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Sauna Therapy: Why is it so good for us?

2012-02-20T02:07:52Z

Our world is full of toxic chemicals. Never before have such large numbers of people been exposed daily to chemicals from building materials, home furnishings, food additives, solvents, pesticides, insecticides, heavy metals, phenols, formaldehyde, BPA's, PCB;s and VOC's. These are found in hundreds of products we touch every day. Problem is most all of these toxins accumulate in the body, in our air, water, and soil supply. Toxins in the body are known to be part of the underlying cause of the following conditions.

Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Auto-immune conditions
Allergies
Cancer

One way to get these toxins out of the body is sauna therapy. Sitting in a sauna for 10-30 minutes 3-4 times per week can greatly benefit your health. Sauna therapy with far-infrared sauna is unique and effective. They operate at a comfortable 120-150 degrees. Far-infrared (FIR) rays are beneficial to the body, they penetrate into the tissues and stimulate metabolism, blood circulation and cellular renewal. With these things comes detoxification of the cells. Most toxins are stored in fatty tissues of the body which are under the skin. The FIR penetrates, improves cellular function, promotes sweating (of course) and hence detoxifies. Studies have shown urine samples taken before and after FIR sauna to contain more toxins after the sauna therapy is complete.

Other benefits of sauna therapy are less pain, less joint stiffness, relieves muscle spasms, speeds up wound healing, and weight loss. For more information, call for a free 15 minute consult to see if sauna therapy could your health condition.

Top 5 Ways to Heal Heartburn

2011-11-21T18:06:17Z

Have you been given the diagnosis of GERD? Have you been put on Prilosec? Nexium? Prevacid?

From a naturopathic perspective, the body is WISE. Heartburn or reflux is a symptom that your body is trying to tell you something. Something that you are DOING or NOT DOING is bothering your stomach. So what you have is an imbalance, and we just have to figure out what it is.... and fix it.

Stomach acid is VITAL to breaking down protein, to absorb iron, and B12, to trigger all the other digestive enzymes to be released. Acid is needed to prevent disease and to kill harmful micro-organisms that are possibly on our food.

First understand what is happening to your body with heartburn. Acid (that is a normal part of the functioning of the stomach) is touching parts of the body (the esophagus) that do not have a protective layer. The esophagus tells us that this hurts. Why? Because normal acid is touching the esophagus due to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in the stomach being open rather than closed tightly.

Here are some of the things your body may be saying to you -

Stop eating foods that I can't digest. Test your food intolerances and avoid them!
Eating while stressed makes it difficult for me to digest food well. I cannot do my job well when the nervous system is on overdrive.
Please avoid things that relax the stomach/esophageal sphincter and leave it open (chocolate, coffee, tea, colas, peppermint, alcohol, tobacco)
Please do not overeat. When too full, I cannot digest well.
Please drink more water and add trace minerals. 1/2 your body weight in ounces per day is a minimum amount of water needed. If you drink filtered water, trace minerals need to be added back in. Dehydration and lack of minerals cause LOW stomach acid which causes the upper sphincter to open and hence causes you to feel heartburn symptoms.

When weaning off any medication should be done under the supervision of a physician.

Here are some tools to help heal your esophageal lining, and protect it. The first 4 can be taken in capsule or powder form.

Slippery Elm
Licorice in the form of deglycyrrhized licorice or DGL
L-glutamine
Aloe vera leaf
Apple Cider Vinegar - 1-2tsp in warm water before meals

I hope you feel empowered to listen to your body, and take steps to work with your body to rise to better and better health.

Sensitive to foods?

2011-11-10T23:50:41Z

What is happening? Now I am sensitive to foods! This tells me that your GI tract may be unhealthy and not functioning properly on a cellular level.

What are the underlying things that may cause unhealthy GI tract?

Antibiotic use
Chemotherapy – (methotrexate)
Alcohol use
Eating food you are Intolerant to
Chronic use of NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen)
Steroids (prednisone, cortisone, etc)

Surgery/Trauma
Recent gastroenteritis
Aging
Stress
Low anti-oxidants
Poor diet

So what can I do about it?

Well the first thing is to talk to your Naturopathic Physician. The first thing I would do is test your Food Intolerance via a blood test. Eating these foods cause unhealthy GI tract in a major way.

These partly digested food particles are noted as foreign to the blood and an immune response takes place. These particles basically “rot” in the intestines and interfere with normal functioning of the body. This can lead to chronic disease. These intolerant foods are a source of maldigestion, intestinal toxemia, dysbiosis, and chronic irritation to body tissues.

Once this food or food combination is determined through testing and then eliminated, I begin to help you heal the GI tract. In order to do this, certain nutrients are needed. Occasionally a GI cleanse may be needed first. Of course, we must first avoid, as much as possible, drugs that harm the GI tract, high stress, and we must eat a healthy diet of plenty of plant foods and no processed foods or sugars.

What nutrients make the GI tract healthy?

L-glutamine - food for the GI tract cells

Probiotics - good bacteria that help the GI tract by producing food for GI tract cells, by keeping at bay foreign invaders that make us sick, and they help increase our immune system

N-acetyl-glucosamine or NAG - is from seafood and helps produce healthy mucus lining which protects the GI tract cells from damage

Fiber - absorbs toxins and pulls them out of the body, helps feed the good bacteria and keep them healthy, moves things along so stagnant conditions don't ensue.

Slippery Elm - helps produce healthy mucus lining, an important part of the health of the GI tract

How can I find out what my food intolerances are? Contact me anytime or call the office and set up an appointment for the FIT or food intolerance test.

Flu Vaccine Blues

2011-11-03T02:13:38Z

The flu vaccine being promoted by the CDC has 1.5% effectiveness.

A recent flu vaccine study published online in The Lancet revealed that only 1.5% of the adults that receive the influenza vaccine are fully protected against it. However, he CDC and public media is projecting that the flu vaccines are 60% effective.

The new study had a control group of over 13,000 people who were NOT vaccinated against influenza. Of this group, 97% did not get influenza. Only 357 people or 2.7% caught the flu.

The treatment group, on the other hand, consisted of those who were vaccinated with an influenza vaccine. In this group, only 1.2% did not end up with influenza. Therefore, the flu vaccine only protected 1.5 out of 100 people.

The bottom line is 100 adults would have to be injected with the flu vaccine in order for 1.5 of them to avoid it. Put in simpler terms it means it does nothing for 98.5% of the adults.

The side effects in adults are very high for flu vaccines. The study indicated that 7.5 adults out of 100 vaccinated might have neurological side effects for the long-term such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

In essence, for every 100 people injected with the vaccine 1.5 are protected against the flu and 7.5 may get neurological disorders. Those percentages do not seem to be beneficial to most.

The flu vaccine contains mercury, formaldehyde, and squalene, all neuro toxins. I have 2 patients whose children got a limp after vaccines.

So what can you do to protect yourself from the flu? Here are some ideas.

Avoid sugar - 1 tsp lowers your immune system for 6 hours. There are 40 tsp in 1 can of soda.

Take buffered vitamin C and zinc.

Get an Immune Boost injection which is a homeopathic remedy shown to INCREASE your immune system for 6-8 weeks.

Watch your stress level. High stress lowers immune function immediately.

Add yoga, meditation and regular exercise to your daily routine - all shown to increase immune function.

What are the foods highest in anti-oxidants?

2011-10-11T07:00:00Z

Anti-oxidants keep cells healthier, longer by squelching damaging free radicals. They are a key component of health. When we focus our diet choices on anti-oxidant content, we live longer, and live a higher quality of life.

#1 Top anti-oxidant rich foods are berries, broccoli, tomato, red grapes, garlic, green tea, carrots, red peppers, soy and whole grains. We should eat 2-3 servings of these EVERY DAY. Please buy organic whenever possible.

Other foods that are rich in anti-oxidants..

Beta-carotene is an important anti-oxidant and it is found in foods that are orange in color such as carrots, squash, cantaloupe, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and also in kale and spinach.

Lutein which is good for healthy eyes is found most prevalent in spinach and kale.

Lycopene is found in tomatoes.

Selenium is found in high quantity in brazil nuts.

Vitamin A is found in carrots and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin E is found in wheat germ, nuts, mangoes and broccoli.

Vitamin D is found in salmon, sardines and shrimp. Many, many people have low levels and need supplementation here.

Organic is always best.

Remember, our food is not as high quality as it used to be and a good multivitamin is always recommended.

Supplementing with Vitamin C, D and E are vital to keeping the body at its best. A study with 19,000 participants showed that people who had the lowest levels of vitamin C were twice as likely to die when compared those with high levels of vitamin C in their bodies. Supplemental vitamin D reduces risk of colon cancer by 50%.

To find out your nutrient levels , including anti-oxidants, testing and nutrition counseling is available through my office.

Increase serotonin naturally

2011-10-04T07:01:00Z

Depression plaques our country. Major depressive disorder is the number one cause of disability in people ages 15-44. By the year 2020, depression will be the 2nd most common health problem in the U.S. From a naturopathic prospective, depression is a brain chemistry imbalanced that can be corrected. Testing is available to find out if you have brain imbalance. One major player in the imbalance is low levels of serotonin, the "happy" hormone. In natural medicine, we can supplement with natural amino acids, vitamins and minerals that help the brain and body make more serotonin. Here are some helpful hints!

Can you increase serotonin naturally? YES!! Really is that possible without drugs?? YES!

Exercise is vital here, moving your body naturally increases serotonin levels.

Stress relief using techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing can also help tremendously. .

Eating less sugar. Sugar just gives the body a false sense of energy for a short period of time, then depletes our energy in the long run.

Focus diet choices on whole foods, especially ones high in B6. Options are spinach, turnip greens, mustard greens, celery, cauliflower, salmon, turkey and lean beef.

Multivitamin is important. B1, B2, B6, calcium and magnesium are all needed to make serotonin.

To find out exactly how much serotonin you have or don't have, you can test your levels by doing a urine test available at my office.

Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

2011-09-27T07:00:00Z

Everyone is talking about Alzheimer's Disease. Early detection is key. I say that prevention is key!!
The Archives of Neurology, 2010, suggest that there are a few nutrients that can reduce brain inflammation and therefore reduce our risk for Alzheimer's Disease. Here are the most important nutrients and some suggestions on how to prevent Alzheimer's.

Folate

High levels of this amino acid in the blood have been linked to reducing Alzheimer's disease, creating plaque that is less toxic, or inflammatory. Leafy green such as kale and spinach are high in folate. Foods also rich in this nutrient are Black-eyed peas, Great Northern white beans and other legumes.

Vitamin E

This fat-soluble anti-oxidant and vitamin may also help fight the formation of plaque buildup seen in Alzheimer's patients. Foods rich in Vitamin E are almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, and olive oil.

Omega 3

Cold-water fish such as salmon (wild is best) and sardines are high in omega-3s, we well as flaxseed oil. Walnuts and almonds contain high levels both omega-3s and vitamin E, making them great choices in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

Exercise the Brain

We have to keep the nerve pathways open and create new ones. There are a few things you can do which will help with this. Turn a book or other printed material upside down and read it out loud. This stimulates many centers in the brain at once. A few other ways to stimulate the brain are to play suduko, do logic puzzles, learn a new language, or learn to play an instrument.

Avoid Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are attracted to brain tissue. The brain of people who have died from Alzheimer's disease have been found to have higher levels of aluminum than those that died of other causes. Avoid aluminum cookware, soda cans, metal toothpaste containers, small oven trays, rice cookers, aluminum foil, anti-antiperspirants due to their high aluminum content. For more information on how to find out if you have high levels, get tested for heavy metals.

Ease Your Pain with Castor Oil Packs

2011-09-20T07:01:00Z

Castor oil packs are an old technique that is simple, yet powerful in its healing. Pain, swelling or inflammation in any organ can be reduced if not eliminated easily. Castor oil packs can help conditions such as gall bladder pain, stomach pain, colitis, irritable bowel, fibroids, menstrual cramping, abdominal cramping, tender breasts, sore nipples from breast feeding. These packs can correct imbalances, such as shrinking tumors, ganglion cysts, even helps rid the body of warts.

I have been continually amazed at the results with my patients, so I have to share this with my readers.

The way it works is through the lymph system. Moving the lymph is detoxifying to the body and therefore is healing. Running, or doing yoga helps move the lymph. Lymph nodes are located through out the entire body. They carry immune cells and carry away waste. These nodes are connected by channels and the channels end up dumping into the venous system and then go to the liver. When Castor oil is applied to the skin, the Castor oil moves through the skin into the lymph system and radically stimulates movement here. This movement is detoxifying to the organ that is in need of healing, therefore, reducing pain and inflammation.

Click here to learn how to use Castor oil packs

Castor oil is extracted from the seed of the castor plant, latin name is ricinus communis. While it was Edgar Cayce who brought castor oil packs to fame in the 20th century, the oil has a long and varied history of use as a healing agent in folk medicine around the world. According to a research report in a recent issue of the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, castor bean seeds, believed to be 4,000 years old, have been found in Egyptian tombs, and historical records reveal the medicinal use of castor oil in Egypt (for eye irritations), India, China (for induction of childbirth and expulsion of the placenta), Persia (for epilepsy), Africa, Greece, Rome, Southern Europe, and the Americas. In ancient Rome, the castor oil plant was known as Palma Christi, which translates into hand of Christ. This name is still sometimes used today.

Top ten reasons to go organic

2011-09-13T07:01:00Z

What does it mean to go organic? Why is it so important? Organic produce is grown without using pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a government-approved certifier inspects the farm to make sure it meets the U.S.D.A.'s organic standards. Foreign chemicals in the body, like the ones on non-organic foods are called xenobiotics.

Live longer - Foreign chemicals like pesticides can generate free radicals in the body. These cause damage to cells, proteins and DNA which allow normal cells to function improperly and die prematurely. When we maintain a clean internal and external environment, including reducing stress, and exercising, we feel better. The World Health Organization has found that vegetables produced today have 5-40% less minerals than those produced 50 years ago. Organic farms are typically smaller and more conscious of soil repletion; therefore the food is higher quality.
Stronger immune system - Xenobiotics are known to decrease our immune system. Those who have higher levels in their body tend to exhibit symptoms of allergies, chronic infections, auto-immunity, and cancers. Often missed, the first sign of being highly toxic is allergy symptoms, or an infection that lasts longer than usual.
Reduce your cancer risk - Pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. These chemicals taken into our bodies in small amounts each day accumulate in our tissues. They cause free radical damage and decrease our anti-oxidant stores leaving our cells vulnerable.
Balance your hormones -Xenobiotics are well known for affecting the endocrine system. They can have an increasing estrogen effect, which can cause more PMS, painful periods, cause fibroids, cancer. Some cause a decreasing testosterone effect, which can alter our mood, energy level and sex drive. They also disturb the thyroid hormones which can cause weight changes, appetite changes, disturb sleep, affect hair growth. Reproductive health is also affected.
Healthier nervous system -Living in our stressful go-go-go world, drinking loads of caffeine, sugary soda’s and alcohol, our nervous system is constantly under attack. According to the National Academy of Science, “neurologic and behavioral effects may result from low-level exposure to pesticides.” Numerous studies show that pesticides can adversely affect the nervous system, increase the risk of cancer, and decrease fertility. Pesticides, insecticides and synthetic fertilizers are known to affect the nervous system. They can cause “brain fog” or toxic encephalopathy. This is a condition which is characterized by lack of mental clarity, difficulty making decisions, getting things done, and forgetfulness. Xenobiotics can also cause damage to the myelin coating on our nerves, changes to our coordination, numbness and tingling of our hands and feet.
Get more nutrition per bite -Why waste our time eating foods that don’t nourish us? The World Health Organization has found that vegetables produced today have 5-40% less minerals than those produced 50 years ago. Organic farms are typically smaller and more conscious of soil repletion; therefore the food is higher quality. Now research is showing us how organic food is more nutritious. When soil is fed organic matter rather than ammonia and other synthetic fertilizers, the food actually contains higher levels of vitamins and minerals, according to the 2005 study by Organic Center State of Science Review. More recently, University of California, Davis researchers found that organic tomatoes had higher levels of phytochemicals and vitamin C than conventional tomatoes.
Help the environment downstream - Over 400 pesticides and herbicides are currently licensed for use on food crops, every year over 2.5 billion pounds are dumped on crop lands, forests, lawns, and fields. Farming with synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides poisons more than just those farmers that work with them. The downstream effect causes dead zones in our oceans, algae overgrowth in our streams, rivers and bays. According to Science magazine, August, 2002, the Gulf of Mexico has a dead zone of over 22,000 square kilometers. This hence affects the entire ecosystem.
Be kind to your children….and their children -Unfortunately, these chemicals in the soil, and on our food are cumulative in our bodies. Most are stored in our fat tissue. The more we come in contact with them, the higher our body levels or “body burden.” In addition, this level of toxicity is then passed on to our children through the woman’s womb. Studies show that infants are exposed in utero to many agricultural and industrial chemicals. They found them in mothers blood serum, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid and placenta. One study of Seattle preschoolers looked at urine samples and found the residues of organophosphorus, from insecticides, in 99% of children tested. The one child that had no pesticides had only been fed organic foods. This prompted a further study which determined that children that ate conventional foods had 9 times higher levels than those who ate 75% of their diet organic.
Eat food that tastes better -Let the feasting commence! It makes sense that as beings of nature, pure natural organic foods in our mouth taste better. Washington State University researchers proved that organic berries were consistently judged as sweeter. The latest research verifies that organic foods are lower in nitrates and these foods are then higher in antioxidants. Many gourmet chefs across the nation use organic foods because they believe they taste superior to conventionally grown foods.
Eat Consciously -Supporting local organic farms does more than keep revenue in your city or town. It keeps your environment cleaner, less toxic. Local farm workers stay healthier. Organic farming also uses 30% less energy. Enjoy your local organic farmers fruits and vegetables and know that your money is helping not only you but also all those who touched the food and live on or near the land on which it was grown.

Healing Acne rosacea naturally

2011-09-08T00:51:53Z

Acne rosacea is connected to several imbalances in the body. I find one or more of the following issues in my rosacea patients. I see a history of poor diet and multiple courses of anti-biotics and or steroids in patients history. All of which cause imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract. Our skin is really connected to our gut. Both interact with the outside world and protect us from foreign substances. So when we heal the inside, we heal the outside as well.

I see the following presentation:

Poor gastrointestinal health including imbalance in flora, low good bacteria, high bad bacteria.

Low hydrochloric acid production in the stomach.

Deficiency in B vitamins, especially B2, riboflavin.

So I give Probiotics, Digestive enzymes with HCL (hydrochloric acid) and a high dose B vitamin complex. This resolves 95% of the cases. Occasionally I will have the patient send a stool sample to the lab to determine exactly what imbalances are happening in the gastrointestinal tract. For more information, contact me directly. I would be happy to explain in detail how this works.

Chocolate, cholesterol, and heart disease

2011-08-31T17:23:16Z

Chocolate can protect us against heart disease in several ways.

2008 study shows that daily dose of chocolate containing 700mg of flavanols for one month reduced blood lipids. After only 1 week, LDL dropped 6%, HDL rose 9%.

The problem is that flavanols are de-activated during the heating process, so benefits of eating chocolate for this purpose are only viable if you eat raw, unprocessed cocoa. Commercial chocolates contain very little flavanol. Here are some recipe's for how to make raw chocolate.

Dark chocolate, however made, has been found to increase alertness, improve mood, and has twice the antioxidants of red wine, reports a Cornell University Food Scientist. Anti-oxidants prevent damage caused by free-radicals, so we live longer and healthier. Enjoy a square of dark chocolate daily!

Dr. Wells in Green Living AZ Magazine about Chocolate.

Relief from Fibromyalgia

2011-08-14T23:15:53Z

Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion. It means doctors do not know what exactly is causing it or how to cure it. All labs are normal usually and people are left with addicting pain medications as a "solution". Fibro contains under its umbrella symptoms such as depression, pain, tender points, fatigue, migraines, brain fog, and insomnia.

FORTUNATELY there are other solutions, this is where naturopathic medicine comes into play. Today's blog is about one fantastic resource we have that helps patients with this. It is called the Myer's Cocktail. Yes its a cocktail, but of nutrients, given intravenously, over 45 minutes time. It contains Vitamin C, B complex, Pyridoxine (B6), Dexpanthenol (B5), B12, Magnesium, Calcium and minerals such as Zinc, Selenium, and trace minerals. Why is this better than taking oral supplements? Well, we are not exactly sure, but research says that it is, because people get better.

Check out this link from a Fibromyalgia patient website. It shows 4 out of 5 patients had 80% improvement in 90% of their symptoms!

I use this cocktail for patients who need to increase their white blood cell count, reduce inflammation, or detoxify their body. This includes patients with known conditions such as migraines, cancer, anemia, pain, heavy metal toxicity, valley fever, mono or epstein barr virus, west nile virus. I also use it with patients with extreme pain, and fatigue of unknown origin.

Please share this with as many people as you can to get the word out, there is hope for fibromyalgia.

Top 5 Nutrients for the Athlete

2011-07-13T22:39:14Z

The athlete's nutritional needs are different than most. They have an increased need for anti-oxidants, certain amino acids, and energy producing micronutrients. The TOP FIVE are as follows:

Vitamin C - the speed in which muscle's recover from a workout is dependent on the body's reserves. Taking vitamin C reduces the soreness after exercise and reduces the enzyme creatine kinase which is associated with damaged muscle.

Carnitine - is an amino acid that can also repair muscle post workout, it also can increase workout strength and time until the muscles become exhausted. Carnitine increases cellular energy production by helping us use fatty acids for energy. When you take Carnitine, you have less muscle soreness and fewer tissue damage.

Vitamin E - protects cells from damage and from losing minerals. Men who took 300mg of vitamin E every day had higher levels of chromium, manganese, copper, zinc and calcium after training.

Glutamine - is a branched chain amino acid and is involved in rebuilding muscle. Also needed for gastrointestinal health.

CoQ10 - is needed in the mitochondria for energy production. In one study, at day three and five of the training period, serum creatine kinase (CK) activity, a measurement of muscle damage and injury, and lipid peroxides, a measurement of oxidative stress, were lower in the CoQ10 group than in placebo-treated subjects.

Vitamin C lowers blood pressure

2011-07-13T01:29:38Z

Yet another good reason to take Vitamin C daily. Buffered of course, in the form of calcium or sodium ascorbate. New research by the Brazilian Archives of Cardiology May 2011, found that the addition of 500mg per day reduced blood pressure by 10% and increased peripheral blood vessel relaxation during stress.

Vitamin C reduces the effects of oxidative stress on the body, is used to make collagen in tissue and blood vessel repair, and is anti-viral. Vitamin C is needed for carnitine synthesis. Carnitine takes fatty acids into the mitochondria of the cell to make ATP (ENERGY). It is also needed to make brain active neurotransmitters such as dopamine, tyrosine, and norepinephrine. These help us feel awake and focused.

There are 5 places in the body where Vitamin C is 100 times higher than blood levels.
Adrenal glands - responsible for energy, focus and many other functions
Pituitary gland - master gland in brain controlling many organ functions
Thymus gland - helpful in stimulating our immune system
Corpus Luteum - important part of ovarian function
Retina - part of the eye

Initial signs of Vitamin C deficiency are low grade fatigue, brown spots on skin, bleeding of gums, easy bruising, and spongy gums. Don't wait until you see the signs to start taking Vitamin C today!!

Low B Vitamins Lead to Depression

2011-02-26T16:54:00Z

Ever wonder how depression happens? Biochemically, it is well understood. We need to make the chemicals that produce the neurotransmitters. This involves amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Of course our thoughts and feelings and life in general control these pathways as well.

A study out of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago followed 3500 seniors for 12 years. They monitored their diet and calculated the amount of B6 and B12 they consumed. All of the participants were depression free at the start of the study. They consumed anywhere from 0.6 to 200mg of B6 per day and 0.2 to 266 mcg of B12 daily. The study showed that for every 10mg increase of B6 and 10mcg increase of B12, there was a drop in depression risk by 2%. This study was published in the American Journal of Nutrition (2010).

To find out exactly how much B6 or B12 you are absorbing from your food, your levels can be tested via a simple blood test. And to find out if your neurotransmitters are in the normal range, a urine test can be done.

Your Brain is Physically Affected by Exercise

2011-01-22T17:27:00Z

We know this is true, we feel it in our body and mind. After exercise, we feel better! Our mood improves and our attitude is more positive. But what is actually happening? Its not just about more blood flow and endorphins. Recent research from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicao shows that stem cells are "turned on" when we exercise our bodies. Stem cells are the cells that stimulate new growth. The conclusion is that exercise stimulates neurogenesis or the making of new nerve cells. It can happen at any age, but the most significant time is in our teenage years. So let's get out there and get moving!

Lose weight and feel great by eating more fiber

2011-01-17T17:06:00Z

The weight loss and health benefits of fiber are vast. When we eat fiber, food passes through the body quicker, less fat is absorbed. We have a decreased appetite. Our cholesterol level is decreased. We use more calories because we have to chew longer and the stomach takes more time to digest. Best of all, fiber is detoxifying to the body.

Dietary fiber is that part of plant cell walls, such as lignans and polysaccharides, which our bodies cannot digest. There are two main types of fiber: insoluble and soluble. The best known insoluble fiber is cellulose. An example of this type of fiber is wheat bran. Soluble fibers include: hemicelluloses like oat bran, gums, mucilages found in psyllium seeds, pectins in apples or lignans found in flax. These water soluble gel-forming fibers provide many beneficial effects. For your convenience, here is a list of high fiber foods .

Here are a few easy ways to increase our fiber intake:

Buy ground flax seeds. Flax seeds contain both kinds of fiber. The seed hulls are insoluble, and internal lignans are soluble. I have patients grind flax seeds and put them in a shake. 2 heaping tablespoons per day. They taste nutty and delicious. The lignans protect us against breast cancer, research shows.

Eat brown rice. Rice bran fiber helps you stay lean. It absorbs fat in the large intestine. You can take it in capsule form or just eat brown rice, 1 cup per day.

Eat more vegetables. To get more fiber in, just eat more vegetables, don’t be afraid to sit down to a very large bowl of steamed broccoli and eat the whole thing!

In addition to loosing weight and feeling great, eating fiber increases your immune system, feeds the good pro-biotic bacteria there, keeps the gut lining healthy and strong, absorbs and pulls out excess hormones, fat and toxins from the body. Remember, fiber is essential to detoxifying the body. A diet rich in fiber reduces our risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, gall stones, and kidney stones. The healthiest people on the planet are the ones that consume larger amounts of fiber.
For a personalized detoxification plan, contact Dr Wells directly at naturalhealth@drwendywells.com.

Hydrotherapy the power of water

2011-01-09T16:44:00Z

Sometimes stimulating healing can be SIMPLE!

When hot water touches our body, the blood at the surface moves deeper inside. Then when cold water touches, blood is drawn to the surface. This pumping action is beneficial because it moves blood which is detoxifying. The movement brings nutrients to the area and removes toxins. This simple remedy method can be used for many conditions. For example, if you have a sore throat, you can put a cold compress on your throat, and cover it with wool. This will draw out the heat from your sore throat. Your body will move blood to the surface to warm the cold cloth, drawing the pain or "heat" from your throat. This blog article gives the details http://www.natural-health-restored.com/heating-compress.html.

Another type of hydrotherapy is called Contrast hydrotherapy . Here you are using repeated cycles of hot and cold to stimulate healing in a particular are of your body. Perfect for sore joints, menstrual cramps, ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow.

Do you take a hot shower in the morning? Well one great way to utilize the power of water is to finish your lovely hot shower with 30 seconds of COLD water. Invigorating! Your body will be warm enough from the hot, to handle the cold. You will stay warmer on a cold day and healthier all winter if you do this simple exercise.

Are you prepared for a healthy holiday season?

2010-12-21T17:05:00Z

This winter weather brings with it the "cold and flu" season. We are all more susceptible when we eat more sugar than usual. Why not make sugar free holiday treats? Remember, one teaspoon can depress your immune system for 6 hours. Its fun to bring the party platter that everyone can feel good about eating!
There are plenty of sugar free recipe's out there online.  Splenda and Equal are not good substitutes for sugar. (that's a story for another day)

If you do get sick this holiday, I found one super recipe for an immune tonic that has been used for centuries.  Elderberry syrup can be made easily in a mason jar right in your own kitchen. Its natural medicinal properties boost your immune system fast, so its best to take it when you first notice symptoms. This is not something to take to a holiday party, but it would be great to have on board if you need it. If you do get sick, and you are wondering if you have a cold or the flu, here is a guide that will lead you to the answer. If you are nearby in Scottsdale area, you may want to come in for an immune boost injection that lasts for up to 6 weeks.

Food additives and preservatives

2010-12-13T02:39:00Z

Did you ever really look at the labels of some of the foods you eat? Have you ever wondered WHY all that stuff is in there? I often do, then I put the box or bag back on the shelf! We are meant to eat live foods, foods that are close to life, not those that have been rolled, pressed, shaped, put in plastic, put in boxes, shipped... well you get the picture. I am a big fan of eating local, shopping at farmers markets when possible, and buying foods that are not pre-packaged. I like this blog about the dangers of the additives and preservatives that are put in our foods. Once you make the switch to whole foods, your health will surely benefit. After beginning this new way of eating, you may be interested in further detoxification of your body.