July 30, 2009
A new research study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, points to the combination of Vitamin D3 and curcumin (derived from the common spice turmeric) to protect the brain against beta amyloid deposits. Beta amlyoid deposits can build up to form plaque. This plaque is associated with an increase in brain cell damage and a significant increase in Alzheimer’s disease, which affects over 13 million people worldwide.
The combination of Vitamin D3 and curcumin help boost the immune system to the point of neutralizing and/or preventing the formation of these amlyoid deposits. The deposits are caused by excessive free radical production in the brain. Other well researched foods that help to neutralize free radical production in the brain are spinach and raspberries. Unfortunately, they are also at the top of the list of foods that have a higher content of pesticides, which increase free radical production and DNA damage. I recommend consuming these foods if they are locally grown and organic.
There are several genetic forms of Alzheimer’s. The research shows that while one form responds well to curcumin, the other form does not. However, when you combine the curcumin with Vitamin D3, it supports the immune system’s ability to eliminate the beta amyloid deposits from two different mechanisms, so that it also impacts patients with the genetic form of Alzheimer’s that does not respond to curcumin alone.
I am always in awe of the medicines offered in nature that impact even the most troublesome of health challenges.
In health,
Dr. Gina
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Diet and Disease, Inflammation, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Orthomolecular Medicine, Prevention | Tagged: Alzheimer's, Curcumin, dr. gina nick, LTP Natural Medical Center, Naturopathic Medicine, Vitamin D3, www.ltpmedical.com | 
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Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman
June 16, 2009
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
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1 Comment | cholesterol, Diet and Disease, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged: cholesterol, dr. gina nick, lovastatin, lower cholesterol naturally, LTP Natural Medical Center, Naturopathic Medical Doctor, Naturopathic Medicine, red yeast rice, Statin Medications, www.ltpmedical.com | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman
June 9, 2009
Dr. Gina Featured on PBS Wednesday, June 17th at 7:30 PM
On Wednesday, June 17th at 7:30 PM, PBS will be airing the sixth part of a seven-part series on Naturopathic Medicine, featuring Dr. Gina Nick. She, along with one of her patients, will be interviewed about effectively treating chronic pain, from a Naturopathic Medical perspective. It is sure to be an educational and informative look at how Naturopathic Medicine works to treat one of the most difficult health challenges we are faced with. You can catch the episode on KOCE. Enjoy the show!
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Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman
May 11, 2009
When times are tough, and you feel like your world is falling apart, it is human to have a tendency to fall into a hopeless state. One of the wonderful gifts of practicing Naturopathic Medicine is having the opportunity to witness even the most seemingly hopeless situation with a person’s health turn around completely, when all other doctors and experts had given up. We see patients who were asked to leave the hospital and head to hospice because there was nothing more to do, then, within two weeks of treatment turn around completely and head back towards the direction of health and well being moving beyond dis-ease in the body and a sense of hopelessness.
I encourage you to research Naturopathic Medicine, and the gifts it offers, in terms of providing genuine, scientifically sound tools that transform health and well-being, even in some of the most “hopeless” situations.
If you are unsure where to start, a good foundational approach is to go through a 21 day purification program that aids in the removal of toxins and “cleans the slate.” Then you can get the proper lab testing and assessment you need, only from a clearer more receptive place. In practice I find that this approach, more often then not, leads to longer term, more specific results, and happier, healthier, more inspired patients! One of my favorite experiences at LTP Natural Medical Center is watching patients walk through our doors at the end of their 21 day purification program. They are revitalized, their energy is cleaner, and they are inevitably smiling. When you see that on a regular basis, there is no question that the body has the ability to heal itself, and that it is never too late to start again, with a renewed sense of self and joy.
In health,
-Dr. G
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Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman
April 2, 2009
A new study done by researchers at my alma mater, UCLA , further confirms the connection between stress and inflammation. In this study researchers found that stress during the teen-aged years leads to silent inflammation as an adult, which then increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. I will also add that it increases the risk of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders and a condition called Sickness Syndrome that is best treated with Naturopathic Medicine.
You can take a free assessment on-line to see if the depression, anxiety, sleep disorders or weight gain you are experiencing is due to this syndrome by clicking here:
The foundation protocol that I use to support the health of patients who have Sickness Syndrome can be found here:
For more information about the condition click here.
It is amazing to watch as people pull out of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, weight disorders and severe mental health challenges without the use of prescription medications (in fact I often have to work with their prescribing doctors to taper them off the medications so that their body and mind can get to a balance point, and benefit from the natural medicines). Naturopathic Medicine works so well! I am always amazed by the the body’s ability to heal itself when you give it what it needs, and remove the barriers to cure (e.g. stress, drugs, food allergies, hormonal imbalances, structural imbalances, toxicities, digestive imbalances).
-Dr. G
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Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman
March 30, 2009
The first of seven Naturopathic Medicine segments will air on KOCE on April 08, 2009 in southern California. 
Tune in for valuable information from licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors and their patients.
It is sure to be an educational and inspiring seven part series where you can gain a greater understanding for the power of Naturopathic Medicine, practiced by licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors. If you would like to learn more about the difference between licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors and natural health practitioners that are not licensed to practice medicine in California click here.
For more information on the PBS Special click on this previous blog post.
In health,
-Dr. G
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Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman
January 26, 2009
Last week I was interviewed for an upcoming PBS Series on Naturopathic Medicine. The topic was chronic pain. Throughout the interview I found myself repeating the notion that “the body has the ability to heal itself,” provided you give it what it needs and you remove the barriers to cure. What the body needs can range from a particular combination of nutrients, herbs, and natural hormones, to more positive emotions. Some of the most prevalent “barriers to cure” that I see in my practice are stress, food allergies, and toxin overload.
Most people suffering with chronic pain are handed a prescription for pain killers and muscle relaxants and/or advised to get psychological help. The Naturopathic approach to chronic pain involves identifying the cause of the pain; be it emotional, physical, stress-related, toxin-related or hormone-related. Then treatment is individualized to suit the patients’ unique situation. No two treatment protocols are the same. My experience has been that by addressing the cause of the chronic pain at the emotional, mental and physical levels brings about the most successful long term results and allows for freedom of movement and a pain-free life.
The most important message here is that if you are experiencing chronic pain, you do not need to suffer. There is a way to find relief. One of the best ways to find that relief is by addressing the underlying cause(s) of the pain rather then chronically masking the symptoms with medication…and allowing your own body, in its innate wisdom, to heal itself.
In health,
Dr. Gina
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1 Comment | Diet and Disease, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Inflammation, Latest Nutritional Research, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Pain, Toxins and Detoxification | Tagged: chronic pain, detoxification, dr. gina nick, drgina.com, LTP Natural Medical Center, Naturopathic Medical Doctor, Naturopathic Medicine, stress | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman
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.
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.
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4 Comments | ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Childhood Nutrition, cholesterol, Depression, Diet and Disease, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Prevention, Toxins and Detoxification | Tagged: dr. gina nick, licensed naturopathic physician, LTP Natural Medical Center, natural health, Naturopathic Medicine | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman
December 2, 2008
I received an interesting email from a woman concerned about the flu vaccine who is being required to receive the vaccine at her workplace. I am including the email in its entirety here:
“I work for an employer that requires all employees to receive the flu vaccine or flu mist. I have never had one, am very healthy, and try to use natural remedies instead of drugs. Both the shot and mist concern me – side effects and the unknown. I would prefer not to take the risk at all, but am required to if I want to stay employed. I work at a Medical center and they consider it a good marketing tool to claim all their employees receive the flu shot. What would be the best of the 2 (flu shot or mist)? If I take the flu mist – can I somehow rid myself of it afterwards – with a nasal wash of some kind? Thank you”
It is alarming that anyone would be required to receive a flu vaccine in order to maintain a job. The flu vaccine does not protect against all strains of the flu virus, and there are other ways to support the immune system during the cold and flu season, that do not have potential side effects that are part and parcel with receiving vaccinations. There is mounting evidence that the flu vaccine is simply not an intelligent option for protecting you during the cold and flu season.
Some of the most valuable tools I use in practice to support immune function are:
Vitamin D3 (after testing blood levels of Vitamin D3)
Allimed
Oregacillin
LTP Probiotic Blend
Echincaea Goldenseal Supreme
Whole Body Defense
ITI Greens mixed with LTP Green Light
and Coconut Milk Powder
When you click on the above links, you will be taken to more information for you to read about the benefits specific for each of these recommendations.
Please feel free to chime in on your personal thoughts and concerns regarding the flu vaccine.
In health,
Dr. G
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5 Comments | Diet and Disease, Latest Nutritional Research, Nutritional Supplements and Disease, Prevention | Tagged: dr. gina nick, flu vaccine, immune function, LTP Natural Medical Center, Naturopathic Medicine, www.drgina.com, www.ltpmedical.com | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman
November 17, 2008
Food allergies are on the rise in the US, and are highly prevalent in children. The most common allergies that I see in my practice are delayed food hypersensitivity reactions which means that you could eat a suspect food one day and not experience symptoms from that food for 48 hours. Eggs, pasteurized cow’s milk products (e.g. pasteurized cheese, yogurt, milk derived from cows) wheat, and shellfish are among the most common foods that cause reactions in the body. These food allergies can cause or aggravate asthma symptoms, susceptibility to colds and the flu, mood disorders including depression, anxiety, and Attention Deficit Disorder, and chronic conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder, arthritis, joint pain, chronic fatigue syndrome and eczema.
There are several ways to determine if you have a food allergy. The first way is a little complicated but involves an elimination diet where you remove all traces of the most common food allergens from your diet. Then, over time, you reintroduce one of those foods at a time and note if you experience symptoms. I highly recommend working with a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor if you are interested in treating yourself or your child for food allergies.
I test the blood for food allergies and find that this is an accurate, more specific, and simpler way to know what foods to avoid.
So why are food allergies on the rise? One reason is that we are living in a more sterile environment then ever before. The overuse of disinfectants, the overuse of antibiotics when they are not really necessary, and the tendency to work and study indoors in rather sterile environments where there is limited exposure to sunlight (a natural disinfectant) are some of the reasons why children’s immune systems are not up to par. Food allergies tend to be caused by an imbalance in immune function.
Some natural ways to balance out immune function are to get tested for food allergies and avoid them for 3-6 months, get your blood tested for vitamin A and vitamin D3 and supplement these nutrients if necessary, and take a high quality probiotic on a regular basis to keep the healthy bacteria present in your gut. Other options to consider that I often use in practice to boost immune function include Oregacillin, Allimed, and Berry Well Immune Support. I also like the Candida Cleanse Pack which treats candida but also serves as a powerful immune supportive protocol, and for optimal foundational support for our children I recommend the Children’s Foundation Pack.
In health,
-Dr. G
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Posted by Dr. Gina Cushman
