work at their health.  Visit our heart health aisle for excellent natural products.

 

 

Have a Safe and Healthy 4th of July.

 

Blessings,

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND

 

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:
9497
June 3rd, 2009 at 2:18 pm

Hello everyone...I will hopefully have an email out to you this week with upcoming June events, as well as an updated website!  Stay Tuned!

If you have any thoughts regarding upcoming topics you would like me to address please send me an email anytime, and I will make every effort to address them.

 

This week I have an update for the drugged water article covered last spring.  Today's article also provides some interesting research regarding the possible spread of antibiotic resistant microbes in our environment.

 

According to researchers at Birmingham and Warmwicck University, disinfectants and household products such as shampoos, fabric softeners, and the like are spreading drug resistant bacteria around Britain.  Soil samples from many areas have been found to contain large amounts of bacteria with anitbacterial-resistant genes.

 

Tons of sludge sewage is created annually and most of that is spread on farmland.  According to the researchers, that sludge contains antibiotic resistant bacteria whose growth is triggered by the aforementioned chemicals. 

 

This study is important because it suggests that the problem of drug resistance is not merely the result of the over prescribing of drugs, or poor hygiene standards in hospitals.

 

In this study, scientists looked at QAC's quaternary ammonium compounds used in many household cleaning products.  Each day, huge volumes of these chemicals are flushed from homes to sewers and rivers.  In the sewage these compounds become diluted and bacteria develops a natural resistance.

 

These drug resistant bacteria then are poised to enter the food chain. Once upon the land they can and do enter the bodies of agricultural workers forming reservoirs of drug-resistant microbes.

 

In addition, the research team found that antibiotics used to treat farm animals, especially pigs are also helping to spread drug resistance in the soil.

 

According to the researchers this is posing a huge public health threat in the time to come.  According to the team...the problem is not MRSA in hospitals or institutional settings....it's right out there in the environment, and is poised to become a widespread problem.  Visit our immune health aisle for great natural products.

 

 

Taryn DeCicco, ND

June 3rd, 2009

 

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:
9849
May 20th, 2009 at 11:21 pm

  This week's topic is devoted to ancient Chinese Nutrition Therapy for Spring Renewal and Rejuvenation.  After a particularly long and hard Chicago winter, many of us have awaited some spring weather and feel a shift within us to embrace something new, while moving out the old. Part of that pertains to the idea of detox which we touched upon last week.

 

According to ancient five element theory, life begins with wood and that is the element associated with spring. We then eat within the confines of that element and properties associated with it.  Spring is associated with energy, and the strength to grow and change as well as move beyond the obstacles associated with the confines of winter.

 

Chinese Medical Theory associates the wood element with the liver organ. The liver has many functions one of which is to govern the smooth flow of energy throughout the body.  When the liver is functioning optimally, the digestion is working properly, moods are stable, and hormonally things are optimal.  When energy is stagnant or blocked, anger and frustration are predominant, and digestion and hormones are off kilter.

 

The spring diet should be the lightest of the year in order to move out waste from the heavier fare of winter.  Shoots and budding plants predominate, so salt should be limited as that is a heavier energy.  The color green has a particular affinity for the liver so Kale, collards, and dandelion are all good vegetables for the liver. Sweeter flavors and pungent flavors are best for this season. An example here would be an argula salad with small oranges, beets, garlic and a citrus vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing.

 

The season of spring is an optimal time to eat more raw fruits and vegetables as most people can tolerate from 1/3 to 1/2 of their diet during this period.  People with digestive problems should refrain from adding more raw foods to their diets during this time. For those people lightly stirfrying or sauteeing would be more beneficial.

 

Due to their sugar content, fruits must be limited to no more than three servings per day for most people. It is also more beneficial to eat the whole fruits versus juicing them.  Products such as Green's First, available in the Natural Products store online or at our clinic is energetically balanced and avoids these particular issues.

 

Other foods beneficial to the liver are: cruciferous vegetables such as broccolli, cauliflower and cabbage, beets, and brussel sprouts.

 

Undereating by 1/4 to 1/3 and increasing activity will make it easier to lose weight during this part of the year.

 

Blessings, Taryn

 

Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend.  See you next week!

 

Best of Health!  Visit our Chinese Herbs aisle for excellent natural products!

 

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:
9823
May 6th, 2009 at 10:48 pm

 Hello everyone, I am pleased to announce that our May Website will be  published in just a few minutes with new Blog topics for May, next week a natural products update and Nutrition News, cool meditation room and music....I get butterflies just thinking about it...Hope you'll visit soon.

 

Some very great promotional activities this month also see our calendar and email in a few days for more and details.  It should really be a fun and productive month.

 

 

This week we're going to discuss the Swine flu pandemic... As I'd thought and hoped it has not been the disaster the media has hyped it up to be.  Still, it does mean something, and it has major implications that unusual things are going on in the world...things not seen up to this point.

 

First of all: Where did it come from and who is patient zero?

According to the best sources, it all started back in 2005 in Wisconsin where an influenza virus infected a teenager which was a mosaic of a wild-bird flu, a human flu and a third type found in pigs. While fingers are pointing at Mexico, the pig species, we need to be looking at ourselves and how we have changed the world's ecology to promote extraordinary new germs to evolve, mutate and quickly spread.

 

No doubt, the speed that which these new "superbugs" can do the above pose a major challenge to the public health.  While not wanting to be alarmist, few drugs are effective against viral illness, and vaccines may also not be effective due to the rapidity of mutation.

 

So what does one do?  Well, take precautions as discussed last week if you are healthy.  If you are suffering from chronic illness, you may want to avoid or minimize group activities or travel via air or boat.  Hand sanitizer and face masks are very helpful.  If your immune system is weak, I believe using these liberally is a necessity.

 

Staying healthy involves protecting and strengthening the immune system.  The first step here is looking at factors that weaken the immune system.  Chronic allergies, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, poor diet, overuse of antibiotics all cause the weakening of the immune system.

 

Chronic refers to a long-term situation.  I have noticed for years that people with poorly controlled allergies have lower white counts than others.  Strengthening oneself with diet, supplements, and even acupuncture and herbs can really help here, and balance out the immune system so that it is viable wjhen really needed.

 

Stress, affects all matter of functioning including diet and sleep patterns and must be dealt with before it causes health problems. Taking better care of oneself during tough times can be difficult but is a valuable lesson.  Building up one's health bank is essential, and varies for each person.

 

Diet greatly impacts the immune system, for instance: a 4 ounce serving of soda...1/3 of a can will suppress the immune system for over 12 hours.  If you happen to encounter a superbug in that period your chances of fighting it off is greatly reduced.

 

One night's sleep loss can have a similar effect on T-Helper cells and Natural Killer cells.  This again translates into a greatly increased risk of getting ill.

 

Antibiotic overuse can have devastating consequences on the beneficial bacteria in the human body creating a very flawed eco system that is devoting most of its energy to its internal problems and cannot then forge a healthy defense.

 

Many natural substances and tonics exist to strengthen the immune system.  Vitamins such as C & E, glutathione, Larix, mushroom extracts and many chinese herbs, as well as foods such as garlic and shitake have a beneficial impact on the immune system.  Come in and let's discuss what would be best for you!  ALSO Visit our immune aisle of our Natural Pharmacy for great prices, FREE shipping and discounts on top professional 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:
9364
April 28th, 2009 at 10:57 pm

Some of you have emailed me with questions and concerns about preparedness with regards to a possible Swine Flu Pandemic.  I have decided to devote an article to that topic in next Tuesday's Forum.  Until then: take obvious precautions, such as: Handwashing, avoiding unecessary physical contact and if your immune system is low: face masks for air travel, and when in large groups of people, or around sick people,  avoiding salad bars or buffets, as well as foods imported from Mexico. If you become sick PLEASE STAY HOME!!!!

Next week we'll devote our time to boosting our immune systems.  The month of May will feature a new calendar of events with articles such as eating with the seasons: changes to make in spring, do you need to detox, and updates on our drugged waters...stay tuned...and watch your emails this week for our MAY WEBSITE, YEAH!!

 

 The WHO has upgraded the pandemic risk to Phase 4 which is concerning. Still,  remember, thousands of people get sick and some even die each season from influenza viruses so let's not panic. I am waiting until next week so we'll hopefully have better information as far as how dangerous this flu is in the U.S.  If you have specific things you would like addressed please post them and I'll answer them here next week.

 

 

This week I'd like to update you about foods that have become friends versus foes for many of us.  Obviously, if you are allergic to the food or a component then it is NOT for you!  Most nutrition information has to be individualized to be of benefit to anyone.  This week we'll discuss new information about: wine, coffee, chocolate, butter, eggs & potatoes.

 

WINE: A preponderance of studies show that antioxidants particularly reservatrol may lead to reduced risk of: heart disease, cancer, lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol, and better insulin utilization.  Other studies show it reduces tooth decay, boosts immunity, and reduces risk of dementia.  Still, according to leading nutrition researchers there has not been enough study in actual humans to support recommendations for everyone.  Risks include: alcoholism, damage to blood sugar levels, and increased weight so these factors should be considered. Wine also raises estrogen levels so it should be avoided by some women.

 

Other sources: 4 ounces of grape juice will provide similar benefits but is still not a good idea for those with blood sugar issues. Reservatrol supplements may be a better option.

 

COFFEE:

 

Recent research as hailed coffee as a preventive for Alzheimer's liver cancer, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's, and gallstones. It is also hailed as a preventative for depression.  According to the Harvard school of Public health current results are enticing but as yet inconclusive.

Possible cons: short-lived rise in blood pressure, blood sugar problems, adrenal fatigue, high cholesterol.

 

My advice: the dose makes the poison.  While some cardiac patients should completely abstain, most people can enjoy some coffee up to 10 ounces daily with no adverse reactions. Still if you are drinking espresso in that quantity or venti mochas you'll run into even more trouble namely weight gain, and excess sugar and fat. If you are relying on caffeine to give you energy beware you'll run into adrenal problems down the road.

 

CHOCOLATE:

 

Dark chocolate sorry milk and white do not count, contain some antioxidants that may be beneficial to your health. Studies have demonstrated that chocolate may improve brain function, reduce blood pressure, decrease risk of heart attack, and lower cholesterol. Every woman knows that chocolate is a powerful anitidote to monthly PMS!

 

Cons: chocolate is not a low calorie food and it can be hard to moderate its intake.  ALso, it is high in fat and sugar and the benefits can be obtained by non glamourous old fruits and vegetables!  My advice a little goes a long way. A couple of ounces a week are sufficient for obtaining whatever benefits chocolate has while not displacing more nutritious foods.

 

BUTTER:

 

It was bad, and margarine was good now it is good and margarine is bad right?  ...Well....butter is better than chemical fats like transfatty or hydrogenated fats, or most margarines,  but it is a saturated fat like chicken skin, best to minimize.  Better sources of fats are olive oils, nuts, seeds avocados and some fish.  Coconut oil may also be useful in moderation versus butter...see this months: Nutrition News for more information.

 

EGGS:

 

Once nature's perfect food than maligned as a cholesterol maker what is the correct story?

 

Most experts now advise that 6 eggs per week are unlikely to raise cholesterol.  Very little cholesterol is obtained from the actual food content instead it appears to be more of a function of saturated fats from animal sources.  Eggs are a great source of protein, iron and other nutrients and low in calories so enjoy a veggie omlette skipping the ham and cheese of course!

 

POTATOES:

 

Seem to improve immune function and have more potassium than bananas, plus they are low in calories, and contain fiber especially when baked with the skin. Potatoes have gotten bad press due to their carbohydrate content, and high glycemic index.  My advice: eat them baked a couple times per week avoiding cheese and bacon toppings, also sweet potatoes have a better overall nutrient profile and lower glycemic index when baked and can be enjoyed more frequently.

 

SO ENJOY!

 

Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc, LDN

4/48/09

847-577-4455

 

 

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:
8576
April 8th, 2009 at 5:04 pm

 Hello everyone! I have just published April's Website, and you will receive an email tomorrow highlighting this month's activities, and specials. 

 

I have finalized our Vitamin Club Discount Program where you will receive payments in your "virtual wallet" each time you make an online purchase.  This amounts to $1 for every 10$ you spend and can be redeemed for any future purchases on any of 328 products!  These credits add up very quickly, and can really help in this economy!  You do not have to be a patient of the clinic to purchase products online, so this offer is open to any of your family members and friends.  There will also be special offers just for these members so stay tuned.

 

It appears I will be in town for awhile so we will resume our Nutrition and Health Forum, each Tuesday...God willing....

 

This week's timely topic is why are allergies on the rise?  I think we have all heard of school buses being evacuated due to a stray peanut onboard potentially causing a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis for some school children.  With adults it seems that more and more people are being diagnosed with food allergies, or are suffering from environmental allergies even at advanced ages...what is this all about?  Why the sudden prevalence of allergies?

 

In children and of course many adults one leading hypothesis is that common vaccinations and treatment with antibiotics has caused our immune systems to become bored, with nothing to do except combat environmental threats or foods to give itself something to do.  I have noted this myself.  It appears very difficult for parents to just "let nature take its course"  with respect to comon childhood illnesses like colds, flus and fevers.  Letting your body successfully fight off a benign illness unaided is important in strengthening it's resistance to illness.

 

The unfortunate result of aborting this natural process may be that the immune system doesn't seem to mature properly and become able to identify friend versus foe which could result in allergies to seemingly innocuous things.

 

Another hypothesis regarding development of food allergy specifically regards early feeding of table foods.  It is considered better to delay introduction of table foods to at least one year of age so the immune system is theoretically better equipped to handle them and to introduce foods one at a time.  This may make sense especially in families with a history of allergies by again giving the immune system the opportunity to sort things out.

 

Other reasons for allergies running rampant are common health concerns such as stress, poor nutrition, and stagnation of the liver's detoxification systems.

 

In Chinese Medical theory, allergies typically stem from "deficiency syndromes" usually kidney deficiency.  Deficiency is exactly what it implies a lack of vital energy which can be either constitutional in origin...the way you are created....or acquired due to an accumulation of stress, poor nutrition or nutritional practices inappropriate to your body chemistry, lack of sleep or rest, imbalanced flora in the gut which is a large percentage of the immune system, and can lead to food sensitivities and poor assimilation of nutrients. 

 

When the gut's flora is out of balance bacterial toxins can be created internally which leads to overwork of the liver in detoxification.  This functionally can lead to problems with environmental things like dander or pollen etc because the system is so beleagured with its own toxins.

 

I can tell you this, when someone's health improves their allergy symptoms also improve radically.  I am the product of a highly allergenic family and do have two food allergies.  I do not suffer from any environmental allergies due to my health program.  This has also been the case with many of our clients who have chosen to improve their bodies.

 

Your over the counter cleanses and detox programs will not change these factors, nor improve your health nor that of your bank account.  I will address this subject next month in the upcoming forum: Do you need a DETOX? May/09

 

If you think you would benefit from a Spring tune-up addressing your body's current & specific food and supplement needs, and your health goals please call and schedule an appointment this month and take advantage of our specials!  Also please remember this is a forum and I encourage you to participate with questions which can be answered privately or here.  Visit our Immune and Detox aisle of our Natural Pharmacy for great health suggestions!

 

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:
9603
February 26th, 2009 at 10:58 pm

Note: this article reflects the opinion of the author and is not intended to: diagnose, treat, ameliorate any medical condition.

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Lower back pain is the #2 reason for medical office visits second to colds and flus according to the NIH. 

 

In many cases even with advanced technology, the exact cause of LBP cannot be established in many cases.  In fact, lower back pain may be a symptom of many problems including any or several of the following:

  • Overuse or improper use
  • Trauma: ie car crash
  • Injury
  • Fracture
  • Degeneration of vertebrae
  • Infection
  • Tumor
  • Obesity
  • Poor Muscle Tone
  • Muscle tension or spasm
  • Ligament or muscle tears
  • Joint problems
  • Smoking
  • Protruding or slipped disk
  • Disease: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, spondylitis, compression fractures
  • Smoking   Yes, I realize that many of these are redundant but that's what it states...

Many times lower back pain can be accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation.  Sometimes, it can be accompanied by leg weakness.  Oftentimes a routine movement like bending can trigger sharp, unremitting pain.

 

What few realize is that by the time many people are in their 30's arteries feeding the lower spine may be already partially blocked, which can prevent nutrients from reaching this area and preventing proper healing.

 

Potential solutions: getting energy circulating through the lower back via acupuncture, and clearing out energy blockages.

 

Supplying nutrients in a form that the body can use to heal.

 

Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids are necessary to help reduce inflammation and expedite the body's own healing mechanisms.

 

Enzymes which when taken properly can clear up cellular debris and hasten healing.

 

Strengthening nutrients such as hylauronic acid, magnesium, and various glycogens, B vitamins and major and trace minerals to strengthen the foundation. Chinese herbs can be helpful in tonifying the body's healing of connective tissue very rapidly. One product I like, which we carry  is Disk Discovery.

 

Important: daily exercise, weight loss where needed, strengthening of the abdominals or CORE muscles, and sometimes heat.  Cold may feel good for awhile but my hasten energy blockages, actually making matters worse in the long run. 

 

I hope you find this information helpful.  Please contact me if I can be of assistance. Also Visit my Ortho Aisle of my Natural Pharmacy for helpful products for bad backs!

 

 

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Dietitian

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

 

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