Wellness Bites

Bitter Melon May Help Prevent Breast Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:13:00 +0000

According to a recent stucy in Cancer Research, bitter melon extract, an herbal dietary supplement, exerts a significant effect against breast cancer cell growth and may eventually become a chemopreventative agent.

Bitter melon extract is cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America. Extract of this vegetable is being popularized as a dietary supplement in Western Countries, since it is known to contain additional medicinal constituents such as mormordin, vitamin C, carotenoids, vlavanoids and polyphenols.

Previous research has shown Momordica charantia (bitter melon) to have hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, according to researcher Ray. Because of these effects, the botanical is commonly used in folk medicines as a remedy for diabetes and blood sugar issues in areas such as India, China and Central America.

Ray and colleagues are currently conducting follow-up studies and are also planning a preclinical trial to evaluate its chemopreventative efficacy by oral administration.

source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100223131956.htm

Minimal EXERCISE Thwarts DIABETES

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:52:00 +0000

A recent study reported online in BMC Endocrine Disorders looked at exercise and diabetes parameter in healthy volunteers. Specifically, researchers wanted to find out the impact of short high intensity workouts on insulin sensitivity. Over time and with poor diet and sedentary lifestyles, we become more resistant to insulin, a hormone designed to lower our blood sugar. Resistance to insulin can produce type II diabetes. On the other hand, having high insulin sensitivity is seen as protective from developing diabetes.

In this study, healthy male volunteers with a median age were recruited to participate in a trial period of high-intensity exercise. Over two weeks, participants completed six sessions of high-intensity interval training consisting of four to six 30-second sprints on a stationary bike.

At the end of the study, insulin sensitivity of the subjects improved by 23% with this small amount of exercise. Researchers conclude that more studies should be done to verify these results.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

SLEEP is Good

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:42:00 +0000

We all know how important sleep is for energy and mood, however a recent study conducted in Japan connects sleep deprivation with an increase in heart disease. These researchers monitored the sleep of 1,255 individuals with hypertension and tracked them for an average of 50 months.

Researchers noted patients' sleep duration, daytime and nighttime blood pressure, and events such as stroke, heart attack, and sudden cardiac death. They noted that sleeping less than 7.5 hours was associated with an increased incident cardiovascular disease.

In these modern times, it’s easy to forego sleep in order to spend time engaging in other life activities. The concept of “beauty sleep” should be discarded and a serious attitude should be adopted. Sleep just isn’t something we can skimp on. Not only do we need it to look good, but we need it for long, healthy lives.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Eat FISH for SMART Kids

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:57:00 +0000

A recent article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who consume more fish during pregnancy had children with significantly higher developmental scores. This study included pregnant women enrolled from 1997 to 2002 and used information to gauge the scores of the 25,446 children born to them. The highest developmental scores were found in those consuming an average of 2 oz of fish daily.

Researchers credit the higher scoring to docosahexaenoic acid, an essential fatty acid necessary for brain development. The researchers did explain that those eating higher levels of seafood were at risk for greater heavy metal exposures. At ALETFRIS Center of Integrative Medicine, we counsel women on consuming fish with low heavy metal burdens, such as salmon, and avoiding ones with larger levels, such as tuna and halibut. Researchers did acknowledge concern due to heavy metal toxicity, but made it clear that the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

FAT Gene + EXERCISE

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:55:00 +0000

At ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine, we believe there are many factors involved in obesity other than laziness. We see patients with hormone imbalance; past use of corticosteroids, fentramine, and other medications; low functioning thyroid; and toxicity as individuals that may have trouble losing weight. Simply put, however, the only way to lose weight is to consume fewer calories and move more. We’ve always been skeptical of the theory that obesity is genetic, and a new study is showing just that.

In a recent study from researchers at the University of Miami, having “fat genes” was shown to be overcome by those who exercised. These researchers looked at the FTO gene, a gene studied heavily in the literature as causing a higher BMI (body mass index). For those with low activity level, having the FTO gene was a risk factor for having a higher BMI. When researchers stratified the group by level of physical activity, the effect of the gene vanished. Those individuals who were no longer affected by the FTO gene had activity levels that corresponded to about three to four hours of moderately intensive physical activity, such as brisk walking, house cleaning, or gardening, and that are typical of an agrarian lifestyle without modern machinery.

At ALTRIS, our goal is to encourage exercise in each and every one of our patients. Movement is a large component in maintaining a healthy weight, and for some with a genetic predisposition to gain weight, it may be the only way.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment

B12 and Brain Health

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:20:00 +0000

A recent article published in Neurology has linked brain size to B12 status. Researchers used MRI methods to determine brain weight in patients and tracked it over the course several years. Those with the lowest B12 levels had the largest brain shrinkage. Decreased brain mass is linked to cognitive impairment, and researchers speculate that it may play a role in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Hydroxycobalamin, or B12, is the largest vitamin. It is extremely hard to absorb orally, as proper gut function and high levels of stomach acid are necessary for its absorption. At ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine we find that the best results come when patients learn to inject B12, rather than take it orally. Symptoms such as fatigue, depression, asthma/allergies, brain fog, and weight gain have all been associated with B12 deficiency.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment

New Screening for BREAST CANCER: Bio-Impedence

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:06:00 +0000

For us at ALETRIS, the problem with mammograms has always been that the imaging form that screens for cancer, X-ray, actually causes cancer. In an attempt to find other screening techniques, a group of researchers at the Medical College of Georgia is investigating a new technology developed by Z-tech: bio-impedence.

The theory is that breast cancer tissue has a different density than normal breast tissue. The Z-Tech scan works by placing a grouping of electrodes over each breast and sending a small, painless amount of electricity through them – much like an EKG. Unlike traditional mammography, the scan does not involve painful breast compression, which has been theorized to “burst” and spread malignant areas.

Researchers don’t believe that this form of imaging will replace the traditional mammogram, yet they hope that other screening forms may reduce the dependence on the X-ray driven form of testing.

At ALETRIS, we’ve been using thermography concurrently with mammography, ultrasound, and MRI for the best detection of breast cancer. We’re excited to learn that newer, less damaging forms of technology are being investigated.

KIDNEY STONES from GLOBAL WARMING?

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:28:00 +0000

A recent study conducted by Margaret Pearle, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and reported online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences predicts an increase in the incidence of kidney stones as global temperatures continue to rise.

Kidney stones result from minerals that precipitate out of urine. Passing a kidney stone through the ureter, bladder, and out the urethra has been noted as one of the most intense and acute pains experienced by an individual.

Dr. Pearle speculates that approximately 1.6 to 2.25 million new cases will present by the year 2050. That’s an increase of 7 to 10% compared to 2000 rates. Currently the Southeast United States is known as the “stone belt,” as rates there are as much as 50% higher than in other parts of the country. She predicts an expansion of the “stone belt” into other parts of the US.

At ALETRIS, we recommend lifestyle changes to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of kidney stones. We also recommend tests that accurately diagnose the problem. Awareness of health issues that may arise from climate changes is a must for health professionals. We are committed to understanding these effects, as well as helping our patients do their part in reducing greenhouse gases.

estrogen + dioxin = ENDOMETRIOSIS?

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:15:00 +0000

Recent study by Chinese researchers at Shanghai Medical College investigated the link between estrogen and dioxin and endometriosis. Endometriosis is a painful pelvic condition in women characterized by the growth of endometrial (uterine) tissue outside of the uterus. Often, endometrial tissue can be found lodged on the ovaries and in the pelvic cavity. Symptoms include pain with sex and progressively painful periods.

Dioxins are absorbed in the fatty tissues of the body and can persist there indefinitely. Dioxins are mainly byproducts of industrial processes and are produced during manufacturing processes including smelting, chlorine bleaching of paper pulp, and the manufacturing of some herbicides and pesticides.

Environmental distribution of dioxins is global. The highest levels of these compounds are found in some soils, sediments, and foods, including dairy products, meat, fish and shellfish. Lower levels are found in plants, water, and air.

These researchers found that exposure to a combination of estrogen and dioxin may not only initiate endometriosis but also progress the disease.

At ALETRIS Center, we recommend reducing the consumption of meat and dairy products, as well as using natural tampons and pads (which contain no dioxin). And, of course, we value the connection between the health of the environment and the health of us as individuals dependent on the environment for life and health.

POLLUTION May Lead to STROKE

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:38:00 +0000

Clean air is vital to our health, and researchers are beginning to chronicle the many ways that pollution directly affects our bodies. In a recent study, researchers found a link between levels of particulate matter in the air and increases in ischemic strokes in a southeast Texas community.

Led by University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, researchers identified strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) that occurred between 2001 and 2005. Daily historical air pollution levels were obtained and correlated during the same time frame. Increases in strokes occurred on days when there were higher levels of both particulate matter and ozone.

Researchers have long been telling us that asthma attacks and respiratory events increase during times of high pollution, but now we are seeing evidence that heart disease is also exacerbated.

The health of our bodies is linked to the health of the environment. When our environments are sick, so are we. Let us all do everything in our power to fight for clean air here in the Valley of the Sun.

Pomegranate JUICE for a Healthy HEART

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:10:00 +0000

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This remains true despite the fact that Americans consume increasing amounts of cardiovascular medications like statins and blood pressure-lowering drugs.

One way to measure atherosclerosis is to conduct an ultrasound on the carotid arteries. This measures the amount of narrowing that has occurred in these arteries due to excess amounts of plaque and cholesterol blocking the vessel. This test is also known as intima-media thickness test (IMT).

Recent research conducted on patients with severe carotid artery narrowing showed that pomegranate juice significantly reduced blockage in the carotid arteries. Two groups of people were studied, one consisted of individuals taking only conventional medications and the other consisted of medications plus daily pomegranate juice. Researchers postulate that the effect of pomegranate on arteries is three fold: reduces LDL, reduces oxidation of LDL, improves overall antioxidant status. According to the study, drinking four to six ounces of pomegranate juice each day may be a great way to maintain arterial health and prevent further vessel destruction.

Does THYROID Nodule = CANCER?

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:07:00 +0000

At ALETRIS, we see many men and women who have a thyroid nodule. The question we ask is always whether or not the nodule is cancerous, and a biopsy of the nodule is often necessary. If the biopsy comes back inconclusive, removal of the thyroid or part of the thyroid is often recommended as cancer cannot be ruled out. On final analysis, however, only between 10 and 15% of excised nodules turn out to be cancerous.

A recent report from Lancet Oncology outlines a new gene marker that may help identify nodules that are cancerous. The molecule galectin-3 was seen in the blood 93% of the time in cancerous nodules. The results of the research showed that 22% of the cancers were missed, however, based on the galectin-3 molecule analysis only.

This blood marker is far from a perfect tumor marker for thyroid cancer, but it does signify that researchers are searching for better ways to assess whether the thyroid gland needs to be removed unnecessarily. We look forward to improved diagnosis tools in order to answer this question definitively for patients.

Boost Your BRAIN

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:43:00 +0000

We often hear patients say "I feel scattered, I can't concentrate, my memory just isn't what it used to be." As naturopaths, we encourage optimal health and brain function through healthy eating, exercise, colon cleansing and finding fulfillment in one's life through healthy relationships and joyful living. Creating joy and fulfillment may include going beyond one's comfort zone and joining an interest group, taking an art class at a local community college, or volunteering at a homeless shelter. Participating in new activities helps expand the mind and keeps our brains functioning well.

The website www.lumosity.com is worth checking out for their popular "brain training games." Lumosity's cognitive training exercises have been scientifically evaluated and shown to be effective. The website boasts that its users have clear and quicker thinking, improved memory, enhanced alertness and awareness, elevated mood and improved concentration at work. Professional neuroscientists have developed these brain games based on the notion of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to learn and adapt to appropriate stimuli.

ALETRIS physicians offer so much more than just lab testing, diagnosis and treatment. We evaluate patients based on their physical, mental/emotional and spiritual health. At ALETRIS, we believe creating joy and optimizing brain function are equally as important as physical health.

AGRITOPIA

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:44:00 +0000

Longing for the tiny neighborhoods exuding charm like those in towns like Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., we stumbled upon the efforts of Coffee Plantation founder Joe Johnson: Agritopia.

Agritopia is not Your average planned community. It started with his desire to start a restaurant that served produce from his family farm. From there it grew into an entire community of houses centered around the farm, a restaurant (Joe’s Farm Grill), a coffee shop, and a produce stand that sells fresh, organic produce.

Johnson was also inspired by the charm of the Willo and Encanto Phoenix historic districts. Each house in Agritopia looks different from the others, there are no block walls to be found, and roads are designed to encourage walking and biking.

Here at ALETRIS we understand that the health of a city has a direct impact on the health of its inhabitants. We encourage all our patients to do what they can to create sustainability and joy in their own lives.

PCOS

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:51:00 +0000

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is characterized by absent or irregular periods, infertility, cystic ovaries and clinical or laboratory signs of hyperandrogenism such as excess facial hair and acne.

PCOS in most cases is linked to insulin resistance, a scenario caused by poor diet and lack of exercise. Poor diet causes excess blood sugar levels and leads to higher amounts of pancreatic production of insulin. A surplus of insulin in the blood stimulates ovarian cells to increase production of testosterone, estrogen and DHEA, which lead to cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, facial hair and acne.

Conventional doctors treat PCOS with medications such as Metformin in an effort to reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. While this does make sense, this approach is not treating the underlying cause of the disease. When Metformin is discontinued, PCOS symptoms will return.

Naturopaths aim to treat the underlying cause of PCOS by changing the body's biochemical messages, an approach that leads to a reduced risk of future cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Naturopathic treatment of PCOS includes a diet rich in lean proteins and vegetables, minimal carbohydrates and daily exercise. Nutritional supplementation and herbal formulas play an essential role in the treatment of PCOS.

Hot Flash Relief through Acupuncture

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:49:00 +0000

A researcher in Norway, a country where acupuncture is widely used, designed a study to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture on post-menopausal women being treated with Tamoxifen following surgery for breast cancer. Tamoxifen is a drug that interferes with estrogen and causes menopausal-like symptoms such as hot flashes, joint pain, vaginal dryness and leg cramps. Participants who received Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture had a 50% reduction in hot flashes, both during the day and the night, and this effect continued after the acupuncture treatments were discontinued.

A total of 59 breast cancer patients received either TCM acupuncture or sham (random) acupuncture for a total of 10 weeks. Acupuncture was administered twice a week for 5 weeks and once a week for the following 5 weeks. The subjects monitored and recorded the number of hot flashes they had for 4 weeks prior to treatment, during the treatment and 12 weeks after the treatments ended. Other symptoms measured included sweating, sleep disturbance, depression, palpitations and joint pain.

The head investigator reports “During the treatment, hot flashes were reduced by 50%, both day and night, in the acupuncture group. Three months after the last treatment a further reduction was seen. No significant changes were seen in the sham group during the day. At night there was a slight reduction during the treatment period but, once treatment had ceased, the number of hot flashes increased again.”

As acupuncture increasingly becomes more and more popular, researchers are continually designing studies testing its efficacy. To experience the many benefits of acupuncture, including pain relief, stress management, insomnia and hot-flash reduction, call Aletris Center of Integrative Medicine in Scottsdale, AZ to set up an appointment.

Focusing on Blood Pressure

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:48:00 +0000

The incidence of high blood pressure among American women is on the rise. The following excerpt is borrowed from an article on Medline Plus.

The persistent incidence of hypertension is "principally a failure of our health-care delivery system," said Dr. Dan Jones, president of the American Heart Association. "Certainly physicians have some fault, patients have some fault, and biology plays a role. But in our current health-care system, high blood pressure is treated as part of a visit with a primary-care physician that may take only five to 15 minutes. It may be one of five or six problems that the patient has and may be the least symptomatic of those problems, so it doesn't get the attention it should."

Aletris naturopaths spend 1.5 hours with each patient during an initial visit, and 30 minutes to 1 hour for follow-up visits. Although we do not accept insurance as a means of payment, we generally see far fewer patients in order to serve their individual medical needs. This includes follow-up on chief and secondary complaints as well as educating patients on the importance of the prevention of future disturbances in health including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Seeing fewer patients allows us to spend sufficient time with each patient while staying current with medical research. We understand the underlying causes of physiological imbalances and hold our patients accountable for engaging in their own health care.

Hypertension and Cognitive Decline

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:09:00 +0000

A new study finds an association between high blood pressure and declining cognitive function in adults over the age of 60. Researchers found that adults between the ages of 60-69 with normal blood pressure (less than 120/80) had the best cognitive function, while people aged 75-79 with “pre-hypertension” (up to 140/90) and people 80 or older with moderate hypertension had the poorest cognitive function.

Those with stage 1 hypertension (top number between 140 and 149, bottom number between 90 and 99) were more likely to show cognitive decline, most notably found in individuals over 70. Investigators concluded that control of blood pressure was shown to reduce hypertension-associated cognitive decline.

The best way to treat high blood pressure is to eat a healthy diet consisting of an abundance of fresh vegetables and lean animal or vegetable proteins while abstaining from processed foods and simple carbohydrate-rich foods. Daily exercise (cardiovascular and weight bearing) also combats hypertension, as well as enhancing healthy moods and energy. Avoid sugary drinks and empty-calorie foods such as white rice and replace them with water, herbal teas and nutrient-rich foods. For more information on preventing or reducing high blood pressure and the negative effects from this condition, call the Aletris Center of Integrative Medicine to explore your path towards optimal health.

Chronic Sinusitis

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:51:00 +0000

Chronic sinusitis, one of the most common recurring illnesses in the U.S., develops predominantly in those with allergies and asthma. The mucous membranes in the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed, causing irritation, pain, swelling and redness in the area.

Conventional medicine treats chronic sinusitis with antibiotics and corticosteroids, along with decongestants and antihistamines. A recent study published in the Lancet concluded that out of 15 patients who received antibiotics for chronic sinusitis, only one benefited with this treatment.

The researchers concluded that antibiotic use is not justified even in patients with symptoms longer than 7-10 days. Decongestants and antihistamines do provide acute relief from symptoms, but have no long term preventative benefits. Corticosteroids sprays, such as Nasonex, inhibit the body’s immune response and are used for their anti-inflammatory effect to localized tissue. Corticosteroids can cause thinning of tissue and make people more susceptible to viral infections, upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, bronchitis and nasal irritation.

Naturopathic doctors treat chronic sinusitis with nasal irrigation techniques, immune boosting nutrients, homeopathy, herbal formulations and the elimination of underlying causes such as food allergies. The goal is a reduction in symptoms and elimination of future infections. ALETRIS naturopaths are well versed in treating chronic sinusitis by investigating the underlying cause of the illness.

ESSENTIAL H20

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:04:00 +0000

Water is critical to our health, wellness and survival. Our blood is 83% water, which allows the blood to circulate throughout the body and guide essential vitamins and minerals into tissue cells. Adequate water intake is also necessary to eliminate waste from the body, nourish joints and ligaments and to brighten skin. Signs of dehydration can manifest as premenstrual cramping, morning sickness (in pregnant women), joint pain, fatigue, depression, acne, and allergies.

Green tea, black tea, and coffee all contain caffeine, a powerful diuretic. Alcohol is an even stronger diuretic. These substances leach water and minerals from the body, so that even when additional water is consumed during the day it is immediately eliminated to keep a proper electrolyte balance. Take note if you are running to the bathroom directly after drinking water. If so, diuretics are creating an electrolyte imbalance that is keeping you dehydrated, and you should eliminate these diuretics from your diet.

Our recommendation is to drink half of your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150lbs, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water per day.

Here are some ideas to make drinking water more fun and enjoyable:

Add a sprig of fresh spearmint or peppermint

Add a squeeze of orange, lemon or lime

Add a slice of ginger

Add a slice of strawberry or a few blueberries and raspberries for a fruity taste

DAIRY is for Baby Cows

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:26:00 +0000

Many of our patients find it extremely difficult to live without dairy. When first asked if avoiding dairy will cause a problem, most patients shake their head no. It’s not until a few weeks later that they realize how difficult it is to avoid the many dairy-filled products in day to day life.

Dairy is a very common allergen for many individuals. We do not make the lactase enzyme along our gastrointestinal tracts after childhood, and so many people experience gas, bloating, increased mucous production, indigestion, weight gain, and seasonal allergies from continued consumption into adulthood.

Dairy includes milk, cheese, half and half, cream, cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream, butter, and ice cream. Hidden sources include casein, whey, rennet, lactulose, lactalbumin, lactglobulin, and curd.

At ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine, we encourage our patients to consume less dairy or no dairy and, if they must include dairy in their diets, to always choose organic, hormone-free products. Discussing dairy alternatives and encouraging ethnic cuisines are two ways we help our patients avoid this common allergen.

Milk Alternatives: Oat milk, Rice Milk, Hemp Milk and Almond Milk. Soy milk is not recommended.

Say Goodbye to Sugar

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:14:00 +0000

Finding your self coming down with frequent and persistent colds? Try limiting your sugar intake.

This includes soda, cakes, cookies, fruits, breads and pastas. One teaspoon of sugar has been shown to inhibit the response of your immune system for up to 5 hours. Put simply, having fruit juice or a donut for breakfast, white pasta for lunch and a hamburger with a coke for dinner can have a prolonged negative effect on your immune system. Too much sugar throughout the day can cause more frequent and longer-lasting colds and flus.

Also remember that food items that are “fat free” tend to be high in sugar, which eventually turns to fat in the body. High sugar intake is also associated with nutrient deficiencies and correlated health problems. Magnesium deficiency, for example, is implicated in many health conditions such as PMS, chronic headaches, muscle tension, attention deficit disorder and hypertension.

Remember, you really are what you eat! As naturopathic physicians, it is our responsibility to educate patients on the basics of living a healthy life as well as treating and preventing diseases. Without the commitment to change diet and other lifestyle habits, it is difficult to guide patients toward optimal health.

Hemochromatosis

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:38:00 +0000

Hemochromatosis is the most common of the iron storage diseases, and the hereditary form of hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in the United States. Symptoms of this disease may include joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, heart and liver disease. Women are often not diagnosed until around the age of 50. This makes sense because in menopause women are no longer losing iron through their menses and their hemoglobin and iron will show elevations on routine blood work.

High rates of iron storage diseases are found in the southwestern states because of the amount of iron in our ground water and soil. Additionally, iron is fortified in many foods including some brands of breads, cereals and pasta. Vitamin C supplementation can be very detrimental to someone with hemochromatosis because it increases iron absorption.

Treatments for hemochromatosis include phlebotomy, avoidance of Vitamin C, nutritional supplementation and diet modification. Early detection and treatment are very effective and are essential to the prevention of heart and liver disease.

GERD

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:50:00 +0000

Have you ever experienced pain in your chest, trouble swallowing and a sour taste in your mouth? If so, you may be suffering from GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux syndrome. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle connecting your esophagus to your stomach, weakens and allows stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus. This can cause irritation to the esophageal lining and a burning sensation in your chest and esophagus.

Prolonged and untreated heartburn can lead to inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus. GERD can also increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

The following is a list of just a few of the foods and medications that can weaken the LES: coffee, tea, cow’s milk, alcohol, onions, peppermint, birth control pills, blood pressure medication, pain killers and anti-anxiety medication.

ALETRIS naturopaths are adept at treating the underlying causes of GERD and preventing further damage to the gastro-intestinal system. Our treatment includes herbal medicines to heal the lining of the esophagus and digestive stimulants to promote the appropriate closure of the LES.

Blood Test for BREAST CANCER

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:57:00 +0000

The statistics are astounding: Every year 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer. Early detection is crucial because in its early stages, treatable breast cancers can have over a 5 year 95% survival rate.

The Biomarker Translation Test, or “BT Test” is a new blood test that when used in conjunction with mammography may aid in the early detection of breast cancer. The BT test measures specific protein biomarkers in the blood that are associated with cancerous activity. The results are analyzed along with personal health history and women are given an individualized “BT score.” This exciting new test has been tested for accuracy and has indicated an accuracy of over 81%.

The BT Test is not a substitution for mammography, but is an additional tool to detect early breast cancers. Because breast cancers are easily missed with mammography, especially in women who have dense breast tissue, the BT Test is an excellent addition to conventional breast imaging.