PBS Documentary on Naturopathic Medicine

January 12, 2009


PBS TO AIR DOCUMENTARY FOCUSING ON NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE FEATURING DR. GINA NICK

Windsor Broadcast Productions, well known for its long running PBS series American Health Journal is producing a documentary focusing on Naturopathic Medicine. The documentary will be comprised of seven 30 minute segments on such topics as Mental Health, Adult Allergies, ADD & ADHA. The documentary will initially run on PBS in the greater Orange County, California area sometime in March 2009 and is expected to reach a nationwide audience later in the year.herbs2

One of the segments features Dr. Gina Nick and her naturopathic approach to dealing with Chronic Pain.

Some of the key messages highlighted throughout the series are:

* Naturopathic Doctors are trustworthy, credible, and a qualified choice for healthcare

* Naturopathic medicine offers a continuum of care

* Naturopathic medicine is the “new norm” for health and healthcare

* Naturopathic doctors believe in the power of the human being to regain greater health

Dr. Nick and LTP Natural Medical Center specialize in the prevention of dis-ease, optimizing overall health and providing a sense of well being.

Knowledge is power. LTP Natural Medical Center hopes you will tune-in to this very exciting documentary series and empower yourself with knowledge about the natural approach to your health.


Can Breast Cancer Go Away on its Own? Does Mammography Contribute to Breast Cancer Risk? Where is the Balance Point?

December 8, 2008

mamogramA compelling new research study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine this week confirms what some physicians have suspected and seen in their practice for years – breast cancer and other invasive cancers, can in some cases, heal on their own without intervention. The study also raises suspicion regarding the safety of annual mammograms and whether they contribute to the increased incidence of breast cancer.

The study compared two groups of women ages 50 to 64 in two consecutive six-year periods. One group of 109,784 women were followed from 1992 to 1997. Nearly all the women in this group received mammography testing for one year only, from 1996 to 1997.

The second group included approximately 119,472 women that were followed from 1996 to 2001 and nearly all women received regular, routine mammography screening during that period.

Interestingly, the women who had regular routine mammography screenings had 22 percent more cancers. For every 100,000 women who were screened regularly, 1,909 were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer over six years, compared with 1,564 women who did not have regular screenings.

The researchers have concluded that the most likely explanation for this discrepancy is that the cancers in the women who did not get regular mammography screenings spontaneously disappeared so that they had cancer at one point and later they no longer had the cancer.

Another theory, currently being discredited but worth mentioning and further exploration, is that the routine mammography may have contributed to the increased incidence of invasive breast cancers that were diagnosed.

Nature provides many options to assist the body in remaining balanced, even when exposed to cancer-causing chemicals in our environment, including xenoestrogens.  In the future detoxification, hormone balance and limiting exposure to toxins whenever possible, will be a necessity rather then a luxury.  To learn more about the connection between toxins, cancer and what you can do to safeguard your health, click here.

To learn more about the research supporting the use of detoxification as a way to prevent and treat health conditions click here.

A general recommendation for my patients is they undergo a comprehensive 21 day systemic cleanse twice per year, and support detoxification daily between cleanses.

In light of this new research, we must begin to ask the question, are we over-diagnosing and over-treating cancer? Does the pendulum need to swing toward a more balanced place where we begin to demonstrate true integration of natural health care and prevention coupled with conventional diagnoses and treatment for cancer.

In the spirit of providing change in the lives of those who seek health & balance,

-Dr. G


A Quality Naturopathic Infant Formula

November 18, 2008

When it comes to feeding a newborn, few will argue that breast milk is best.  However, there are times when this is not possible or not indicated.  There are also higher levels of toxic chemicals in breast milk, and the impact of these toxic chemicals on the development of a breast-fed child is unknown.  Chemicals such as the organochlorine pesticide DDT, dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzfurans, and polychlorinated biphenyls all accumulate in breast milk. Mothers can limit exposure of these chemicals to their nursing baby by avoiding dry cleaners and not wearing clothes that are dry cleaned,  and limiting their intake of red meat, dairy (such as yogurt, cow’s milk and cheese), and fish, and eating a diet rich in organic fresh fruits and vegetables and safer proteins like tempeh, turkey and organic chicken and eggs.

Following is a naturopathic infant formula recipe that I use with my patients, particularly those that are currently formula fed and are presenting with digestive and skin-related conditions. Simply switching to this formula oftentimes resolves colic and skin rashes of unknown origin.

In the spirit of providing change for our children’s lives,

-Dr. Gistock_000003158746small

***LTP Natural Medical Center’s Infant Goats Milk Formula using MEYENBERG Instant POWDERED GOAT MILK***
6 Scoops Powdered Goat Milk (84 grams)
36 oz Water
6.5 Tbs. Rice Syrup
1 capsule of LTP Probiotic Blend
1 tablespoon of Coconut Milk Powder

As baby matures during its first year, gradually increase goat milk powder to 8 scoops. Discontinue adding rice syrup (carbohydrates).

***Supplement with ChildLife Essential’s Liquid Multi Vitamin Mineral Supplement (or another high quality infant liquid multivitamin mineral supplement with vitamin D3).

Dosage Schedule:

  • Up to 6 months of age: ½ teaspoon per day
  • Up to 1 year of age: 1 teaspoon per day
  • Ages 1 to 4 years: 1-2 teaspoons per day
  • Ages 4 to 12 years: 2-3 teaspoons per day

Copyright 2008. Dr. Gina L. Nick. All rights reserved.


Toxic Chemicals in our Hospitals

November 14, 2008

A hopeful new report entitled “Taking Toxics out of Maryland’s Health Care Sector: transition to Green Pest Management Practices to Protect Health and the Environment” was recently published by the Maryland Pesticide Network and Beyond Pesticides, in collaboration with Maryland Hospitals for a Healthy Environment.

The report discusses the results of a statewide survey that revealed a general reliance on toxic pesticides at Maryland Hospitals and elder care facilities.  There were 25 pesticides identified by the survey that are used at these facilities. And of these, 11 the cockroachare linked to cancer, 12 are associated with neurological effects, 10 are associated reproductive harm, 5 cause birth or developmental defects, 10 cause liver and kidney damage, and 6 are suspected endocrine disruptors.

Pesticides are extremely toxic to the body and it does not make sense that they are being used in healthcare facilities. Even though they are classified as “safe” by the federal government, there is a compounding effect.  This means that if you were only exposed to a “safe” dose of a single pesticide, and you were otherwise a healthy individual, then you may not see immediate effects. However, these toxins accumulate in fat cells and, over time, lead to cellular damage.  Also, you are never only exposed to one toxin at a time.  Your body is exposed to many different toxins at one time, and the added exposure to a known toxic pesticide will lead to a combined damaging effect on the body, regardless of its classification as being “generally recognized as safe.”

The Human Detoxification System is equipped to remove toxins from your body on a minute by minute bases. And it is a brilliant system.  However, it is not designed to handle the sheer volume of toxins that we are exposed to in our society today- through our food, water, air and the mental and emotional stresses of our time.  So eventually, your body’s ability to remove toxins slows down, and the toxins get stored near your cellular DNA, causing damage.

To learn more about toxins, and their impact on the body click here. Eight years ago I published a medical textbook on the effects of toxins on the human body and the use of herbal and nutritional medicines to support the Human Detoxification System, and protect the body from harm. My intention with writing the book was to bring scientific evidence to the timeless health tradition of cleansing the body and to inspire physicians and medical students to employ this simple health program to prevent and treat many diseases of the human body, mind and spirit.

Equally important to taking steps to detoxify your body, you must also remove sources of toxins from the environment as much as is possible.  To learn about natural alternatives to toxic pesticides click here and here for some straightforward advice.

In health,

- Dr. G


The Great American Smokeout

November 12, 2008

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The American Cancer Society is hosting its 33rd Great American Smokeout on Thursday November 20th, 2008.  There are approximately 45 million Americans who smoke.  And quitting is tough, but doable.  One place you can go for free help is the American Cancer Society Quitline® at 1-800-227-2345 where you will receive free confidential counseling.  If you are a smoker who is ready to move beyond this crutch, auricular acupuncture is another successful way to help you quit.  The ear contains acupuncture points that correspond with every organ and system in the human body, and there are some points within the ear that are particularly helpful, and well researched and proved to modify the moods and behaviors that lead to smoking.

Cellular detoxification is a critical step on the path to quitting.  I recommend a three week whole body, systemic cleanse, to aid in the removal of stored nicotine that makes quitting so difficult. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and a thorough detoxification program will help reduce your body’s cravings for it.

I also recommend  one scoop of ITI Greens mixed with one tablespoon of LTP Green Light every day if you are a smoker. This will help support daily detoxification and help protect your cells from the free radical damage and DNA damage that is produced when you smoke.

The decision to quit smoking can’t be taken lightly. But when you do decide to quit for good, get some counseling, and start detoxing.  I recommend doing the 3 week cleanse at the change of each season for the first year, and after that, back down to twice per year.  And in between, take your ITI Greens and LTP Green Light daily. Your cells will thank you for it.

If you are ready to quit, why not start detoxing today, and make the commitment on November 20th, to be a part of the Great American Smokeout!

-Dr. G


Antioxidants can Protect the Body from Heavy Metal Toxicity

November 10, 2008

A new research study just published in Food and Chemical Toxicology points to the potential benefit of antioxidant therapy as a way to prevent and treat lead toxicity. This study was done on mice, and demonstrated that the underlying cause of lead toxicity is the production of free radicals that causes cellular damage.  Antioxidant therapy is an effective way to neutralize free radicals and potentially protect or treat the body from the damaging effects of heavy metals like lead.  The same mechanism holds true for other toxic metals including mercury, cadmium and arsenic.

This makes a lot of sense since free radicals tend to congregate within the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) where the DNA is also housed.  Hence free radicals lead to DNA or genetic damage.  Antioxidants bind to free radicals and render them inactive so that they cannot damage the most vulnerable areas within the cell.

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One of my favorite combinations for optimizing antioxidant status in the body is one scoop of ITI greens mixed with one heaping tablespoon of LTP Green Light in about 8 oz of water.  This   combination provides antioxidants in their most bio-available, potent and effective form, as designed by nature in its infinite brilliance – whole foods.  These green products also bind to toxins within the body and pull them out of stored tissues, oxygenates the blood, and are a critical foundational element to overall health and vitality.

I believe that everyone will benefit from taking steps daily to remove heavy metals from their system and to optimize their antioxidant capacity through whole, organic green foods.  I also recommend a 3 week systemic cleanse, at least two times per year to optimize your health and feel energized to fulfill your purpose(s) in Life.

In Health,

Dr. G


Integrative Medical Center Enters the Mainstream

September 19, 2008

On Sept. 2, the prestigious Johns Hopkins opened The Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center. This is another indication that Naturopathic and Integrative Medicine is coming into the mainstream, with credibility and integrity.  It is not a surprise that the center works primarily on digestive health issues-one of numerous areas where Naturopathic Medicine truly shines.  About 70% of immune system function is housed in the digestive tract, and licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors are the most skilled-and the most extensively trained- on how to discover the underlying cause of digestive disorders and how to work with the body to support its natural healing response.  One foundational approach is to support detoxification. You can learn more about digestive health and its connection to the immune system by clicking here.

In health,

Dr. G


Wyeth’s Nutritional Supplement Claims Under Investigation

September 18, 2008

Wyeth, manufacturer of synthetic hormones for women is under investigation for making a false claim that it’s Centrum Cardio is the only complete supplement that lowers cholesterol.  That’s interesting because in my medical practice we use several different high quality nutritional supplements to lower cholesterol, that do not contain harmful binders, dyes, and things like hydrogenated oil, found in some Centrum products. One of the most profound treatments for lowering cholesterol levels that I use in my practice is a detoxification program that I researched, formulated and published a book about, entitled Clinical Purification.  I test my  patients’ blood before and after the program.  Patients who have been on statin medications for 10 years are able to discontinue them, with full blessing from their primary care doctor and cardiologist. Nature cure at its best.

-Dr. G


The Power of Probiotics

August 29, 2008

There is a lot of talk these days about the value of probiotics. Probiotics are the “good bacteria” that are naturally supposed to live in your gut. There are literally hundreds of strains of these bacteria, and they play an important role in immune function, weight loss, vitamin status, detoxification, absorption and digestion. When you take antibiotics, they clear out the “bad bacteria” in your gut, but they also clear out the good bacteria, and like every other system in the body, it is vital that you maintain balance in the gut. You need enough good bacteria in your gut to prevent bad bacteria from taking hold and causing symptoms. This bad bacteria can take many forms which can cause a wide range of symptoms such as a cold gas, bloating, fatigue and many others.

In my practice, one mistake I often see patients making is taking too much of one strain of a good bacteria, like acidophillus, to the exclusion of other good bacteria like Lactobacillus GG and sacharomyces.  When I test their levels of probiotics in their gut, I find that they have an overgrowth of one strain.  So again, it is about balance. If you take a probiotic, rotate which one you take, about every three months. Some of my favorites include ABX Support (especially if you are taking or have recently taken antibiotics), Probiotic Pearls and Culturelle.

Here’s to a healthy and happy gut!

-Dr. Gina


Green Tea Protects Heart Arteries

July 5, 2008

A new research study, led by Dr. Nikolaos Alexopoulos of Athens Medical School in Greece, shows that drinking green tea keeps heart arteries flexible and relaxed-allowing the body to better withstand changes in blood pressure. Researchers compared the effects of drinking 6 grams of green tea per day (3-4 cups), with drinking a diluted caffeine beverage and water. What they found was that those individuals that drank the green tea daily had more relaxed and pliable blood vessels, as demonstrated on ultrasound. And the effects were cumulative and long-lasting. The researchers assessed the green-tea drinkers’ blood vessels two weeks after daily consumption of the tea and discovered that their blood vessels were more dilated then they were at the beginning of the study.

The flavonoids found in green tea reduce inflammation, relax blood vessels, prevent blood clot formation, and act on the endothelial lining of the vessels. Green tea also contains antioxidants that demonstrate cancer-protective effects.

I enjoy green tea extract each morning, as part of a powdered greens blend we carry at LTP Natural Medical Center , that promotes healthy immune function and detoxification.

View the research study here.

-Dr. Gina


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