Alternative to Statin Medications to Lower Cholesterol

June 16, 2009
Safe Alternatives to Statin Medications

Safe Alternative to Statin Medications

CNN just reported on a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, supporting previous research that red yeast rice extract paired with a healthy lifestyle is a safe and effective alternative to popular statin medication therapy (e.g. Crestor,Lipitor and Zocor), particularly in patients who suffer from muscle pain as a result of taking this class of cholesterol lowering drugs.  Red yeast rice contains a naturally occurring lovastatin called monacolin K, however it is only one of a plethora of compounds found within this natural medicine, that work in harmony to lower the production of cholesterol in the liver.  As with most natural medicines, you cannot isolate a single compound and attain the full spectrum of healing that is part and parcel to administering natural substances in their whole, unadulterated form.  There is a whole that is greater then the sum of its parts. 

In any case, it is nice to see research being published, albeit not perfect (the study was small and of short duration), to support what licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors see clinically in their practice everyday.  The study author Dr. David Becker MD cautions against running out to buy a red yeast rice extract at your local health food store.  He advises working with a doctor if you are trying to lower your cholesterol and are seeking an alternative to statin medications. There are effective natural therapies for lowering cholesterol, and licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors are trained to customize their treatment protocols to the individual patient for safe and optimal results.

In health,

-Dr. G

1 Comment | cholesterol, Diet and Disease, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman

Screening Teens for Depression..Not Necessarily in the Best Interest of American Teens

April 14, 2009

Abstract Silhouette PrayingAs evidenced by an article published this month in Pediatrics, there is a strong push by the US Government’s Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to encourage doctors to routinely screen ALL American teens for depression using subjective mental health screening questionnaires.   Unfortunately, this can very quickly lead to over-prescription of addictive psychotropic medications, some of which have been proven to increase risk of teenage suicide.  What is most interesting is that the screening methods that the USPSTF is recommending were at one time discouraged by the same task force, which discerned that there is no evidence that screening for suicide risk actually reduces suicide attempts or death.

Teens will typically be prescribed SSRI antidepressants unnecessarily as a consequence of widespread screening. SSRI antidepressant medications have been shown to be no more or only slightly more effective then placebo.  Additionally, these antidepressants carry the FDA’s strongest “Black Box” warning for increased risk of suicide among teens and young adults.

These medications are highly profitable in the US, bringing in approximately $286 Billion in ’07.

Watch this video for more info.

You can treat depression naturally. It is absolutely worth the time, money and energy to go that route first, before considering an antidepressant.   I see the most success in my practice when we use a variety of laboratory tests (e.g. blood amino acid & nutrient levels, Organic Acids, Food Allergy panels, as well as hormones) coupled with individualized treatment protocols aimed to work with the body’s unique and natural tendency to come to a state of balance, rather then forcing it to produce a single neurotransmitter, like serotonin, at the expense of overall health and well being.

It is time to re-focus our attention on doing what is in the best interest of the people (in this case US teens) and the planet.

-Dr. G

1 Comment | Depression, Orthomolecular Psychiatry, Pharmaceuticals, Sickness Syndrome | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman

Reminder: The Mother’s Act is Headed to the Senate… Please Act Now

April 14, 2009

I previously posted on the Mother’s Act. This Act would mandate  that all new mothers be screened for mental healthStop! challenges based on a subjective analysis.  This is a concerning issue that appears to serve Big Pharma rather than new moms.  Please act now to protect new mothers from unnecessarily being prescribed psychiatric medications that can cause an addiction that is difficult to overcome later on.

Oftentimes post-pregnancy depression is associated with a deficiency of progesterone, low adrenal gland function, and some specific nutrient deficiencies that can easily be tested for and treated naturally.

Below I have reprinted a plea from Sheila Matthews of www.ablechild.org regarding the significance of this Act and what you can do today to help prevent it from coming into law.

In health,

Dr. Gina

…

A sweeping government policy for all new births in the United States has just passed the House of Representatives and is now headed to the Senate.  The Mother’s Act, if passed, will mandate that all new mothers be screened by means of a list of subjective questions that will determine if each mother is mentally fit to take their newborn home from the hospital.   Just imagine that after your child is born, you are told that you can’t take them home since a multiple choice questionnaire wasn’t answered correctly.  Just imagine being told that the only way you can take your child home is if you or your spouse goes into treatment or on anti-depressants which we know causes psychosis, delusions, and even homocidal thoughts.  It just doesn’t make sense.  Unfortunately, this bill is on a fast track–No public debate, no public disclosure of the broad impact on our society and that is why we need you to act now!

The Mother’s Act violates our Constitutional right to privacy and your right to liberty and it is just outright dangerous.  That is why we need you to help stop this.  We urgently need you to call and email each Senator on the HELP Committee and tell them you STRONGLY OPPOSE the MOTHER’S ACT and that you are OUTRAGED that there was NO public debate or disclosure on the impact this would have on our society as a whole.

Send a letter by going here:  http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1918/t/7870/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26855

Please call the following Senators on the HELP Committee and tell them that you want the Mother’s Act to die in committee.

Lisa Murkowski, R: 202-224-6665, AK

John McCain, R: 202-224-2235, AZ

Christopher Dodd, D: 202-224-2823, CT

Johnny Isakson, R: 202-224-3643, GA

Tom Harkin, D: 202-224-3254, IA

Pat Roberts, R: 202-224-4774, KS

Edward Kennedy D: 202-224-4543, MA

Barbara Mikulski D: 202-224-4654, MD

Richard Burr, R: 202-224-3154, NC

Kay Hagan, D: 202-224-6342, NC

Judd Gregg, R: 202-224-3324, NH

Jeff Bingaman, D: 202-224-5521, NM

Sherrod Brown, D 202-224-2315, OH

Tom Coburn, R 202-224-5754, OK

Jeff Merkley, D 202-224-3753, OR

Bob Casey, D 202-224-6324, PA

Jack Reed, D 202-224-4642, RI

Lamar Alexander R 202-224-4944, TN

Orrin Hatch R 202-224-5251, UT

Bernard Sanders, I: 202-224-5141, VT

Patty Murray, D, 202-224-2621, WA

Michael Enzi, R, 202-224-3424, WY

Thank you so much for caring enough to call and take action!  Remember “We The People” are in charge!

Respectfully,

Sheila Matthews

Cofounder www.ablechild.org

Leave a Comment » | Depression, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Psychiatry, Pharmaceuticals, Pregnancy, Women's Health | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman

The MOTHERS Act-Please Take Action Today

March 19, 2009

The MOTHERS act has been introduced once again to the US House of Representatives and the US Senate.   This bill is concerning as it would mandate the federal government to screen all new mothers for “psychiatric” conditions.  It parallels the “Teen Screen” phenomenon where schools began screening kids to see if they were at risk for suicide. It appears like a good idea on the surface however, it opens the door for over-prescribing potentially lethal psychiatric medications with questionable justification.  If you follow the money trail, it leads straight to the pharmaceutical industry, and new moms and teens are both huge markets that have, until now, been virtually untapped.

In my practice, I see many patients who have been prescribed psychiatric medications, feel disconnected from who they really are, and have grown extremely frustrated with the process of trying to get off the medications, with little if any support from their prescribing psychiatrist.  I often learn that these patients felt better before taking the medications and are now left confused and totally disenchanted by the Healthistock_000007074398xsmallcare system that offers no answers once a patient decides that his or her antidepressant is causing more harm then help.  Had they come in prior to taking the medications we would have worked together to find the underlying cause for the sad or anxious feelings. Oftentimes it is due to a multifaceted condition called Sickness Syndrome Depression that is best treated with natural medicines. Sometimes it can be related to adrenal stress, or compromised immune function, or an amino acid imbalance or other nutrient deficiency. Sometimes, and especially in new moms, it is simply due to a hormonal imbalance that can be easily and safely corrected through natural, nutrition -based medicine.  Patients are able to eventually break free from the psychiatric medications, but it is a long and committed process that takes time, energy and patience.

To gain a better understanding of the consequences of allowing this bill to pass, click here.

To see and hear one woman’s story about being misled by the psychiatric field and losing her child as a consequence, click here.

To sign a petition urging congress not to pass the MOTHERS act click here.

In the spirit of doing what is best for the patient,

-Dr. G

Leave a Comment » | Depression, Inflammation, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Orthomolecular Psychiatry, Pharmaceuticals, Pregnancy, Prevention, Sickness Syndrome, Women's Health | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman

FDA Urged to Recall Over-the-Counter Children’s Cough & Cold Medicines

October 3, 2008

Pediatricians are urging the Food and Drug Administration to recall cough and cold medications sold over the counter that are marketed to children under 6 years of age.  The evidence shows that these medicines are not effective and can actually be harmful to children.  According to market research firm Nielson Co., families spend at least $286 million dollar per year on these questionable products.

Big business need not get in the way of protecting the health and well-being of children who depend upon adults for their care.

If you would like to try a natural and effective way to boost your child’s immune system, I use and recommend the following for my patients: Berry Well Immune Support, Coconut Milk Powder with Probiotic Blend and HP Multi-Vitamin Complex.

Some capsule supplements, such as Probiotic Blend and HP Multi-Vitamin Complex, mentioned above, can be added by simply opening the capsules and empty the powder into your child’s favorite beverage.  For strong immune support I use Oregacillin and Allimed.

In health,

Dr. Gina

1 Comment | Childhood Nutrition, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman

The National Congressional Call-In Day is Today!

September 10, 2008

As a Naturopathic Medical Doctor who prescribes bioidentical hormones to patients who need them I feel very strongly about protecting the rights of my patients and their ability to obtain the safest most efficacious means of treating hormone imbalances.

The work I do with my patients in optimizing their hormones is some of the most rewarding work I do because of the impact it can have on the lives of my patients. The benefits of proper hormone optimization range from reduction and elimination of many physical symptoms to an increased sense of well being and more self confidence.

While patients often come to my practice for specific chronic conditions, I find that often the root cause of the challenge lies in hormones that have come out of balance. This imbalance can be caused by something as benign as the natural process of aging, or it can be caused by external forces such as stress or major events in one’s life.

People often incorrectly assume that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is for women only. While the majority of the patients I treat for hormone imbalance are women, a good percentage of them are men.

Please take a moment to visit this page to read how you can take a few minutes out of your day to make a difference and protect your rights.

International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists

-Dr. Gina

1 Comment | Naturopathic Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, Pregnancy, Prevention | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

The Value of Estriol for Women

August 27, 2008

Many women rely on the benefits of compounded, bio-identical hormones that include estriol, the safest and most protective form of estrogen that is naturally made by the body.  In January of this year, the FDA ordered pharmacies to ban the use of estriol even though 80% of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy prescriptions use it, and estriol is a hormone that is naturally manufactured by the human body.  The FDA feels that estriol is a “new and unapproved drug” and hence its safety is unknown.  However, according to the HOME coalition, the FDA has admitted that no adverse event involving compounded bio-identical estriol has ever been reported.  A research study supported by the Department of Defense followed 15,000 women for 40 years, monitoring their estriol levels. This landmark study found that the women with the highest levels of estriol had a 58% reduced risk of developing breast cancer.  And women whose estriol levels rose the highest during pregnancy (up to 1,000 fold) had the lowest risk of breast cancer.  It is also interesting to note that, as a group, Asian women have some of the highest levels of estriol in their body, and the least incidence of breast cancer.  The lead researcher for this study, Dr. Pentii K. Siiteri, PhD,  remarked that the finding from this study “suggests that estriol might be an effective option for either breast cancer prevention or treatment regimens.”

As a practicing Naturopathic Medical Doctor that sees countless women with hormone deficiencies in my practice, I am in full support of the use of estriol in some women, particularly those who are deficient in the hormone as revealed through laboratory testing.

Some of the main benefits women report with the use of Estriol in Bio-identical Hormone Therapy include:

  • Renewed sex drive
  • Healthier, more elastic skin
  • Improved mood
  • Better sleep
  • More energy
  • Greater sense of vitality

To help protect your freedom to access this safe and effective hormone please take a moment to visit www.homecoalition.org.

-Dr. Gina

Leave a Comment » | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, Prevention | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman

Meditation and Nutraceuticals- a True Prescription for High Blood Pressure

August 21, 2008

Today’s NPR morning edition,  “To Lower Blood Pressure, Open Up and Say ‘Om’”,  discussed research demonstrating that a daily meditation practiceincreases nitric oxide levels, which opens up blood vessels, and decreases blood pressure.  A physician interviewed on the show, Dr. Zusman, talked about how he was able to reduce his patients blood pressure prescription medications.  Taking it a step further, it would be helpful to interview licensed Naturopathic Physicianswho recommend meditation together with nutrients and herbs proven to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Some of the natural medicines we use in practice include:

Hawthorne Berry Extract

Magnesium

N-Acetyl-Cysteine

Taurine

Vanadium

Vitamin B6

Potassium

Pomegranate Extract

These medicines do not have the side effects that are common with prescription drugs, and the results I see in practice are excellent. They work on various mechanisms that affect blood pressure including acting as natural ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, beta-blockers, endothelial protectors, renin regulators and antioxidants. It typically takes about 30 days of consistent use to see significant results.

So before reaching for the prescription pad, why not first try a more natural, and less expensive, approach to helping our body to heal.

-Dr. Gina

3 Comments | Diet and Disease, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman

Taking a Summer Break from ADHD Meds

July 16, 2008

Summer is a perfect time for kids to take a break from their ADHD meds. Some experts feel that taking a medication vacation when your child is heading off to summer camp can be problematic. This is because with psychotropic medications like ADHD drugs and antidepressants, symptoms can get worse when you stop the medication-even worse then they were when you first started the treatment.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  If you start working with a qualified and licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor experienced in treating ADHD without psychotropic medications, then you can start naturopathic  treatment before taking your child off the medication, making the transition to a medication-free holiday a smooth one.

Some of the foundational natural medicines I use in practice when helping children get off of their prescription medications include:

  • Digestion and Absorption of Nutrients
  • Immune Support
  • Full Spectrum Antioxidant, Alkalizing, Daily Detoxification
    • ½-1 scoop of ITI Greens Formula in juice or water. *Note- can mix with Coconut Milk Powder if desired to improve taste
  • Multivitamin-Mineral
    • 1 scoop of Spectrum Awakening, three times daily, away from protein food. Can be mixed with juice or applesauce.
  • Neurological Support

    • Learn more about ADHD and how to treat the underlying cause of this condition by clicking on the links below:

    Whole Food Nutrition for ADHD

    Nutritional Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: The Hype and the Hope -A Review of Current Research

    -Dr. Gina

    2 Comments | ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Childhood Nutrition, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Orthomolecular Psychiatry, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
    Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman

    Sickness Syndrome Depression: Inflammation in Your Brain

    March 19, 2008

    Several years ago, I began lecturing to physicians and publishing research on the topic of Sickness Syndrome Depression. At first, no one was all that responsive to the idea that inflammation in the body could cause mental health challenges like depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.

    Well…there was a research study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry by the American Psychiatric Association yesterday that supports the use of “anticytokine therapy,” that basically means anti-inflammatory therapy, in the treatment of depression!!! Not surprisingly, the study was done by doctors who have a disclosed relationship with top psychiatric drug company, Eli Lilly.

    If you want the genuine information about this condition, and how YOU can treat it NATURALLY, without a drug that has side effects, visit www.sicksyndrome.com

    Leave a Comment » | Diet and Disease, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Pharmaceuticals | Permalink
    Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman

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