Are CAM (complementary/alternative) therapies risky to children as being cited by a recent study in Australia?

NO! CAM therapies are extremely safe and effective when prescribed by licensed Naturopathic Doctors. Naturopaths are the only doctors in the US with the appropriate training using both natural and prescription medicine. The study being cited was conducted over a 2 year period in Australia & found 39 cases of adverse reactions. 2 cases resulted in death. No doctor that has undergone training in an accredited institution would have allowed the children to continue treatments that eventually led to the deaths of those two children. As a naturopath, we first try & treat illness naturally. If a patient doesn’t respond medication is used. It’s shocking to see how lack of care by specific individuals can paint such a picture for the entire field. The example of a 10 month old developing septic shock after being “treated with homeopathy and a restricted diet” is unbelievable. The two modalities can be very effective in the treatment of eczema, however, if a doctor was monitoring this child regularly and witnessed the child’s failure to thrive as their condition worsened changes to their protocol should have been made. Let's keep an open mind and always do what's best for the patient. By spreading such propaganda about CAM therapies nobody wins but big Pharma.

Staying Healthy During FLU Season

There are many tools to help you prevent and fight off ANY kind of flu, whether it's the regular or H1N1 flu.

I know there is a lot of pressure to get the seasonal and the H1N1 flu vaccine, however, I do not recommend getting a flu shot or use the flu mist version. As a naturopathic physician, I know the body can fight off any flu with the proper support of the immune system. We already have had cases of Swine flu in our office and the ozone treatments took care of it immediately.

“Study after study, and master studies that compile the results from several studies to get a more objective result, keep coming to the same conclusion: Flu vaccines DO NOT WORK, and in many cases do more harm than good.” ~Dr. Mercola

Please go to: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/26/Flu-Vaccine-Exposed.aspx to read more from Dr. Mercola and to watch a quick video by Thinktwice Global Vaccine Institute with a good summary of what every person should know about the seasonal flu vaccine; how it’s made, and its effectiveness, so you can make an informed choice!

Tips to try and help PREVENT the flu:
1. Wash your hands frequently
2. Drink enough water even in the winter months
3. Eat a well balanced nutritious diet
4. Take a food based multi vitamin and fish oil.
5. 2000-4000 I.U. of vitamin D daily has been shown to help to prevent the flu
6. Elderberry syrup: 1 teaspoon before bed; this has been shown to inhibit and kill H1N1 through various studies
7. You can take a “Homeopathic flu vaccine”, called Influenzinum, via oral homeopathic pellets taken 1 pellet every 3 weeks throughout the flu season. It’s effective and has no adverse reactions.
8. You can also take an oral immune system support formula as prevention (i.e. Acute Immune or Super Bio-vegetarian) at 2 caps/tabs once or twice daily.
9. Another great way to help prevent the flu is by minor autohemotherapy (where small amount of your blood is taken out of the body, ozonated and injected back into a muscle), this stimulates the non specific immune system, our first line of defense against viruses, through the production of cytokines and natural killer cells. This is best done every 3-4 weeks during flu season.

Upon the first signs of the flu:
Homeopathic Oscillococcinum (from Boiron) taken every 2-3 hours together with immune system formula (such as Acute immune or Super Bio Vegetarian at 2 every 2-3 hours), high dose vitamin D, proper diet (with avoidance of sugars and simple carbohydrates) and constitutional hydrotherapy on a daily basis -- all those can be done at home!

Or we can administer a stronger treatment in the office, if the above were not sufficient, such as intravenous high dose vitamin C or major ozone therapy to help your immune system fight the flu!

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for Chronic Pain

Imagine a cure for chronic pain that’s specifically tailored to your individual chemistry – something that could effectively wipe out debilitating symptoms, yet is 100% natural, safe, and made for your body. Such a thing exists, but it isn’t some “miracle drug” manufactured by a pharmaceutical company: it’s your own blood. And with a procedure called platelet-rich plasma therapy or PRP, it can be used to work wonders for sufferers of chronic pain.

When we’re injured, blood rushes to the site of the injury to quickly initiate healing. Poor blood supply equals poor healing, so it only makes sense that a greater blood supply would speed up the process considerably. Blood platelets clot wounds, clean up dead and injured cells, and – most importantly – contribute growth factors that start the regeneration of new, healthy tissue and blood vessels. And that’s exactly the goal of platelet-rich plasma therapy: to facilitate healing and re-grow strengthening tissues, restoring damaged areas to pain-free vitality. It’s a procedure very similar in nature to prolotherapy, a treatment which proliferates – or grows – new tissue in places where it has been weakened. The only difference is that in platelet-rich plasma therapy, the patient’s blood is being injected, rather than the proliferant (mild irritant) solution that prolotherapy utilizes.

During the procedure, a small sample of blood is drawn and placed into a centrifuge for fifteen minutes. The centrifuge separates the components of the blood, and the red blood cells are removed from the plasma and platelets. This creates a solution of super-concentrated, or “platelet-rich,” plasma; the level of healing platelets that it contains is much higher than normal. The solution is placed into a syringe and injected into the specified problem area, which can be treated with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. The platelets get to work repairing damage and generating new, healthy tissue, leading to an eventual healing of the injured area.

Patients may experience a mild soreness at the injection site for a few days afterward, but it can easily be managed with ice or acetaminophen (Tylenol) –never anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, though, as they interfere with the inflammatory process necessary to heal the affected area.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is steadily gaining in popularity. It is an efficient treatment, and its effects are easily seen with ultrasounds, offering undisputable scientific proof. Plus, it’ s safe: since the patient’s own blood is being used, there’s no risk of contamination with blood-born disease, and no chance of rejection by the body. With these combined factors, platelet-rich plasma therapy is proving itself to be an increasingly attractive option for those suffering from pain.

Cortisol and Stress

If you've ever been stressed out – and who hasn't? – your body has experienced a flood of cortisol. When you're faced with a stressful situation, your body enters the “fight or flight” response, when cortisol is abundant in your bloodstream. The surge of this hormone, secreted by the adrenal glands, causes physical changes that help you deal with the situation at hand: lessened sensitivity to pain, a burst of energy, and heightened memory function. (Though it's popularly known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol is always present; it's responsible for several metabolic functions, including the maintenance of blood sugar; immune function; regulation of blood pressure; and inflammatory response, among other things. Cortisol levels are high in the morning and low at night.) Some people release more cortisol than others in times of stress – it's just that they're more biologically “wired” to respond to stress that way.

If you find yourself under stress quite often, you may have a prolonged increase in cortisol. While it's extremely helpful in smaller, normal doses, higher and more prolonged levels have been shown to cause negative effects, such as higher blood pressure, trouble falling/staying asleep, blood sugar imbalances, increased body fat, lower immunity, impaired brain function, slower healing of wounds and decrease inflammatory response, and weakness in both muscles and bones. In order to keep cortisol levels optimal, it's important to manage the amount of stress in your life. This can be achieved by using relaxation techniques such as journaling, doing yoga, listening to music, deep breathing, and meditation. In addition, herbs like Ginseng, Ashwaganda, Rhodiola and Licorice root can further help the body deal with stress and cortisol reduction.

Candida Overgrowth

You have most likely heard of Candida before; it's a genus of infection-causing yeast. You've probably heard of it within the context of female yeast infections, but did you know that Candida is hardly limited to “down-there” difficulties? In fact, once it becomes systemic – meaning that it enters the bloodstream – Candida can cause symptoms that many physicians are calling an “epidemic.” It can affect anyone: man, woman, or child.

Candida isn't always bad; in fact, it is present in the naturally occurring flora of the mouth, throat, skin, digestive system (in both men and women), and in the vagina, and its growth is controlled by the presence of good bacteria. But when we are exposed to things that kill off the protective bacteria, the yeast can grow out of control. If it is allowed to grow unchecked, it actually becomes a mold, with roots (or rhizomes) that puncture the intestinal walls. Once that happens, undigested proteins, food particles, and more Candida can leak from the intestine into the bloodstream – which can cause a host of other problems, such as food allergies/sensitivities, that are typically misdiagnosed as something else. Or, worse yet, never diagnosed at all; many sufferers of chronic Candida infection have tried, and failed, to control symptoms with a variety of treatments (including antibiotics, which can make the infection worse) – only to give up and live with the discomfort.

You may have Systemic Candidiasis – a chronic yeast infection of the bloodstream – or be at an increased risk if you have:
• Taken oral antibiotics or oral acne medication
• Been on birth control pills
• Used corti-steroids, such as prednisone
• Weakened immunity due to illness or stress
• A diet with an overabundance of sugar, which feeds the yeast
• Recurrent yeast or fungal infections of the skin, nails, or mucus membranes
• White patches or a white coating on the tongue

Systemic Candida infections can cause a myriad of seemingly unrelated difficulties, including:
• Chronic fatigue
• Difficulty losing weight
• Recurrent yeast, fungal, or urinary infections
• Acne
• Mood swings, irritability or emotional instability
• Aching joints
• Unexplained muscle pain
• Poor memory and/or lack of concentration
• Allergies
• Severe symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome, or PMS

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if you fit into one or more of the high-risk categories listed above, it may be time to consider a systemic yeast infection as a possible suspect. Systemic Candidiasis can be successfully controlled through several methods, including dietary changes (a complete refrain from simple, refined sugars and a cutback in carbohydrate intake) and intravenous ozone therapy.

The Power of Bio-Oxidative Medicine

When a town needs to ensure a clean water supply, it sends bubbles of ozone – a natural disinfectant – streaming through in order to remove impurities. Bottled water companies, whose very reputations rest upon the purity of their product, use the same technique. Now consider this: our bodies contain, on average, 65% water. Our vital organs, including our brains, are largely comprised of it. If ozone is such an effective water cleanser, would it have the same effect on the water making up the crucial systems within our bodies? You bet it would!

Bio-oxidative therapy (the infusions of medical-grade ozone or hydrogen peroxide throughout the body) offers tremendous advantages for the health, providing clinically established results in treating a large variety of conditions. Among its known benefits:

• Increases the delivery of healthy oxygen to the cells that thrive on its presence
• Stimulates the production of beneficial white blood cells, boosting the immune system
• Breaks down toxins through the process of oxidation
• Kills viruses and bacteria
• Produces an anti-tumor effect, inhibiting the growth of new tissue
• Increases the body's natural production of several cancer- and disease-fighting compounds
• Can be used for anyone, from newborns and pregnant women to the elderly, without adverse reactions or side effects
• Reduces the harmful side effects of medicinal treatments such as chemotherapy
• Protects the cells from the damage of free radicals, which are touted as the root of many disease and aging processes

It isn't a drug. It isn't a miracle. It's an occurrence that happens naturally in our bodies, and science has found a way to bump up its benefits. Bio-oxidative therapy can be administered in a variety of ways: intravenously, through the muscle, through the rectum or vagina, and more – depending on the specific area being treated. Still considered somewhat experimental in the United States (though more and more practitioners are catching on to its advantages), bio-oxidative therapy is well-established in much of Europe, Asia, and South America, having been used extensively in those locales for years.

Let's look more closely at how bio-oxidative therapy can be used to improve health, no matter what the condition. Ozone, also known as trioxygen or O3, is made up of three oxygen atoms: think of it as super-charged oxygen. The “good” cells in our bodies love oxygen, and thrive when they receive enough. The “bad” cells, such as viruses, fungi, parasites, and other disease-causing microbes, are greatly harmed if exposed to an abundance of oxygen. When we are deprived of oxygen – these days, through environmental pollution and destruction, and self-imposed depletion through smoking – the good cells can't do their jobs and the body is no longer able to effectively rid itself of harmful cells and toxins. But an infusion of oxygen into our cells aids in the process of oxidation: the “burning off” of elements which impair cell function.

Hydrogen peroxide is another powerful oxidizer that is effective in cleansing the body. You've seen it in some form before: most likely as the bubbly stuff people use to sterilize wounds. It's also the disinfectant property in many contact lens solutions, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. Within our bodies, hydrogen peroxide is produced by the immune system to ward off the advancement of bacteria and disease. Like ozone, it can be administered intravenously to help detoxify the blood.

In a nutshell: bio-oxidative therapy, whether ozone or hydrogen peroxide, delivers a direct dosage of purifying, nurturing oxygen to vastly improve the quality and efficiency of the cells. It cleanses from the inside, assisting the body in its natural disease-fighting processes to help mend existing problems and prevent new ones from occurring.

Some speculate that the reason for bio-oxidative therapy's slow introduction into the United States, despite its amazing capacity to heal, is simply that it isn't profitable for pharmaceutical companies; since ozone and oxygen are natural gases, they are unable to be patented. But whatever the reason that people here are just beginning to understand this type of therapy, its benefits are clear and have been aptly demonstrated around the world. It's a “breath of fresh air” for your body – and your health.

Are you a Secretor or a Non-Secretor?

You may know your blood type – but do you know whether or not you're a secretor or a non-secretor? Most people have no idea that this blood typing sub-system even exists, but in truth, knowing which category you fall into can help you to make the most of your health.

The concepts of secretors and non-secretors were first introduced to the public by Dr. Peter D'Adamo's book Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type. In his book, Dr. D'Adamo posits that differences in blood type make people respond differently to various diets and medical treatments, and are the reason why some people are more vulnerable to certain illnesses and maladies than others. Each blood type, he says, has a distinct chemical reaction to lectins – substances found in foods. When a person eats a food containing lectins that are incompatible with his or her blood type, those lectins target a certain area and cause blood cells in that area to clump (or agglutinate), leading to uncomfortable symptoms. Continuing to ingest the offensive food will make the person susceptible to disease in the areas where the agglutination occurs.

Whether you're a secretor or a non-secretor is completely independent of your blood type, but just as important when it comes to understanding any metabolic dysfunctions and immune susceptibilities. Simply put, a secretor is a person whose body secretes its blood type antigens into its fluids – saliva, mucus, etc. A non-secretor does not. (Approximately 80% of the general population are estimated to be secretors.) And while no one blood type is better than the others, it is thought better to be a secretor than a non-secretor. The ability to secrete blood type antigens into your bodily fluids offers enhanced protection against outside factors such as potentially harmful microorganisms and the lectins from the food you eat. Secretors also have a more accomodating intestinal environment in which beneficial probiotic bacteria can thrive, since blood type can be used as a food source for such bacteria. Non-secretors on the other hand, because their bodies don't infuse their fluids with blood type antigens, have tendencies toward:

• Higher rates of oral disease, including more cavities – and, interestingly, habitual snoring
• Digestive problems, such as inflammation and ulcers
• A more prevalent rate of autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis
• Lungs that are more susceptible to environmental factors and cigarette smoking
• A greater risk of diabetes and heart disease
• A greater risk for recurrent urinary tract and Candida (yeast) infections
• An increased association with alcoholism
• More difficulty breaking down dietary fat and properly metabolizing calcium
• An increased intolerance to carbohydrates

Your “secretor/non-secretor” status, in conjunction with your blood type, also determines the viscosity and clotting time of your blood. So you see? Since many of your bodily functions and responses are influenced by your secretor status, knowing which you are can be a valuable tool in determining how to take the best care of yourself – and how to feel better than ever.

Testosterone: Not just for Men

Just as estrogen is typically associated with females, testosterone is typically associated with males. But just like estrogen, testosterone is present in the bodies of both sexes, and without it no one – male or female – would be in proper balance. Though men make more of the hormone than women do, and different amounts are needed, both sexes rely on testosterone for maintenance of a healthy libido, good bone density, and muscle mass. It helps facilitate circulation, increases energy levels, and assists the body in burning off fat.

It may surprise you to know that a testosterone deficiency actually hits women harder than men; this is because women have less of it to begin with, so that when the small amount they do have is lessened, the effects are felt more keenly. Regardless of sex, if you're deficient in testosterone – which can happen as the body ages – it can cause disruptive symptoms. For men, this can include erectile dysfunction, loss of sex drive, fatigue, reduced strength, and an inability to concentrate. Women with low testosterone levels may experience a loss of not only libido, but motivation in general; fatigue; reduced muscle tone and an increase in body fat, osteoporosis, and even a higher risk for breast cancer.

The body's level of available testosterone can decrease as early as the 30s, so if you've dealt with any of the above mentioned symptoms, a check of your hormones just might shed some light on the problem.

Estrogen Imbalancements in both Men and Women

Estrogen is a hormone most closely associated with females; many men are surprised to learn that estrogen is present in their bodies. But it is in fact essential for both men and women to have a properly balanced level of this hormone in order to function as well as possible. Imbalances can occur at any time in a person's life, but are most common as the body ages – in fact, it is a low estrogen level that triggers some of the dreaded symptoms of menopause in women. Whether you're male or female, the estrogen level tends to get a little “out of whack” as you get older. In women, it generally diminishes, leaving them with a lower-than-normal level. This can cause hot flashes, fatigue, a decreased sex drive, weight gain, depression, and vaginal dryness – and those are just some of the associated complaints.

Aging men often have the opposite problem: an excessive amount of estrogen, which also affects them adversely. A loss of libido and sexual function, an enlarged prostate, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke are a few of the possible symptoms.

No matter if you're a man or a woman, a balanced estrogen level is necessary for good health. There are several lifestyle changes you can make that will help to naturally regulate estrogen production. Eat a healthy diet, limiting coffee and alcohol as much as possible. Certain foods are rich in natural estrogens – soy, flax seed, olives, eggplants, olives, and cherries, for example – so if your levels are low, you can try increasing your intake of those foods. Estrogen-inhibiting foods include cabbage, broccoli, corn, onions, and pineapple, so if your levels are high, it might be helpful to eat more of these.

Progesterone Deficiency Seen in Men and Women

There are many misconceptions about progesterone. It is widely perceived as not only a “female” hormone, but a sex hormone, because it is produced by the ovaries in females (in men, it's made by the adrenal glands). However, neither is the case – in fact, progesterone plays a large role in the body functions of males and females of all ages, has nothing to do with the secondary sex characteristics which develop during puberty, and is vital to good health for everyone. It is important in many ways, keeping the endocrine system balanced. But that's not all; progesterone is the precursor of lots of other important components (among them, estrogen and testosterone) that keep our bodies in proper balance. It is sometimes referred to as “the mother of all hormones” because it's converted into these other hormones. Its “all purpose” nature explains why the effects of a progesterone deficiency can be so wide-ranging.

For women, adequate levels of progesterone can provide relief from menopausal symptoms, keep the reproductive system in balance, stabilize mood swings, facilitate concentration, normalize thyroid levels, keep the bones strong ... the list goes on and on. For men, progesterone can increase sperm count, keep the energy level high, decrease prostate problems, even improve the complexion – and again, that's just the tip of the iceberg. This is why it's crucial to have the proper balance of progesterone in your body; it's responsible for so many important functions.

DHEA: the "anti-aging hormone"

“Dehydroepiandrosterone” is quite a mouthful. Maybe that's why we call this hormone “DHEA” for short. Whatever you choose to call it, it's the most prevalent steroid hormone in the body, and like progesterone, may be metabolized into other key hormones to achieve proper balance. DHEA levels tend to decrease once a person hits thirty years old, dropping more dramatically as you age. Lowered levels of DHEA have been associated with a range of diseases, including AIDS, anorexia, kidney disease, type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer's and others – which clearly indicates that the more optimal a person's DHEA level, the healthier he or she is. This has caused some to call DHEA the “anti-aging” hormone, since the gradual decline in the body's DHEA level often corresponds with the degenerative diseases that come with aging.

Restoring the body to its youthful level of DHEA has been shown to help with a multitude of problems, among them depression, obesity, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, immune system dysfunction, chronic fatigue, and cognitive decline. Ongoing studies continue to extensively test DHEA's benefits. To ensure safety, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health pracitioner, and not used by pregnant or nursing women or by those taking certain medications.

"Shots of Ozone Zaps Back Pain!"

I came across an interesting article online yesterday and was actually shocked. We have been using medical ozone/oxygen therapy for years treating a variety of different ailments. From chronic fatigue to chronic pain, ozone can be a very effective way to stimulate the body's immune system to help with recovery. Specifically, talking about back pain we have had significant success. This article is taken from the Society of Interventional Radiology, March 2009 and it finally sheds some light to the "traditional" medical community regarding the benefits of medical ozone/oxygen therapy. It is also somewhat ironic that there are some states that specifically ban the use of ozone as a medical treatment!!

Please read the following article and keep in mind that this treatment has already had significant amount of research and use clinically for years!

Shot of Ozone Zaps Back Pain!

"In just a few years, a shot of ozone could be the "go to" method to relieve an aching back. 
 
Radiologists predict oxygen-ozone therapy will become the standard treatment in the United States to treat herniated disks within the next five years.

"Having a herniated disk can affect how you perform everyday activities and can cause severe pain that influences everything you do; however, you don’t have to undergo invasive surgery," Kieran J. Murphy, M.D., an interventional neuroradiologist and vice chair and chief of medical imaging at the University of Toronto, was quoted as saying.

The non-invasive procedure of oxygen-ozone therapy involves injecting the gas mixture into the disk. It works to limit pain and inflammation by reducing the disk's volume. Compared to a surgical diskectomy, pain and function outcomes are similar, plus the recovery time is significantly shorter."

SOURCE: Society of Interventional Radiology online, March 2009

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement for Women

Hormone replacement therapies can be a godsend to women suffering from the symptoms of menopause. Recently, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy has been thrust into the limelight as an alternative to synthetic therapies. This raises many questions – and one question always seems to be at the forefront: are bio-identical hormones really better than synthetic? The answer is a resounding yes.

Bio-identical hormones are taken from plant sources such as wild yam and soybeans, then altered in a lab until they are molecularly identical to the hormones that women naturally produce. Since they're just like the hormones found in the body, they are metabolized much more easily, thereby minimizing unwanted side effects. Synthetic hormones are not identical to those found naturally; drug companies cannot patent a bio-identical structure, so they intentionally made synthetic hormones different enough to be able to patent. Some of the side effects of synthetic hormones can include depression, fluid retention, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, and nausea – which makes little sense when you're trying to alleviate symptoms in the first place!

Another advantage is that bio-identical hormones can be given in custom-mixed doses to better target a specific problem, matched to each woman's individual needs rather than the “one size fits all” approach taken by traditional synthetic hormone replacement therapies.

Many women can effectively manage hormone imbalances through lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, high-grade nutritional supplementation, and gentle exercise. But if they still need help resetting the delicate hormonal balance, bio-identical hormones are a decidedly safer choice.

Salivary Hormone Testing is Superior to Blood Testing

Our hormones play a vital role in keeping our bodies optimally healthy. In delicate balance with one another, they harmonize to keep us functioning the way we should. But within such a balance, deficiencies, fluctuations, and imbalances can wreak havoc. In such situations, hormone testing can provide a clearer picture of what's going on, and tell us specifically what needs to be done.

Traditionally, the most common hormone testing is done via the blood. However, research has shown that blood testing is not as accurate, and does not provide the most complete overall picture. Salivary hormone testing has proven to be more effective. The saliva provides a clearer indication of the amount of free, unbound and active bioavailable hormones – the form of hormones that actually have an effect on the tissues – which are filtered into the saliva. Salivary hormone tests can also tell us, more accurately than ever, how much of an effect topical hormone supplementations (gels, creams, and patches) are having. One significant study found that, when topically applied, such preparations elevated hormone levels in the area's tissue – yet despite the hundredfold increase of hormones, there was no change noted in the blood hormone levels. In order for a blood test to register an increase of hormone levels, there must be extremely high levels of hormones, which has often led to the use of excessive amounts of supplementation. Since saliva better reflects the saturation of topically applied hormones, it's much easier to determine the correct, most beneficial dose.

The hormones in saliva are very stable and can be stored for up to a week without affecting the accuracy of the result. Last but not least, salivary testing is less invasive and more convenient. It's a new dawn for hormone testing, and needle-phobes everywhere can rejoice.

Are Mercury Fillings Really Safe?

You may be fastidious about protecting your health – monitoring your diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding additives and toxins – but if you've got fillings in your teeth, your body may be more polluted than you know. That's because silver amalgam, a commonly used cavity filler, consists of about 50% mercury. According to a report by the Australian Society of Oral Medicine and Toxicology citing numerous scientific studies, mercury can have some detrimental effects on our bodies:

• can cause neurological problems
• can cause kidney damage
• can cause disturbances to various metabolic processes
• is freely transported in the blood
• crosses the blood brain barrier
• crosses the placenta
• crosses into breast milk
• transported freely in the blood
• reduces reproductive function
• rapidly depletes the immune system
• mercury from amalgam is absorbed into the body at a rate of 3 to 17 mcg/day (World Health Organization)
• binds to hemoglobin
• damages blood vessels
• can cause single strand breaks in DNA
• may have connection with Alzheimer's Disease

The American Dental Association has said that the studies done on amalgam fillings show there's no evidence that they are harmful. The Food and Drug Administration cautiously agrees, but is “investigating” more closely and is expected to release a final report by summer of 2009. In my opinion, even if there is the slightest possible risk to our health why continue to advocate the usage or endorse the safety of mercury fillings?

For those who are concerned, amalgam fillings can be replaced with composite resin, a tooth-colored material that is being used more frequently to repair cavities. Resin fillings are gaining popularity because their color blends in with the tooth, making them more aesthetic, and because the material has continued to improve for the past few years. The only drawback is that resin fillings may have to be replaced more often than amalgams – but if it means ridding your body of harmful mercury, it may be worth the extra trips to the dentist.

** Extreme care and caution must be used during the removal of mercury fillings to ensure minimal spreading of the mercury outside the localized area. Although rubber dams and suction are some of the ways to prevent this, it is virtually impossible to assume that none of the mercury leeches into the oral cavity or even into circulation via the bloodstream. Intravenous (IV) chelation therapy should be started concurrently to ensure maximal removal of mercury from the body which can take 6-12 months to complete. A blood and urine test can be a reliable way to determine levels but only if the body is provoked prior to testing by an oral or IV chelator. This forces the metal out of our adipose tissue and into circulation. **

Why is Homeopathy Gaining in Popularity?

Homeopathy is a long word for a simple principle: “like cures like.“ First developed over 200 years ago by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, it is now the second most popular medical system used throughout the world, and its popularity has been increasing steadily in recent years.

When a person is suffering from an illness or condition, allopathic medicine dictates that the treatment should counteract the symptoms; for example, for diarrhea, a patient would be given something that slows the bowels. But with homeopathy, the treatment actually mimics the symptoms, which prompts the body's own natural defenses to kick in, allowing the body to heal itself. It's a principle much like conventional allergy treatment, where a minuscule amount of the allergen is introduced in order to bolster the body's tolerance to it.

Homeopathy is effective and safe – even for the most vulnerable groups such as babies, pregnant women and the elderly. It works with the immune system rather than against it, promoting it to heal the way it's naturally designed to. And homeopathy can be used as a complementary therapy, in conjunction with other treatments. It's a versatile, gentle way to treat what ails you.

What is a Photofacial?

It would be nice if our skin never lost the tone, smoothness and elasticity we're born with. As we're all too well aware, though, skin can readily betray a person's age; blotches, dark patches, freckles and age spots don't exactly scream “youthful.” But by using intense pulsed light (IPL) technology in a procedure called a Photofacial, those telltale spots can be greatly diminished or even eliminated completely.

The energy emitted by the IPL wavelength is only absorbed by the unwanted pigment, shattering it into tiny fragments that are harmlessly absorbed by the body – all while leaving the surrounding tissue undamaged. The treatments are given in a series, so effects are gradual and subtle, but noticeable. Photofacials are ideal for people who lead an active lifestyle; sessions are generally quick, there's little to no interruption in your daily activities, and no downtime for recovery. And though the word “facial” is in its name, IPL can be used not only on the face, but the chest and hands as well.

Whether you've got discoloration due to acne, rosacea, sun damage, or hyperpigmentation, it can be improved – you've just got to see the (intense pulsed) light.

Colon Hydrotherapy

The average American diet wreaks havoc on the colon. High-fat, high sugar, laden with preservatives and toxins, and severely deficient in fiber, it causes a buildup. Peristalsis – the muscular contractions which move waste through the colon – is slowed, and the bowels become sluggish. Even if you're “regular” and eliminate on a daily basis, you can still have an impacted colon full of hardened waste. Pounds of material can accumulate inside, leaving you bloated and putting your health at risk.

Colon hydrotherapy is a gentle method of cleansing the inside of the colon, ridding the body of harmful toxins and buildup. Once the colon is free of the waste that has been impeding its function, patients notice surprising improvements. These can range from weight loss to a higher energy level to clearer skin to improved concentration. The body is able to absorb the vitamins and nutrients from food more efficiently, leading to better overall health.

To keep the colon in smooth working order, you should have hydrotherapy treatments on a fairly regular basis – but in the meantime, eating plenty of fiber and keeping your diet as organic and additive-free as possible will help move things along.

High Fructose Corn Syrup and Obesity

It's no coincidence that our nation's rate of obesity – and related diseases such as diabetes – has skyrocketed since the 1970s, when high fructose corn syrup became a mainstay of the American diet. A sweetener manufactured as a cheap replacement for sugar, it's everywhere: in the things you'd expect it to be in (soft drinks, cookies, ice cream) and some places you may not expect (canned soup, spaghetti sauce, ketchup, cranberry juice).

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is metabolized differently than sugar, blocking the action of insulin, which is responsible for regulating the body's use and storage of sugar for energy. It stimulates the appetite and lessens our ability to recognize when we're full, leading to weight gain – and contributes to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. HFCS is processed by the liver, which has difficulty metabolizing large amounts of it; this increased workload ultimately puts the liver at risk.

To cut down on your family's intake of HFCS, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Read labels – even on products that aren't sweet.

• Avoid fast food, as it can contain lots of HFCS.

• Watch what you're drinking – most sweet beverages (including a lot of fruit juices) contain HFCS. When in doubt, drink water.

• Just because a product is labeled “natural” doesn't mean it's free of HFCS!

Acupuncture: Ancient technique for Modern Complaints

Acupuncture is one of the oldest treatments in the world. First accredited to the Chinese, archaeologists have discovered stone acupuncture needles dating back as far as 3000 B.C.! These days, stone needles have given way to more modern tools, but the concept is the same as it has always been: extremely slender needles – usually about the width of a human hair – are inserted through the skin to various depths. When inserted into the correct points, these minuscule needles stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, and increase crucial blood flow.

Acupuncture is equally great at treating specific complaints – such as headaches, for example – or general feelings of ill health or malaise. It has been used successfully to treat a large number of diseases, and to provide substantial relief from a range of symptoms. It can help in the process of overcoming addictions or emotional disorders. But you don't have to be sick to reap the benefits; by balancing the body's systems, acupuncture can assist in keeping you healthy and vital.

Acupuncture is drug-free and safe for anyone: even children, pregnant women (some points are contraindicated), and the elderly. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) are just two of the respected institutions that have acknowledged its beneficial effects. Whether you're in need of relief or fit as a fiddle and want to stay that way, there's something in it for you.

Mesotherapy: a Non-Surgical Approach to Body Sculpting

BEFORE


AFTER: 3 treatments over 6 weeks


Try as we might, there are just some spots that refuse to be dieted-and-exercised into submission. And to rid themselves once and for all of those “wobbly bits,” many people turn to liposuction. Sure, it works – if you don't mind surgery, lengthy downtime, painful recovery and the possibility of fat depositing to surrounding areas.

Mesotherapy, a naturally-derived alternative, delivers where liposuction falls short. First of all, it's a non-invasive procedure; small quantities of plant extracts, nutrients, and homeopathic elements are injected into the skin and upper fatty layer. These natural compounds emulsify fat in the cells, improve the fibrous connective tissues that contribute to the appearance of cellulite, and improve both blood flow and lymphatic drainage to the area. Mesotherapy is safe (thousands of treatments performed worldwide) and well-received by the vast majority of patients; side effects, include temporary bruising or tenderness, a much easier recovery than liposuction – and without the downtime. The procedure itself can be done with minimal discomfort, and patients are able to immediately resume their normal lifestyle. It's a fantastic choice for those who are seeking to lose the stubborn “pockets” of fat – in areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, and underneath the chin – without going under the knife.

We have a 75% success rate at removing unwanted fat. Check out our before and after photo gallery to see actual patient results!

Can Your Environment Increase Your Cancer Risk?

One of the scariest things about cancer is that it just happens, and it's often hard to know why, or what we could have done to avoid it. And in some cases, it really is unavoidable. But the good news is that an estimated eighty percent of cancers are caused by our immediate environment – which means that we do have some control over our cancer risk! By limiting our exposure to chemical compounds in the products we use, the food we eat and the water we drink, we can help protect ourselves.

Even chemicals that have been deemed “safe” can build up to unsafe levels after years of repeated exposure. And as the body ages, its ability to effectively purge itself of toxins diminishes. When the cells are inundated with toxic substances that they can't get rid of, mutations occur; cancer is a proliferation of these mutated cells.

We're surrounded by these toxins on a daily basis, from even the most unlikely sources. Here is just a small sampling of fairly common carcinogenic compounds:

-solvents such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene

-asbestos, which can be found in older roofs, pipes, insulation, and many other products (over 5000 in all)

-dioxins, produced in part by the bleaching of paper products (including tampons and toilet paper)

While it's virtually impossible to avoid every environmental hazard, we can substantially cut our risk factor by being vigilant about what goes into (and onto) our bodies. Read labels and familiarize yourself with ingredients; the fewer chemicals you come in contact with, the better.

Rejuvena Long-term Weight Management System: combination hCG and Food Sensitivity Testing

What is hCG?
hCG stands for human chorionic gondadotropin, which is a substance that occurs naturally in human tissue, most notably in the bodies of pregnant women. When used to help combat obesity, hCG is generally in synthetic form. Do not confuse hCG with hGH, which his human growth hormone.

Is hCG approved by the FDA?
Although the FDA has not yet specifically approved hCG for the purpose of weight loss, it is approved for a variety of conditions. Several well-known studies have shown the effectiveness of hCG for the treatment of obesity, and as it is proven by similar studies and its success becomes more widely recognized, it may someday be FDA-approved for weight loss. However, based upon a single poorly controlled study, the FDA currently states that hCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, or that it causes a more attractive or “normal” distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.

History behind the diet
Unlike many flash-in-the-pan, “miracle diet” schemes, the hCG diet is time-tested; in fact, the first published study on the use of hCG for weight loss came out in 1954. The person responsible for discovering this phenomenon was A.T.W. Simeons, M.D., a brilliant and accomplished British physician. While practicing medicine in Rome, he devoted years to the study of obesity. Dr. Simeons was one of the first to examine obesity as a physical disorder, not a mental or emotional disorder as had been previously suggested. He observed that, when given hCG injections, his patients not only lost weight but experienced a reshaping of their bodies as well.

Though Dr. Simeons’ initial report garnered quite a bit of attention at the time of its publication, the concept of the hCG diet didn’t really “catch on” until a bestselling book extolling its virtues was published by Kevin Trudeau in 2007. Since then, it has enjoyed renewed awareness, which seems to increase as more and more success stories surface.

How the diet works?
Excess fat is stored so that it can be used for fuel in case we find ourselves facing starvation; it’s the body’s way of ensuring its survival. That might have been an asset in the days of our prehistoric ancestors, but today we’re lucky to have an abundance of food available – which means that our excess fat stores just keep piling up.

hCG is designed to be a sort of protective mechanism. If a pregnant woman doesn’t take in enough calories to support the growth and nourishment of her baby, hCG mobilizes stored fat, breaking it down to make sure that the body has an adequate amount of calories at its disposal. During the hCG diet, your calorie intake will be very low, around 500 calories per day – so the body is prompted to use hCG to metabolize its stored fat as an energy source, just as it would during pregnancy.

On the hCG diet, your stored fat will be continually released into the body. That means you’ll never lack energy; despite taking in very few calories, your body is actually operating on thousands of calories’ worth of burned fat stores. That’s why it’s possible for hCG dieters to lose multiple pounds of fat per day.

Since hCG appears to work primarily on areas where extra adipose tissue, or fat, has accumulated, it tends to work on bulkier parts first: the lower abdomen, hips, thighs, and double chins. This leads to a reshaping of the body, even without exercise (we ALWAYS encourage exercise)). hCG doesn’t diminish necessary “structural” fat – such as the subcutaneous fat that gives the face a smooth look – only the places where fat is found in excess.

Why we test for hidden food sensitivities?
The last part of our weight loss program is designed to help you decide what foods to eat and which ones to avoid going forward. A healthy, organic whole food diet can still contain foods that are problematic for you. From a simple blood test, a detailed report is provided to you as a recommended guide for future eating. The test identifies your food sensitivities. Food sensitivities cause symptoms that are not always immediately seen upon eating. They can occur hours or even days after ingestion. Gas, bloating, fluid retention (ruling out cardiovascular origin), fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, and joint pain are common symptoms that can be related to food sensitivities. Eating a diet free of these foods can ensure even longer results, at the same time, decrease your chances of developing chronic disease.

The Importance of Detoxification

If you're breathing – which we sincerely hope you are – you're taking in toxins. You're also ingesting them and drinking them and bathing with them and ... the list goes on. Toxins are associated with many conditions, ranging from acne and headaches to neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's, and cancer. In order to help prevent these ailments, it's necessary to detoxify your system; things just work better when they're clean, and that goes for your body.

If you're looking to more effectively ward off toxin-related diseases, a good place to start is with the addition of more fruits and vegetables to your diet (organic, please!). They're a great source of phytochemicals and antioxidants, which bolster the body's ability to rid itself of toxic substances. Some of the best sources include cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower; leafy greens like spinach, kale, and watercress; and tomatoes, red grapes, and berries. Adding more of these foods to your diet is a good way to help immediately, and for a more complete detoxification there are holistic methods (IV therapy, colon hydrotherapy, coffee enemas) that work wonders.

When your system is free from years worth of built-up toxins, it's able to function much more efficiently. You'll be amazed at the difference.

Heavy Metals in Tattoo Ink

Tattoos have a colorful history (no pun intended!), and viewpoints vary just as much now as they ever have. They've been called trendy, tacky, and now ... toxic?

If you're thinking about getting inked, it pays to do your research first. The dyes injected into your skin get their bright hues and permanent staying power from heavy metals, which can include arsenic and lead, just to name a few. In this respect, some colors are worse than others; reds, for example – most of which contain mercury – have been known to cause allergic reactions and make people extra-sensitive to other sources of mercury (such as dental fillings). Several major lawsuits have brought the high metal content of tattoo pigments to light recently, and though the FDA has the power to regulate those pigments, they haven't officially deemed them safe for injection.

Before you commit to a tattoo, find out what's in the ink. Manufacturers are not required to reveal their proprietary ingredient lists, so it may require a bit of intensive searching. Generally, though, the more professional and reputable the tattoo artist, the more knowledgeable (and trustworthy!) he or she will be. And if the studio staff mixes its own pigments, they'll be able to give you the information you require in order to make a smart decision. When it comes to ink, stop and think.

Tired of Shaving?

Everyone wants a lot of hair on their head – but a lot of hair anywhere else on the body is generally considered unsightly. Thanks to our culture's obsession with smooth, hairless skin, we've tried nearly everything when it comes to removing those pesky sprouts: shaving, waxing, plucking, even slathering on those offensively-scented depilatory creams. One of the biggest downsides to all of those things, though, is that they're far from permanent.

Which brings laser hair removal into play. It's a perfect treatment for those who want to rid themselves of excess hair for good. So how does it work? Simply put, a high-energy laser heats up the hair deep into its follicle, producing inflammation. The inflammation signals the follicle to retreat into a “resting phase” in which it doesn't grow any new hair. It generally takes a series of treatments – five to seven on average – in order to achieve the desired result. Though laser hair removal dramatically decreases or eliminates unwanted hair, maintenance treatments (one per year, or even less frequently than that) may be needed to keep the area as smooth as possible. The number of initial treatments and the frequency of maintenance largely depends on the area being treated.

Hair today, gone tomorrow ... and the next day ... and the day after that ...

Myer's Cocktail: Making the body's immune system stronger and more resistant to STRESS

Need a pick-me-up? Have a cocktail – intravenously. No, I'm not talking about a martini in an IV bag; the “cocktail” I'm referring to is a blend of vitamins, minerals and important nutrients (among them magnesium, calcium, and vitamins B and C), delivered directly into the bloodstream. Named for Dr. John Myers, who pioneered intravenous nutrient therapy back in the mid-1900s, the Myers Cocktail (as it has been dubbed) is can improve a whole host of chronic and acute conditions, from allergies to infections to migraines. Because it bypasses the digestive system, the blood carries a higher concentration of nutrients to the cells that need it most, boosting their function, and in turn helping the body to heal what's ailing it. Since there's no need to digest anything, the therapy can be especially beneficial to those with problems in that area, such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease.

The substances used in the Myers Cocktail are safe, essential nutrients that our bodies must have in order to function. Normally we get them through the food we eat, but the processed foods of today are often lacking – and nutrient deficiencies can be linked to many illnesses. By getting those vital components into our bodies (intravenously or otherwise), we can ensure good health. That's one cocktail that, oddly enough, just might make you feel better in the morning.

Glycemic Index, Blood Sugar and Weight Loss

Carbs have gotten a bad rap in the past decade or so, being blamed for poor health and excessive weight gain. While this holds true for some things, not all carbohydrates are created equal. Some are rapidly digested and processed, kicking off a quick spike and crash in blood sugar levels, while others burn slowly and keep the blood sugar at bay by releasing glucose bit by bit. To help people decipher which carbs are which, the glycemic index was created.

The glycemic index ranks carbohydrates on a scale of 0 to 100 – 0 being foods with very minimal impact on blood sugar (such as beans) and 100 being foods that are extremely sugary (such as jelly). For weight loss, low-GI foods are key components of a healthy diet. Their smaller fluctuations in blood sugar levels help control the appetite, reduce insulin levels and insulin resistance, and ultimately combat obesity and general unhealthiness.

Never has the phrase “you are what you eat” been proven more true than in the case of carbohydrates. Swapping high-GI carbs for those at the lower end of the spectrum can be very beneficial, especially when it comes to watching your waistline. Try couscous instead of white rice; fresh fruits instead of dried. It's an easy and effective way to maintain a healthy weight without sacrificing the carbs you love.

Benefits of Yoga and Meditation

Stress happens; it’s a fact of life. Even the simplest of everyday problems and pressures can build up until we feel like we’re about to explode. But too much stress is detrimental to our wellbeing, and over time will begin to produce many undesirable symptoms: headaches, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system, just to name a few. In these days of Blackberries, meetings, and multitasking, it’s important to learn how to effectively manage and reduce your stress. And that’s where relaxation techniques such as yoga – and the meditation and deep breathing that go along with it – come in.

Yoga is beneficial in so many ways, and has been used for thousands of years as a means of keeping the body (and mind!) strong, sound, and healthy. Its various positions enhance flexibility for less stiffness and greater ease of movement. It massages and stimulates the organs, bringing increased blood flow and bolstering the detoxification process. It tones the muscles, strengthening the body and helping to keep weight in check (and in turn, improving weight-related issues). Its meditative qualities help quiet the mind, clearing away negative energies. Coupled with deep breathing (pranayama – the science of breath control), which carries vital oxygen to the brain and bloodstream and helps to eliminate toxins, it has a profound effect on health and wellness.

Even if you’re a beginner, you can benefit from the most basic of positions. Through yoga, you can learn to better handle tension, improve your health, and achieve unity in mind, body, and spirit. Namaste!

Cortisol Control

There’s a lot to be said for the hormone cortisol. Secreted by the adrenal glands, it’s involved in many important bodily functions, including metabolism of glucose, release of insulin for blood sugar maintenance, immune function, regulation of blood pressure, and inflammatory response. Cortisol is responsible for the burst of energy, heightened awareness, and lower sensitivity to pain that is part of the body’s “fight or flight” response to stress; because of this, it is sometimes referred to as “the stress hormone.”

Naturally, your cortisol level is highest in the morning, when your body needs an extra boost of energy to begin the day. By evening time, the level drops about 90% - or at least, it should. But you can have too much of a good thing, and though cortisol is crucial for your body, levels that remain elevated for long periods of time can negatively impact your health. Chronically elevated cortisol has been shown to cause exhaustion, fat accumulation, insulin resistance, loss of memory, high blood pressure, and more.

In order to keep cortisol levels under control, thereby reducing the risk of prolonged elevated exposure, it’s important to activate the body’s relaxation response. This can be especially effective in the evenings, when cortisol levels are naturally supposed to be lower. By learning to relax through stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or guided imagery, you can help make sure your body is releasing only enough cortisol to be beneficial.

Healthy Fats

What do fish, nuts, and green leafy vegetables have in common? Sure, they’re tasty – but they’re also great sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, and that’s great news for your health. Omega 3 fatty acids are crucial for the body’s wellbeing, and studies have shown that they help to both prevent and treat many different health problems (including psychological issues; in fact, one of the most recent studies, presently being conducted by researchers at the Australian Research Institute, examines the link between Omega 3 deficiency and depression). They’re essential for neurological development, and can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Basically, you’ve got to have these “miracle-working” fatty acids in your body in order to ensure optimal health.

If you’re lacking in Omega 3, your body will tell you through symptoms – though they’re easily attributed to other conditions and most people don’t realize they’re due to an Omega 3 deficiency. You may notice:

• Fatigue
• Dry, brittle nails
• Dry skin
• Constipation
• Dandruff
• Slow wound healing

Unfortunately, the body doesn’t produce Omega 3 by itself; therefore, you’ve got to make sure that your diet includes plenty of foods that are rich in this valuable substance. The following foods are some of the best sources of healthy Omega 3:

• Hemp seeds
• Flax seeds
• Walnuts
• Cold-water fish such as mackerel, salmon, tuna, halibut, and herring
• Pumpkin seeds
• Spinach
• Sunflower seeds

You hear a lot about staying away from fat, but the kinds of fat that contains Omega 3 are different than the artery-clogging saturated fats found in lard and butter. By eating the proper balance of these “good” fats, you can protect your body and your brain.

The Power of Consititutional Hydrotherapy

The body is largely comprised of water – so it makes sense that for thousands of years, water has been used to treat ailments of many varieties. The practice of hydrotherapy was revolutionized in the late 1800s by Dr. Otis G. Carroll, who found that combining hot and cold packs with mild electrical stimulation proved twice as effective in half the time of a traditional treatment. He called this “constitutional hydrotherapy,” a practice that is still as successful today as it was in Dr. Carroll’s time.

Constitutional hydrotherapy is named such because it changes the constitution of the cells, prompting them to rid themselves of waste products and work more effectively, thereby detoxifying the body and bringing it back into its proper balance. Alternate applications of hot and cold improve circulation, boost the body’s white cell count, increase the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, and promote blood flow to the organs. The electrical current – which isn’t painful, just feels like a slight “buzzing” or tickling sensation – stimulates the muscles. In combination, the water and electricity work very well together, encouraging the body to heal itself naturally.

This type of treatment is useful for chronic conditions such as asthma, autoimmune conditions (fibromyalgia, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.), migraines, even cancer. It can also be used to treat acute conditions: a sinus infection or bronchitis, for example. And if you aren’t ill, it can help keep you that way – since constitutional hydrotherapy helps the body to rid itself of waste and increases the amount of white blood cells, it’s a fantastic means of strengthening the immune system.

Water and electricity may normally be best kept apart, but in the case of constitutional hydrotherapy, they’re a perfect pair.

Lowering Cholesterol with Guggulipid

It may have a funny-sounding name, but Guggulipid is nothing to laugh at: it’s a seriously effective cholesterol-lowering supplement. Best of all, it’s 100% natural. Guggulipid, whose Latin name is Commiphora mukul, is a substance with origins to northern India where it is extracted from the gummy resin of the thorny mukul myrrh tree. Its use has been widespread and dates back at least 2,000 years, for various ailments from arthritis to hemorrhoids.

It was animal studies that initially recognized Guggulipid’s cholesterol-lowering properties. It was also found to protect the arteries against atherosclerosis, the hardening that leads to heart attacks. This prompted further studies, on humans, specifically to deduce what benefits Guggulipid had on cholesterol levels.

So how does it work? Guggulipid blocks the activity of a receptor that slows down the elimination of excess cholesterol. When the receptor is inhibited, the “flushing out” of cholesterol can continue. In addition, Guggulipid has been found to possess blood thinning and antioxidant properties as well, which also aid in the treatment and prevention of heart disease and elevated cholesterol levels.

If you would like to add Guggulipid to your health care regimen, be sure you’re choosing the proper supplement; not all are created equal. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Beware of fillers and additives such as starch, gluten, silica, or artificial colors and flavors.

• Choose only a supplement that comes from a standardized extract. The resin that Guggulipid comes from contains several toxic substances, and only supplements from standardized extracts have had these removed.

• The nutritional supplement industry is largely unregulated, so do your homework on the manufacturing facility, its product standards, and quality control.

Though it is considered safe and effective, consult your physician if you are considering the replacement of your cholesterol-lowering drugs with Guggulipid.

Dangers of Parabens in Skin Products

It’s the time of year when we pay especially close attention to slathering ourselves with sunscreens and lotions. But as you’re squeezing your favorite skin care product out of the tube, have you ever stopped to examine what’s on the label?

Most body care products – including shampoos and conditioners, lotions, deodorants and antiperspirants, sunscreens, and cosmetics – include parabens, synthetic chemicals which act as preservatives. There are six primary types of parabens: benzyl, butyl, ethyl, isobutyl, methyl, and propyl. These petroleum-based chemicals prevent the growth of bacteria, and often two or more of the types are combined to further aid in extending the product’s shelf life. For quite a while, it seemed the only problem with these preservatives was the occasional allergic reaction. But more recent studies have forced consumers to take a closer look at the effects of parabens.

Parabens can have an effect on the body that closely mimics estrogen, which can lead to diminished muscle mass, extra fat storage, and even male breast growth. What’s more, a 2004 study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found a clear link between parabens and breast cancer; tissue samples from 20 different breast tumors contained traces of the preservative. The risk is especially high in leave-on products such as lotion and sunscreens, due to the prolonged amount of time that the body is exposed to the chemicals.

Luckily, more products are going “paraben-free.” If you’re looking for a lower-risk body care product, check the label for the following (safe!) preservatives:

Grapefruit seed extract
Potassium sorbate
Sorbic acid
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Retinyl (Vitamin A)
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

Testing for Vitamin D deficiency jumps by 80% over the past year!

Finally, conventional medicine is recognizing the importance of Vitamin D since a number of recent studies have shown that many Americans are deficient. Vitamin D is important for many different reasons. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, Vitamin D is important for absorption of calcium, modulation of the immune system, insulin secretion, blood pressure regulation, and for the prevention of muscle weakness, autoimmune disease and cancer.

So what is the best source of vitamin D for the human body? If you are like many, you would be surprised to learn from the sun! That’s right, good ole’ Mr. Sunshine. But the irony is that many of us do not get ENOUGH sunshine because we live in a society that is infatuated with dousing on sunscreen. One application of SPF 8 decreases absorption of Vitamin D by 95%. Now, sunscreen definitely has it place for use, especially, if you are going to be out in direct sunlight for long periods of time. However, too many people are applying this stuff all over their body day in and day out when the only sun exposure they get is walking from their car to the office and back into the car to go home. This is just ludicrous! The state of Arizona, land of the sun, is actually leading the US in the number of children who are deficient in vitamin D. EVERYONE should be getting at least 10-15 minutes of sun exposure 3-4 times a week to major body parts. Also, why are we not talking about other preventative ways like how our diet makes us more susceptible to skin cancer? After all, there are numerous studies illustrating how a diet high in Omega 6 oils and low in Omega 3 oils increase the chances of developing melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) and most Americans are not getting enough Omega 3s which, by the way, helps make a stronger heart and brain! Lastly, we must look at the long-term use of certain prescription drugs and how they can affect vitamin D levels. Phenytoin (Dilantin), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), Phenobarbital (Luminal), carbamazepine (Tegretol), rifampin (Rimactane) and ketoconazole all have been shown to decrease Vitamin D levels.

There are many people who get melanoma that have never been sun worshippers. Maybe we need to be looking at other possible contributors besides Mr. Sunshine and remember that approximately 10,000 deaths occur due to skin cancer every year in the United States but around 13,000 deaths occur due to some sort of Vitamin D deficiency!

U.S. Health Care spending is out of control....

When we say that longevity is a positive thing, we fail to specify that we mean healthy longevity: as in, an extended life free of the trappings of medications and hospital beds – and the exorbitant costs associated with those things.

Currently, the United States spends more per patient on health care than any other country, and the costs are steadily rising. Such increases create a major economic problem, impeding the financial security of those dependent upon medical care. Necessary household expenses such as food and utilities are being pushed to the back burner in order to pay for medical bills. Businesses are having a harder time providing adequate funding for employees’ health coverage, and if they are able to keep up with the higher costs, it is usually at the expense of business developments such as employee training, equipment, or research.

A 2008 report released by PricewaterhouseCoopers indicates that of the $2.2 trillion spent annually on health care, a whopping $1.2 trillion of it is “wasteful spending” – including the “behavioral waste” category, which is money spent on preventable health issues such as obesity (an estimated $300 billion per year).
If you needed yet another reason to keep yourself fit, here it is: investing more in your health means investing less in your health care.

What’s the point of living longer if, in order to do that, we’re saddled with bills we’ll never be able to pay?

Juicing to Boost Immunity

Fresh juice is delicious and satisfying – and to your body, it’s the gift that keeps on giving, providing benefits long after you’ve drained your glass. Juicing captures the vital nutrients in fruits and vegetables in quantities you wouldn’t get by simply eating them (you probably wouldn’t eat three apples, three carrots and an orange all at once, for example, but you could drink their juices in one sitting). And when it comes to protecting the body from illness, certain fruits and veggies have the power to strengthen your immune system. Here’s what to run through your juicer, in any combination, for the best (and tastiest!) immune-boosting concoctions:

• Carotene-rich foods. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, and its high antioxidant content fights off cell-damaging free radicals. Try carrots, bell peppers, pumpkin, cantaloupe, mangos, and butternut squash. Tip: the brighter a fruit or vegetable’s color, the higher its beta-carotene content.

• Vitamin C-rich foods. Vitamin C stimulates the production of antibodies and white blood cells, which fight infection and protect the body against bacteria. Try cantaloupe, grapefruit, lemons, mangos, oranges, papaya, pineapples, and strawberries – or go veggie and use asparagus, avocados, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, radishes, and tomatoes.

• Greens. Mom always said you needed “something green” on your plate, and she was right – greens are loaded with vitamins (B’s, C and E, especially) and beneficial antioxidants. Try beet greens, collards, kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard, parsley, turnip greens, spinach, and watercress.

Keep your body protected: raise a toast with a delicious and nutritious glass of juice. Bottoms up!

Do you have a Vitamin B deficiency?

The symptoms may not be immediately visible to the naked eye, but if left unchecked, they can cause a whole range of behind-the-scenes problems. Even mild deficiency has been associated with depression, anemia, diminished mental capacity, and a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes. More serious deficiencies can cause irreversible neurological (nerve and brain) damage, marked by numbness or tingling of the limbs and difficulty walking. It’s a problem that all too often goes undetected until irreparable damage is done.

So how do you know if you’re at risk for a vitamin B deficiency? Your crucial vitamin B stores can be depleted by many common lifestyle factors, including …
• Stress, either physical or emotional
• Too many processed foods and refined sugars
• A strictly vegetarian diet
• Toxins such as alcohol and tobacco

If you suspect that you’re low on vitamin B, speak to your doctor. In the meantime, there are ways to ensure that your body is receiving a more adequate supply:
• Reduce stress in as many ways as possible, whether through cutting back activities or using meditation and other relaxation techniques
• Lessen your intake of processed and sugary foods
• Eat foods rich in vitamin B, such as whole grains, wild crafted fish and seafood, free-range poultry and meats, dairy products, free-range eggs, leafy greens, and peas (if you’re a vegetarian, peanut butter, tofu, and B-fortified cereals are good sources)
• Avoid excessive alcohol intake

B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin, and pantothenic acid) assist the body in many essential functions, such as making red blood cells and performing metabolic duties (breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for energy). They’re extremely important for your wellbeing, so do your body a big favor by inviting in more of these “busy Bs.”

Sprouted Foods: a Nutritional Powerhouse

Sprouts may look tiny and unassuming, but these little plant powerhouses pack a big nutritional punch! They’re a reliable year-round source of essential vitamins, they’re easy to grow, versatile, and inexpensive, and they’re a fabulous way to incorporate raw foods into your diet.

The science behind it is simple: dry grains, beans and seeds, though rich in protein, are not very high in vitamin content and not as easy for the body to digest. But sprouting turns them into living foods, increasing their vitamin content exponentially and making them more easily digestible. Sprouted foods are at their peak nutritionally, and contain valuable enzymes, minerals, and antioxidants in addition to their abundant vitamins. Even people with food sensitivities – such as wheat – tend to find that their digestive systems are able to handle the offending food when it’s in sprouted form. Sprouts are full of fiber and help to keep you full, and their balance of protein and carbohydrate content helps to keep your blood sugar stabilized, so they’re a great dietary tool for the maintenance of healthy weight.

Sprouts can add a surprisingly delicious twist to your food, or can be eaten all by themselves. There are an abundance of varieties available, each with its own distinct texture and flavor, all nutritionally complete – alfalfa, mung bean, quinoa, sunflower, broccoli, wheat … the list goes on and on. They’re simple, fun, and quick to grow, whether you use a pot of dirt or an inexpensive sprouter (specially designed containers made to grow larger amounts of sprouts). And when it’s wintertime and the produce at your local grocery store leaves much to be desired, you’ll have all the whole food energy you need – right in your own home.

Dangers of Processed and Refined Foods

Fast food. Pre-packaged meals. Grab-and-go snacks. Our society is so hurried, so obsessed with doing everything as quickly as possible, that unhealthy convenience foods have become the norm, while a healthy, natural diet has become unorthodox. But while we may be saving time in the kitchen, we’re actually shaving time off our lives by filling our bodies with dangerous preservatives, additives, trans fats, and excess sugar. Along with convenience, we’re getting food that’s been bleached, stabilized, softened, sweetened, texturized, emulsified, preserved, or colored – or all of the above. Valuable nutritional content is leached out and unsafe chemicals are poured in.

Our bodies are not biologically designed to effectively deal with the artificial ingredients that are so common in today’s typical diet – and they respond by letting us know in the form of various health problems. All sorts of unpleasant maladies can be linked to our ingestion of processed and refined foods, from acne, tooth decay, and water retention to highly serious consequences such as obesity, heart attacks, cancer and diabetes.

Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has compiled a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to food additives (http://www.cspinet.org/reports/chemcuisine.htm); it lets consumers known which are safe and which to avoid. But whenever possible, you can ensure you’re cutting down on harmful additives by choosing foods that aren’t bagged, boxed, canned, or jarred, and buying certified organic. And if you must purchase processed food, read the ingredient list: if it’s hard to pronounce, don’t put it in your body!

Vaccines, Toxicity & Autism

My personal belief on childhood vaccinations is to wait at least until 1 year of age to ensure that the baby's immune system has fully had a chance to develop. I believe that the constant bombardment of vaccines prior to 1 year of age disrupts the maturation process of the gastrointestinal tract and immune system. We have to take a step back and think about why allergies, asthma, and autism have all increased significantly in the past 20 years. Whether one chooses to vaccinate or not, it is important to understand all the facts in a non-biased way. Please enlighten yourself to the following information:


History of 20th Century Diseases and Vaccinations by Miguel A. Faria, Jr., MD

http://www.jpands.org/hacienda/article39.html
http://www.jpands.org/hacienda/article36.html

Dr. Richard Buttar provides an educated summary of what happens to vaccinated children who have problems with detoxification and why the diagnosis is often overlooked. Very interesting!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zJrkPJXAh0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZI5nUKGWc0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkChs4xHvy0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBFTPDP6-90&feature=related


National Vaccine Information Center:

http://www.nvic.org/Default.htm

Weak Ligaments and Chronic Pain

How many Americans suffer from chronic pain? The actual answer might surprise you. Almost 30% of the US population suffers from some sort of chronic pain. Pain, according to the Webster's dictionary is defined as: localized physical suffering associated with bodily disorder (as a disease or an injury); also : a basic bodily sensation induced by a noxious stimulus, received by naked nerve endings, characterized by physical discomfort (as pricking, throbbing, or aching), and typically leading to evasive action b: acute mental or emotional distress or suffering.

Weak and stressed ligaments and tendons can be the route cause of your chronic pain and Prolotherapy might be the answer. To fully understand Prolotherapy, it helps to start with its meaning. Prolo is short for proliferation, which means growth – because the therapy causes the proliferation of new tissue in areas where it has weakened. When the ligaments and tendons which connect muscles and bones become weakened or damaged, they can cause severe pain. Prolotherapy relieves this pain at its source by using a special solution injected into the site where the tissue meets the bone. Ligaments and tendons have a poor blood supply, so it’s difficult for the body to heal them, but the injection causes a localized inflammation in the weak connective tissue, which stimulates the body’s own immune system to spring into action. Blood supply to the area is naturally increased, aiding in the body’s innate rejuvenation process. Within two to five Prolotherapy treatments, the ligaments and tendons are stronger and have been rebuilt naturally – no drugs, surgery, or long-term therapy required.

While for some, chronic pain is centered in one area, others suffer from more generalized pain or body aches. When no specific area can be targeted, finding the source of the pain can be baffling. But believe it or not, a delayed food allergy is often the culprit. We think of food allergies only as an immediate and severe reaction, such as breaking out in a rash when we eat a certain food; that isn’t always the case. Delayed food allergies are responsible for iliciting symptoms hours or even days after eating the food. A simple blood test can pinpoint any delayed food allergy that may be contributing to the pain. A food allergy-elimination diet, sometimes combined with prolotherapy, can provide complete and lasting relief in these individuals.

Growth Hormone: Safe for Beef not Roger Clemens???

Mr. Clemens, "don't inject yourself with growth hormone, just go down to your local grocery store and load up on all the non-organic beef and dairy. We guarantee that you will throw faster than ever!" This should be the next campaign slogan for the USDA.

Seriously, why is it okay for the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Dairy Association to say that it is safe to inject cattle with growth hormone but considered unsafe when professional athletes use it? Almost 80% of the beef and dairy consumed in the US has growth hormone in it, specifically rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone, a genetically engineered ARTIFICIAL growth hormone). So if these hormones are so great for animals and the food they produce why not let everyone inject themselves with this stuff? The truth is because IT IS NOT SAFE! Of course this statement has "never been proven" to be true according to the FDA. Despite the fact that Canada and EVERY European country ban the use of this hormone and reject all of our rBGH beef and dairy for the past 20 years. The rBGH debate is indeed controversial for obvious reasons. Farmers in the US are trying to get more beef and more milk from their cows and Monsanto Corporation the holder to the patent continues to thrive in
profitability.

A couple of key points... Cows injected with rBGH have a 25% chance of developing mastitis, an infection that is treated by antibiotics. We all now how rampant the use of antibiotics have become only making bacteria stronger and more resistant, not to mention how it further affects the food supply. Why would anyone promote something that increases the use of antibiotics to the animal by 25%? Another significant issue is how rBGH increases the amount of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) in the body. "Almost every cell in the human body is affected by IGF-1, especially cells in muscle, cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, nerves, skin, and lungs. In addition to the insulin-like effects, IGF-1 can also regulate cell growth and development, especially in nerve cells, as well as cellular DNA synthesis." (Wikipedia 2008) Increased levels of IGF-1 can have carcinogenic affects specifically increasing ones chances of getting prostate or premenopausal breast cancers. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2000;85:4258–65, Lancet 1998;351:1393-6). The FDA continues to dance around the safety questions posed by many medical studies and advocates the use of the hormone as if nothing can be further from the truth. Is all this necessary?

We can indeed make a difference by buying free-range, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, organic meats and dairy. Stop focusing on what the athletes are doing, start focusing on what our FDA is promoting!

Drug Companies: the Supreme Beings

Recently the FDA has come out and announced that the cardiovascular drug, Vytorin (a patented combination of two other FDA-approved drugs Zocor and Zetia), would undergo further studies to determine why the drug actually increases plaque in arteries when compared to patients just taking Zocor. This combination "in theory" should have been another miracle drug since Zocor has been "proven" to reduce cholesterol and Zetia has been "proven" to block the body's absorption of cholesterol from food. Although Vytorin decreases the "bad cholesterol" LDL greater than Zocor alone, what explains the elevation in plaque levels? Did Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp deliberately delay telling the FDA and the public about their findings? Why did the FDA approve the drug without knowing such crucial information? Could any of the answers lie in the fact that the companies had $5 billion in sales of Vytorin in 2007. As the attorney general Andrew Cuomo of New York states about how New York's Medicaid program paid about $21 million dollars for the drug instead of purchasing cheaper generic alternatives: "We will investigate and, when appropriate, hold accountable drug companies for engaging in irresponsible and deceptive conduct and any deceitful marketing of prescription drugs." Come on... seriously. When has the punishment ever fit the crime when talking about how these drugs Vytorin, Viox, etc. ever make it to the market when the facts were hidden? How are these FDA-approved? What does FDA-approved mean these days? A slap on the wrist is usually what the punishment ends up being AFTER record profits have been met. It is sad to see how the director of the FDA's Office of New Drugs actually defends the timeline from when the drug company found the results in 2006 to sharing the information. Please visit the following link from WebMD, witness the irony and keep in mind the final sentence when thinking about the FDA's priority about enforcing the drug companies release of critical information:

http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20080125/vytorin-study-to-get-fda-review?src=RSS_PUBLIC

New Year's Resolutions

As we close out 2007 and welcome in 2008 many New Year's resolutions will be fill the air. Resolutions that are becoming all too trendy. We we will see an increase in the number of people in the gym or the health food store and then suddenly March and April comes around and all resolutions are forgotten. "I just don't have time, or organic raspberries are too expensive" are just some of the potential excuses we use to justify neutralizing these resolutions. Let's take the word resolution out for 2008 in regards to our health. So from today going forward make it an everyday ROUTINE to exercise regularly, eat right everyday, and think positive. Remember that each day counts and not just the first quarter of the year. Happy New Years to all!

Food: A Tool for both Prevention and Ammunition against Disease

Our immune system is responsible for protecting us from foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and cancer. It is a complex system that gets abused regularly by daily activities such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and our 21st century environment. The correct foods along with proper quality (organic vs. non-organic) can help to strengthen the immune system and prevent disease and infection, whereas, the wrong foods can cause immune system errors and allow chronic infections, cancer, colds, AIDS, asthma, allergies, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue), and even Type I Diabetes to flourish.

Around 2,500 years ago, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, first popularized the "food as medicine" concept, which unfortunately, fell into obscurity by the 19th century. The first 50 years of the 20th century saw the discovery of the essential elements and vitamins. This led to "enrichment" of processed foods to help people regain the health they lost when they abandoned real whole foods. However, today we are realizing that processed and refined foods “fortified with nutrients” is not beneficial and actually harms the body’s immune system. A diet lacking whole, unprocessed natural foods free from pesticides and hormones is a valid explanation for the declining function of our immune system. Lets get back to what Hippocrates said, “let thy foods be your medicine and your medicine be thy food.”

Chronic Digestive Problems

Chronic digestive problems (gas, bloating, constipation, heartburn, loose stools) are very common in the United States. The mass consumption of processed, refined and genetically modified foods have created undo stress to our entire digestive system from the stomach to the liver and colon leading to chronic inflammation. When treating the digestive tract one must focus on decreasing this inflammation. The first thing would be to determine which foods are causing this destruction. This can be done by a generic allergy-rotation diet eliminating the most common culprits (dairy, corn, wheat, gluten, soy, eggs, garlic, chicken, yeast, & sugar), or through food sensitivity testing. In addition one must provide support through nutritional supplementation to strengthen both the inner and outer layers of the digestive tract. N-acetyl glutamine helps protect the outer layer and a herbal combination therapy known as Robert's Formula helps protect and heal the inner layer. Results can typically be seen in about 4-6 weeks. Always consult your doctor prior to starting such therapy.

Pfizer Withdraws Potential Blockbuster Drug

Recently the drug company Pfizer withdrew it's potential blockbuster drug torcetrapib from phase III clinical trials due to the INCREASED number of heart attacks occuring with its use. This experimental drug was supposed to hold the key to their financial future for the next several years after patents for their current 13 billion dollar drug, Lipitor, runs out. Torcetrapib which belongs to a new class of cholesterol medications that raises the "good cholesterol" known as HDL was touted by cardiologists to be the next major advancement in the treatment of heart disease. While no one denies the importance of having adequate levels of HDL, do we really have to spend billions and billions of dollars to find out how a drug can elevate this? We already know that exercise can significantly increase HDL and well as the VITAMIN niacin. I have heard a number of physicians over the past two days justify the need for these new drugs, specifically, because of the SIDE EFFECTS from niacin. Side effects from a vitamin are bad, but from a drug are acceptable. What's wrong with this picture!!! Niacin in its naturally occuring state produces ONLY flushing and itching. That is it. No nausea, vomitting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, dizziness, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, or death; i.e. typical side effects of some current main stream drugs on the market. Why are we not spending all this money on preventing heart disease by promoting prevention through lifestyle changes? Dietary modification and exercise are two of the most crucial aspects when looking at heart disease. In addition, niacin can always be added when these two fail. Insurance companies, if smarter, would require their customers to enroll in exercise programs in order to qualify for discounted rates. They should hold lectures and seminars in teaching people the right way to eat. Ulimately this saves everyone time and money while improving overall quality of life. The billions of dollars spent on this particular project truly seems like an absolute waste of time and money. This is an injustice to our people and continues to be the reason why health care costs are out of control in the US. Why focus on treating underlying causes when there is so much money to be made on prolonging the condtion and treating side effects from medications with other medications.......

Ambien: the Latest Designer Drug

I was just reading a copy of the latest Newsweek magazine. Within the first 30 pages were ads for the drugs: Lipitor, Lyrica, and Ambien. The ads were double sided as the front pages were beautiful and catchy while the back pages were in black and white and explained contradindications, precautions, adverse reactions, drug abuse and dependence, and overdosage. I see patients on these medications and wonder what it is that we are trying to fix. Looking at Ambien's (a drug used to treat insomnia) side effect profile is simply amazing. It is actually broken down into three different categories: frequent, infrequent and rare. To name the frequent symptoms: abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, allergy, amnesia, anorexia, anxiety, arthralgia, asthenia, ataxia, back pain, chest pain, confusion, constipation, depression, diarrhea, diplopia, dizziness, drowsiness, drugged feeling, dry mouth, dyspepsia, euphoria, fatigue, headache, hiccup, infection, influenza-like symptoms, INSOMNIA, lethargy, lightheadedness, myalgia, nausea, nervousness, palpitation, sleep disorder, vertigo, abnormal vision, and vomiting. Are you kidding me??? These are just the frequently occuring symptoms!! All of this to simply be able to go to sleep. What is wrong with this picture?? Obviously, we all know the importance of getting a good night's sleep but come on. We live in such a fast paced society that we fail to realize why it is that we have trouble falling asleep at night. These individual's circadian rhythm is all out of sync. A normal circadian rhythm allows us to feel energetic in the morning and tired at night. Today's fast paced world has caused a shift in this circadian rhythm in these individuals creating a scenario where they feel tired or unrefreshed in the morning and wide awake at night. There are many therapies available to alter this abnormal circadian rhythm pattern without having to use medications with such drastic side effects. Dietary modification,exercise, yoga, meditation, supplements like melatonin (which happens to be a potent antioxidant), and phosphatidylserine to name a few can be a great place to start. Start looking at these therapies prior to jumping to the latest designer drug of the day.